JP2004054468A - E-mail system and method of e-mail communication - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an e-mail system and a method of e-mail communication using a binary protocol to achieve very high compressibility while using standard compression algorithm and reduce the bandwidth of a global information network used in electronic communications. <P>SOLUTION: The e-mail system lets a sending end 46 prepare messages, with an e-mail notification 60 transmitted to a receiving end 48 and an e-mail message 64 to a transmission server 50. The e-mail notification 60 is a short message containing a message identification number but not containing a prepared message in its entirety. The e-mail message 64 is based upon a binary format and contains even the message identification number of the corresponding e-mail notification 60. A user at the receiving end, upon receiving the e-mail notification 60, contacts the transmission server 50 to receive the e-mail message 64 corresponding to the message identification number based on the e-mail notification 60 received. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a user communication system via a global information network. In particular, it relates to a high-speed electronic mail system realized through a global information network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Many protocols exist for processing information over a global information network such as the Internet. Further, e-mail (electronic mail) is widely used as an electronic communication system.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Despite its popularity, the technology used for e-mail is old, dating back to the 1960s or 1970s. Conventional e-mail uses a standardized protocol known as UUnencoding (Unix Unix encoding), and using a character set based on ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) increases the file size. There was a problem.
[0004]
In order to increase the amount of e-mail communication via the Internet, it is desired to realize a more efficient communication system by using a narrow bandwidth.
[0005]
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to use a binary protocol to achieve very high compressibility despite the use of standard compression algorithms, and furthermore, the global information network used for electronic communication. An electronic mail system and an electronic mail communication method capable of reducing a bandwidth.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a mail communication method according to the present invention is a mail communication method for communicating a prepared message generated by a user via a global information network, and corresponds to (A) the prepared message. Initiating a first transmission from a sender to a recipient address, including a message identification number, and (B) packaging the prepared message and the corresponding message identification number into a mail message using a binary formatting protocol; (C) initiating a second transmission from the sender to the transfer server, independent of the first transmission and including the mail message; (D) receiving the message identification number at the recipient address; ) At the receiving address, establish a communication path for receiving the mail message and respond to the message identification number It is characterized in.
[0007]
Here, the step (E) of establishing a communication path includes a step (E1) of communicating with the transfer server using the message identification number, and further, the step (E1) corresponds to the message identification number in the transfer server. The mail message can be identified and the mail message transmitted from the transfer server to the recipient address using a binary formatting protocol.
[0008]
Also, step (B) can compress the prepared message.
[0009]
Here, the first transmission comprises a mail notification including a message identification number and a sender address, and the step of responding to the message identification number in step (E) further comprises the step of (E2-a) the message indicated in the mail notification. It communicates with the transfer server using the identification number, and communicates with the sender address indicated in the mail notification. (E2-b) Which of the sender address and the transfer server responds first to the communication with the receiver address. (E2-c) starting to receive the transmission of the mail message based on the binary formatting protocol from one of the sender address and the transfer server that first responded to the communication with the receiver address. it can.
[0010]
Further, (E2-d) the communication with the sender address and the other of the transfer server is interrupted, and (E2-e) when the reception of the mail message is successful, it is determined that the reception of the mail message is successful. Notify the transfer server.
[0011]
Here, the first transmission comprises a mail notification including a message identification number and a sender address, further comprising (F) receiving a communication from the receiver address at the sender address, and (G) receiving a communication at the sender address. Immediately respond to determine if the transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server is incomplete, and (H) if the transmission to the transfer server is still incomplete, send the mail from the sender to the transfer server. The transmission of the message can be suspended and the mail message can be transmitted from the sender to the recipient address using a binary formatting protocol.
[0012]
Also, if the transmission of the mail message from the sender to the recipient address fails, the transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server is resumed, while the transmission of the mail message from the sender to the recipient address is successful. If so, the transmission of the mail message from the transmission side to the transfer server can be stopped.
[0013]
Further, (I) determining the count of bits successfully transmitted to the receiving address,
(J) The count and the sender address can be transferred to an accounting server that allocates a fee based on the bit count to an account corresponding to the sender address.
