Abstract:
An information search method of searching for output information strongly related to input information from a plurality of candidate information includes the steps of assigning in advance one or a plurality of keywords typically representing information to the input information and each of the plurality of candidate information, and a weight value set in association with information to each keyword, executing a predetermined arithmetic operation for the weight value of each keyword of the input information and the weight value of each keyword of each of the plurality of candidate information, and selecting target output information from the plurality of candidate information on the basis of a sum value of arithmetic results obtained by performing the predetermined arithmetic operation for substantially all keywords of each candidate information.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to an information search method of accurately searching for additional information (e.g., advertisement information) more desired by a user.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Along with the recent development of communication technology, the following methods have been used to provide information to users.  
           [0003]    1: Internet Web  
           [0004]    2: Internet push-type news distribution service  
           [0005]    3: FAX information extraction service  
           [0006]    4: Sending material requesting coupons attached to newspapers/magazines  
           [0007]    5: Inquiry by free dials  
           [0008]    6: Sending material requesting postcards  
           [0009]    As portable information terminals are being widely used, information providing services using character information are becoming active. However, since a portable terminal has a limited display ability in size, colors, and resolution, a detail information providing service capable of compensating for it need be realized.  
           [0010]    The above methods are conventionally used to acquire detail information, though they have limitations.  
           [0011]    Methods 1 and 2 are limited to PC or terminal users well versed in the Internet environment, and it is also time-consuming to find a URL necessary for access to desired information. Method 3 is limited to FAX users. In addition, the print ability (monochrome printing and print preview) is limited, and the output cost (telephone charge or cost of paper) is for the users to bear. Methods 4, 5, and 6 are available for many and unspecified users. However, a user can acquire information several hours or several days after the request. The information provider side must also prepare a physical request processing system, resulting in an increase in information providing cost.  
           [0012]    The information provider side wants a user to have an interest in, e.g., advertisement information. In fact, advertisement information is not always indispensable for the user. It is preferable to appropriately provide such dispensable information timely because the user is not displeased with the advertisement, and additionally, information on the provide side is transmitted to the user.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a search method of searching for output information strongly related to input information from a plurality of candidate information, characterized by comprising:  
           [0014]    the assignment step of assigning in advance one or a plurality of keywords typically representing information to the input information and each of the plurality of candidate information, and a weight value set in association with information to each keyword;  
           [0015]    the arithmetic step of executing a predetermined arithmetic operation for the weight value of each keyword of the input information and the weight value of each keyword of each of the plurality of candidate information; and  
           [0016]    the selection step of selecting target output information from the plurality of candidate information on the basis of a sum value of arithmetic results obtained by performing the predetermined arithmetic operation for substantially all keywords of each candidate information in the arithmetic step.  
           [0017]    The sum value obtained for each of the plurality of candidate information means the relation of the candidate information to the input information.  
           [0018]    According to the preferred aspect of the present invention, the predetermined arithmetic operation is multiplication of the weight values, and information having a larger sum value of the arithmetic results is selected as the output information.  
           [0019]    Pieces of information related to each other may have a relation in opposite directions. For example, information associated with a funeral home and information associated with a wedding ceremony hall are related to each other because the both are associated with ceremonial occasions, although they induce exclusive values.  
           [0020]    According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, the weight value has a sign determined for each keyword in advance, and when the result of the predetermined arithmetic operation for the weight values of a set of keywords has a relatively large positive value, it is determined that the relation is strong. By attaching signs to two pieces of information related to each other in opposite directions, the pieces of information can be appropriately quantified.  
           [0021]    According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention, the method is characterized by further comprising:  
           [0022]    the input step of inputting the input information from a predetermined terminal;  
           [0023]    the first storage step of storing contents of the plurality of candidate information in an information provider server; and  
           [0024]    the second storage step of storing the keywords of each of the plurality of candidate information and the weight values of the keywords in a management server.  
           [0025]    To positively collect only information more strongly related to the user side does not make the user displeased. According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a search method of searching for output information strongly related to input information from a plurality of candidate information, characterized by comprising:  
           [0026]    the registration step of registering in advance one or a plurality of keywords representing selectivity to the input information; and  
           [0027]    the selection step of selecting, as the output information, information having a larger number of keywords having values close to the value of the one or the plurality of keywords from the plurality of candidate information.  
           [0028]    According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises:  
           [0029]    the first storage step of storing the plurality of candidate information in an information provider server; and  
           [0030]    the second storage step of storing the one or the plurality of keywords representing selectivity to the input information in a management server.  
           [0031]    According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention, the input information is specific information corresponding to a predetermined code input by a user, and each of the plurality of candidate information is information to be attached to the specific information and presented to the user.  
           [0032]    The above object can also be achieved by a search method of searching for output information strongly related to input information from a plurality of candidate information, characterized by comprising:  
           [0033]    the assignment step of assigning in advance one or a plurality of information keywords typically representing information to the input information and each of the plurality of candidate information, and a weight value set in association with information to each information keyword;  
           [0034]    the registration step of registering in advance one or a plurality of user keywords representing selectivity to the input information;  
           [0035]    the calculation step of executing a predetermined arithmetic operation for the weight value of each of the plurality of information keywords and the weight value of each information keyword of each of the plurality of candidate information and calculating a sum value of arithmetic results obtained by performing the predetermined arithmetic operation for substantially all information keywords of each candidate information in the arithmetic step;  
           [0036]    the quantification step of quantifying the degree of matching between each keyword of each of the plurality of candidate information and the one or the plurality of user keywords; and  
           [0037]    the selection step of selecting, as the output information, the largest candidate information from a result obtained by adding quantified values obtained in the quantification step to the sum value.  
           [0038]    In the method of the present invention, an apparatus keyword of a terminal apparatus for outputting the output information and a weight value of each apparatus keyword are stored in advance, and the weight value of each apparatus keyword is taken into consideration.  
           [0039]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0040]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 1 is a view for explaining the schematic arrangement of a P service system according to an embodiment;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 2 is a view showing the schematic appearance of a P service terminal  100  according to this embodiment;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the control arrangement of the P service terminal  100 ;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 4 is a view showing the schematic appearance of a portable terminal  400  capable of transmitting a P-code to the P service terminal;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the control arrangement of the portable terminal  400 ;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement of a P service server  200 ;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 7 is a view showing a data structure example of an IP information registration table;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 8 is a view showing a data structure example of an advertisement information table;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 9 is a view showing a data structure example of a user information table;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 10 is a view showing a data structure example of a mail service P-code table;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 11 is a view showing a data structure example of a distribution service P-code table;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 12 is a view showing a data structure example of a personal information service P-code table;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 13 is a view showing a data structure example of a personal information table;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 14 is a view showing a data structure example of an owner information table;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 15 is a view showing a data structure example of a terminal information table;  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the typical arrangement of an IP server  300 ;  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 17 is a view for explaining the data structure of a P-code used in the P service system according to this embodiment;  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 18 is a view showing the data structure of a P-code;  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 19 is a flow chart for explaining the outline of processing by the P service server of this embodiment;  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 20 is a flow chart for explaining the outline of processing by the P service server of this embodiment;  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 21 is a flow chart of user registration processing;  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 22 is a dialog box for new registration processing;  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 23 is a dialog box corresponding to a “name/address” button  1000 ;  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 24 is a dialog box corresponding to a “password” button  1010 ;  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 25 is a dialog box corresponding to a “place of employment” button  1020 ;  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 26 is a dialog box corresponding to a “credit card” button  1030 ;  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 27 is a dialog box corresponding to a “service” button  1040 ;  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 28 is a dialog box corresponding to a “personal information” button  1050 ;  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 29 is a dialog box corresponding to a “personal information 2” button  1060 ;  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 30 is a dialog box corresponding to a “desired information” button  1070 ;  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 31 is a dialog box corresponding to a “printing paper” button  1080 ;  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 32 is a dialog box for registration change processing;  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 33 is a dialog box for password change;  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 34 is a flow chart of IP information registration processing;  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 35 is a dialog box for confirming a member;  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 36 is a dialog box for inputting member&#39;s password;  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 37 is a dialog box for specifying a nonmember;  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 38 is a dialog box for inviting registration of a member;  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 39 is a dialog box for setting charging;  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 40 is a dialog box for designating IP information;  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 41 is a dialog box for designating IP information;  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 42 is a dialog box showing a preview window;  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 43 is a dialog box when file transfer progresses;  
         [0084]    [0084]FIG. 44 is a dialog box for setting a property;  
         [0085]    [0085]FIG. 45 is a dialog box for setting another property;  
         [0086]    [0086]FIG. 46 is a dialog box for setting still another property;  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 47 is a dialog box for setting still another property;  
         [0088]    [0088]FIG. 48 is a dialog box for confirming a password;  
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 49 is a dialog box for setting still another property;  
         [0090]    [0090]FIG. 50 is a dialog box for setting still another property;  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 51 is a dialog box for setting still another property;  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 52A is a dialog box for setting still another property;  
         [0093]    [0093]FIG. 52B is a dialog box for setting still another property;  
         [0094]    [0094]FIG. 52C is a dialog box for setting still another property;  
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 53 is a dialog box for displaying the list of input items;  
         [0096]    [0096]FIG. 54 is a flow chart of advertisement information registration processing;  
         [0097]    [0097]FIG. 55 is a dialog box for confirming a member;  
         [0098]    [0098]FIG. 56 is a dialog box for inputting a member&#39;s password;  
         [0099]    [0099]FIG. 57 is a dialog box for specifying a nonmember;  
         [0100]    [0100]FIG. 58 is a dialog box for designating advertisement information;  
         [0101]    [0101]FIG. 59 is as dialog box showing a preview window;  
         [0102]    [0102]FIG. 60 is a dialog box when file transfer progresses;  
         [0103]    [0103]FIG. 61 is a dialog box for setting a property;  
         [0104]    [0104]FIG. 62 is a dialog box for setting another property;  
         [0105]    [0105]FIG. 63 is a dialog box for setting still another property;  
         [0106]    [0106]FIG. 64 is a dialog box for setting still another property;  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 65 is a dialog box for setting still another property;  
         [0108]    [0108]FIG. 66 is a dialog box for setting still another property;  
         [0109]    [0109]FIG. 67 is a dialog box for setting still another property;  
         [0110]    [0110]FIG. 68 is a dialog box showing the list of input items;  
         [0111]    [0111]FIG. 69 is a dialog box for printing registered items;  
         [0112]    [0112]FIG. 70 is a flow chart for explaining the personal P-code issue procedure in step S 111 ;  
         [0113]    [0113]FIG. 71 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure in which the P service server assigns the external code of a P-code to anther site;  
         [0114]    [0114]FIG. 72 is a view showing the data structure of a P-code use registration table used in this embodiment;  
         [0115]    [0115]FIG. 73 is a view showing the data structure of a P-code use table;  
         [0116]    [0116]FIG. 74 is a flow chart for explaining IP-code issue processing; FIG. 75 is a view showing an example of the display window displayed on a touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0117]    [0117]FIG. 76 is a view showing another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0118]    [0118]FIG. 77 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0119]    [0119]FIG. 78 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0120]    [0120]FIG. 79 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0121]    [0121]FIG. 80 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0122]    [0122]FIG. 81 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0123]    [0123]FIG. 82 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0124]    [0124]FIG. 83 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0125]    [0125]FIG. 84 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0126]    [0126]FIG. 85 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0127]    [0127]FIG. 86 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0128]    [0128]FIG. 87 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0129]    [0129]FIG. 88 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0130]    [0130]FIG. 89 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0131]    [0131]FIG. 90 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0132]    [0132]FIG. 91 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0133]    [0133]FIG. 92 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0134]    [0134]FIG. 93 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0135]    [0135]FIG. 94 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0136]    [0136]FIG. 95 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0137]    [0137]FIG. 96 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0138]    [0138]FIG. 97 is a view showing still another example of the display window displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment;  
         [0139]    [0139]FIG. 98A is a flow chart showing a processing flow for executing the information service of this embodiment;  
         [0140]    [0140]FIG. 98B is a view showing the processing sequence in a service system for executing the information service of this embodiment;  
         [0141]    [0141]FIG. 99A is a flow chart showing a processing flow for executing the mail service of this embodiment;  
         [0142]    [0142]FIG. 99B is a view showing the processing sequence in the service system for executing the mail service of this embodiment;  
         [0143]    [0143]FIG. 100A is a flow chart showing a processing flow for executing the distribution service (reception of registered information) of this embodiment;  
         [0144]    [0144]FIG. 100B is a view showing the processing sequence in the service system for executing the distribution service (reception of registered information) of this embodiment;  
         [0145]    [0145]FIG. 101A is a flow chart showing a processing flow for executing the personal information service of this embodiment;  
         [0146]    [0146]FIG. 101B is a view showing the processing sequence in the service system for executing the personal information service of this embodiment;  
         [0147]    [0147]FIG. 102A is a flow chart showing a processing flow for executing the distribution service (registration of information) of this embodiment;  
         [0148]    [0148]FIG. 102B is a view showing the processing sequence in the service system for executing the distribution service (registration of information) of this embodiment;  
         [0149]    [0149]FIG. 103A is a flow chart for explaining another form of P-code transmission processing by the portable terminal of this embodiment;  
         [0150]    [0150]FIG. 103B is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of acquiring IP information, mail data, and distribution data in the P service server  200  of this embodiment;  
         [0151]    [0151]FIG. 104 is a flow chart of advertisement search processing;  
         [0152]    [0152]FIG. 105A is a view showing an example of a keyword list of IP information;  
         [0153]    [0153]FIG. 105B is a view showing an example of a keyword list of user registration;  
         [0154]    [0154]FIG. 105C is a view showing an example of a keyword list of the P service terminal;  
         [0155]    [0155]FIG. 105D is a view showing an example of a highest priority keyword list;  
         [0156]    [0156]FIG. 105E is a view showing an example of a lowest priority keyword list;  
         [0157]    [0157]FIG. 106A is a view showing an example of the search result list of an IP information list;  
         [0158]    [0158]FIG. 106B is a view showing an example of the search result list of a user registration list;  
         [0159]    [0159]FIG. 106C is a view showing an example of the search result list of a P service terminal list;  
         [0160]    [0160]FIG. 106D is a view showing an example of the search result list of a highest priority list;  
         [0161]    [0161]FIG. 106E is a view showing an example of the search result list of a lowest priority list;  
         [0162]    [0162]FIG. 107A is a view showing an example of the search result list of the rearranged IP information list;  
         [0163]    [0163]FIG. 107B is a view showing an example of the search result list of the rearranged user registration list;  
         [0164]    [0164]FIG. 107C is a view showing an example of the search result list of the rearranged P service terminal list;  
         [0165]    [0165]FIG. 107D is a view showing an example of the search result list of the rearranged highest priority list;  
         [0166]    [0166]FIG. 107E is a view showing an example of the search result list of the rearranged lowest priority list;  
         [0167]    [0167]FIG. 108 is a flow chart for explaining P-code extraction processing of the portable terminal of this embodiment;  
         [0168]    [0168]FIG. 109 is a flow chart for explaining automatic P-code extraction processing in step S 3113 ;  
         [0169]    [0169]FIG. 110 is a flow chart for explaining P-code transmission processing by the portable terminal of this embodiment; and  
         [0170]    [0170]FIG. 111 is a flow chart for explaining another form of P-code transmission processing by the portable terminal of this embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0171]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.  
         [0172]    &lt;System Arrangement&gt; 
         [0173]    A service system (to be referred to as a P service system hereinafter) to be described in this embodiment has a plurality of service terminals (to be referred to as P service terminals hereinafter) installed in shops or stations and a dedicated service server (to be referred to as a P service server hereinafter) connected to the P service terminals. When a code (to be referred to as a P-code hereinafter) in a predetermined form is input from a P service terminal, corresponding information is acquired from the P service server, and the print of necessary information is obtained. Note that designation of a P-code to a P service terminal can be done by unspecified users.  
