Business card processing device, business card processing method, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem that it has not been conventionally possible to manage received information in association with a business card image or the like obtained from the received information when information required for creating a business card is received.SOLUTION: A business card processing apparatus 1 comprises: a business card creation information receiving unit 121 for receiving business card creation information having two or more pieces of item information constituting a business card and layout information of the business card; a business card information constructing unit 132 for constructing business card information having a business card image obtained using the business card creation information; and a business card storage unit 133 for storing the business card creation information and the business card information in association with each other. The business card processing apparatus is capable of managing the received information in association with the business card image or the like obtained from the received information when information such as text data required for creating the business card is received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a business card processing device and the like that processes information related to business cards.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a business card information providing system that does not require manual correction of information on scanned business cards. In such a system, a business card information providing server acquires business card information obtained by optically reading a business card from a terminal device, extracts true business card information corresponding to the acquired business card information based on a business card database in which a plurality of true business card information is registered, and outputs the extracted true business card information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, when information such as text data necessary for creating a business card is received, the business card image obtained from the received information and the received information cannot be managed in association with each other.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The business card processing device of the first invention includes a business card creation information reception unit that receives business card creation information from which two or more item information, which is information constituting a business card, and layout information of the business card can be acquired, a business card information configuration unit that configures business card information having a business card image acquired using the business card creation information, and a business card storage unit that stores the business card creation information and the business card information in association with each other.

[0006] With this configuration, when information necessary for creating a business card is received, the business card image obtained from the received information can be managed in association with the received information.

[0007] Furthermore, the business card processing device of this second invention is a business card processing device in which, compared to the first invention, the business card information is a business card file that has two or more item information and a business card image in a single file.

[0008] With this configuration, when information necessary for creating a business card is received, a business card file containing a business card image and text data can be obtained from the received information.

[0009] Furthermore, the business card processing device of this third invention is a business card processing device that, in addition to the first or second invention, further comprises a business card processing unit that performs predetermined processing using business card information when the business card information configurator has configured business card information.

[0010] With this configuration, when the information necessary for creating a business card is received, a predetermined action can be taken.

[0011] Furthermore, the business card processing device of this fourth invention, compared to the third invention, further comprises a determination unit that determines whether or not business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit already exists, and the business card information structuring unit or business card processing unit operates only when the determination unit determines that it does not already exist.

[0012] With this configuration, the business card information can be structured or processed only when the information required to create the received business card is new.

[0013] Furthermore, the business card processing device of this fifth invention is a business card processing device in which the business card processing unit transmits transfer information that includes some or all of the information contained in the business card information, in contrast to the third or fourth invention.

[0014] With this configuration, when information necessary for creating a business card is received, information regarding the user's changes in status on that business card can be transmitted.

[0015] Furthermore, the business card processing device of the sixth invention further comprises a business card exchange information storage unit that stores one or more business card exchange information relating to the exchange of business cards between one user and another user, and the business card processing unit determines one or more other users who have exchanged business cards with the user corresponding to the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit, using the one or more business card exchange information in the business card exchange information storage unit, and transmits transfer information to the determined one or more other users.

[0016] With this configuration, when information necessary for creating a business card is received, information regarding the user's job changes can be sent to other users who have exchanged business cards with that user.

[0017] Furthermore, the business card processing device of this seventh invention, in contrast to the third or fourth invention, is a business card processing device in which the business card processing unit transmits business card information to the user corresponding to the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit.

[0018] With this configuration, when the information necessary for creating a business card is received, the business card information, including the business card image, can be sent to the user of that business card. It is preferable that the business card information be in the form of a business card file, as described later.

[0019] Furthermore, the business card processing device of the eighth invention comprises a business card creation information receiving unit that receives business card creation information having two or more item information and business card layout information which constitute information constituting a business card, a business card information configuring unit that constitutes a business card file having two or more item information and a business card image, and a business card storage unit that stores the business card file.

[0020] With this configuration, when information necessary for creating a business card is received, a business card file containing two or more information fields and a business card image can be created and stored.

[0021] Further, the data structure of the ninth invention is a data structure of a business card file having two or more item information that is information constituting a business card and a business card image, and is a data structure that is searched using the received item information as a key and outputs a business card file including the item information.

[0022] With such a configuration, a business card file including a business card image and item information constituting a business card can be provided.

[0023] Further, the data structure of the business card file of the tenth invention is a data structure of a business card file in which, with respect to the ninth invention, each of two or more item information is associated with an item identifier that identifies an item.

[0024] With such a configuration, a business card file including a business card image and item information associated with an item identifier can be provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the business card processing apparatus according to the present invention, when information necessary for creating a business card is received, the business card image and the like acquired from the received information can be associated with and managed together with the received information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of the business card processing system A in Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Block diagram of the same business card processing system A [Figure 3] Diagram showing an example of a template of the same change information [Figure 4] Flowchart for explaining an operation example of the same business card processing apparatus 1 [Figure 5] Flowchart for explaining an example of the same business card information configuration processing [Figure 6] Flowchart for explaining an example of the same predetermined processing [Figure 7] Flowchart for explaining an operation example of the same terminal device 2 [Figure 8] Diagram showing the same business card creation information management table [Figure 9] Diagram showing a management table for information exchanged via name cards. [Figure 10] Diagram showing the layout information management table. [Figure 11] Diagram showing a name card information management sheet. [Figure 12] Figure showing an example of the same screen. [Figure 13] Figure showing an example of the same screen. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of a business card file. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of the same transfer information. [Figure 16] Figure showing an example of the same screen. [Figure 17] Figure showing an example of the same output. [Figure 18] Figure showing an example of the same screen. [Figure 19] Figure showing an example of the same output. [Figure 20] Overview of the computer system [Figure 21] Block diagram of the computer system [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] The following describes embodiments of the business card processing device and the like with reference to the drawings. Note that components denoted by the same reference numerals in the embodiments perform similar operations, and therefore, further explanation may be omitted.

