Systems and methods

Abstract

To provide a system configured to easily grasp information stored in an external storage medium.SOLUTION: A system 1 includes a first information processing apparatus (PC) 30, a second information processing apparatus (terminal device ) 10, and a server 30. The PC includes: means of acquiring first identification information of a first external storage medium 40 from the first external storage medium; means of receiving an instruction to store data to the first external storage medium and associating a name set to the data with the first identification information; and means of transmitting first information indicating a relationship between the first identification information and the name, to the server. The server includes means of storing the received first information. The terminal device includes: means of imaging a two-dimensional code attached to a second external storage medium 50; means of acquiring a name from the server, based on second identification information of the second external storage medium, indicated by the two-dimensional code in an image generated by the imaging means; and means of presenting the name acquired by the means of acquiring the name.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods. [Background technology]

[0002] Research and development has been conducted on methods for managing information stored on external storage media. External storage media are recording media that have a data recording and storage function and are detachable from a device that controls the writing and reading of data. For example, a method disclosed in Patent Document 1 assigns an individual identification code to an external storage medium newly attached to a device, and records the identification code on the external storage medium. The data recorded on the external storage medium is then associated with the identification code and stored as management information in the device, 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] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-324381 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if there are multiple external storage media to be managed, the external storage media on which desired data is recorded can be easily found by viewing the data management table, identifying the target identification code from the media management table, and searching for the identification code written on the label of each external storage medium. However, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of identifying the information stored on the external storage media without connecting them to an information processing device such as a PC.

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

[0006] To solve the above problem, a system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes 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 first information representing the relationship between the first identification information and the name generated by the associating means to the server. The server includes means for storing the first information received from the transmitting means to the server. The second information processing device is included with means for capturing an image of 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 capturing means, and means for presenting the name acquired by the name acquiring means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily grasp information stored in an external storage medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server 20 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PC 30 shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of a service table 182. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the data structure of a subject information table 2021. [Figure 7]FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the data structure of a list table 2022. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of a determination result table 2023. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of a data table 382. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of a medium table 383. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the system 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a display 141. [Figure 13] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the display 141. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the display 141. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the display 141. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings describing the embodiments, common components are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. Note that the following embodiments do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure described in the claims. Furthermore, not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration.

[0010] [1. Overview] A two-dimensional code representing identification information (second identification information) of the second external storage medium is affixed to the second external storage medium. When storing data in the first external storage medium connected to the first information processing device, the first information processing device creates a list related to the data. The first information processing device then associates the created list with the identification information (first identification information) of the first external storage medium and transmits it to a server. The second information processing device photographs the two-dimensional code, reads the second identification information, and transmits the read second identification information to the server. The server reads a 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 a user.

[0011] [2. Overall system configuration diagram] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a 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 a first external storage medium 40 and a second external storage medium 50 shown in Fig. 1 are not included in the system 1. Details of the first external storage medium 40 and the second external storage medium 50 will be described later.

[0012] 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes only one terminal device 10, but the number of terminal devices 10 included in the system 1 is not limited to one. The number of terminal devices 10 included in the system 1 may be two or more.

[0013] 1, a collection of multiple devices may be considered as one server 20. The way in which multiple functions required to realize the server 20 according to this embodiment are allocated to one or multiple pieces of hardware can be determined appropriately in consideration of the processing capacity of each piece of hardware and / or the specifications required for the server 20.

[0014] 1, a collection of multiple devices may be treated as one PC 30. The way in which multiple functions required to realize the PC 30 according to this embodiment are allocated to one or more pieces of hardware can be determined appropriately in consideration of the processing capacity of each piece of hardware and / or the specifications required for the PC 30.

[0015] 1 is, for example, an information processing device operated by a user. Specifically, the terminal device 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet. The terminal device 10 may be, for example, a wearable terminal such as an HMD (Head Mount Display) or a wristwatch-type terminal, or may be, for example, a desktop PC or a laptop PC.

[0016] The terminal device 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 130, an output device 140, a memory 15, a storage 16, and a processor 19. The input device 130 is a device for receiving input operations from a user (for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.). The output device 140 is a device for presenting information to a user (a display, a speaker, etc.).

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

[0018] The PC 30 is, for example, a desktop PC, and is an information processing device operated by a user or an employee of a company (hereinafter collectively referred to as "employee, etc."). The PC 30 is realized, for example, by a computer connected to a network 80. The PC 30 may have, for example, the same hardware configuration as the terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 1.

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

[0020] <2.1 Terminal device configuration> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 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 capturing images), a position information sensor 150, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The blocks included in the terminal device 10 are electrically connected by, for example, a bus or the like.

