WO2001007989A1

WO2001007989A1 - Information transfer system using a removable storage medium

Info

Publication number: WO2001007989A1
Application number: PCT/JP2000/004920
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takashi Shigetomi; Tetsuo Saito; Eiji Yokota
Original assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Optrom
Priority date: 1999-07-23
Filing date: 2000-07-24
Publication date: 2001-02-01
Also published as: KR20010075265A; TW486640B; EP1116081A1; JP2001036570A; CN1321264A

Abstract

A simple operation enables the transfer of mass data over a network, and provides an information transfer system employing a storage medium. First, a storage medium, which is possessed by the originator, is connected to a computer of the network. Then, information held by the storage medium, a fixed identifier for identifying a user, and a variable identifier for identifying information are transferred to a server computer of the network. Subsequently, the information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier are registered in a database of the server computer for a predetermined period of time. Subsequently, a second storage medium, the recipient, is connected by a computer of the network. Subsequently, the server computer allows the transfer of information to the second storage medium when the posted fixed identifier and the posted variable identifier match respectively with the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, which are registered by the originator.

Description

DESCRIPTION

INFORMATION TRANSFER SYSTEM USING A REMOVABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a storage medium, and to an information transfer system using the storage medium. More particularly, the present invention relates to an information system for automatically transferring digital image data, sound data, and document data from one disk, an example of a storage medium, to another disk placed far away therefrom, and also relates to the disk.

Background Art

Hitherto, the transfer of image, sound, and document data has been performed by utilizing the Internet. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of transmitting image, music and document data from an originator A (for example, Taro shown in FIG. 7) to a recipient B (for instance, Jiro shown in FIG. 7). In the case when the originator A transmits data and thereafter, the recipient B downloads the data, the originator A first prepares image, music document data and then, accesses a computer of a network (step CD) . After setting the recipient's address, the originator A transmits the image, music and document data to the recipient B (step ©) . To download the data, the recipient B accesses a computer of the network (step ®) . Then, the recipient B searches for a mail sent to him from the originator A, and subsequently, obtains the data (step ©) .

However, in the aforementioned conventional case, before transmission of data, the originator should determine whether or not the recipient needs the data to be then transmitted. Moreover, in the case where there are many destinations, the originator should set all addresses of the destinations. On the other hand, the recipient may receive unnecessary data and should endure the inconvenience of searching for the mail transmitted to him. Furthermore, when the originator sends a large quantity of data, sometimes fails in transferring the data owing to the limit to transmission speeds and capabilities of the network.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention eliminates drawbacks of the aforementioned conventional techniques, and provides a storage medium, a simple operation of which enables transfer of mass data over a network, and an information transfer system employing the storage medium.