         [0174]    [0174]FIG. 1 is a view showing the schematic arrangement of the P service system according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral  100  denotes a P service terminal; and  200 , a P service server. The P service terminal  100  communicates with the P service server, acquires information corresponding to a P-code input by a user, and prints the information. Alternatively, image information input in the P service terminal  100  can be uploaded to the P service server.  
         [0175]    The P service terminal  100  can be a terminal installed for public use in a shop, street, or public facility. In this case, the P service terminal  100  does not include a terminal used by only a specific person, e.g., a so-called personal computer used by a person at home.  
         [0176]    The P service server  200  issues P-codes corresponding to provided information, registers the P-codes in a P-code database, and manages them. The P service server  200  acquires information corresponding to a P-code input from the P service terminal  100 , generates print data, and outputs it to the P service terminal  100 .  
         [0177]    An information provider server  300  (to be referred to as an IP server hereinafter) is, e.g., a general Internet provider. In response to an information request from the P service server  200 , the IP server  300  transmits information (contents) corresponding to the P-code attached to the information request to the P service server  200 . Additionally, as will be described later, the P service server  200  sets a plurality of usable P-codes in the IP server  300 , and the IP server  300  can uniquely issues a P-code in correspondence with information provided from a user terminal within the range of the usable P-codes.  
         [0178]    [0178]FIG. 1 shows a system in which the P service server  200  and IP server  300  independently function, and information can be transmitted/received through a communication network. However, a system in which the P service server  200  incorporates the IP server  300 , and the function of the IP server is realized by the P service server may be constructed.  
         [0179]    When the P-code of information managed on the IP server  300  side is input from the P service terminal  100 , the P service server  200  finds a corresponding IP server from the P-code and transmits the P-code to this IP server to request information.  
         [0180]    A portable terminal  400  is, e.g., a portable telephone. The IP server  300  notifies a P service terminal user (to be simply referred to as a user hereinafter) of a P-code informed from the P service server  200  by inserting the P-code on media  610  such as newspapers and magazines or describing the P-code in mail information transmitted to the user&#39;s portable terminal  400  using a portable telephone mail service  600 . When the user inputs the P-code attached to information of interest from the P service terminal  100 , he/she can obtain the print of information corresponding to the P-code. The portable terminal  400  of this embodiment can extract a P-code described in mail information, hold it in an internal memory, and input the held P-code to the P service terminal  100  by infrared communication or the like.  
         [0181]    A service such as a mail service becomes available when personal registration is done in the P service server  200 . This registration can be done from, e.g., a terminal of a user (user terminal  700 ) through a Web. Instead, the user may fill a registration form with predetermined items, and the operator of the P service server may perform registration processing in accordance with the described contents.  
         [0182]    In this embodiment, two kinds of information are provided by the IP server  300  and registered/managed by the P service server  200 . One is information (to be referred to as IP information hereinafter) provided to a user with or without charge on the basis of P-code designation by the user from the P service terminal  100  or the like. The other is information (to be referred to as advertisement information hereinafter) automatically selected by the P service server and attached to information (e.g., IP information) acquired in accordance with P-code input by the user.  
         [0183]    As examples of services realized in the above-described P service system, the following services will be mainly described in this embodiment. (1) User registration: a personal P-code is given in accordance with registration application from the user terminal  700  to the P service server. (2) IP information registration: in accordance with IP information registration application from the IP server  300 , IP information is registered in the P service server  200 , and a P-code for the IP is given. (3) Advertisement information registration: in accordance with an advertisement information registration application, advertisement information is registered in the P service server  200 . (4) Information service: by inputting the P-code (P-code for the IP) of desired information from the P service terminal  100 , a print output of the desired information is obtained. (5) Mail service: by inputting the user&#39;s P-code (personal P-code) from the P service terminal  100 , mail addressed to the user is printed. (6) Personal information service: by inputting the user&#39;s P-code from the P service terminal  100 , a print output of information set/registered for the user in advance is obtained. (7) Distribution service: desired information is uploaded from the P service terminal  100  to the P service server  200  in advance and printed from the P service terminal  100  as needed. Each of these services will be described later in detail. The services and functions realized by the P service system of this embodiment are not limited to the above-described services and functions.  
         [0184]    &lt;Arrangement of P Service Terminal&gt; 
         [0185]    [0185]FIG. 2 is a view showing the schematic appearance of the P service terminal  100  of this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, a printer  101  forms a visible color image by, e.g., a laser beam scheme. A scanner  102  optically reads an original image and converts it into digital image data. The printing scheme of the printer  101  is not limited to the laser beam scheme, and any other scheme such as a thermal transfer scheme or ink-jet printing scheme can be used. Using the printer  101  and scanner  102 , the service terminal  100  can also be made to function as a copying machine. A main unit  103  controls communication with the P service server  200  or communication with the portable terminal  400  and performs various operation inputs and display corresponding to various operations.  
         [0186]    In the main unit  103 , a touch panel  104  receives an operation input by a user and presents various information to the user. An infrared communication section  105  is used to receive a P-code from a portable terminal having an infrared communication function by infrared communication. When a portable terminal is connected to a portable terminal connector  106 , data (P-code) stored in the memory of the portable terminal is read out by the P service terminal  100 . When a P-code is provided in a form of a bar code, a bar code reader  107  is used to read the bar code to acquire the P-code.  
         [0187]    A disk unit  108  reads/writes data from/in a medium such as a floppy disk or MO. A settlement unit  110  performs settlement for the above-described various services. As a settlement method, various methods including settlement using cash or a credit card are available.  
         [0188]    [0188]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the control arrangement of the P service terminal  100 . The same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 denote the same parts in FIG. 3. A communication section  124  is connected to the P service server  200  through, e.g., a telephone line to perform communication.  
         [0189]    A control section  120  controls each construction described with reference to FIG. 2. In the control section  120 , a CPU  121  realizes various control operations in the P service terminal  100  in accordance with control programs stored in a memory  122 . User I/F control  122   a  controls execution of each of the following programs in accordance with a user&#39;s operation instruction input through the touch panel  104 . Information service processing  122   b , mail service processing  122   c , personal information service processing  122   d , and distribution service processing  122   e  realize the above-described various services, i.e., information service, mail service, personal information service, and distribution service, respectively. Settlement processing  122   f  realizes settlement processing using the settlement unit  110 .  
         [0190]    &lt;Arrangement of Portable Terminal&gt; 
         [0191]    [0191]FIG. 4 is a view showing the schematic appearance of the portable terminal  400  capable of transmitting a P-code to the P service terminal  100 . Like a general portable telephone, the portable terminal  400  has a liquid crystal display  410  and dial buttons and functions as a portable telephone. The portable terminal  400  can receive mail and displays its contents on the liquid crystal display  410 . The cursor in the liquid crystal display can be moved using a left cursor  401  and right cursor  402  and can select a desired block in mail in cooperation with a block designation key  404 . When a P-code key  403  is pressed while a certain block in mail is kept selected, data in the selected block is stored in the internal memory as a P-code. Instead, the P-code may be automatically searched for, extracted, and stored in the memory by pressing the P-code key  403  in a mail displayed state. Details of these operations will be described later with reference to FIGS.  108  to  111 .  
         [0192]    An infrared communication section  405  outputs a P-code stored in the internal memory by infrared rays.  
         [0193]    The infrared rays output from the infrared communication section  405  are received by the infrared communication section  105  of the P service terminal  100  and recognized as a P-code. The portable terminal  400  also has a communication connector on its button surface so as to exchange telephone number information between the terminal and a personal computer.  
         [0194]    [0194]FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the control arrangement of the portable terminal  400 . Referring to FIG. 5, a telephone function section  423  has functions necessary for communication processing as a portable telephone, including a loudspeaker, microphone, and radio communication functions. A communication connector  424  is generally used to connect the portable terminal to a personal computer and upload or download a telephone number or the like. In this embodiment, when the communication connector  424  is connected to the portable terminal connector  106  of the P service terminal  100 , a P-code can be transferred to the P service terminal  100 . A button group  425  corresponds to the group of various operation buttons described with reference to FIG. 4 (including the dial button group).  
         [0195]    A control section  420  realizes control of the constructions described with reference to FIG. 4 or various control operations in the portable terminal  400  in accordance with control programs stored in a memory  422 . Of the programs stored in the memory  422 , portable terminal control  422   a  is a program unit for realizing a function as a normal portable telephone. P-code extraction processing  422   b  is a program unit for processing of extracting a P-code from received mail and storing the P-code in a P-code storage area  422   c . As described above, to extract a P-code, data in a manually selected block is extracted as a P-code, or a P-code is automatically identified and extracted from mail data. P-code transmission processing  422   d  is a program unit for transmitting a P-code stored in the P-code storage area  422   c  to the P service terminal through the infrared communication section  405  or communication connector  424 .  
         [0196]    &lt;Arrangement of P Service Server&gt; 
         [0197]    The P service server  200  will be described next.  
         [0198]    [0198]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement of the P service server  200 . A control section  201  has a CPU  202  and memory  203 . The CPU  202  realizes various services in the P service server  200  in accordance with control programs stored in the memory  203 . The memory  203  stores the control programs to be executed by the CPU  202 . Information registration processing  203   a  is a program module for registering, e.g., IP information, advertisement information, user information (personal information), the distribution data. P-code issue processing  203   b  is a program module for assigning a P-code for specifying each registered information. Service processing  203   c  acquires IP information, advertisement information, mail data, or distribution data or registers distribution data in accordance with a P-code transmitted from the P service terminal  100 . Advertisement search processing  203   d  searches for advertisement information to be attached to a print output in the P service terminal. By attaching advertisement information, the information output charge is canceled by advertisement charges to reduce the cost for the user to bear in outputting information (printing). Data output processing  203   e  attaches advertisement information obtained by advertisement search processing to information obtained on the basis of a P-code input from the P service terminal  100 , lays out the pieces of information on a printing paper sheet, and generates and outputs print data.  
         [0199]    A communication section  204  is connected to the P service terminal through a line or to each IP server  300  through a Web.  
         [0200]    A P-code database  205  stores a table group  205   a  associated with P-codes and entity  205   b  of contents. The table group  205   a  includes an IP information registration table (FIG. 7), advertisement information table (FIG. 8), user information table (FIG. 9), mail service P-code table (FIG. 10), distribution service P-code table (FIG. 11), personal information service P-code table (FIG. 12), personal information table (FIG. 13), owner information table (FIG. 14), and terminal information table (FIG. 15).  
         [0201]    [0201]FIG. 7 is a view showing a data structure example of the IP information registration table. An IP information registration table  220  is generated and recorded when IP information is registered. In the IP information registration table  220 , an identification section, basic properties, and entity information are registered in correspondence with an assigned P-code. The identification section stores information representing the structure of the P-code (whether a subcode is present, and when the P-code is linked to another P-code, information representing the linked P-code). For a P-code having subcodes, a plurality of types of P-codes with subcodes can be registered for the P-code. As shown in FIG. 11, each subcode table has the same identification section, basic properties, and entity information as those of the IP information registration table. Subcode tables are prepared in units of P-codes having subcodes, i.e., in number corresponding to the number of P-codes having subcodes, and stored. The basic properties store information representing the owner of the IP information and article insertion condition. The basic properties include a “keyword list” and “keyword weight list” which are used by the advertisement search processing  203   d  (details will be described later). The entity information specifies the entity data of the IP information and includes the path and file name of an entity file.  
         [0202]    In the P service system of this embodiment, the IP server  300  can issue a P-code within an allowable range. Hence, IP information is registered by the P service server  200  or IP server  300 . A server which has registered IP information holds the contents and IP information registration table. That is, the entity of IP information and IP information registration table are present in the P service server  200  or IP server  300 .  
         [0203]    [0203]FIG. 8 is a view showing a data structure example of the advertisement information table. The advertisement information table is generated and recorded when an advertiser registers advertisement information. The advertisement properties, link, and entity file information of the advertisement information are stored in correspondence with an assigned P-code. The advertisement properties store information representing the owner of the advertisement information and insertion conditions of the advertisement information. The “link information to IP information” of the advertisement properties stores a target keyword list and target keyword weight list used in the advertisement search processing  203   d.    
         [0204]    The “link” stores the P-code of advertisement information to be linked. In the “entity file information”, the path name and file name for specifying the file of the advertisement information are registered. The entity of the advertisement information can be present in either the P service server or IP service server. However, the advertisement information table is always stored in the P-code database  205  of the P service server  200 . When the entity of advertisement information is present in the IP service server, information for specifying the IP service server is included in the entity file information of the advertisement information table (in this embodiment, the IP server is specified by the P-code, and this will be described later).  
         [0205]    [0205]FIG. 9 is a view showing a data structure example of a user information table. The user information table is generated and recorded when the user registers himself/herself as a member of the P service system and includes a user profile, personal information, mail service information, distribution service information, and personal information service information. In the user profile, information representing the address and objects of interest of the user. The “personal information table” in the user profile stores pointers to the personal information table in which the personal secret matters including the address, name, telephone number, and credit card number of the user are registered, as shown in FIG. 13. In the mail service information, distribution service information, and personal information service information, information necessary for the mail print service, distribution service, and personal information service are registered, respectively.  
         [0206]    [0206]FIG. 10 is a view showing a data structure example of a P-code table for the mail service. As shown in FIG. 10, in correspondence with the P-code for the mail service, a “mail properties” representing the subject (title) and sender of mail and entity file information representing the file of mail data are registered. Referring to FIG. 10, the P-code has a parent code section “telephone number” and attached section (suffix (also to be spelled as “surfix”)) “# number”. The subcode herein means the “number” section in the attached section.  
         [0207]    [0207]FIG. 11 is a view showing a data structure example of a P-code table for the distribution service. As shown in FIG. 11, in correspondence with the P-code for the distribution service, the “distribution information properties” representing the title, valid dates of the distribution information, and the password given to the distribution information, and entity file information representing the distribution information file are registered. Referring to FIG. 11, the P-code has a parent code section “telephone number” and attached section (surfix) “-number”. The subcode herein means the “number” section in the attached section.  
         [0208]    [0208]FIG. 12 is a view showing a data structure example of a P-code table for the personal information service. As shown in FIG. 12, in correspondence with the P-code for the personal information service, the “personal information properties” representing the title and final print date and “registered P-code information” representing the list of registered P-codes are registered. The P-code list is a P-code group which is set and registered by the user in advance. Referring to FIG. 12, the P-code has a parent code section “telephone number” and attached section (surfix) “## number”. The subcode herein means the “number” section in the attached section.  
         [0209]    [0209]FIG. 13 is a view showing a data structure example of a personal information table. The personal information table is contained in the user information table, as described above with reference to FIG. 9.  
         [0210]    [0210]FIG. 14 is a view showing a data structure example of an owner information table. This table is linked to the IP information registration table shown in FIG. 7 is “owner ID” in the advertisement information table shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 14, information associated with the owner (information provider or advertiser) is registered.  
         [0211]    [0211]FIG. 15 is a view showing a data structure example of a terminal information table. The terminal information table is held for each P service terminal.  
         [0212]    &lt;Arrangement of IP Server&gt; 
         [0213]    [0213]FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the typical arrangement of the IP server  300 . Referring to FIG. 16, control section  301  has a CPU  302  and memory  303  and executes various processing operations in the IP server  300 . A display  304  displays various data under the control of the control section  301 . An input section  305  comprises a pointing device such as a keyboard or mouse. A data storage section  306  stores the “entity of IP information” registered in the P service system and “IP information registration table” associated with the IP information (the IP information registration table is the same as that shown in FIG. 7). A communication section  307  is connected to the P service server  200  through a line or the like.  