[0021] The communication unit 120 performs processing such as modulation and demodulation 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 the outside (for example, the server 20 or the PC 30). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on the signal received from the outside and outputs it to the control unit 190.

[0022] The input device 130 is a device for inputting instructions or information by a user operating the terminal device 10. The input device 130 is realized, for example, by a touch-sensitive device 131 or the like, which inputs instructions by touching an operation surface. If the terminal device 10 is a PC or the like, the input device 130 may be realized by a reader, keyboard, mouse, or the like. The input device 130 converts instructions input by the user into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 190. Note that the input device 130 may include, for example, a receiving port that receives electrical signals input from an external input device.

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

[0024] The audio processing unit 170 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of an audio signal. The audio processing unit 170 converts a 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 realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 171 receives audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the 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] The camera 160 is a device that receives light using a light receiving element and outputs the light as an image capturing signal. The camera 160 captures, for example, a two-dimensional code attached to the second external storage medium 50 and generates an image (hereinafter, referred to as a target image).

[0026] The position 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. The GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In the satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 10 equipped with the GPS module is detected based on the received signals. The position information sensor 150 may 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 realized by, for example, the memory 15 and the 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 app 183. The tables and apps stored in the storage unit 180 are not limited to these.

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

[0029] The service table 182 is a table that stores various information related to services. Details of the service table 182 will be described later. The service table 182 is based on master information stored in the server 20, for example. When the master information is updated, the service table 182 is kept up to date by downloading the entire master information or only the updated parts from the server 20, for example.

[0030] The application 183 is an application for managing the use of services by users. The application 183 is installed in the terminal device 10. The application 183 runs, for example, in the background of other applications installed in the terminal device 10, and monitors processes executed by the user.

[0031] The control unit 190 is realized by the processor 19 reading a program including the application 183 stored in the storage unit 180 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the terminal device 10. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 190 fulfills 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 performs processing for receiving instructions or information input from the input device 130. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives instructions or information input from the 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 a voice signal that is input from the microphone 171 and converted into a digital signal by the voice processing unit 170. For example, the operation reception unit 191 analyzes the received voice signal and extracts a predetermined noun, thereby acquiring an instruction from the user.

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

[0035] The acquisition unit 193 acquires information about the processing executed by the terminal device 10 when the operation acceptance unit 191 accepts 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 the application. The acquisition unit 193 stores the acquired application name, process name, and the date and time when this information was acquired (all not shown) in the storage unit 180.

[0036] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 193 acquires information generated when the operation acceptance unit 191 accepts a browser operation by the user. This information is, for example, a browser usage history, and specifically, the URLs and page titles of web pages 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 a predetermined timing, for example, at a predetermined cycle such as every five minutes. The acquisition unit 193 stores the acquired information, the date and time when the information was acquired, the name of the browser that acquired the information (all not shown), and identification information of the terminal device 10 (for example, a device GUID, etc.: see FIG. 8 ) in the storage unit 180.

[0037] Furthermore, the acquiring unit 193 acquires a 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 a name set for data stored in a data table 382 described later. An example of the data name is the file name of the data file. The second identification information will be described in detail later.

[0038] The presentation control unit 194 controls the output device 140 to present information, etc., transmitted from the server 20 or the PC 30 to the user. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 194 causes the information transmitted from the server 20 or the PC 30 to be displayed on the display 141. Furthermore, for example, the presentation control unit 194 causes the information transmitted from the server 20 or the PC 30 to be output from 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> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 20 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202 (storage means), 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, a subject information table 2021, a list table 2022, and a 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 persons (target persons) who are permitted to receive a service. Target persons are, for example, general users who have completed membership registration for the service, or employees of the company that provides the service. The target person information table 2021 stores, for example, information about multiple targets. The target person information table 2021 is updated when information about a new target person is registered. Details of the target person information table 2021 will be described later.

[0042] The list table 2022 is a table that stores a list (first information) transmitted from the PC 30. The list table 2022 is updated when a new data name is added to a specific list or when a new list is generated. Details of the list table 2022 and the list will be described later.

[0043] The judgment result table 2023 is a table that stores information related to the judgment result of the identity between the first identification information and the second identification information. The judgment result table 2023 is updated by registering a new judgment result. Details of the judgment result table 2023 and the first identification information will be described later.

[0044] The control unit 203 is realized by the processor 29 reading a program stored in the storage unit 202 and executing instructions included in the program. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 203 fulfills the functions of a reception control module 2031, a transmission control module 2032 (means for transmitting a name), an issuance control module 2033 (means for issuing), and a judgment control module 2034 (means for making judgments).

