Business card management system and business card management program

Abstract

To provide a technology of business card management which can be used by a plurality of users with high convenience and is capable of appropriately managing each of the plurality of users and information of the business card in association with each other.SOLUTION: An operation terminal sequentially executes an account accepting process #1, an execution instruction accepting process #2, and a business card information acquisition process #3 for allowing a reading device to execute a reading process. After completion of them, the operation terminal executes a business card information transmission process #4 for transmitting the account information and the business card information to a management server, and a next process accepting process #5 for accepting an instruction of next process containing a read continuing instruction and an operation termination instruction. When accepting the read continuing instruction, the operation terminal becomes an execution instruction accepting state. When accepting the operation termination instruction or an instruction of the next process is not accepted in a continuing waiting period, the operation terminal becomes an account accepting state after execution of an account designation cancel process #6. The management server stores the account information and the business card information in a business card information data base while associating the account information and the business card information with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a business card management system for acquiring and managing a plurality of business card information, and a business card management program.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-153939 (Patent Document 1) discloses an example of a system that can share business card information among a plurality of users by providing a database of business card information that can be supplied by the plurality of users. Since the business cards of customers are received by each user from the customers, the business card information is associated with each user, and it is preferable that each user registers in the database. In Patent Document 1, an account is set for each user, and the business card information is stored in the database in a state associated with each user by identifying each user by the account.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, if each user has their own account, and the account of the user who last used the system remains specified, there is a risk that business card information will be saved in the database associated with the previous user. The next user will need to deselect the previous user's account before selecting their own, which will be an inconvenient operation. One possible reason why account selection is left in place in this way is that some users may find it troublesome to re-select their account and leave the system terminal while their account selection is still active. Therefore, it is desirable that users do not find it inconvenient to select or deselect their individually set accounts.

[0005] In light of the above background, there is a need for business card management technology that can be used with high convenience by multiple users and that can appropriately associate and manage the business card information of each of the multiple users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In light of the above, the business card management system is: A management server that manages multiple business card information, An operating terminal that accepts user operations for inputting the aforementioned business card information, A business card management system comprising a reading device provided integrally with or separately from the operating terminal, which reads business card information and performs a reading process to acquire the business card information, The aforementioned operating terminal is The account acceptance state becomes capable of accepting the specified user account, and an account acceptance process is performed to accept the specified user account. After the account acceptance process, the system enters an execution command acceptance state where it can receive an execution command for the read process, and an execution command acceptance process is performed to receive the execution command for the read process. After the execution command reception process, a business card information acquisition process is performed to cause the reading device to execute the reading process, After the completion of the business card information acquisition process, a business card information transmission process is performed to send the account information indicating the user account specified by the account acceptance process and the business card information read by the reading process to the management server. After the completion of the business card information acquisition process, the system enters a next-process receiving state where it can receive commands for the next process, including a continuous reading command which is a command to execute the reading process for the next business card, and an operation termination command which is a command to terminate the operation of the operating terminal, and then executes a next-process receiving process that receives the commands for the next process. In the aforementioned next processing acceptance process, if the continuous reading command is received, the execution command acceptance state is entered. If the operation termination command is received in the next processing acceptance process, and if the next processing command is not received for a predetermined waiting time in the next processing acceptance state, the account designation de-designation process is executed to de-designate the user's account in the account acceptance process, and then the account acceptance state is returned. The management server stores the account information and business card information transmitted through the business card information transmission process in the business card information database, with the two accounts associated.

[0007] For example, if the previous user's account remains specified, the next user would need to deselect the previous user's account before selecting their own, which would be an cumbersome process. However, with this configuration, if the previous user does not use the system, the account deselection process is performed appropriately by the user or automatically. Therefore, the above-mentioned cumbersome process is less likely to occur, improving user convenience. Furthermore, because the account deselection process ensures that the account is properly accepted, even when the operating terminal is used by multiple users, the possibility of a user using another user's account to operate the terminal is reduced. This also reduces the possibility of incorrect accounts being associated with business card information and stored in the management server. Thus, this configuration provides a business card management technology that can be used with high convenience by multiple users and that can appropriately associate and manage the business card information of each of the multiple users.

[0008] The various technical features of the business card management system described above are also applicable to business card management programs. Representative examples are given below. A business card management program can implement various functions possessing the features of the business card management system described above on a computer. Naturally, a business card management program can also achieve the effects and benefits of the business card management system described above. Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of the business card management system, various additional features exemplified below can also be incorporated into the business card management program, and such a program can achieve the effects and benefits corresponding to each additional feature.

[0009] In one preferred embodiment, a business card management system comprises a management server for managing multiple business card information, an operation terminal for receiving user operations for inputting the business card information, and a reader device provided integrally with or separately from the operation terminal for reading business card information and performing reading processing to acquire the business card information, wherein a business card management program for implementing the business card management function of the operation terminal on a computer is: The aforementioned operating terminal is The account acceptance state becomes capable of accepting the specified user account, and an account acceptance process is performed to accept the specified user account. After the account acceptance process, the system enters an execution command acceptance state where it can receive an execution command for the read process, and an execution command acceptance process is performed to receive the execution command for the read process. After the execution command reception process, a business card information acquisition process is performed to cause the reading device to execute the reading process, After the completion of the business card information acquisition process, a business card information transmission process is performed to send the account information indicating the user account specified by the account acceptance process and the business card information read by the reading process to the management server. After the completion of the business card information acquisition process, the system enters a next-process receiving state where it can receive commands for the next process, including a continuous reading command which is a command to execute the reading process for the next business card, and an operation termination command which is a command to terminate the operation of the operation terminal. The system then executes a next-process receiving process to receive the commands for the next process. The management server stores the account information transmitted by the business card information transmission process in the business card information database, with the account information and business card information associated with each other. In the aforementioned next processing acceptance process, When the aforementioned continuous reading command is received, the execution command reception state is entered. When the aforementioned operation termination command is received, and when the command for the next process is not received for a predetermined set time while in the next process acceptance state, the account designation de-designation process is executed to de-designate the user's account by the account acceptance process, and then the system returns to the account acceptance state.