         [0214]    The IP server  300  acquires an available P-code value from the P service server  200  and issues a P-code when IP information is registered from the user terminal. At this time, the entity of IP information and the IP information registration table are held by the data storage section  306 . When an information request from the P service server  200  is received, the entity (contents) of the IP information is extracted in accordance with the designated P-code and transmits it to the P service server  200 .  
         [0215]    &lt;P-Code&gt; 
         [0216]    The P-code used to specify information or the like in this embodiment will be described next.  
         [0217]    [0217]FIG. 17 is a view for explaining the data structure of the P-code used in the P service system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the P-code can be divided into three sections: a “classification section”, “number section”, and “attached section”.  
         [0218]    The classification section is a 16-bit code containing a P-code type bit representing that the input P-code number is an IP P-code (information P-Code) or personal P-code (personal user P-Code), version information, and country number. When a P-code number is input to the P service terminal  100 , the contents of this classification section are automatically attached by the terminal.  
         [0219]    First, it is determined whether the input P-code is a personal P-code or IP P-code to set the P-code type bit. In this embodiment, a telephone number is used as the number section of the personal P-code. If the number input to the P service terminal  100  has 11 consecutive digits or less, it is determined that a telephone number is input, i.e., a personal P-code is input, and the P-code type bit is set at “1”. On the other hand, if a number sequence hyphened in units of four digits (in units of four numbers) is input as a P-code number, it is identified that a nontelephone number is input, and the P-code type bit is set at “0”. Subsequently, version information is set, and a country number representing the country where the P service terminal is installed is set (when a country is designated from the P service terminal, the number of the designated country is set).  
         [0220]    The number section has a number (to be referred to as a P-code number hereinafter) directly input by the user. This is a number inserted to a newspaper, magazine, or homepage by the information provider. Note that a telephone number is used as a personal P-code number.  
         [0221]    When the above-described P-code type bit is 1, i.e., a personal P-code, 40 bits are allocated to the number section, as shown in FIG. 17, in which a numerical value represented by the telephone number is input. The remaining eight bits are used as an attached section.  
         [0222]    On the other hand, when the flag bit is 0, i.e., an IP P-code, 39 bits are allocated to the number section, as shown in FIG. 17, and the remaining nine bits are used as an attached section. Of the 39 bits of the number section, the first bit represents a P service server identification bit (1 bit), and the subsequent three bits represent a class category. Since the P service server identification bit is 0 for a site except the P service server, only three bits representing a class category are contained in the first four bits, and the first digit of the P-code number represents a class category (numerical values 1 to 5). The class category has the same meaning as that of an IP address. As shown in FIG. 17, numerical values 1 to 5 indicated by the three bits represent five classes from minimum to maximum scales. For example, for class 1 (minimum scale), 24 bits are used as a site identification number (to also be referred to as an external code hereinafter), and the remaining 11 bits construct an ID code (to also be referred to as an internal code hereinafter) freely usable in the site. When the class category is determined in accordance with the scale of an IP server, the number of P-codes assigned to the IP server is determined depending on the scale of the IP server.  
         [0223]    The attached section indicates the identification number of a subcategory of the contents identified by the above classification section+number section. For an information P-code, for example, “professional baseball game result” has categories “result of today”, “result of yesterday”, “result of day before yesterday”, . . . , and “tip on horse racing” has categories “site” and “race”. For a personal P-code, the attached section is used for a mail box number or personal information number.  
         [0224]    Especially, in this embodiment, a plurality of types of “attached sections” can be connected to one number section as suffixes. When grouping is designated for P-codes, the P-code can be linked to other IP information in units of suffixes. When the code of the number section is input as a P-code, information having the maximum surfix value is selected and presented as IP information. This can cope with information such as “results of professional baseball games of yesterday”, which requires frequent update and addition of information”. Assume that a new result of professional baseball game is generated. Next day, the game result of yesterday is grouped in correspondence with a P-code with an incremented surfix, thereby linking the P-code with the incremented surfix to the IP information of the game result. Hence, when a P-code number is designated to obtain the “result of professional baseball game of yesterday”, information having the maximum surfix attached to the P-code number is extracted and presented to the user.  
         [0225]    When a P-code has an attached section, it may be directly input by the user. However, instead of directly inputting the number, the P-code with an attached section can be input by selecting it from a menu. More specifically, when the user inputs only the P-code number of a P-code having an attached section, the value of the corresponding P-code (number section+attached section) and its properties (title and the like) are transmitted from the P service server to the P service terminal  100 . The P service terminal  100  displays a selection list using the information on the touch panel  104  as a menu. When the user selects a desired content from the selection list, a corresponding P-code (number section+attached section) is transmitted to the P service server, and the selected content is sent to the P service terminal. In this embodiment, an example will be described, in which a personal P-code uses, as a number section, a numerical value input by the user as a “telephone number”, and as an attached section, a code formed from a sequence of a “predetermined symbol” and “subcode”, and “#”, “-”, or “##” is used as the “predetermined symbol”. In this case, when the personal P-code is input, the “predetermined symbol” registered in advance is detected from the P-code, and a service predetermined in accordance with the type of the detected “predetermined symbol” is executed (a mail service for “#”, distribution service for “-”, and personal information service for “##”).  
         [0226]    [0226]FIG. 18 shows the structure of the above P-code.  
         [0227]    When a P-code is stored in the memory of a portable terminal, all constituent elements (“classification section”, “number section”, and “attached section”) of the P-code are registered in the memory and input to the P service terminal. This enables omission of an operation such as menu selection, so load of the user can be reduced.  
         [0228]    &lt;Outline of Operation of System&gt; 
         [0229]    The outline of processing by the P service server of this embodiment will be described next with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.  
         [0230]    In steps S 101  to S 109 , processing to be executed is selected on the basis of IP information, command, and P-code input from the P service terminal  100 , IP server  300 , or user terminal  700 . For example, when input data is a user registration request, the flow advances from step S 102  to step S 111  to issue a personal P-code and perform user registration processing by the information registration processing  203   a  and P-code issue processing  203   b . By this user registration processing, the user information table shown in FIG. 9 and personal information table shown in FIG. 13 are generated and registered. When an IP information registration request is input, the flow advances from step S 103  to step S 112  to issue an IP P-code from P-codes assigned to the IP server which is requested to register the IP information. In step S 113 , IP information registration processing is performed. By this IP information registration processing, the IP information registration table shown in FIG. 7 is generated and registered. When an advertisement information registration request is input, the flow advances from step S 104  to step S 114  to issue a P-code. In step S 115 , advertisement information registration processing is executed. By this advertisement information registration processing, the advertisement information table as shown in FIG. 8 is generated and registered in the P service server  200 .  
         [0231]    When a P-code is input from the P service terminal  100 , processing requested by the P-code is determined from processing operations in steps S 108  to S 109 . When the P-code is an IP P-code (the P-code type bit is 0), it is determined that the information service is requested. The flow advances from step S 105  to step S 116  to acquire the entity and properties of IP information from the P-code and generate preview data. When the P-code is a personal P-code (the P-code type bit is 1) and is registered in the mail service information of the user information table, it is requested that the mail service is requested, and the flow advances from step S 106  to step S 117 . In step S 117 , the entity and properties of mail data are acquired from the mail P-code table on the basis of the P-code.  
         [0232]    When the input P-code is a personal P-code and is registered in the personal information service information of the user information table (FIG. 9), it is determined that the personal information service is requested, and the flow advances from step S 107  to step S 118 . In step S 118 , the list of IP P-codes is acquired by looking up the personal information service P-code table (FIG. 12), and IP information and their properties of all P-codes registered in this list are acquired.  
         [0233]    When the input P-code is a personal P-code and is registered in the distribution service information of the user information table, it is determined that data extraction in the distribution service is requested, and the flow advances from step S 108  to step S 119 . In step S 119 , a password registered in correspondence with the data is requested. It is determined by looking up the distribution service P-code table whether an authentic password is received, and the entity and properties of distribution data corresponding to the P-code are acquired.  
         [0234]    When it is determined that distribution data registration in the distribution service is requested, the flow advances from step S 109  to step S 123  to execute distribution data registration processing including P-code issue processing and processing of registering a password corresponding to the data and notify the user of the data registration and assigned P-code. In this case, a P-code in a form of a personal P-code (telephone number) having a subcode (surfix) is issued.  
         [0235]    When necessary information is acquired in steps S 116  to S 119 , layout of acquired information to be printed on a paper sheet is determined in step S 120 . In step S 121 , advertisement information to be laid out in a margin on the paper sheet is acquired (advertisement information search will be described later). In step S 122 , the properties acquired in steps S 116  to S 119  and preview data of the image of each page obtained in steps S 120  and S 121  are transmitted to the P service terminal. When a print instruction is received from the P service terminal  100 , print data is generated and transmitted to the P service terminal  100 . The printer  101  prints information on the basis of the print data.  
         [0236]    &lt;User Registration&gt; 
         [0237]    When the user wants to receive the mail service or personal information service in the P service system, user registration in the P service server  200  is required in advance.  
         [0238]    In user registration, at least matters for specifying the user must be registered. Arbitrary matters for preferable reception of each service of the P service system can also be registered. Additionally, already registered matters can be changed.  
         [0239]    The procedure of user registration will be described by exemplifying a case wherein user registration is done from the user terminal  700  of the user through the Web.  
         [0240]    When the user accesses user registration of the P service server  200  from the user terminal  700 , the P service server  200  executes user registration processing in step S 11   l.    
         [0241]    [0241]FIG. 21 is a flow chart of user registration processing.  
         [0242]    In this user registration processing, the P service server  200  displays various windows for user registration on the display of the user terminal  700  and causes the user to sequentially input matters to be registered by so-called GUI.  
         [0243]    In step S 1000 , the P service server  200  determines whether the user has selected new user registration or a change in user registration that has been already performed. For the former processing, the flow advances to step S 1001 . For the latter processing, the flow advances to step S 1005 .  
         [0244]    In step S 1001 , new registration processing is performed. In this new registration processing, a dialog box shown in FIG. 22 is displayed first on the display of the user terminal  700 .  
         [0245]    This dialog box has a “name/address” button  1000 , “password” button  1010 , “place of employment” button  1020 , “credit card” button  1030 , “service” button  1040 , “personal information” button  1050 , “personal information 2” button  1060 , “desired information” button  1070 , “printing paper” button  1080 , and “favorite information registration” button  1090 . The user can register matters corresponding to the respective items by clicking the buttons.  
         [0246]    When the “name/address” button  1000  is clicked in the dialog box shown in FIG. 22, a dialog box shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. The user must input, from the user terminal  700 , at least the name, address, and one of the telephone number and portable telephone number as indispensable input matters. At the end of the input, the “OK” button is clicked, the input contents are stored, and the dialog box shown in FIG. 22 is displayed again. When the “cancel” button is clicked, the dialog box shown in FIG. 22 is displayed again without storing the input contents. This also applies to processing to be described below.  
         [0247]    When the “password” button  1010  is clicked in the dialog box shown in FIG. 22, a dialog box shown in FIG. 24 is displayed. The user inputs a desired password to the “password” column. The password is registered to prevent a third party from using the P service system under disguised ownership. Hence, the password is an indispensable input matter in principle.  
         [0248]    Since the input password is displayed by “*”, the user is caused to input the password again to the “password (confirmation)” column to prevent any input error. When the “place of employment” button  1020  is clicked in the dialog box shown in FIG. 22, a dialog box shown in FIG. 25 is displayed. The user can arbitrarily input matters associated with the place of employment.  
         [0249]    When the “credit card” button  1030  is clicked in the dialog box shown in FIG. 22, a dialog box shown in FIG. 26 is displayed. When the user will pay a charge for the P service system using a credit card, he/she designates a credit card of his/her own in this dialog box. If no credit card is designated, it is regarded that the user will pay in cash.  
         [0250]    When the “service” button  1040  is clicked in the dialog box shown in FIG. 22, a dialog box shown in FIG. 27 is displayed. From the mail service, personal information service, and distribution service provided by the P service system, the user selects services desired based on the P-code assigned by this user registration, and checks check boxes corresponding to the services. A service without a check mark is not available on the basis of the P-code assigned by this user registration.  
         [0251]    When the “personal information” button  1050  is clicked in the dialog box shown in FIG. 22, a dialog box shown in FIG. 28 is displayed. The user can arbitrary input general personal information. The information input herein is mainly used for advertisement information search processing (to be described later in detail).  
         [0252]    When the “personal information 2” button  1060  is clicked in the dialog box shown in FIG. 22, a dialog box shown in FIG. 29 is displayed. The user can arbitrarily input specific personal information. The information input herein is also mainly used for advertisement information search processing (to be described later in detail).  
         [0253]    When the “desired information” button  1070  is clicked in the dialog box shown in FIG. 22, a dialog box shown in FIG. 30 is displayed. In this dialog box, items such as economy, entertainment, and sports are hierarchically listed and displayed. The user can check the check boxes of items of his/her interest. Each item can be quickly searched for by “keyword search”.  
         [0254]    The checked items are used to search for information which is to be arbitrarily provided to the user by the P service server  200  in each service of the P service system. For example, when the user receives the mail service, and an excess margin portion is present on the print, the P service server  200  can search for free IP information associated with the checked items, attach the information to the margin portion, and output it. The checked items can also be used for advertisement information search processing.  
         [0255]    When the “printing paper” button  1080  is clicked in the dialog box shown in FIG. 22, a dialog box shown in FIG. 31 is displayed. In receiving a print output from the P service terminal  100 , the user can designate the output format. For example, when the “visibility priority” button in the dialog box shown in FIG. 31 is checked, priority is given to the layout of the print, and information obtained by the P service system is printed in a layout easy to see. When the “page count priority” check button is checked, priority is given to saving of page count, so the print cost is expected to be saved. When “details” button is clicked, desired conditions can be selected and designated from a plurality of layout patterns, the amount of advertisement information, and font sizes, which are registered on the P service system.  
         [0256]    When the “favorite information registration” button  1090  is clicked in the dialog box shown in FIG. 22, IP information to be subjected to the personal information service can be set. This setting is done by listing IP P-codes corresponding to an IP information group desired by the user. A plurality of pieces of favorite information can be registered. The dialog box displayed at this time is the same as that for registration of a frame of the personal information service for a later description of various services and therefore is not illustrated.  
         [0257]    When the user clicks the “OK” button in the dialog box shown in FIG. 22, the P service server  200  determines that all inputs are complete. The flow advances to step S 1002  to check whether all the above-described indispensable input matters are input. If YES in step S 1002 , the flow advances to step S 1003 . If NO in step S 1002 , a predetermined alarming message is displayed, and the flow returns to step S 1001 . When the user clicks the “cancel” button, processing is ended without registration.  
         [0258]    In step S 1003 , the P service server  200  issues the personal P-code. Especially, one of the portable telephone number and telephone number input by the user in the dialog box shown in FIG. 23 is attached as a “number section”, and then, the P-code is sent to the user terminal  700 , thereby giving the P-code to the user. This issue processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 70.  
         [0259]    In step S 1004 , the information input by the above processing is stored in the user information table shown in FIG. 9 in correspondence with the new personal P-code given to the user in this user registration. After that, user registration processing is ended.  
         [0260]    When a change in user registration already performed is selected in step S 1000 , the flow advances to step S 1005 .  
         [0261]    In step S 1005 , registration change processing is performed. In this registration change processing, a dialog box shown in FIG. 32 is displayed on the display of the user terminal  700  first. The dialog box shown in FIG. 32 has the same structure as that of the dialog box shown in FIG. 22. Referring to FIG. 32, buttons corresponding to the buttons  1000  to  1090  of the dialog box shown in FIG. 22 are indicated by adding “′” to the same reference numerals as in FIG. 22.  
