JP2006031455A - Software update system and method of mobile terminal using e-mail, and server system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce traffic by mutual exchange of mails by automatically performing update of programs of a mobile terminal without requesting distribution of difference data of update program to a server side from the mobile terminal. <P>SOLUTION: A difference management server 22 creates program difference data for every difference of version number and saves it in a difference information database 221, and distributes an e-mail including one or more program difference data created to the mobile terminal 1 via a mail server 21. Upon receiving the e-mail, the mobile terminal 1 extracts program difference data corresponding to the present program version number of an own terminal from the received e-mail, and performs update of programs of the own terminal based on extracted program difference data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a software update system and method in a mobile terminal capable of sending and receiving electronic mail, and a server device. In particular, the present invention relates to a software update system and method for updating software built in a portable terminal using an electronic mail transmission / reception function, and a server device.

  Conventionally, as a method for rewriting a client-side program by e-mail from a server that manages an update program using a client-side mobile phone, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-67283 is disclosed. The operation in updating the client-side software in JP-A-2003-67283 will be described. An update program is generated and stored in advance in the Web server. When a user requests a device update program from a mobile phone, the management server transmits a mail text obtained by converting the update program into a character format via the mail server. The mobile phone that has received the mail text converts the mail text back into an update program and passes it to the device. Then, the device rewrites the stored device control software with the update program. After rewriting, the device automatically deletes the received text mail text.

  Further, as a method for transmitting a software difference file by e-mail, for example, it is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-350684. According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-350684, the provider creates a difference file between the software already provided to the client device and the upgraded version of the software, and notifies the client device of a revision notification by e-mail. When the notification is received, the provider transmits the created differential file to the client device by e-mail when a transmission request for the upgraded software is received from the client device. The client device that has received the e-mail upgrades the software using the difference file.

JP 2003-67283 A JP 2001-350684 A

  However, in the above Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-67283, there is a problem that traffic increases because it is necessary to always send a software update request mail from a mobile phone to a Web server.

  Further, in the above Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-350684, there is a problem that traffic increases because the provider confirms delivery by e-mail between the provider and the client device before sending the difference file to the client device. .

  On the other hand, in the market, it is considered that the same mobile phone may be upgraded and shipped each time for defect correction or the like. Accordingly, there may naturally be mobile phones with the same mobile phone in the market, but with different versions of programs stored therein. However, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-67283, the Web server can send only an update program of a program corresponding to a single version of the e-mail to the e-mail sent from the provider to the mobile phone. Therefore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-67283 has a problem that an optimal update program cannot be determined and transmitted to the mobile terminal.

  In the above Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-350684, only a difference file of a program corresponding to a single version of an e-mail can be sent to an e-mail sent from a provider to a mobile phone. Therefore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-350684 has a problem that it is impossible to determine the optimum difference data and transmit it to the mobile terminal.

  An object of the present invention has been made in view of at least one of the above-described problems, and the portable terminal is automatically connected without requesting the server side to distribute the difference data of the update program. By updating the program, it is to reduce the traffic caused by the exchange of mail between each other.

  Another object of the present invention has been made in view of at least one of the above-mentioned problems, and the difference to be transmitted without confirming with the transmission destination before transmitting the difference data of the update program. The procedure is to be simplified by updating the program of the portable terminal with data.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first software update system of the present invention is a software update system including a server that manages update of a program of a plurality of portable terminals, and the server is provided for each difference in version number. A first means including a storage means for generating and storing program difference data (corresponding to the difference management server 22 and the difference information database 221) and the one or more of the generated program difference data for the portable terminal Distribution means (corresponding to the mail server 21 and the user information database 211) for distributing mail, and when the portable terminal receives the first electronic mail, the portable terminal is based on the current program version number of the terminal. Extraction means for extracting the program difference data corresponding to the version number from the first e-mail (to the control unit 12 ) And has a updating means for updating the own terminal program based on program differential data the extracted (corresponding to the controller 12 and the ROM 17), characterized in that it has a.

  The second software update system of the present invention is a software update system including a server that manages program updates of a plurality of mobile terminals, and the server has a differential data creation instruction for the mobile terminals. Storage means (corresponding to the difference management server 22 and the difference information database 221) for creating and storing difference data including version difference identification information and program difference data for identifying the difference between the version numbers for each version number difference; When there is an instruction to update the program of the portable terminal, the distribution means (mail server 21 and user information) that distributes the first electronic mail including the created one or more of the difference data to the portable terminal Corresponding to the database 211), and the portable terminal receives the first e-mail, and Extracting the version difference identification information corresponding to the version number from the received first e-mail based on the version number of the ram and extracting the program difference data corresponding to the identified version difference identification information Means (corresponding to the control unit 12) and update means (corresponding to the control unit 12 and the ROM unit 17) for updating the program of the own terminal based on the extracted program difference data.

  The first or second software update system further includes a connection server that relays between the Internet network and the wireless network, and the connection server is connected to the server when a session is established from the mobile terminal to the self-connection server. And instructing means (corresponding to the wireless network 901) for instructing the terminal to update the program.

  Further, in the first or second software update system, the server inputs an instruction to input a program update instruction to the terminal by causing the selection of a model name for which the version number is to be increased. Means (corresponding to the difference management server 22 and the display unit 225).

