Data management server

Abstract

To provide a technique of suitably utilizing or managing data collected in a data management server in a system for storing data provided from members in the data management server on a network.SOLUTION: A data management server 1 can store an image file 51 in a member folder 50 for each member and can set a rank to the stored image file 51. In addition, the server enables a facility to be searched for and a favorite facility to be registered for each member. Then, facility provision information can be sent from a facility registered as a favorite to the member. Further, by registering another member as a partner, the image file 51 stored in the member folder 50 can be shared. Further, a mail address of a contact destination can be grouped and registered in a contact file 53. Will data to be transmitted after death of the member can be stored in the member folder 50 in association with a specific mail address.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a technology for managing data provided by members.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to the development of video technology and communication technology, various video services using image files have been provided at events or ceremonies. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which image files provided in advance by users are stored in a server on the Internet and the image files stored in the server are used at a funeral when the user has passed away.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, due to recent technological advancements, facilities capable of providing video services across the country can use data stored in advance in a server on the network to perform customized ceremonies for each user. On the other hand, since various data provided by users are stored in the server for a long period of time, the amount of data becomes enormous, and the use and management of these data become problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A data management server made for solving the above-described problems is a data management server that manages information on facilities capable of providing video services and information on members who can use the facilities, The data management server has a function of registering a plurality of the facilities and a plurality of the members respectively, and a member folder which is a storage area for each registered member is provided. The data management server further stores the basic information of the member and the basic information of the facility. The basic information of the member includes first area information indicating a location and destination information indicating a communication address. The basic information of the facility includes second area information indicating a location and the types of video services that can be provided. The data management server further has, as functions available to the member, an image file management function, a facility search function, a partner function, and a contact management function. The facility has, as a function available to it, a function of transmitting facility-provided information. The data management server further In the image file management function, it is possible to receive an image file provided from member A who is the registered member, save the image file provided from member A in the member folder of member A, and further restrict access from outside member A to the image file stored in the member folder of member A. In the image file management function, it is further possible to set ranks for the plurality of image files stored in the member folder of member A, and it is also possible to receive a selection of the type of video service from member A. When a selection of the type of video service is received, extract the specified number of top-ranked image files according to the selected type of video service from the image files stored in the member folder of member A. The data management server further In the search function of the facility, it is possible to receive a selection of search conditions from the member A. When a search instruction is received with the search conditions selected, the facility that meets the selected search conditions is searched from the registered facilities. The search conditions can include information indicating a location and the type of video service. When the information indicating the location is selected in the search conditions, the facility that matches the selected location is extracted based on at least one of the first area information and the second area information. When the type of video service is selected in the search conditions, it is possible to extract the facilities that can provide the selected video service. In the search function of the facility, it is further possible to register at least one of the registered facilities as a favorite facility in association with the member A. The data management server further In the transmission function of the facility provision information, it is possible to receive the provision of the facility provision information from the facility X which is the registered facility. The facility provision information provided from the facility X can be transmitted to the member in which the facility X is registered as the favorite facility based on the destination information of the member. The data management server further In the partner function, it is possible to register the member B who is the registered member as a partner of the member A. When the member B is registered as a partner of the member A, it is possible to permit access from the member B to the image files stored in the member folder of the member A. In the partner function, further, when the member B is registered as a partner of the member A, it is possible to receive a notice of the death of the member A from the member B. When a notice of the death of the partner member A is received, the death of the member A of the receiving partner is registered. The data management server further In the contact management function, contact information indicating a communication address for contacting Member A can be registered in association with Member A. Further, the registered contact information can be classified into groups, and communication can be performed for each registered contact information or each group. In the contact management function, it is further possible to receive a will data provided from Member A, save the provided will data in the member folder of Member A, and further restrict access to the will data saved in the member folder of Member A from outside Member A. Further, it is possible to associate at least one of the will data and the registered contact information. When the death of Member A is registered, the will data in the member folder of Member A is transmitted based on the associated contact information. It is characterized by this.

[0006] According to the data management server disclosed in this specification, an image file available in a video service provided by a registered facility can be saved in a member folder in which access is restricted for each registered member. Therefore, the security of the image file can be ensured. Further, by setting a rank for the saved image files, even if a large number of image files are saved, the image files can be easily extracted according to the type of video service, so that the use of the saved image files can be promoted. Also, it is possible to search for facilities that meet the member's wishes, and further, by registering a favorite facility, the facility side can also send facility-provided information to the member. Also, by registering another member as a partner, the saved image files can be shared with the partner member. Also, by grouping and registering contact information, the contacts can be selected for each group. Also, the will data can be saved in the member folder in association with specific contact information, and after the member's death, the will data can be transmitted based on the specific contact information, and the will can be delivered to the other party of the contact.

[0007] A control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program for realizing the functions of the above-described apparatus are also novel and useful.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, in a system for storing data provided by members in a data management server on a network, a technology for suitably using or managing the data collected in the data management server is realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the data storage system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the data storage system according to the present embodiment, a plurality of facilities capable of providing video services and a plurality of members who can use the facilities can be registered respectively. In the data storage system according to the present embodiment, various data such as image files are received from members, and the provided various data are stored and managed by a data management server.

[0011] [Overall Configuration of Data Storage System] As shown in FIG. 1, the data storage system 100 disclosed in this specification has a data management server 1 capable of storing various data, and the data management server 1 is connected to a computer 2X of a facility 20X, a computer 2Y of a facility 20Y, a computer 3A of a member A, a computer 3B of a member B, and a computer 3C of a member C via a network 10 such as the Internet.

[0012] The facilities that can be registered in the data storage system 100 are installed all over the country, and the registered facilities are not limited to the two facilities 20X and 20Y, and may be three or more. The computers 2X and 2Y of each facility may be of the same model or different models, but they commonly have the configurations and functions necessary for using the data management server 1. In this specification, when a facility is not specified, it is described as "facility 20", and when a computer of a facility is not specified, it is described as "computer 2 of the facility".

[0013] The data management server 1 stores member information managed by an operating company that oversees facilities 20 across the country and is capable of communicating with computers 2 of facilities across the country. In addition, the data management server 1 has a function as a web server, and data can be transferred to devices other than the facility's computer 2 via web pages provided by the web server. Therefore, for example, if members A, B, and C are registered as members of a facility (hereinafter, facility members are simply referred to as "members"), and the personal computers (PCs) owned by each member are connected to network 10, the PCs 3A, 3B, and 3C of each member can transfer necessary data. Note that in this specification, when not specifying the member's PC, it is described as "member's PC3". Also, the type of device for each member to access the data management server 1 is not limited to a PC, and any device capable of displaying a web page may be used, such as a smartphone.

[0014] [Detailed Configuration of Facility and Data Management Server] Subsequently, the detailed configuration of the facility 20 capable of providing a video service and the data management server 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 2.