To solve the problem, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information transfer method of transferring information from a first user to a second user by using a removable storage medium, which has an information storage portion for storing information and a program storage portion for storing a program, in an information transfer system including a network capable of treating mass information on images, music, voices and documents. The method comprises the steps of connecting a first storage medium, which is possessed by the first user, to a computer of a network, activating the program stored in the first storage medium and transferring image, music, voice, and document information, which are held by the first storage medium, and fixed identifier for identifying a user, and variable identifier for identifying information to a server computer of the network, registering the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier in a database of the server computer, and saving the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier therein for a predetermined period, then connecting a second storage medium, which is possessed by the second user, to a computer of the network, subsequently posting the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, which are posted from the first user, to the server computer from the second user when the server computer is accessed by the second user, and allowing the server computer to transfer the information, which is registered by the first user therein, to the second storage medium when the posted fixed identifier and the posted variable identifier are respectively matched with the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, which are registered by the first user.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information transfer method of transferring information from a first user to a second user by using a removable storage medium, which has an information storage portion for storing information and a program storage portion for storing a program adapted to automatically activate the program itself and perform information processing by operating together with a computer, in an information transfer system including a network system, which is constituted by electrically connecting a computer system to a computer system provided at another place and capable of treating mass information on images, music, voices and documents, and including a server computer placed at another place in a network, and including a database built on the server computer, and data, a management program for managing the network. The method comprises the steps of connecting a first storage medium, which is possessed by the first user, to a computer of the network, activating the program stored in the first storage medium and causing the program to operate together with this computer to thereby transfer image, music, voice, and document information, which are held by the first storage medium, and fixed identifier for identifying a user, and variable identifier for identifying information to a server computer of the network, registering the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier in a database of the server computer, and saving the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier therein for a predetermined period, subsequently posting the fixed identifier and the variable identifier from the first user to the second user so as to transfer the information, which is saved in the server computer of the network for a certain period and is necessary for permitting the second user to access the server computer, accessing the server computer by the second user, to which the information is posted, by using the fixed identifier and the variable identifier and by using a second storage medium similar to said first storage medium, and transferring the information registered in the server computer by the first user to the second storage medium of the second user. In an embodiment of this method, the storage media include optical disks, such as a CD-R, a CD-RW, and a DVD, a memory medium having an electronic circuit, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, cards, such as an IC card, a smart card, and a compact flash card.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information transfer system, including a network capable of treating mass information on images, music, voices and documents, for transferring information from a first user to a second user by using a removable storage medium, which has an information storage portion for storing information and a program storage portion for storing a program. The information transfer system comprises a first computer of the network, a first storage medium, which is possessed by the first user and connected to the first computer of the network, a server computer having a database, in which information stored in the first storage medium is registered and saved for a certain period. The first computer is operative to activate the program stored in the first storage medium and to transfer image, music, voice, and document information, which are held by the first storage medium, and fixed identifier for identifying a user, and variable identifier for identifying information to the server computer of the network, and to register the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier in the database of the server computer, and save the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier therein for a predetermined period. The information transfer system further comprises a second computer of the network, and a second storage medium, which is possessed by the second user and connected to the second computer of the network. The second computer is operative to subsequently post the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, which are posted from the first user, to the server computer from the second user when the server computer is accessed by the second user, and to instruct to allow the server computer to transfer the information, which is registered by the first user therein, to the second storage medium when the posted fixed identifier and the posted variable identifier are respectively matched with the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, which are registered by the first user. Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information transfer system including a network system, which is constituted by electrically connecting a computer system to a computer system provided at another place and capable of treating mass information on images, music, voices and documents, and including a server computer placed at another place in a network, and including a database built on the server computer, and data, a management program for managing the network.

The information transfer system is adapted to transfer information from a first user to a second user by using a removable storage medium, which has an information storage portion for storing information and a program storage portion for storing a program adapted to automatically activate the program itself and perform information processing by operating together with a computer. The information transfer system comprises a first computer of the network, and a first storage medium, which is possessed by the first user and connected to the first computer of the network, and a server computer having a database, in which information stored in the first storage medium is stored and registered for a predetermined period. The first computer is operative to activate the program stored in the first storage medium and operative to instruct to transfer image, music, voice, and document information, which are held by the first storage medium, and fixed identifier for identifying a user, and variable identifier for identifying information to the server computer of the network, and to instruct to register the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier in the database of the server computer, and instruct to save the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier therein for a predetermined period. The information transfer system further comprises means a second computer of the network, and means for subsequently posting the fixed identifier and the variable identifier from the first user to the second user so as to transfer the information, which is saved in the server computer of the network for a certain period and is necessary for permitting the second user to access the server computer, a second computer of the network, and a second storage medium, which is possessed by the second user and connected to the second computer. The second computer is operative to post the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, which are posted from the first user, to the server computer when accessing the server computer, and to operate in such a manner as to copy the information registered in the server computer to the second storage medium when the posted fixed identifier and the posted variable identifier are matched with the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, which are registered by the first user. In an embodiment of each of these information transfer systems, the storage media include optical disks, such as a CD-R, a CD-RW, and a DVD, a memory medium having an electronic circuit, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, cards, such as an IC card, a smart card, and a compact flash card.