[0045] The reception control module 2031 controls the process in which the server 20 receives a signal from an external device in accordance with a communication protocol. The transmission control module 2032 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits a signal to an external device in accordance with a communication protocol. The transmission control module 2032 also controls the process in which the server 20 transmits a signal to the external device in accordance with the communication protocol. Based on the determination result of the determination control module 2034, the transmission control module 2032 controls the process in which the data name or presentation refusal information (second information) is transmitted to the terminal device 10. The presentation refusal information will be described in detail later.

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

[0047] The determination control module 2034 controls the process of comparing the second identification information received from the terminal device 10 with the first identification information and determining whether the first identification information and the second identification information are the same.

[0048] <2.3 Functional configuration of PC> Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of PC 30 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 4, PC 30 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. The blocks included in PC 30 are electrically connected by, for example, a bus or the like.

[0049] The connection unit 310 is a part provided on the PC 30 to enable electrical and physical connection of the first external storage medium 40 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 serves as the connection unit 310. Also, if the first external storage medium 40 is an SD card (Secure Digital Card), the SD card slot serves as the connection unit 310.

[0050] The communication unit 320 performs processes such as modulation and demodulation for the 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 the outside (for example, the terminal device 10 or the server 20). The communication unit 320 performs reception processing on the signal received from the outside and outputs it to the control unit 390.

[0051] The input device 330 is a device through which an employee or the like operating the PC 30 inputs instructions or information. The input device 330 is realized, for example, by a keyboard / mouse 331 or the like. The input device 330 may also be realized, for example, by a reader. If the PC 30 is a mobile terminal or the like, the input device 330 may also be realized by a touch-sensitive device 131 or the like through which instructions are input by touching the operation surface. The input device 330 converts instructions input by a 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 an employee or the like who operates the PC 30. The output device 340 is realized by, for example, a display 141 or the like. 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 processing of an audio signal. The audio processing unit 370 converts a signal provided 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 an audio signal to the speaker 372. The microphone 371 receives audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 370. The speaker 372 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 370 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the PC 30.

[0054] The camera 360 is a device that receives light using a light receiving element and outputs the light as an image capturing signal. The position information sensor 350 is a sensor that detects the position of the PC 30, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The position information sensor 350 may detect the current position of the PC 30 from the position of a wireless base station to which the PC 30 is connected.

[0055] The storage unit 380 is realized by, for example, a memory, a storage, etc., 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 medium table 383. The information and tables stored in the storage unit 380 are not limited to these.

[0056] The user information 381 includes, for example, information about an employee who operates the PC 30. The information about the employee includes, for example, an employee ID, the employee's name, age, address, date of birth, password, contact information (address), and the like.

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

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

[0059] The control unit 390 is realized by the processor reading a program stored in the storage unit 380 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 390 controls the operation of the PC 30. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 390 fulfills the functions of an operation reception unit 391, a transmission / reception unit 392 (means for transmitting to a 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 confirming).

[0060] The operation reception unit 391 performs processing for receiving 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 or the like.

[0061] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 391 receives voice instructions input from the microphone 371. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 391 receives a voice signal that is input from the microphone 371 and converted into a digital signal by the voice processing unit 370. For example, the operation reception unit 391 analyzes the received voice signal and extracts a predetermined noun, thereby acquiring an instruction from the user.

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

[0063] The presentation control unit 393 controls the output device 340 to present to the user information, etc., transmitted from the terminal device 10 or the server 20. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 393 causes the information transmitted from the terminal device 10 or the server 20 to be displayed on the display 341. Furthermore, for example, the presentation control unit 393 causes the information transmitted from the server 20 or the PC 30 to be output from the speaker 372.

[0064] The acquiring unit 394 is electrically connected to the first external storage medium 40 by connecting the first external storage medium 40 to the connecting unit 310 , and acquires the first identification information from the first external storage medium 40 .

[0065] When the operation receiving unit 391 receives an instruction to store data in the first external storage medium 40, the generating unit 395 associates the data name set for the data with the first identification information issued to the first external storage medium 40. The generating unit 395 also generates first information that indicates the relationship between the first identification information and the data name. In this embodiment, the generating unit 395 generates a data set of the associated first identification information and data name as the first information. Hereinafter, this data set 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, in addition to the first identification information and the data name, other information related to the first external storage medium 40 or the data. Furthermore, for example, the first information may be information indicating that the first identification information has been associated with the data name.