[0028] (Embodiment 1) This embodiment describes a business card processing device that receives information that allows it to acquire two or more item information items constituting a business card and business card layout information, uses this information to construct business card information including a business card image, and stores the layout information, two or more item information items, and business card information in association with each other. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the business card information is a single file having two or more item information items constituting a business card and a business card image. Such a file will be appropriately referred to as a business card file.

[0029] Furthermore, this embodiment describes a business card processing device that performs actions using business card information once the business card information has been configured. These actions include, for example, the transfer information transmission process and the business card information transmission process, which will be described later.

[0030] Furthermore, this embodiment describes a business card processing device that determines whether the received business card creation information is new or not, and performs predetermined processing only if it is new.

[0031] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of business card processing system A in this embodiment. Business card processing system A comprises a business card processing device 1 and one or more terminal devices 2.

[0032] The business card processing device 1 is a device that receives information for creating business cards and performs various processing tasks. For example, the business card processing device 1 is a device that receives business card order information and performs various processing tasks. The business card processing device 1 is usually a so-called server, such as a cloud server or ASP server. However, the type of business card processing device 1 is not specified. The business card processing device 1 may also be a standalone device.

[0033] Terminal device 2 is a device that transmits information for creating business cards to business card processing device 1. Terminal device 2 is, for example, a device for ordering business cards. Terminal device 2 can be, for example, a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, etc., and the type is not limited.

[0034] The business card processing device 1 and one or more terminal devices 2 can communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet.

[0035] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the business card processing system A in this embodiment. The business card processing device 1 that constitutes the business card processing system A includes a storage unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a processing unit 13, and an output unit 14.

[0036] The storage unit 11 comprising the business card processing device 1 includes a business card creation information storage unit 111, a business card exchange information storage unit 112, and a business card file storage unit 113. The reception unit 12 includes a business card creation information reception unit 121, an exchange business card reception unit 122, and a search instruction reception unit 123. The processing unit 13 includes a determination unit 131, a business card information configuration unit 132, a business card storage unit 133, a business card processing unit 134, a business card exchange information storage unit 135, and a search unit 136.

[0037] The terminal device 2 includes a terminal storage unit 21, a terminal receiving unit 22, a terminal processing unit 23, a terminal transmission unit 24, a terminal receiving unit 25, and a terminal output unit 26.

[0038] The storage unit 11 of the business card processing device 1 stores various types of information. These types of information include, for example, business card creation information, business card exchange information, business card files, layout information, and various screen information, which will be described later. The various screen information includes, for example, login screen information that prompts the user to log in to the business card processing device 1, order screen information for ordering business cards, and business card registration screen information for registering business cards of other users with whom the user has exchanged business cards. The screen information can be implemented using, for example, HTML, XML, or a program, but the means of implementation and structure are not specified.

[0039] The business card creation information storage unit 111 stores one or more business card creation information. Business card creation information is information for creating business cards. Business card creation information is information used to create business cards. Business card creation information is information from which two or more item information and business card layout information can be retrieved. For example, business card creation information has two or more item information and business card layout information. For example, business card creation information has links to each of the two or more item information and links to the business card layout information. For example, business card creation information has links to each of the two or more item information and an identifier for the business card layout information. Note that business card creation refers to, for example, printing business cards, but may also refer to the creation of electronic business cards, the creation of electronic business card images, etc.

[0040] Item information is the information that makes up a business card. Item information is usually text data that makes up a business card. However, item information can also be an image. Examples of item information include name, name (in English), company name, department name, one or more job titles, address, phone number, email address, and company or organization URL. Item information can also include, for example, a user image. A user image is an image of the user that appears on the created business card, such as a user's photograph or an illustration of the user's face. Image-based item information can also be called image item information. Furthermore, item information is usually associated with an item identifier. An item identifier is information that identifies an item. Examples of item identifiers include item name and ID. Examples of item identifiers include <company name>, <department name>, <job title>, <name>, and <user image>.

[0041] Layout information refers to information that specifies the layout of a business card. The means and structure of implementing this layout information are not relevant. For example, layout information could be information written in CSS.

[0042] The business card exchange information storage unit 112 stores one or more business card exchange information entries. Business card exchange information is information relating to the exchange of business cards between one user and another user. Business card exchange information is information that allows one user to identify the other user from whom their business card was received. Business card exchange information is, for example, information that allows one user to determine that another user has exchanged business cards. Business card exchange information is, for example, information linking one business card creation information to other business card creation information, information pairing the first business card identifier of one business card creation information with the second business card identifier of another business card creation information, information linking one business card file to other business card files, and information pairing the first file identifier of one business card file with the second file identifier of another business card file. Business card exchange information is, for example, information relating to another user's business card that is paired with the user identifier of one user.

[0043] The business card file storage unit 113 stores one or more business card files. A business card file is an example of business card information. Business card information is information that has a business card image obtained using business card creation information. Business card information has two or more item information and a business card image. For example, business card information has two or more business card item information, which are pairs of item identifiers and item information, and a business card image. A business card image is an image that shows the image of a business card. For example, a business card image is an image that shows the printed image of a business card. For example, a business card image is the same image as a printed business card. A business card image may be just the image of the front of the business card, or it may be images of both the front and back. For example, a business card image is an image that shows the image of an electronic business card. A business card image may be, for example, a jpeg or gif, but the data structure is not specified. A business card image is an image constructed using the received business card creation information.

[0044] A business card file is a single file that contains two or more items of information and a business card image as a single file. It is preferable that a business card file is a single file that contains two or more business card item information and a business card image as a single file. In a business card file, for example, two or more items of information are included in the header or footer of the file. Also, in a business card file, for example, two or more business card item information are included in the header or footer of the file. Also, in a business card file, for example, the business card image is the main body of the file. In a business card file, for example, a user image is included in the header or footer of the file.

[0045] The reception desk 12 receives various types of information and instructions. These types of information and instructions include, for example, business card creation information, order information (described later), exchange business card information (described later), and search instructions (described later).

[0046] Here, "reception" usually refers to receiving data from terminal device 2. However, the concept of "reception" may also include receiving information input from input devices such as keyboards, mice, and touch panels, as well as receiving information read from recording media such as optical discs, magnetic discs, and semiconductor memory.

