Method for processing electronic messages and associated data processing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for processing an electronic message intended to be destined for a receiving terminal (120), said message comprising graphic code encoded data, referred to as "access data", representing access to a computing resource, said method comprising the following steps: decoding (E70) said access data, generating (E90) an interaction object in the electronic message on the basis of the decoded access data, the interaction object is configured to provide access to a computing resource when an interaction is performed with the interaction object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention falls within the general field of telecommunications. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for processing electronic messages intended for a receiving terminal, and a data processing system configured to implement said method. The invention finds particularly advantageous, but by no means limiting, applications in the context of receiving terminals of the smartphone type. Background Technology

[0002] QR codes, or quick response codes, were developed in the mid-1990s and have since seen increasing use, particularly accelerated by the massive growth in digital use, especially with the use of smartphones.

[0003] A typical use of QR codes is to generate QR codes that encode strings that identify data resources available on a computer network. For example, this could typically be a QR code that encodes a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) configured to provide access to computing resources (such as web pages) on the Internet.

[0004] In practice, once generated, the traditional use of QR codes involves displaying them on physical objects (walls, doors, tables, advertising screens, etc.) that are different from the user's smartphone and equipped with software applications configured to read QR codes. In this way, users can scan the QR code in question and access the corresponding computing resources.

[0005] While this traditional approach does not present any real implementation problems, the situation is very different when the QR code is not displayed via a real-world physical object different from the user's smartphone, but rather by the smartphone itself, for example, when the QR code is included in an electronic message (such as email or a multimedia messaging service (often still referred to as MMS)) and viewed using the smartphone's screen.

[0006] In practice, under these circumstances, it's understandable that smartphones are no longer able to scan QR codes contained in messages. Therefore, access to computing resources is impossible, which degrades the user experience.

[0007] Ultimately, for users, the single current solution to this problem involves having a second device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) readily available that can scan and decode QR codes contained in electronic messages displayed on a smartphone screen. Besides being expensive, this solution is particularly difficult to implement, making the risk of ultimately wasted computing resources very high. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome all or part of the shortcomings of the prior art, particularly the aforementioned shortcomings, by proposing a solution that allows for more efficient access to computing resources identified by graphic codes contained in electronic messages than solutions of the prior art.

[0009] Therefore, and according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for processing an electronic message intended for a receiving terminal, the message including graphic code encoded data, referred to as "access data," indicating access to computing resources, the method comprising the following steps:

[0010] -Decode access data,

[0011] - An interaction object is generated in the electronic message based on the decoded access data, and the interaction object is configured to provide access to the computing resources when an interaction is performed with the interaction object.

[0012] For example, the interactive object could be a hyperlink for accessing the computing resource, which is generated to be attached to the graphic code so that the graphic code can be clicked to access the computing resource.

[0013] Therefore, due to the method according to the invention, the graphic code contained in the electronic message (which was originally just an inert image) becomes an active image, which can be interacted with by clicking.

[0014] The term "click" can refer to either direct interaction (i.e., finger pressure), such as on a smartphone's touchscreen, or indirect interaction, that is, using a user-operated device, such as a mouse or stylus.

[0015] In other words, the method according to the invention allows for the automatic interpretation of graphical codes, the extraction of information about access to computing resources from the graphical codes, and the coupling of the information with the graphical codes.

[0016] Therefore, users accessing electronic messages via the receiving terminal no longer need any other devices to read (scan) graphic codes. This greatly improves accessibility to data resources and thus significantly increases the likelihood that they will be accessed.

[0017] Furthermore, the fact that no other equipment is required is advantageous in providing a cost-effective solution from a hardware perspective.

[0018] It is important to note that interactive objects are not limited to the single hyperlink intended to be attached to a graphic code. In fact, an interactive object can also be an object of another nature, not intended to be attached to a graphic code, but rather incorporated / displayed in the electronic message in addition to the graphic code during the step of generating the other interactive object. As a non-limiting example, such other interactive objects can correspond to symbols, icons, images, photographs, etc. Furthermore, it is not excluded that an electronic message may contain not only a clickable graphic code as described above, but also other such interactive objects.

[0019] In certain implementations, the processing method may also include one or more of the following features, either individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0020] In a particular implementation, the graphic code is any of the following: QR code, mini QR code, barcode, or data matrix.