  Further, in the first or second software update system, the server can input a program name to the terminal by inputting a model name to be upgraded and selection of the terminal corresponding to the model name. It is characterized by having instruction input means (corresponding to the difference management server 22 and the display unit 225) for inputting an update instruction.

  Furthermore, in the first or second software update system described above, when the portable terminal updates the program of its own terminal by the first electronic mail, a completion notice is notified by a second electronic mail indicating completion of the update. Means (corresponding to the control unit 12), and the server manages the version number of the program by storing the second electronic mail as the updated version number of the mobile terminal that has received the notification. Management means (corresponding to the mail server 21 and the user information database 211).

  Further, in the first or second software update system described above, when the server does not receive the second electronic mail, the server retransmits the first electronic mail to a portable terminal that has no update completion notification. (Corresponding to the difference management server 22, the mail server 21, and the user information database 221).

  Furthermore, in the first or second software update system, the distribution unit receives a second e-mail indicating update completion in the past, and stores the received update completion as a version number of the current program. Then, the program difference data corresponding to the difference between the version number of the program to be updated and the current program version number among the plurality of program difference data saved by the saving means is delivered by e-mail (mail server 21). , Difference management server 22, user information database 211, and difference information database 221).

  Furthermore, in the first or second software update system described above, if the distribution update target is an individual of the mobile terminal, the distribution means is an e-mail address corresponding to the individual mobile terminal instructed It is characterized by being delivered to the destination (corresponding to the difference management server 22 and the mail server 21).

  Furthermore, in the first or second software update system described above, the distribution unit corresponds to the model of the portable terminal that is instructed if the program update instruction targets are all models of the portable terminal. It is characterized by delivering to all e-mail addresses corresponding to all the mobile terminals (corresponding to the difference management server 22, the mail server 21, and the user information database 221).

  Further, in the first or second software update system, the program difference data is attached to the electronic mail as a binary difference update file.

  Furthermore, in the first or second software update system described above, the program difference data is included as text data in the body of the electronic mail.

  Further, in the first or second software update system, the difference in the version number is managed for each model of the mobile terminal, and the latest version number of the program of the model and the version of each previous generation program. It is characterized by a difference from the number.

  The first server device according to the present invention is a server device that manages program updates of a plurality of portable terminals, and stores and creates program difference data for each version number difference, and the portable terminal. A delivery means for delivering the first electronic mail including the created one or more of the program difference data, and a version number of the program of the current terminal by sending the first electronic mail. Updating means for extracting the program difference data corresponding to the version number from the first electronic mail and updating the program of the own terminal based on the extracted program difference data. It is a feature.

  The second server device of the present invention is a server device that manages the update of a program of a plurality of portable terminals, and when there is a difference data creation instruction of the portable terminal, the version number for each version number difference When there is an instruction to update and save the difference data including the version difference identification information and the program difference data for identifying the difference, and the update of the program of the portable terminal, the created for the portable terminal A distribution means for distributing a first electronic mail including one or a plurality of the difference data, and a version number of a program of the current terminal by transmitting the first electronic mail to the portable terminal in the previous period; Identifying the version difference identification information corresponding to the version number from the first email, extracting the program difference data corresponding to the identified version difference identification information, and extracting the program difference data It is characterized by having a updating means for updating the own terminal program based on program differential data.

  Further, in the first or second server device, the mobile terminal receives a second e-mail indicating completion of update after updating the program of the own terminal by the first e-mail; And managing means for managing the version number of the program as the version number after the program update of the mobile terminal that has received the notification when the electronic mail of No. 2 is received.

  Furthermore, the first or second server device described above further includes a retransmission unit that resends the first e-mail to a portable terminal that does not receive an update completion notification when the second e-mail is not received. It is said.

  Further, in the first or second server apparatus, the distribution means may receive a second electronic mail indicating update completion in the past and store the received update completion as a version number of the current program. For example, the program difference data corresponding to the difference between the version number of the program to be updated and the current program version number among the plurality of program difference data stored by the storage unit is distributed by e-mail.

  Furthermore, in the first or second server device, the distribution means is configured to send an e-mail address corresponding to an individual mobile terminal for which the instruction has been given if an object of a program update instruction is the individual mobile terminal. It is characterized by being delivered to.

  Furthermore, in the first or second server device, if the distribution update target is all the models of the portable terminal, all of the distribution means correspond to the model of the portable terminal that has been instructed. It distributes to all the mail addresses corresponding to the said portable terminal.

  Further, in the first or second server apparatus, the program difference data is attached to the electronic mail as a binary difference update file.

  Further, in the first or second server device, the program difference data is included as text data in a body of the electronic mail.

  Further, in the first or second server device, the difference between the version numbers is managed for each model of the portable terminal, and the latest version number of the program of the model and the version number of each previous generation program. It is characterized by the difference between

  The first software update method of the present invention is a software update method including a server that manages program updates of a plurality of portable terminals, and the server creates program difference data for each version number difference. Storing and storing, a step in which the server distributes the first electronic mail including the created one or more program difference data to the mobile terminal to a plurality of mobile terminals, and the mobile terminal Receiving the first e-mail, extracting the program difference data corresponding to the version number from the first e-mail based on the version number of the program of the current terminal; And updating the program of the terminal itself based on the extracted program difference data.

