System and Method

Abstract

Easily access information stored on external storage media. [Solution] The system comprises a first information processing device, a second information processing device, and a server. The first information processing device includes means for acquiring first identification information of a first external storage medium from the first external storage medium, means for associating a name set in the data with the first identification information upon receiving an instruction to store data in the first external storage medium, and means for transmitting first information representing the relationship between the first identification information and the name to the server. The server includes means for storing the first information received from the means for transmitting to the server. The second information processing device includes means for photographing a two-dimensional code attached to the second external storage medium, means for acquiring a name from the server based on the second identification information of the second external storage medium represented by the two-dimensional code in the image generated by the photographing means, and means for presenting the name acquired by the name acquisition means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and a method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, research and development has been conducted on a method for managing information stored in an external storage medium. The external storage medium is a recording medium that has a data recording and holding function and is detachable from a device that controls data writing and reading. For example, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 assigns an identification code individually to an external storage medium newly attached to a device, and records the identification code on the external storage medium to which the identification code has been assigned. Then, the recording content of data in the external storage medium is stored in the device as management information in association with the identification code, and a group of external storage media to be managed is collectively managed based on the management information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if there are a plurality of external storage media to be managed, by following procedures such as viewing a data management table, specifying a target identification code from a media management table, and searching for the identification code described on the label of each external storage medium, it is possible to easily find the external storage medium storing the desired data. However, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 had room for improvement in grasping the information stored in the external storage medium without connecting it to an information processing device such as a PC.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to easily grasp the information stored in an external storage medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, a system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises a first information processing device, a second information processing device, and a server. The first information processing device is connected to a first external storage medium and includes means for acquiring first identification information of the first external storage medium from the first external storage medium, means for associating a name set in the data with the first identification information by receiving an instruction to store data in the first external storage medium, and means for transmitting to the server first information representing the relationship between the first identification information and the name, which is generated by the association means. The server includes means for storing the first information received from the means for transmitting to the server. The second information processing device includes means for photographing a two-dimensional code attached to the second external storage medium, means for acquiring a name from the server based on the second identification information of the second external storage medium represented by the two-dimensional code in the image generated by the photographing means, and means for presenting the name acquired by the name acquisition means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, information stored on an external storage medium can be easily accessed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of System 1. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example configuration of the terminal device 10 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of server 20. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the PC30. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the data structure of service table 182. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the data structure of the target information table 2021. [Figure 7]This diagram shows the data structure of ListTable2022. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the data structure of the judgment result table 2023. [Figure 9] This figure shows the data structure of data table 382. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the data structure of media table 383. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of how System 1 operates. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the display screen of display 141. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of display 141. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of display 141. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of display 141. [Figure 16] A block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of Computer 90. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings illustrating the embodiments, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted. The following embodiments are not intended to unduly limit the content of this disclosure as described in the claims. Not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of this disclosure. Also, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a strict illustration.

[0010] [1. Overview] A two-dimensional code representing identification information (second identification information) of the second external storage medium is attached to the second external storage medium. When the first information processing device stores data in the first external storage medium connected to the first information processing device, it creates a list regarding the data. Then, the first information processing device transmits the created list to the server in association with the identification information (first identification information) of the first external storage medium. The second information processing device captures the two-dimensional code to read the second identification information and transmits the read second identification information to the server. The server reads out the data name from the list based on the received second identification information and transmits the read data name to the second information processing device. The second information processing device presents the received data name to the user.

[0011] Configuration diagram of the entire system 2 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of System 1. The System 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a terminal device 10 (second information processing device), a server 20, and a PC 30 (first information processing device). The terminal device 10, the server 20, and the PC 30 are communicatively connected via, for example, a network 80. Note that the first external storage medium 40 and the second external storage medium 50 shown in FIG. 1 are not included in System 1. Details of the first external storage medium 40 and the second external storage medium 50 will be described later.

[0012] In FIG. 1, an example where System 1 includes only one terminal device 10 is shown, but the number of terminal devices 10 included in System 1 is not limited to one. There may be two or more terminal devices 10 included in System 1.

[0013] In FIG. 1, a collection of a plurality of devices may be regarded as one server 20. The way of distributing the plurality of functions required to implement the server 20 according to this embodiment for one or more hardware can be appropriately determined in view of the processing capabilities of each hardware and / or the specifications required for the server 20.

[0014] In Figure 1, a collection of multiple devices may be considered as a single PC30. The method of distributing the multiple functions required to implement the PC30 according to this embodiment to one or more hardware can be appropriately determined in consideration of the processing capacity of each hardware and / or the specifications required for the PC30.

[0015] The terminal device 10 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, an information processing device operated by a user. Specifically, the terminal device 10 is, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. The terminal device 10 may also be, for example, a wearable device such as an HMD (Head Mount Display) or a smartwatch, or it may be a stationary PC or laptop PC.

[0016] The terminal device 10 includes a communication interface 12, an input device 130, an output device 140, memory 15, storage 16, and a processor 19. The input device 130 is a device for receiving input operations from the user (e.g., a touch panel, touchpad, mouse or other pointing device, keyboard, etc.). The output device 140 is a device for presenting information to the user (display, speaker, etc.).

[0017] Server 20 is, for example, a cloud server and is an information processing device that manages services provided by a company through System 1, i.e., services provided by System 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as "services"). Server 20 may be, for example, a shared server, a dedicated server, a VPS (Virtual Private Server), etc. Server 20 is implemented by, for example, a computer connected to Network 80. As shown in Figure 1, Server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an I / O IF 23, memory 25, storage 26, and a processor 29. The I / O IF 23 functions as an interface to an input device for receiving input operations from a user and an output device for outputting information to the user.

[0018] PC30 is, for example, a stationary PC and is an information processing device operated by a user or an employee belonging to a company (hereinafter collectively referred to as "employee, etc."). PC30 is implemented, for example, by a computer connected to network 80. PC30 may have a hardware configuration similar to that of terminal device 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0019] Each information processing device consists of a computer 90 (see Figure 16) equipped with an arithmetic unit and a memory device. The basic hardware configuration of computer 90 and the basic functional configuration of computer 90 realized by this hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the terminal device 10, server 20, and PC 30, explanations that overlap with the basic hardware configuration of computer 90 and the basic functional configuration of the computer will be omitted.

[0020] <2.1 Terminal Device Configuration> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the terminal device 10 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 130, an output device 140, an audio processing unit 170, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a camera 160 (means for taking pictures), a position information sensor 150, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. Each block included in the terminal device 10 is electrically connected, for example, by a bus.