Moreover, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium for storing information transfer programs in an information transfer system, including a network capable of treating mass information on images, music, voices and documents. The storage medium comprises an information storage portion for storing information and a program storage portion for storing a program. The information transfer programs include a program for receiving information on images, music, voices and documents, a fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and a variable identifier, which identifies information, and a program for transferring the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, to a server computer of the network and for instructing to register the information on the image, music, voice, and documents, the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, in a database of the server computer and for instructing to save the information on the image, music, voice, and documents, the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, for a certain period.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium for storing information transfer programs in an information transfer system, including a network capable of treating mass information on images, music, voices and documents. The storage medium comprises an information storage portion for storing information and a program storage portion for storing a program. The information transfer programs include a program for receiving a fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and a variable identifier, which identifies information, and a program for transferring the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, to a server computer of the network and for transferring the information on the image, music, voice, and documents and the information registered in a database of the server computer to a storage medium when the fixed identifier and the variable identifier are respectively matched with those stored in a database of the server computer.

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium for storing information transfer programs in an information transfer system, including a network capable of treating mass information on images, music, voices and documents. The storage medium comprises an information storage portion for storing information and a program storage portion for storing a program. The information transfer programs include a program for receiving information on images, music, voices and documents, a fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and a variable identifier, which identifies information, a program for transferring the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, to a server computer of the network and for instructing to register the information on the image, music, voice, and documents, the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, in a database of the server computer and for instructing to save the information on the image, music, voice, and documents, the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, for a certain period, and a program for transferring the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, to the server computer of the network and for transferring the information on the image, music, voice, and documents and the information registered in a database of the server computer when the fixed identifier and the variable identifier are respectively matched with those stored in the database of the server computer.

Further, in the case of an embodiment of each of these storage media, the storage media include optical disks, such as a CD-R, a CD-RW, and a DVD, a memory medium having an electronic circuit, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, cards, such as an IC card, a smart card, and a compact flash card.

Brief Description of Drawings

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer used in an information transfer system of the embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of assignment of data to storage areas in a compact disk according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an initial control operation of the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer in the case that ID is used in the information transfer system embodying the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of data processing to be performed in an information transfer system, which is a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data processing to be performed in an information transfer system, which is a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of data processing to be performed in a conventional information transfer system.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

To describe the present invention in detail, embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Example of Computer of Information Transfer System of This embodiment>

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer system used in an information transfer system in the embodiments of the present invention. Incidentally, the embodiment employing what is called an ID (Intelligent Disk) , which has a CD-RW and an electronic circuit, as a storage medium will be described hereinbelow as a preferred one. However, it is apparent that objects of the present invention are achieved by information transfer systems which employ other storage media, such as a floppy disk. More preferably, the information transfer system employs a partial CD (namely, a CD having a read only area and a writable area) as the storage medium. Additionally, such a storage medium may be an optical disk, such as a CD-R, CD-RW, or DVD, a memory medium having an electronic circuit, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a card, such as an IC card, a smart card, or a compact flash card, or a removable hard disk.

In this figure, reference numeral 1 designates a central processing unit (hereunder abbreviated as CPU) for controlling the entire system. Reference numeral 2 denotes a ROM storing minimum programs, according to which the CPU reads a bootstrap program and a system program from a compact readable/writable compact disk (hereunder abbreviated as CD-RW) set in a CD-RW drive unit 4 (to be described later) . Reference numeral 3 designates a memory for the programs read from the CD- RW drive unit 4 and results of processing. Reference numerals 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 respectively denote the CD-RW drive unit, a keyboard, a CRT display unit (hereunder abbreviated as CRT) , a printer for printing out results of processing, and a system reset switch for returning the system to an initial state. Reference numeral 11 designates a communication device to be connected to the Internet through a wire-telecommunication or radio- communication system, such as LAN. Additionally, reference numeral 10 denotes a system bus connecting various kinds of devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of assignment of data to storage areas in a compact disk according to embodiments of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 20 designates a CD- RW to be loaded in the CD-RW drive unit 4. Reference numerals 21, 22, and 23a to 23d respectively denote a bootstrap program storage area, a system program storage area, and storage areas storing packaged application programs a to d. Each of these storage areas is a read only area.