[0066] The checking unit 396 checks whether the list is already stored in the storage unit 202. Specifically, for example, the checking 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 FIG. 1 is an external storage medium connectable to the connection unit 310 of the PC 30. The second external storage medium 50 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, an external storage medium owned by the user of the terminal device 10. The first external storage medium 40 and the second external storage medium 50 are not limited in type. 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] A two-dimensional code (not shown) is attached to both the first external storage medium 40 and the second external storage medium 50. There is no particular limitation on the type of two-dimensional code, and it may be a matrix type two-dimensional code such as a QR code, or a stack type two-dimensional code. Identification information represented by the two-dimensional code attached to the first external storage medium 40 is the first identification information, and identification information represented by the two-dimensional code attached to the second external storage medium 50 is the second identification information. The first identification information is, for example, unique within the environment of the service provided by the system 1.

[0069] [4 Data Structure] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of a table stored in the terminal device 10. Figs. 6 to 8 are diagrams showing the data structure of a table stored in the server 20. Figs. 9 and 10 are diagrams showing the data structure of a table stored in the PC 30. Note that each of the diagrams shown in Figs. 5 to 10 is an example, and does not exclude data not shown in the diagrams. Furthermore, even data listed in the same table may be stored in a storage area other than the storage unit 180, the storage unit 202, the storage unit 380, or a combination of at least two of these.

[0070] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of service table 182. Service table 182 shown in Fig. 5 is a table having columns for service names and the like, with provider IDs as keys. Note that service table 182 may have columns for storing information other than the above, or may not have columns for storing any of the above information.

[0071] The provider ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying the entity that provides 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 that provides the service, or the address of the homepage set up by that entity. The version is an item that stores the version of the service that is being provided. The support information is an item that stores information regarding the support provided for the service.

[0072] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of subject information table 2021. Subject information table 2021 shown in Fig. 6 is a table having columns of name, etc., with subject ID as a key. Note that subject information table 2021 may have columns for storing information other than the above, or may not have a column for storing any of the above information.

[0073] The subject ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying the subject. The name is an item that stores the name of the subject. The age is an item that stores the age of the subject. The gender is an item that stores the gender of the subject. The date of birth is an item that stores the date of birth of the subject. The contact information is an item that stores the telephone number, email address, etc. of the subject.

[0074] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of list table 2022. List table 2022 shown in Fig. 7 is a table having a column of data names with medium IDs as keys. Note that list table 2022 may also have columns for storing information other than the above.

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

[0076] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the judgment result table 2023. The judgment result table 2023 shown in Fig. 8 is a table having columns such as target medium ID, with the judgment date and time as a key. Note that the judgment result table 2023 may also have columns for storing information other than the above.

[0077] The judgment date and time is an item that stores the date and time when the judgment control module 2034 compares the second identification information received from the terminal device 10 with the first identification information and determines whether the two pieces of information are identical. The judgment control module 2034 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information are identical by referring to the list table 2022. The target medium ID is an item that stores the second identification information of the second external storage medium 50 that is the shooting subject of the target image. The medium ID is an item that stores the first identification information used for comparing with the second identification information. The terminal ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying the terminal device 10, that is, the identification information of the terminal device 10.

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

[0079] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of data table 382. Data table 382 shown in Fig. 9 is a table having columns such as data name, with data ID as a key. Note that data table 382 may also have columns for storing information other than the above.

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

[0081] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of the medium table 383. The medium table 383 shown in Fig. 10 is a table having columns for type, etc., with the medium ID as a key. Note that the medium table 383 may have columns for storing information other than the above, or may not have columns for storing any of the above information.

[0082] The medium ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying the first external storage medium 40 connected to the PC 30, that is, an example of 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 is an item that stores the specifications of the first external storage medium 40, such as the capacity of the first external storage medium 40 connected to the PC 30. The provider ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying an entity (e.g., a company) that provides a service to a subject who possesses the first external storage medium 40, that is, an example of identification information of the entity that provides the service. The service name is an item that stores the name of the service. The medium table 383 may be integrated into the determination result table 2023.

[0083] [5 Actions] The following describes the operation of the system 1. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system 1. In the description of Fig. 11, it is assumed that the application 183 is installed in the terminal device 10.

[0084] First, a user of the terminal device 10 starts up the terminal device 10. For example, the application 183 is automatically started up by the OS of the terminal device 10 when the terminal device 10 starts up. When the application 183 is started up, the control unit 190 may or may not notify the user that the 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 the first identification information when the reception control module 2031 receives information related to an issuance application from a subject who possesses the first external storage medium 40. Note that the issuance control module 2033 may issue the first identification information when the reception control module 2031 receives information that the first external storage medium 40 has been manufactured.

[0086] The issuance control module 2033 transmits the issued first identification information to the transmission control module 2032, for example. The transmission control module 2032 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 that provides the service). An employee or the like who has learned that the other information processing device has received the first identification information from information presented by an output device of the other information processing device connects the first external storage medium 40 to the other information processing device. With 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] Also, for example, the transmission control module 2032 transmits the received first identification information to the PC 30. The transmitter / receiver 392 stores the first identification information transmitted from the transmission control module 2032 in the medium table 383 in association with the identification information of the provider of the service that can be provided to the subject who possesses the first external storage medium 40 and the name of the service.