[0021] In a particular implementation, the access data represents a Uniform Resource Identifier configured to provide access to computing resources on an Internet network.

[0022] In a particular implementation, the method further includes the following steps prior to generating the interactive object:

[0023] -Verify the compliance of computing resources with security standards.

[0024] - If the verification is not met, an alert message will be issued.

[0025] These regulations are beneficial because they allow for improved security of access to computing resources.

[0026] For example, security standards can be configured to allow verification that computing resources are unlikely to be infected by viruses on the receiving terminal of a user who is reading an electronic message.

[0027] Alternatively, security standards can be configured to allow verification of calls to computing resources that are unlikely to trigger a phishing attack targeting the personal information of a user viewing electronic messages.

[0028] Generally, there are no additional restrictions on the nature of security standards. Within the framework of this invention, the concept of "security" is the characteristic of anything that poses no risk and / or danger to the integrity of the receiving terminal and / or to the user of the receiving terminal. Therefore, there are no additional restrictions on the methods by which the standard can be verified (e.g., consulting a database listing suspicious data resources, performing network diagnostics (e.g., ping tests on data resources), etc.).

[0029] In a particular embodiment, the method further includes the following steps after the electronic message is sent to the receiving terminal:

[0030] - Receive a notification from the receiving terminal indicating that an interaction has been performed with the interaction object.

[0031] - Send the notification to the terminal that sent the electronic message.

[0032] - By using access data, the receiving terminal is redirected to the computing resource.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, the method further includes the step of sending an electronic message to a receiving terminal after generating an interactive object.

[0034] In a particular implementation, the method further includes the step of issuing a notification indicating that the electronic message has been modified after the interaction object was generated.

[0035] In a particular implementation, the method further includes the steps of incrementing a counter and / or timestamping the notification upon receipt of a notification.

[0036] The fact that this incrementing counter is used advantageously allows for the creation of statistics relating to the use of services that can be initiated by the service platform when it performs all or part of the processing method. The timestamp used for its portion allows for the preservation of date proof of the service's use. Furthermore, the combination of the incrementing counter and the timestamp allows for improved security of the exchange, as this makes it possible to implement intrusion detection tools, such as those used in Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks.

[0037] In certain implementations, an electronic message is a message exchanged via email, multimedia messaging service, or instant messaging platform.

[0038] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program including instructions that, when executed by a computer, are used to implement at least the steps of decoding and generating a data processing method according to the present invention.

[0039] The program can use any programming language and can be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as partially compiled code, or any other desired form.

[0040] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable information or recording medium having a computer program according to the present invention recorded thereon.

[0041] Information or recording media can be any entity or device capable of storing programs. For example, media can include storage media such as ROM (e.g., CD-ROM or microelectronic circuit ROM) or magnetic recording devices (e.g., hard disk).

[0042] On the other hand, the information or recording medium can be a transmissible medium such as electrical or optical signals, which can be transmitted via cables or optical fibers, by radio, or by other means. The program according to the invention can be downloaded specifically from a network of the Internet type.

[0043] Alternatively, the information or recording medium may be an integrated circuit containing a program adapted to perform the method in question or to be used in the performance of the method in question.

[0044] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a data processing apparatus comprising means configured to implement at least the steps of decoding and generating a method for processing electronic messages according to the present invention.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the data processing device may also include one or more of the following features, either individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the device is integrated into any of the following:

[0047] -A service platform operated by telecommunications operators.

[0048] - A messaging platform operated by a messaging service provider.

[0049] -The terminal that sends electronic messages

[0050] - The receiving terminal to which the electronic message is intended.

[0051] In certain implementations, the entities of the operation service platform and the messaging platform may be different or the same.

[0052] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a data processing system comprising means configured to implement a data processing method according to the present invention.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the data processing system may also include one or more of the following features, either individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the system includes a data processing device belonging to a service platform operated by a telecommunications operator, the data processing device being configured to implement all steps of the processing method.

[0055] In a particular embodiment, the system includes a transmitting terminal, a receiving terminal, a first data processing device belonging to a service platform operated by a telecommunications operator, and / or a second data processing device belonging to a messaging platform operated by a messaging operator, wherein:

[0056] The detection, analysis, and generation steps are performed by a second data processing device, or by a transmitting terminal, or by a receiving terminal.