[0021] The communication unit 120 performs processing such as modulation and demodulation processing for the terminal device 10 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 120 performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the control unit 190 and transmits it to an external source (for example, the server 20 or PC 30). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on the signal received from an external source and outputs it to the control unit 190.

[0022] The input device 130 is a device for a user operating the terminal device 10 to input instructions or information. The input device 130 can be implemented, for example, by a touch-sensitive device 131 on which instructions are input by touching the operating surface. If the terminal device 10 is a PC, the input device 130 may be implemented by a reader, keyboard, mouse, etc. The input device 130 converts the instructions input by the user into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 190. The input device 130 may also include, for example, a receiving port that accepts electrical signals input from an external input device.

[0023] The output device 140 is a device for presenting information to the user operating the terminal device 10. The output device 140 is implemented, for example, by a display 141. The display 141 displays data according to the control of the control unit 190. The display 141 is implemented, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0024] The audio processing unit 170 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of the audio signal. The audio processing unit 170 converts the signal provided from the microphone 171 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 170 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 172. The audio processing unit 170 is implemented, for example, by an audio processing processor. The microphone 171 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to that audio input to the audio processing unit 170. The speaker 172 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 170 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10.

[0025] Camera 160 is a device that receives light using a photodetector and outputs it as a shooting signal. Camera 160 generates an image (hereinafter referred to as the target image) by photographing a two-dimensional code attached to the second external storage medium 50, for example.

[0026] The location information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. A GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In a satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 10, which is equipped with a GPS module, is detected based on the received signals. The location information sensor 150 may also detect the current position of the terminal device 10 from the position of the wireless base station to which the terminal device 10 is connected.

[0027] The storage unit 180 is implemented, for example, by memory 15 and storage 16, and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10. The storage unit 180 stores, for example, user information 181, a service table 182, and an application 183. The tables and applications stored in the storage unit 180 are not limited to these.

[0028] User information 181 includes, for example, information about a user who uses terminal device 10. User information includes, for example, user ID, user's name, age, address, date of birth, password, contact information (address), etc.

[0029] The service table 182 is a table that stores various information about the service. Details of the service table 182 will be described later. The service table 182 is based, for example, on master information stored in the server 20. When the master information is updated, for example, the entire master information or the updated parts are downloaded from the server 20 to maintain the latest state of the service table 182.

[0030] App 183 is an application for managing user access to services. App 183 is installed on terminal device 10. App 183 runs, for example, in the background of other applications installed on terminal device 10 and monitors processes performed by the user.

[0031] The control unit 190 is realized when the processor 19 reads a program, including an application 183, stored in the memory unit 180, and executes instructions contained in the program. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the terminal device 10. By operating according to the program, the control unit 190 performs the functions of an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, an acquisition unit 193 (means for acquiring a name), and a presentation control unit 194 (means for presenting).

[0032] The operation reception unit 191 processes instructions or information input from the input device 130. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives instructions or information input from a touch-sensitive device 131 or the like.

[0033] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives voice instructions input from the microphone 171. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives voice signals input from the microphone 171 and converted into digital signals by the voice processing unit 170. The operation reception unit 191 obtains instructions from the user by, for example, analyzing the received voice signals and extracting predetermined nouns.

[0034] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 performs processing to enable the terminal device 10 to send and receive data with an external device such as the server 20 or PC 30 in accordance with a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits information or instructions from the user to the server 20 or PC 30. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 also receives information transmitted from the server 20 or PC 30.

[0035] The acquisition unit 193 acquires information regarding the processing that the terminal device 10 executes when the operation reception unit 191 receives a user operation. Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 193 acquires the name of the application executed by the user operation and the process name of that application. The acquisition unit 193 stores the acquired application name, process name, and the date and time (not shown) on which this information was acquired in the storage unit 180.

[0036] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 193 acquires information generated when the operation reception unit 191 receives a browser operation from the user. This information is, for example, the browser usage history, specifically the URL and page title of the web page visited by the user operating the browser. The acquisition unit 193 acquires the above information from the browser used in the terminal device 10 at predetermined intervals, for example, every 5 minutes. The acquisition unit 193 stores the acquired information, the date and time the information was acquired, the name of the browser from which the information was acquired (not shown), and the identification information of the terminal device 10 (for example, device GUID, see Figure 8) in the storage unit 180.

[0037] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 193 acquires the data name (name) from the server 20 based on the second identification information represented by the two-dimensional code in the target image. The data name is the name set for the data stored in the data table 382, ​​which will be described later. An example of a data name is the file name of the data file. Details of the second identification information will be described later.

[0038] The presentation control unit 194 controls the output device 140 to present information transmitted from the server 20 or PC 30 to the user. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 194 displays information transmitted from the server 20 or PC 30 on the display 141. Also, for example, the presentation control unit 194 outputs information transmitted from the server 20 or PC 30 through the speaker 172. Furthermore, the presentation control unit 194 controls the output device 140 to present the data name acquired by the acquisition unit 193 to the user.

[0039] <2.2 Functional Configuration of the Server> Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the server 20 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202 (means for storage), and a control unit 203.

[0040] The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices. The storage unit 202 stores, for example, the target information table 2021, the list table 2022, and the judgment result table 2023. The tables stored in the storage unit 202 are not limited to these.

[0041] The Target Person Information Table 2021 is a table that stores information about individuals (target persons) who are permitted to receive the service. Target persons include, for example, general users who have registered as members of the service, and employees of the company providing the service. The Target Person Information Table 2021 stores information about multiple target persons, for example. The Target Person Information Table 2021 is updated when new information about target persons is registered. Details of the Target Person Information Table 2021 will be described later.

[0042] List Table 2022 is a table that stores the lists (first information) sent from PC30. List Table 2022 is updated when a new data name is added to a particular list, and when a new list is generated. Details of List Table 2022 and lists will be described later.

[0043] The Judgment Result Table 2023 is a table that stores information regarding the results of the identity determination between the first identification information and the second identification information. The Judgment Result Table 2023 is updated when new judgment results are registered. Details of the Judgment Result Table 2023 and the first identification information will be described later.

[0044] The control unit 203 is realized when the processor 29 reads a program stored in the memory unit 202 and executes instructions contained in the program. By operating according to the program, the control unit 203 performs the functions of a receive control module 2031, a transmit control module 2032 (means for transmitting a name), an issue control module 2033 (means for issuing), and a decision control module 2034 (means for making decisions).