[0088] In step S12, the acquiring unit 394 acquires the first identification information from the first external storage medium 40. Specifically, for example, the acquiring unit 394 is electrically connected to the first external storage medium 40 by connecting the first external storage medium 40 to the connecting unit 310. Then, the acquiring unit 394 acquires the first identification information by reading the first identification information from the first external storage medium 40 via the transmitting / receiving unit 392. The acquiring unit 394 transmits the acquired first identification information to the generating unit 395.

[0089] In step S13, the operation acceptance unit 391 stores data in the first external storage medium 40. Specifically, for example, the operation acceptance unit 391 accepts an instruction from an employee or the like to store predetermined data in the first external storage medium 40. Upon accepting this instruction, the operation acceptance 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 the above flow, 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. The storage instruction is a user operation for storing predetermined data in the first external storage medium 40. Upon receiving information from the operation reception unit 391 indicating that the 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 indicating that the list has been generated to the confirmation unit 396.

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

[0092] In step S15, the transmitting / receiving unit 392 transmits 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 reception control module 2031 receives the list transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit 392 and transmits the list to the storage unit 202. The storage unit 202 stores the list received from the reception control module 2031 in the list table 2022.

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

[0094] In step S19, the determination control module 2034 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information are the same. Specifically, for example, the reception control module 2031 receives the second identification information transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 192 and transmits the second identification information to the determination control module 2034. The determination control module 2034 sequentially reads out the first identification information stored in the list table 2022 and compares it with the second identification information received from the reception control module 2031. If the result of the comparison indicates that the second identification information is the same as the specific first identification information, that is, if the second external storage medium 50 is the same as the specific first external storage medium 40, the determination control module 2034 proceeds to step S20. If the result of the comparison indicates 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 media 40, the determination control module 2034 proceeds to step S21.

[0095] Furthermore, the determination control module 2034 stores information related to the determination result in the determination result table 2023. Specifically, for example, if it is determined that the second identification information is identical to specific first identification information, the determination control module 2034 stores "1" in the item "matching result" of the determination result table 2023. Furthermore, the determination control module 2034 reads out the identification information of the terminal device 10 from the storage unit 180 and stores the identification information in the item "terminal ID", and also stores "1" in the item "target person".

[0096] If it is determined that the second identification information is different from any of the first identification information, the determination control module 2034 stores "0" in the item "matching result" of the determination result table 2023. In addition, the determination control module 2034 reads out the identification information of the terminal device 10 from the storage unit 180 and stores the identification information in the item "terminal ID", and also stores "0" in the item "target person".

[0097] In step S20, the determination control module 2034 transmits the data name to the terminal device 10. Specifically, for example, the determination control module 2034 reads out from the list table 2022 the data name associated with specific first identification information that has been determined to be identical to the second identification information. Then, the determination 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 determination control module 2034 transmits presentation refusal information to the terminal device 10. Specifically, for example, the determination control module 2034 generates presentation refusal information indicating that the data name cannot be transmitted to the terminal device 10, and transmits the information 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 related to the data name to the user. Specifically, for example, when the acquisition unit 193 receives the 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 presents the received data name to the user.

[0100] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display 141 of the terminal device 10. FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which the specific first identification information determined to be identical to the second identification information is "RID0001." That is, the determination 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 transmitting / receiving unit 192 and displays them on the display screen of the display 141. In the screen illustrated in FIG. 12, these three types of data names are displayed in a list format arranged vertically (up and down on the paper) in the area 1411. The presentation control unit 194 may display the data names in a format other than the list format, or may display them in an area other than the area 1411.

[0101] Furthermore, for example, when the acquisition unit 193 receives presentation refusal information from the server 20 via the transmission / reception unit 192, the acquisition unit 193 transmits the received presentation refusal information to the presentation control unit 194. The presentation control unit 194 presents the received presentation refusal information to the user.

[0102] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the display 141 of the terminal device 10. In the example of FIG. 13, the determination control module 2034 generates text information stating "Data name cannot be presented" as presentation refusal information and transmits it to the terminal device 10 via the transmission control module 2032. The presentation control unit 194 then receives this text information via the transmitting / receiving unit 192 and displays it on the display screen of the display 141. In the screen illustrated in FIG. 13, the text information is displayed in an area 1412 with each character arranged horizontally (left and right as viewed on the paper). The presentation control unit 194 may display the text information as presentation refusal information in a direction other than horizontal. Alternatively, the presentation control unit 194 may display the presentation refusal information in a format other than text information, or in an area other than the area 1412.