Further, in the case of embodiments, each CD-RW has a read only area 24 for storing prepaid transaction information, and a writable area 25 for storing downloaded information. Incidentally, the placement of the read only area and the writable area as illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely an example. The present invention is not limited to this placement. Additionally, the system employing the ID has advantageous effects in that a part or all of software for the information transfer system and hardware for data processing can be processed by an electronic circuit portion of the ID, and that authentication is more perfectly achieved. <Example I of Procedure for Initializing Computer of the Embodiment>

An example of a procedure from insertion of the CD-RW disk to the display of a menu on the screen of a display unit of the computer system will be described hereunder with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 3.

When a power supply of the system of FIG. 1 is turned on, or when the system reset switch 8 is depressed, or when a CD-RW is inserted into the CD-RW drive unit in the case that an OS of the system has already operated, an initial control operation illustrated in FIG. 3 is performed.

First, it is monitored in step SI whether or not the CD-RW is set in the CD-RW drive unit 4. If the CD- RW is set therein, control advances to step S2, whereupon the CPU 1 accesses the bootstrap program storing area in the CD-RW according to the minimum programs contained in the ROM 2 and then reads the bootstrap program therefrom. Subsequently, it is checked in step S3 whether or not this bootstrap program is read therefrom. If not, control returns to step SI or alerts an operator in step S4 to a message, which indicates "Unable to Load" or "Not Digital CD-RW", by displaying such a message on the screen of the CRT 6 or by turning on an indicator

(not shown) provided on the outer surface of the system. In the case that the CPU 1 succeeds in step S3 in reading the bootstrap program and that the set CD-RW is digital, the CPU 1 reads the system program (including, for example, an operating system (OS) ) by using the bootstrap program that has been just read. Thence, the CPU 1 performs processing according to the read system program.

In step S6, an indication prompting an operator to select one of the application programs is displayed on, for example, the screen of the CRT 6. Then, in step S7, the system waits for input of data indicating a selected application program. If such data is inputted, the CPU 1 reads the corresponding application program from the CD-RW drive unit 4 in step S8. Then, as shown in step S9, the CPU 1 performs processing according to the read application program.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the conception of a computer system using an intelligent optical disk, the type of an ID (Intelligent Disk) used in the embodiments of the present invention.

In this Fig., an ID 100 has a disk portion 50 for storing information, and an intelligent circuit portion 40.

The intelligent circuit portion 40 includes a ROM 42 storing fixed information. If necessary, this portion 40 further includes a RAM 43 serving as a temporary memory, and a CPU 41 for performing programs stored in a ROM 42 and a RAM 43. Reference numeral 46 designates a photocell, which is needed in the case that the ID circuit portion has an independent power supply.

The intelligent circuit portion 40 transfers information to and from external devices through a system interface 44. The interface having contacts, which may be either of the contact type or of the non- contact type, may employ either a bus connection or communication connection. Further, the interface may use a radio communication method or an optical communication method as a communication method. Furthermore, the ID circuit portion has a radio communication portion 45 to be used in the case that transmission of information to an external portion is necessary or that the loading of data or programs thereto is necessary. On the other hand, a block designated by reference numeral 30 is a personal computer system 30 consists of bus-connected peripheral devices. In this block, elements indicated by solid lines are minimal indispensable ones, while elements indicated by dashed lines are optionals and not requisites .

The indispensable elements are, for instance, an optical disk drive unit 31 including a pickup for performing reading data from (or writing data to) a disk part 50 of the ID circuit portion, and a drive circuit for the pickup. Moreover, such indispensable elements include a display portion 33 (preferably, an LCD) for displaying the current status of the system and information thereon, a keyboard 34 (which may be replaced with a touch panel provided on the screen of the display portion 33) , and a mouse 33 for inputting users' instructions (incidentally, the mouse is omitted in a portable personal computer) .

