JP2003067193A - Software distributing system, program for use in it, recording medium recording the program, and software distributing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the form of increasing sales of latest software by confirming the effectiveness of software by actual operation with software of an old version through a computer network. SOLUTION: A server k-01 allows a client machine k-03 to down load software of an old version through the computer network k-02, and further allows the machine to concisely down load latest software for payment.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a software distribution system for distributing software via the Internet or other online environment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Usually, only the latest version of software is sold on the Internet or other online environment or through normal sales channels. There is also a system for distributing trial versions of software.

[0003]

However, when using software, it was not possible to confirm the validity of this software by actually operating it before purchasing. In addition, when operating the software and confirming its effectiveness under the system for distributing the trial version of the software,
In many cases, it was not possible to fully confirm the validity of this software due to limited functions or limited usage period.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to confirm the validity of software by actually operating it before purchase, and to confirm the validity of the entire software. It is to provide a software distribution system.

[0005]

The software distribution system of the present invention is a software distribution system for distributing a plurality of types of software to a user terminal connected via a network, and has been accessed by the user terminal. In this case, a registration means for registering the personal information of the user is provided, and when the personal information is registered, it is possible to cause the user terminal to download an old version of the software, which is not the latest version, out of a plurality of types of software. It will be possible.

According to the software distribution system described above, the use of the old version makes it possible to increase the number of users of the type of software itself. Thereby, the user of that type of software can actually use the old version of the software, fully realize the effectiveness of the function of the software, and understand the superiority of the latest version of the software. As a result, the software provider can increase the user's willingness to purchase the latest version of the software, which in turn can increase the number of users who purchase the latest version of the software.

The software distribution system of the present invention is free to download old version software. Therefore, the number of users of the software of the old version can be increased more effectively.

In the software distribution system of the present invention, when the latest version of the software of a plurality of types of software is switched to the old version of the software, the usage fee of the old version of the software is charged according to the elapsed time from the switching. To change. As a result, for example, it becomes possible to set the usage fee to gradually decrease according to the elapsed time from switching, and to effectively increase the number of users of old version software. You can

In the software distribution system of the present invention, when the latest version of software among a plurality of types of software is switched to the old version of the software, the usage fee of the old version of the software is charged according to the elapsed time from the switching. Is free.

According to such a software distribution system, it is possible to effectively increase the number of users of the old version of the software during the free period.

The software distribution system of the present invention allows a user terminal to download an online document for an old version of software via a network.

According to the software distribution system as described above, it is possible to promote the use by a user who does not know how to purchase or download the software of the old version.

With the software distribution system of the present invention, there is a charge for downloading online documents for older versions of software.

According to the software distribution system as described above, it is possible to appropriately deal with a user who does not know how to purchase or download the old version of software and who knows it.

The software distribution system of the present invention can allow a user terminal to download a manual for an old version of software via a network.

According to the software distribution system as described above, it is possible to promote the use by the user who does not know how to use the software of the old version.

In the software distribution system of the present invention, the number of registered persons registered by the registration means is limited to a specific number.

According to such a software distribution system, the side providing the service has a specific number as the upper limit.
It is possible to manage services such as management of a user information database, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the management capability of the server is exceeded due to a rapid increase in users.

The software distribution system of the present invention provides a service for downloading software of an old version in a network only for a predetermined period from the start of the service.

According to such a software distribution system, the service provider has only to manage the server for a limited service period, and after the service period ends, the server management of the system also ends. It becomes possible to efficiently perform the service.

The program of the software distribution system of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to operate the above software distribution system.

According to the software distribution system operated by the above program, the number of users of the software itself of the type can be increased by using the old version. Thereby, the user of that type of software can actually use the old version of the software, fully realize the effectiveness of the function of the software, and understand the superiority of the latest version of the software. As a result, software providers
It is possible to increase the motivation of users to purchase the latest version, and it is possible to expect an increase in the number of users who purchase the latest version of software.