         [0262]    When the user clicks the buttons  1000 ′ to  1090 ′, dialog boxes as shown in FIGS.  23  to  31  are displayed in correspondence with the buttons. In the displayed dialog box, matters input in the past user registration are displayed together.  
         [0263]    The user can change the displayed contents while looking at them. For example, when the “password” button  1010 ′ in FIG. 32 is clicked, a dialog box shown in FIG. 33 is displayed. The user can input a new password to the “password” column to change the password. For confirmation, the new password is input to the “password (confirmation)” column again. After the input, the “OK” button is clicked to store the changed contents.  
         [0264]    When the user clicks the “OK” button in the dialog box shown in FIG. 32, the P service server  200  determines that all changes are made, and the flow advances to step S 1006  to check for confirmation whether the above-described indispensable input matters are erased by errors upon the change. If all the indispensable input matters have been input, the flow advances to step S 1004 . If matters are erased, a predetermined alarming message is displayed, and the flow returns to step S 1005 .  
         [0265]    In step S 1004 , the P service server  200  updates the corresponding matters in the user information table in accordance with the changed contents. All user registration processing operations are complete. In the above new registration processing, input items are sequentially selected from the menu shown in FIG. 22, and necessary matters are input. However, a so-called “wizard” form may be used to automatically sequentially display the input windows and cause the user to input necessary matters. However, to change the registered contents, the menu for selecting a desired matter as shown in FIG. 32 is preferable.  
         [0266]    &lt;IP Information Registration&gt; 
         [0267]    The information provider who provides IP information in the P service system must register contents of the IP information and the like in the P service server  200  or IP server  300 .  
         [0268]    To do this registration, the information provider accesses the P service server  200  or IP server  300  from a terminal (not shown) (to be referred to as an information provider terminal hereinafter) of the information provider through the Web or presents a storage medium such as a CD-ROM in which contents of IP information and the like are stored to the operator of the P service system.  
         [0269]    The procedure of IP information registration will be described below by exemplifying a case wherein the information provider registers IP information in the P service server  200  through the Web.  
         [0270]    When the information provider accesses IP information registration in the P service server  200  from the information provider terminal, the P service server  200  executes processing in step S 112  in FIG. 19 and internally issues an IP P-code for the information provider. After that, the flow advances to step S 113  to execute IP information registration processing.  
         [0271]    [0271]FIG. 34 is a flow chart of IP information registration processing.  
         [0272]    In this IP information registration processing, the P service server  200  displays windows for IP information registration on the display of the information provider terminal and causes the information provider to sequentially input matters to be registered by so-called GUI, as in the above-described user registration processing.  
         [0273]    In step S 1010 , a dialog box shown in FIG. 35 is displayed. It is determined whether the information provider is a member of the P service system. A member means a person who has made an application to the P service system in advance as an information provider. A nonmember cannot provide pay IP information. A membership number and password are assigned in accordance with an application.  
         [0274]    When the information provider is a member, he/she checks the radio button “Yes” in this dialog box and also inputs the membership number. When the information provider is a nonmember, he/she checks the radio button “No”. When “next” is clicked, the flow advances to step S 1011  for a nonmember. For a member, a dialog box shown in FIG. 36 is displayed to request to input a password. If the password input by the information provider is authentic, the flow advances to step S 1012 .  
         [0275]    When “next” is clicked in each dialog box, input information is stored, and the flow advances to the next processing. When “back” is clicked, input information is stored, and the flow returns to immediately preceding processing. When “cancel” is clicked, the flow returns to the first dialog box without storing input information. This also applies to the following processing.  
         [0276]    In step S 1011 , a dialog box shown in FIG. 37 is displayed to cause the information provider as a nonmember to input information for specifying the information provider, including the address, name, and telephone number. This process is required to prevent oversupply of inappropriate IP information. After the input, when “next” is clicked, the flow advances to step S 1014 . After the input, a dialog box shown in FIG. 38 may be displayed to recommend member registration such that the procedure of member registration can be executed on the Web.  
         [0277]    In step S 1012 , a dialog box shown in FIG. 39 is displayed to confirm whether the information provider as a member will charge for IP information registered by this IP information registration. If the IP information is pay information, the information provider checks the check box “charge for printing” and inputs a desired charge (step S 1013 ). If the IP information is free information, no check box is checked. In either case, when “next” is clicked, the flow advances to step S 1014 .  
         [0278]    In step S 1014 , a dialog box shown in FIG. 40 is displayed to designate IP information to be registered. The information provider inputs the file name of the entity contents) of IP information stored in the information provider terminal. In this case, a plurality of file names can be designated. The IP information to be registered may be either character information or an image.  
         [0279]    When the “designate file” button is clicked, a dialog box in FIG. 41 that shows the list of IP information files stored in the information provider terminal can be displayed. In this case, the information provider can easily select an IP information file. To cancel a file selected once, the file is designated in the dialog box shown in FIG. 40, and the “delete” button is clicked. When “next” is selected in the dialog box shown in FIG. 40, the flow advances to step S 1015 .  
         [0280]    In step S 1015 , the contents of the file designated in step S 1014  are displayed as a preview (FIG. 42), and the information provider is made to confirm it. After the confirmation, when the information provider clicks the “transfer to server” button, a dialog box shown in FIG. 43 is displayed, and the designated file is transferred to the P service server  200 . After the transfer, the flow advances to step S 1016 .  
         [0281]    In step S 1016 , a property of the transferred IP information is set. In setting the property, a dialog box shown in FIG. 44 is displayed, so the date of start of insertion and valid dates of the IP information can be set. In this setting, the valid dates of the IP P-code and those of the IP information can be independently set. The valid dates of the P-code may be automatically set by adding a predetermined period to the valid dates of the IP information, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 73. When “next” is clicked in the dialog box shown in FIG. 44, a dialog box shown in FIG. 45 is displayed to set another property.  
         [0282]    In this dialog box, whether a change in size of registered IP information is allowed when it is output from the P service terminal  100  is set.  
         [0283]    This setting is required because size reduction may be required on the P service terminal  100  side due to the paper of the P service terminal  100  or layout of a plurality of IP information output to one paper sheet. If the size can be freely changed on the P service terminal  100  side, the printed contents may be unclear depending on the contents of the IP information. Hence, the information provider is allowed to set the allowable range of the font size or magnification. When “next” is selected in the dialog box shown in FIG. 45, a dialog box shown in FIG. 46 is displayed to set still another property.  
         [0284]    In this dialog box, whether the information provider permits automatic attachment of advertisement information when the IP information registered is output from the P service terminal  100  is set. The information provider checks one of the radio buttons “permit”, “permit for lower surface”, “not permit” to select setting. Advertisement information is attached within the selected range. When “next” is selected in the dialog box shown in FIG. 46, a dialog box shown in FIG. 47 is displayed to set still another property.  
         [0285]    In this dialog box, a password can be set to allow only a specific user to use the registered IP information. To set a password, the check box “set password” is checked, and a desired password is input to the “password” column. After input, when “next” is clicked, a dialog box shown in FIG. 48 is displayed. Re-input is requested to prevent a password input error. When the “register” button is clicked, the password is stored. When password setting is unnecessary, “next” is clicked without any processing in the dialog box shown in FIG. 47. In either case, a dialog box shown in FIG. 49 is displayed to set still another property.  
         [0286]    In this dialog box, the genre and keywords of IP information to be registered are input such that they can be used for advertisement search processing. The items to be input are “genre”, “subgenre”, and “keyword”. “Genre” and “subgenre” are listed in drop-down list boxes. For example, when the right arrow of the “genre” column is clicked, the list of items of the “genre” column is displayed, as in a dialog box shown in FIG. 50. The information provider can select from this list a category most suitable to the IP information to be registered. In addition, keywords associated with the concrete contents of the IP information registered can be arbitrarily selected and input to the “keyword” column. An input keyword can be set by the “add” button, and the set keyword can be canceled by the “delete” button.  
         [0287]    When the check box “negative link to advertisement” is checked, selection of advertisement information inappropriate to the contents of the registered IP information can be avoided.  
         [0288]    Instead of or together with setting the property in the dialog box shown in FIG. 49, a property in a dialog box shown in FIG. 51 can be set.  
         [0289]    In the dialog box shown in FIG. 51, the title and summary of the registered IP information are input. This summary is used for advertisement search processing. In addition, when the IP information is requested in the information service, the summary is temporarily disclosed to the user instead of immediately providing the entity of the IP information to the user, thereby increasing the width of IP information selection by the user or reducing the charge.  
         [0290]    Property setting in step S 1016  is ended, and the flow advances to step S 1017 .  
         [0291]    In step S 1017 , a dialog box shown in FIG. 52A is displayed to select whether the registered IP information is to be subjected to group setting. With group setting, pieces of IP information are associated with each other. This processing is used to handle information having the same object whose contents are updated over time, including the results of professional baseball games and stock information.  
         [0292]    If group setting is not desired, the information provider clicks the “cancel” button, and in this case, the flow advances to step S 1019 .  
         [0293]    If group setting is desired, whether the registered IP information is to be added to an existing group or a new group is selected by a radio button in the dialog box shown in FIG. 52A.  
         [0294]    To add the IP information to an existing group, the IP P-code of the link destination is input. The P-code displayed in the “P-code to be registered” column is the P-code assigned to the IP information to be registered this time.  
         [0295]    When a new group is selected, and the “OK” button is clicked, a dialog box shown in FIG. 52B is displayed. The title, contents, and update schedule of the group are input. The input data are finally stored in the Frame information storage area of the IP information registration table (FIG. 7).  
         [0296]    In either case, when the “OK” button is clicked, a dialog box shown in FIG. 52C is displayed, and registration matters for group setting are displayed.  
         [0297]    This display is done when the IP information to be registered this time is added to an existing group. “Link number #77” in this display means that the IP information registered this time is also used as a P-code in which an attached section (surfix) “#77” is attached to the IP P-code (parent code section) of the link destination. That is, the IP information subjected to group setting can be accessed as the IP P-code of itself or as the IP P-code of the link destination (identified by the attached section), and the latter is mainly used to update information. When the “OK” button is clicked, the flow advances to step S 1019 .  
         [0298]    In step S 1019 , a dialog box shown in FIG. 53 is displayed. The list of input matters is displayed together with the IP P-code assigned to the registered IP information. When the information provider confirms display and clicks the “register” button, the flow advances to step S 1020 .  
         [0299]    In step S 1020 , the P service server  200  stores the information input by the above processing in the IP information registration table shown in FIG. 7 in correspondence with the IP P-code assigned to the information provider. The information can also be transferred to the IP server  300  and held by the IP server  300 .  
         [0300]    When the information provider will register IP information not in the P service server  200  but in the IP server  300  from the information provider terminal, registration is generally done according to the above-described procedure.  
         [0301]    In this case, the P service server  200  allocates a usable IP P-code area to the IP server  300  in advance. The IP server  300  can assign an IP P-code to the information provider from the IP P-codes in the allocated area. The IP server  300  notifies the P service server  200  of at least the assigned P-code to perform IP information registration processing. This will be described later with reference to FIGS.  71  to  74 .  
         [0302]    In this way, the entire IP information registration processing is ended.  
         [0303]    &lt;Advertisement Information Registration&gt; 
         [0304]    In the P service system, an advertisement provider who provides advertisement information must register the contents of advertisement information in the P service server  200  or IP server  300 .  
         [0305]    To do this registration, the advertisement provider accesses the P service server  200  or IP server  300  from a terminal (not shown) (to be referred to as an advertisement provider terminal hereinafter) of the advertisement provider through the Web or presents a storage medium such as a CD-ROM in which contents of advertisement information are stored to the operator of the P service system.  
         [0306]    The procedure of advertisement information registration will be described below by exemplifying a case wherein the advertisement provider registers advertisement information in the P service server  200  through the Web.  
         [0307]    When the advertisement provider accesses advertisement information registration in the P service server  200  from the advertisement provider terminal, the P service server  200  executes processing in step S 114  in FIG. 19 and internally issues a P-code for advertisement information. This P-code is exclusively used for internal processing of the P service server  200  and therefore is not disclosed to the advertisement provider in principle.  
         [0308]    After that, the flow advances to step S 115  to execute advertisement information registration processing.  
         [0309]    [0309]FIG. 54 is a flow chart of advertisement information registration processing.  
         [0310]    In this advertisement information registration processing, windows for advertisement information registration are displayed on the display of the advertisement provider terminal, and the advertisement provider is caused to input matters to be registered by so-called GUI, as in the above-described user registration processing and IP information registration processing.  
         [0311]    In step S 1050 , a dialog box shown in FIG. 55 is displayed, and it is determined whether the advertisement provider is a member of the P service system. A member means a person who has made an application as an information provider in advance. A nonmember cannot provide advertisement information because advertisement insertion is charged for. A membership number and password are assigned in accordance with an application.  
         [0312]    When the advertisement provider is a member, he/she checks the radio button “Yes” in this dialog box and also inputs the membership number. When the advertisement provider is a nonmember, he/she checks the radio button “No”. When “next” is clicked, the flow advances to step S 1051  for a nonmember. For a member, a dialog box shown in FIG. 56 is displayed to request to input a password. If the password input by the advertisement provider is authentic, the flow advances to step S 1052 .  
         [0313]    When “next” is clicked in each dialog box, input information is stored, and the flow advances to the next processing. When “back” is clicked, input information is stored, and the flow returns to immediately preceding processing. When “cancel” is clicked, the flow returns to the first dialog box without storing input information. This also applies to the following processing.  
         [0314]    In step S 1051 , a dialog box shown in FIG. 57 is displayed to cause the advertisement provider as a nonmember to input information for specifying the advertisement provider. This is because advertisement insertion is charged for, as described above. After the input, when “next” is clicked, the flow advances to step S 1052 .  
         [0315]    In step S 1052 , a dialog box shown in FIG. 58 is displayed to designate advertisement information to be registered. The advertisement provider inputs the file name of the entity (contents) of advertisement information stored in the advertisement provider terminal. In this case, a plurality of file names can be designated. The functions of the “designate file” and “delete” buttons are the same as in the above-described IP information registration processing shown in FIG. 40. The advertisement information to be registered may be either an image or character information.  
         [0316]    When “next” is selected in the dialog box shown in FIG. 58, the flow advances to step S 1053 .  
         [0317]    In step S 1053 , the contents of the designated file are displayed as a preview (FIG. 59), and the advertisement provider is made to confirm it. After the confirmation, when the advertisement provider clicks the “next”, a dialog box shown in FIG. 60 is displayed, and the designated file is transferred to the P service server  200 . After the transfer, the flow advances to step S 1054 .  
         [0318]    In step S 1054 , a property of the transferred advertisement information is set. In setting the property, a dialog box shown in FIG. 61 is displayed, so the date of start of insertion and valid dates (due date of insertion) of the advertisement information can be set. When “next” is clicked in the dialog box shown in FIG. 61, a dialog box shown in FIG. 62 is displayed to set another property.  
         [0319]    In this dialog box, a method of linking the advertisement information to IP information in which insertion of the advertisement information is requested is set. In accordance with the display of the dialog box, insertion of the advertisement information into IP information common in association with any one of the region, age group, sex, and keyword or contents of information can be designated. For example, when “region” is selected, and the “set details” button is clicked in FIG. 62, a dialog box shown in FIG. 63 is displayed, and specific region setting can be done. When “next” is selected in the dialog box shown in FIG. 63, a dialog box shown in FIG. 64 is displayed to set still another property.  