[0010] Further features and advantages of the business card management system and business card management program will become clear from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments illustrated with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]Diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a business card management system [Figure 2] Schematic block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an operation terminal [Figure 3] Flowchart showing an example of a business card management program [Figure 4] Flowchart showing a second example of the next process reception process [Figure 5] Flowchart showing a third example of the next process reception process [Figure 6] Flowchart showing an example of a face determination procedure [Figure 7] Schematic block diagram showing another example of the system configuration of an operation terminal [Figure 8] Diagram showing an example of the screen display of the account reception status [Figure 9] Diagram showing an example of the screen display of the execution command reception status [Figure 10] Diagram showing an example of the screen display of the next process reception status [Figure 11] Diagram showing another example of the screen display of the next process reception status [Figure 12] Diagram showing another example of the screen display of the account reception status [Figure 13] Diagram showing another example of the screen display of the execution command reception status

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The following describes embodiments of the business card management system and business card management program based on the drawings. Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the business card management system 100. As shown in Figure 1, the business card management system 100 includes a management server 1 that manages multiple business card information, an operation terminal 2 that accepts user operations for inputting business card information, and a reader 3 that is provided integrally with or separately from the operation terminal 2 to read information on business cards C and perform reading processing to acquire business card information. Preferably, the business card management system 100 includes multiple operation terminals 2, and each operation terminal 2 and the management server 1 are connected to each other via a network 5 so that they can communicate with one another. The network 5 includes both wired and wireless connections. For example, a relay device (not shown) and the management server 1 may be connected via a wired network, and the operation terminals 2 and the relay device may be connected via a wireless network. The management server 1 includes a database 6, and here, the database 6 is exemplified as a business card information database 61 and an account information database 62.

[0013] Furthermore, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the operating terminal 2 is further equipped with a user image capture device 4, which is provided either integrally with the operating terminal 2 or separately, and is positioned so that the face of the user operating the operating terminal 2 is included in the shooting range. In this embodiment, the case in which the operating terminal 2 is equipped with the user image capture device 4 will be described below as an example, but the operating terminal 2 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the user image capture device 4.

[0014] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the operating terminal 2 is exemplified by a personal digital assistant (PDA) 2a that integrates an input / output device 7, an arithmetic unit 8, a storage device 9, a communication device 10, and a built-in camera 11. Such a personal digital assistant 2a is, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The input / output device 7 is composed of a touch panel 7a equipped with an input unit 71 and an output unit 72. The arithmetic unit 8 includes at least one core microprocessor and is composed of a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a drive circuit for the built-in camera 11, and other peripheral elements. The storage device 9 is the built-in storage of the personal digital assistant 2a, configured as SRAM, flash memory, etc. The communication device 10 is, for example, a wireless LAN adapter built into the personal digital assistant 2a. Of course, the communication device 10 may also be a wired LAN adapter. The built-in camera 11 includes a front camera 4a whose field of view is centered on the side of the touch panel 7a of the mobile information terminal 2a, and a back camera 3a whose field of view is centered on the opposite side of the touch panel 7a, i.e., the back side. The back camera 3a corresponds to the reading device 3 described above, and the front camera 4a corresponds to the user shooting device 4.

[0015] Furthermore, the operating terminal 2 may not be an integrated terminal device as described above, but rather a system equipped with multiple devices. Figure 7 shows an example of an operating terminal 2 configured with a computer system 2b centered on a personal computer. The arithmetic unit 8 is, for example, a motherboard built into the main body of the personal computer, and includes at least one core microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and other peripheral elements. The input device 73 is a keyboard or mouse, and the output device 74 is a display. The storage device 9 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) built into the main body of the personal computer. Of course, the storage device 9 may also be an HDD or SSD connected to the outside of the main body. The communication device 10 is, for example, a wireless LAN adapter or wired LAN adapter built into the main body of the personal computer.

[0016] In this example, scanner 3b is an image reading device separate from the main unit of the personal computer and is connected to the main unit so that it can read business card C. Scanner 3b may be a single-function image scanner or a multifunction device that has scanning, copying, and printing functions. Scanner 3b corresponds to reading device 3. In this example, webcam 4b is a camera separate from the main unit of the personal computer and is connected to the main unit so that it can capture the face of the user using the personal computer. Webcam 4b corresponds to user capture device 4. Here, a computer system 2b centered on a so-called desktop personal computer is used as an example, but computer system 2b may be configured with a notebook (laptop) personal computer at its core. Also, the reading device 3, etc., can be combined as appropriate, either integrated with or separate from the operating terminal 2. For example, in the case of a notebook personal computer, the camera corresponding to user capture device 4 may be built into the display bezel, etc.