[0015] [Facility Capable of Providing Video Service] As shown in FIG. 2, in facility 20, in addition to the facility's computer 2, a projector 91, a display 92, and a speaker 93 are installed. The projector 91, the display 92, and the speaker 93 are not limited to one each, and a plurality of units may be installed. Also, the facility's computer 2 is not limited to one computer, and may be configured by a plurality of computers.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows an example of a funeral hall which is a ceremony venue in the facility 20. In the facility 20, various video services can be provided, and a ceremony venue for providing video services is prepared. The ceremony venue shown in FIG. 3 is provided with a projection space 90 for projecting a 3D hologram, and a 3D video 91P is projected from a projector 91 onto the projection space 90. And, in the ceremony venue, a place for participants to sit is provided so as to surround the projection space 90.

[0017] In addition, on the wall surface surrounding the projection space 90 in the ceremony venue, flat displays 92A, 92B, 92C, 92D, 92E corresponding to digital signage are arranged. The flat displays 92A, 92B, 92C, 92D, 92E are not limited to five, and may be one, or a plurality other than five. Each of the flat displays 92A, 92B, 92C, 92D, 92E may be of the same model or different models, but they commonly have the necessary configurations and functions for constituting the data storage system 100. In this specification, when not specifying the display, it is described as "display 92".

[0018] Note that the image displayed by the projector 91 is not limited to a 3D hologram, and may be, for example, a video by projection mapping. In this case, in the ceremony venue, for example, a three-dimensional object to be projected is placed, and a mapping image is projected from the projector 91 onto the three-dimensional object. Also, it may be a video (such as a moving image or a slide show) displayed on a screen. Also, the display 92 is not limited to one corresponding to digital signage, and may be, for example, for displaying image data serving as a posthumous portrait. That is, various image display means can be installed in the facility 20, and the video services that can be provided vary from facility to facility.

[0019] [Data Management Server] As shown in FIG. 2, the data management server 1 includes a controller 19 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12, a user interface (hereinafter, the interface is referred to as "IF") 13, and a communication IF 14, and these are electrically connected to the controller 19. Note that the controller 19 in FIG. 2 is a general term for the hardware and software used for the control of the data management server 1, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware actually existing in the data management server 1.

[0020] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program read from the memory 12 and based on the operations of the operator. The memory 12 stores various programs including an operating system (OS) and various data. The buffer included in the CPU 11 is also an example of a memory. An example of the memory 12 is not limited to a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, etc. built in the data management server 1, and may be a storage medium readable and writable by the CPU 11.

[0021] Specifically, in the memory 12 of the data management server 1, a member folder serving as a storage area for various data is provided for each member. For example, when members A, B, and C are registered, as shown in FIG. 2, a member folder 50A for member A, a member folder 50B for member B, and a member folder 50C for member C are provided respectively. Note that in this specification, when a member is not specified for a member folder, it is described as "member folder 50". The data management server 1 can restrict access to the member folder 50A from other than the account of member A. For other member folders 50, access can be restricted from other than the account of the member corresponding to that member folder 50. Note that the administrator of the data management server 1 may be exempted from such restrictions.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, the member folder 50 can store, for example, an image file 51, ranking data 52, contact file 53, request memo 54, will file 55, confidential data 56, comment data 57, sharing setting data 58, and public setting data 59. These data may be stored together in one member folder 50, or folders may be further provided for each type of the above-described data within the member folder 50, and the data may be stored in each folder according to the type of data.

[0023] The image file 51 may be data that can be used in the video service provided by the facility 20, that is, data that can be displayed by the projector 91 or the display 92 installed in the facility 20, and may be a still image file or a moving image file. The member folder 50 can store a plurality of image files 51. A member can store, for example, image files at milestones in life such as Shichigosan (a traditional Japanese festival for children aged three, five, and seven), entrance ceremony, graduation ceremony, wedding ceremony, childbirth, and jubilee, in the member folder of that member. Also, the image file 51 may be an image file specially taken in the photography studio of the facility 20.

[0024] The ranking data 52 is data in which the priorities (ranks) of a plurality of image files 51 stored in the member folder 50 are recorded, and the order is set by the member. In this embodiment, it is text data in which file names are listed in descending order of priority, separated by line breaks or commas.

[0025] The contact file 53 is a file in which the addresses of the participants invited to ceremonies such as wedding banquets, memorial parties, funerals, reunions, etc. are registered. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the contact file 53 can include contact records 530A for contact partner A, contact records 530B for contact partner B, contact records 530C for contact partner C, contact records 530D for contact partner D, and the like, i.e., contact records 530 for each contact partner. Each contact record 530 includes a contact ID, name, address, mobile phone number, and email address. The contact ID is information for identifying the contact record. Note that it is not necessary to enter all of the address, mobile phone number, and email address, and at least one of them may be entered. Note that among the contact records, the email address is an example of contact information.

[0026] In addition, the contact file 53 can include contact groups 531 such as contact group 531A and contact group 531B, which can register a plurality of contacts. Each contact group 531 includes at least one contact ID that is a member of the group, in addition to the group ID. The group ID is information for identifying the group. The contact IDs included in the contact group indicate the contact IDs included in the contact record 530.

[0027] The request memo 54 is data for recording wishes regarding ceremonies. The request memo 54 is, for example, a text file, but there are no restrictions on the file format or the content described. The member folder 50 can store a plurality of request memos 54. The request memo 54 is an example of request data.

[0028] The will file 55 is data whose access from outside the member's own account is restricted, and is a file in which will data to be automatically transmitted to a designated recipient after the member's death is registered. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the will file 55 can include a will record 550 for each will data such as a will record 550A for contact partner A and a will record 550B for contact partner B. Each will record includes a will ID, will data, and recipient information. The will ID is information for identifying the will record 550. The will data is data indicating a message, photo, video to be conveyed after death, or data used for video services such as 3D hologram data. Note that the will data may be data indicating the file itself to be transmitted, or a URL or QR code indicating the storage destination of the file. For example, if it is a QR code storing the storage destination of 3D hologram data, the facility can provide a video service based on the 3D hologram data by having the QR code read by a reader in the facility. The will data included in one will record 550 may be one or a plurality. The recipient information indicates the contact ID included in the contact record 530 or the group ID included in the contact group 531. The recipient information included in one will record 550 may also be one or a plurality.

[0029] The confidential data 56 is data whose access from outside the member's own account is restricted, and is data automatically transmitted to a member registered as a partner after the member's death is registered. The member folder 50 can store a plurality of confidential data 56. The member can store highly confidential personal information, such as a bank account number, a securities number, a PIN number of a cash card, Internet account information, and various other passwords, as the confidential data 56 in the member's folder.

[0030] Comment data 57 is data for attaching comments or titles to individual image files 51 stored in the member folder 50. The comment content and each individual image file 51 are associated with the comment data 57.

[0031] Sharing setting data 58 is data that stores sharing settings for whether to share the image files 51, ranking data 52, contact files 53, request memos 54, and comment data 57 stored in the member folder 50 with members registered as partners. For the image files 51, the sharing setting may target all the image files 51 stored in the member folder 50, or may be set for each individual image file 51. Similarly, for the contact files 53, the sharing setting may target all the contact records 530 registered in the contact file 53, or may be set for each individual contact record 530. For the request memos 54, the sharing setting may target all the request memos 54 stored in the member folder 50, or may be set for each individual request memo 54.