[0047] The business card creation information receiving unit 121 receives business card creation information. Business card creation information is information for obtaining two or more item information that constitutes a business card and business card layout information. For example, business card creation information includes two or more item information that constitutes a business card and business card layout information. However, business card creation information may also include information that identifies the two or more item information (for example, an identifier for the item information, a link to the item information) and information that identifies the business card layout information (for example, an identifier for the layout information, a link to the layout information).

[0048] The business card creation information receiving unit 121 may also receive business card order information. The order information includes business card creation information. The order information is an order instruction and includes, for example, information specifying the number of business cards (e.g., the number of sets to print, the number of prints).

[0049] Furthermore, the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121 and the business card creation information stored in the business card exchange information storage unit 112 do not necessarily have different data structures.

[0050] Furthermore, the business card creation information receiving unit 121 does not need to receive two or more items of information and layout information, etc., simultaneously. The business card creation information receiving unit 121 may receive some of the information constituting the business card creation information at different times.

[0051] The business card exchange receiving unit 122 receives business card exchange information, which is information about another user's business card that one user has received. The business card exchange information includes, for example, the user identifier of one user and an image of the other user's business card. The business card exchange information includes, for example, the user identifier of one user and two or more items of information on the other user's business card. Note that the business card exchange here can also be considered to include the one-sided acquisition of a business card.

[0052] The search instruction receiving unit 123 receives a search instruction. The search instruction is an instruction to search a business card file. The search instruction includes information that specifies the search conditions. The search instruction usually has one or more item information. It is preferable that such item information is associated with an item identifier. The search instruction may also have item information for an image.

[0053] The processing unit 13 performs various processes. These processes include, for example, those performed by the determination unit 131, the business card information configuration unit 132, the business card storage unit 133, the business card processing unit 134, the business card exchange information storage unit 135, and the search unit 136.

[0054] The determination unit 131 determines whether the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121 already exists. The determination unit 131 determines, for example, whether the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121 is stored in the business card creation information storage unit 111. The determination unit 131 determines, for example, whether the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121 is registered in a business card server (not shown).

[0055] The business card information structuring unit 132 configures business card information that includes a business card image acquired using the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121.

[0056] More specifically, the business card information structuring unit 132 arranges two or more item information corresponding to the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121 according to the layout information corresponding to the said business card creation information, thereby constructing a business card image. The business card information structuring unit 132 then constructs business card information having two or more item information corresponding to the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121 and the constructed business card image. Note that the layout information corresponding to the business card creation information is layout information that can be obtained from the business card creation information. Also, the item information corresponding to the business card creation information is item information that can be obtained from the business card creation information.

[0057] Furthermore, it is preferable for the business card information structuring unit 132 to configure a business card file that integrally includes two or more item information corresponding to the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121, and the configured business card image.

[0058] Furthermore, it is preferable that the business card information structuring unit 132 constructs business card information only when the determination unit 131 determines that no business card creation information has been received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121.

[0059] The business card storage unit 133 stores the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121 and the business card information constructed by the business card information structuring unit 132 in association with each other. Preferably, the business card information is in the form of a business card file.

[0060] Furthermore, it is preferable for the business card storage unit 133 to store the business card creation information and business card information in association only when the determination unit 131 determines that there is no business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121.

[0061] The business card processing unit 134 performs predetermined processing using the business card information when the business card information configuration unit 132 has configured the business card information. These predetermined processing methods include, for example, the transfer information transmission process and the business card information transmission process, which will be described later.

[0062] The business card processing unit 134, for example, acquires transfer information that includes some or all of the information contained in the business card information, and transmits said transfer information. This process is called the transfer information transmission process.

[0063] The transfer information refers to information about the user's transfer corresponding to the business card creation information. The business card processing unit 134 constructs the transfer information by substituting the item information contained in the business card creation information into variables (tags containing "<" and ">") in the template shown in Figure 3, for example. The business card processing unit 134 then transmits the transfer information. The template is stored in the storage unit 11, for example.

[0064] It is preferable for the business card processing unit 134 to transmit the configured transfer information to one or more other users who have exchanged business cards with the user corresponding to the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121.

[0065] Specifically, it is preferable for the business card processing unit 134 to determine one or more other users who have exchanged business cards with the user corresponding to the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121, using one or more business card exchange information in the business card exchange information storage unit 112, and then transmit the change of address information to the one or more other users determined.

[0066] More specifically, the business card processing unit 134 retrieves the user identifier of the user paired with the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit 121, along with the user identifiers of one or more other users, from the business card exchange information storage unit 112, and transmits the change of address information to the contacts indicated by the contact information paired with the user identifiers of those one or more other users. The contact information paired with the user identifiers is stored, for example, in the storage unit 11. The contact information may include, for example, an email address, telephone number, user identifier, IP address, etc.

[0067] The business card processing unit 134 transmits the business card information configured by the business card information configuration unit 132 to the user corresponding to the business card creation information received by the business card creation information reception unit 121. The business card processing unit 134 transmits the business card information to, for example, the terminal device 2 that sent the business card creation information. This process is called the business card information transmission process. If the business card information is a business card file, the business card information transmission process allows the user to use their business card file for various purposes. For example, one use is to send one's business card file to a remote participant in a web conference instead of a paper business card, thereby realizing a virtual business card exchange. Another use is to send it to a printing company's server to place an order for business card printing.

[0068] The business card exchange information storage unit 135 uses the business card exchange information received by the business card exchange reception unit 122 to construct business card exchange information and stores the business card exchange information in the business card exchange information storage unit 112.

[0069] The business card exchange information storage unit 135 acquires, for example, a user identifier (an identifier of the user who sent the business card information) that is paired with the business card exchange information received by the business card exchange reception unit 122, and stores the business card image contained in the business card exchange information in association with the said user identifier. Such a business card image is an image of a business card received by the user identified by the user identifier paired with the business card exchange information.