[0017] The following describes in detail embodiments of the business card management system 100 and the business card management program. The business card management program is a program that enables the computer (arithmetic unit 8) to implement the business card management functions of the operating terminal 2 as described above in the business card management system 100. The business card management functions are realized through the cooperation of hardware, with the arithmetic unit 8 at its core, and software (business card management program).

[0018] The flowchart in Figure 3 shows an example of a business card management program. This flowchart also corresponds to the procedure for managing business cards in the business card management system 100. As shown in Figure 3, the operation terminal 2 of the business card management system 100 executes account reception processing #1, execution command reception processing #2, business card information acquisition processing #3, business card information transmission processing #4, next processing reception processing #5, and account designation cancellation processing #6. In other words, the operation terminal 2 causes the computer (arithmetic unit 8) to execute account reception processing #1, execution command reception processing #2, business card information acquisition processing #3, business card information transmission processing #4, next processing reception processing #5, and account designation cancellation processing #6 in the business card management program, thereby realizing the business card management function in the operation terminal 2.

[0019] Account reception process #1 is the process of accepting user account requests after the system enters an account reception state where it is possible to receive user account requests. Figure 8 shows an example of the screen display of the touch panel 7a or output device 74 (display) in the account reception state (in the following description, it may be simply referred to as the screen display). The first area E1 displays a list of user accounts. Here, an example is shown where 20 accounts are displayed simultaneously. The second area E2 displays a software keyboard, and by entering the first characters of the account name (user name), it is possible to narrow down the account search. The third area E3 shows the user's affiliation within the company, etc., that operates the business card management system 100. By selecting the corresponding affiliation, it is possible to narrow down the account search according to the affiliation.

[0020] Execution command reception process #2 is the process that, after account reception process #1, enters an execution command reception state where it can receive the execution command from read process #31, and then receives the execution command from read process #31. Figure 9 shows an example of the screen display in the execution command reception state. In the account reception state illustrated in Figure 8, if an account indicated by, for example, "U1" is selected, the display format of the selected account U1 is changed to one that differs from the display format of other accounts. For example, the display color of the selected account U1 and the other accounts will be different. Alternatively, the display of accounts other than the selected account U1 may be made lighter (so-called grayed out). By changing the display format, the selected account can be clearly indicated. Note that the account selection operation is performed by touch operation with a fingertip on the touch panel 7a, or in the case of the output device 74 (display), by mouse click operation or cursor operation and enter input using the keyboard (the same applies below).

[0021] Furthermore, when the system enters the execution command reception state, the scan start button S1, which was grayed out and could not be operated in the account reception state as illustrated in Figure 8, becomes brightly lit and operational (see Figure 9). In other words, the scan start button S1 enters the execution command reception state, which allows it to receive an execution command for reading process #31 by the reading device 3.

[0022] Business card information acquisition process #3 is the process that causes the reader 3 to execute reading process #31 after the execution command reception process #2. Reading process #31 is executed when the user operates the scan start button S1 in the execution command reception state. The information read from business card C by the reader 3 is business card information.

[0023] Business card information transmission process #4 is a process that, after the completion of business card information acquisition process #3 (reading process #31), transmits account information indicating the account of the user specified by account acceptance process #1 and business card information read by reading process #31 to management server 1. Management server 1 stores the account information and business card information transmitted by business card information transmission process #4 in association with each other in business card information database 61. In other words, the business card management program executed on operation terminal 2 causes management server 1 to store the account information and business card information transmitted by business card information transmission process #4 in association with each other in business card information database 61.

[0024] Preferably, execution command reception process #2 is executed after account reception process #1, and business card information acquisition process #3 is executed after execution command reception process #2. However, business card information transmission process #4 does not have to be executed immediately after business card information acquisition process #3, as long as it is after the completion of business card information acquisition process #3. For example, it may be executed immediately after next process reception process #5, which will be described below. The timing of execution of business card information transmission process #4 will be described later.

[0025] Next processing acceptance process #5 is a process that accepts commands for the next process after the completion of business card information acquisition process #3, by entering a next processing acceptance state in which commands for the next process, including a continuous reading command which is the command to execute reading process #31 for the next business card C, and an operation end command which is the command to end the operation of the operation terminal 2. Figure 10 shows an example of the screen display in the next processing acceptance state. The continuous reading command is instructed by operating the continuous reading button S2. The operation end command is instructed by operating the operation end button S5. Figure 10 also shows an example in which the delete button S3, which instructs the delete command described later, is also selectable, but the delete button S3 is not required.

[0026] In next-process acceptance process #5, if a continuous reading command is received, the system returns to the execution command acceptance state (#55 → $3 → execution command acceptance process #2). In next-process acceptance process #5, if the operation end button S5 is operated, the system executes account designation de-designation process #6, which de-designates the user's account by account acceptance process #1, and then returns to the account acceptance state (#54 → account designation de-designation process #6 → account acceptance process #1). Also, in next-process acceptance process #5, if no command for the next process is received for a predetermined waiting time while in the next-process acceptance state, the system executes account designation de-designation process #6, which de-designates the user's account by account acceptance process #1, and then returns to the account acceptance state #1 (#52 → account designation de-designation process #6 → account acceptance process #1). The waiting time is, for example, about 5 to 10 seconds.