[0032] Publication setting data 59 is data that stores publication settings for whether to publish the image files 51 stored in the member folder 50 to third parties after the death of the member. The publication setting may target all the image files 51 stored in the member folder 50, or may be set for each individual image file 51.

[0033] Returning to the description of FIG. 2, in the memory 12 of the data management server 1, in addition to the member folder 50 with access restricted for each member as a storage area for various data, a public folder 40 with unrestricted access compared to the member folder 50 is provided. The public folder 60 can be accessed if logged in to the data management server 1 with the member's account. Note that it may also be accessible via a browser from a computer capable of accessing the data management server 1 without the need to be logged in with the member's account.

[0034] In addition, in the memory 12 of the data management server 1, a member database (hereinafter, the database is referred to as "DB") 70 for storing basic information of members and a facility DB 80 for storing basic information of facilities are stored.

[0035] The member DB 70 is a file in which member records 71 for each member are registered. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the member DB 70 can include member records 71 for each member such as a member record 71A of member A, a member record 71B of member B, and a member record 71C of member C.

[0036] Each member record 71 includes basic information and usage information of the member. The basic information of the member includes a member ID, name, date of birth, gender, residential area, address, mobile phone number, email address, and payment method. The basic information of the member is information that needs to be input at the time of member registration. The member ID is information for identifying the member record. The residential area is information indicating an area divided by prefectures, cities, towns, villages, etc. The residential area may be automatically set from the input address. Note that it is not necessary to input all of the address, mobile phone number, and email address, and at least one of them may be input. The residential area of the member record 71 is an example of the first area information. The email address of the member record 71 is an example of the destination information.

[0037] The usage information is information that is appropriately input after the member registers, and includes partner members, sharing settings, favorite facilities, and selected video services. A member can register another member as a partner. In the initial setting, no partner is registered, and "no partner" is stored in the partner member item. Furthermore, it is possible to set whether to share various information in the member record 71 with the partner member. The role of the partner member will be described later. The sharing setting may be for all the data written in the member record 71, or may be set for individual data.

[0038] In addition, a member can register at least one of the registered facilities as a favorite facility. The favorite facility included in the usage information is an example of favorite information. In the initial setting, no favorite facility is registered, and "no favorite facility" is stored in the item of the favorite facility. The role of the favorite facility will be described later. Also, a member can select one from among a plurality of types of video services and register the selected type of video service as the selected video service. Examples of the types of video services include projection mapping, 3D hologram, posthumous photo, slide show, digital signage. The role of the selected video service will be described later.

[0039] The facility DB80 is a file in which facility records 81 for each facility are registered. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, the facility DB80 can include a plurality of facility records 81 such as the facility record 81X of facility X and the facility record 81Y of facility Y.

[0040] Each facility record 81 includes basic information of the facility. The basic information of the facility includes a facility ID, name, residence area, address, telephone number, email address, URL of the homepage (HP), and types of video services that can be provided. The basic information of the facility is information that needs to be input when registering the facility. The facility ID is information for identifying the facility record. The residence area is information indicating an area divided by prefectures, municipalities, etc., similar to the residence area of the member record 71. The residence area may be automatically set from the entered address. Note that it is not necessary to input all of the address, telephone number, email address, and HP URL. At least one of them may be input. The residence area of the facility record 81 is an example of the second area information.

[0041] In addition, the memory 12 of the data management server 1 stores a web program 61 that functions as a web server and provides web pages. Members can display the web pages from the browser incorporated in their member PCs 3 and log in to the data management server 1 from the web pages, thereby enabling access to the member folder 50 corresponding to the logged-in user with the authority of the logged-in user. Then, via the web pages, for example, provision of new data (image file 51, contact record 530, request memo 54, will record 550, confidential data 56), deletion of existing data, and editing of existing data (member record 71, ranking data 52, comment data 57, sharing setting data 58, public setting data 59) become possible. Also, members can, via the web pages, for example, register or cancel partner members, register or cancel favorite facilities, and select or cancel video services. On the other hand, members cannot access the member folders 50 of other members. Also, non-members cannot access the member folders 50. Also, non-members can be registered as new members by inputting necessary information via the web pages provided by the web program 61, and when registered as new members, member folders 50 for the new members are created.

[0042] Note that when it is said in this specification that a member can access a member folder or data in the member folder, it means that when logging in with the account of that member, access to that member folder or the data in the member folder is possible.

[0043] The user interface 13 includes, for example, a touch panel, which is hardware for displaying a screen for notifying the user of information, and hardware for receiving operations by the user. Note that the user interface 13 may be a combination of a display and an operation unit such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0044] The communication IF14 includes hardware for communicating with external devices such as the facility computer 2 and the member's PC3 via the network 10. The communication standards of the communication IF14 are Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. The data management server 1 may be provided with a plurality of communication IF14s corresponding to a plurality of communication standards.

[0045] Note that the data management server 1 may be composed of one computer or may be composed of a plurality of computers. For example, for each function of the data management server 1 described later, it may be configured to be executed by different computers. Also, the computer that executes the functions of the data management server 1 and the storage that stores the files or data provided by the members may be separate devices.

[0046] [Functions of the Data Management Server] Next, the functions of the data management server 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the functions of the data management server 1 include a member-oriented function 30 and a facility-oriented function 40. Each function is realized by the CPU 11 executing based on instructions from the member's PC3 or the facility computer 2.

[0047] Specifically, as a member-oriented function 30, the data management server 1 has an image file management function 31, a facility search function 32, a contact management function 33, a confidential information management function 34, a request memo management function 35, and a partner function 36. As a facility-oriented function 40, it has a facility-provided information transmission function 41 and a member information browsing function 42. Each function will be described below. In the following description, it is assumed that member A, member B, and member C are registered as members, facility X and facility Y are registered as facilities, member A and member B are registered as partner members with each other, and member C has no partner registered.

[0048] [Image File Management Function] The image file management function 31, which is a function 30 for members, will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The image file management function 31 is a function for managing the image files 51 provided by members.

[0049] When the data management server 1 is logged in with the account of member A from the PC 3A, the web program 61 can provide the PC 3A with a web page for uploading the image file 51. The PC 3A displays the web page with a browser and accepts the selection of the image file 51 to be uploaded and the upload instruction. Then, in response to receiving the upload instruction with the image file 51 to be uploaded selected, the PC 3A uploads the selected image file 51 to the data management server 1. When the image file 51 is uploaded from the PC 3A, the data management server 1 stores the image file 51 in the member folder 50A for member A who is the logged-in user. Note that folders may be created in the member folder 50 for each type of video service, and the image files 51 may be stored for each type of video service.