[0045] The receive control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from an external device according to a communication protocol. The transmit control module 2032 controls the process by which the server 20 transmits signals to an external device according to a communication protocol. The transmit control module 2032 also controls the process of sending a data name or presentation refusal information (second information) to the terminal device 10 based on the decision result of the decision control module 2034. Details of the presentation refusal information will be described later.

[0046] The issuance control module 2033 controls the process of issuing the first identification information to the first external storage medium 40. Alternatively, the control unit of an information processing device other than the server 20 may perform the same function as the issuance control module 2033 and issue the first identification information.

[0047] The decision control module 2034 controls the process of comparing the second identification information received from the terminal device 10 with the first identification information to determine whether the first identification information and the second identification information are identical.

[0048] <2.3 Functional Configuration of a PC> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the PC30 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the PC30 includes a connection unit 310, a communication unit 320, an input device 330, an output device 340, an audio processing unit 370, a microphone 371, a speaker 372, a camera 360, a position information sensor 350, a storage unit 380, and a control unit 390. Each block included in the PC30 is electrically connected, for example, by a bus.

[0049] The connection section 310 is a part provided on the PC 30 to enable the first external storage medium 40 to be electrically and physically connected to the PC 30. For example, if the first external storage medium 40 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or an external hard disk, the USB port becomes the connection section 310. Alternatively, if the first external storage medium 40 is an SD card (Secure Digital Card), the SD card slot becomes the connection section 310.

[0050] The communication unit 320 performs processing such as modulation and demodulation processing for PC 30 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 320 performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the control unit 390 and transmits it to an external device (for example, terminal device 10 or server 20). The communication unit 320 performs reception processing on the signal received from an external device and outputs it to the control unit 390.

[0051] The input device 330 is a device for employees or others operating the PC 30 to input instructions or information. The input device 330 can be implemented, for example, by a keyboard and mouse 331. The input device 330 may also be a reader, for example. If the PC 30 is a portable terminal, the input device 330 may be implemented by a touch-sensitive device 131 or the like, which inputs instructions by touching the operating surface. The input device 330 converts the instructions input by the user into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 390.

[0052] The output device 340 is a device for presenting information to employees operating the PC 30. The output device 340 is implemented, for example, by a display 141. The display 141 displays data according to the control of the control unit 190.

[0053] The audio processing unit 370 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion of the audio signal. The audio processing unit 370 converts the signal received from the microphone 371 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 390. The audio processing unit 370 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 372. The microphone 371 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to that audio input to the audio processing unit 370. The speaker 372 converts the audio signal received from the audio processing unit 370 into sound and outputs the sound to the outside of the PC 30.

[0054] Camera 360 is a device that receives light using a photodetector and outputs it as a shooting signal. The position information sensor 350 is a sensor that detects the position of PC30, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The position information sensor 350 may also detect the current position of PC30 from the position of the wireless base station to which PC30 is connected.

[0055] The storage unit 380 is implemented, for example, by memory and storage, and stores data and programs used by the PC 30. The storage unit 380 stores, for example, user information 381, a data table 382, ​​and a media table 383. The information and tables stored in the storage unit 380 are not limited to these.

[0056] User information 381 includes, for example, information about employees operating PC 30. Information about employees includes, for example, employee ID, employee's name, age, address, date of birth, password, contact information (email address), etc.

[0057] Data table 382 is a table that stores data stored on the first external storage medium 40. Details of data table 382 will be described later. Data table 382 is based, for example, on master information stored on server 20. When the master information is updated, for example, data table 382 is kept up-to-date by downloading the entire master information or the updated parts from server 20.

[0058] The media table 383 is a table that stores various information about the first external storage medium 40 of the type that has a history of connection with the PC 30. Details of the media table 383 will be described later. The media table 383 is based, for example, on master information stored in the server 20. When the master information is updated, for example, the media table 383 is kept up-to-date by downloading the entire master information or the updated parts from the server 20.

[0059] The control unit 390 is realized when the processor reads a program stored in the memory unit 380 and executes instructions contained in the program. The control unit 390 controls the operation of the PC 30. By operating according to the program, the control unit 390 performs the functions of an operation reception unit 391, a transmission / reception unit 392 (means for transmitting to the server), a presentation control unit 393, an acquisition unit 394 (means for acquiring first identification information), a generation unit 395 (means for associating), and a confirmation unit 396 (means for confirmation).

[0060] The operation reception unit 391 processes instructions or information input from the input device 330. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives instructions or information input from a keyboard, mouse 331, etc.

[0061] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 391 receives voice instructions input from the microphone 371. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 391 receives voice signals input from the microphone 371 and converted into digital signals by the voice processing unit 370. The operation reception unit 391 obtains instructions from the user by, for example, analyzing the received voice signals and extracting predetermined nouns.

[0062] The transmitting / receiving unit 392 performs processing to enable the PC 30 to send and receive data with external devices such as the terminal device 10 or server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 392 transmits information or instructions from the user to the terminal device 10 or server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 392 also receives information transmitted from the terminal device 10 or server 20.

[0063] The display control unit 393 controls the output device 340 to present information transmitted from the terminal device 10 or server 20 to the user. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 393 displays information transmitted from the terminal device 10 or server 20 on the display 341. Also, for example, the display control unit 393 outputs information transmitted from the server 20 or PC 30 through the speaker 372.

[0064] The acquisition unit 394 electrically connects with the first external storage medium 40 when the first external storage medium 40 is connected to the connection unit 310, and acquires first identification information from the first external storage medium 40.

[0065] The generation unit 395, upon receiving an instruction from the operation reception unit 391 to store data in the first external storage medium 40, associates the data name set for the data with the first identification information issued to the first external storage medium 40. The generation unit 395 also generates first information representing the relationship between the first identification information and the data name. In this embodiment, the generation unit 395 generates a dataset of the associated first identification information and data name as the first information. Hereinafter, this dataset will be referred to as a "list". Note that the first information is not limited to the list according to this embodiment. For example, the first information may include other information relating to the first external storage medium 40 or the data in addition to the first identification information and the data name. For example, the first information may also be information representing a notification that the first identification information and the data name have been associated.

[0066] The verification unit 396 checks whether the list is already stored in the storage unit 202. Specifically, for example, the verification unit 396 checks whether the list is stored in the list table 2022.