         [0320]    In this dialog box, the size and the like of the advertisement information transferred to the P service server  200  are displayed. The advertisement provider can designate the size in printing, enable/disable state of enlargement/reduction of advertisement information, and print position. For example, when the right arrow of the drop-down list box of the print size selection column is clicked, the list of print sizes is displayed, as shown in FIG. 65, and the advertisement provider can select a desired print size. When “next” is selected in the dialog box shown in FIG. 64, a dialog box shown in FIG. 66 is displayed to set still another property.  
         [0321]    In this dialog box, the insertion scheme of the advertisement information to be printed is set. The advertisement provider can check the check box of a desired limitation item to impose the limitation. Except the limitation items shown in FIG. 66, a limitation may be imposed on a change in contents corresponding to color or monochrome print, insertion at the same position when a plurality of pages are printed, or generation of a series of advertisement information. When “next” is selected in the dialog box shown in FIG. 66, a dialog box shown in FIG. 67 is displayed to set still another property.  
         [0322]    In this dialog box, a charge for insertion of the advertisement information is set. In this dialog box, a charge per insertion of advertisement information is displayed, and the limit of the total charge can be designated by setting the print count or the upper limit of charge for insertion. When the radio box “designate maximum print count” is checked, the count can also be designated. When the radio box “designate upper limit of advertisement charge” is checked, the upper limit of charge for insertion can also be designated.  
         [0323]    Property setting in step S 1054  is ended, and the flow advances to step S 1055 .  
         [0324]    In step S 1055 , a dialog box shown in FIG. 68 is displayed. The list of input matters is displayed. The P-code is not displayed in principle. When the advertisement provider confirms the display and clicks the “register” button, the flow advances to step S 1056 . When the “register” button is clicked, a dialog box shown in FIG. 69 may be displayed to allow the advertisement provider terminal to print the particulars of the registered advertisement information.  
         [0325]    In step S 1056 , the P service server  200  stores the information input by the above processing in the advertisement information table shown in FIG. 8 in correspondence with the P-code issued in advance. The information may be transferred to the IP server  300 . The P service server  200  always holds the properties (advertisement information table) of the registered advertisement information. However, the entity (contents) itself can be held by either the P service server  200  or IP server  300 .  
         [0326]    When the advertisement provider will register advertisement information not in the P service server  200  but in the IP server  300  from the advertisement provider terminal, registration is generally done according to the above-described procedure.  
         [0327]    In this case, the P service server  200  allocates a usable P-code area to the IP server  300  in advance. The IP server  300  can assign a P-code from the P-codes in the allocated area. The IP server  300  finally transfers the assigned P-code and its table information to the P service server  200  to perform advertisement information registration processing.  
         [0328]    In this way, the entire advertisement information registration processing is ended.  
         [0329]    &lt;P-code Issue Processing&gt; 
         [0330]    P-code issue processing in steps S 111 , S 112 , and S 114  in FIG. 19 will be described next.  
         [0331]    [0331]FIG. 70 is a flow chart for explaining the personal P-code issue procedure in step S 111 .  
         [0332]    When user information is registered, one of the portable telephone number, telephone number, and FAX number of the user is input by the above-described procedure according to GUI. For a personal P-code, one of the input numbers is used for the number section (P-code number) of the P-code. In this embodiment, priority is given in the order of the portable telephone number, telephone number, and FAX number. Hence, when a plurality of numbers are input by the user, the number used for the number section of the P-code is determined in accordance with this priority. For example, when a portable telephone number and telephone number are input, the portable telephone number with a higher priority is used to issue a P-code.  
         [0333]    When the portable telephone number is input, the flow advances from step S 3001  to step S 3004  to extract the portable telephone number. If not the portable telephone number but the telephone number is input, the flow advances from step S 3002  to step S 3005  to extract the telephone number. If only the FAX number is input, the flow advances from step S 3003  to step S 3006  to extract the FAX number. If none of the portable telephone number, telephone number, and FAX number are input, the flow advances to error processing in step S 3009  to prompt the user to input at least one of the portable telephone number, telephone number, and FAX number.  
         [0334]    When the number is extracted in one of steps S 3004 , S 3005 , and S 3006 , it is checked in step S 3007  whether the extracted number is not common to a used personal P-code. If NO in step S 3007 , the flow advances to step S 3009  to notify the user of it. When the extracted number is unique in the personal P-code, the flow advances from step S 3007  to step S 3008  to determine the extracted number as the number section of the P-code and assign the P-code to the user.  
         [0335]    In this way, the personal P-code is determined on the basis of the portable telephone number, telephone number, or FAX number of the user.  
         [0336]    IP P-code issue in step S 112  in FIG. 19 will be described next. An IP P-code is issued by the P service server  200  or IP server  300 .  
         [0337]    To issue an IP P-code by the IP server  300 , personal information ID number (internal code) is connected to a site number (external code) assigned to the IP server in advance to generate a P-code. More specifically, each IP server has a site number (external code, FIG. 18) assigned from the P service server  200 . In accordance with an IP information registration request, the IP server  300  assigns an internal code and links the external code to the internal code to obtain one P-code. The number of P-codes that can be assigned by the IP server equals the number of internal codes. Hence, processing of assigning an external code to the IP server will be described first, and IP P-code issue processing will be described then.  
         [0338]    [0338]FIG. 71 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure in which the P service server assigns the external code of a P-code to the IP server.  
         [0339]    In step S 3021 , when a P-code request is received from the IP server, the site scale is determined in step S 3022  (the site scale is determined in accordance with a scale request from the IP server). When the site scale is determined, four bits from the 17th bit to the 20th bit in FIG. 18 are determined (since the code is to be assigned to an external server, the 17th bit (server identification bit) is “0”). In step S 3023 , the code value of the external code section determined in accordance with the site scale determined in step S 3022  is determined. For example, when the site scale is medium, the 21st to 36th bits are used as bits for the external code, as shown in FIG. 18, so a code value represented by 16 bits is determined. The code value determined herein is a code that has not been assigned yet to another side at that time.  
         [0340]    [0340]FIG. 72 is a view showing the data structure of a P-code use registration table used in this embodiment. This P-code user registration table is held by the P service server  200 . As shown in FIG. 72, external codes already assigned to sites (IP servers) and the URLs of the sites are registered in correspondence with each other in units of site scales including the minimal scale, small scale, medium scale, large scale, and maximal scale. In step S 3023 , an unused external code is detected by looking up the P-code use registration table and determined as an external code to be assigned. As information to be registered in correspondence with an external code, information capable of specifying the database which stores information in the IP server, i.e., database identification information (address) suffixes, and a URL need not always be used. This is because information to be provided in accordance with designation of a P-code in the system is not always present on the Web.  
         [0341]    In step S 3024 , the site that has requested a P-code is notified of the value determined in steps S 3022  and S 3023  as an external code. Upon receiving the site number (external code) from the P service server  200 , the site that has requested a P-code can issue a P-code corresponding to IP information using personal information ID bits (internal code) according to the site scale.  
         [0342]    In step S 3025 , the P-code use registration table shown in FIG. 72 is updated. More specifically, in the external code determined in steps S 3022  and S 2023  and the URL (database identification information) of the site that has requested a P-code are registered in the P-code use registration table shown in FIG. 72 in correspondence with each other. When an IP P-code is designated later from the P service terminal  100 , the P service server  200  can know the site that is to be notified of the designated P-code to obtain information by looking up this P-code use registration table.  
         [0343]    P-code issue processing in the server (P service server or IP server) which has received an IP =information registration request will be described net. In the following processing example, a P-code is issued using a P-code use table in which the valid date of each P-code is registered.  
         [0344]    [0344]FIG. 73 is a view showing the data structure of the P-code use table. Each IP server holds a P-code use table as shown in FIG. 73 and looks it up in issuing a P-code.  
         [0345]    The number section of a P-code (for an IP server, a number obtained by linking an external code and internal code; for the P service server  200 , a number represented by the 17th to 55th bits) and the valid dates of the code are registered in the P-code use table. As the valid dates of the code, the same data as the “valid dates of code” in the IP information registration table shown in FIG. 7 is used. In registering IP information, dates set by the information provider by GUI in FIG. 44 are registered as the valid dates of the code. Alternatively, a date after a predetermined period from the valid dates of information set by the information provider in IP information registration, e.g., a date after three months is automatically set. With this setting, a nonuse period of the P-code is given, and contents to which the same P-code is assigned can be prevented from largely changing after a certain day. Since a common external code is used in one site, only the internal code may be recorded in the column “number section of P-code” of the P-code use table.  
         [0346]    For a personal P-code in the P service server  200 , the number section of the P-code is constructed by a 40-bit code section. For this reason, the code represented by 40 bits is registered in the column “number section of P-code”.  
         [0347]    [0347]FIG. 74 is a flow chart for explaining IP-code issue processing. When an IP information registration request is received, and step S 112  in FIG. 19 is executed, a P-code usable in the server is detected by looking up the above-described P-code use table in step S 3041 . In step S 3042 , one of the usable P-codes is determined and assigned to the IP information. To assign a P-code by the IP server, the above-described P-code use table is searched to acquire an unused internal code. The internal code is linked to the external code of the IP server, class category code (code representing the site scale), and server identification bit (=0) to determine a P-code to be issued and assigned to the information. To assign a P-code by the P service server  200 , a 39-bit unused code is connected to the identification bit (17th bit=1) to obtain a P-code, as shown in FIG. 18.  
         [0348]    An unused P-code means a P-code whose “term of validity of code” has expired. To determine whether a P-code is unused, the table may be searched for a P-code that has expired at the time of issue. Alternatively, time information of year, month, and day may be always compared with the valid dates of code in the table, and an unuse identifier may be stored in the table when the code has expired.  
         [0349]    In step S 3043 , the P-code use table in the server is updated. More specifically, the newly assigned P-code is stored, and the valid dates of the P-code are set at the valid dates designated at the time of IP information registration, or at a date after a predetermined period (e.g., after three months) from the valid dates of the IP information set by the information provider.  
         [0350]    In this way, an IP P-code is issued. In issuing an IP P-code, the valid dates of the code are looked up. In extracting information corresponding to the designated IP P-code, it is checked whether the current time falls within the range between the “date of start of insertion” and “valid dates of information”, which are registered in the IP information registration table (FIG. 7) of the P-code.  
         [0351]    In this example, to perform issue processing at a high speed, a table as shown in FIG. 73 is prepared. However, since the valid dates of the code are registered in the IP information registration table shown in FIG. 7, a P-code may be issued by looking up this table. Additionally, for example, an IP code usable in the server may be temporarily issued for information registration, and it may be determined whether the temporarily issued code can be used, by looking up the valid dates of the code registered in the IP information registration table. In this case, it is determined whether the time (year, month, and day) of temporary code issue is before the valid dates of the code. If it is determined that the code has expired, issue of the IP code is inhibited, and temporary issue of another IP code and determination are repeated until an IP code is finally issued.  
         [0352]    The procedure of issuing a P-code for advertisement information is basically the same as the procedure of issuing a P-code for IP information.  
         [0353]    &lt;Description of Various Services&gt; 
         [0354]    Details of information acquisition processing (to be referred to as an information service hereinafter) in step S 116 , mail data acquisition processing (to be referred to as a mail service hereinafter) in step S 117 , personal information acquisition processing (to be referred to as a personal information service hereinafter) in step S 118 , distribution data acquisition processing (to be referred to as a distribution service (reception of registered information) hereinafter) in step S 119 , and distribution information registration processing (to be referred to as a distribution service (registration of information) hereinafter) in step S 123 , and examples of display windows displayed on the touch panel  104  of the P service terminal  100  in executing each processing will be described next.  
         [0355]    An initial window for executing the services will be described first with reference to FIG. 75.  
         [0356]    Referring to FIG. 75, an initial window  2000  has buttons  2001  to  2004 . To execute the information service, mail service, personal information service, or distribution service (reception of registered information), a P-code for executing the service is input using one of the buttons  2001  to  2003 . The button  2001  is pressed to input a P-code using the touch panel  104 . The button  2002  is pressed to input a P-code using the portable terminal  400 . The button  2003  is pressed to input a P-code using the bar code reader  107 . The button  2004  is pressed for the distribution service (registration of information) (to be described later).  
         [0357]    When the button  2001  in the initial window  2000  is pressed, a window  2005  shown in FIG. 76 is displayed.  
         [0358]    The window  2005  is a P-code input window in which a P-code for executing various services including the information service, mail service, distribution service (reception of registered information), and personal information service is input.  
         [0359]    The window  2005  has a ten-key group  2006 . A desired P-code is input using the keys of the ten-key group  2006 . The input P-code is displayed in an area  2007 . After the end of input, a button  2008  is pressed to acknowledge the input P-code. To cancel the input P-code, a button  2009  is pressed to delete the P-code displayed in the area  2007 . To correct the input P-code, a button  2010  is pressed to correct the P-code to be corrected using a cursor (not shown) on the area  2007 . A button  2011  is pressed to input a P-code associated with foreign information.  
         [0360]    When the button  2008  is pressed, the structure of the input P-code is determined. On the basis of the determination result, a window for executing various services including the information service, mail service, distribution service (reception of registered information), and personal information service or a window  2012  shown in FIG. 77 is displayed. If the input P-code has expired, a window (not shown) for notifying the user of it is displayed.  
         [0361]    The window  2012  shown in FIG. 77 has a ten-key group  2013  for inputting a password and buttons  2015  to  2017 . In an area  2014 , “*” is displayed as the password is input.  
         [0362]    When the button  2015  is pressed after completion of password input, a window for executing various services including the information service, mail service, distribution service (reception of registered information), and personal information service is displayed on the basis of the determination result of the structure of the P-code input in the window  2005  in FIG. 76. In this embodiment, a P-code input as a number sequence hyphened in units of four digits (in units of four numbers) is determined as a “nontelephone number” (IP P-code), and a P-code input as another type of number sequence (unhyphened number sequence or a number sequence hyphened in units of digits other than four digits) is determined as a “telephone number” (personal P-code).  
         [0363]    When it is determined that the input P-code is “telephone number#Subcode”, a window for executing the mail service is displayed. When the input P-code is “telephone number-Subcode”, a window for executing the distribution service (reception of registered information) is displayed.  
         [0364]    When the input P-code is “nontelephone number”, a window for executing the information service is displayed.  
         [0365]    When the input P-code is “telephone number##Subcode”, a window for executing the personal information service is displayed.  
         [0366]    When the button  2002  in the initial window  2000  shown in FIG. 75 is pressed, a window  2018  shown in FIG. 78 is displayed.  
         [0367]    The window  2018  is a P-code input window by the portable terminal  400 . After completion of input, when a button  2019  is pressed, the structure of the input P-code is determined. On the basis of the determination result, a window for executing various services including the information service, mail service, distribution service (reception of registered information), and personal information service or the window  2012  shown in FIG. 77 is displayed. To cancel the input P-code, a button  2020  is pressed. If the input P-code has expired, a window (not shown) for notifying the user of it is displayed.  
         [0368]    When the button  2003  in the initial window  2000  shown in FIG. 75 is pressed, a window  2021  shown in FIG. 79 is displayed.  
         [0369]    The window  2021  is a P-code input window by the bar code reader  107 . After completion of input, when a button  2022  is pressed, the structure of the input P-code is determined. On the basis of the determination result, a window for executing various services including the information service, mail service, distribution service (reception of registered information), and personal information service or the window  2012  shown in FIG. 77 is displayed. To cancel the input P-code, a button  2023  is pressed. If the input P-code has expired, a window (not shown) for notifying the user of it is displayed.  
         [0370]    Windows displayed on the basis of the determination result of the structure of the input P-code will be described next.  