[0014]
In order to solve the above problem, a mail communication system of the present invention is a mail communication system for managing e-mail communication via a global information network, wherein a first user generates a prepared message on a transmission side. A computer, a receiving computer for receiving the prepared message, a transfer computer, a mail program for processing the prepared message to generate a mail notification and a mail message, and a transmitting computer for transmitting the mail message. A first communication link to the transfer server, a second communication link between the sending computer and the receiving computer over which the mail notification is transmitted, and a binary formatting transmission protocol at the receiving address. Establish a third communication link to receive mail messages A mail receiving program that responds to the mail notification, wherein the mail notification includes the prepared message and the message identification number corresponding to the sender address, the mail notification does not include all of the prepared message, The mail message is provided with a prepared message and a message identification number based on a predetermined format.
[0015]
Also, means for the receiving computer to communicate with the transfer server using the message identification number, means for identifying the mail message corresponding to the message identification number at the transfer server, and transfer using the binary format transmission protocol Means for transmitting the mail message from the server to the recipient address.
[0016]
Further, means for the receiving computer to communicate with the transfer server using the message identification number, means for the receiving computer to communicate with the sender address, and which of the sender address and the transfer server first receive the receiver address. Means for determining whether a response has been made to the communication with the sender and transmission of the mail message from one of the sender address and the transfer server which initially responded to the communication with the receiver address, using a binary formatted transmission protocol. Means for initiating reception of
[0017]
Also, means for interrupting communication with the sender address and the other of the transfer server and notifying the sender address and the transfer server of the successful reception of the mail message indicating that the mail message was successfully received. Means for performing the above operations.
[0018]
Further, means for receiving communications at the sender address from the recipient address, and for receiving communications at the sender address, for determining whether transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server is incomplete. Means, means for suspending transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server if the transmission to the transfer server is incomplete, and means for sending from the sender to the receiver address using a binary format transmission protocol. Means for transmitting the mail message.
[0019]
A means for resuming transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server when transmission of the mail message from the sender to the receiver address fails; and a mail message from the sender to the receiver address. Means for stopping transmission of the mail message from the transmission side to the transfer server when the transmission of the mail message is successful.
[0020]
According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mail communication method for communicating a prepared message generated by a user via a global information network. Transmitting only the message identification number corresponding to the prepared message from the sender to the receiver address without transmitting the prepared message, and (B) using the binary formatting protocol, the prepared message and the corresponding message identification. Packaging the number into a mail message, (C) starting transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server, (D) connecting to the global information network at the receiver address, and (E) message identification number at the receiver address. (F) to be received at the receiving address. Accessing the mail and (G) deleting the mail message from the transfer server upon receiving an indication that the reception of the mail message was successful at the receiving computer; and further comprising the step of: (F) communicating with the transfer server Automatically responding to the message identification number, and transmitting the mail message from the transfer server to the receiving address using a binary format setting protocol.
[0021]
Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a mail communication system according to another embodiment of the present invention is a mail communication system having the function of the above-described mail communication method, and detects a bit that has been successfully transmitted to a receiving address. Means for determining the number, and means for transferring the count and the sender address to an account server that allocates a fee based on the count of the bits to an account corresponding to the sender address, comprising: I do.
[0022]
According to the present invention, an electronic communication system for a global information network such as the Internet can be realized by using a binary protocol. To send a message, one end user (sending user) prepares a message for another end user (receiving user), and then outputs a command to transmit the message.
[0023]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, in response to the transmission instruction, the e-mail application automatically prepares an e-mail notification and transfers the e-mail notification to the destination user's destination e-mail address. Can be. The e-mail application is executed on a computer of a transmitting user, a gateway computer on which the transmitting side is networked, or an ISP (Internet Service Provider) of the transmitting side.
[0024]
For clarity, the naming conventions given below are used. "Prepared message" refers to information prepared by the end user, such as a text format, and attached files (eg, text files, graphic files, executable files). "E-mail notification" refers to a short message containing a message identification number, and in particular does not include the entire prepared message.
[0025]
Other embodiments include subject descriptions prepared by the sending user, or abbreviated forms of prepared messages. "Email message" refers to a prepared message that is formatted and packaged with headers or other transmission or account information. The e-mail message is set in a binary format using a protocol that supports the binary format.
[0026]
In another embodiment, the format of the prepared message includes compression. The e-mail message also includes the message identification number of the corresponding e-mail notification.
[0027]
According to another aspect of the invention, the sending email application can also prepare an email message from the prepared message and start transmitting the email message to the transfer server.