  The second software update method of the present invention is a software update method provided with a server that manages program updates of a plurality of mobile terminals, and the server has a differential data creation instruction for the mobile terminals. Creating and storing difference data including version difference identification information and program difference data for identifying the difference between the version numbers for each version difference, and the server instructing to update the program of the portable terminal When the mobile terminal receives the first electronic mail, the step of delivering the first electronic mail including the created one or more of the difference data to the mobile terminal, The version difference identification information corresponding to the version number is identified from the received first e-mail based on the version number of the program of its own terminal, and the identified version difference identification information is identified. Extracting the program differential data corresponding to the portable terminal, it is characterized in that it comprises a step of updating the own terminal program based on program differential data the extracted.

  Further, in the first or second software update method, the server further comprises a connection server that relays between the Internet network and the wireless network, and the connection server sends a connection to the server when establishing a session from the mobile terminal to the self-connection server. And a step of instructing the terminal to update the program.

  Further, in the first or second software update method, the server causes the terminal to input a program update instruction to the terminal by selecting a model name to be upgraded. It is characterized by including.

  Furthermore, in the first or second software update method, the server inputs a model name for which the version number is to be increased and selection of the terminal corresponding to the model name, thereby allowing the program to the terminal. The method includes a step of inputting an update instruction.

  Furthermore, in the first or second software update method described above, when the portable terminal updates the program of its own terminal by the first electronic mail, a notification is sent by a second electronic mail indicating completion of the update; And the server managing the version number of the program by storing it as the version number after the program update of the mobile terminal that has received the notification when receiving the second e-mail. .

  Furthermore, in the first or second software update method, when the server does not receive the second e-mail, the step of resending the first e-mail to a portable terminal that has no update completion notification. It is characterized by including.

  Further, if the server has received a second e-mail indicating completion of update in the past and stored the received update completion as the version number of the current program, the server can store a plurality of stored program difference data. The method includes a step of distributing by e-mail program difference data corresponding to a difference between the version number of the program to be updated and the current program version number.

  Further, in the first or second software update method described above, if the target of the program update instruction is an individual of the mobile terminal, the server is addressed to an email address corresponding to the specified mobile terminal. It is characterized by including the step to deliver to.

  Furthermore, in the first or second software update method described above, if the target of the program update instruction is all the models of the portable terminal, all of the servers corresponding to the model of the portable terminal instructed And delivering to all mail addresses corresponding to the mobile terminal.

  Furthermore, in the first or second software update method, the program difference data is attached to the electronic mail as a binary difference update file.

  Furthermore, in the first or second software update method, the program difference data is included as text data in a body of the electronic mail.

  Further, in the first or second software update method, the difference between the version numbers is managed for each model of the portable terminal, and the latest version number of the program of the model and the version of the program of each previous generation. It is characterized by a difference from the number.

  As described above, in the present invention, the server creates program difference data for each version number difference, and transmits an electronic mail including the created plurality of program difference data to the mobile terminal. Further, when the mobile terminal receives the e-mail, it extracts the program difference data corresponding to the version number from the received e-mail based on the current version number of the program of the own terminal, and the own terminal based on the extracted program difference data I try to manage program updates. Therefore, the present invention has an effect that the program can be automatically upgraded without a user operation and without requesting an e-mail including program difference data from the portable terminal to the server. . Therefore, traffic due to mutual mail exchange can be reduced.

  In the present invention, the server creates program difference data for each version number difference, and transmits an e-mail including the created plurality of program difference data to the portable terminal. Further, when the mobile terminal receives the e-mail, it extracts the program difference data corresponding to the version number from the received e-mail based on the current version number of the program of the own terminal, and the own terminal based on the extracted program difference data I try to manage program updates. Therefore, the present invention has the effect of simplifying the procedure without requiring the server to be aware of the version number of the program of the delivery destination mobile terminal when delivering the electronic mail.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration within the mobile terminal 1 of FIG.

  2 includes a wireless unit 11, a control unit 12, an audio signal processing unit 13, an LCD unit 14, a key input unit 15, a receiver / microphone unit 16, a ROM unit 17, and a RAM 18 unit. It consists of.

  The wireless unit 11 transmits and receives to and from the other party via a wireless network.

  The control unit 12 operates under program control by a CPU (not shown). That is, the control unit 12 operates this terminal by various programs written in the ROM unit 17 in advance.

  The audio signal processing unit 13 converts an audio signal blown from the microphone of the receiver / microphone unit 16 into a digital signal, or converts the received digital signal into an audio signal sent to the receiver / microphone unit 16.

  The LCD unit 14 displays information such as various messages to the user under the control of the control unit 12.

  The key input unit 15 inputs various information input by the user or various instructions at the time of a call to the control unit 12.

  The receiver / microphone unit 16 outputs an audio signal converted from a digital signal by the audio signal processing unit 13 or inputs an audio signal.