[0070] The business card exchange information storage unit 135, for example, obtains a user identifier that corresponds to the business card exchange information received by the business card exchange reception unit 122, obtains a user identifier (identifier of the user of the business card exchange partner) that corresponds to business card creation information that matches two or more item information items in the business card exchange information, and stores the business card exchange information that has two user identifiers.

[0071] The business card exchange information storage unit 135, for example, obtains a user identifier paired with the business card exchange information received by the business card exchange reception unit 122, constructs a business card file using the business card exchange information, generates a user identifier to identify the business card file, stores the business card file paired with the user identifier in the business card file storage unit 113, and stores the business card exchange information having two user identifiers in the business card exchange information storage unit 112. The process of constructing a business card file using the business card exchange information may be performed by the business card information constructing unit 132.

[0072] The search unit 136 retrieves one or more business card information entries from the business card file storage unit 113 that match the item information included in the search instruction received by the search instruction receiving unit 123.

[0073] The search unit 136 retrieves, for example, one or more business card files from the business card file storage unit 113 that match the item information included in the search instruction received by the search instruction receiving unit 123.

[0074] The search unit 136 may, for example, examine a specific area of ​​the business card file (e.g., the header or footer section) to determine whether it contains information corresponding to the item information included in the search instruction received by the search instruction receiving unit 123, and preferably retrieve one or more business card information from the business card file storage unit 113.

[0075] If the search instruction includes image item information, the search unit 136 determines by image search whether or not the image item information is included in the business card file, and retrieves one or more business card entries from the business card file storage unit 113.

[0076] The output unit 14 outputs information. This information is, for example, the search results from the search unit 136. The search results are, for example, business card information (for example, a business card file). In other words, the output unit 14 outputs, for example, one or more business card files acquired by the search unit 136.

[0077] Furthermore, while output here typically refers to transmission to terminal device 2, it may also encompass concepts such as display on a screen, projection using a projector, printing with a printer, sound output, storage on a recording medium, and transfer of processing results to other processing devices or other programs.

[0078] The terminal storage unit 21, which constitutes the terminal device 2, stores various types of information. These types of information include, for example, user identifiers, business card creation information, and business card exchange information.

[0079] The terminal reception unit 22 receives various instructions and information. These instructions and information include, for example, business card creation information, order information, business card exchange information, and search instructions.

[0080] The terminal processing unit 23 performs various processes. These processes include, for example, converting instructions and information received by the terminal receiving unit 22 into instructions and information for a data structure to be transmitted. Other processes include, for example, converting information received by the terminal receiving unit 25 into information for a data structure to be output.

[0081] The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits various instructions and information. These instructions and information include, for example, business card creation information, order information, exchange business card information, and search instructions.

[0082] The terminal receiving unit 25 receives various types of information. These types of information include, for example, various screen information, business card information, business card files, and personnel change information.

[0083] The terminal output unit 26 outputs various types of information. These types of information include, for example, various screens, business card information, business card files, and personnel change information.

[0084] The storage unit 11, business card creation information storage unit 111, business card exchange information storage unit 112, business card file storage unit 113, and terminal storage unit 21 are preferably made of non-volatile recording media, but can also be made of volatile recording media.

[0085] The process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11, etc. is not relevant. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11, etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line, etc. may be stored in the storage unit 11, etc., or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11, etc.

[0086] The reception unit 12, the business card creation information reception unit 121, the exchange business card reception unit 122, the search instruction reception unit 123, and the terminal reception unit 25 are usually implemented by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be implemented by means of receiving broadcasts.

[0087] The processing unit 13, the determination unit 131, the business card information configuration unit 132, the business card storage unit 133, the business card processing unit 134, the business card exchange information storage unit 135, the search unit 136, and the terminal processing unit 23 can typically be implemented using a processor, memory, etc. The processing procedures of the processing unit 13, etc., are typically implemented in software, and this software is recorded on a recording medium such as ROM. However, it may also be implemented in hardware (dedicated circuitry). The processor can be, for example, a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and its type is not limited.

[0088] The output unit 14 and the terminal transmission unit 24 are implemented, for example, by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be implemented by broadcasting means.

[0089] The terminal reception unit 22 can be implemented using device drivers for input means such as touch panels and keyboards, or control software for menu screens, etc.

[0090] The terminal output unit 26 may or may not be considered to include output devices such as a display or speakers. The terminal output unit 26 can be implemented using driver software for an output device, or driver software for an output device and an output device.

[0091] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of business card processing system A. First, we will explain an example of the operation of business card processing device 1 using the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0092] (Step S401) The business card creation information receiving unit 121 determines whether or not it has received order information. If it has received order information, it proceeds to step S402; if it has not received order information, it proceeds to step S409. The order information includes, for example, business card creation information, the number of orders, and a user identifier.

[0093] (Step S402) The processing unit 13 obtains the business card creation information, the number of orders, and the user identifier, etc., contained in the order information received in step S401.

[0094] (Step S403) The processing unit 13 performs order processing based on the business card creation information and the number of orders. Order processing includes, for example, the process of sending the business card creation information to the server for printing business cards, and the process of charging users identified by user identifiers based on the number of orders. The order processing can be any process related to orders, and its content is not specified. Furthermore, the order processing is based on publicly known technology.

[0095] (Step S404) The processing unit 13 determines whether the business card creation information contained in the order information received in step S401 already exists in the business card creation information storage unit 111. If it already exists, the process proceeds to step S407; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S405.

[0096] (Step S405) The business card information structuring unit 132 assembles the business card information. An example of this business card information structuring process will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0097] (Step S406) The business card storage unit 133 stores the business card creation information contained in the order information received in step S401 in the business card creation information storage unit 111, associating it with the business card information configured in step S405.

[0098] (Step S407) The business card processing unit 134 determines whether or not to perform a predetermined process. If the predetermined process is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S408; otherwise, it returns to step S401. The predetermined process is performed, for example, when it is determined in step S404 that the business card creation information contained in the order information no longer exists in the business card creation information storage unit 111.