The software distribution system of the present invention is a recording medium in which the above program is recorded.

According to the software distribution system operated by the program recorded on the above-mentioned recording medium, it is possible to increase the number of users of the software itself of that type by using the old version. Thereby,
A user of that type of software can actually use the old version of the software, fully realize the effectiveness of the function of the software, and understand the superiority of the latest version of the software. As a result, the software provider can increase the user's willingness to purchase the latest version of the software, which in turn can increase the number of users who purchase the latest version of the software.

The software distribution method of the present invention is a software distribution method for distributing a plurality of types of software to a user terminal connected via a network, and when the user terminal accesses, the user's individual A registration step for registering information is provided, and when personal information is registered in the registration step,
It is possible to download the old version of the software, which is not the latest version, from the plurality of types of software to the user terminal.

According to the above software distribution method, the number of users of the software itself of the type can be increased by using the old version. Thereby, the user of that type of software can actually use the old version of the software, fully realize the effectiveness of the function of the software, and understand the superiority of the latest version of the software. As a result, the software provider can increase the user's willingness to purchase the latest version of the software, which in turn can increase the number of users who purchase the latest version of the software.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, the server (k_01) includes a user information database (k_011), a latest version software database (k_012), and an old version software database (k_013).
It has three types of databases. In addition, possessing the user information database control program (k_014),
Allows registration of user information and modification of user information. In addition, the software version control program (k
_015) to manage the software versions of the latest version software database (k_012) and the old version software database (k_013), and also manage the elapsed time of each software.

In addition, a software download control program (k_016) is held, and a user information database (k_01) is provided in response to a user's download request.
Permission and prohibition of download are performed with reference to 1). In addition, a software usage fee calculation program (k — 017) is held, and the user's software usage fee is calculated by comparing the user's download act with the user information database. In addition, by holding a software usage fee collection program (k — 018), a user pays the usage fee calculated by the software usage fee calculation program online with credit card information or the like.

Server k Numeral 01 designates the various systems of the present invention by the computer network k by the above database and program. 02 online.

The user is a client machine k 03
And the computer network such as the Internet 02 to access the server k 0
Server k by communicating with It is possible to use the system provided by 01.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the processing performed by the software distribution system of this embodiment. This example shows Internet k 02, an example of a method of performing user authentication and downloading a file is shown. User's client machine k When the server is accessed from 03 via the Internet (10_01), the server k 01 displays the initial application screen (10_02). FIG. 2 shows an example of the initial application screen in the software distribution system of this embodiment.

The user is the client machine k When you click the user confirmation button on the initial application screen displayed in 03, the server k 01 is changed to the user confirmation entry screen (10_03). Server k The 01 side waits until the user completes the entry (10_04). When the user fills in the user information and clicks the completion button,
Server k 01 receives the user information (10_0
5) Then, it is checked whether the user information is complete (10_06).

If it is determined that the user information is missing
(10_07), request to fill in user information
Perform (10_08), and the user again completes the button
Wait until you click (10_04). In user information
If it is determined that there is no omission (10_07), server k
01 received user information and user information database
k 011 is referenced and the user information is already the user
Information database k Whether it is registered in 011
Examine (10_09).

When it is judged that the user information is not registered (10_10), the user information database k 011
Register user information to (10_11), and after registration, permit downloading of old version software (1
0_12), change to the download screen (10_1
3). An example of the download screen is shown in FIG.

When it is determined that the user information is already registered, the download permission of the old version software is granted (10_12) and the screen is changed to the download screen (10_13).

The user completes the download (10_
14), the server changes to the initial screen (FIG. 2) (10
_02). Note that the user is the server k If the connection to 01 is disconnected midway, server k 01 exits the flow at that point and ends the process. By the above flow,
The user can download one or more old versions of software free of charge, provided that personal information is registered.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of another example of the software distribution system of this embodiment. This example calculates the period from the start of presentation of the old version software to the time of application at the time of application on the Internet, calculates the usage fee of the old version software, authenticates the user, and goes online. This shows an example of a method for making payment by credit card information and then downloading the file.