  The ROM unit 17 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory that cannot be rewritten by a normal user operation. Various programs of the portable terminal 1 itself necessary for the operation of the control unit 12 are written in the ROM unit 17 in advance. Various programs stored in the ROM unit 17 at the time of shipment are managed as one program, and are subject to program update by the difference management server 22 (see FIG. 1). In the ROM unit 17, for example, a program whose unified version is Ver1.0 is stored in advance together with the version.

  The RAM unit 18 is a volatile memory such as a RAM that can be read and written. The RAM unit 18 is allocated with an area for temporarily storing work data when the control unit 12 performs various operations and an area for temporarily storing setting information from the user. It has been.

  Next, an example of a system configuration in the case where the software built in the portable terminal is updated using the electronic mail transmission / reception function will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This system includes a mobile terminal 1 such as a mobile phone or PHS, a wireless network 901 such as a mobile phone network, and a dedicated server 2 that provides a software update service for the mobile terminal 1. The wireless network 901 in this case includes a base station and an exchange station in the mobile phone system, and further includes a connection server that relays the mobile phone system and the Internet. Therefore, the mobile terminal 1 can be connected to the dedicated server 2 that is a direct communication partner via the wireless network 901.

  The dedicated server 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of servers, and includes a mail server 21 and a difference management server 22. In practice, the mail server 21 and the mail server 22 are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network), and the mail server 21 operates under the control of the difference management server 22.

  The mail server 21 in FIG. 1 is an information processing device such as a server device, a workstation, or a personal computer that operates under program control by a processor (CPU) (not shown). The mail server 21 creates an email header according to an instruction from the difference management server 22, adds the body of the email (including program difference data) created by the difference management server 2 to the created header, and Delivered to the terminal 1. The mail server 21 has a user information database 211 that manages a mail address of a transmission destination of program difference data.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration outline of the user information database 211. In the user information database 211, areas such as a user ID, a mail address, model identification information, fixed identification information, and a program version number are assigned to each user who has contracted with a wireless communication company. In the user ID area, user identification information contracted with a wireless communication company is stored. A mail address of a user corresponding to the mobile terminal 1 is stored in the mail address area. In the model identification information area, the manufacturer name of the mobile terminal 1 and the model name of the mobile terminal 1 are stored. In the area of the fixed identification information, an identification number (for example, a manufacturing number) for identifying each mobile terminal 1 is stored. The program version number area stores the current program version number of the portable terminal 1 of the model name owned by the user. If the version number is unknown, the program version area is left blank. It has become.

  The difference management server 22 in FIG. 1 is an information processing device such as a server device, a workstation, or a personal computer that operates under program control by a processor (CPU) (not shown). The difference management server 22 includes a difference information database 221 for each model identification information, a program storage unit 222, a timer unit 223, a RAM unit 224, and a display unit 225. The difference information database 211 stores, for each version difference identification information, difference information between the program written in the ROM unit 17 of the mobile terminal 1 sold in the market and the latest version of the program to be updated. Has been. In the program storage unit 222, programs of each version number are stored for each model identification information. That is, the program storage unit 222 stores each generation of programs for each model identification information. Note that the program in this case is a collection of various programs stored in the ROM unit 17 of the mobile terminal 1, and the difference management server 22 combines the various programs of the mobile terminal 1 into one. Management of version upgrade of the program is performed using the difference information database 211.

  The difference information database 221 and the program storage unit 222 are allocated to a certain area in a nonvolatile recording medium device (for example, a magnetic disk) (not shown).

  FIG. 3A shows a configuration example of the difference information database 221. This difference information database 221 exists for each model identification information (manufacturer name, model name), and each difference information database 221 includes an area for version difference identification information and an update for each version difference identification information. An area for the previous version number, an area for the updated version number, and an area for program difference data are allocated. In the version number difference identification information area, information indicating the identification of the difference in the version number of the program of the mobile terminal 1 is stored. The version number before update of the program of the portable terminal 1 is stored in the area of the version number before update. The updated version number area stores the updated version number of the program of the mobile terminal 1. In the program difference data area, the difference data of the program of the mobile terminal 1 is stored. A storage destination address may be set in the program difference data area, and the program difference data may be stored in the set address destination area.

  FIG. 3B is an example of difference data management of a program managed by the difference information database 221 of the difference management server 22. As shown in FIG. 3B, in the difference information database 221, there are a plurality of program difference data of the portable terminal 1 with certain model identification information (manufacturer name, model name). For example, in order to improve the quality of the mobile terminal 1, there may be a case where the program is upgraded by several running changes. In a specific example of the present invention, the version of the program written so far in the ROM unit 17 of the mobile terminal 1 is Ver1.0, Ver1.1, or Ver1.2, and the mobile terminal 1 It is assumed that it is being sold with the version changed. That is, in the mobile terminal 1 sold on the market, there are only three versions of the program written in the ROM unit 17. On the other hand, it is assumed that the program of the mobile terminal 1 has been modified, and this time, the program of the ROM unit 17 must be upgraded to Ver2.0. Then, in this case, the difference data of the program managed by the difference management server 22 exists only in combination of the three versions of the program of the mobile terminal 1 sold in the market and the version of the program to be upgraded this time. To do. That is, the difference data of the program due to the modification of the program is 3 of the difference data from Ver1.0 to Ver2.0, the difference data from Ver1.1 to Ver2.0, and the difference data from Ver1.2 to Ver2.0. There are types. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the difference management server 2 has three types of version difference identification information as shown in FIG. An identification number is automatically generated and stored in the version number difference identification information area in the difference information database 221. Furthermore, the difference management server 22 extracts the above three types of program difference data at the time of creating difference data, stores the extracted data in the area of program difference data corresponding to the version difference identification information in the difference information database 221, and updates the difference data. Register the corresponding version number in the previous version number area and the updated version number area.