[0027] The next processing acceptance process #5 is executed as follows, as an example. First, it is determined whether the waiting time has elapsed after entering the next processing acceptance state (#52). If the waiting time has elapsed, the account designation release process #6 is executed, and the system transitions to the account acceptance process #1 and enters the account acceptance state. If the waiting time has not elapsed, it is then determined whether an operation end command has been issued (#54). If an operation end command has been issued, the account designation release process #6 is executed, and the system transitions to the account acceptance process #1 and enters the account acceptance state. If an operation end command has not been issued, it is determined whether a continuous reading command has been issued (#55). If an operation end command has been issued, the system transitions to the execution command acceptance process #2 and enters the execution command acceptance state. If a continuous reading command has not been issued, the next processing acceptance process #5 continues. Note that the order of the next processing acceptance process #5 exemplified in Figure 3 is just an example, and #52, #54, and #55 do not have to be in this order.

[0028] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 10, it is preferable that the next process that can be accepted in the next process acceptance state also includes a delete command, which is a command to delete the business card information acquired by the previous reading process #31. The delete command is instructed by operating the delete button S3. Although an example flowchart is omitted, if the operation terminal 2 receives a delete command in the next process acceptance process #5, it deletes the business card information acquired by the previous reading process #31 and returns to the next process acceptance state. By having a delete command, the user can select the delete command when the business card information acquired by reading process #31 is unnecessary or when reading process #31 needs to be repeated, thereby further enhancing user convenience.

[0029] To facilitate the selection of the next process in the next processing acceptance process #5, it is preferable that the image of business card C read by the reader 3 is displayed. In particular, if a delete button S3 is provided, it is preferable that the image of business card C be displayed to facilitate the confirmation of the captured image as business card information.

[0030] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3, the above-described configuration shows an example where business card information acquisition process #3 (reading process #31) is followed by business card information transmission process #4, and then next process acceptance process #5 is executed after business card information transmission process #4. However, as mentioned above, business card information transmission process #4 does not necessarily have to be executed immediately after business card information acquisition process #3, as long as it is performed after business card information acquisition process #3 is completed. For example, it may be executed after next process acceptance process #5 and before account designation cancellation process #6.

[0031] In particular, if the next process that can be instructed in next process acceptance process #5 includes a deletion command, then if business card information transmission process #4 is executed before next process acceptance process #5, unnecessary information will be sent to management server 1. Subsequently, if a deletion command is instructed, it is possible to send a deletion request to management server 1, but this will result in a loss of communication resources and time. Therefore, it is preferable that business card information transmission process #4 be executed when next process acceptance process #5 is completed without a deletion command being instructed. Also, when executing business card information transmission process #4, a screen display asking the user whether or not to send the data, such as "Do you want to upload business card data to the server?", may be displayed. Naturally, this does not prevent business card information transmission process #4 from being automatically executed before account designation cancellation process #6.

[0032] If the business card information transmission process #4 is executed after the next processing acceptance process #5, the business card information transmission process #4 may be executed for each business card's information, or it may be executed for multiple business cards' information together. For example, if the business card information transmission process #4 is executed before the account designation cancellation process #6, it is preferable that multiple business card information is sent to the management server 1 together.

[0033] Furthermore, in business card information acquisition process #3, after the completion of reading process #31, the system may enter an additional input acceptance state where it can accept additional information from the user, and additional input acceptance process #32 may be executed. When additional information is accepted by additional input acceptance process S32, the operation terminal 2 sends the additional information, along with the account information and business card information, to the management server 1 in business card information transmission process #4. The management server 1 stores the account information, business card information, and additional information transmitted by business card information transmission process #4 in the business card information database 61 in association with each other. In addition to the business card information obtained by reading the business card with the reader 3, additional information entered by the user can also be stored in association with the business card information.

[0034] Additional information includes, for example, arbitrary notes entered by the user, handwritten information, and color adjustments to the customer's photograph shown on business card C. Handwritten information refers to handwritten notes written on business card C or information entered by hand on the touch panel 7a. In addition to the image information of business card C, it is preferable that the business card information also includes text data recognized by optical character recognition (OCR). Since handwritten notes written on business card C are difficult to recognize with OCR, it is preferable that they be added as additional information through manual operation by the user.

[0035] Figure 11 shows another example of the screen display for the next processing acceptance state. Compared to the example shown in Figure 10, an additional input button S4 has been added. For example, the additional input acceptance process #32 can be executed as long as the next processing acceptance state continues. In this case, in the next processing acceptance process #5, a determination is made as to whether there is additional input, and if it is determined that there is (for example, if the additional input button S4 is operated), the additional input acceptance process S32 may be executed.

[0036] As described above, in the business card management system 100 (business card management program) of this embodiment, if the previous user does not use the system, the account designation cancellation process #6 is appropriately executed by the user themselves or automatically. For example, if the previous user's account is still designated, the next user will need to cancel the previous user's account designation before designating their own account, which would be an extra step. However, by appropriately executing the account designation cancellation process #6, such extra steps are less likely to occur, improving user convenience. Furthermore, because the account designation cancellation process #6 appropriately returns the account to an account acceptance state, even when the operation terminal 2 is used by multiple users, the possibility of a user operating the operation terminal 2 using another user's account can be reduced. This also reduces the possibility of business card information being stored in the management server 1 with an incorrect account associated with it.