[0067] [3 External storage medium] The first external storage medium 40 shown in Figure 1 is an external storage medium that can be connected to the connection port 310 of the PC 30. The second external storage medium 50 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, an external storage medium owned by the user of the terminal device 10. The type of external storage medium is not limited for both the first external storage medium 40 and the second external storage medium 50. Specifically, for example, the first external storage medium 40 and the second external storage medium 50 may be flash memory storage devices such as USB or SD cards, magnetic storage devices such as external hard disks, optical disks, floppy disks, etc. The first external storage medium 40 and the second external storage medium 50 may be the same or different.

[0068] Both the first external storage medium 40 and the second external storage medium 50 have a two-dimensional code (not shown) affixed to them. There are no particular limitations on the type of two-dimensional code; it may be a matrix-type two-dimensional code such as a QR code, or a stack-type two-dimensional code. The identification information represented by the two-dimensional code affixed to the first external storage medium 40 becomes the first identification information, and the identification information represented by the two-dimensional code affixed to the second external storage medium 50 becomes the second identification information. The first identification information is unique, for example, within the environment of the services provided by System 1.

[0069] [4. Data Structure] Figure 5 shows the data structure of a table stored by terminal device 10. Figures 6 to 8 show the data structure of a table stored by server 20. Figures 9 and 10 show the data structure of a table stored by PC 30. Note that the figures 5 to 10 are examples and do not exclude data not shown in those figures. Furthermore, even data listed in the same table may be stored in storage areas different from storage unit 180, storage unit 202, storage unit 380, or at least two combinations thereof.

[0070] Figure 5 shows the data structure of the service table 182. The service table 182 shown in Figure 5 is a table that has columns such as service name and other information, with the provider ID as the key. Note that the service table 182 may have columns that store other information, or it may not have any columns that store any of this information.

[0071] The Provider ID is an item that stores an identifier to uniquely identify the entity providing the service (e.g., a company). The Service Name is an item that stores the name of the service. The Provider is an item that stores the name of the entity providing the service, or the address of the homepage that the entity operates. The Version is an item that stores the version of the service currently being provided. The Support Information is an item that stores information about the support provided for the service.

[0072] Figure 6 shows the data structure of the subject information table 2021. The subject information table 2021 shown in Figure 6 is a table that has columns such as name, with the subject ID as the key. Note that the subject information table 2021 may have columns that store other information, or it may not have any columns that store any of this information.

[0073] The Subject ID field stores an identifier to uniquely identify the subject. The Name field stores the subject's name. The Age field stores the subject's age. The Gender field stores the subject's gender. The Date of Birth field stores the subject's date of birth. The Contact Information field stores the subject's phone number, email address, etc.

[0074] Figure 7 shows the data structure of list table 2022. List table 2022, shown in Figure 7, is a table that uses the media ID as the key and has a data name column. Note that list table 2022 may also have columns that store other information.

[0075] The media ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying the first external storage medium 40 connected to the PC 30, that is, an item that stores an example of the first identification information. The data name is the data name of the data stored in the first external storage medium 40, and is an item that stores the data name associated with the first identification information of the first external storage medium 40. In other words, the list table 2022 is a table that stores the list generated by the generation unit 395. In the example of Figure 7, the list table 2022 stores multiple first identification information and multiple data names, but for example, the list table 2022 may store one first identification information and one data name.

[0076] Figure 8 shows the data structure of the judgment result table 2023. The judgment result table 2023 shown in Figure 8 is a table that has columns such as the target media ID, with the judgment date and time as the key. Note that the judgment result table 2023 may also have columns that store other information.

[0077] The "Decision Date and Time" item stores the date and time when the decision control module 2034 determined the identity of the second identification information received from the terminal device 10 by comparing it with the first identification information. The decision control module 2034 determines the identity of the first and second identification information by referring to the list table 2022. The "Target Media ID" item stores the second identification information of the second external storage medium 50, which is the object being photographed in the target image. The "Media ID" item stores the first identification information used for the comparison with the second identification information mentioned above. The "Terminal ID" item stores an identifier for uniquely identifying the terminal device 10, that is, the identification information of the terminal device 10.

[0078] The "matching result" item stores the result of the matching between the first identification information and the second identification information by the decision control module 2034, that is, the result of the determination of identity between the first identification information and the second identification information. In the example shown in Figure 8, if the decision control module 2034 determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are the same, "1" is stored; if it determines that they are different, "0" is stored. The "target person" item stores whether or not the user of the terminal device 10 possessing the second external storage medium 50 is the target person. The decision control module 2034 determines whether or not the user of the terminal device 10 is the target person based on the matching result between the first identification information and the second identification information. In the example shown in Figure 8, if the decision control module 2034 determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are the same, the user of the terminal device 10 is considered the target person and "1" is stored. On the other hand, if the decision control module 2034 determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are different, the user of the terminal device 10 is considered not to be the target person and "0" is stored.

[0079] Figure 9 shows the data structure of data table 382. The data table 382 shown in Figure 9 is a table that has columns such as data name and other information, with data ID as the key. Note that data table 382 may also have columns that store other information.

[0080] The Data ID is an item that stores an identifier that uniquely identifies data that is a candidate for storage on the first external storage medium 40. The Data Name is an item that stores the data name. The Data Content is an item that stores information about the content of the data.

[0081] Figure 10 shows the data structure of the media table 383. The media table 383 shown in Figure 10 is a table that has columns for type, etc., with the media ID as the key. Note that the media table 383 may have columns that store other information, or it may not have any columns that store any of this information.

[0082] The Media ID is an identifier used to uniquely identify the first external storage medium 40 connected to the PC 30, i.e., an item that stores an example of the first identification information. The Type is an item that stores the type of the first external storage medium 40 connected to the PC 30. The Specifications are an item that stores the specifications of the first external storage medium 40, such as its capacity. The Provider ID is an identifier used to uniquely identify the entity (e.g., a company) that provides services to the person possessing the first external storage medium 40, i.e., an item that stores an example of the identification information of the entity providing the service. The Service Name is an item that stores the name of the service. Note that the Media Table 383 may be integrated into the Judgment Result Table 2023.

[0083] [5 Actions] The operation of System 1 will now be explained. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of System 1. In the explanation of Figure 11, it is assumed that application 183 is installed on terminal device 10.

[0084] First, a user of terminal device 10 starts up terminal device 10. Application 183 is automatically started by the OS of terminal device 10, for example, when terminal device 10 starts up. Once application 183 is started, the control unit 190 may or may not inform the user that application 183 is running.