  Next, an example of the format of an e-mail text for realizing the present invention on the portable terminal 1 will be described. FIG. 5 shows the electronic data sent from the difference management server 22 of the dedicated server 2 to the portable terminal 1 when the difference management server 22 of the dedicated server 2 upgrades the program written in the ROM unit 17 of the portable terminal 1. An example of the mail text format is shown. The e-mail body is composed of a plurality of items, and is composed of a header part and a plurality of difference data parts. As an example, a case where the three types of difference data described above exist will be described.

  The header part in the e-mail body is fixed to “ProgramVerUP” and is always added to the beginning (header) of the e-mail body. The portable terminal 1 detects “ProgramVerUP”, which is header information in the body of the email, and identifies that the email is a program upgrade email. The difference data parts 1 to 3 are actual program difference data for performing an actual version upgrade. The difference data section 1 shows difference data of Ver1.0 → Ver2.0, and is composed of “[Ver1.0 → Ver2.0]” which is a fixed character string and “21ewweiiewqojjjwqwqhjdjkjdkwwwdjkhjdahjdadjjeiiewqewo” which is a variable character string. The The former character string in parentheses is a character string (Ver difference identification information) for identifying the fact that the data of the difference data portion is Ver1.0 → Ver2.0. The latter is program difference data for actually changing the program from Ver1.0 to Ver2.0, and the binary program difference data is encoded in the BASE64 format and pasted in the e-mail body. If the difference data is illegally encoded, the entire difference data portion 1 is invalidated and the process is ignored. The difference data parts 2 and 3 have the same configuration as the difference data part 1, and the difference data (version number difference identification information, program difference data) from Ver1.1 to Ver2.0 and Ver1.2 to Ver2.0, respectively. ).

  The communication function provided by the mobile terminal 1 includes a voice call function with another mobile terminal 1 via a wireless network 901 which is a wireless communication line, and access to a Web server via a wireless line interconnected with the Internet. There are three types of functions: a function capable of transmitting and receiving e-mails via a wireless line interconnected with the Internet. An email is composed of an email header part and an email body. However, the email header part other than the email body and the communication procedure (protocol) of the email are not particularly mentioned, and a known technique is used. Shall be used.

  Next, the operation of the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, an example of the operation of the present invention will be described based on the premise that the program of the portable terminal 1-1 having a model name of a certain manufacturer is updated for easy understanding.

  It is assumed that the program stored in the ROM unit 17 of the portable terminal 1-1 is Ver1.0. However, it is assumed that the programs of all the mobile terminals 1 having the same model name as the mobile terminal 1-1 are not Ver 1.0 but Ver 1.1 or Ver 1.2. In this case, the programs of Ver 1.0, Ver 1.1, and Ver 1.2 are already stored in the program storage unit 222 in the difference management server 22.

  Further, it is assumed that a Ver2.0 program after the current version upgrade is prepared and stored in the program storage unit 222 in the difference management server 22.

  After the program Ver2.0 is completed and stored in the program storage unit 222, the administrator of the dedicated server 2 extracts difference information by upgrading the program to Ver2.0. Therefore, for example, the administrator performs a screen operation using a keyboard or a mouse connected to the difference management server 22 (not shown) according to a menu screen displayed on the display unit 225 of the difference management server 22. That is, the administrator selects “Extract Difference Information” using the keyboard or mouse in accordance with the menu screen, and then the model name and the latest version are displayed on the screen so that the administrator can execute “Extract Difference Information”. Enter Ver2.0. Then, the difference management server 22 first extracts the difference between the Ver 2.0 program read from the program storage unit 222 and the Ver 1.0 program read from the program storage unit 222. In this case, the extracted program difference information is obtained by extracting a portion that does not match. For example, address information (including information that can be added or replaced can be identified in the address) and a program corresponding to the address And step information. At this time, for example, the difference management server 22 automatically generates Ver1.0 → Ver2.0, which is version number difference identification information, so that the difference version number can be identified. The difference management server 22 automatically generates Ver1.0 → Ver2.0 in the version difference identification information area of the difference information database 221 of the corresponding model identification information, Ver1.0 in the version number area before update, and the version after update. Ver2.0 is registered (stored) in several areas. Further, the difference management server 22 stores the extracted program difference data in the program difference data area of the difference information database 221.

  Next, as for Ver 1.1 and Ver 1.2, the difference management server 22 extracts the difference data from Ver 2.0 and registers (stores) it in each area of the difference information database 221 as in the case of Ver 1.0. .