If the latest version of the software has just been released and the latest version of the software has just become an old version, the usage fee for the old version of the software is set to be high, and the latest version of the software is If the period after publication has become longer and the presentation period of the old version software has become longer, the usage fee of the old version software will gradually decrease according to the presentation period. Calculate the fee.

In the flowchart of FIG. 5, up to the procedure (20_11) of registering user information in the user information database, the contents are the same as the contents explained in the above embodiment, and therefore the explanation is omitted. After the user registration is completed or after the user registration is completed, the old version software presentation period from the start time of the presentation of the old version software to the application time is calculated (20_12). Based on the calculation result of the presentation period, the usage fee of the old version software is calculated (20_13). After the price is confirmed, the input screen of the credit card information is displayed (20_14).
When the credit card information is input, online payment (20_15) is performed. It should be noted that online payment using a credit card is based on a general method performed on the Internet and will not be described in detail here.

After making online payment, payment information
User information database k Register to 011 (20_
16). Once registration is complete, the old version software
Download permission (20_17), download
(20_18). User
When downloading is completed (20_19), server k 01
Changes to the initial screen (FIG. 2) (20_02). In addition,
If the user disconnects from the server midway, the server
At that point, the bar exits the flow and ends the processing. Since
By the above flow, the user can use the old version software.
Due to the passage of time since A was switched to the new version,
Pay for the value of your old version software
Download and use old version software
Will be possible.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of still another example of the software distribution system of this embodiment. This example shows an example of a method in which user authentication is performed and a file is downloaded if a preset free software distribution period start point of the old version software has passed at the time of application on the Internet.

In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the procedure up to (30_11) for registering user information in the user information database is the same as the content described in the software distribution system according to the above-mentioned embodiment, and therefore its description is omitted. After the user registration is completed or after the user registration is completed, it is judged whether or not the application time is during the software free distribution period (30_12). If not, the initial application screen is returned. If it is during the software free distribution period, permission to download the old version software is given (30_13) and the screen is changed to the download screen (FIG. 3) (30_14). When the user completes the download (30_15), the server changes to the initial screen (FIG. 2) (30_02). If the user disconnects from the server midway, the server exits the flow at that point and ends the process. Through the above flow, the user can download the old version software free of charge while the old version software is being distributed for free.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the software distribution system of still another embodiment. In this example, user authentication is performed on the Internet, payment is made online using credit card information, etc.
After that, an example of a method for downloading a file is shown.

In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the description up to the step (40_11) of registering user information in the user information database is omitted because it is the same as the description of the software distribution system. After the user registration is completed or after the user registration is completed, the charge for the latest software is calculated (40_12), and after the charge is confirmed, the input screen of the credit card information is displayed (4
0_13). When the credit card information input is completed, online payment (40_14) is performed. It should be noted that online payment using a credit card is based on a general method performed on the Internet and will not be described in detail here.

After making online payment, the payment information is registered in the user information database (40_15). When the registration is completed, the old version software is permitted to download the online document (40_16) and the download screen (Fig. 3) is changed (40_).
17). The user completes the download (40_1
8) and server k 01 is changed to the initial screen (FIG. 2) (40_02). If the user disconnects from the server midway, the server exits the flow at that point and ends the process. With the above flow, the user
It will be possible to download online documentation for older version software for a fee.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of another example of the software distribution system of this embodiment. This example shows an example of a method in which user authentication is performed on the Internet, an order is placed, and payment is made online using credit card information or the like.