[0050] Also, when the data management server 1 is logged in with the account of member A from the PC 3A, the web program 61 can provide the PC 3A with a web page for displaying a list of the image files 51 stored in the member folder 50A for member A. The PC 3A displays the web page with a browser and accepts the selection of the image file 51 and the delete instruction or download instruction. Then, in response to the delete instruction being input with one or more image files 51 selected, the data management server 1 deletes the selected image files 51 from the member folder 50A for member A. Also, in response to the download instruction being input with one or more image files 51 selected, the data management server 1 transmits the selected image files 51 to the PC 3 of member A.

[0051] In addition, when logged in from PC3A using the account of member A, the data management server 1 can provide a web page for editing the ranking data 52 to PC3A by means of the web program 61. PC3A displays the web page using a browser and accepts the editing of the ranking data 52, that is, the setting of the ranking. For example, it accepts the selection of the image file 51 for which the ranking is to be set from among the image files 51 stored in the member folder 50A for member A, and accepts the setting of the ranking for the selected image file 51. Then, in response to the ranking for the selected image file 51 being set, the data management server 1 stores the ranking data 52 with the edited ranking stored therein in the member folder 50A for member A, who is the logged-in user.

[0052] Note that it is not necessary to set the ranking for all the image files 51 stored in the member folder 50. The ranking may be set only for the image files 51 with a higher priority among the image files 51 stored in the member folder 50A for member A. For example, member A selects 20 image files 51, sets the ranking from 1st to 20th for those 20 image files 51, and stores the setting result as the ranking data 52 in the member folder 50A for member A.

[0053] In addition, when logged in from PC3A using the account of member A, the data management server 1 can provide a web page for selecting the type of video service to PC3A by means of the web program 61. PC3A displays the web page using a browser and accepts the selection and setting instruction of the type of video service. Then, in response to the setting instruction being input with the type of video service selected, the data management server 1 refers to the member DB70 and writes the selected type of video service to the member record 71A of member A.

[0054] Also, when member A sets the ranking of image file 51 and selects the type of video service, data management server 1 can create a preview file corresponding to the selected video service, which is the selected video service, and web program 61 can provide a web page for receiving an instruction to create the preview file to PC3A. Then, when receiving an instruction to create a preview file, data management server 1 creates the preview file and provides the created preview file to PC3A. The creation of the preview file may be requested from the facility or the production company of the video service by data management server 1, and the preview file may be received from the facility or the production company. Then, data management server 1 may transmit the created preview file to PC3A, or web program 61 may provide a web page capable of playing the created preview file.

[0055] The type or number of image files 51 used for the preview file varies depending on the type of video service. For example, if the selected video service is a posthumous photo, the image file 51 used is one photo file. Therefore, data management server 1 extracts the photo file with the highest priority from member folder 50A of member A based on ranking data 52, and creates a preview file using the extracted photo file. Also, if the selected video service is a slide show, 3D hologram, or digital signage, multiple image files 51 can be used, and both photo files and video files can be used. Therefore, data management server 1 extracts a predetermined number of top-ranked image files 51 based on ranking data 52 in advance according to the type of video service, and creates a preview file using the extracted image files 51. When requesting a facility or a production company of a video service to create a preview file, the extracted image files 51 are passed to the facility or the production company of the video service.

[0056] Also, when member A sets the ranking of the image file 51 and selects the type of video service, the data management server 1 becomes able to accept a request to create a selected video service, which is the selected video service, and the web program 61 can provide a web page for the PC 3A to accept the request to create the selected video service. And when accepting the request to create the selected video service, the data management server 1 produces the video service. The production of the video service, similar to the preview file, may be requested by the data management server 1 from the facility or the video service production company, and the facility or the production company may produce it. When requesting the video service production company to produce the video service, the extracted image file 51 is passed to the facility or the video service production company.

[0057] When there is a request to create a preview file or a request to produce a video service from the data management server 1, the video service production company or the facility operating company uses the passed image file 51 to create the data necessary for the implementation of the preview file or the video service. For example, in the case of a request to produce projection mapping, the required number of image files 51 are received according to the mapping target, and the image files 51 are used to create the data for the production in the projection mapping.

[0058] Note that the request to produce the video service can also be made from member B, who is a partner member, or from the facility, in addition to member A. Therefore, for example, after the death of member A, a video service that uses the image file 51 stored in the member folder 50A of member A, such as a video service used at the funeral of member A, can be requested from the partner member or the facility.

[0059] Also, when extracting the image file 51, the data management server 1 refers to the comment data 57 and extracts the comment if a comment is attached to the extracted image file 51. Thereby, the comment can also be reflected in the data necessary for the implementation of the preview file or the video service.

[0060] In addition, when the data management server 1 is logged in with the account of member B from PC3B and the image file 51 permitted to be shared by member A who is registered as a partner exists in the member folder 50A for member A, the data management server 1 can provide, to PC3B, a web page for viewing the image file 51 by means of the web program 61. On the other hand, when logged in with the account of member C from PC3C, the data management server 1 does not provide a web page for viewing the image file 51 stored in the member folder 50A for member A to PC3C. That is, with respect to the image file 51 stored in the member folder 50A for member A, if sharing is permitted, the data management server 1 permits viewing from member B who is registered as a partner member, but does not permit viewing from member B when sharing is not permitted or from member C who is not a partner member.

[0061] In addition, when the death of member A is registered, the data management server 1 refers to the public setting data 59 and stores the image files 51 set to be published in the public folder 60. At this time, the original image file 51 stored in the member folder 50A for member A may be deleted from the member folder 50A for member A, or may be left as it is. The public folder 60 may or may not be further folder-divided for each member. Also, when comment data 57 is associated with the image file 51 stored in the public folder 60, the comment data 57 may also be stored in the public folder 60.

[0062] With this image file management function 31, the image file 51 provided by member A can be saved in the member folder 50A of member A, and by further restricting access to the image file 51 from outside member A, the image file 51 can be appropriately managed. Also, by being able to set a rank for the image files 51 stored in the member folder 50, even if a large number of image files 51 are stored, the number of image files 51 corresponding to the type of video service can be easily extracted. For example, after the death of member A, when a close relative of member A (such as a member registered as a partner) needs to gather image files such as photos at the funeral of member A, the fact that a rank is set for the image file 51 provided by member A increases the possibility of implementing a video service that meets the wishes of member A. Also, for the image files 51 for which public access is set, after the death of the member is registered, they are saved in the public folder 60, and by publicly releasing the image files 51 of that member so that they can be freely viewed, it is possible to provide an opportunity for non-members to more easily and deeply understand the life of the member.

[0063] Also, with this image file management function 31, members can store image data representing various scenes (such as weddings and graduations) and important items (souvenirs and hobbies) in their lifetime in the data management server 1, and can read out that image data to their own computer at any time to reproduce that scene, so that many memories can be left, and it can become a service for the end-of-life activities of members in their old age. Also, in the facility 20, by reading out the image file 51 according to the ranking data 52, it is also possible to realize an environment like a personal museum for members. Also, the image files 51 provided by members are centrally managed by the data management server 1. Therefore, the image file 51 can be read out from anywhere in the country and can be used for the video services provided by the facility 20.