[0103] [6 Summary] As described above, in this embodiment, the determination control module 2034 compares 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 to determine whether the first identification information and the second identification information are identical. If it is determined that they are identical, the determination control module 2034 reads from the list table 2022 the data name associated with the first identification information determined to be identical to the second identification information, and transmits it to the presentation control unit 194 via the transmission control module 2032. The presentation control unit 194 receives the data name from the determination control module 2034 via the transmission / reception unit 192 and presents the data name to the user. This allows the user to easily understand the information stored in the second external storage medium 50 without connecting to the PC 30.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the determination 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 identical to any of the first identification information stored in the list table 2022, the determination control module 2034 generates presentation refusal information and transmits it to the presentation control unit 194 via the transmission control module 2032. The presentation control unit 194 receives the presentation refusal information from the determination control module 2034 via the transmission / reception unit 192 and presents the presentation refusal information to the user. This allows the user to easily know that the desired information is not stored in the second external storage medium 50 without connecting to the PC 30.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the confirmation unit 396 confirms whether or not an existing list is already stored in the list table 2022. If it is confirmed that an existing list is already stored, the confirmation 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, and transmits the new list to the server 20. On the other hand, if the confirmation unit 396 confirms that an existing list is not stored, the generation unit 395 transmits 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] In this embodiment, the issuance control module 2033 controls the process of issuing first identification information to the first external storage medium 40. This allows the server 20 to manage the issuance of first identification information to the first external storage medium 40.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first identification information is unique in the environment of the service provided by the system 1. As a result, the server 20 stores a list including the first identification information, and therefore can reliably manage the first external storage medium 40.

[0108] [7 Variations] <7.1 First Modification> In this embodiment, an example has been described in which a data set in which first identification information and data names are associated is generated as a list. However, in addition to the data name, other metadata related to the data may be associated with the first identification information. The other metadata may be, for example, the creation date and time of the data, the data size, etc., and is stored in the data table 382.

[0109] Specifically, for example, upon receiving information from the operation receiving unit 391 indicating that an instruction to store predetermined data has been received, the generating unit 395 generates a list by associating the first identification information received from the acquiring unit 394 with the data name of the predetermined data read from the data table 382 and other metadata. Note that the generating unit 395 may generate a list in which service identification information is further associated in addition to the other metadata. The service identification information is identification information of an entity (e.g., a company) that provides a service using the system 1. For example, the provider ID stored in the service table 182 corresponds to the service identification information.

[0110] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example has been 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 including other metadata received from the generation unit 395 via the reception control module 2031 in the list table 2022. The determination control module 2034 reads out from the list table 2022 the data name and other metadata associated with specific first identification information determined to be identical to the second identification information, and transmits them 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 determination control module 2034 via the transmission control module 2032, and transmits them 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 in detail understand the information stored in the second external storage medium 50 without connecting to the PC 30. Note that the presentation control unit 194 may further present the above-mentioned service identification information to the user in addition to the data name and other metadata.

[0113] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the display 141 of the terminal device 10. In the example of FIG. 14, the determination control module 2034 reads out from the list table 2022 a dataset with the data name "AAAAA" and the creation date and time, a dataset with the data name "BBBBB" and the creation date and time, and a dataset with the data name "CCCCC" and the creation date and time. That is, in the example of FIG. 14, the creation date and time of the data corresponds to other metadata, and although not shown in FIG. 7, the creation date and time of the data is also stored in the list table 2022. The determination control module 2034 transmits these datasets to the terminal device 10 via the transmission control module 2032. Then, the presentation control unit 194 receives these datasets via the transmission / reception unit 192 and displays them on the display screen of the display 141.

[0114] 14, the three data sets are displayed in a table format having a column of creation date and time with the data name as a key in an area 1413. The presentation control unit 194 may display the three data sets in a format other than the table format, or may display them in an area other than the area 1413.

[0115] <7.2 Second Modification> In the present embodiment, an example has been 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, return request information (third information) may be presented to the user in addition to the presentation refusal information. 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, address, etc. of the return destination. Furthermore, for example, the return request information may include information indicating that a predetermined benefit (for example, a service coupon, points, etc.) will be given if the second external storage medium 50 is returned. There are no particular limitations on the return destination of the second external storage medium 50, and for example, the return destination may be a provider of a service using the system 1.

[0116] Specifically, for example, the determination control module 2034 generates return request information in addition to 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 determination control module 2034 via the transmission control module 2032, and transmits them 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 predict how to dispose of the second external storage medium 50 when he or she realizes that presentation refusal information has been presented.