[0037] Incidentally, as mentioned above, the business card management system 100 further includes a user image capture device 4, which is provided so that the face of the user operating the operation terminal 2 is included in the shooting range. The operation terminal 2 performs a face detection process to determine whether or not the user's face is included in the image captured by the user image capture device. In the next processing acceptance state, if the face detection process determines that the user's face is not included in the captured image for a set time that is shorter than the waiting time, the system may perform the account designation cancellation process 36 and then enter the account acceptance state. The set time is, for example, about 3 to 5 seconds.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the operating terminal 2 executes a face capture process #11, which captures the face of the user operating the operating terminal 2 using the user image capture device 4, and a face determination process #12, which determines whether or not the user's face is included in the image captured by the user image capture device 4, in parallel with the flow shown in Figure 3. The shooting range of the user image capture device 4 is fixed. For example, when the face of the user operating the operating terminal 2 is in the standard position for operating the operating terminal 2 (for example, a position facing the touch panel 7a of the personal digital information terminal 2a), the user's face is included in the shooting range. When the user finishes operating the operating terminal 2, they move away from the operating terminal 2, and therefore the user's face is no longer included in the shooting range of the user image capture device 4.

[0039] In next-process acceptance process #5, the result of face detection process #12 is referenced to determine whether the state in which the user's face is not included in the captured image has continued for the set time (Figure 4: #53). Figure 4 shows an example of next-process acceptance process #5, including this determination (#53). As shown in Figure 4, even if the waiting time has not elapsed since entering the next-process acceptance state, if a set time shorter than the waiting time has elapsed, the account designation cancellation process #6 is executed, and then the system returns to account acceptance state #1 (#53 → $2 → account designation cancellation process #6 → account acceptance process #1). The set time is, for example, about 3 to 5 seconds. If the set time has not elapsed, the process is as described above, as shown in Figure 3, so the explanation is omitted.

[0040] In other words, when face capture processing #11 is executed, even before the waiting time has elapsed in the next processing acceptance state, it can be determined that the user is no longer in a state to operate the operation terminal 2, and account assignment cancellation processing #6 can be executed. For example, it is easier to determine that the user has finished using the system rather than performing an action such as taking out the next business card C, and the system can be transitioned to the account acceptance state before the next user can use it, making the system immediately available to that next user. In other words, user switching can be done quickly, thus improving convenience. In addition, since the setting time is set to a shorter time than the waiting time, the possibility of incorrect account and business card information being stored in the management server 1 by other users can be further reduced.

[0041] When face detection process #12 is executed in this manner, the operating terminal 2 may determine in face detection process #12 whether the user's face included in the captured image has changed to the face of another person. If, in the next processing acceptance state, it is determined that the user's face included in the captured image has changed to the face of another person, the operating terminal 2 may execute account designation cancellation process #6 and then enter the account acceptance state, regardless of whether the waiting time and set time have elapsed.

[0042] For example, in next-process acceptance process #5, the result of this determination in face detection process #12 can be referenced to determine whether the user included in the captured image is a user of another account. Figure 5 shows an example of next-process acceptance process #5, including this determination (#51). As shown in Figure 5, if it is determined that the user included in the captured image is a user of another account in the next-process acceptance state, regardless of whether the waiting time and set time have elapsed, preferably, next-process acceptance process #5 is terminated immediately after the determination, account designation cancellation process #6 is executed, and then the account acceptance state returns to #1 (#51 → $2 → account designation cancellation process #6 → account acceptance process #1). If the user included in the captured image is not a user of another account, the explanation is omitted as it is as described above with reference to Figure 3 or Figure 4.

[0043] By including step #51 as illustrated in Figure 5, the operating terminal 2 can quickly execute account de-assignment process #6 without waiting for the waiting time and set time to elapse, by determining that the user operating the operating terminal 2 in the next processing acceptance state has changed to a different person. Even when using the same face recognition process #12 determination result, user switching can be performed even more quickly compared to waiting for the set time to elapse, thus further improving the convenience of operation. For example, even if the next user was waiting to use the system, account de-assignment process #6 is executed quickly and the system enters the account acceptance state, so that user can use the system immediately, further improving convenience. In addition, even when different users use the system consecutively, account de-assignment process #6 is executed appropriately, further reducing the possibility that incorrect account and business card information will be stored in the management server 1.

[0044] Furthermore, even in the configuration described above with reference to Figures 4 and 5, the business card information transmission process #4 can be executed before the account designation cancellation process #6 (after the next processing acceptance process #5 has finished but before the account designation cancellation process #6 is executed). In other words, in the configuration described above with reference to Figures 4 and 5, "after executing the account designation cancellation process #6, the account becomes accepted" also includes the configuration "after executing the account designation cancellation process #6 via the business card information transmission process #4, the account becomes accepted."

[0045] Furthermore, in face recognition process #12, one possible approach to face recognition is to use faces included in the captured image taken during the execution of account registration process #1 as the basis. That is, regardless of whether or not it is the face of the user who owns the account, faces included in the captured image taken during the execution of account registration process #1 (the face of the user operating terminal 2) can be treated as the face of the account owner. In this case, it is not necessary to store the face information of each user in, for example, the account information database 62. However, it is still possible to appropriately determine whether the user using terminal 2 has left terminal 2 or whether the user using terminal 2 has changed. Of course, each account may be associated with the face of the user who owns that account and stored in the account information database 62. In this case, a more reliable face recognition process #12 can be executed, and the business card management system 100 can also be operated with greater reliability.