The optional elements are, for example, a buffer memory 36 (which may be either a RAM or a hard disk) for temporarily storing programs and data halfway through transfer thereof, a direct memory access controller (DMAC) 38 for performing the transfer independently at a high speed, a printer 37 for outputting a hard copy, and an ID interface 32 employing the bus connection, which has been described in the description of the ID circuit portion) .

Incidentally, in the herein-above description of the embodiment, the system has been described as a set of elements, which can be used as a personal computer system. However, devices respectively dedicated to display information on the screen of the display portion 33, and to print out information from the printer 37, and to save information in the hard disk 36 may be used. Additionally, even in this case, the optical disk drive unit 31 is always an indispensable element.

In this case, it is necessary to provide matching between the system and the ID portion through the ID interface 32 and the system interface 34. However, preferably, standardization of the interfaces

(including bus-connected ones) is achieved in future, so that any system can be easily connected to a given interface.

Further, although the system has only peripheral devices is illustrated in FIG. 4, the present invention can be applied to the case where the system comprises a conventional personal computer with additional capabilities .

Furthermore, in the case where the ID is a disk, the placement of storage areas on the surface of the disk is similar to that of FIG. 2. Additionally, the procedure for booting the system is similar to the aforementioned procedure, except that the control operation is performed by the CPU 41 provided on the ID circuit portion. <Configuration and Operation of Example of Information Transfer System of First Embodiment>

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration and operation of an example of an information transfer system, which is a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example, in which image, music, and document data are transferred from an originator A to a recipient B, similarly as the conventional example of FIG. 7, in the case of using a CD-RW as a removable storage medium. (Processing at Originating System)

An originator A converts image, music, and document data into electronic form or into computerized data by using image input devices, such as a digital camera, a decoder, and a scanner (step Φ) .

Then, the originator A takes a CD-RW serving as both a memory medium for storing the computerized image, music, and document data, and a removable storage medium, which is connected to a computer and contains a program for processing information, to a shop A having a computer 101 connected to a high-speed mass-data transferring network capable of transferring mass data at a high speed.

In the shop A, first, the storage medium storing the computerized image, music, or document data is connected to the computer that is connected to the high-seed mass-data transferring network. That is, the CD-RW 100 is inserted into a removable storage medium read/write device attached to the computer. Subsequently, the computerized information (or data) is copied onto the CD-RW 100 by using the programs stored in the CD-RW 100 and the computer (steps © and ®) . Thereafter, the database provided on a server computer 102 of the network is accessed by using the programs stored in the CD-RW 100 and the computer (steps ®) .

Then, the computerized image, music, and document data, to which a fixed identifier, such as a user name, and a variable identifier, such as a unique name, are added, are registered (step ©) in the database 103 for a certain registration period, by using the programs stored in the CD-RW 100 and the computer. The fixed identifier (a plurality of identifiers may be employed) is fixed by the originator A, for example, Taro. Further, the variable identifier (a plurality of identifiers may be employed) may be varied according to the image, music, and document data transmitted by the originator A.

The originator A terminates the execution of the programs stored in the CD-RW 100. Subsequently, the originator A takes out the medium from the removable storage medium read/write device.

Thereafter, the originator A posts a message, which indicates the information registered in the database, such as the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, and an outline of the image, music, and document data, to the recipient B. (Processing at Receiving System)

On the other hand, the recipient B goes to a shop (that is, the shop B in the case of FIG. 5) in the high-speed mass-data transferring network so as to obtain the computerized image, music, and document data registered by the originator A in the database within the registration period. Then, the recipient B inserts a CD-RW 200 into a removable storage medium read/write device attached to a computer 201, which is connected to the network.

Next, the database 103 provided in the server computer 102 of the network is accessed by using the programs stored in the CD-RW 200 and the computer (steps © and ®) . That is, the recipient B issues to the server computer 102 a request, to which the fixed identifier and the variable identifier are added, for accessing the database 103 and obtaining the image, music, and document data computerized by the originator A, by using the programs stored in the CD-RW 200 and the computer. When receiving the request from the recipient B, according to a management program, the server computer 102 compares the fixed identifier and the variable identifier sent from the recipient B with those inputted by the originator A when he registers the computerized image, music, and document information (or data) in the database 103.