In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the user information database k User information registration to 011 (50_
The procedure up to 11) is the same as that of the software distribution system according to the above-described embodiment, and will not be described. After the user registration is completed or after the user registration is completed, the server displays a manual application screen for the old version software (50_12). Server k The 01 side waits until the user completes the entry (50_13). When the user fills in the application information such as the address and clicks the completion button, the server k 01 receives the application information (50_14) and checks whether the application information is complete (50_15). If it is determined that the application information is not completed (50_16), a request is made to fill in the application information missing portion (50_13), and if it is determined that the application information is not completed (50_16), the manual fee is calculated ( 50_18). After the price is confirmed, display the credit card information input screen (50_1
9). When the input of credit card information is completed, online payment (50_20) is performed. It should be noted that online payment using a credit card is based on a general method performed on the Internet and will not be described in detail here.

After making online payment, payment information
User information database k Register to 011 (50_
21). When registration is complete, the application completion confirmation screen is displayed
(50_22), when the user confirmation button is clicked
(50_23), server k 011 is the initial screen (Fig. 2)
Change to (50_02). Note that the user is the server k 0
If the connection to 1 is disconnected midway, server k 01
Exits the flow at that point and ends the process. that's all
By the flow of, the user can use the old version online.
Software can now be ordered for software
Become.

In this embodiment, the user information database control program includes the user information database k. 0
A function for counting the number of users registered in 11 is provided. When the number of users reaches the preset number of counts, the reception of the above-described embodiment is ended. With this configuration, it is possible to limit the number of registration target persons to a specific number.

Further, in the above embodiment, the server k has a function of limiting the service period of the online service. No. 01 is set, and if the service period is exceeded, the online service will be stopped.

According to the software distribution system of the present embodiment, the user can download one or a plurality of software of the old version free of charge. Therefore, the user can increase the number of uses of the software itself, even if it is the old version, and actually use the old version of the software,
It is possible to understand the superiority of the latest software after fully understanding the effectiveness of the function of the software. Therefore, it becomes possible for the side providing the service of the software distribution system according to the present embodiment to increase the motivation to purchase the latest version of the software, which in turn can increase the number of people who purchase the latest version of the software.

Further, the user pays the usage fee of the old version software whose usage fee is changed depending on the elapsed time after the old version software is switched to the new version. Therefore, even a user who is interested in the software of the present embodiment but is less motivated to purchase it in terms of the purchase price of the software can purchase the software at the time when the usage fee of the old version software is reduced. It will be possible. As a result, if you have purchased an older version of the software, you can actually use it to fully understand the effectiveness of the software functions of this embodiment, and then understand the superiority of the latest version of this software. . Therefore, it is possible to increase the motivation to purchase the latest version, and it is possible to expect an increase in the number of people who purchase the latest version of software on the side that provides the service of the software distribution system according to the present embodiment.

Also, the user can download the software free of charge depending on the elapsed time after the old version software is switched to the new version software.

Therefore, even a user who is interested in the software but is less motivated to purchase it in terms of the purchase price of the software can download it when the usage fee of the old version software is free. become. Further, when the software of the old version is purchased, it is possible to actually use the software to fully understand the effectiveness of the functions of the software of the present embodiment and to understand the superiority of the software of the latest version. Therefore, it becomes possible for the side providing the service of the system of the present embodiment to increase the motivation to purchase the latest version, and eventually it is possible to expect an increase in the number of people who purchase the latest version of the software.

Further, the user can download the online document using the old version software for a fee. Therefore, users who are interested in the software of this embodiment and who do not know how to use it even though they have purchased or downloaded the old version of the software are
It is possible to understand the superiority of the latest version of the software of this embodiment while fully realizing the effectiveness of the functions of the software of this embodiment when using the software of the old version. It is possible for the side providing the service of the software distribution system of the present embodiment to increase the motivation to purchase the latest version of the software, which in turn can increase the number of people who purchase the latest version of the software.