  Next, it is assumed that the administrator of the dedicated server 2 upgrades the program to Ver 2.0 (latest version number) for all portable terminals 1 of the model to be upgraded. Therefore, for example, the administrator is connected to the difference management server 22 (not shown) according to a menu screen displayed on the display unit 225 of the difference management server 22 for an instruction to update the program of the portable terminal 1 having a certain model name. Operate the screen using a keyboard or mouse. That is, when “program update instruction” on the menu screen is selected, the difference management server 22 displays a list of manufacturer names and model names to be upgraded, and the manufacturer name and model from each list. Select a name. When the manufacturer name and model name are selected, the difference management server 22 displays and selects “all models” or “model individual” on the display unit 225. Here, the item “all models” is selected as a version upgrade target on the screen on which the administrator is displayed. In this way, the differential management server 22 of the dedicated management server 2 selects and inputs model identification information (manufacturer name, model name) according to the screen operation, so that the mobile terminal 1 corresponding to the manufacturer name and model name can be input. You will be prompted to update the program.

  In this case, the difference management server 22 selects the model identification information (manufacturer name, model name) input on the screen and the presence / absence information for individual correspondence (in this case, “all models” is selected, so “no”). Is temporarily stored in the RAM unit 224. When the difference management server 22 uses model identification information (manufacturer name, model name) and presence / absence information for individual correspondence, the information stored in the RAM unit 224 is read and used. (Step S111 in FIG. 7).

  Thereafter, the difference management server 22 reads each difference data (version number difference) of Ver1.0 → Ver2.0, Ver1.1 → Ver2.0, and Ver1.2 → Ver2.0 from the difference information database 221 of the corresponding model. Read identification information and program difference data). Furthermore, the difference management server 22 converts the read program difference data from a binary format to a BASE64 format text format. (Step S112).

  After the conversion of the program difference data, the difference management server 22 reads the version difference identification information (read from the difference information database 221), which is a fixed character string for identifying the version of the converted program difference data, for each version difference identification information. Add three things). In this way, difference data 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 5 are generated. Thereafter, the difference management server 22 adds a header part to the head (header) of the e-mail body to create an e-mail body as shown in FIG. (Step S113).

  After the e-mail text is created, the difference management server 22 sends the created e-mail text in FIG. 5, the instructed model identification information, the latest version number, and individual correspondence presence / absence information to the mail server 21. Then, the mail server 21 determines whether or not individual correspondence is based on the individual correspondence presence / absence information. (Step S114).

  In step S114, since it is not individually supported, the mail server 21 searches the user information database 211 using the instructed model identification information as a key. When there is matching model identification information, the mail server 21 extracts all the mail addresses corresponding to the model identification information in the user information database 211 from the user information database 211 as transmission destinations. That is, the mail server 21 extracts the mail address corresponding to the model of the portable terminal 1 that has been instructed from the user information database 211 as a transmission destination. (Step S115).

  Furthermore, the mail server 21 sets header information including the mail address extracted for each mail address of the transmission destination and the mail address of the mail server 21 as the transmission source in the header part of the electronic mail. The mail server 21 creates (generates) an email by adding the created email body to each set header portion. The header part in this case is not the header part in the body of the email but the header part of the email. In this way, distribution preparation is performed for all portable terminals 1 of the target model including the portable terminal 1-1. Further, the mail server 21 transmits the generated electronic mail to the wireless network 901, thereby transmitting the electronic mail to all mail addresses extracted from the user information database 211. That is, the mail server 21 instructs the upgrade of the program by e-mail to all the mobile terminals 1 corresponding to the instructed model name. The mail address of the mail server 21 is set in advance in a storage unit (not shown) (for example, a magnetic disk), and is read from this storage unit when used. (Step S116).

  Further, when the transmission of all mails is completed, the mail server 21 notifies the difference management server 22 that the transmission has been completed. Upon receiving the notification, the difference management server 22 sets the model identification information and the latest version number of the program in the interrupt factor register so that the interrupt factor by the timer unit 224 can be known in preparation for the occurrence of a timer interrupt. In this case, the interrupt factor register is assigned to a certain area in the RAM unit 224. Further, the difference management server 22 that has received the notification sets a threshold value in the timer unit 223 so that interrupt processing can be performed after a predetermined time, starts the timer unit 223, and ends the program update instruction processing. The meaning of setting the timer in this case is performed in consideration of the fact that the mobile terminal 1 cannot receive an e-mail due to a reason that the receiving mailbox is not available and cannot be received. Therefore, the mail server 21 can communicate reliably by repeating transmission only to the program-update target portable terminal 1 that could not receive an incoming call. (Step S117).

  Next, the version upgrade process in the portable terminal 1-1 after the above-mentioned e-mail is distributed to all portable terminals 1 of the target model including the portable terminal 1-1 will be described.

  Here, for simplification of explanation, only the portable terminal 1-1 is taken as an example to explain the version upgrade process. In the portable terminal 1-1, as described at the beginning, it is assumed that the program stored in the ROM unit 17 is Ver1.0.