[0057] and

[0058] When the method includes the steps of verifying and sending alarm messages, these steps are implemented by a first data processing device or a second data processing device.

[0059] - When the method includes the steps of receiving a notification indicating that a graphic code has been clicked, sending a notification, and redirecting the receiving terminal, these steps are implemented by a first data processing device or a second data processing device.

[0060] - When the method includes the step of sending an electronic message to a receiving terminal, the step is implemented by a second data processing device.

[0061] - When the method includes the step of issuing a notification indicating that an electronic message has been modified, the step is implemented by a second data processing device.

[0062] - When the method includes incrementing and / or adding timestamps, the steps are implemented by a first data processing device.

[0063] In certain implementations, the entities of the operation service platform and the messaging platform may be different or the same. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention in no way limit it. In the drawings:

[0065] Figure 1 This schematically illustrates a specific embodiment of a data processing system according to the present invention, the system including data processing equipment;

[0066] Figure 2 Schematic representation in Figure 1 An example of the hardware architecture of the data processing devices included in the system;

[0067] Figure 3 Represent the process in the form of a flowchart. Figure 1 A specific implementation of a communication method, referred to as the "general method," implemented by the system, the general method comprising: Figure 2 The method for processing electronic messages according to the present invention is implemented in a device;

[0068] Figure 4 Another specific implementation of this general method is illustrated in the form of a flowchart;

[0069] Figure 5Another specific implementation of this general method is illustrated in the form of a flowchart;

[0070] Figure 6 Another specific implementation of this general method is illustrated in the form of a flowchart;

[0071] Figure 7 Another specific implementation of this general method is shown in the form of a flowchart. Detailed Implementation

[0072] Figure 1 This schematically illustrates a specific embodiment of the data processing system 100 according to the present invention.

[0073] Figure 1 System 100 is configured to perform processing operations, which in this embodiment specifically allow the interactive graphic codes contained in an electronic message MES sent by a sending terminal 110 (sender) and received by a receiving terminal 120 (receiver) to be more clickable. It should be noted that in this embodiment, both terminals 110 and 120 belong to system 100.

[0074] For the remainder of the specification, both the sending terminal 110 and the receiving terminal 120 are considered in a non-limiting manner as smartphones, and they belong to different individual users. Furthermore, the electronic message MES sent from the sending terminal 110 to the receiving terminal 120 is considered as an email. This email is specifically composed by the user owning the sending terminal 110 and intended to be viewed (i.e., read) by the user owning the receiving terminal 120.

[0075] However, it should be noted that these provisions do not limit the invention. In particular, there are no additional limitations on the nature of the transmitting terminal 110 and the receiving terminal 120, as long as they are capable of exchanging electronic messages. Therefore, it is not excluded that the terminals (transmitter / receiver) may be, for example, digital tablet computers, laptops, personal assistants, connected watches, e-readers, etc.

[0076] Similarly, there are no additional restrictions on the nature of electronic messaging (MES), as long as it can include graphic codes, as described below. Therefore, the possibility of multimedia messaging services of the MMS type, or messages called "instant" messages—in other words, messages exchanged during online conversations (tchat)—is not excluded.

[0077] According to the present invention, the Electronic Message System (MES) includes graphic code encoded data, referred to as "access data" (C_CAR), which identifies the computing resource. In other words, the access data (C_CAR) forms a link to the corresponding computing resource.

[0078] More specifically, in this embodiment, the graphic code is a QR code, and the access data C_CAR represents a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) configured to provide access to computing resources on the Internet (labeled "WEB" in the figures), i.e., the webpage P_WEB in this case.

[0079] The fact that the graphic code is of the QR code type and the access data C_CAR represents a resource of the URI type does not constitute a limitation of the invention, and other variations are conceivable. For example, regarding the graphic code, it can take any form known per se for conveying information, such as mini QR codes, barcodes (e.g., barcodes of the PDF147, Code 128, etc.), data matrices (e.g., data matrices of the Flashcode, 2D-doc, datamatrix, etc.).

[0080] Regarding access data C_CAR, these can represent, for example, URL (Uniform Resource Locator) addresses, short URLs (micro URLs), addresses within a local network (e.g., an intranet within a company, such as an intranet, to identify files stored on the company's servers), etc. Generally, it should be understood that access data C_CAR, including one or more strings, allows defining access to computing resources.