[0028]
In another aspect of the invention, the receiving user receives the email notification while logged on to the global information network, and automatically or by a kick by the receiving user, the email application It is also possible to communicate with the transfer server on behalf of the user and receive an email message corresponding to the message identification number indicated in the received email notification.
[0029]
According to the present invention, by using a binary protocol, very high compressibility can be obtained despite using a standard compression algorithm. Further, according to the present invention, the bandwidth of a global information network used for electronic communication can be reduced.
[0030]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
<Host network environment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a WAN (Wide Area Network) 10 including a plurality of network server computers 12 connected to each other. Each network server computer 12 holds documents that are accessible to other network server computers 12, client computers 14 linked to the WAN 10, and a remote network (hereinafter simply referred to as “network”) 16. The configuration of the WAN 10 changes when the client computer 14 and at least one or more networks 16 are connected to and disconnected from the WAN 10. For example, when the client computer 14 and the network 16 are connected to the network server computer 12, the WAN 10 includes the client computer 14 and the network 16. As used herein, the term "computer" includes all of the computer itself and its external peripherals capable of receiving data, applying directed processing to the data, and providing the processing results.
[0032]
The WAN 10 holds information accessible to the network server computer 12, the remote network 16, and the client computer 14. That information is accessible as a document. The term “document” used herein refers to a file when Windows is used as an OS (Operating System), a document when MacOS is used as an OS, a Web term page, and whether a unit is correlated or correlated. Regardless, other records, entries or terminology used to describe units of the database, units of the file system, or other units of data collection are included.
[0033]
The network server computer 12 is formed of a mainframe computer, a minicomputer, and a microcomputer each having at least one or more processors. The server computer 12 may be connected to each other by a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a conductive metal wire, an optical fiber cable, a microwave transmission medium, a satellite transmission medium, or another transmission medium using conductive, optical, or electromagnetic waves. Are linked.
[0034]
The client computer 14 accesses the network server computer 12 through a similar wired or wireless transmission medium. For example, client computer 14 can be connected to WAN 10 by a modem and a standard telephone communication network. Other signal transmission systems, such as cable and satellite communication networks, can also be used to connect to the WAN 10. In addition, other private or time division signal transmission systems can be used.
[0035]
In one aspect, WAN 10 may be a global information network such as the Internet. As another form, the WAN 10 may be a private intranet using a protocol similar to the Internet. However, security measures and access restriction controls have been added. In yet another form, WAN 10 is a private or semi-private network using the owner's communication protocol.
[0036]
Client computer 14 is any end-user computer, and may be a mainframe computer, a minicomputer, or a microcomputer with at least one or more processors. The remote network 16 may be a LAN (Local Area Network), a network added to the WAN 10 by an independent Internet service provider, or a computer interconnected by a wired or wireless transmission medium having a fixed or changing configuration in time. Is another gathering. The client computer 14 can be connected to and access the WAN 10 independently or via a remote network 16.
[0037]
<Computer system>
The functions of the present invention are realized by a program executed on a digital computer of a type well known in the art.
[0038]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the computer system of the present invention. The computer system 20 includes a display 22, a keyboard 24, a mouse 26, a processor 28, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 30, a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk drive 32, and a communication / network interface 34 (modem, Ethernet Adapter and the like, and a portable storage medium drive 36 for reading the portable storage medium 38. Further, a MISC storage device 40 such as a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) drive, a zip drive, a Bernoulli drive, or any other magnetic or optical storage medium is provided. The various components send, receive, and exchange data and commands over at least one or more buses 42.
[0039]
Computer system 20 receives information by entry from keyboard 24, mouse 26, network interface 34, or other input devices or input ports. Computer system 20 is a computer of a type well known in the art, such as a mainframe computer, minicomputer or microcomputer, and can function as network server computer 12, computer on remote network 16, or client computer 14. it can. Computer system 20 may be configured as a workstation, personal computer, network server, or network terminal device with limited functionality.
[0040]
<Email communication system>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the mail communication system of the global information network according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the WAN 10 (FIG. 1) is shown as a global information network 10 'embodying the mail communication system 44 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The mail communication system 44 includes a transmitting side 46, a receiving side 48, and a transfer server 50 as three functional locations.