  Assume that an email including the email text of FIG. 5 is sent from the mail server 21 to the mobile terminal 1. Then, when the control unit 12 of the portable terminal 1-1 receives the e-mail in FIG. 5 via the radio unit 11, the control unit 12 detects the header part in the e-mail body in FIG. It is identified that the data is a program upgrade data stored in the ROM unit 17. In this case, the control unit 12 detects a specific fixed character string from the body of the email not only when the email is received but also when another email is received. However, there is no particular problem in the process of setting a specific fixed character string in the title instead of the body of the e-mail and detecting the specific fixed character string from the title when receiving the e-mail. (Steps S201 and S202 in FIG. 10).

  If the header part “ProgramVerUP” is detected from the received e-mail body, the control unit 12 of the portable terminal 1-1 next performs a process of searching for version upgrade data addressed to the terminal itself. That is, the control unit 12 reads the version of the own device stored in the ROM unit 17, and the updated version described in the version difference identification information in the received e-mail body By confirming whether they match, it is confirmed whether it is the latest version. (Steps S203 and S204).

  In step S204, since the program stored in the ROM unit 17 is Ver1.0, the control unit 21 detects a mismatch. Thereafter, the control unit 12 is not the latest version (when the versions do not match), so Ver1.0 is used as a key and the difference data units 1 to 3 in the e-mail body of FIG. Search for version upgrade data. In this case, the control unit 12 detects a fixed character string “[Ver1.0 → Ver2.0]” and identifies that the difference data unit 1 is version-up difference data addressed to the terminal itself. Further, the control unit 12 extracts the variable character string “21ewweiiewqojjjwqwqhjdjkjdkwwwdjkhjdahjdadjjeiiewqewo...” That is actual program difference data from the difference data unit 1. (Step S205).

  Next, since the character string of the extracted program difference data is encoded in the text data in the BASE64 format as described above, the control unit 12 of the portable terminal 1-1 converts it into binary data by decoding. The decoded binary data is temporarily stored in the RAM unit 18. (Step S206).

  Thereafter, the control unit 12 of the portable terminal 1-1 reads the decoded binary data from the RAM unit 18, and upgrades the program stored in the ROM unit 17 using the read binary data. Since this binary data is program difference data from Ver1.0 to Ver2.0, while the program stored in the ROM unit 17 is Ver1.0, the control unit 12 synthesizes these data. That is, the synthesized program is a program upgraded from Ver1.0 to Ver2.0. Further, the control unit 12 rewrites the synthesized program in the ROM unit 17. That is, the program of the ROM unit 17 of the portable terminal 1-1 is upgraded to Ver2.0. (Step S207).

  Furthermore, after rewriting, the control unit 12 of the portable terminal 1-1 returns an e-mail indicating that the version has been updated to the latest version. In this case, for example, the control unit 12 sets “ProgramVer2.0” (indicating that the program is set to Ver2.0) in the header part in the e-mail body. (Step S209).

  If the latest version is obtained in step S204, the control unit 21 discards the received mail. (Step S208).

  Moreover, in the description so far, it demonstrated on the assumption that the program of the ROM part 17 of the portable terminal 1-1 is Ver1.0. However, even if the remaining portable terminal 1 is Ver 1.1 or Ver 1.2, the program from Ver 1.0 to Ver 2.0 is described so that the portable terminal 1 can support Ver 1.1 or Ver 1.2. Performs the same operation as update. That is, the control unit 12 of the mobile terminal 1 can update the program with the same electronic mail text as shown in FIG. 5 without being aware of the program version of the target mobile terminal 1.

  On the other hand, the mail server 21 that has received the update-terminated e-mail checks the header part of the e-mail body to determine whether the received e-mail program update completion notification has been received. (Steps S141 and S142 in FIG. 9).

  If it is “ProgramVer2.0” indicating the end of the update, the mail server 21 searches the user information database 211 using the received destination mail address as a key. As a result of the search, the mail server 21 replaces (sets) the program version number area corresponding to the matched mail address with Ver2.0, and ends the received mail processing. (Step S143).

  That is, the difference management server 22 that has received the update completion notification e-mail from the portable terminal 1-1 stores the version of the program in the user information database 211 as the version number after the program update of the portable terminal 1-1. You will manage the number.

  On the other hand, if the timer unit 223 of the difference management server 22 is too long, a timer interrupt is generated in the CPU in the difference management server 22. Then, the difference management server 22 reads the model identification information corresponding to the interrupt factor and the latest program version from the interrupt factor register of the RAM unit 224, and based on the read model identification information and the latest program version, the mail The server 21 is made to search. The mail server 21 searches the user information database 211 using the model identification information and the latest version number of the program as keys, and checks whether all are the latest Ver. (Steps S121 and S122 in FIG. 8).

  In step S122, if all are the latest version, the mail server 21 notifies the difference management server 21 of the result (in this case, all are the latest version). Upon receiving the notification, the difference management server 22 determines that all of the portable terminals 1 corresponding to the model to be updated have become the latest version, and ends the timer interrupt process as it is.

  In step S122, if all are not the latest version, the mail server 21 notifies the difference management server 21 of the result (in this case, all are not the latest version). Upon receiving the notification, the difference management server 21 receives each difference data (version number) of Ver1.0 → Ver2.0, Ver1.1 → Ver2.0, and Ver1.2 → Ver2.0 from the difference information database 221 of the corresponding model. Difference identification information and program difference data). Furthermore, the difference management server 22 converts the read program difference data from a binary format to a BASE64 format text format. (Step S123).