         [0371]    A window for executing the information service, which is displayed when the input P-code is a nontelephone number, will be described first with reference to FIG. 80.  
         [0372]    When the input P-code is an IP P-code, the contents of information corresponding to the IP P-code are displayed in a window  2025 . More specifically, in an area  2027 , P-codes, titles of information corresponding to the P-codes, the number of pages, printing charges, and printing conditions (in this embodiment, color or monochrome printing and the presence/absence of printing can be particularly designated as printing conditions, for which buttons  2027   a  to  2027   c  are prepared) are displayed.  
         [0373]    In an area  2028 , charge information in printing the information displayed in the area  2027  is displayed. The area  2028  has a button  2028   a  which is pressed to print an advertisement together with the information. When the button  2028   a  is pressed, a window shown in FIG. 28 is displayed to set advertisement insertion conditions. This window will be described later in detail.  
         [0374]    A button  2029  is pressed to display the print preview of information to be printed. A button  2030  is pressed to print information to be printed. A button  2031  is pressed to display the preceding window. A button  2032  is pressed to cancel the contents set in the window  2025 . A button  2026  is pressed to input another P-code. When the button  2026  is pressed, the window  2005  shown in FIG. 76 is displayed again.  
         [0375]    When the button  2029  is pressed, a window  2033  shown in FIG. 81 is displayed.  
         [0376]    In the window  2033 , an area  2034  is a preview area where the contents of information to be printed are displayed. A button  2035  is pressed to display the next page of information to be printed. A button  2036  is pressed to display the preceding page of information to be printed. A button  2037  is pressed to display the main window (in this embodiment, the window  2025  shown in FIG. 80).  
         [0377]    When the button  2028   a  in the window  2025  shown in FIG. 80 is pressed, a window  2038  shown in FIG. 82 is displayed.  
         [0378]    In the window  2038 , insertion conditions of advertisements to be printed together with information to be printed are set. In the window  2038 , the insertion condition set item group (in this embodiment, “print in free space of article”, “print on lower surface”, and “print another page”) is displayed. The presence/absence of execution of each item can be designated by a button group  2039 . A button  2040  is pressed to acknowledge the set insertion conditions. A button  2041  is pressed to cancel the set insertion conditions.  
         [0379]    In the window  2038 , the user can set the advertisement insertion conditions. Instead, the P service server  200  may search for an appropriate advertisement for information to be printed such that the charge for printing the information to be printed is nullified, and generate print data constructed by the searched advertisement and information to be printed. Advertisement search processing by the P service server  200  will be described later.  
         [0380]    Next, a window for executing the mail service, which is displayed when the input P-code is “telephone number#Subcode”, and a window for executing the distribution service (reception of registered information), which is displayed when the input P-code is “telephone number-Subcode”, will be described with reference to FIG. 83.  
         [0381]    In this embodiment, it is determined, by identifying a predetermined symbol contained in the P-code, whether the surfix portion attached to the telephone number is “#Subcode”, “-Subcode”, or “##Subcode”, thereby determining the service to be executed: the mail service, distribution service, or personal information service. Instead, the type of service to be executed may be determined by the P service server  200  on the basis of the input personal P-code by directly looking up the P-code table shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and  12 , and on the basis of the determination result, a window to be displayed (an operation window associated with the service) may be determined.  
         [0382]    A window for executing the mail service will be described with reference to FIG. 83.  
         [0383]    A window  2042  is a window for displaying the contents of user&#39;s mail corresponding to a personal P-code represented by the input P-code. More specifically, in an area  2046 , the surfix (#n, n: 0, 1, 2, . . . ) in an input P-code, the subject of mail corresponding to the P-code, sender, the number of pages, printing conditions (in this embodiment, color or monochrome printing and the presence/absence of printing can be particularly designated as printing conditions, for which buttons  2046   a  to  2046   c  are prepared) are displayed.  
         [0384]    In an area  2047 , the printing contents of mail to be printed in the area  2046  are displayed. In addition to this area, the button  2028   a  in the window  2025  shown in FIG. 80 may be displayed to allow the user to set insertion of an advertisement to the mail, or an appropriate advertisement for the mail to be printed may be searched by the P service server  200 .  
         [0385]    A button  2048  is pressed to display a print preview of mail to be printed. When the button  2048  is pressed, the window shown in FIG. 81 described above is displayed. A button  2049  is pressed to set print options for mail to be printed. When the button  2049  is pressed, a window shown in FIG. 84 is displayed to set print options. This window will be described later in detail. A button  2050  is pressed to print mail to be printed. A button  2051  is pressed to display the preceding window. A button  2052  is pressed to cancel contents set in the window  2042 .  
         [0386]    A button  2043  is pressed to print all mail messages managed by the P service server  200 . A button  2044  is pressed to display, of mail messages out of the area  2046 , the contents of mail messages with smaller surfix numbers. A button  2045  is pressed to display, of mail messages out of the area  2046 , the contents of mail messages with larger surfix numbers.  
         [0387]    In this embodiment, when the surfix number (#n) attached to the telephone number, i.e., the input P-code, is “0”, mail messages corresponding to the surfix number are displayed as many as possible, as shown in the area  2046 . If the surfix has a number other than “0”, a mail message corresponding to a surfix matching the number is displayed. In a window for executing the distribution service (reception of registered information), which is displayed when the input P-code is “telephone number-Subcode”, in the area  2046 , display of contents of information registered in the distribution service is controlled in accordance with the surfix number, as in displaying the contents of mail. Although not illustrated, a function of deleting mail without printing the mail information is provided.  
         [0388]    The window  2053  is a window for setting print options of mail to be printed. As shown in FIG. 84, an item group settable as print options (in this embodiment, “continuously print mail messages on one paper sheet” and “densely print with smallest letters”) are displayed in the window  2053 . The presence/absence of execution of each item can be designated by a button group  2054 . A button  2055  is pressed to acknowledge the set print options. A button  2056  is pressed to cancel the set print options.  
         [0389]    A window for executing the personal information service, which is displayed when the input P-code is “telephone number##Subcode”, will be described next with reference to FIG. 85.  
         [0390]    When the input P-code represents the personal information service, the contents of the personal information service are displayed in a window  2057 . More specifically, in an area  2061 , surfixes (##m, m: 0, 1, 2, . . . ) in the input P-codes, contents of information corresponding to the P-codes, the number of pages, and buttons  2061   a  and  2061   b  for setting the presence/absence of printing are displayed.  
         [0391]    In an area  2062 , the print contents of information to be printed in the area  2061  are displayed.  
         [0392]    An information group managed by a surfix (##m) is called a frame.  
         [0393]    A button  2063  is pressed to register a new frame or change the contents of a registered frame. When the button  2063  is pressed, a window shown in FIG. 86, which is used to register/change information, is displayed. This window will be described later in detail. A button  2064  is pressed to display a print preview of a frame to be printed. A button  2065  is pressed to print a frame to be printed. A button  2066  is pressed to display the preceding window. A button  2067  is pressed to cancel contents set in the window  2057 .  
         [0394]    A button  2058  is pressed to print all frames managed by the P service server  200 . A button  2059  is pressed to display, of frames out of the area  2061 , the contents of frames with smaller surfix numbers. A button  2060  is pressed to display, of frames out of the area  2061 , the contents of frames with larger surfix numbers.  
         [0395]    In this embodiment, when the surfix number (##m) attached to the telephone number, i.e., the input P-code, is “0”, frames corresponding to the surfix number are displayed as many as possible, as shown in the area  2061 . If the surfix has a number other than “0”, a frame corresponding to a surfix matching the number is displayed.  
         [0396]    When the button  2063  is pressed, a window  2068  shown in FIG. 86 is displayed.  
         [0397]    The window  2068  has a ten-key group  2070  for designating a surfix (##m) to be registered or changed, and an area  2071  for displaying the input surfix (##m). Especially, to register a new frame, a button  2069  is pressed. A button  2072  is pressed to acknowledge the input surfix (##m). A button  2073  is pressed to cancel the input surfix (##m). A button  2074  is pressed to correct the input surfix (##m).  
         [0398]    When the button  2072  or  2069  is pressed, a window  2075  shown in FIG. 87 is displayed.  
         [0399]    The window  2075  is a window for displaying the contents of an information group managed by a frame corresponding to the surfix (##m) input to the area  2071 . More specifically, P-codes managed by the frame, contents corresponding to the P-codes, and buttons  2078   a  and  2078   b  for setting the presence/absence of registration are displayed in an area  2078 .  
         [0400]    A button  2079  is pressed to register another information (P-code) in this frame. When the button  2079  is pressed, the above-described window for registering a P-code, shown in FIG. 76, is displayed. When the ten-key group  2069  shown in FIG. 86 is pressed to register a new frame, the area  2078  is blank because no information is managed by the frame corresponding to the input surfix (##m).  
         [0401]    A button  2080  is pressed to acknowledge the registered state of information of the frame to be registered. A button  2081  is pressed to display the preceding window. A button  2082  is pressed to cancel contents set in the window  2075 .  
         [0402]    When the button  2080  is pressed, a window  2083  shown in FIG. 88 is displayed.  
         [0403]    The window  2083  is a window for setting the size of a paper sheet used to print a registered frame. In areas  2084 ,  2085 , and  2086 , the sizes of paper sheets usable for printing are displayed. When the user presses the area of a desired paper size, display of the pressed area is inverted to notify the user of designation of the paper size. Buttons  2087  and  2088  are used to set the direction (landscape or portrait) of the paper sheet to be used. A button  2089  is pressed to acknowledge the designated size and direction of the paper sheet to be used for printing. A button  2090  is pressed to display the preceding window. A button  2091  is pressed to cancel contents set in the window  2083 .  
         [0404]    Windows for executing the distribution service (registration of information) which is executed when the button  2004  in the initial window  2000  shown in FIG. 75 is pressed will be described sequentially.  
         [0405]    When the button  2004  in the initial window  2000  is pressed, a window  2092  shown in FIG. 89 is displayed.  
         [0406]    The window  2092  is a P-code input window in which a P-code (user&#39;s telephone number) for executing the distribution service (registration of information) is input.  
         [0407]    The window  2092  has a ten-key group  2093 . A P-code is input using the keys of the ten-key group  2093 . The input P-code is displayed in an area  2094 . To acknowledge the input P-code, a button  2095  is pressed. To cancel the input P-code, a button  2096  is pressed to erase the P-code displayed in the area  2094 . To correct the input P-code, a button  2097  is pressed to correct the P-code to be corrected using a cursor (not shown) on the area  2094 . A button  2098  is pressed to input a foreign P-code.  
         [0408]    When the button  2095  is pressed, a window  2099  shown in FIG. 90 is displayed. If the input P-code has expired, a window (not shown) for notifying the user of it is displayed.  
         [0409]    Constituent elements  2100  to  2104  in the window  2099  and functions thereof correspond to those of the constituent elements  2013  to  2017  in the window  2012  shown in FIG. 77, respectively, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.  
         [0410]    When the button  2102  in the window  2099  shown in FIG. 90 is pressed, a window  2105  shown in FIG. 91 is displayed.  
         [0411]    The window  2105  is a window for selecting an information registration method in the distribution service (registration of information). A button  2106  is pressed to register information using a scanner. A button  2107  is pressed to register information using an external device. When one of the buttons is pressed, a window corresponding to the button is displayed. These windows will be described later in detail. A button  2108  is pressed to display the preceding window. A button  2109  is pressed to cancel registration of information.  
         [0412]    When the button  2106  is pressed, a window  2110  shown in FIG. 92 is displayed.  
         [0413]    The window  2110  is a window for instructing the user to set an original to be registered on the scanner  102 . A button  2111  is pressed to execute an input operation for the set original. When the button  2111  is pressed, a window  2114  shown in FIG. 93 is displayed. A button  2112  is pressed to display the preceding window. A button  2113  is pressed to cancel the input operation for the set original.  
         [0414]    When the button  2107  in the window  2105  shown in FIG. 91 is pressed, the same window as the dialog box shown in FIG. 40 is displayed, so information can be registered using an external device such as the disk unit  108  or infrared communication section  105 . When information to be registered is designated, and “next” is selected, the window  2114  shown in FIG. 93 is displayed. The information to be registered can be either an image or character information.  
         [0415]    The window  2114  shown in FIG. 93 is a window for displaying a preview of information to be registered. In an area  2115 , a preview of information to be registered is displayed. A button  2116  is pressed to display a preview of information next to the information that is currently being displayed. A button  2117  is pressed to register another information. When this button is pressed, the window shown in FIG. 91 is displayed. A button  2118  is pressed to cancel registration of the information displayed in the area  2115 . A button  2119  is pressed to register the information displayed in the area  2115 .  
         [0416]    When the button  2119  is pressed, a window  2120  shown in FIG. 94 is displayed.  
         [0417]    The window  2120  is a window for setting a password requested when another user prints the information to be registered. This window has a ten-key group  2121 , and a desired password is input using the keys of the ten-key group  2121 . As the password is input, the password is displayed in an area  2122 . After completion of input, to acknowledge the input password, a button  2123  is pressed. To cancel the input password, a button  2124  is pressed. To correct the input password, a button  2125  is pressed to correct the password to be corrected using a cursor (not shown) on the area  2122 .  
         [0418]    When the button  2123  is pressed, a window  2126  shown in FIG. 95 is displayed.  
         [0419]    The window  2126  is a window for setting the valid dates of the information to be registered. A button  2127  is pressed to validate the information until tomorrow. A button  2128  is pressed to validate the information for one week. A button  2129  is pressed to validate the information for one month. A button  2130  is pressed to display the preceding window. A button  2131  is pressed to cancel setting of the valid dates of the information to be registered.  
         [0420]    When one of the buttons  2127 ,  2128 , and  2129  is pressed, a window  2132  shown in FIG. 96 is displayed.  
         [0421]    The window  2132  is a window for causing the user to confirm the registered contents of the information to be registered. More specifically, in an area  2133 , the P-code, password, data amount, valid dates corresponding to the information to be registered are displayed. A button  2134  is pressed to acknowledge the registered contents of the information to be registered. A button  2135  is pressed to display the preceding window. A button  2136  is pressed to cancel the registered contents of the information to be registered. When the registered contents of the information to be registered are acknowledged, the number of registered data set in the user information table shown in FIG. 9 for the distribution service is incremented by one, and the P-code (P-code in the form of “telephone number-Subcode”) attached to the registered information is added to the P-code list of the distribution service information. In addition, the information displayed in the area  2133  is registered in the distribution information P-code table shown in FIG. 11.  
         [0422]    A window  2200  shown in FIG. 97 is displayed in accordance with the window displayed to execute various services including the information service, mail service, distribution service (reception of registered information), personal information service, and distribution service (registration of information).  
         [0423]    The window  2200  is a window for selecting a settlement method for a charge generated when the information service, mail service, distribution service (reception of registered information), personal information service, or distribution service (registration of information) is executed. The charge is displayed at the lower left side of the window. The user presses a button  2201  to pay the charge in cash, a button  2202  to pay using a credit card, a button  2203  to pay by online settlement, a button  2204  to pay using a debit card, or a button  2205  to pay using a prepaid card. A window (not shown) necessary for settlement is displayed as one of the buttons is pressed.  
         [0424]    A button  2206  is pressed to display the preceding window. A button  2207  is pressed to cancel execution of selection of the settlement method.  
         [0425]    The above-described windows displayed to execute various services including the information service, mail service, distribution service (reception of registered information), personal information service, and distribution service (registration of information) are examples of main windows displayed in executing operation. In the process of operation, various windows including a window for causing the user to confirm displayed contents and a window for input are appropriately displayed.  
         [0426]    Next, processing flows for executing various services including the information service, mail service, distribution service (reception of registered information), personal information service, and distribution service (registration of information) will be described sequentially.  