[0064] [Facility search function, facility-provided information transmission function, and member information viewing function] The facility search function 32, which is a function for members, and the facility-provided information transmission function 41 and member information viewing function 42, which are functions for facilities, will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The facility search function 32 is a function for members to search for facilities and obtain facility information. The facility-provided information transmission function 41 is a function for facilities to issue facility-provided information to members. The member information viewing function 42 is a function for facilities to view a part of the members' information.

[0065] When the data management server 1 is logged in with the account of member A from the PC 3A, the web program 61 can provide a web page for searching for facilities to the PC 3A. The PC 3A displays the web page by the browser and accepts the search conditions for the facilities. Examples of the search conditions for the facilities include "any residence area", "video service", and "near the member". For example, if the search condition is "any residence area", the facilities in the residence area selected by the member are searched. If the search condition is "video service", the facilities that can provide the video service selected by the member are searched. If the search condition is "near the member", the facilities whose residence area is the same as the member's residential area are searched. A combination of multiple search conditions may be used. When the search conditions are input from the PC 3A, the data management server 1 refers to the facility DB 80, extracts the facilities that match the search conditions, and provides a web page for displaying the extraction results. The PC 3A displays the web page by the browser.

[0066] The search results of the facilities include the basic information of the facilities (name, address, telephone number, etc.), the types of video services that can be provided at the facilities, and the URL of the homepage. By the PC 3A displaying these information, the members can know the details of the facilities.

[0067] In addition, when the data management server 1 is logged in with the account of member A from PC3A, the web program 61 can provide a web page for registering favorite facilities to PC3A. PC3A displays the web page with a browser and accepts the selection of a facility to be a favorite facility from the facilities registered in the facility DB80. When a registration instruction is input with one of the facilities selected from PC3A, the data management server 1 writes the selected facility as a favorite facility to the member record 71A of member A in the member DB70. Also, the facility registered as a favorite facility in the member record 71A of member A is not limited to one, and a plurality of facilities may be registered as favorite facilities. If a favorite facility is already registered in the member record 71A of member A, the selected facility may be overwritten or registered as another favorite facility. Further, the data management server 1 may have a function of canceling the registration of the favorite facility when the favorite facility is already registered.

[0068] When the data management server 1 is logged in with the account of facility X from the computer 2X of facility X, the web program 61 can provide a web page for uploading facility offering information to the computer 2X. The computer 2X displays the web page with a browser and accepts the selection and issuance instruction of the facility offering information to be uploaded. The computer 2X can create facility offering information for notifying and advertising events held by the facility, etc., and in response to receiving the transmission instruction of the facility offering information with one of the created facility offering information selected, uploads the selected facility offering information to the data management server 1.

[0069] When the facility offering information is uploaded from the computer 2X, the data management server 1 refers to the member DB70 and transmits the facility offering information to the email addresses of the members who have favorited facility X.

[0070] Note that the recipients of the facility-provided information are not limited to the members who have registered their favorites. For example, members in the same residential area as the location area of Facility X may be used as the recipients. Also, it may be possible to select whether the recipients of the facility-provided information are the members who have registered their favorites or the members in the same residential area.

[0071] In addition, the data management server 1 manages whether to permit a facility to view member information such as the personal information of members stored in the member DB 70 and the files stored in the member folder 50 for each member. For example, when logging in with the account of Facility X from the computer 2X of Facility X, the data management server 1 permits the computer 2X to view the date of birth, age, gender, and selected video service among the personal information of the members in the same residential area as Facility X. As a result, Facility X can use this information for marketing. However, since the name and address are not disclosed, individuals cannot be identified. Also, for the members who have registered Facility X as their favorite, the data management server 1 permits viewing of the name, date of birth, age, gender, address, phone number, email address, and selected video service among the personal information of the members, and further permits viewing of the request memo 54 among the files stored in the member folder 50 of the member. For the members who have registered Facility X as their favorite, since the name and address are disclosed, Facility X can identify individuals. As a result, Facility X can use this information to propose a suitable video service to each individual member who has registered their favorite. Note that for the request memo 54, viewing may be permitted even for facilities that have not been registered as a favorite. Alternatively, a setting for permitting or not permitting viewing of the request memo 54 may be accepted, and if viewing is permitted, viewing may also be permitted for the facility.

[0072] In addition, when a member A who logs in with the account of member B from PC3B and is registered as a partner permits the sharing of their favorite facilities, the data management server 1 can provide, to PC3B, a web page for viewing the information of member A's favorite facilities, through the web program 61. On the other hand, when logging in with the account of member C from PC3C, the data management server 1 does not provide a web page for viewing the information of member A's favorite facilities to PC3C. That is, regarding the information of member A's favorite facilities, the data management server 1 permits viewing by member B who is registered as a partner member if sharing is permitted, but does not permit viewing by member B when sharing is not permitted or by member C who is not a partner member.

[0073] With this facility search function 32, members can easily select facilities suitable for the video services they desire. Also, with the facility offering information transmission function 41, facilities can transmit facility offering information to members who are likely to request video services, and members can obtain facility offering information from facilities where they are likely to request video services. Further, with the member information viewing function 42, facilities can conduct appropriate marketing activities.

[0074] [Contact Management Function] The contact management function 33, which is a function for members 30, will be described with reference to FIG. 12. The contact management function 33 is a function for managing information indicating the contacts provided by members.

[0075] When the data management server 1 is logged in with the account of member A from the PC 3A, the web program 61 can provide the PC 3A with a web page for editing the contact file 53. The PC 3A displays the web page with a browser and accepts editing of the contact file 53, that is, registration of a new contact record 530, editing or deletion of an existing contact record 530. When there is an instruction regarding editing of the contact file 53 from the PC 3A, the data management server 1 updates the contact file 53 according to the instruction.

[0076] Also, when the data management server 1 is logged in with the account of member A from the PC 3A, the web program 61 can provide the PC 3A with a web page for sending an email. The PC 3A displays the web page with a browser and accepts input of the content to be sent by email and selection of the recipient. The recipient accepts selection from among the contact records 530 registered in the contact file 53. Multiple recipients may be selected. Also, as the recipient, in addition to individual contact records 530, a contact group 531 can also be selected. Then, in response to acceptance of input of the content to be sent by email and selection of the recipient on the web page, the data management server 1 sends an email of the input content to the selected recipient. On the recipient's computer, when the email is received, the content can be displayed by an application program such as a mailer.

[0077] Also, when the data management server 1 is logged in with the account of member A from the PC 3A, the web program 61 can provide the PC 3A with a web page for editing the will file 55. The PC 3A displays the web page with a browser and accepts editing of the will file 55, that is, registration of a new will record 550, editing or deletion of an existing will record 550. When there is an instruction regarding editing of the will file 55 from the PC 3A, the data management server 1 updates the will file 55 according to the instruction.

[0078] In addition, when the death of member A is registered, the data management server 1 refers to the will file 55 and automatically sends an email containing the will data to the designated destination according to the content registered in each will record 550. On the computer of the contact indicated in the destination, when the email is received, the transmission content can be displayed by an application program such as a mailer.