[0041]
The sender 46 may be any computer that generates an email message according to the present invention. The receiving side 48 may be any computer that receives the e-mail message according to the present invention. As some examples, sender 46 may be an end-user device that has direct or indirect access to global information network 10 '. As an example, the device includes a computer 20 (FIG. 2), a terminal, and a mobile phone. Similarly, receiver 48 may be an end-user device that provides direct or indirect access to global information network 10 '.
[0042]
In particular, the sender 46 or the receiver 48 may include an end-user computer coupled to the ISP, an end-user computer with a direct connection, and an end-user that is part of a network having a gateway to the global information network 10 '. A computer may be included. The sender 46 includes a device having a global information network address used to identify the source of the mail message, a device for the end user to prepare the mail message, and any format for formatting the message before sending the mail message. Device (for example, a gateway or an ISP). The recipient 48 comprises a device having a global information network address used to identify the destination of the mail message, and a device from which an end user requests access to the mail message. The computer system 20 (FIG. 2) that functions as an intermediary in the mail communication system 44 corresponds to the transfer server 50.
[0043]
The terms set forth below are used for mail messages. "Prepared message" refers to information prepared by the end user, such as a text format, and attached files (eg, text files, graphic files, executable files). It is not in any format or package. "E-mail notification" refers to a short message that includes a message identification number, and in particular does not include the entirety of a prepared message. As a first embodiment, the email notification does not include any prepared messages. However, in other embodiments, the email notification includes a subject description prepared by the sender, or an abbreviation of the prepared message.
[0044]
"Email message" refers to a prepared message, formatted and packaged with headers or other transmission or account information. The e-mail message is set in a binary format using a protocol that supports the binary format.
[0045]
The binary format is distinguished from the ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) format. Examples of protocols that support the binary format include File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP). These are distinguished, for example, from the UUencoding (Unix Unix encoding) protocol designed to use the ASCII format. The binary format has the advantage that very high compressibility is obtained while using standard compression algorithms. Thus, in another embodiment, the format of the prepared message may include compressing.
[0046]
<Email communication method>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart and a data flow diagram showing a mail communication process on the transmission side. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the sending end user generates a prepared message 52 using a text editor, word processor, or other file generation application (step 54). Next, the end user activates the mail operation, for example, by issuing a transmission command (step 56). In response to these instructions, the communication application generates an e-mail notification 60 (step 58) and generates an e-mail message 64 (step 62). The communication application resides on the sender 46 (eg, the end user's computer / device, a gateway coupled to the end user's computer / device, or an ISP server to which the end user's computer / device is connected).
[0047]
The e-mail notification 60 includes a sender address for identifying the sender 46 (or a specific end user in another embodiment), a receiver 48 (or a receiver 48 in another embodiment). A receiver address for identifying a specific end user) and a message identification number for identifying the prepared message 52 are included. In one embodiment, the message identification number is an identification code. In other embodiments, email notification 60 may also include a formatting protocol for email message 64. In other embodiments, the email notification 60 may also include a message subject or an abbreviated message.
[0048]
The e-mail message 64 includes the message 52 formatted and packaged for transmission. In another embodiment, the prepared message 52 may be compressed using existing binary format compression techniques. The packaging operation includes the attachment of information similar to the sender address, recipient address, protocol, and message identification number in the email notification 60. Next, an e-mail notification 60 is sent to the recipient 48 via the global information network 10 '(step 66). Further, the e-mail message 64 is transmitted to the transfer server 50 via the global information network 10 '(step 68).
[0049]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart and a data flow diagram showing a mail communication process on the receiving side according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 to 5, at some point after the transmission of the e-mail notification, the receiving end user accesses the global information network 10 '(step 70). Next, automatically or in response to a command of the receiving user, access to the mail of the receiving end user is requested (step 72). In the processing of this request, when the receiving side 48 receives the e-mail notification 60 in the processing of this request (step 74), it is automatically processed using the application program. These processes include analyzing the message identification number and establishing a communication path with the transfer server 50 via the global information network 10 '(step 76).
[0050]
The receiving side 48 transmits the communication information 78 including the message identification number to the transfer server 50. The receiving side 48 waits for a response from the transfer server 50 (or for example, occurrence of interruption). If the communication is successful, the transfer server 50 sends a corresponding e-mail message 64 to the recipient 48. The receiving side 48 receives the e-mail message 64 (step 80). When the transmission is completed, the receiving side 48 returns a reception state 82 indicating whether there is a transfer error or whether the reception of the e-mail message 64 was successful to the transfer server 50 (step 84). The communication link between the transfer server 50 and the receiving end 48 ends when the transmission is successful. After an error occurs, the link is terminated or retransmission is attempted, depending on the embodiment.