[0046] Furthermore, the user image capture device 4 is often provided on the operating terminal 2 when the operating terminal 2 is a mobile information terminal 2a, but is often not provided when the operating terminal 2 is a computer system 2b. Therefore, as mentioned above, the operating terminal 2 does not have to be equipped with the user image capture device 4. Also, even if the operating terminal 2 is equipped with the user image capture device 4, the series of processes for determining the user's face as illustrated in Figure 6 does not necessarily have to be executed. And in that case, naturally, as explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5, the next processing acceptance process #5 does not have to execute the determination process based on the result of the face determination process #12.

[0047] In this embodiment, as described above, the management server 1 has an account information database 62 in which the account information of multiple users is registered. The management server 1 sends an account information list, which is a list of account information registered in the account information database 62, to the operation terminal 2. Based on the account information list received from the management server 1, the operation terminal 2 enters an account acceptance state by displaying a list of users whose account information has already been registered in a selectable format, and executes account acceptance process #1 by selecting a user from the list. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation terminal 2 can be configured to accept only operations from users registered in the account information database 62. This reduces the possibility of unauthorized operations being performed on the operation terminal 2.

[0048] Furthermore, if the management server 1 only stores the business card information and account information in association with each other in the business card information database 61, it is not necessarily required to have an account information database 62. The account information may be registered on the operation terminal 2 side, and the associated account information and business card information may be transmitted to the management server 1.

[0049] Incidentally, since each user receives a customer's business card C from the customer, it is preferable that the information on the business card is associated with each user, and that each user registers it in the business card information database 61. As described above, in this embodiment, information can be registered in the business card information database 61 while being appropriately associated with each user. Furthermore, the information written on the customer's business card C is the personal information of each customer, and the information on the multiple business cards C collected is also important sales information for the company. Therefore, it is preferable that the registration and updating of information in the business card information database 61 have high security. In the above description illustrating the screen display in Figures 8 and 9, an example was given in which it is not determined whether the selected account belongs to the user operating the operation terminal 2. However, it is preferable that account authentication is performed in account acceptance processing #1.

[0050] For example, the account information database 62 can store user facial information associated with each account. If the operation terminal 2 is equipped with a user image capture device 4, when an account is selected in account reception process #1, the face stored in the account information database 62 associated with that account can be compared with the user's face in the image captured by the user image capture device 4 during the execution of account reception process #1. This allows the user's account to be authenticated before they can use the business card management system 100.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to facilitate account setup, a configuration in which an account can be selected from multiple candidates is illustrated, as shown in Figure 8. However, for example, as shown in Figure 12, an account input box B1 for entering an account (username) and a password input box B2 for entering a password may be provided, and the use of the business card management system 100 may be permitted by entering the account and password. In this case, for example, as illustrated in Figure 13, a scan start button S1 is displayed on the screen after the use of the business card management system 100 has been permitted. Figure 12 shows an example of the screen display of the account acceptance state when account acceptance process #1 is executed. Figure 13 also shows an example of the screen display of the execution command acceptance state when execution command acceptance process #2 is executed. In this case, when an account input box B1 and a password input box B2 are provided, when account designation release process #6 is executed, all settings are cleared and the system returns to the account acceptance state.

[0052] [Overview of the Embodiment] Below is a brief overview of the business card management system 100 and the business card management program described above.

[0053] In one preferred embodiment, the business card management system is: A management server that manages multiple business card information, An operating terminal that accepts user operations for inputting the aforementioned business card information, A business card management system comprising a reading device provided integrally with or separately from the operating terminal, which reads business card information and performs a reading process to acquire the business card information, The aforementioned operating terminal is The account acceptance state becomes capable of accepting the specified user account, and an account acceptance process is performed to accept the specified user account. After the account acceptance process, the system enters an execution command acceptance state where it can receive an execution command for the read process, and an execution command acceptance process is performed to receive the execution command for the read process. After the execution command reception process, a business card information acquisition process is performed to cause the reading device to execute the reading process, After the completion of the business card information acquisition process, a business card information transmission process is performed to send the account information indicating the user account specified by the account acceptance process and the business card information read by the reading process to the management server. After the completion of the business card information acquisition process, the system enters a next-process receiving state where it can receive commands for the next process, including a continuous reading command which is a command to execute the reading process for the next business card, and an operation termination command which is a command to terminate the operation of the operating terminal, and then executes a next-process receiving process that receives the commands for the next process. In the aforementioned next processing acceptance process, if the continuous reading command is received, the execution command acceptance state is entered. If the operation termination command is received in the next processing acceptance process, and if the next processing command is not received for a predetermined waiting time in the next processing acceptance state, the account designation de-designation process is executed to de-designate the user's account in the account acceptance process, and then the account acceptance state is returned. The management server stores the account information and business card information transmitted through the business card information transmission process in the business card information database, with the two accounts associated.

[0054] For example, if the previous user's account remains specified, the next user would need to deselect the previous user's account before selecting their own, which would be an cumbersome process. However, with this configuration, if the previous user does not use the system, the account deselection process is performed appropriately by the user or automatically. Therefore, the above-mentioned cumbersome process is less likely to occur, improving user convenience. Furthermore, because the account deselection process ensures that the account is properly accepted, even when the operating terminal is used by multiple users, the possibility of a user using another user's account to operate the terminal is reduced. This also reduces the possibility of incorrect accounts being associated with business card information and stored in the management server. Thus, this configuration provides a business card management technology that can be used with high convenience by multiple users and that can appropriately associate and manage the business card information of each of the multiple users.