[0079] Also, when logged in with the account of member B from PC3B and when the contact record 530 registered as a partner and permitted to be shared by member A is in the contact file 53 of member A, the data management server 1 can provide a web page for viewing the contact record 530 to PC3B through the web program 61. On the other hand, when logged in with the account of member C from PC3C, the data management server 1 does not provide a web page for viewing the contact record 530 of the contact file 53 of member A to PC3C. That is, for the contact record 530 of the contact file 53 of member A, if sharing is permitted, the data management server 1 permits viewing from member B registered as a partner member, but does not permit viewing from member B when sharing is not permitted or from member C who is not a partner member.

[0080] Note that the transmission method when sending messages and data from the data management server 1 is not limited to email, and for example, short messages or various messenger services may be used.

[0081] With this contact management function 33, the contact file 53 of member A can be edited, and by restricting access to the contact record 530 of the contact file 53 of member A from outside member A, the image file can be appropriately managed. In addition, by registering the will data in advance and sending the will data to the designated destination in advance after the death of member A, messages and the like that need to be conveyed after death can be sent.

[0082] [Confidential Information Management Function] The confidential information management function 34, which is a function 30 for members, will be described with reference to FIG. 13. The confidential information management function 34 is a function for managing confidential data 56 provided by members.

[0083] When logged in with the account of member A from PC3A, the data management server 1 can provide a web page for uploading confidential data 56 to PC3A by means of web program 61. PC3A displays the web page with a browser and accepts the selection of a file to be saved as confidential data 56. Then, in response to receiving an upload instruction, PC3A uploads the selected file to the data management server 1. When the file is uploaded from PC3A, the data management server 1 saves the file as confidential data 56 in the member folder 50A for member A.

[0084] Also, when logged in with the account of member A from PC3A, the data management server 1 can provide a web page for displaying a list of the confidential data 56 saved in the member folder 50A for member A to PC3A by means of web program 61. PC3A displays the web page with a browser and accepts the selection of the confidential data 56 to be deleted. Then, in response to a delete instruction being input on the web page, the data management server 1 deletes the selected confidential data 56 from the member folder 50A for member A.

[0085] Also, when the death of member A is registered, the data management server 1 automatically sends an email containing the confidential data 56 to member B registered as a partner. On the PC3B of member B, the confidential data 56 can be received by receiving the email.

[0086] Note that the confidential data 56 only needs to be viewable by Member B, who is the partner of Member A, after the death of Member A. The data management server 1 does not send the confidential data 56 via email. Instead, for example, it sends the URL of the storage location of the confidential data 56. When there is an access to that URL while logged in with Member B's account from PC3B, the confidential data 56 may be made viewable. Also, after the death of Member A is registered, the data management server 1 may notify Member B, who is the partner of Member A, by email or the like that there is confidential data 56 and may not restrict Member B's access to the confidential data 56.

[0087] With this confidential information management function 34, the confidential data 56 provided by Member A can be stored, and furthermore, the confidential data 56 can be appropriately managed by restricting access to the confidential data 56 from outside Member A. Further, after the death of Member A, by automatically sending the confidential data 56 to Member B, who is registered as the partner, Member B can use the confidential data 56 for post - death arrangements.

[0088] [Request Memo Management Function] The request memo management function 35, which is a function 30 for members, will be described with reference to FIG. 14. The request memo management function 35 is a function for managing the request memo 54 provided by members.

[0089] When logged in with Member A's account from PC3A, the data management server 1 can provide, via the web program 61, a web page for uploading the request memo 54 to PC3A. PC3A displays the web page with a browser and accepts the selection of a file to be saved as the request memo 54. Then, in response to receiving an upload instruction, PC3A uploads the selected file to the data management server 1. When the file is uploaded from PC3A, the data management server 1 saves the file as the request memo 54 in the member folder 50A for Member A.

[0090] Also, when logged in with the account of Member A from PC3A, the data management server 1 can provide, to PC3A, a web page for displaying a list of request memos 54 stored in the member folder 50A for Member A by means of a web program 61. PC3A displays the web page using a browser and accepts the selection of the request memo 54 to be deleted. Then, in response to the deletion instruction being input on the web page, the data management server 1 deletes the selected request memo 54 from the member folder 50A for Member A.

[0091] Also, when logged in with the account of Member B from PC3B and when the request memo 54 stored in the member folder 50A for Member A, for which Member A, who is registered as a partner, has permitted sharing, the data management server 1 can provide, to PC3B, a web page for viewing the request memo 54 by means of a web program 61. On the other hand, when logged in with the account of Member C from PC3C, the data management server 1 does not provide, to PC3C, a web page for viewing the request memo 54 stored in the member folder 50A for Member A. That is, with respect to the request memo 54 stored in the member folder 50A for Member A, the data management server 1 permits viewing from Member B, who is registered as a partner member, if sharing is permitted, but does not permit viewing from Member B when sharing is not permitted or from Member C, who is not a partner member.

[0092] In addition, when the data management server 1 is logged in with the account of Facility X from the computer 2X of Facility X, and a request memo 54 that member A has logged in with the account of Facility X, registered Facility X as a favorite facility, and permitted sharing is in the member folder 50A for member A, the web program 61 can provide the computer 2X with a web page for viewing the request memo 54. On the other hand, when the data management server 1 is logged in with the account of Facility Y from the computer 2Y of Facility Y, the data management server 1 does not provide the computer 2Y with a web page for viewing the request memo 54 stored in the member folder 50A for member A. That is, with respect to the request memo 54 stored in the member folder 50A for member A, if sharing is permitted, the data management server 1 permits viewing from Facility X registered as a favorite facility, but does not permit viewing from Facility Y which is not a favorite facility.

[0093] With this request memo management function 35, the request memo 54 provided by member A can be saved, and further, the request memo 54 can be appropriately managed by limiting access to the request memo 54 to member A or member A's partner or member A's favorite facility. For example, since a partner member can view the request memo 54, the requests of member A can be shared with the partner member. Also, since a favorite facility can view the request memo 54, the facility can customize the video service to meet the requests of member A.

[0094] [Partner Function] As an explanation of the partner function 36 which is a function 30 for members, the flow of data stored in the member folder 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 15. The partner function 36 is a function for sharing the data stored in the member folder 50 with members registered as partners.

[0095] In order for member A to register member B as a partner, first, member A and member B must each perform their own membership registration (P1). Specifically, by accessing the data management server 1 from each member's PC 3, requesting membership registration, and inputting basic information into the data management server 1, the member record 71 of that member is registered in the member DB 70, and the membership registration is completed. As a result, a member folder 50 is provided for each of member A and member B in the data management server 1, enabling the upload of various files or data such as image files 51.