[0117] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the display 141 of the terminal device 10. In the example of FIG. 15, the determination control module 2034 generates text information, such as "The data name cannot be presented," as presentation refusal information and "Could you please return the second external storage medium 50 to ☆☆? Please consider this." as return request information, and transmits these text information to the terminal device 10 via the transmission control module 2032. The presentation control unit 194 then receives these text information via the transmitting / receiving unit 192 and displays them on the display screen of the display 141. In the screen illustrated in FIG. 15, the text information of the presentation refusal information is displayed on top and the text information of the return request information is displayed on the bottom, with the characters of both text information arranged horizontally in the area 1414. The presentation control unit 194 may display the text information of the presentation refusal information and the return request information in a direction other than horizontal. Alternatively, the presentation control unit 194 may display the presentation refusal information and the return request information in a format other than text information, or in an area other than the area 1414.

[0118] In the third modified example, the presentation control unit 194 may present management consultation information to the user. The management consultation information is information that prompts the server 20 to manage the location information of the shooting location of the two-dimensional code affixed to the second external storage medium 50, and is generated by, for example, the determination control module 2034. For example, the location information sensor 150 detects the location of the shooting location and transmits the location information to the determination control module 2034 via the transmission / reception unit 192 and the reception control module 2031. The determination control module 2034 receives the location information, generates management consultation information, and transmits it to the presentation control unit 194. The presentation control unit 194 then presents the management consultation information received from the determination control module 2034 via the transmission control module 2032 and the acquisition unit 193 to the user.

[0119] This allows the administrator of the server 20 to infer, from the subsequent operation of the terminal device 10 by the user who has received the management inquiry information, whether or not the user had fraudulent intentions in using the second external storage medium 50. 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 may present only the presentation refusal information and the management inquiry information to the user.

[0120] <7.3 Third Modification> Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which whether or not the data name is presented is based solely on the determination result of whether the first identification information and the second identification information are the same or different, made by the determination control module 2034. However, for example, whether or not the data name is presented may be determined by taking into account this determination result and another determination result.

[0121] Specifically, for example, this may be realized by storing in advance in the target information table 2021 the identification information of the terminal device owned by the target person who can provide the service (hereinafter referred to as terminal identification information) together with the identification information of the entity providing the service (see, for example, "provider ID" in FIGS. 5 and 10). Then, the determination control module 2034 sequentially reads out the first identification information stored in the list table 2022, compares it with the second identification information received from the reception control module 2031, and if it determines that the second identification information is identical to the specific first identification information, it reads out the identification information of the terminal device 10 from the storage unit 180 and compares it with the terminal identification information. If it determines that the identification information of the terminal device 10 and the terminal identification information are identical as a result of the comparison, the determination 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 target person, and proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the result of the comparison indicates that the identification information of the terminal device 10 and the terminal identification information are different, the determination 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 person, and shifts the process to step S21. The process of the determination control module 2034 when it is determined that the second identification information is different from any of the first identification information is the same as the processing example of this embodiment.

[0122] This not only allows the user of the terminal device 10 to easily understand the information stored in the second external storage medium 50, but also ensures that services using the system 1 are provided to the target person. 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 Computer Hardware Configuration] 16 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. The computer 90 includes at least a processor 91, a main memory device 92, an auxiliary memory device 93, and a communication IF (interface) 99. These are electrically connected to one another by a bus.

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

[0125] The main storage device 92 is used to temporarily store programs, data to be processed by the programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0126] The auxiliary storage device 93 is a storage device for saving data and programs, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory.

[0127] The communication IF 99 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communicating with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards. The network is composed of the Internet, a LAN, various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations, etc. For example, the network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can connect to the Internet via a predetermined access point. In the case of a wireless connection, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). In the case of a wired connection, the network also includes a direct connection using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc.

[0128] It should be noted that the computer 90 can be virtually realized by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and interconnecting them via a network. In this way, the computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single housing or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0129] [9 Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 90] A description will be given of the functional configuration of a computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90 shown in Fig. 16. The computer includes at least the functional units of a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

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

[0131] The control unit is realized by the processor 91 reading various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 93, expanding them in the main storage device 92, and executing processing in accordance with the programs. The control unit can realize functional units that perform various types of information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that processes information.

[0132] The storage unit is realized by a main storage device 92 and an auxiliary storage device 93. The storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. Furthermore, the processor 91 can allocate a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 92 or the auxiliary storage device 93 in accordance with the programs. Furthermore, the control unit can cause the processor 91 to execute processes for adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the storage unit in accordance with the various programs.