[0085] In step S11, the issuance control module 2033 issues first identification information to the first external storage medium 40. Specifically, for example, the issuance control module 2033 issues first identification information when the receiving control module 2031 receives information relating to the issuance application of the person who possesses the first external storage medium 40. Alternatively, the issuance control module 2033 may issue first identification information when the receiving control module 2031 receives information indicating that the first external storage medium 40 has been manufactured.

[0086] The issuance control module 2033, for example, transmits the issued first identification information to the transmission control module 2032. The transmission control module 2032, for example, transmits the received first identification information to another information processing device other than the terminal device 10 (for example, a PC managed by the company providing the service). An employee or the like who becomes aware that the other information processing device has received the first identification information through information display by the output device of the other information processing device connects the first external storage medium 40 to the other information processing device. Through this connection, the first identification information issued by the issuance control module 2033 is stored in the first external storage medium 40. Then, a two-dimensional code representing the first identification information is affixed to the first external storage medium 40 that stores the first identification information.

[0087] For example, the transmission control module 2032 transmits the received first identification information to the PC 30. The transmitting / receiving unit 392 stores the first identification information transmitted from the transmission control module 2032 in the media table 383, associating it with the identification information of the service provider that can be provided to the person possessing the first external storage medium 40, and the name of said service.

[0088] In step S12, the acquisition unit 394 acquires first identification information from the first external storage medium 40. Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 394 is electrically connected to the first external storage medium 40 when the first external storage medium 40 is connected to the connection unit 310. The acquisition unit 394 then acquires the first identification information by reading it from the first external storage medium 40 via the transmitting / receiving unit 392. The acquisition unit 394 transmits the acquired first identification information to the generation unit 395.

[0089] In step S13, the operation reception unit 391 stores data in the first external storage medium 40. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 391 receives instructions from an employee or other person to store predetermined data in the first external storage medium 40. Upon receiving this instruction, the operation reception unit 391 reads the predetermined data from the data table 382 and transmits it to the transmission / reception unit 392. The transmission / reception unit 392 transmits the received predetermined data to the first external storage medium 40 connected to the connection unit 310. Through this process, the first external storage medium 40 stores the predetermined data.

[0090] In step S14, the generation unit 395 generates a list. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 391 receives a storage instruction from the user. A storage instruction is a user operation to store predetermined data in the first external storage medium 40. Upon receiving information from the operation reception unit 391 that a storage instruction has been received, the generation unit 395 generates a list by associating the first identification information received from the acquisition unit 394 with the data name of the predetermined data stored in the first external storage medium 40. Here, the generation unit 395 reads and acquires the data name of the predetermined data from the data table 382. Then, the generation unit 395 transmits information to the confirmation unit 396 that the list has been generated.

[0091] Upon receiving this information, the verification unit 396 reads the list table 2022 from the storage unit 202 via the transmission / reception unit 392 and checks whether a list relating to the same first identification information as the first identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 394 (hereinafter referred to as the existing list) is already stored in the list table 2022. If it is confirmed that the existing list is already stored, the verification unit 396 transmits the existing list to the generation unit 395. The generation unit 395 adds the generated list to the received existing list to create a new list (list update) and transmits it to the transmission / reception unit 392. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the existing list is not stored, the verification unit 396 transmits non-existence information to the generation unit 395 indicating that the existing list is not stored. Upon receiving the non-existence information, the generation unit 395 transmits the generated list to the transmission / reception unit 392.

[0092] In step S15, the transmitting / receiving unit 392 sends the list received from the generating unit 395 to the server 20. In step S16, the storage unit 202 stores the list received from the transmitting / receiving unit 392. Specifically, for example, the receiving control module 2031 receives the list sent from the transmitting / receiving unit 392 and sends the list to the storage unit 202. The storage unit 202 stores the list received from the receiving control module 2031 in the list table 2022.

[0093] In step S17, the camera 160 photographs the two-dimensional code attached to the second external storage medium 50 held by the user of the terminal device 10. The camera 160 then transmits the generated image to the transmitting / receiving unit 192. In step S18, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 reads the second identification information from the two-dimensional code displayed in the image received from the camera 160. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 then transmits the read second identification information to the server 20.

[0094] In step S19, the decision control module 2034 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information are the same. Specifically, for example, the receiving control module 2031 receives the second identification information transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit 192 and transmits the second identification information to the decision control module 2034. The decision control module 2034 sequentially reads the first identification information stored in the list table 2022 and compares it with the second identification information received from the receiving control module 2031. If the comparison determines that the second identification information is the same as a specific first identification information, that is, if the second external storage medium 50 is the same as a specific first external storage medium 40, the decision control module 2034 moves the process to step S20. If the comparison determines that the second identification information is different from any of the first identification information, that is, if the second external storage medium 50 is different from any of the first external storage mediums 40, the decision control module 2034 moves the process to step S21.

[0095] Furthermore, the decision control module 2034 stores information regarding the decision result in the decision result table 2023. Specifically, for example, if it determines that the second identification information is identical to a specific first identification information, the decision control module 2034 stores "1" in the "Matching Result" item of the decision result table 2023. In addition, the decision control module 2034 reads the identification information of the terminal device 10 from the storage unit 180 and stores the identification information in the "Terminal ID" item, and also stores "1" in the "Target Person" item.

[0096] If the decision control module 2034 determines that the second identification information is different from any of the first identification information, it stores "0" in the "Matching Result" field of the decision result table 2023. In addition, the decision control module 2034 reads the identification information of the terminal device 10 from the storage unit 180 and stores the identification information in the "Terminal ID" field, and also stores "0" in the "Target Person" field.

[0097] In step S20, the decision control module 2034 transmits the data name to the terminal device 10. Specifically, for example, the decision control module 2034 reads from the list table 2022 the data name associated with a specific first identification information that it has determined to be identical to the second identification information. Then, the decision control module 2034 transmits the read data name to the transmission control module 2032. The transmission control module 2032 transmits the received data name to the terminal device 10.

[0098] In step S21, the decision control module 2034 transmits the presentation refusal information to the terminal device 10. Specifically, for example, the decision control module 2034 generates presentation refusal information indicating that the data name cannot be transmitted to the terminal device 10 and transmits it to the transmission control module 2032. The transmission control module 2032 transmits the received presentation refusal information to the terminal device 10.