[0051]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart and a data flow diagram showing a mail communication process of the transfer server 50. 1-6, operation at the transfer server 50 includes receiving an email message 64 from the sender 46 via the global information network 10 '(step 86). The email message 64 is stored in the message database 89 (step 88). The message identification number is included as part of the email message 64. Such a message identification number is stored in a table or other database and is subsequently used for pointers, indexes or other references to access the email message 64. In another embodiment, an expiration date and time may also be assigned to the email message 64. If the e-mail message 64 still exists on the expiration date, the e-mail message 64 is deleted.
[0052]
The transfer server 50 receives the communication from the receiving side 48 including the communication information 78 (step 90). The transfer server 50 analyzes the message identification number from the communication information 78 and searches for the corresponding e-mail message 64 using the message identification number (step 92). Next, the e-mail message 64 is transmitted to the recipient 48 via the global information network 10 'using a binary format transmission protocol (step 94). In another embodiment, the protocol is prescribed. In another embodiment, the protocol is included in the e-mail message 64 and the communication information 78.
[0053]
Upon successful transfer of the e-mail message 64 to the recipient 48, the e-mail message 64 is deleted at the transfer server 50 (step 98). In another embodiment, the transfer server 50 tests the reception status (step 96). If a transmission error has occurred (step 96), the transfer server 50 stops. The receiving side 48 requests retransmission (step 86) or stops the communication.
[0054]
<Mail Communication Method-Second Embodiment>
A mail communication method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0055]
In the second embodiment of the present invention, the recipient 48 attempts to communicate with both the sender 46 and the transfer server 50 in response to the email notification 60. The start operation by the sending end user is the same as in the first embodiment. In particular, the sending end user generates the prepared message 52 using a text editor, word processor, or other file generation application (step 54).
[0056]
Next, the end user activates the mail operation by issuing a transmission command or the like (step 56). In response to these instructions, the communication application generates an email notification 60 (step 58) and generates an email message 64 (step 62). The communication application resides on the sender 46 (eg, the end user's computer / device, a gateway coupled to the end user's computer / device, or an ISP server to which the end user's computer / device is connected).
[0057]
The e-mail notification 60 includes a sender address for identifying the sender 46 (or a specific end user in another embodiment), a receiver 48 (or a receiver 48 in another embodiment). A receiver address for identifying a specific end user) and a message identification number for identifying a prepared message are included. In one embodiment, the message identification number is an identification code. In another embodiment, email notification 60 may include a formatting protocol for email message 64. In another embodiment, the e-mail notification 60 may include a message subject or an abbreviated message.
[0058]
The e-mail message 64 includes the message 52 formatted and packaged for transmission. In another embodiment, the prepared message is compressed using existing binary format compression techniques. The packaging operation includes the attachment of information similar to the sender address, recipient address, protocol, and message identification number in the email notification 60. Next, an e-mail notification 60 is sent to the recipient 48 via the global information network 10 '(step 66). Further, the e-mail message 64 is transmitted to the transfer server 50 via the global information network 10 '(step 68).
[0059]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a mail communication process on the receiving side according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 1 to 3 and 7, first, at some point after the transmission of the e-mail notification 60, the receiving end user accesses the global information network 10 '(step 100). Next, the receiving end user is requested to access the mail, automatically or in response to the receiving user's command (step 102). When the receiving side 48 receives the e-mail notification 60 in the processing of this request (step 104), it is automatically processed using the application program. These processes include an analysis of the message identification number, and an attempt to establish a communication path with each of the transfer server 50 and the sender 46 via the global information network 10 '(step 106). The receiving side 48 transmits communication information 78 including the message identification number to the transfer server 50 and the transmitting side 46. Receiver 48 waits for the first response.
[0060]
Receiver 48 tests whether transfer server 50 responded first (step 108). If the first response is the transfer server 50 (step 108), the recipient 48 tests the response to determine whether an e-mail message corresponding to the requested message identification number is available (step 110). . If an e-mail message is available (step 110), the communication with the sender 46 is terminated (step 112). Next, the receiving side 48 receives the electronic mail message 64 (step 114). Upon successful completion of the transmission, the receiving side 48 sends the receiving state 82 to the transfer server 50 (step 116), and in another embodiment also to the transmitting side 46. If there is a transmission error, the receiving side 48 sends an error status to the transfer server 50. The communication link between the transfer server 50 and the recipient 48 ends when the transmission is successful. After an error occurs, the link is terminated or retransmission is attempted, depending on the embodiment.