[0055] The various technical features of the business card management system described above are also applicable to business card management programs. Representative examples are given below. A business card management program can implement various functions possessing the features of the business card management system described above on a computer. Naturally, a business card management program can also achieve the effects and benefits of the business card management system described above. Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of the business card management system, various additional features exemplified below can also be incorporated into the business card management program, and such a program can achieve the effects and benefits corresponding to each additional feature.

[0056] In one preferred embodiment, a business card management system comprises a management server for managing multiple business card information, an operation terminal for receiving user operations for inputting the business card information, and a reader device provided integrally with or separately from the operation terminal for reading business card information and performing reading processing to acquire the business card information, wherein a business card management program for implementing the business card management function of the operation terminal on a computer is: The aforementioned operating terminal is The account acceptance state becomes capable of accepting the specified user account, and an account acceptance process is performed to accept the specified user account. After the account acceptance process, the system enters an execution command acceptance state where it can receive an execution command for the read process, and an execution command acceptance process is performed to receive the execution command for the read process. After the execution command reception process, a business card information acquisition process is performed to cause the reading device to execute the reading process, After the completion of the business card information acquisition process, a business card information transmission process is performed to send the account information indicating the user account specified by the account acceptance process and the business card information read by the reading process to the management server. After the completion of the business card information acquisition process, the system enters a next-process receiving state where it can receive commands for the next process, including a continuous reading command which is a command to execute the reading process for the next business card, and an operation termination command which is a command to terminate the operation of the operation terminal. The system then executes a next-process receiving process to receive the commands for the next process. The management server stores the account information transmitted by the business card information transmission process in the business card information database, with the account information and business card information associated with each other. In the aforementioned next processing acceptance process, When the aforementioned continuous reading command is received, the execution command reception state is entered. When the aforementioned operation termination command is received, and when the command for the next process is not received for a predetermined set time while in the next process acceptance state, the account designation de-designation process is executed to de-designate the user's account by the account acceptance process, and then the system returns to the account acceptance state.

[0057] Furthermore, the business card management system further includes a user camera, which is provided either integrally with or separately from the operating terminal, and is configured such that the face of the user operating the terminal is included in the shooting range. The operating terminal performs a face detection process to determine whether or not the user's face is included in the image captured by the user camera. Preferably, in the next processing acceptance state, if the face detection process determines that the user's face is not included in the captured image, and this state continues for a set time shorter than the waiting time, the account designation cancellation process is executed, and then the system returns to the account acceptance state.

[0058] With this configuration, even before the waiting time has elapsed while the system is in the next processing acceptance state, it is possible to determine that the user is no longer in a state to operate the terminal and execute the account assignment cancellation process. For example, it is easier to determine that the user has finished using the system rather than performing an action such as retrieving the next business card, and the system can be transitioned to the account acceptance state before the next user can use it, making the system immediately available to that next user. In other words, user switching can be done quickly, thus improving convenience. Furthermore, since the set time is shorter than the waiting time, the possibility of incorrect account and business card information being stored on the management server by other users is further reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, when the face detection process is performed as described above, the operating terminal also determines in the face detection process whether the user's face included in the captured image has changed to the face of another person. If, in the next processing acceptance state, it determines that the user's face included in the captured image has changed to the face of another person, it is preferable that, regardless of whether the waiting time and the set time have elapsed, the account designation cancellation process is executed, and then the system returns to the account acceptance state.

[0060] With this configuration, without waiting for the waiting time or set time to elapse, it is possible to immediately execute the account deassignment process when it is determined that a different person has taken over operating the terminal while it is in the next processing acceptance state. Therefore, user switching can be done even more quickly, further improving the convenience of operation. For example, even if the next user was waiting to use the system, the account deassignment process is executed immediately and the system returns to the account acceptance state, so that user can use the system right away, further improving convenience. In addition, even when different users use the system consecutively, the account deassignment process is executed, further reducing the possibility of incorrect account and business card information being stored in the management server.

[0061] Furthermore, the management server includes an account information database in which the account information of multiple users is registered, and transmits an account information list, which is a list of the account information registered in the account information database, to the operation terminal. The operation terminal then enters the account acceptance state by displaying a list of users whose account information has already been registered, based on the account information list received from the management server, and preferably executes the account acceptance process by selecting a user from the list.

[0062] This configuration allows the operating terminal to accept only operations from users registered in the account information database. Therefore, the possibility of unauthorized operations being performed on the operating terminal can be reduced.

[0063] In the business card information acquisition process, after the reading process is completed, the system enters an additional input acceptance state to accept additional information from the user and executes an additional input acceptance process to accept the input of the additional information. If the additional information is accepted through the additional input acceptance process, the business card information transmission process transmits the additional information along with the account information and the business card information to the management server. The management server then preferably stores the account information, business card information, and additional information transmitted through the business card information transmission process in the business card information database in an associated state.

[0064] This configuration allows the system to store not only the business card information obtained by reading the business card with a reader, but also additional information entered by the user, linked to the business card information. Therefore, the content of the information stored in the business card management system can be enriched, further enhancing the convenience of the business card management system.

[0065] The next process that can be accepted in the next process acceptance state further includes a delete command, which is a command to delete the business card information acquired by the preceding read process. Preferably, when the operation terminal receives the delete command in the next process acceptance state, it deletes the business card information acquired by the preceding read process and enters the next process acceptance state.