[0099] (Step S408) The business card processing unit 134 performs a predetermined process. The process returns to step S401. An example of such a process will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0100] (Step S409) The business card exchange reception unit 122 determines whether or not it has received the business card exchange information. If it has received the business card exchange information, it proceeds to step S410; if it has not received the business card exchange information, it proceeds to step S415.

[0101] (Step S410) The business card exchange information storage unit 135 acquires the business card information received in step S409.

[0102] (Step S411) The business card exchange information storage unit 135 determines whether there is a business card in the business card file storage unit 113 that has item information that matches two or more item information items in the exchanged business card information acquired in step S410. If it already exists, the unit proceeds to step S412; otherwise, the unit proceeds to step S414.

[0103] (Step S412) The business card information structuring unit 132 performs business card information structuring processing. An example of such business card information structuring processing will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0104] (Step S413) The business card information structuring unit 132 stores the business card information configured in step S412 in the business card file storage unit 113.

[0105] (Step S414) The business card exchange information storage unit 135 uses the business card information obtained in step S410 and the user identifier corresponding to the business card information received in step S409 to obtain business card exchange information and stores the business card exchange information in the business card exchange information storage unit 112. Return to step S401.

[0106] (Step S415) The search instruction receiving unit 123 determines whether or not a search instruction has been received. If a search instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S416; otherwise, the process returns to step S401.

[0107] (Step S416) The search unit 136 assigns 1 to counter i.

[0108] (Step S417) The search unit 136 determines whether the i-th business card file exists in the business card file storage unit 113. If the i-th business card file exists, the process proceeds to step S418; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S423.

[0109] (Step S418) The search unit 136 retrieves the i-th business card file from the business card file storage unit 113 and opens the business card file.

[0110] (Step S419) The search unit 136 obtains item information from the i-th business card file that is paired with one or more item identifiers that are included in the search conditions of the search instruction received in step S415.

[0111] (Step S420) The search unit 136 determines whether the item information paired with each of the one or more item identifiers obtained in step S419 matches the search criteria. If it matches the search criteria, the unit proceeds to step S421; otherwise, the unit proceeds to step S422.

[0112] (Step S421) The search unit 136 temporarily stores the business card file identifier of the i-th business card file in a buffer (not shown).

[0113] (Step S422) The search unit 136 increments counter i by 1. Return to step S417.

[0114] (Step S423) The output unit 14 sends the search result, which is a business card file identified by a business card file identifier stored in a buffer (not shown), to the terminal device 2 that sent the search instruction. The process returns to step S401. If the search unit 136 is unable to retrieve a business card file, it sends a search result to the terminal device 2 indicating that no business card files matching the search criteria exist.

[0115] In the flowchart shown in Figure 4, processing is terminated by power-off or processing termination interrupts.

[0116] Next, an example of the business card information configuration process in step S405 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0117] (Step S501) The business card information structuring unit 132 acquires layout information corresponding to the business card creation information contained in the order information received in step S401.

[0118] (Step S502) The business card information structuring unit 132 assigns 1 to counter i.

[0119] (Step S503) The business card information structuring unit 132 determines whether or not there is an i-th item of information corresponding to the business card creation information contained in the order information received in step S401. If there is an i-th item of information, the unit proceeds to step S504; otherwise, the unit proceeds to step S507.

[0120] (Step S504) The business card information structuring unit 132 obtains the i-th item information from the order information received in step S401.

[0121] (Step S505) The business card information structuring unit 132 places the i-th item information obtained in step S504 into the area indicated by the item identifier of the i-th item information, according to the layout information.

[0122] (Step S506) The business card information structuring unit 132 increments counter i by 1. Return to step S503.

[0123] (Step S507) The business card information structuring unit 132 converts information in which two or more items of information are arranged according to the layout information into an image and obtains a business card image.

[0124] (Step S508) The business card information structuring unit 132 generates a new file.

[0125] (Step S509) The business card information structuring unit 132 writes the business card image data to the file generated in step S508. The business card information structuring unit 132 writes the business card image data to the main body of the file, for example.

[0126] (Step S510) The business card information structuring unit 132 assigns 1 to counter i.

[0127] (Step S511) The business card information structuring unit 132 determines whether or not the i-th item information exists in the business card creation information contained in the order information received in step S401. If the i-th item information exists, the unit proceeds to step S508; otherwise, the unit proceeds to step S515.

[0128] (Step S512) The business card information structuring unit 132 obtains the i-th item identifier and item information pair from the order information received in step S401.

[0129] (Step S513) The business card information structuring unit 132 appends the i-th item identifier and item information pair obtained in step S512 to a predetermined location in the file. The business card information structuring unit 132 writes the i-th item identifier and item information pair to, for example, the header or footer of the file. The area where the item information is written may differ depending on the item identifier. For example, the business card information structuring unit 132 may write the item information of text data to the header of the file and images such as photographs to the footer of the file.

[0130] (Step S514) The business card information structuring unit 132 increments counter i to 1. Return to step S511.

[0131] (Step S515) The business card information structuring unit 132 closes the file.

[0132] (Step S516) The business card information structuring unit 132 obtains a business card file identifier, which is an identifier for the crazed file. The business card file identifier may include, for example, a user identifier.

[0133] (Step S517) The business card information structuring unit 132 stores the business card file, which has the name of the business card file identifier obtained in step S516, in the business card file storage unit 113. It then returns to the higher-level processing.

[0134] Next, an example of the predetermined process in step S408 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0135] (Step S601) The business card processing unit 134 applies two or more item information to the template in the storage unit 11 to configure the user's transfer information.

[0136] (Step S602) The business card processing unit 134 obtains the user identifier. This user identifier is the identifier of the user in the received order information.

[0137] (Step S603) The business card processing unit 134 refers to the business card exchange information storage unit 112 and obtains one or more other user identifiers corresponding to the user identifier obtained in step S602.

[0138] (Step S604) The business card processing unit 134 assigns 1 to counter i.

[0139] (Step S605) The business card processing unit 134 determines whether an i-th other user identifier exists among the other user identifiers obtained in step S603. If an i-th other user identifier exists, the unit proceeds to step S606; otherwise, the unit proceeds to step S609.