[0081] Furthermore, while the embodiments described herein take into account the availability of computing resources on a computer network, other alternatives are not excluded, such as software applications, photos, videos, etc., stored in the memory of the sending terminal 110 or the receiving terminal 120.

[0082] The nature of the various communication protocols used by the various entities of system 100 to allow electronic message MES to be sent from sending terminal 110 to receiving terminal 120 does not limit the invention. Therefore, in this embodiment, at least with respect to terminals 110 and 120, any protocol known to those skilled in the art for performing data exchange within the framework of wireless telecommunications (Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.) is contemplated. Of course, it is also not excluded that all or part of the entities of system 100 may communicate using protocols suitable for wired communication networks.

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiments described herein, in addition to terminals 110 and 120, system 100 also includes a messaging platform 130. This messaging platform is configured in hardware and software to allow the management (receiving, sending, redirecting, storing, archiving, etc.) of email (especially including electronic messaging MES).

[0084] It should be noted that this description is based on consideration of a single messaging platform 130. Figure 1 Examples of these considerations are derived from the fact that, without limitation and for the sole purpose of simplifying the description, the email addresses used by the sending terminal 110 and the receiving terminal 120 are hosted and managed at the same messaging platform 130, which is operated by a single messaging operator.

[0085] In other words, based on other examples not detailed here, it is not excluded that system 100 may include two different messaging platforms and be associated with two sending terminals 110 and receiving terminals 120 respectively (e.g., a first messaging platform (Gmail) managed by Google for sending terminal 110 and a second messaging platform (Orange mail) managed by Orange for receiving terminal 120).

[0086] In the embodiments described herein, system 100 also includes a data processing device 141 belonging to service platform 140. The term "service platform" here refers to a platform operated by a communications operator (e.g., Orange) to provide data processing services, particularly those exchanged via messaging platform 130. For this purpose, device 141 is configured to perform processing operations by implementing a method according to the invention for processing message MES, which specifically allows the QR code contained in the message MES to be interactive (clickable) before the message MES reaches the receiving terminal 120.

[0087] As will be described below, the fact that the above-described processing operations are implemented by processing device 141 constitutes only one variation of the implementation of the present invention, and does not preclude the contemplation of other modes in which all or part of these processing operations are implemented by devices appropriately configured and integrated into messaging platform 130, sending terminal 110 or receiving terminal 120.

[0088] For the remainder of the specification, it is assumed in a non-limiting manner that the entities operating service platform 140 and messaging platform 130 are distinct. Of course, these provisions do not limit the invention and do not preclude the assumption that these entities are the same or that they constitute a single entity (e.g., the same commercial company).

[0089] Figure 2 Schematic representation in Figure 1 An example of the hardware architecture of the data processing device 141 included in the system 100.

[0090] like Figure 2As shown, device 141 has a computer hardware architecture. Therefore, device 141 specifically includes a processor 1, random access memory 2, read-only memory 3, and non-volatile memory 4. It also has a communication device 5.

[0091] The read-only memory 3 of device 141 constitutes a recording medium according to the invention, which can be read by processor 1, and on which a computer program PROG according to the invention is recorded, including instructions for performing steps of the processing method. The program PROG defines functional modules of device 141 that depend on or control the hardware elements 1 to 5 of device 141. These functional modules are described in a non-limiting manner... Figure 1 The following is illustrated and described in more detail with reference to different embodiments.

[0092] Communication devices 5 allow device 141 to exchange (send / receive) data with one or more other entities in system 100. For this purpose, and as described above, these communication devices 5 rely on a communication interface, which may be wired or wireless, using any communication protocol known to those skilled in the art.

[0093] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a specific implementation of a communication method, referred to as the "general method," implemented by system 100. The general method includes... Figure 2 The device 141 implements the method for processing message MES according to the present invention.

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown, the general method initially includes step E10, which involves obtaining the message MES. Step E10 is implemented by the issuing terminal 110.

[0095] According to another specific implementation, obtaining step E10 includes fully generating the message MES. In other words, according to this example, the user with the issuing terminal 110 generates the message MES by including a QR code.