[0099] In step S22, the presentation control unit 194 presents information regarding the data name to the user. Specifically, for example, if the acquisition unit 193 receives a data name from the server 20 via the transmission / reception unit 192, the acquisition unit 193 transmits the received data name to the presentation control unit 194. The presentation control unit 194 then presents the received data name to the user.

[0100] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display screen of the display 141 of the terminal device 10. Figure 12 shows an example where a specific first identification information determined to be identical to the second identification information is "RID0001". In other words, the judgment control module 2034 reads the data names "AAAAA", "BBBBB", and "CCCCC" from the list table 2022 and transmits them to the terminal device 10 via the transmission control module 2032. The presentation control unit 194 then receives these three types of data names via the transmission / reception unit 192 and displays them on the display screen of the display 141. In the screen shown in Figure 12, these three types of data names are displayed in a list format arranged vertically (up and down on the page) in area 1411. The presentation control unit 194 may display the data names in a format other than list format, or in an area other than area 1411.

[0101] For example, if the acquisition unit 193 receives information to refuse presentation from the server 20 via the transmission / reception unit 192, the acquisition unit 193 transmits the received information to the presentation control unit 194. The presentation control unit 194 then presents the received information to the user.

[0102] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the display screen of the display 141 of the terminal device 10. In the example in Figure 13, the decision control module 2034 generates text information "Data name cannot be displayed" as display refusal information and transmits it to the terminal device 10 via the transmission control module 2032. The display control unit 194 then receives this text information via the transmission / reception unit 192 and displays it on the display screen of the display 141. In the screen shown in Figure 13, the above text information is displayed in area 1412 in a format where each character is arranged horizontally (left to right direction as viewed from the page). The display control unit 194 may display the text information as display refusal information in a direction other than horizontal. Alternatively, the display control unit 194 may display the display refusal information in a format other than text information, or display it in an area other than area 1412.

[0103] [6 Summary] As described above, in this embodiment, the decision control module 2034 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information are the same by comparing the second identification information represented by the two-dimensional code in the image captured by the camera 160 with the first identification information stored in the list table 2022. If it determines that they are the same, the decision control module 2034 reads the data name associated with the first identification information that it determined to be the same as the second identification information from the list table 2022 and transmits it to the presentation control unit 194 via the transmission control module 2032. The presentation control unit 194, having received the data name from the decision control module 2034 via the transmission / reception unit 192, presents the data name to the user. As a result, the user can easily access the information stored in the second external storage medium 50 without connecting to the PC 30.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the decision control module 2034 determines that the second identification information represented by the two-dimensional code in the image captured by the camera 160 is not the same as any of the first identification information stored in the list table 2022, it generates presentation rejection information and transmits it to the presentation control unit 194 via the transmission control module 2032. The presentation control unit 194, having received the presentation rejection information from the decision control module 2034 via the transmission / reception unit 192, presents the presentation rejection information to the user. This allows the user to easily understand that the desired information is not stored in the second external storage medium 50 without connecting to the PC 30.

[0105] In this embodiment, the verification unit 396 also checks whether an existing list is already stored in the list table 2022. If it confirms that an existing list is already stored, the verification unit 396 sends the existing list to the generation unit 395. The generation unit 395 adds the generated list to the received existing list to create a new list and sends it to the server 20. On the other hand, if the verification unit 396 confirms that an existing list is not stored, the generation unit 395 sends the generated list to the server 20. As a result, the server 20 can store the latest list by connecting the first external storage medium 40 and the PC 30.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the issuance control module 2033 controls the process of issuing the first identification information to the first external storage medium 40. This allows the server 20 to manage the issuance of the first identification information to the first external storage medium 40.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first identification information is unique within the service environment provided by System 1. As a result, since Server 20 stores a list containing the first identification information, it can reliably manage the first external storage medium 40.

[0108] [7 Variations] <7.1 First Variation> In this embodiment, an example of generating a dataset as a list by associating first identification information with data names has been described. However, in addition to data names, other metadata about the data may be associated with the first identification information. Other metadata may include, for example, the date and time the data was created, the size of the data, etc., and are stored in data table 382.

[0109] Specifically, for example, the generation unit 395 receives information from the operation reception unit 391 indicating that it has received an instruction to store predetermined data, and generates a list by associating the first identification information received from the acquisition unit 394 with the data name and other metadata of the predetermined data read from the data table 382. In addition to other metadata, the generation unit 395 may also generate a list that associates service identification information. The service identification information is the identification information of the entity (e.g., a company) that provides services using System 1. For example, the provider ID stored in the service table 182 corresponds to the service identification information.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example was described in which the data name is presented to the user when the second identification information represented by the two-dimensional code in the image captured by the camera 160 is the same as any of the first identification information stored in the list table 2022. However, in this case, other metadata may be presented to the user in addition to the data name.

[0111] Specifically, for example, the storage unit 202 stores a list containing other metadata received from the generation unit 395 via the reception control module 2031 in the list table 2022. The decision control module 2034 reads the data name and other metadata associated with a specific first identification information that it has determined to be identical to the second identification information from the list table 2022 and transmits it to the acquisition unit 193 via the transmission control module 2032. The acquisition unit 193 acquires the data name and other metadata transmitted from the decision control module 2034 via the transmission control module 2032 and transmits it to the presentation control unit 194. The presentation control unit 194 presents the data name and other metadata received from the acquisition unit 193 to the user.

[0112] This allows the user to easily and comprehensively access the information stored on the second external storage medium 50 without connecting to the PC 30. The presentation control unit 194 may also present the user with the service identification information in addition to the data name and other metadata.

[0113] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the display screen of the display 141 of the terminal device 10. In the example in Figure 14, the decision control module 2034 reads data sets of data name "AAAAA" and creation date and time, data set of data name "BBBBB" and creation date and time, and data set of data name "CCCCC" and creation date and time from the list table 2022. In other words, in the example in Figure 14, the data creation date and time corresponds to other metadata, and although not shown in Figure 7, the data creation date and time are also stored in the list table 2022. The decision control module 2034 transmits these data sets to the terminal device 10 via the transmission control module 2032. The presentation control unit 194 then receives these data sets via the transmission / reception unit 192 and displays them on the display screen of the display 141.

[0114] In the screen shown in Figure 14, the three datasets are displayed in area 1413 in a table format with the data name as the key and a creation date and time column. The display control unit 194 may display the three datasets in a format other than a table, or in an area other than area 1413.