[0140] (Step S606) The business card processing unit 134 obtains notification destination information from the storage unit 11 that is paired with the i-th other user identifier.

[0141] (Step S607) The business card processing unit 134 sends the transfer information obtained in step S601 to the recipient indicated by the notification recipient information obtained in step S606.

[0142] (Step S608) The business card processing unit 134 increments counter i by 1. Return to step S605.

[0143] (Step S609) The business card processing unit 134 retrieves the configured business card file.

[0144] (Step S610) The business card processing unit 134 sends the business card file obtained in step S609 to the terminal device 2 that sent the order information. It then returns to the higher-level processing unit.

[0145] Next, an example of the operation of terminal device 2 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0146] (Step S701) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether or not it has received the order information. If it has received the order information, it proceeds to step S702; if it has not received the order information, it proceeds to step S707.

[0147] (Step S702) The terminal processing unit 23 obtains a user identifier from the terminal storage unit 21.

[0148] (Step S703) The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits information containing the order information received in step S701 and the user identifier obtained in step S702 to the business card processing device 1.

[0149] (Step S704) The terminal receiving unit 25 determines whether or not it has received the business card file in response to the transmission of the order information. If the business card file has been received, the process proceeds to step S705; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S706.

[0150] (Step S705) The terminal output unit 26 outputs the business card file received in step S704. Return to step S701.

[0151] (Step S706) The terminal processing unit 23 determines whether a timeout has occurred. If a timeout has occurred, the process returns to step S701; otherwise, it returns to step S704. A timeout occurs when a threshold amount of time has elapsed since the order information was sent.

[0152] (Step S707) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether or not it has received the exchange business card information. If it has received the exchange business card information, it proceeds to step S708; if it has not received the exchange business card information, it proceeds to step S710.

[0153] (Step S708) The terminal processing unit 23 obtains a user identifier from the terminal storage unit 21.

[0154] (Step S709) The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits information containing the exchanged business card information received in step S707 and the user identifier obtained in step S708 to the business card processing device 1. Return to step S701.

[0155] (Step S710) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether or not it has received a search instruction. If it has received a search instruction, it proceeds to step S711; otherwise, it returns to step S701.

[0156] (Step S711) The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the search instruction received in step S710 to the business card processing device 1.

[0157] (Step S712) The terminal receiving unit 25 determines whether or not it has received search results. If it has received search results, it proceeds to step S713; otherwise, it returns to step S712.

[0158] (Step S713) The terminal output unit 26 outputs the search results received in step S712. The process returns to step S701. The search results are, for example, one or more business card files.

[0159] The specific operation of the business card processing system A in this embodiment will be described below. A conceptual diagram of the business card processing system A is shown in Figure 1.

[0160] Let's assume that the business card creation information storage unit 111 now stores a business card creation information management table having the structure shown in Figure 8. The business card creation information management table is a table that manages business card creation information. In this case, the business card creation information management table manages one or more records that have "ID", "User Identifier", "Password", "Item Information", and "Layout Information Identifier". In this case, "Item Information" includes "Name (Day of Birth)", "E-Mail", "Company Name", "User Image", etc.

[0161] Furthermore, the business card exchange information storage unit 112 stores a business card exchange information management table having the structure shown in Figure 9. The business card exchange information management table is a table for managing business card exchange information. Here, the business card exchange information management table manages one or more records having an "ID," a "user identifier," and an "other user identifier." The "other user identifier" is the identifier of another user from whom the user identified by the user identifier received (registered) a business card.

[0162] Furthermore, the storage unit 11 stores the layout information management table shown in Figure 10. The layout information management table manages one or more records that have a "layout information identifier" and "layout information". In Figure 10, "layout information" is information indicating that the item information corresponding to each tag is placed at the position of each tag. In addition, the font attribute values ​​such as font, font size, and color of each tag are also included in the layout information, and the item information is placed in the business card image with an appearance according to the font attribute values ​​of the corresponding tag. Furthermore, the "layout information" may include information on the layout of the front of the business card and information on the layout of the back of the business card.

[0163] Furthermore, the business card file storage unit 113 stores a business card information management table having the structure shown in Figure 11. The business card information management table is a table for managing business card information. In this case, the business card information management table is a table for managing business card files. The business card information management table has one or more records, each containing an "ID," a "business card file (business card information)," and a "file name." The "ID" here corresponds to the "ID" in Figure 8. That is, the "ID" in the business card creation information management table for a given user's business card creation information matches the "ID" in the business card information management table for that same user's business card information. Also, the "business card file (business card information)" is a file that has a header section, a body section, and a footer section. The "file name" has a user identifier and is a unique file name. Note that the business card file storage unit 113 can also be considered here as a folder for managing business card files.

[0164] In this context, the following three specific examples will be explained. Specific example 1 is when a user is transferred to a different department and orders the creation of new business cards. Specific example 2 is when searching a business card file using text field information as a key. Specific example 3 is when searching a business card file using image field information.

[0165] (Specific example 1) Let's assume that the terminal device 2 used by user "Yamamoto Yuko" is currently displaying an order screen for ordering business card printing. Let's assume that the user has entered their personal information (name, title, phone number, photo (user image), etc.) on the order screen. An example of such a screen is shown in Figure 12. Next, let's assume that the user has pressed the "Register" button 1201 in Figure 12.

[0166] Then, the terminal receiving unit 22 of terminal device 2 receives the set of item information shown in Figure 12. Next, the terminal transmitting unit 24 transmits the set of item information shown in Figure 12 to the business card processing device 1.

[0167] Next, the receiving unit 12 of the business card processing device 1 receives the set of item information. The determination unit 131 then determines whether the received set of item information exists in the business card creation information management table shown in Figure 8. Let's assume that the determination unit 131 has determined that the received set of item information does not exist in the business card creation information management table shown in Figure 8.

[0168] Next, the business card information structuring unit 132 generates a new user identifier "1819". Then, the business card information structuring unit 132 constructs a record containing the new user identifier "1819" and the received item information, and stores this record in the business card creation information management table shown in Figure 8.