[0061]
On the other hand, if the e-mail message is not available from transfer server 50 (eg, transfer server 50 has not yet received the e-mail message) (step 110), communication with sender 46 is tested (step 118). If communication with sender 46 is not possible (step 118), an indication is given to the receiving end user that email message 64 is not available at this time (step 120), or a retry is performed.
[0062]
If the first response is the transmission side 46 (step 108), or if there is communication established with the transmission side 46 (step 118), the reception side 48 suspends communication with the transfer server 50. (Step 122). Next, the receiving side 48 receives the e-mail message from the transmitting side 46 (Step 124). If the transfer of the e-mail message is successful (step 126), the receiver 48 sends the reception status to both the sender 46 and the transfer server 50 (step 128). As a response (see step 96 in FIG. 6), the transfer server 50 deletes the electronic mail message stored in the transfer server 50 (see step 98 in FIG. 6).
[0063]
On the other hand, if the transfer from the transmitting side 46 to the receiving side 48 is not successful (step 126), the receiving side 48 resumes communication with the transfer server 50 (step 130). Next, the receiving side 48 ends the communication with the transmitting side 46 (step 132). Further, the process proceeds to determining whether the e-mail message 64 is available from the transfer server 50 (step 110). Subsequent processing continues with transmission from the transfer server 50 to the recipient 48 (step 114), or an indication that the message is not available (step 120), as described above.
[0064]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing of the mail communication application of the transmission side 46 in response to a transmission request of a mail message from the reception side 48. In FIGS. 1 to 3 and 8, the process on the transmitting side 46 responds to the communication from the receiving side 48. First, the transmission side 46 receives a transmission request for the e-mail message 64 from the reception side 48 (step 140). This request includes the communication information 78 described above. The message identification number is decrypted from the contact information 78 and used to retrieve the corresponding e-mail message. The sender 46 starts transmitting the e-mail message to the receiver 48 (step 142).
[0065]
The sender 46 then transmits the same e-mail message that is being processed to the transfer server 50 (e.g., the receiver 48 is online when the e-mail notification 60 is received, and the e-mail message 64 is completely (Step 144) if there is a response immediately before being transmitted to the transfer server 50. If there is such a transmission being processed, the transmission to the transfer server 50 is interrupted (step 146). Next, the receiving status from the receiving side 48 is received (or an interruption occurs indicating that the communication was inadvertently lost or aborted) (step 148 or 150). Next, the reception state is tested (step 152). If the reception state is successful (step 152), the transmission to the transfer server 50 ends (step 154). On the other hand, if the transfer to the receiving side 48 is unsuccessful (step 152), the transmission of the e-mail message 64 to the transfer server 50 is restarted (step 156).
[0066]
The processing in the transfer server 50 is the same as the processing shown in FIG. However, it should be noted that communication may be interrupted at some point during transmission involving the transfer server 50 (see step 122 in FIG. 7 and step 146 in FIG. 8). It is also noted that the transfer server 50 indicates whether the transmission of the e-mail message 64 to the recipient 48 is possible.
[0067]
In other embodiments, the email message may be unavailable unless completely received from sender 46. In another embodiment, the e-mail message may be made available in pieces, as may be available from the sender 46. In such an embodiment, the operation at step 146 is not performed until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed. This waiting time is obtained by estimating the time required from when the receiving side 48 determines the first response (step 108 in FIG. 7) to when the communication with the transmitting side 46 is completed. In such a case, step 146 is not executed because the processing of steps 140 to 156 is stopped.
[0068]
It is noted that the transmission of the email message from the sender 46 to either or both the transfer server 50 and the receiver 48 is performed using a binary format. Such a format would use significantly less bandwidth than standard UUencoding used in traditional email applications over the Internet.