         [0427]    In the following processing flows, the P service server  200  looks up the tables shown in FIGS.  7  to  15  and transmits information corresponding to a P-code received from the P service terminal  100  or data (property data or preview image) necessary for the information to the P service terminal  100 . In addition, in accordance with data such as a print instruction for information corresponding to a P-code transmitted from the P service terminal  100 , the contents of the tables shown in FIGS.  7  to  15  are updated.  
         [0428]    A processing flow for executing the information service will be described first with reference to FIGS. 98A and 98B.  
         [0429]    [0429]FIG. 98A is a flow chart showing a processing flow for executing the information service of this embodiment. FIG. 98B is a view showing the processing sequence in the service system for executing the information service of this embodiment.  
         [0430]    In step S 2501 , (1) the user acquires a P-code by the portable terminal  400 . (2) The user moves to the P service terminal  100  while keeping the P-code stored in the portable terminal  400 . (3) The P-code is input to the P service terminal  100  (FIGS. 75, 76,  78 , and  79 ). (4) P service terminal  100  transmits the input P-code and the terminal properties (e.g., location of installation and printer performance) of the P service terminal  100  itself to the P service server  200 .  
         [0431]    In step S 2502 , (5) the P service server  200  acquires information corresponding to the received P service server  200 . In step S 2503 , (6) the P service server  200  transmits the contents of the information, including the property data such as the service type, preview image, and the number of pages, to the P service terminal  100 . (7) The P service terminal  100  displays  99  the received contents of the information, including the property data, preview image, and the number of pages, on the touch panel  104  (FIG. 80). If a print preview or setting for advertisements is instructed, corresponding windows (FIGS. 81 and 82) are appropriately displayed to receive inputs from the user.  
         [0432]    In step S 2504 , (8) it is determined whether printing of the displayed information is instructed. (9) If cancel of printing is instructed (NO in step S 2504 ), the P service terminal  100  transmits a message representing that cancel is instructed to the P service server  200 , and processing is ended. On the other hand, (9) when printing is instructed (YES in step S 2504 ), the P service terminal  100  requests the P service server  200  to prepare print data of the information corresponding to the P-code, and the flow advances to step S 2505 .  
         [0433]    In step S 2505 , it is determined whether the information to be printed is charged for. (10) If the information is free (NO in step S 2505 ), the flow advances to the next processing. (11) If the information is charged for (YES in step S 2505 ), the flow advances to step S 2506  to receive the settlement method for settlement processing in printing from the user. (12) In accordance with the settlement method, the P service terminal  100  and P service server  200  exchange necessary data (FIG. 97). The P service terminal  100  receives the print data of the information to be printed from the P service server  200  and prints the data.  
         [0434]    A processing flow for executing the mail service will be described next with reference to FIG. 99A.  
         [0435]    [0435]FIG. 99A is a flow chart showing a processing flow for executing the mail service of this embodiment. FIG. 99B is a view showing the processing sequence in the service system for executing the mail service of this embodiment. Assume that mail information to be output is transferred from the IP server (mail server) to the P service server in advance.  
         [0436]    In step S 2601 , (1) the user acquires a P-code by the portable terminal  400 . (2) The user moves to the P service terminal  100  while keeping the P-code stored in the portable terminal  400 . (3) The user inputs the P-code to the P service terminal  100  (FIGS. 75, 76,  78 , and  79 ). (4) The P service terminal  100  transmits the input P-code and the terminal properties (e.g., location of installation and printer performance) of the P service terminal  100  itself to the P service server  200 .  
         [0437]    In step S 2602 , (5) when the P service server  200  recognizes that the received P-code is a P-code for the mail service, (6) the P service terminal  100  requests the user to input the password (FIG. 77). In step S 2603 , (7) the password is confirmed. If the password is not correct (NO in step S 2603 ), the user is requested to re-input the password. However, if an incorrect password is input a plurality of number of times, processing is ended. If the password is correct (YES in step S 2603 ), the flow advances to step S 2604 .  
         [0438]    In step S 2604 , (8) the P service server  200  acquires mail corresponding to the received P-code. In step S 2605 , the P service server  200  transmits contents of the acquired mail, including property data (sender and subject), to the P service terminal  100 . (9) The P service terminal  100  displays the received contents of mail including the property data on the touch panel  104  (FIG. 83). If a print preview or option setting is instructed, corresponding windows (FIGS. 81 and 84) are appropriately displayed to receive inputs from the user.  
         [0439]    In step S 2606 , it is determined whether printing of the displayed mail is instructed. (11) If cancel of printing is instructed (NO in step S 2606 ), the P service terminal  100  transmits a message representing that cancel is instructed to the P service server  200 , and processing is ended. On the other hand, (11) when printing is instructed (YES in step S 2606 ), the P service terminal  100  requests the P service server  200  to prepare print data of the mail corresponding to the P-code, and the flow advances to step S 2607 .  
         [0440]    In step S 2607 , it is determined whether the mail to be printed is charged for. (12) If the mail is free (NO in step S 2607 ), the flow advances to the next processing. (13) If the mail is charged for (YES in step S 2607 ), the flow advances to step S 2608  to receive the settlement method for settlement processing in printing from the user. (14) In accordance with the settlement method, the P service terminal  100  and P service server  200  exchange necessary data (FIG. 97). In step S 2609 , the P service terminal  100  receives the print data of the mail to be printed from the P service server  200  and prints the data. When printing is ended in step S 2610 , the printed mail information is automatically deleted from the P service server upon transmitting a print end notification to the P service server.  
         [0441]    A processing flow for executing the distribution service (reception of registered information) will be described with reference to FIG. 10A.  
         [0442]    [0442]FIG. 100A is a flow chart showing a processing flow for executing the distribution service (reception of registered information) of this embodiment. FIG. 100B is a view showing the processing sequence in the service system for executing the distribution service of this embodiment.  
         [0443]    In step S 2701 , (1) the user acquires a P-code by the portable terminal  400 . (2) The user moves to the P service terminal  100  while keeping the P-code stored in the portable terminal  400 . (3) The P-code is input to the P service terminal  100  (FIGS. 75 and 77 to  79 ). (4) The P service terminal  100  transmits the input P-code and the terminal properties (e.g., location and installation and printer performance) of the P service terminal  100  itself to the P service server  200 .  
         [0444]    In step S 2702 , (5) when the P service server  200  recognizes that the received P-code is a P-code for the distribution service (reception of registered information), (6) the P service terminal  100  requests the user to input the password (FIG. 77). In step S 2703 , the password is confirmed. The password to be confirmed herein is a password set for individual distribution information. If the password is not correct (NO in step S 2703 ), the user is requested to re-input the password. However, if an incorrect password is input a plurality of number of times, processing is ended. If the password is correct (YES in step S 2703 ), the flow advances to step S 2704 .  
         [0445]    In step S 2704 , (7) the P service server  200  acquires information corresponding to the received P-code. In step S 2705 , the P service server  200  transmits contents of the acquired information, including property data (information provider and subject), to the P service terminal  100 . (8) The P service terminal  100  displays the received contents of information including the property data on the touch panel  104 .  
         [0446]    In step S 2706 , (9) it is determined whether printing of the displayed information is instructed. (10) If cancel of printing is instructed (NO in step S 2706 ), the P service terminal  100  transmits a message representing that cancel is instructed to the P service server  200 , and processing is ended. On the other hand, (10) when printing is instructed (YES in step S 2706 ), the P service terminal  100  requests the P service server  200  to prepare print data of the information corresponding to the P-code, and the flow advances to step S 2707 .  
         [0447]    In step S 2707 , it is determined whether the information to be printed is charged for. (11) If the information is free (NO in step S 2707 ), the flow advances to the next processing. (12) If the information is charged for (YES in step S 2707 ), the flow advances to step S 2708  to receive the settlement method for settlement processing in printing from the user. (13) In accordance with the settlement method, the P service terminal  100  and P service server  200  exchange necessary data (FIG. 97). The P service terminal  100  receives the print data of the information to be printed from the P service server  200  and prints the data.  
         [0448]    A processing flow for executing the personal information service will be described with reference to FIG. 101A.  
         [0449]    [0449]FIG. 101A is a flow chart showing a processing flow for executing the personal information service of this embodiment. FIG. 101B is a view showing the processing sequence in the service system for executing the personal information service of this embodiment.  
         [0450]    In step S 2801 , (1) the user acquires a P-code by the portable terminal  400 . (2) The user moves to the P service terminal  100  while keeping the P-code stored in the portable terminal  400 . (3) The P-code is input to the P service terminal  100  (FIGS. 75 and 77 to  79 ). (4) The P service terminal  100  transmits the input P-code and the terminal properties (e.g., location of installation and printer performance) of the P service terminal  100  itself to the P service server  200 .  
         [0451]    In step S 2802 , (5) when the P service server  200  recognizes that the received P-code is a P-code for the personal information service, (6) the P service terminal  100  requests the user to input the password (FIG. 77). In step S 2803 , the password is confirmed. If the password is not correct (NO in step S 2803 ), the user is requested to re-input the password. However, if an incorrect password is input a plurality of number of times, processing is ended. If the password is correct (YES in step S 2803 ), the flow advances to step S 2804 .  
         [0452]    In step S 2804 , (7) the P service server  200  acquires a frame corresponding to the received P-code. In step S 2805 , (8) the P service server  200  transmits contents of the acquired frame, including property data (information provider and subject), to the P service terminal  100 . (9) The P service terminal  100  displays the received contents of the frame including the property data on the touch panel  104  (FIG. 85). When registration of new information or a change in registered information is instructed, corresponding windows (FIGS.  86  to  88 ) are appropriately displayed to receive inputs from the user.  
         [0453]    In step S 2806 , (10) it is determined whether printing of the displayed frame is instructed. (11) If cancel of printing is (NO in step S 2806 ), the P service terminal  100  transmits a message representing that cancel is instructed to the P service server  200 , and processing is ended. On the other hand, (11) when printing is instructed (YES in step S 2806 ), the P service terminal  100  requests the P service server  200  to prepare print data of the frame corresponding to the P-code, and the flow advances to step S 2807 . The print data of the frame is generated from the registered P-code list registered in the personal information service P-code table shown in FIG. 12. Each P-code registered in the registered P-code has been subjected to group setting in this embodiment. For each P-code subjected to group setting, P-code information having a maximum subcode of the attached section is acquired from the IP information table shown in FIG. 7. All the acquired P-code information have link information to anther P-code. Hence, information to be printed can be acquired by searching for the P-code set as link information again. If the date of registration of the acquired information to be printed is before the final date of printing set in the personal information service P-code table shown in FIG. 12, it is regarded that this information has been printed in the past, and therefore the information is not printed. If all dates of registration of individual information acquired from the P-code list registered in the personal information service P-code table are before the final date of printing, a message (not shown) representing that no information to be printed is present is displayed, and processing is ended.  
         [0454]    In step S 2807 , it is determined whether the frame to be printed is charged for. (12) If the frame is free (NO in step S 2807 ), the flow advances to the next processing. (13) If the frame is charged for (YES in step S 2807 ), the flow advances to step S 2808  to receive the settlement method for settlement processing in printing from the user. (14) In accordance with the settlement method, the P service terminal  100  and P service server  200  exchange necessary data (FIG. 97). The P service terminal  100  receives the print data of the frame to be printed from the P service server  200  and prints the data.  
         [0455]    A processing flow for executing the distribution service (registration of information) will be described next with reference to FIG. 102A.  
         [0456]    [0456]FIG. 102A is a flow chart showing a processing flow for executing the distribution service (registration of information) of this embodiment. FIG. 102B is a view showing the processing sequence in the service system for executing the distribution service (registration of information) of this embodiment. In step S 2901 , (1) the user selects the distribution service (FIG. 75). (2) In accordance with the selection, a window for requesting the user to input a P-code is displayed (FIG. 89). The P-code is input to the P service terminal  100 . The P service terminal  100  transmits the input P-code and the terminal properties (e.g., location of installation and printer performance) of the P service terminal  100  itself to the P service server  200 .  
         [0457]    In step S 2902 , (3) when the P service server  200  recognizes that the received P-code is a P-code for the distribution service (registration of information), the P service terminal  100  requests the user to input the password (FIG. 90). If the input P-code is unregistered, password input is not requested. In step S 2903 , the password is confirmed. If the password is not correct (NO in step S 2903 ), the user is requested to re-input the password. However, if an incorrect password is input a plurality of number of times, processing is ended. If the password is correct (YES in step S 2903 ), the flow advances to step S 2904 .  
         [0458]    In step S 2904 , (4) the user inputs information to be registered (FIGS. 91 and 92). In step S 2905 , (5) the P service terminal  100  displays contents of the input information on the touch panel  104  (FIG. 93).  
         [0459]    In step S 2906 , it is determined whether the displayed contents are acknowledged. If the contents are not acknowledged (NO in step S 2906 ), the flow returns to step S 2904  to request the user to re-input the information. If the contents are acknowledged (YES in step S 2906 ), (7) the P service terminal  100  transmits the input information and the property data of the information, including the data type and the number of pages, to the P service server  200  and requests the P service server to issue a P-code. (8) In accordance with this request, the P service server  200  starts making a P-code correspond to the received information and the property data of the information, including the data type and the number of pages. The user is requested to input a password to be set for the input information (FIG. 94).  
         [0460]    In step S 2908 , (9) it is determined whether the input password can be set. If the password cannot be set (NO in step S 2908 ), the flow returns to step S 2907  to request the user to re-input the password. If the password can be set (YES in step S 2908 ), the flow advances to step S 2909  to input the valid dates of the input information (FIG. 95). In step S 2910 , (10) the P service server registers the input information and the password and valid dates therefor and issues a P-code corresponding to the information. The P-code to be issued has a combination of a numerical value representing a “telephone number” and a numerical value representing an “attached number (subcode)” and also has a form of a number sequence, “telephone number-attached number”, with a predetermined symbol (“-” in this case) inserted between the two numerical value sequences. The attached number is 1 when the number of distribution service information in the user information table shown in FIG. 9 is 0. When the number of distribution service information is not 0, pieces of registered distribution service information searched are searched from the P-code list, and the minimum attached number of a P-code that has expired is used as an attached number. If a registered distribution service information that has expired is not present, “the number of distribution service information+1” is used as an attached number. In step S 2911 , (11) the P service terminal  100  displays the registered contents (P-code, password, data amount, and valid dates) of the registered information on the touch panel  104  (FIG. 96).  
         [0461]    Details of processing in steps S 2502  in FIG. 98A, step S 2604  in FIG. 99A, step S 2704  in FIG. 10A, and step S 2804  in FIG. 101A will be described with reference to FIGS. 103A and 103B.  
         [0462]    &lt;Procedure of Acquiring Information&gt; 
         [0463]    [0463]FIGS. 103A and 103B are flow charts for explaining the procedure of acquiring IP information, mail data, and distribution data in the P service server  200  of this embodiment. First in step S 3201 , it is determined that the P-code input in the P service terminal  100  is an IP P-code. This can be determined on the basis of the state of the first bit of the P-code, as described above with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. When the P-code is an IP P-code, the flow advances to step S 3202  to determine whether contents corresponding to the P-code are present in the P service server  200 . This determination can be done by checking the state of the 17th bit, as shown in FIG. 18.  
         [0464]    When the P service server  200  has the contents of the IP information represented by the P-code, the flow advances from step S 3202  to step S 3203  to acquire the IP information and its properties in accordance with entity file information registered in the IP information registration table shown in FIG. 7.  