[0169] Next, the output unit 14 acquires screen information that constitutes the screen for selecting layout information from the storage unit 11 and transmits it to the terminal device 2.

[0170] The terminal receiving unit 25 of terminal device 2 receives screen information. Then, the terminal output unit 26 outputs a screen for selecting layout information.

[0171] Then, user "Yamamoto Uko" selects layout information identifier "L02" and clicks the "Order" button 1301. An example of this screen is shown in Figure 13. In Figure 13, an image of "Yamamoto Uko's" business card is displayed using the layout information identified by layout information identifier "L02".

[0172] Next, the terminal reception unit 22 receives order information containing the layout information identifier "L02" and the user identifier "1819" for "Yamamoto Uko". Note that the user identifier "1819" also identifies the set of item information for "Yamamoto Uko".

[0173] Next, the terminal transmission unit 24 transmits order information having a layout information identifier "L02" and a "1819" (user identifier) ​​that identifies two or more items of information to the business card processing device 1.

[0174] Next, the business card creation information receiving unit 121 of the business card processing device 1 receives the order information.

[0175] Next, the processing unit 13 identifies two or more items of information contained in the received order information, name "1819", and pairs it with two or more items of information, name "<Name (Japanese)>Yuko Yamamoto", name (English)>Yuko Yamamoto, title>chief, company name>Sansan Corporation, <tel> 03-1111-1234, <e-mail>The email address "y.sansan@sansan.com..." is retrieved. Then, processing unit 13 processes the order. As a result of this order processing, printing of Yamamoto Uko's new business cards proceeds.

[0176] Next, the business card information structuring unit 132 obtains layout information that corresponds to the received layout information identifier "L02" from the layout information management table in Figure 10. The business card information structuring unit 132 also obtains two or more item information. Then, the business card information structuring unit 132 arranges the two or more item information according to the obtained layout information to construct a business card image. Here, since the layout information has two parts, the front and the back of the business card, the business card information structuring unit 132 constructs two images (front and back) that make up the business card image.

[0177] Next, the business card information structuring unit 132 generates a new file whose name includes the user identifier "1819". Then, the business card information structuring unit 132 writes the business card image to the main body of the file. The business card information structuring unit 132 also writes the string information from two or more item information fields, paired with the item information identifier, to the header of the file. Furthermore, the business card information structuring unit 132 writes the user image (photo) from two or more item information fields, paired with the item information identifier, to the footer of the file. Finally, it closes the file.

[0178] Through the above process, a business card file for user "Yamamoto Yuko" was created. The file name of this business card file is, for example, "1819.pdf". An example of user "Yamamoto Yuko"'s business card file is shown in Figure 14.

[0179] In Figure 14, text item information is placed in the header section, and image item information is placed in the footer section. However, the placement of such item information is not restricted. However, it is preferable that the placement areas for text item information and image item information are different.

[0180] Through the above process, when business card creation information was received that included two or more items of information constituting a business card, as well as business card layout information, it was possible to store the business card creation information and the business card information in association.

[0181] Furthermore, the business card processing unit 134 performs the transfer information transmission process and the business card information transmission process as follows:

[0182] In other words, the business card processing unit 134 retrieves the template (Figure 3) from the storage unit 11, applies two or more items of information for "Yamamoto Uko" that it has retrieved to the template, and constructs the user's transfer information (see Figure 15).

[0183] Next, the business card processing unit 134 obtains the user identifier "1819". Then, the business card processing unit 134 refers to the business card exchange information management table in Figure 9 and obtains one or more other user identifiers such as "1010" and "1081" that correspond to the user identifier obtained in step S602.

[0184] Next, the business card processing unit 134 retrieves the E-mail (email address) that corresponds to other user identifiers such as "1010" and "1081" from the business card creation information management table in Figure 8. Then, the business card processing unit 134 sends the transfer information for "Yamamoto Uko" in Figure 15 to the email address that corresponds to the user identifier "1010" and "1081" as the recipient.

[0185] As a result of accepting a business card order, one user can send their change of address information to other people who received the business card.

[0186] Furthermore, the business card processing unit 134 transmits the configured business card file (Figure 14) to Yamamoto Uko's terminal device 2.

[0187] Next, Yamamoto Uko's terminal device 2 receives and stores the business card file (Figure 14). Through this process, Yamamoto Uko can use her business card file for various purposes. These various purposes include, for example, electronic business card exchange, business card exchange during web conferences, and requesting printing from other printing companies.

[0188] (Specific example 2) Now, suppose the user enters search criteria into the business card file search screen of terminal device 2, as shown in Figure 16, and presses the "Search" button 1601. Then, terminal reception unit 22 of terminal device 2 receives the search instruction "<Name (Japanese)>Yamamoto Uko,<Company Name>Sansan Corporation". Next, terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the received search instruction to business card processing device 1.

[0189] Next, the search instruction receiving unit 123 of the business card processing device 1 receives a search instruction. Then, the search unit 136 searches the header section of each file in the business card file storage unit 113 and retrieves the business card file of "Yamamoto Uko" whose header section contains item information that matches the search instruction "<Name (Japanese)>Yamamoto Uko,<Company Name>Sansan Corporation". Next, the output unit 14 sends the business card file of "Yamamoto Uko" to the terminal device 2 that sent the search instruction.

[0190] Next, the terminal receiving unit 25 of terminal device 2 receives the business card file of "Yamamoto Uko". Then, the terminal output unit 26 outputs the business card file of "Yamamoto Uko". An example of such output is shown in Figure 17. It is preferable that, when outputting the business card file, the footer and header information is not output, and only the business card image of the main body is output.

[0191] (Specific example 3) Now, suppose the user enters search criteria (in this case, only the image of the photo) into the business card file search screen of terminal device 2, as shown in Figure 18, and presses the "Search" button 1801. Then, the terminal reception unit 22 of terminal device 2 receives the search instruction "<user image> image file" and the image file (1802). Next, the terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the received search instruction to the business card processing device 1.