[0069]
<Message charge calculation>
In another embodiment, the end user may be charged for the transmission of the mail communication based on the actual number of bits that were successfully transmitted. This is performed based on a reception state indicating that the transmission from the receiving side is successful. In the transmission from the sender 46 to the receiver 48 (eg, steps 124 and 128 in FIG. 7), the sender 46 uploads the number of bits successfully transmitted to the receiver 48 in response to the reception status (FIG. 7). 8 step 160). Further, in the transmission from the transfer server 50 to the receiving side 48, the transfer server 50 uploads the number of bits successfully transmitted to the receiving side 48 in response to the receiving state (step 99 in FIG. 6).
[0070]
As a specific example, it is noted that one of the transmission side 46 and the transfer server 50 is performing transmission and the other receives a successful reception state. If the transfer server 50 receives such a reception state after successful transmission between the transmission side 46 and the reception side 48, there are no transmission bits from the transmission server 50 and the reception side 48 thereafter. Therefore, there is no double claim.
[0071]
Traditionally, bandwidth is charged based on the size of the "pipe" used, such as the amount of bits per second used. Generally, it is based on the maximum level value of bits per second transferred within a certain period of time, rather than the actual number of bits used. Sometimes, instead, it is possible to buy a band based on an average usage band that approximates the actual amount of bits transferred. However, these conventional billing methods do not use the actual number of transmitted bits, but additionally count packet overhead and various control information.
[0072]
By billing only for the actual bits that have been successfully transferred, it is possible to charge differently from the amount of bandwidth used. The number of successful transfers is counted and transferred from the sender or transfer server to the billing server. The size of the message is used in calculating the amount to be paid for the email message.
[0073]
【The invention's effect】
According to the dial-back e-mail system using the binary protocol of the present invention, since a binary protocol is used, very high compressibility can be obtained despite the use of a standard compression algorithm.
In addition, the bandwidth of a global information network used for electronic communication can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a WAN according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a computer system according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mail communication system of a global information network according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart and a data flow diagram showing a mail communication process on the transmission side.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart and a data flow diagram showing a mail communication process on the receiving side according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart and a data flow diagram showing a mail communication process of the transfer server.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a mail communication process on the receiving side according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a mail communication application on the transmission side in response to a transmission request for a mail message from the reception side.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 WAN (Wide Area Network)
10 'Global Information Network
12 Network server computer
14 Client computer
16 remote network
20 Computer system
22 Display
24 keyboard
26 mouse
28 processor
30 RAM (Random Access Memory)
32 Hard Disk Drive
34 Communication / Network Interface
36 Portable storage media drive
38 Portable storage media
40 MISC storage device
42 bus
44 Mail Communication System
46 sender
48 Receiver
50 Transfer server
52 Prepared Message
60 Email Notification
64 email messages
78 Communication information
89 Database

Claims (17)

An email communication method for communicating a prepared message generated by a user via a global information network,
(A) starting a first transmission from a sender to a recipient address, including a message identification number corresponding to the prepared message;
(B) packaging the prepared message and the corresponding message identification number into a mail message using a binary formatting protocol;
(C) initiating a second transmission from the sender to the transfer server, independent of the first transmission and including the mail message;
(D) receiving the message identification number at the receiving address,
(E) At the receiving address, establish a communication path for receiving the mail message and respond to the message identification number;
An e-mail communication method characterized in that: The step (E) of establishing a communication path includes a step (E1) of communicating with a transfer server using a message identification number, and the step (E1) further comprises:
The transfer server identifies a mail message corresponding to the message identification number,
Transmitting the mail message from the transfer server to the recipient address using a binary formatting protocol;
The mail communication method according to claim 1, wherein: 2. The mail communication method according to claim 1, wherein the step (B) compresses the prepared message. The first transmission comprises a mail notification including a message identification number and a sender address, and the step of responding to the message identification number in step (E) further comprises:
(E2-a) communicating with the transfer server using the message identification number indicated in the mail notification, and communicating with the sender address indicated in the mail notification;
(E2-b) determining which of the sender address and the transfer server responds first to the communication with the receiver address;
(E2-c) starting to receive a mail message transmission based on a binary formatting protocol from one of the transmitting address and the transfer server that first responded to the communication with the receiving address.
The mail communication method according to claim 1, wherein: further,
(E2-d) interrupting communication with the sender address and the other of the transfer server,
(E2-e) When the reception of the mail message is successful, the transmission address and the transfer server are notified that the reception of the mail message is successful.