[0096] According to another example, obtaining step E10 first includes receiving a write message without a graphic code, such as from a terminal owned by a user different from the terminal that owns the issuing terminal 110, and partially generating a message MES that incorporates a QR code into the write message.

[0097] According to yet another example, obtaining step E10 includes, for example, receiving a message MES (i.e., a message that already includes a QR code) from a terminal owned by a user different from the terminal that owns the issuing terminal 110. In other words, in this example, the issuing terminal 110 acts as a communication relay.

[0098] Then, the general method includes step E20, which involves sending message MES to receiving terminal 120. Step E10 is implemented by sending terminal 110.

[0099] Then, the sent message MES is received by the message transmission platform 130 (step E30) and sent by the message transmission platform 130 (step E40) to the data processing device 141 belonging to the service platform 140.

[0100] When the message MES is received by device 141 (step E50), the general method includes step E60, which involves detecting the QR code in the message MES. Steps E50 and E60 are implemented by the receiving module MOD_RX and the detection module MOD_DETEC equipped with device 141, respectively, and are part of the processing method. The transmitting module MOD_RX is integrated into the communication device 5 of device 141.

[0101] The detection of QR codes in the message MES is achieved using any technique known to those skilled in the art, particularly by scanning the message MES to identify the outline of the QR code.

[0102] Once a QR code is detected, the general method includes step E70, which involves decoding the access data C_CAR encoded by the QR code. Step E70 is implemented by the decoding module MOD_DECOD equipped with device 141 and forms part of the processing method.

[0103] It is important to note that the steps of detecting E60 and decoding E70 are described separately here. That said, other implementations are not excluded, in which the decoding of the graphic code allows for a broader definition in order to integrate the detection of the graphic code.

[0104] Refer to this site Figure 3 In the described implementation, the general method further includes step E80, which verifies the conformity of the computing resource (i.e., webpage P_WEB) identified by access data C_CAR with the security standard CRIT. Step E80 is implemented by the verification module MOD_VERIF equipped with device 141 and forms part of the processing method.

[0105] For example, the security standard CRIT can be configured to allow verification that the webpage P_WEB is unlikely to be infected with a virus when it is viewed.

[0106] Alternatively, the security standard CRIT can be configured to allow verification that browsing the webpage P_WEB is unlikely to trigger a phishing process targeting the personal information of the user with receiving terminal 120.

[0107] Generally, there are no additional restrictions on the nature of the security standard CRIT. Within the framework of this invention, the concept of "security" is the characteristic of anything that poses no risk and / or danger to the integrity of the receiving terminal 120 and / or its users. Therefore, there are no additional restrictions on the manner in which the standard can be verified (e.g., consulting a database listing suspicious data resources, performing network diagnostics (e.g., ping tests on data resources), etc.).

[0108] Therefore, if the verification performed during step E80 is not met (i.e., if the standard CRIT is not met), the general approach may include issuing an alarm message. Figure 3 (Not shown in the image). For example, an alarm message can be sent to receiving terminal 120 to warn it not to consult the message MES when it arrives. An alarm message can also be sent to the operator of messaging platform 130 to warn it of potential fraud by the user who issued terminal 110.

[0109] For the remainder of the specification, it is assumed that the security verification performed in step E80 is satisfied. However, it should be noted that step E80 (and therefore, if applicable, includes the step of sending an alarm message) is optional within the meaning of this invention and has the advantage of providing security relative to the processing of the User Enhancement Message MES of the receiving terminal 120.

[0110] Then, the general method includes step E90 of generating an interaction object in the message MES based on the decoded access data C_CAR, the interaction object being configured to provide access to computing resources when interacting with the interaction object. More specifically, in the embodiments described herein and as... Figure 3 As shown, the interactive object is a hyperlink HYP_L for accessing the webpage P_WEB. The hyperlink HYP_L is generated so that it can be attached to a QR code, thus making the QR code clickable to access the webpage P_WEB (in other words, the hyperlink HYP_L is inserted into the QR code). Step E90 is implemented by the generation module MOD_GEN equipped with device 141 and forms part of the processing method.

[0111] In other words, the QR code of the message MES (which is currently a static image) becomes a moving image through the execution of step E90, and it is possible to interact with the moving image by clicking. In this embodiment where the receiving terminal 120 is a smartphone, "click" generally refers to direct interaction on the smartphone's touchscreen (i.e., finger pressure). However, it should be noted that according to other embodiments, the concept of "click" can also refer to indirect interaction, that is, using a device manipulated by the user, such as a mouse or stylus.