[0096] Next, member A sends an invitation email to member B to become a partner (P3). Based on this invitation email, when member B approves to become a partner (P4), member B is registered as a partner of member A. Specifically, by inputting a command to apply for member B to be a partner to the data management server 1 from member A's PC 3A, an invitation email is sent from the data management server 1 to member B. This invitation email incorporates a link to input a command to approve or not approve to become a partner of member A. When an approval command is input, member B is registered as a partner of member A, and when a non-approval command is input, member B is not registered as a partner of member A. Also, when a command to approve or not approve is input from member B, an email indicating the result is sent to member A.

[0097] Note that when member B is registered as a partner of member A, member A may be automatically registered as a partner of member B, or member B may be queried whether member A is a partner or not, and a decision may be made whether to register according to the result.

[0098] When the registration of the partner is completed, among the image file 51, ranking data 52, contact file 53, and request memo 54 that have been uploaded (P5) from Member A and stored in the folder 50 for Member A, those for which sharing is permitted will be viewable by Member B (P6). Also, among the member record 71A of Member A, those for which sharing is permitted will be viewable by Member B (P6).

[0099] In addition, separately from the partner function 36, a part of the basic information of Member A can also be viewed from the computer 2X of Facility X (P7). Also, when Facility X is registered by Member A as a favorite facility, the request memo 54 stored in the folder 50 for Member A will be viewable from the computer 2X of Facility X (P7).

[0100] After that, when Member A dies, for example, Member B notifies the data management server 1 of the death of Member A (P11). The notification of death is provided, for example, by the web program 61 with a web page for the data management server 1 to input the death notice, and a death notice command is input from the PC 3B of Member B using that web page. Also, it may be received by phone call or the like from the next of kin of Member A.

[0101] When the death of Member A is notified, the data management server 1 executes a process to confirm the death of Member A (P12). For example, a death confirmation notice is sent to Facility X registered as the favorite facility of Member A, and it is confirmed by the response from Facility X. When the death of Member A is confirmed, the death of Member A is registered.

[0102] When the death of Member A is registered, based on the will file 55 stored in the folder 50 for Member A, the will data is sent to the registered contact (P13). Also, the confidential data 56 stored in the folder 50 for Member A is sent to Member B, who is the partner (P14).

[0103] Also, when the death of Member A is registered, for example, for Facility X registered as a favorite facility, a request for producing a video service is received from Member B registered as a next of kin or partner of Member A. The facility that has received the production request acquires the required number of image files 51 for the video service selected by Member A from the folder 50 for Member A (P15), and becomes capable of providing a video service using those image files 51 (P16).

[0104] With this partner function 36, various types of information or files provided by Member A can be shared, and Member B can check video services and the like desired by Member A. For example, since the partner member can view the image files 51 and ranking data 52, the partner member B can propose the content of the video service to Member A. Also, since the partner member can view the contact file 53, the partner member B can propose adding participants or the like to Member A.

[0105] Note that in the data storage system of this embodiment, a member may or may not register a partner. The flow of data stored in the folder for Member C in the case of Member C who has not registered a partner will be described with reference to FIG. 16. Note that the same processes as those shown in FIG. 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, it is assumed that Member C has registered Facility X as a favorite facility.

[0106] First, Member C performs member registration (P1). Thereby, a folder 50 for Member C is provided in the data management server 1, and uploading of various files or data such as image files 51 becomes possible. Member C does not register a partner.

[0107] In principle, the image files 51, ranking data 52, contact file 53, and request memo 54 uploaded from Member C and stored in the folder 50 for Member C cannot be viewed by anyone other than Member C. However, the request memo 54 can be viewed by the facilities registered as favorite facilities (P7).

[0108] In addition, the data management server 1 can accept notifications of the death of registered members (P10). For example, the data management server 1 provides a web page for entering death notifications through the web program 61. While logged in with an account of one of the members, the death notification of member C can be accepted using this web page. Also, it may be accepted by phone call or the like from a next of kin of member C.

[0109] When the data management server 1 accepts the notification of the death of member C, it executes a process for confirming the death of member C (P12). Note that since the confirmation of death can be accepted from non-partner members as well, it may include more procedures than the notification from partner members. For example, in addition to sending a death confirmation notice to facility X registered as a favorite facility of member C, a confirmation notice may also be sent to the member who made the death notification.

[0110] When the death of member C is registered, based on the will file 55 stored in the folder 50 for member C, the will data is sent to the registered contact (P13). On the other hand, when no partner is registered, the confidential data 56 is not sent.

[0111] In addition, when the death of member C is registered, facility X registered as a favorite facility becomes able to download the necessary number of image files 51 for the video service selected by member C from the folder 50 for member C (P15), and can implement the video service using those image files 51 (P16).

[0112] As described in detail above, according to the data management server 1 of this embodiment, the image file 51 available for use in the video service provided by the facility 20 can be stored in the member folder 50 where access can be restricted for each member. Furthermore, by being able to set a rank for the stored image file 51, even if a large number of image files 51 are stored, the image file 51 can be easily extracted according to the type of video service. Also, it is possible to search for the facility 20 that meets the wishes of member A. Furthermore, by registering the favorite facility, the facility side can also send facility-provided information to that member A. Also, by registering member B as a partner member, the image file 51 stored in the member folder 50A of member A can be shared with member B. Also, by grouping and registering the contact email addresses in the contact file 53, the contacts can be sorted for each group. Also, by storing the will record 550 in which the will data is associated with a specific email address in the will file 55, after the death of member A, the will data can be sent to that specific email address. Thus, in the data storage system 100 that stores the data provided by the member in the data management server 1 on the network 10, the files or data collected in the data management server 1 can be suitably used or managed.

[0113] Note that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be variously improved and modified without departing from its gist. For example, in the embodiment, regarding the files or data stored in the member folder 50 of the data management server 1, access from accounts other than the member corresponding to each member folder 50 and that member's partner member is restricted, but access may not be restricted from an account with administrator authority.

[0114] In the embodiment, the data management server 1 stores an image file 51 that shows an image (still image or moving image) to be projected or displayed on the projector 91 or display 92 of the facility 20. The data representing the image herein includes data representing audio, and the audio can be played along with the image during playback. However, in addition to the image file 51, the data management server 1 may store only the data representing the audio. In this case, not limited to the data representing the audio itself, for example, only the title of the music may be stored, and the music data may be configured to be downloaded from a server having the music data when the playback of the music is selected.

[0115] Also, in the embodiment, when the data management server 1 receives a request to create a selected video service from member A, it extracts the image file 51 according to the ranking data 52 and starts producing the video service. However, for example, in the case of a video service used for a funeral, there may be a request from member A during their lifetime, but in many cases, the video service will be produced after the death of member A. Therefore, after the death of member A is registered, the data management server 1 may automatically transmit the image file 51 extracted according to the selected video service and the ranking data 52 to the facilities registered as favorites. Alternatively, the image file 51 may be extracted and transmitted in response to a request from a facility registered as a favorite.

[0116] Also, in the embodiment, the usage information (partner member, sharing settings, favorite facilities, selected video service) of each member is included in the member record 71 and stored in the member DB 70, but it may also be stored in the member folder 50.