The mail communication method according to claim 4, wherein: The first transmission comprises a mail notification including a message identification number and a sender address;
(F) receiving a communication from the receiving address at the transmitting address,
(G) immediately responding to the communication at the sender address to determine whether the transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server is incomplete;
(H) If the transmission to the transfer server is still incomplete, suspend the transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server, and use the binary formatting protocol to send the mail message from the sender to the recipient address. Transmitting,
The mail communication method according to claim 1, wherein: Furthermore, if the transmission of the mail message from the sender to the recipient address fails, the transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server is resumed,
If the transmission of the mail message from the sender to the receiver address is successful, stop the transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server;
7. The mail communication method according to claim 6, wherein: further,
(I) determining a count of bits successfully transmitted to the receiving address;
(J) transferring the count and the sender address to an account server that allocates a fee based on the bit count to an account corresponding to the sender address;
The mail communication method according to claim 1, wherein: A mail communication system for managing e-mail communication via a global information network,
A sending computer from which a first user generates a prepared message;
A receiving computer for receiving the prepared message;
A transfer computer,
A mail program that processes the prepared message to generate a mail notification and a mail message;
A first communication link between the sending computer over which the mail message is transmitted and the transfer server;
A second communication link between the sending computer and the receiving computer to which the mail notification is transmitted;
A mail receiving program that, at a receiving address, establishes a third communication link for receiving the mail message using a binary format transmission protocol, and responds to the mail notification;
With
The email notification includes a message identification number corresponding to the prepared message and the sender address, the email notification does not include all of the prepared messages, and the email message is based on a predetermined format. Comprising a prepared message and the message identification number;
A mail communication system characterized by the above-mentioned. Means for the receiving computer to communicate with the transfer server using the message identification number;
Means for identifying the mail message corresponding to the message identification number in the transfer server;
Means for transmitting the mail message from the transfer server to the recipient address using the binary formatted transmission protocol;
The mail communication system according to claim 9, comprising: Means for the receiving computer to communicate with the transfer server using the message identification number;
Means for the receiving computer to communicate with the transmitting address;
Means for determining which of the sender address and the transfer server first responded to contact with the receiver address;
Means for initiating reception of a transmission of the mail message using a binary formatted transmission protocol from one of the sender address and the transfer server that first responded to the communication with the recipient address;
The mail communication system according to claim 9, comprising: Means for interrupting communication with the sender address and the other of the transfer server;
Means for notifying the sender address and the transfer server of the successful reception of the mail message indicating that the mail message was successfully received,
The mail communication system according to claim 11, further comprising: Means for receiving communications from the receiving address at the transmitting address;
Means for determining whether transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server upon receipt of the communication at the sender address is incomplete;
Means for temporarily suspending transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server if transmission to the transfer server is incomplete;
Means for transmitting the mail message from the sender to the recipient address using the binary formatted transmission protocol;
The mail communication system according to claim 9, comprising: Means for resuming transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server if transmission of the mail message from the sender to the recipient address fails;
Means for stopping transmission of the mail message from the sender to the transfer server if the transmission of the mail message from the sender to the receiver address is successful;
14. The mail communication system according to claim 13, further comprising: Means for determining a count of bits successfully transmitted to the receiving address;
Means for transferring the count and the sender address to an accounting server that allocates a fee based on the count of the bits to an account corresponding to the sender address;
The mail communication system according to claim 9, comprising: An email communication method for communicating a prepared message generated by a user via a global information network,
(A) transmitting only the message identification number corresponding to the prepared message from the transmitting side to the receiving side address without transmitting the prepared message;
(B) packaging the prepared message and the corresponding message identification number into a mail message using a binary formatting protocol;
(C) starting transmission of the mail message from the transmission side to the transfer server,
(D) connecting to the global information network at the receiving address,
(E) receiving the message identification number at the receiving address,
(F) Accessing the mail specified to be received at the receiving address,
(G) upon receiving an instruction indicating that the receiving of the mail message was successful at the receiving computer, deleting the mail message from the transfer server;
Further, step (F) includes automatically responding to the message identification number by contacting the transfer server and transmitting the mail message from the transfer server to the recipient address using a binary formatting protocol.
An e-mail communication method characterized in that: Means for determining a count of bits successfully transmitted to the receiving address;
Means for transferring the count and the sender address to an accounting server that allocates a fee based on the count of the bits to an account corresponding to the sender address;
17. The mail communication system according to claim 16, comprising:

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