[0112] In any case, the fact that an appropriate hyperlink (HYP_L) is appended to the QR code in the body of the message MES allows for a significant improvement in webpage (P_WEB) browsing when the message MES is received by the receiving terminal 120. In fact, the user with the receiving terminal 120 can simply click the QR code, eliminating the need for additional devices to scan it.

[0113] For the remainder of the manual, the message containing the QR code attached to the hyperlink HYP_L is referred to as "NEW_MES".

[0114] Therefore, and as Figure 3 Without any limitations, the general method includes step E100, which involves sending the message NEW_MES to the messaging platform 130. Step E100 is implemented by the sending module MOD_TX of device 141 and forms part of the processing method. The sending module MOD_TX is integrated into the communication device 5 of device 141.

[0115] Then, the message NEW_MES is received by the message transmission platform 130 (step E110) and sent by the message transmission platform 130 (step E120) to the receiving terminal 120, and the receiving terminal 120 receives the message NEW_MES (step E130).

[0116] Therefore, the user with receiving terminal 120 can be directed to webpage P_WEB. To do this, the user clicks on the QR code contained in the received message NEW_MES (step E140, marked "ACT CODE QR").

[0117] In the implementation described herein, and as Figure 3 As shown, the general method includes step E150 of sending a notification NOTIF to device 141, the notification NOTIF indicating that the QR code has been clicked. Step E150 is implemented by receiving terminal 120.

[0118] It should be noted that in the case of the NOTIF notification being associated with the fact that the QR code was clicked, it then also indicates that an acknowledgment of the message initially sent by the issuing terminal 110 has been received.

[0119] When device 141 receives a NOTIF notification (step E160 forms part of the processing method in the current embodiment), in the current embodiment, the general method includes step E170 of incrementing a counter and / or timestamping the NOTIF notification. Step E170 is implemented by the tracking module MOD_INC_HOR equipped with device 141 and forms part of the processing method.

[0120] The incrementing of the counter and / or the timestamp notification of NOTIF are performed, for example, at the level of a database stored and managed by device 141. Alternatively, step E170 may include sending a command to another device of service platform 140 (e.g., a dedicated database) to perform the incrementing and / or the timestamp addition.

[0121] However, it should be noted that step E170 is optional within the scope of this invention and has various advantages. In fact, the fact that this incrementing is performed using a counter advantageously allows the service platform 140 to establish statistics related to the use of the services it proposes. Adding a timestamp allows it to partially retain proof of the date of use of the services proposed by the service platform 140. Furthermore, the combination of incrementing the count and adding a timestamp allows for improved security of the exchange, as this makes it possible to implement intrusion detection tools, such as those used in distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.

[0122] In addition to the incrementing and / or timestamping step E170, the notification NOTIF is sent (step E180, which forms part of the processing method in this embodiment) to the messaging platform 130, the messaging platform 130 receives the notification NOTIF (step E190) and relays the notification NOTIF (step E200) to the sending terminal 110, and the sending terminal 110 receives the notification NOTIF (step E210).

[0123] The general method also includes step E220, which redirects the receiving terminal 120 to the webpage P_WEB using the URI address associated with the access data C_CAR. Step E220 is implemented by the redirection module MOD_RED equipped with device 141 and forms part of the processing method.

[0124] In other words, in the implementation described herein, device 141 provides the receiving terminal 120 with access to the webpage P_WEB.

[0125] It should be noted that the redirection step E220 has been described herein as being performed after the counter is incremented and / or a timestamp is added (step E170) and after the NOTIF notification is sent from device 141 to issuing terminal 110 (steps E180, E190, E200, E210). However, these specifications do not limit the invention, and the order in which these steps are performed is irrelevant.