[0115] <7.2 Second Variation> Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example was described in which presentation refusal information is presented to the user when the second identification information represented by the two-dimensional code in the image captured by the camera 160 is different from any of the first identification information stored in the list table 2022. However, in this case, in addition to presentation refusal information, return request information (third information) may also be presented to the user. The return request information is information representing a request to return the second external storage medium 50, and may include, for example, information regarding the name and address of the return destination. Also, for example, the return request information may include information that a predetermined benefit (for example, a service voucher, points, etc.) will be given when the second external storage medium 50 is returned. There are no particular limitations on the return destination of the second external storage medium 50; for example, the provider of the service using System 1 may be the return destination.

[0116] Specifically, for example, the decision control module 2034 generates return request information in addition to the presentation refusal information and transmits it to the acquisition unit 193 via the transmission control module 2032. The acquisition unit 193 acquires the presentation refusal information and return request information transmitted from the decision control module 2034 via the transmission control module 2032 and transmits it to the presentation control unit 194. The presentation control unit 194 presents the presentation refusal information and return request information received from the acquisition unit 193 to the user. This makes it easier for the user to anticipate how to dispose of the second external storage medium 50 when they realize that presentation refusal information has been presented.

[0117] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the display screen of the display 141 of the terminal device 10. In the example in Figure 15, the decision control module 2034 generates text information "Data name cannot be displayed" as presentation refusal information, and text information "Could you please return the second external storage medium 50 to ☆☆? We would appreciate your consideration." as return request information, and transmits these to the terminal device 10 via the transmission control module 2032. The presentation control unit 194 then receives this text information via the transmission / reception unit 192 and displays it on the display screen of the display 141. In the screen shown in Figure 15, the text information for presentation refusal information is displayed at the top and the text information for return request information is displayed at the bottom, and the characters of both text information are arranged horizontally in area 1414. The presentation control unit 194 may display the text information for presentation refusal information and return request information in a direction other than horizontal. Alternatively, the presentation control unit 194 may display the presentation refusal information and return request information in a format other than text information, or display them in an area other than area 1414.

[0118] In the third modified example, the presentation control unit 194 may present management inquiry information to the user. The management inquiry information is information that requests the server 20 to manage the location information of the shooting location of the two-dimensional code attached to the second external storage medium 50, and is generated, for example, by the decision control module 2034. The management of the above location information is performed, for example, by the location information sensor 150 detecting the location of the shooting location and transmitting it as location information to the decision control module 2034 via the transmitting / receiving unit 192 and the receiving control module 2031. The decision control module 2034, having received the location information, generates management inquiry information and transmits it to the presentation control unit 194. The presentation control unit 194 then presents the management inquiry information received from the decision control module 2034 via the transmitting control module 2032 and the acquisition unit 193 to the user.

[0119] This allows the administrator of server 20 to infer whether the user had any malicious intent in using the second external storage medium 50, based on the subsequent operations of the terminal device 10 by the user who has grasped the management inquiry information. In this case, the presentation control unit 194 may present all of the presentation refusal information, return request information, and management inquiry information to the user, or it may present only the presentation refusal information and the management inquiry information to the user.

[0120] <7.3 Third Variation> Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example was described in which the determination of whether or not a data name is presented is based solely on the determination result of the judgment control module 2034 regarding the similarity or difference between the first identification information and the second identification information. However, for example, the determination of whether or not a data name is presented may also be determined by adding another determination result to this result.

[0121] Specifically, this can be achieved, for example, by pre-storing identification information of terminal devices owned by eligible users (hereinafter referred to as terminal identification information) in the user information table 2021, along with identification information of the service provider (see, for example, "Provider ID" in Figures 5 and 10). The decision control module 2034 then sequentially reads the first identification information stored in the list table 2022 and compares it with the second identification information received from the receiving control module 2031. If it determines that the second identification information is identical to a specific first identification information, it reads the identification information of the terminal device 10 from the storage unit 180 and compares it with the terminal identification information. If the comparison determines that the identification information of the terminal device 10 and the terminal identification information are identical, the decision control module 2034 determines that the second external storage medium 50 is identical to the first external storage medium 40, and that the user of the terminal device 10 is the same person as the eligible user, and proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the comparison results indicate that the identification information of the terminal device 10 and the terminal identification information are different, the decision control module 2034 determines that although the second external storage medium 50 is the same as the first external storage medium 40, the user of the terminal device 10 is not the same person as the target, and proceeds to step S21. The processing of the decision control module 2034 when it determines that the second identification information is different from any of the first identification information is the same as in the processing example of this embodiment.

[0122] This allows users of the terminal device 10 to easily access the information stored in the second external storage medium 50, and also ensures that services using System 1 are reliably provided to the target users. Note that when matching the identification information of the terminal device 10 with the terminal identification information, it is not necessary to match the first identification information with the second identification information.

[0123] [8. Basic Hardware Configuration of a Computer] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 90. Computer 90 includes at least a processor 91, main memory 92, auxiliary storage 93, and a communication IF99 (interface). These are electrically connected to each other by a bus.

[0124] The processor 91 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in the program. The processor 91 consists of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0125] Main memory 92 is used to temporarily store programs and data processed by programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0126] Auxiliary storage device 93 is a storage device for storing data and programs. Examples include flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, semiconductor memory, etc.

[0127] A communication IF99 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communication with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards. A network consists of various mobile communication systems, such as the internet, LANs, and wireless base stations. For example, a network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks that can connect to the internet via designated access points (e.g., Wi-Fi®). When connecting wirelessly, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave®, ZigBee®, and Bluetooth®. When connecting via a wired connection, the network also includes connections made directly via USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables, etc.

[0128] Furthermore, by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and connecting them to each other via a network, a computer 90 can be virtually realized. Thus, the concept of computer 90 includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single enclosure or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0129] [9. Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 90] The functional configuration of the computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of the computer 90 shown in Figure 16 will be explained. The computer comprises at least one functional unit: a control unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit.

[0130] Furthermore, the functional units of computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of each functional unit across multiple computers 90 interconnected via a network. The concept of computer 90 includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0131] The control unit is realized when the processor 91 reads various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 93, loads them into the main memory device 92, and executes processing according to those programs. The control unit can realize various functional units that perform information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0132] The memory unit is implemented by a main memory 92 and an auxiliary memory 93. The memory unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. The processor 91 can also reserve memory areas corresponding to the memory unit in the main memory 92 or the auxiliary memory 93 according to the program. The control unit can also cause the processor 91 to perform addition, update, and deletion operations on data stored in the memory unit according to the various programs.