[0066] This configuration allows users to select a delete command if the business card information obtained through the reading process is unnecessary or if the reading process needs to be redone, thereby further enhancing user convenience. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1: Management Server 2: Operating terminal 3: Reader 4: User-controlled imaging device 6: Database 36: Account De-assignment Process 61: Business Card Information Database 62: Account Information Database C: Business card #1: Account registration process #2: Processing of execution command acceptance #3: Business card information acquisition process #4: Business card information transmission process #5: Next processing acceptance process #6: Account De-assignment Process #12: Face detection processing #31: Read Processing #32: Processing for accepting additional input

Claims

1. A management server that manages multiple business card information, An operating terminal that accepts user operations for inputting the aforementioned business card information, A business card management system comprising a reading device provided integrally with or separately from the operating terminal, which reads business card information and performs a reading process to acquire the business card information, The aforementioned operating terminal is The account acceptance state becomes capable of accepting the specified user account, and an account acceptance process is performed to accept the specified user account. After the account acceptance process, the system enters an execution command acceptance state where it can receive an execution command for the read process, and an execution command acceptance process is performed to receive the execution command for the read process. After the execution command reception process, a business card information acquisition process is performed to cause the reading device to execute the reading process, After the completion of the business card information acquisition process, a business card information transmission process is performed to send the account information indicating the user account specified by the account acceptance process and the business card information read by the reading process to the management server. After the completion of the business card information acquisition process, the system enters a next-process receiving state where it can receive commands for the next process, including a continuous reading command which is a command to execute the reading process for the next business card, and an operation termination command which is a command to terminate the operation of the operating terminal, and then executes a next-process receiving process that receives the commands for the next process. In the aforementioned next processing acceptance process, if the continuous reading command is received, the execution command acceptance state is entered. If the operation termination command is received in the next processing acceptance process, and if the next processing command is not received for a predetermined waiting time in the next processing acceptance state, the account designation de-designation process is executed to de-designate the user's account in the account acceptance process, and then the account acceptance state is returned. The management server stores the account information and business card information transmitted through the business card information transmission process in a business card information database, with the account information and business card information associated with each other.

2. The device further comprises a user image capture device, which is provided either integrally with or separately from the aforementioned operating terminal, and is configured such that the user's face while operating the operating terminal is included in the shooting range. The aforementioned operating terminal is A face detection process is performed to determine whether or not the user's face is included in the image captured by the user-capture device. The business card management system according to claim 1, wherein, in the state described above, the face detection process determines that the user's face is not included in the captured image, and this state continues for a set time that is shorter than the waiting time, the account designation cancellation process is executed, and the system returns to the account acceptance state.

3. The aforementioned operating terminal is In the face recognition process described above, it is also determined whether the user's face included in the captured image has changed into the face of another person. The business card management system according to claim 2, wherein, in the state of receiving the next processing, if it is determined that the user's face included in the captured image has changed to the face of another person, the account designation cancellation process is executed, regardless of whether the waiting time and the set time have elapsed, and then the system returns to the state of receiving the account.

4. The management server includes an account information database in which the account information of multiple users is registered, and transmits an account information list, which is a list of the account information registered in the account information database, to the operation terminal. The business card management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operating terminal enters the account acceptance state by displaying a list of users whose account information has already been registered, based on the account information list received from the management server, and executes the account acceptance process by selecting from the list of users.

5. In the business card information acquisition process, after the reading process is completed, the system enters an additional input acceptance state to accept additional information from the user and executes an additional input acceptance process to accept the additional information. If the input of the additional information is received through the additional input acceptance process, the business card information transmission process will send the additional information together with the account information and the business card information to the management server. The business card management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the management server stores the account information transmitted by the business card information transmission process, the business card information, and the additional information in a business card information database in an associated state.

6. The next process that can be accepted in the aforementioned next process acceptance state further includes a delete command, which is a command to delete the business card information acquired by the immediately preceding read process. The business card management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in the next processing acceptance process, when the operating terminal receives the deletion command, it deletes the business card information acquired by the preceding reading process and enters the next processing acceptance state.

7. A management server that manages multiple business card information, An operating terminal that accepts user operations for inputting the aforementioned business card information, A business card management system comprising a reading device provided integrally with or separately from the operating terminal, which reads business card information and performs a reading process to acquire the business card information, wherein a business card management program realizes the business card management function of the operating terminal, The aforementioned operating terminal is The account acceptance state becomes capable of accepting the specified user account, and an account acceptance process is performed to accept the specified user account. After the account acceptance process, the system enters an execution command acceptance state where it can receive an execution command for the read process, and an execution command acceptance process is performed to receive the execution command for the read process. After the execution command reception process, a business card information acquisition process is performed to cause the reading device to execute the reading process, After the completion of the business card information acquisition process, a business card information transmission process is performed to send the account information indicating the user account specified by the account acceptance process and the business card information read by the reading process to the management server. After the completion of the business card information acquisition process, the system enters a next-process receiving state where it can receive commands for the next process, including a continuous reading command which is a command to execute the reading process for the next business card, and an operation termination command which is a command to terminate the operation of the operating terminal, and then executes a next-process receiving process that receives the commands for the next process. In the aforementioned next processing acceptance process, When the aforementioned continuous reading command is received, the execution command reception state is entered. A business card management program that, upon receiving the aforementioned operation termination command, and if the command for the next process is not received for a predetermined set time while in the next process acceptance state, executes an account designation cancellation process to cancel the designation of the user's account by the account acceptance process, and then returns to the account acceptance state.

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