[0126] Furthermore, the general method has been described so far by considering the receiving terminal 120's access to the webpage P_WE via a redirection performed by device 141 (indirect access), and thus the processing method has been ultimately described. However, other implementations of the general method are not excluded, in which the receiving terminal 120 directly accesses the webpage P_WEB once the QR code is clicked. Such other implementations... Figure 4 The diagram is shown in a non-limiting manner, wherein steps F10 to F140 are the same as steps E10 to E140. Furthermore, as in... Figure 4 As can be seen, this general method then includes step F150 whereby the receiving terminal 120 directly accesses the webpage P_WEB (labeled "D_ACC CODE QR") after the QR code in the NEW_MES message has been clicked. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In this implementation, the receiving terminal 120 does not send a NOTIF notification. Of course, according to an alternative implementation, the NOTIF notification can be sent by the receiving terminal 120, as described in reference [reference needed]. Figure 3 As mentioned above, direct access to the webpage P_WEB is also allowed.

[0127] Generally, the present invention has been described so far by considering all the steps of the processing method implemented by the data processing device 141 of the service platform 140. That said, the present invention still covers other embodiments described herein.

[0128] Figure 5 Another specific implementation of the general method is represented in the form of a flowchart.

[0129] In this other embodiment, the message transmission platform 130 is considered to include a data processing device 131 referred to as "second data processing device 131", which is based on the above reference. Figure 2 The technical specifications described for the data processing device 141 (hereinafter referred to as "first data processing device 141") are similar to those in hardware and software configurations and belong to the service platform 140.

[0130] like Figure 5 As can be seen, once the message MES has been obtained by the sending terminal 110 (step G10), it is sent (step G20) to the second device 131, and the second device 131 receives the message MES (step G30). The second device 131 detects the QR code (step G40), decodes the access data C_CAR (step G50), verifies the security standard CRIT (step G60), generates the hyperlink HYP_L (step G70), and then sends the message NEW_MES (step G80) to the receiving terminal 120, and the receiving terminal 120 receives the message NEW_MES (step G90).

[0131] When a user clicks the QR code in the NEW_MES message (step G100), this triggers the sending of a first notification NOTIF_1 indicating that the QR code has been clicked to the second device 131 (step G110). The second device 131 receives the first notification NOTIF_1 (step G120) and increments a counter and / or timestamps the first notification NOTIF_1 (step G130). Figure 4 In the manner described in step E170, it should be noted that step G130 is optional and may be further implemented by the first device 141 instead of the second device 131.

[0132] The first notification NOTIF_1 is then sent (step G140) to the sending terminal 110, which receives the first notification NOTIF_1 (step G150). Furthermore, and as... Figure 5 As shown in a non-limiting manner, the second device 131 issues a second notification NOTIF_2 (step G160), which indicates that the electronic message MES has been modified by appending a hyperlink HYP_L to the QR code (i.e., after generating the hyperlink HYP_L as an interactive object). This second notification NOTIF_2 is sent from the second device 131 to the first device 141, which receives it (step G170) for example, to store it. Such a second notification NOTIF_2 allows, for example, monitoring the number of times messages containing graphic codes are modified by appending hyperlinks to these graphic codes.

[0133] Finally, the second device 131 redirects the receiving terminal 120 to the webpage P_WEB by using the URI address associated with the access data C_CAR (step G180).

[0134] It should be noted that the issuance of the second notification NOTIF_2 is described herein as occurring after the issuing terminal 110 receives the first notification NOTIF_1. However, this is not a limitation of the invention, as the second notification NOTIF_2 can be issued at any time once step G70 of generating the hyperlink HYP_L has been performed. Furthermore, the issuance of the second notification NOTIF_2 is also optional within the scope of this invention.

[0135] It should also be noted that the process has been described by considering the steps of detecting G40, decoding G50, verifying G60, and generating G70, which are implemented by the second device 131. Figure 5 However, it is not excluded that only a portion of these steps may be implemented by the second device 131, while the remaining steps may be implemented by the first device 141. For example, verification step G60 may be implemented by the first device 141.

[0136] Figure 6 This is another specific implementation of the general method, presented in the form of a flowchart. Figure 6 In this mode, steps H10 to H100 are the same as steps G10 to G100. Furthermore, from... Figure 6 As can be seen, the general method then includes step H110, whereby the receiving terminal 120 directly accesses the webpage P_WEB (marked "D_ACC CODE QR") after the QR code of the message NEW_MES has been clicked. Furthermore, in Figure 6 In this implementation, the first notification NOTIF_1 is not issued by the receiving terminal 120, which is different from the second notification NOTIF_2, which is issued by the second device 131 (step H120) and received by the first device 141 (step H130).