[0133] A database, specifically a relational database, is used to manage and link data sets called tables, which are structurally defined by rows and columns. In a database, tables are called tables, the columns of a table are called columns, and the rows of a table are called records. In a relational database, relationships can be established and linked between tables. Typically, each table has a key column to uniquely identify records, but setting a key on a column is not mandatory. The control unit can instruct the processor 91 to add, delete, or update records in specific tables stored in the memory unit according to various programs.

[0134] The communication unit is implemented by the communication IF99. The communication unit implements the function of communicating with other computers 90 via the network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input it to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 91 to perform information processing on the received information according to various programs. The communication unit can also transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0135] The functions realized by the components described herein may be implemented in a circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), CPUs (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to realize the functions described herein. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered a circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in memory.

[0136] In this specification, circuitry, unit, and means are hardware programmed to perform or execute the functions described herein. Such hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein, or any hardware known to be programmed to perform or execute the functions described herein. If the hardware is a processor that is considered to be a type of circuitry, then the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to constitute the hardware and / or processor.

[0137] While several embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0138] [10. Addendum] The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below.

[0139] <Note 1> A system comprising a first information processing device, a second information processing device, and a server, wherein the first information processing device is connected to a first external storage medium and includes means for acquiring first identification information of the first external storage medium from the first external storage medium, means for associating a name set in the data with the first identification information by receiving an instruction to store data in the first external storage medium, and means for transmitting to the server first information representing the relationship between the first identification information and the name, which is generated by the association means, the server includes means for storing the first information received from the means for transmitting to the server, and the second information processing device comprises means for photographing a two-dimensional code attached to a second external storage medium, means for acquiring a name from the server based on the second identification information of the second external storage medium represented by the two-dimensional code in the image generated by the photographing means, and means for presenting the name acquired by the name acquisition means. <Note 2> The first information processing device includes means for checking whether the first information is already stored in a storage means, and the association means, when the checking means confirms that the first information is already stored in a storage means, adds the name set for the data newly stored in the first external storage medium to the first information (as described in Appendix 1). <Note 3> The association means, when the confirmation means confirms that the first information is not stored in the storage means, generates the first information by associating the name set in the newly stored data of the first external storage medium with the first identification information, as described in (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2). <Note 4> The means of association is a system described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 3) that associates other metadata about the data, in addition to the name, with the primary identification information. <Note 5> The means for obtaining the name further obtains other metadata from the server, and the means for presenting it further presents the other metadata obtained by the means for obtaining the name (as described in Appendix 4). <Note 6> The server is a system as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 5), comprising means for issuing first identification information to a first external storage medium. <Note 7> The first identification information is unique within the environment of the services provided by the system (as described in Appendix 6). <Note 8> The server is a system as described in any of the following (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 7): it includes means for comparing the second identification information received from the second information processing device with the first identification information to determine whether the first identification information and the second identification information are identical, and means for transmitting a name to the second information processing device if the determination means determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are identical. <Note 9> The system described in Appendix 8, wherein the means for transmitting a name, if the means for determining whether the first identification information and the second identification information are identical, transmits second information to the second information processing device indicating that the name cannot be transmitted; the means for acquiring a name acquires the second information transmitted from the server; and the means for presenting presents the second information acquired by the means for acquiring a name. <Note 10> The system described in (Appendix 8) or (Appendix 9), wherein the means for transmitting the name, if the means for determining whether the first identification information and the second identification information are the same, transmits third information representing a request for the return of the second external storage medium to the second information processing device; the means for acquiring the name acquires the third information transmitted from the server; and the means for presenting presents the third information acquired by the means for acquiring the name. <Note 11> A method to be performed on a computer comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor performs all steps performed in any of the inventions described in (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 10). [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1... System 10…Terminal device 120... Communications Department 130...Input device 140…Output device 15…Memory 16…Storage 19… Processor 20... Server 22...Communication IF 23…Input / Output Interface 25…Memory 2 hours… storage 29… Processor 30...PC

Claims

1. A system comprising a first information processing device, a second information processing device, and a server, The first information processing device is means for connecting to a first external storage medium and obtaining first identification information of the first external storage medium from the first external storage medium, A means for associating the name set in the data with the first identification information by receiving an instruction to store data in the first external storage medium, The system includes means for transmitting to the server first information, which represents the relationship between the first identification information and the name, generated by the association means, The aforementioned server, The system includes means for storing the first information received from the means for transmitting to the server, The second information processing device is A means for photographing a two-dimensional code attached to a second external storage medium, A means for obtaining the name from the server based on the second identification information of the second external storage medium represented by the two-dimensional code in the image generated by the aforementioned means for capturing images, The means for presenting the name obtained by the means for obtaining the aforementioned name and A system equipped with these features.

2. The first information processing device is The system includes means for checking whether the first information is already stored in the storage means, The system according to claim 1, wherein, if the means for associating confirms that the first information is already stored in the means for storing, the name set in the data newly stored in the first external storage medium is added to the first information.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the association means, when the confirmation means confirms that the first information is not stored in the storage means, generates the first information by associating the name set in the data newly stored in the first external storage medium with the first identification information.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the association means associates other metadata relating to the data, in addition to the name, with the first identification information.

5. The means for obtaining the name further obtains the other metadata from the server, The system according to claim 4, wherein the means to present further presents the other metadata obtained by the means to obtain the name.

6. The aforementioned server, The system according to claim 1, further comprising means for issuing the first identification information to the first external storage medium.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the first identification information is unique in the environment of the services provided by the system.

8. The aforementioned server, A means for comparing the second identification information received from the second information processing device with the first identification information to determine whether the first identification information and the second identification information are identical, If the means for making the determination determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are the same, then means for transmitting the name to the second information processing device. The system according to claim 1, comprising:

9. If the means for transmitting the name determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are not the same, it transmits second information to the second information processing device indicating that the name cannot be transmitted. The means for obtaining the name obtains the second information transmitted from the server, The system according to claim 8, wherein the means to present the information is the second information obtained by the means to obtain the name.

10. If the means for transmitting the name determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are not the same, it transmits third information representing a request for the return of the second external storage medium to the second information processing device. The means for obtaining the name obtains the third information transmitted from the server, The system according to claim 9, wherein the means to present is to present the third information obtained by the means to obtain the name.

11. A method to be performed on a computer comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor performs all steps performed in any of the inventions according to claims 1 to 10.

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