Further, the user can order a manual for the old version software. Therefore, even if users who are interested in the software of this embodiment and have purchased or downloaded the software of the old version but do not know how to use it, by ordering and obtaining the manual, In addition, it is possible to fully understand the effectiveness of the functions of the software of the present embodiment and understand the superiority of the latest version of the software. In addition, it becomes possible for the side providing the service of the software distribution system of the present embodiment to increase the motivation to purchase the latest version, and thus it is possible to expect an increase in the number of people who purchase the latest version of the software.

Further, the side providing the service of the software distribution system of the present embodiment can limit the number of persons to be registered to a specific number in the online system. Therefore, the side providing the service can manage the service, such as managing the user information database, with a specified number as the upper limit, and fall into a situation where the management capacity of the server is exceeded due to a rapid increase in users. Can be prevented.

Also, the side providing the service can limit the service period in the online system according to the elapsed time from the start of the service. Therefore, the side providing the service only needs to manage the server for a limited service period, and after the service period ends, the server management can also be completed, and the service can be performed efficiently. Will be possible.

It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplifications in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the scope of the claims and all modifications within the scope.

[0061]

According to the software distribution system, the program used therein, the recording medium recording the program, and the software distribution method of the present invention,
The use of older versions of the software makes it possible to increase the number of users of that type of software itself. Thereby, the user of that type of software can actually use the old version of the software, fully realize the effectiveness of the function of the software, and understand the superiority of the latest version of the software. As a result, the software provider can increase the user's willingness to purchase the latest version of the software, and can expect an increase in the number of users who purchase the latest version of the software.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a software distribution system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an initial screen of the software distribution system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a download screen of the software distribution system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the software distribution system of this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a second flowchart of the software distribution system of this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a third flowchart of the software distribution system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a fourth flowchart of the software distribution system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a fifth flowchart of the software distribution system according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

k_01 server, k_011 user information database, k_012 latest version software database, k_0113 old version software database, k_014 user information database control program, k_0115 software version control program, k_016 software download control program, k_017 software fee calculation control program, k_018 software use Toll collection control program, k_019 Communication network interface, k
_02 computer network, k_013 client machine, k_031 communication network interface, k_032 browser, k_033 client machine, k_11 initial screen, k_111 old software application button, k_112 latest software application button, k_113 online document application button, k_114 manual order application button , K_2
1 Download screen, k_211 Download button.

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A software distribution system for distributing a plurality of types of software to a user terminal connected via a network, for registering user's personal information when accessed by the user terminal. The software distribution system, comprising: a registration unit for registering the personal information and allowing the user terminal to download an old version of the software other than the latest version from among the plurality of types of software. 2. The software distribution system according to claim 1, wherein downloading of the software of the old version is free of charge. 3. When the latest version of the plurality of types of software is switched to the older version of the software, the usage fee of the older version of the software is changed according to the elapsed time from the switching. The software distribution system according to claim 1 or 2. 4. According to the elapsed time from the switching,
The software distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the usage fee gradually becomes lower. 5. When the latest version of the software of the plurality of types of software is switched to the older version of the software, the usage fee of the older version software is free according to the elapsed time from the switching. The software distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The software distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the user terminal can download the online document for the software of the old version via the network. . 7. The software distribution system according to claim 6, wherein downloading of the online document for the software of the old version is charged. 8. The user terminal can be made to download a manual for the old version of the software via the network.
The software distribution system according to claim 7. 9. The software distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the number of registration target persons registered by the registration means is limited to a specific number. 10. The software distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the service for downloading the old version is performed only in a predetermined period from the start of the service in the network. 11. The computer according to any one of claims 1 to 1.
A program for operating the software distribution system according to any of 0. 12. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 11 is recorded. 13. A software distribution method for distributing a plurality of types of software to a user terminal connected via a network, wherein personal information of the user is registered when the user terminal accesses the user terminal. And registering the personal information in the registration step, it is possible to cause the user terminal to download an old version of the software other than the latest version from among the plurality of types of software. , Software distribution method.