[0137] By considering that the steps of detection, decoding, verification, and hyperlink generation are implemented by the data processing devices of the service platform and / or the message transmission platform, it has been written... Figures 3 to 6 In other words, other methods are also conceivable, in which at least some of these steps (particularly the steps of detection, decoding, and hyperlink generation) are implemented by the sending terminal 110 or the receiving terminal 120, for example, by means of a software application whose code instructions are stored in the memory of the corresponding terminal.

[0138] Other such methods include, for example, in Figure 7 The diagram is shown in a non-limiting manner, wherein the detection (step S20), decoding (step S30), and generation (step S90) of the hyperlink HYP_L are performed by the issuing terminal 110. The verification of the standard CRIT (step S60) is performed by device 141 of the service platform 140 upon receiving (step S50) a notification NOTIF_3 (step S40) from the issuing terminal 110 requesting the verification, and it should be understood that once verification has been performed, device 141 issues a response REP_NOTIF_3 to the request (step S70). Of course, an alternative is conceivable in which the verification of the standard CRIT is performed by the messaging platform 130 (i.e., by a suitable processing device integrated into the messaging platform 130).

[0139] Furthermore, it should be understood that, at least regarding the detection, decoding, and generation of the hyperlink HYP_L, it is still possible to envision and implement these processes on the receiving terminal 120 side. Figure 7 Similar implementations are described herein. Such other implementations are not described in detail here because those skilled in the art can implement them based on all the technical considerations described so far.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, it has been considered that the generated interactive object is a hyperlink attached to the graphic code so that the graphic code is clickable. That is, within the meaning of this invention, the interactive object is not limited to a single hyperlink intended to be attached to the graphic code. In fact, the interactive object can also be an object of another nature, which is not intended to be attached to the graphic code, but is also incorporated / displayed in the electronic message in addition to the graphic code during the step of generating the other interactive object. As a non-limiting example, such other interactive objects can correspond to symbols, icons, images, photos, etc. Furthermore, it is not excluded that the electronic message not only has a clickable graphic code as described above, but also has such other interactive objects.

Claims

1. A method for processing an electronic message intended for a receiving terminal (120), the message including graphic code encoded data, referred to as "access data," representing access to computing resources, the method comprising the following steps: -Decode (E70) the accessed data, - Generate an (E90) interaction object in the electronic message based on the decoded access data, the interaction object being configured to provide access to the computing resources when interacting with the interaction object.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The interactive object is a hyperlink for accessing the computing resource. The hyperlink is generated to be attached to the graphic code, making the graphic code clickable to access the computing resource.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The graphic code is any of the following: QR code, mini QR code, barcode, or data matrix.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The access data represents a Uniform Resource Identifier configured to provide access to computing resources on the Internet network.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the following steps prior to generating the interactive object: - Verify (E80) the compliance of the computing resources described with security standards. - If the verification is not met, an alert message will be issued.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the following steps after sending the electronic message to the receiving terminal: -Receive a notification (E160) from the receiving terminal (120) indicating that an interaction has been performed with the interaction object. - Send the notification (E180) to the terminal (110) that sent the electronic message. - The receiving terminal is redirected (E220) to the computing resource by using the access data.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The step of sending (E120) the electronic message to the receiving terminal (120) after generating the interaction object.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of issuing a notification indicating that the electronic message has been modified after the interaction object was generated.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 8, further comprising: Upon receiving the notification, the steps of incrementing the counter and / or timestamping the notification are performed (E170).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The electronic message is an email, a multimedia messaging service, or a message exchanged on an instant messaging platform.

11. A computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, are used to implement at least the decoding and generation steps of the data processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A computer-readable recording medium having a computer program as claimed in claim 11 recorded thereon.

13. A data processing apparatus (131, 141) comprising means configured to implement at least the decoding and generation steps of the method for processing electronic messages according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. The device (131, 141) according to claim 13, wherein the device is integrated into any one of the following: -A service platform operated by telecommunications operators. - A messaging platform operated by a messaging service provider. -The terminal that sent the electronic message, -The receiving terminal to which the electronic message is intended.

15. The device (131, 141) according to claim 14, wherein, The entities operating the service platform and the messaging platform may be different or the same.

Images