[0133] A database refers to a relational database, which manages data sets called tables, which are structured by rows and columns, by relating them to each other. In a database, a table is called a table, a column in a table is called a column, and a row in a table is called a record. In a relational database, relationships between tables can be set and associated. Typically, each table has a column set as a key for uniquely identifying a record, but setting a key to a column is not essential. The control unit can cause the processor 91 to add, delete, or update records in a specific table stored in the storage unit according to various programs.

[0134] The communication unit is realized by the communication IF 99. The communication unit realizes the function of communicating with other computers 90 via a network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input the information to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 91 to execute information processing on the received information in accordance with various programs. In addition, the communication unit can transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

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

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

[0137] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the inventions.

[0138] [10 Appendix] The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

[0139] <Appendix 1> A system comprising a first information processing device, a second information processing device, and a server, wherein the first information processing device comprises means for connecting to a first external storage medium and 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 generated by the associating means, the server comprises 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 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 acquiring means. <Appendix 2> The first information processing device includes a means for confirming whether the first information is already stored in the storage means, and the associating means, if the confirming means confirms that the first information is already stored in the storage means, adds to the first information the name set in the data newly stored in the first external storage medium (a system described in Appendix 1). <Appendix 3> The system described in (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2) in which, when the confirming means confirms that the first information is not stored in the storing means, the associating 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. <Appendix 4> The system according to any one of (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 3), wherein the associating means associates other metadata related to the data with the first identification information in addition to the name. <Appendix 5> The system described in Appendix 4, wherein the means for acquiring a name further acquires other metadata from the server, and the means for presenting further presents other metadata acquired by the means for acquiring a name. <Appendix 6> The system according to any one of (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 5), wherein the server includes a means for issuing first identification information to the first external storage medium. <Appendix 7> The system according to claim 6, wherein the first identification information is unique within the environment of the service provided by the system. <Appendix 8> The system described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 7) includes a server that compares 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 a server that transmits a name to the second information processing device when the server determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are identical. <Appendix 9> The system described in Appendix 8, wherein the means for sending the name sends second information to the second information processing device indicating that the name cannot be sent if the means for judging determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are not the same, the means for acquiring the name acquires the second information sent from the server, and the means for presenting presents the second information acquired by the means for acquiring the name. <Appendix 10> A system described in (Appendix 8) or (Appendix 9), wherein the name sending means, when the judging means determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are not identical, sends third information representing a request for the return of the second external storage medium to the second information processing device, the name acquiring means acquires the third information sent from the server, and the presenting means presents the third information acquired by the name acquiring means. <Appendix 11> A method executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, wherein the processor executes all of the steps performed in any of the inventions according to (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 26…Storage 29...Processor 30...PC

Claims

1. A system including a first information processing device, a second information processing device, and a server, The first information processing device a means for connecting to a first external storage medium and 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 the data in the first external storage medium; means for transmitting first information, which is generated by the associating means and which indicates the relationship between the first identification information and the name, to the server; The server means for storing the first information received from the means for transmitting to the server; The second information processing device a means for capturing an image of a two-dimensional code attached to a second external storage medium; means for acquiring the name from the server based on second identification information of the second external storage medium, the second identification information being represented by the two-dimensional code in the image generated by the photographing means; a means for presenting the name acquired by the means for acquiring the name; A system comprising:

2. The first information processing device a means for checking whether the first information has already been stored in the storing means, The system described in claim 1, wherein the associating means, when the confirming means confirms that the first information is already stored in the storing means, adds the name set in the data newly stored in the first external storage medium to the first information.

3. The system described in claim 2, wherein when the confirming means confirms that the first information is not stored in the storing means, the associating 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 of claim 1 , wherein the associating means associates other metadata about the data, in addition to the name, with the first identification information.

5. the means for acquiring the name further acquires the other metadata from the server; 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the presenting means further presents the other metadata acquired by the name acquiring means.

6. The server 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising means for issuing said first identification information to said first external storage medium.

7. The system according to claim 6 , wherein the first identification information is unique within an environment of a service provided by the system.

8. The server a means for collating 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; means for transmitting the name to the second information processing device when the determining means determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are the same; The system of claim 1 , comprising:

9. the name transmitting means, when the determining means determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are not identical, transmits second information to the second information processing device, indicating that the name cannot be transmitted; the means for acquiring the name acquires the second information transmitted from the server, The system according to claim 8 , wherein the means for presenting presents the second information acquired by the means for acquiring the name.

10. the name transmitting means, when the determining means determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are not identical, transmits third information representing a request for 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, The system according to claim 9 , wherein the presenting means presents the third information acquired by the name acquiring means.

11. A method implemented on a computer having a processor and a memory, wherein the processor executes all of the steps performed in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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