[0117] Also, in the embodiment, examples of confidential data include bank account numbers, security numbers, PINs of cash cards, Internet account information, and various other passwords. However, if these are registered as will data, they can also be transmitted to parties other than partner members after the death of the member.

[0118] Moreover, the processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Also, the processes disclosed in the embodiments can be realized in various forms such as a recording medium storing a program for executing the processes, or a method, etc.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0119] 1 Data management server 2 Facility computer 3 Member's PC 50 Folder for members 51 Image file 52 Ranking data 53 Contact file 54 Request memo 55 Will file 56 Confidential data 61 Web program 70 Member database 71 Member record 80 Facility database 100 Data storage system

Claims

1. A data management server that manages information on facilities capable of providing video services and information on members who can use the facilities, wherein the data management server has, a plurality of the facilities and the members can be registered respectively, and a member folder which is a storage area for each registered member is provided, the data management server further has, stores the basic information of the member and the basic information of the facility. The basic information of the member includes first area information indicating a location and destination information indicating a communication address. The basic information of the facility includes second area information indicating a location and the type of video service that can be provided, the data management server further has, as functions available to the member, an image file management function, a facility search function, a partner function, and a contact management function, as a function available to the facility, it has a function of transmitting facility-provided information, the data management server further has, in the image file management function, it is possible to receive the provision of an image file from member A who is the registered member, store the image file provided by member A in the member folder of member A, and further restrict access from outside member A to the image file stored in the member folder of member A, in the image file management function, it is further possible to set ranks for a plurality of the image files stored in the member folder of member A, and it is possible to receive a selection of the type of video service from member A. When a selection of the type of video service is received, it is possible to extract the number of top-ranked image files determined according to the selected type of video service from among the image files stored in the member folder of member A, the data management server further has, In the search function of the facility, it is possible to receive a selection of search conditions from the member A. When a search instruction is received with the search conditions selected, the facility that meets the selected search conditions is searched from the registered facilities. The search conditions can include information indicating a location and the type of video service. When the information indicating the location is selected as the search condition, the facility that matches the selected location is extracted based on at least one of the first area information and the second area information. When the type of video service is selected as the search condition, the facility that can provide the selected video service is extracted. In the search function of the facility, it is further possible to register at least one of the registered facilities as a favorite facility in association with the member A. The data management server further In the transmission function of the facility provision information, it is possible to receive the provision of the facility provision information from the facility X which is the registered facility. The facility provision information provided from the facility X can be transmitted to the member in which the facility X is registered as the favorite facility based on the destination information of the member. The data management server further In the partner function, it is possible to register the registered member B as a partner of the member A. When the member B is registered as a partner of the member A, it is possible to permit access from the member B to the image files stored in the member folder of the member A. In the partner function, further, when the member B is registered as a partner of the member A, it is possible to receive a notice of the death of the member A from the member B. When a notice of the death of the member A as a partner is received, the death of the member A as the received partner is registered. The data management server further In the contact management function, it is possible to register contact information indicating a communication destination for contacting the member A in association with the member A. Further, it is possible to classify the registered contact information into groups, and it is possible to communicate for each registered contact information or each group. In the contact management function, it is further possible to receive the provision of will data from the member A, save the provided will data in the member folder of the member A, and further restrict access to the will data saved in the member folder of the member A from outside the member A. It is also possible to associate at least one of the will data and the registered contact information. When the death of the member A is registered, the will data in the member folder of the member A is transmitted based on the associated contact information. A data management server characterized by the above.

2. In the data management server according to Claim 1, the data management server, In the image file management function, it is possible to set whether to share the image files saved in the member folder of the member A with a partner. The data management server further, In the partner function, for the image files saved in the member folder of the member A that are set to be shared, access from the member B registered as a partner is not restricted, and for the image files that are set not to be shared, access from the member B is restricted. A data management server characterized by the above.

3. In the data management server according to Claim 1, The data management server further, has a confidential information management function as a function available to the member. In the confidential information management function, it is possible to receive the provision of confidential information from the member A, save the provided confidential information in the member folder of the member A, and restrict access to the confidential information saved in the member folder of the member A from outside the member A before the death of the member A is registered. After the death of the member A is registered, access from the member B registered as a partner is not restricted. A data management server characterized by the above.

4. In the data management server according to Claim 1, the data management server, In the partner function, when registering member B as a partner from member A, a partner invitation notice is sent to member B based on the destination information of member B, and when an operation for approval from member B is received based on the invitation notice, member B is registered as a partner of member A. A data management server characterized by this.

5. In the data management server according to claim 1, the data management server, In the search function of the facility, it is possible to set whether to share the favorite information indicating the favorite facility with a partner. In the partner function, when a sharing setting is made for the favorite information registered in association with member A, access from member B registered as a partner is not restricted, and when a non-sharing setting is made, access from member B is restricted. A data management server characterized by this.

6. In the data management server according to claim 1, the data management server, In the contact management function, it is possible to set whether to share the contact information associated with member A. In the partner function, among the contact information registered in association with member A, for the contact information for which a sharing setting is made, access from member B registered as a partner is not restricted, and for the contact information for which a non-sharing setting is made, access from member B is restricted. A data management server characterized by this.

7. In the data management server according to claim 1, the data management server, As a function available for the facility, it has a function to view member information. In the function to view member information, a part of the information of the registered members can be viewed from facility X. A data management server characterized by this.

8. In the data management server according to claim 7, the data management server, In the function to view member information, when the member information that can be viewed from facility X is a member who has registered facility X as a favorite facility, it can be viewed in more detail compared to a member who has not registered facility X as a favorite facility. A data management server characterized by this.

9. In the data management server according to claim 1, The data management server In the management function of the image file, when receiving a selection of a type of video service from the member A, preview data corresponding to the selected video service and capable of displaying a plurality of the image files extracted from the member folder of the member A is provided to the member A. A data management server characterized by the above.

10. In the data management server according to Claim 1, The data management server has a management function for requested data as a function available to the member, In the management function of the requested data, it is possible to receive the provision of requested data in which a request to a facility has been written from the member A, save the received requested data in the member folder of the member A, and further, for the requested data saved in the member folder of the member A, access from sources other than the favorite facilities associated with the member A can be restricted, and access from the favorite facilities associated with the member A is not restricted. A data management server characterized by the above.

11. In the data management server according to Claim 10, The data management server In the management function of the requested data, it is possible to set whether to share the requested data saved in the member folder of the member A with a partner. In the partner function, for the requested data for which a sharing setting has been made among the requested data saved in the member folder of the member A, access from the member B registered as a partner is not restricted, and for the requested data for which a non-sharing setting has been made, access from the member B is restricted. A data management server characterized by the above.

12. In the data management server according to Claim 1, The data management server In the management function of the image file, it is possible to set whether to publicly disclose the image files saved in the member folder of the member A, and based on the condition that the death of the member A has been registered, the image files for which a public disclosure setting has been made are stored in a public folder where access is not restricted compared to the member folder. A data management server characterized by the above.

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