In the case where there is a match therebetween as a result of the comparison, said data is copied to the CD-RW 200, which is possessed by the recipient B, (step ®) through high-speed mass-data transferring satellite communication, or CATV (not shown) , or highspeed mass-data transferring communication means (step ®) . If match, the computer 102 posts a message indicating that there is no match therebetween, to the recipient B.

Finally, the recipient B terminates the execution of the programs stored in the CD-RW 200, and then takes out the CD-RW 200 from the removable storage medium read/write device.

FIG. 6 illustrates the system using a memory medium ID, which has an electronic circuit, as the storage medium.

(Processing at Originating System) An originator A converts image, music, and document data into electronic form or into computerized data by using image input devices, such as a digital camera, a decoder, and a scanner (step Φ) .

Then, the originator A takes an ID serving as both of a memory medium storing the computerized image, music, and document data, and a removable storage medium, which is connected to a computer and contains a program for processing information, to a shop A having a computer 301 connected to a high-speed mass-data transferring network capable of transferring mass data at a high speed.

In this shop, first, the storage medium storing the computerized image, music, or document data is connected to the computer that is connected to the high-speed mass-data transferring network. That is, the ID 300 is inserted into a removable storage medium read/write device attached to the computer. Subsequently, the computerized information (or data) is copied onto the ID 300 by using the programs stored in the ID 300 and the computer (steps © and ®) . Thereafter, the database provided on a server computer 102 of the network is accessed by using the programs stored in the ID 300 and the computer (steps ©) .

Then, the computerized image, music, and document data, to which a fixed identifier, such as a user name, and a variable identifier, such as a unique name, are added, are registered (step ©) in the database 103 for a certain registration period, by using the programs stored in the ID 300 and the computer. The fixed identifier (a plurality of identifiers may be employed) is fixed for the originator A, for example, Taro. Further, the variable identifier (a plurality of identifiers may be employed) may be varied according to the image, music, and document data transmitted by the originator A.

The originator A terminates the execution of the programs stored in the ID 300 owned by him. Subsequently, the originator A takes out the medium from the removable storage medium read/write device. Thereafter, the originator A posts a message, which indicates the information registered in the database, such as the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, and an outline of the image, music, and document data, to the recipient B. (Processing at Receiving System) On the other hand, the recipient B goes to a shop (that is, the shop B in the case of FIG. 6) in the high-speed mass-data transferring network so as to obtain the computerized image, music, and document data registered by the originator A in the database within the registration period. Then, the recipient B inserts an ID 400, which is possessed by him, into a removable storage medium read/write device attached to a computer 401, which is connected to the network.

Next, the database 103 provided in the server computer 102 of the network is accessed by using the programs stored in the ID 400 and the computer (steps © and ©) . That is, the recipient B issues to the server computer 102 a request, to which the fixed identifier and the variable identifier are added, for accessing the database 103 and obtaining the image, music, and document data computerized by the originator A, by using the programs stored in the ID 400 and the computer.

When receiving a request from the recipient B, according to a management program, the server computer 102 compares the fixed identifier and the variable identifier sent from the recipient B with those inputted by the originator A when he registers the computerized image, music, and document information (or data) in the database 103. In the case that there is a match therebetween as a result of the comparison, such data are copied to the ID 400, which is possessed by the recipient B, (step ®) through high-speed mass-data transferring satellite communication, or CATV (not shown) , or high-speed mass- data transferring communication means (step ®) . If match, the computer 102 posts a message indicating that there is no match therebetween, to the recipient B.

Finally, the recipient B terminates the execution of the programs stored in the ID 400, and then takes out the ID 400 from the removable storage medium read/write device.

Incidentally, in the foregoing description of the procedure followed by this embodiment, it has been described that the information to be transferred is copied to the storage medium by using the computers 101 and 301. However, storing of information to the storage medium may be performed by using another computer. Moreover, although it has also been described that the data are transferred from the shop A to the shop B, needless to say, the originator and recipient may personally perform the transfer of the data by using personal computers.