[0192] Next, the search instruction receiving unit 123 of the business card processing device 1 receives a search instruction. Then, the search unit 136 searches for image data corresponding to the <user image> in the footer of each file in the business card file storage unit 113, and finds an image that is identical or similar to the user image corresponding to the search instruction. Then, the search unit 136 retrieves the business card file of user "Kenji Yamada". Next, the output unit 14 sends the business card file of "Kenji Yamada" to the terminal device 2 that sent the search instruction. Note that the image search technique for finding identical or similar images is publicly known, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0193] Next, the terminal receiving unit 25 of terminal device 2 receives the business card file for "Kenji Yamada". Then, the terminal output unit 26 outputs the business card file for "Kenji Yamada". An example of such output is shown in Figure 19. In this case, it is preferable that the footer and header information is not output, and only the business card image of the main body is output.

[0194] As described above, according to this embodiment, when information necessary for creating a business card is received, the business card image obtained from the received information can be managed in association with the received information.

[0195] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when information necessary for creating a business card is received, a predetermined action can be performed. The predetermined action may include, for example, sending information regarding the user's job changes, or sending the business card file to the user of the business card.

[0196] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when information necessary for creating a business card is received, a business card file can be constructed that includes a business card image and information about the items that make up the business card.

[0197] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by including both the business card image and the business card item information in a single business card file, it becomes easier to handle information related to business cards as a unified whole.

[0198] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by including the business card image, the item identifier and item information of the business card items in a single business card file, it becomes easier to handle information related to business cards, such as by enabling accurate searches using specified item identifiers.

[0199] The processing in this embodiment may be implemented by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. Alternatively, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to other embodiments in this specification. The software that implements the business card processing device 1 in this embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program causes the computer to function as a business card creation information receiving unit that receives business card creation information from which two or more item information and business card layout information, which constitute the information of a business card, can be obtained; a business card information configuring unit that configures business card information having a business card image obtained using the business card creation information; and a business card storage unit that stores the business card creation information and the business card information in association.

[0200] Figure 20 also shows the appearance of a computer that executes the program described herein to realize the business card processing device 1 of the various embodiments described above. The embodiments described above can be realized with computer hardware and computer programs executed thereon. Figure 20 is an overview of this computer system 300, and Figure 21 is a block diagram of the system 300.

[0201] In Figure 20, the computer system 300 includes a computer 301 with a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, and a monitor 304.

[0202] In Figure 21, the computer 301 includes, in addition to the CD-ROM drive 3012, an MPU 3013, a bus 3014 connected to the CD-ROM drive 3012, a ROM 3015 for storing programs such as boot-up programs, a RAM 3016 connected to the MPU 3013 for temporarily storing instructions for application programs and providing temporary storage space, and a hard disk 3017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, the computer 301 may further include a network card that provides connectivity to a LAN.

[0203] The program that causes the computer system 300 to execute the functions of the business card processing device 1 of the above-described embodiment may be stored on the CD-ROM 3101, inserted into the CD-ROM drive 3012, and then transferred to the hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored on the hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into the RAM 3016 during execution. The program may also be loaded directly from the CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0204] The program does not necessarily have to include an operating system (OS) or third-party program that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the business card processing device 1 of the above-described embodiment. The program only needs to include the instruction portion that calls the appropriate function (module) in a controlled manner and obtains the desired result. How the computer system 300 operates is well known, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0205] In the above program, steps such as sending information and receiving information do not include hardware-based processing, such as processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmission step (processing that can only be performed by hardware).

[0206] Furthermore, the computer running the above program may be a single computer or multiple computers. In other words, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0207] Furthermore, it goes without saying that in each of the above embodiments, two or more communication means present in a single device may be physically implemented in a single medium.

[0208] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be implemented by centralized processing by a single device, or by distributed processing by multiple devices.

[0209] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible, all of which are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0210] As described above, the business card processing device according to the present invention has the effect of being able to associate the business card image obtained from the received information with the information necessary for creating a business card, and is therefore useful as a business card processing device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0211] A Business Card Processing System 1. Business card processing device 2 Terminal devices 11 Storage Unit 12 Reception Department 13 Processing Unit 14 Output section 21 Terminal storage section 22 Terminal Reception Section 23 Terminal Processing Unit 24 Terminal transmission unit 25 Receiving part of the terminal 26 Terminal output section 111 Business card creation information storage unit 112 Business card exchange information storage unit 113 Business card file storage section 121 Business Card Creation Information Reception Department 122 Business Card Exchange Department 123 Search Instruction Reception Department 131 Judgment Department 132 Business Card Information Organizing Department 133 Business Card Storage Department 134 Business Card Processing Department 135 Business Card Exchange Information Storage Department 136 Search Section < / tel>

Claims

1. A business card creation information receiving unit that receives business card creation information, which can obtain two or more items of information that constitute a business card, and business card layout information, A determination unit that determines whether or not the business card creation information received by the aforementioned business card creation information receiving unit already exists, A business card information configuration unit comprising a business card information having a business card image acquired using the aforementioned business card creation information, The system comprises a business card processing unit that transmits transfer information including some or all of the information contained in the aforementioned business card information, The business card information configuration unit or the business card processing unit is A business card processing device that operates only when the aforementioned determination unit determines that the business card no longer exists.

2. The business card processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the business card information is a business card file having two or more item information and a business card image in a single file.

3. The system further comprises a business card exchange information storage unit that stores one or more business card exchange information regarding the exchange of business cards between one user and another user. The aforementioned business card processing unit, The business card processing device according to claim 1, wherein the business card creation information receiving unit determines one or more other users who have exchanged business cards with the user corresponding to the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit, using the one or more business card exchange information in the business card exchange information storage unit, and transmits the transfer information to the one or more other users determined.

4. The aforementioned business card processing unit, The business card processing device according to claim 1, wherein the business card information configuration unit transmits the business card information to the user corresponding to the business card creation information received by the business card creation information receiving unit.

5. A business card processing method comprising each step performed by the business card processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Computers, A program for causing a business card processing device to function as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images