         [0465]    If it is determined in step S 3202  that the contents of the IP information are not present in the P service server  200  (i.e., the IP information has its contents on the IP server side), the flow advances to step S 3204 . In step S 3204 , the class category value and external code are extracted from the input P-code. In this processing, the values of the 18th to 20th bits are extracted to obtain a class category value, and the external code section is extracted on the basis of the class category value. For example, when the class category value is 3 (medium scale), the values of the 21st to 36th bits correspond to the external code, as shown in FIG. 18.  
         [0466]    When the class category and external code are obtained in the above manner, a corresponding URL is acquired by looking up the P-code use table (to be described later) shown in FIG. 72 in step S 3205 . The URL acquired at this time is the address of the IP server having the contents of the P-code. Hence, in step S 3206 , the IP server is accessed according to the URL obtained in step S 3205  to transmit the P-code. The IP server obtains contents and properties corresponding to the transmitted P-code by looking up the P-code registration table and transmits them to the P service server  200 .  
         [0467]    In step S 3207 , the contents and properties transmitted from the IP server in the above-described way are received, so the IP information is acquired.  
         [0468]    When the input P-code is a personal P-code, the flow advances from step S 3201  to step S 3220 . In step S 3220 , contents specified by the P-code are acquired by looking up the P-code table shown in FIGS.  10  to  12 . If the attached section is “#Subcode”, the flow advances from step S 3221  to step S 3224  to obtain corresponding mail data and its properties.  
         [0469]    When the data attached section is “-Subcode”, the flow advances from step S 3222  to step S 3225  to acquire distribution data upon authentication by a password.  
         [0470]    When the attached section is “##Subcode”, the flow advances from step S 3223  to step S 3226  to obtain a P-code list (frame) in the personal information service. In step S 3227 , acquisition of IP information (the above-described processing in steps S 3202  to S 3207 ) is executed using the P-code registered in the P-code list.  
         [0471]    &lt;Advertisement Search Processing&gt; 
         [0472]    In the P service system, when a user obtains a print output from the P service terminal  100 , predetermined advertisement information is automatically attached to the print unless the user or information provider rejects it. Processing of searching for advertisement information to be attached will be described below.  
         [0473]    [0473]FIG. 104 is a flow chart of advertisement search processing.  
         [0474]    In step S 3001 , a keyword list of information of the information service or personal information service, mail of the mail service, or information of the distribution service is prepared for printing. This keyword list is prepared in the following way in accordance with the contents of each service.  
         [0475]    For the information service or personal information service, keywords are extracted by looking up the properties of IP information, properties of user registration of the user, and properties of the P service terminal  100  for printing.  
         [0476]    For the mail service, keywords are extracted by looking up the properties of user registration of the user and properties of the P service terminal  100  for printing.  
         [0477]    For the distribution service, keywords are extracted by looking up the properties of the P service terminal  100  for printing, and also the properties of user registration of the user when the user has done user registration.  
         [0478]    In any service, the keyword list can be prepared in units of information. For example, for the information service, the keyword list of the properties of IP information, the keyword list of the properties of user registration, and the keyword list of the properties of the P service terminal  100  can be individually prepared. This will be described below in more detail by exemplifying the information service.  
         [0479]    [0479]FIGS. 105A to  105 E are views showing examples of keyword lists for IP information.  
         [0480]    For example, FIG. 105A shows a keyword list of IP information requested by the user in the information service. As a keyword, “marriage” is extracted. In FIG. 105B, keywords are extracted from the registered matters of user registration. In FIG. 105C, a keyword is extracted from the properties (e.g., location of installation) of the P service terminal.  
         [0481]    Each keyword has a numerical value of “weight”. This numerical value is given to each keyword in consideration of universally accepted idea on the basis of the contents and used to define priority of advertisement information in advertisement search processing. A numerical value with “+” means that IP information or the like including the keyword has positive contents when viewed from the universally accepted idea. A numerical value with “−” means that the information has negative contents. The magnitude of the numerical value can be proportional to the degree of importance.  
         [0482]    In the P service system, in addition to these keyword lists, a highest priority keyword list and lowest priority keyword list set on the system side can be prepared.  
         [0483]    The highest priority keyword list is a list of keywords corresponding to an advertisement that informs, e.g., a special campaign held on the P service system. An example of this keyword list is shown in FIG. 105D.  
         [0484]    The lowest priority keyword list is a list of keywords with which at least one advertisement information can be searched for and is prepared to prevent advertisement search processing from searching no advertisement information. Hence, as a lowest priority keyword, a keyword having wide meaning is used.  
         [0485]    In step S 3002 , using each keyword as a search key on the basis of the keyword lists prepared in step S 3001 , advertisement information having a keyword matching the search keyword is searched for. In step S 3003 , the search result list is prepared.  
         [0486]    [0486]FIGS. 106A to  106 E are examples of search result lists.  
         [0487]    The search result lists are prepared in units of the above-described five keyword lists.  
         [0488]    [0488]FIG. 106A shows a search result list corresponding to the keyword list of IP information (FIG. 105A), in which five pieces of advertisement information are searched for by the keyword “marriage”. In this list, “weight” is a numerical value given to the keyword in each advertisement information and has the same meaning as the above-described “weight”. The “degree of matching” is a numeral value obtained by multiplying the numerical value of “weight” of one keyword by that of the other keyword. More specifically, in the keyword list of IP information, since the weight of “marriage” is “+10”, the columns of “degree of matching” in FIG. 106A are filled with results obtained by multiplying “+10” by each of weights “+10”, “−5”, “+3”, “−4”, and “+7” of the keywords of advertisement information.  
         [0489]    In this advertisement search processing, an advertisement having a larger value of “degree of matching” has a higher priority of insertion. As the value becomes small, the priority becomes low.  
         [0490]    As shown in FIGS. 106A and 106B, a single keyword has many weights. This is because advertisement information including the keyword “marriage” may be an advertisement of a wedding ceremony hall or an advertisement of divorce consultation. If they are regarded to be equivalent, inappropriate advertisement information may be inserted into contents of information to be printed.  
         [0491]    In processing of this embodiment, if negative advertisement information is searched for in correspondence with positive IP information, values with signs “+” and “−” are multiplied. The degree of matching has a negative value, and the priority can be made low. If negative advertisement information is searched for in correspondence with negative IP information (e.g., an advertisement of funeral and an advertisement of a hospital), values with signs “−” and “−” are multiplied. The degree of matching has a positive value, and the priority becomes high.  
         [0492]    In step S 3004 , the pieces of advertisement information in the search result list are rearranged by looking up the properties of advertisement information.  
         [0493]    In rearranging the pieces of information, on the basis of the properties of each advertisement information, a value is added to or subtracted from the degree of matching calculated in advance. For example, an advertisement whose term of insertion has expired or charge exceeds the maximum charge must not be inserted, and a predetermined numerical value can be subtracted from the calculated degree of matching. On the other hand, for an advertisement whose limitations on printing (designated in the dialog box shown in FIG. 65 or  66 ) are lenient, a predetermined numerical value can be added to the calculated degree of matching for evaluation. This is because such advertisement information can cope with an arbitrary layout and has a higher degree of freedom for printing.  
         [0494]    To evenly give opportunities for insertion while giving priority to an advertisement with low insertion frequency, a numerical value corresponding to the insertion frequency may be added to the degree of matching.  
         [0495]    In addition, a predetermined numerical value may be added to the degree of matching with priority given to an advertisement for which a large charge is paid from the advertisement provider to the operator of the P service. An advertisement provider who pays a large charge should be treated favorably. This also easily excuses the user compensation for the received service.  
         [0496]    With priority given to an advertisement directly associated with information desired by the user, a predetermined numerical value may be added to the degree of matching for the purpose of increasing the business chance of the advertisement provider.  
         [0497]    In this way, values are added to or subtracted from the degrees of matching to calculate final numerical values. FIGS. 107A to  107 E show lists of advertisement information rearranged in descending order of the magnitudes of values. As is apparent from FIGS. 107A to  107 E, the degree of matching is not always proportional to the numerical value of “weight”.  
         [0498]    In step S 3005 , a layout example of advertisement information is prepared. A plurality of layout examples are prepared by picking up pieces of advertisement information from the search result lists shown in FIGS. 107A to  107 E in descending order of priority.  
         [0499]    Priorities may be defined in units of search result lists shown in FIGS. 107A to  107 E. For example, first advertisement information may be picked up from the search result list of the highest priority list (FIG. 107D), and then pieces of advertisement information may be sequentially picked up from the search result list of IP information (FIG. 107A), the search result list of user registration (FIG. 107B), the search result list of the P service terminal (FIG. 107C), and the search result list of the lowest priority list (FIG. 107E).  
         [0500]    In step S 3006 , one layout example that is supposed to be most appropriate is selected from the layout examples of advertisement information in consideration of the user&#39;s desire, print size, and total charge. The P-code and layout conditions of the advertisement information are specified and temporarily stored, and advertisement search processing is ended.  
         [0501]    &lt;Operation of Portable Terminal&gt; 
         [0502]    The P-code extraction function and P-code transmission function of the portable terminal  400  according to this embodiment will be described next.  
         [0503]    [0503]FIG. 108 is a flow chart for explaining P-code extraction processing of the portable terminal of this embodiment. This processing is executed when the contents of mail received are being displayed on the portable terminal  400 .  
         [0504]    In steps S 3101  to S 3103 , it is determined whether the cursor keys  401  and  402  of the portable terminal  400  are operated, the block designation key  404  is operated, and the P-code key  403  is operated.  
         [0505]    When the cursor key is operated in the mail displayed state, the flow advances from step S 3101  to step S 3105  to determine whether block designation is progressing. The block designation mode is set in step S 3109  (to be described later) by operating the block designation key. If the block designation mode is not set, the flow advances to step S 3106  to move the cursor in units of characters in the display of mail contents. If the block designation mode is set, a region where the cursor has moved is set as a selected region, and display of that portion is inverted. The flow advances to step S 3104 . If mail display continues, the flow returns to step S 3101 . If mail display is ended, this processing is ended.  
         [0506]    When the block designation key  404  is operated, the flow advances from step S 3102  to step S 3108  to determine whether the block designation mode has already been set. If NO in step S 3108 , the flow advances to step S 3109  to switch the operation mode to the block designation mode. If YES in step S 3108 , the flow advances to step S 3110  to cancel the block designation mode. That is, the block designation key functions as an ON/OFF switch for the block designation mode. After that, the flow advances to step S 3104 . If mail display continues, the flow returns to step S 3101 . If mail display is ended, this processing is ended.  
         [0507]    When the P-code key  403  is operated, the flow advances from step S 3101  to step S 3111  to determine whether a selected region in inverted display is present in the currently displayed character string. If YES in step S 3111 , the flow advances to step S 3112  to store the selected region in the P-code storage area  422   c . If NO in step S 3111 , the flow advances to step S 3113  to automatically select a P-code. After that, the flow advances to step S 3104 . If mail display continues, the flow returns to step S 3101 . If mail display is ended, this processing is ended.  
         [0508]    Automatic P-code extraction in step S 3113  will be described. FIG. 109 is a flow chart for explaining automatic P-code extraction processing in step S 3113 .  
         [0509]    In step S 3120 , a character string enclosed by two tags &lt;Pcode&gt; and &lt;/Pcode&gt; is searched for. When a character string enclosed by the two tags &lt;Pcode&gt; and &lt;/Pcode&gt; is searched for, the flow advances from step S 3121  to step S 3122  to store the detected character string in the P-code storage area  422   c . This processing is executed for the entire mail that is being displayed currently (step S 3123 ).  
         [0510]    An operation mode for executing the above processing for all mail data held in the memory of the portable terminal  400  at once may be provided.  
         [0511]    In the above way, the portable terminal  400  of this embodiment can store a P-code sent as mail in the P-code storage area  422   c . Even when the user is notified of a P-code not by electronic data such as mail but by a magazine or newspaper, the P-code may be input using the P-code key and dial keys and held in the P-code storage area  422   c . According to the portable terminal  400  of this embodiment, the P-code stored in the P-code storage area  422   c  can be input to the P service terminal  100  by communication with the P service terminal  100 .  
         [0512]    [0512]FIG. 110 is a flow chart for explaining P-code transmission processing by the portable terminal of this embodiment. This processing is executed when the displayed contents of the portable terminal  400  are in the initial state.  
         [0513]    In step S 3141 , when operation of the P-code key  403  is detected, the flow advances to step S 3142  to determine whether a P-code is stored in the P-code storage area  422   c . If no P-code is stored in the P-code storage area  422   c , the flow advances to step S 3143  to display a message representing that no P-code is present on the display  410 , and this processing is ended.  
         [0514]    If YES in step S 3142 , the flow advances to step S 3144  to start communication processing with the P service terminal  100  using the infrared communication section  405 . It is determined in step S 3145  whether the P service terminal  100  is ready, and processing waits until the P service terminal  100  is ready. If the wait time exceeds a predetermined time, it is determined that time is out. The flow advances from step S 3146  to step S 3147  to display a message representing a communication error on the display  410 , and processing is ended.  
         [0515]    When it is confirmed that the P service terminal  100  is ready, the P-code stored in the P-code storage area  422   c  is transmitted to the P service terminal  100  in step S 3148 .  
         [0516]    When transmission is ended, it is inquired on the display  410  whether the P-code currently stored in the P-code storage area  422   c  is to be erased. If the user instructs to erase the P-code, the P-code is erased in step S 3151 .  
         [0517]    The above processing can also be applied to a case wherein the portable terminal  400  is connected to the portable terminal connector  106  of the P service terminal  100 .  
         [0518]    In the above processing, transmission is started by the key operation of the portable terminal  400 . Instead, a P-code may be automatically input to the P service terminal  100  under the control of the P service terminal  100  without operating any keys on the portable terminal side. FIG. 111 is a flow chart for explaining another form of P-code transmission processing by the portable terminal of this embodiment.  
         [0519]    In step S 3161 , when it is detected that the portable terminal is connected to the portable terminal connector  106  (or when a predetermined signal is sent to the P service terminal through the infrared communication section by operating the P-code key), communication between the P service terminal and the portable terminal starts in step S 3162 .  
         [0520]    When a P-code request is input from the P service terminal  100  by communication, the flow advances from step S 3163  to step S 3165  to determine whether a P-code is stored in the P-code storage area  422   c . If no P-code is stored, the flow advances to step S 3167  to notify the P service terminal  10  that no P-code is present. If a P-code is present in the P-code storage area  422   c , the flow advances to step S 3166  to transmit the stored P-code to the P service terminal  100 .  
         [0521]    The subsequent processing in steps S 3168  to S 3170  is the same as the above-described processing in steps S 3149  to S 3151 .  
         [0522]    As described above, according to the portable terminal of this embodiment, a P-code can be extracted from mail, held in the memory, and transmitted to the P service terminal. Hence, any input error in operation of the P service terminal  100  can be prevented, and the operability is largely improved.  
         [0523]    &lt;Other Embodiment&gt; 
         [0524]    The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, and the like) or an apparatus comprising a single device (e.g., a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, or the like).  
         [0525]    The object of the present invention is realized even by supplying a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or apparatus, and causing the computer (or a CPU or an MPU) of the system or apparatus to read out and execute the program codes stored in the storage medium.  
         [0526]    In this case, the program codes read out from the storage medium realize the functions of the above-described embodiment by themselves, and the storage medium storing the program codes constitutes the present invention.  
         [0527]    As a storage medium for supplying the program codes, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetooptical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.  
         [0528]    The functions of the above-described embodiment are realized not only when the readout program codes are executed by the computer but also when the OS (Operating System) running on the computer performs part or all of actual processing on the basis of the instructions of the program codes.  
         [0529]    The functions of the above-described embodiment are also realized when the program codes read out from the storage medium are written in the memory of a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of actual processing on the basis of the instructions of the program codes.  
         [0530]    As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.