Further, in the foregoing description of the embodiments, the detail of accounting is not described. However, fees for usage of the computer, the server computer, and the database may be charged, on the basis of the period during which the data is saved. Moreover, the storage medium serving as a memory medium, the usage fee for which should be prepaid, may be used not only for transfer of information but also for utilization of the database and downloading of programs. According to the present invention, the highspeed mass-data transferring network can be easily accessed by using a removable storage medium. Moreover, mass data can be easily transferred at a high speed through the network.

In the foregoing description, the present invention has been explained by describing the preferred embodiments thereof. However, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. Various variations, additions, and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

Claims

1. An information transfer method of transferring information from a first user to a second user by using a removable storage medium, which has an information storage portion for storing information and a program storage portion for storing a program, in an information transfer system including a network capable of handling mass information on images, music, voices and documents, said method comprising the steps of: connecting a first storage medium, which is possessed by the first user, to a computer of the network, activating the program stored in the first storage medium and transferring image, music, voice, and document information, which are held by said first storage medium, and fixed identifier for identifying a user, and variable identifier for identifying information to a server computer of said network; registering the image, music, audio, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier in a database of the server computer, and saving the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier therein for a predetermined period; then connecting a second storage medium, which is possessed by the second user, to a computer of the network, subsequently posting the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, which are posted from the first user, to said server computer from the second user when said server computer is accessed by the second user; and allowing said server computer to transfer the information, which is registered by the first user therein, to said second storage medium when the posted fixed identifier and the posted variable identifier are respectively matched with the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, which are registered by the first user.

2. An information transfer method of transferring information from a first user to a second user by using a removable storage medium, which has an information storage portion for storing information and a program storage portion for storing a program adapted to automatically activate the program itself and perform information processing by operating together with a computer, in an information transfer system including a network system, which is constituted by electrically connecting a computer system to a computer system provided at another place and capable of handling mass information on images, music, voices and documents, and including a server computer placed at another place in a network, and including a database built on the server computer, and data, a management program for managing the network, said method comprising the steps of: connecting a first storage medium, which is possessed by the first user, to a computer of the network; activating the program stored in said first storage medium and causing the program to operate together with said computer to thereby transfer image, music, voice, and document information, which are held by the first storage medium, and fixed identifier for identifying a user, and variable identifier for identifying information to a server computer of the network, registering the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier in a database of the server computer, and saving the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier therein for a predetermined period; subsequently posting the fixed identifier and the variable identifier from the first user to the second user so as to transfer the information, which is saved in said server computer of said network for a certain period and is necessary for permitting the second user to access said server computer; accessing said server computer by the second user, to which the information is posted, by using the fixed identifier and the variable identifier and by using a second storage medium similar to said first storage medium, and transferring the information registered in said server computer by the first user to said second storage medium of the second user.

3. The information transfer method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said storage medium includes an optical disk, such as a CD-R, a CD-RW, or a DVD, a memory medium having electronic circuits, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, cards, such as an IC card, a smart card, or a compact flash card.

4. An information transfer system, including a network capable of handling mass information on images, music, voices and documents, for transferring information from a first user to a second user by using a removable storage medium, which has an information storage portion for storing information and a program storage portion for storing a program, said information transfer system comprising: a first computer of the network; a first storage medium, which is possessed by the first user and connected to said first computer of the network; a server computer having a database, in which information stored in said first storage medium is registered and saved for a predetermined period, wherein said first computer is operative to activate the program stored in said first storage medium and to transfer image, music, voice, and document information, which are held by said first storage medium, and fixed identifier for identifying a user, and variable identifier for identifying information to said server computer of the network, and to register the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the. variable identifier in the database of said server computer, and save the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier therein for a predetermined period, said information transfer system further comprises : a second computer of the network; and a second storage medium, which is possessed by the second user and connected to said second computer of the network, wherein said second computer is operative to subsequently post the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, which are posted from the first user, to said server computer from the second user when said server computer is accessed by the second user, and to instruct to allow said server computer to transfer the information, which is registered by the first user therein, to said second storage medium when the posted fixed identifier and the posted variable identifier are respectively matched with the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, which are registered by the first user.

5. An information transfer system including a network system, which is constituted by electrically connecting a computer system to a computer system provided at another place and capable of handling mass information on images, music, voices and documents, and including a server computer placed at another place in a network, and including a management program for managing data and a database maintained on the server computer, the network, said information transfer system being adapted to transfer information from a first user to a second user by using a removable storage medium, which has an information storage portion for storing information and a program storage portion for storing a program adapted to automatically activate the program itself and perform information processing by operating together with a computer, said information transfer system comprising: a first computer of the network; and a first storage medium, which is possessed by the first user and connected to the first computer of the network, wherein said server computer having the database, in which information stored in said first storage medium is stored and registered for a predetermined period, wherein said first computer activates the program stored in said first storage medium and instructs to transfer image, music, voice, and document information, which are held by said first storage medium, and fixed identifier for identifying a user, and variable identifier for identifying information to said server computer of the network, and to instruct to register the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier in the database of said server computer, and instruct to save the image, music, voice, and document information, the fixed identifier, and the variable identifier therein for a predetermined period, said information transfer system further comprising: a second computer of the network; means for subsequently posting the fixed identifier and the variable identifier from the first user to the second user so as to transfer the information, which is saved in the server computer of the network for a certain period and is necessary for permitting the second user to access the server computer; and a second storage medium, which is possessed by the second user and connected to said second computer, wherein said second computer is operative to post the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, which are posted from the first user, to said server computer when accessing said server computer, and to operate in such a manner as to copy the information registered in said server computer to said second storage medium when the posted fixed identifier and the posted variable identifier are matched with the fixed identifier and the variable identifier, which are registered by the first user.

6. The information transfer system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said storage media include optical disks, such as a CD-R, a CD-RW, and a DVD, a memory medium having electronic circuits, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, cards, such as an IC card, a smart card, and a compact flash card.

7. A storage medium for storing information transfer programs in an information transfer system, including a network capable of handling mass information on images, music, voices and documents, said storage medium comprising: an information storage portion for storing information; and a program storage portion for storing a program, wherein the information transfer programs include a program for receiving information on images, music, voices and documents, a fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and a variable identifier, which identifies information, and a program for transferring the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, to a server computer of the network and for instructing to register the information on the image, music, voice, and documents, the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, in a database of said server computer and for instructing to save the information on the image, music, voice, and documents, the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, for a certain period.

8. A storage medium for storing information transfer programs in an information transfer system, including a network capable of handling mass information on images, music, voices and documents, said storage medium comprising: an information storage portion for storing information; and a program storage portion for storing a program, wherein the information transfer programs include a program for receiving a fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and a variable identifier, which identifies information, a program for transferring the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, to a server computer of the network and for transferring the information on the image, music, voice, and documents and the information registered in a database of said server computer to a storage medium when the fixed identifier and the variable identifier are respectively matched with those stored in the database of said server computer.

9. A storage medium there is provided a storage medium for storing information transfer programs in an information transfer system, including a network capable of handling mass information on images, music, voices and documents, said storage medium comprising: an information storage portion for storing information; and a program storage portion for storing a program, wherein the information transfer programs include a program for receiving information on images, music, voices and documents, a fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and a variable identifier, which identifies information, a program for transferring the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, to a server computer of the network and for instructing to register the information on the image, music, voice, and documents, the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, in a database of said server computer and for instructing to save the information on the image, music, voice, and documents, the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, for a certain period, and a program for transferring the fixed identifier, which identifies a user, and the variable identifier, which identifies information, to said server computer of the network and for transferring the information on the image, music, voice, and documents and the information registered in a database of said server computer when the fixed identifier and the variable identifier are respectively matched with those stored in the database of said server computer.

10. The storage medium according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein said storage media include optical disks, such as a CD-R, a CD-RW, and a DVD, a memory medium having electronic circuits, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, cards, such as an IC card, a smart card, and a compact flash card.