  After the conversion of the program difference data, the difference management server 22 reads the version difference identification information (read from the difference information database 221), which is a fixed character string for identifying the version of the converted program difference data, for each version difference identification information. Add three things). In this way, difference data 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 3 are generated. Thereafter, the difference management server 22 adds a header part to the head (header) of the e-mail body to create an e-mail body as shown in FIG. (Step S124).

  Thereafter, the mail server 21 searches the user information database 211 using the instructed model identification information as a key. If there is matching model identification information, the mail server 21 sends the corresponding mail if the contents of the program version number area corresponding to the model identification information in the user information database 211 are not the latest version number instructed. The address is extracted from the user information database 211 as a transmission destination. That is, the mail server 21 extracts the corresponding mail address from the user information database 211 as a transmission destination if the model of the portable terminal 1 that has been instructed is not the latest version. (Step S125).

  Further, the mail server 21 sets the header information including the mail address extracted for each destination mail address and the mail address of the mail server 21 as the transmission source in the header part of the email, and is created in each header part. The e-mail is generated by adding the e-mail body. The header part in this case is not the header part in the body of the email but the header part of the email. In this way, preparation for distribution is performed for all portable terminals 1 that are the latest version of the target model including the portable terminal 1-1. Further, the mail server 21 transmits the generated e-mail to the wireless network 901, thereby transmitting e-mail to all e-mail addresses that are not the latest version extracted from the user information database 211 (in this case, resend and Become). That is, the mail server 21 instructs the version upgrade of the program by e-mail to the mobile terminals 1 addressed to all mail addresses that are not the latest version corresponding to the instructed model name. The mail address of the mail server 21 is set in advance in a storage unit (not shown) (for example, a magnetic disk), and is read from this storage unit when used. (Step S126).

  Further, when the transmission of all mails is completed, the mail server 21 notifies the difference management server 22 that the transmission has been completed. The model identification information and the latest version number of the program are set in the interrupt factor register so that the interrupt factor by the timer unit 224 can be known in case a timer interrupt occurs. In this case, the interrupt factor register is assigned to a certain area in the RAM unit 224. Further, the difference management server 22 that has received the notification sets a threshold value in the timer unit 223 so that interrupt processing can be performed after a predetermined time, starts the timer unit 223, and ends the program update instruction processing. (Step S127).

  As described above, by using the timer function, the difference management server 22 sends an e-mail for program update only to the portable terminal 1 in which the information of the program version number area of the user information database 211 is not the latest version via the mail server 21. To resend. Therefore, the dedicated server 2 can update the program of the mobile terminal 1 at some time even if the mobile terminal 1 has not temporarily received the update e-mail.

  In the description of the program update instruction from the display unit 225 of the difference management server 22 described above, it has been described that the difference management server 22 performs processing from step S111 after the program update instruction. However, after the program update instruction from the display unit 225, the difference management server 22 may perform the processing after step S111 in FIG. Therefore, in this case, when there is a program update instruction, it is needless to say that the program update instruction includes a difference data creation instruction. Also, when there is a program update instruction, the difference management server 22 displays on the screen whether or not the difference data creation instruction is valid, and performs the difference data creation process only when it is set to be valid by the administrator. You may do it.

  In the above description, the operation when the program is updated to the latest version has been described for all mobile terminals 1 to be upgraded. Next, the operation in the case of upgrading to only the individual mobile terminal 1 will be described.

  Now, the administrator of the dedicated server 2 is connected to the difference management server 22 (not shown) according to the menu screen displayed on the display unit 225 of the difference management server 22 for an instruction to update the program of the portable terminal 1 of a certain model name. Operate the screen using a keyboard or mouse. That is, when “program update instruction” on the menu screen is selected, the difference management server 22 displays a list of manufacturer names and model names to be upgraded, and the manufacturer name and model from each list. Select a name. When the manufacturer name and model name are selected, the difference management server 22 displays “all models” or “model-specific” on the display unit 225 for selection. When the item “model-specific” is selected as the version upgrade target, the difference management server 22 displays a screen that prompts the display unit 225 to input an email address corresponding to the mobile terminal 1 that is desired to be upgraded. According to the screen, the administrator inputs an email address (or a plurality of email addresses). In this way, the differential management server 22 of the dedicated management server 2 selects and inputs model identification information (manufacturer name and model name) for performing version upgrade according to the screen operation, and further corresponds to the model identification information. By selecting and inputting the e-mail address, the manufacturer name, model name, and program update instruction to the portable terminal 1 corresponding to the model name to be upgraded are input.

  Note that the difference management server 22 has model identification information (manufacturer name, model name) input on the screen and presence / absence information for individual correspondence (in this case, “individual” is selected, so “present”). And the mail address list are temporarily stored in the RAM unit 224. When the difference management server 22 uses model identification information (manufacturer name, model name), presence / absence information for individual correspondence, and a mail address list, the information stored in the RAM unit 224 is read and used. (Step S111 in FIG. 7).

  Thereafter, the difference management server 22 creates an e-mail text by performing the processes of steps S112 and S113 in FIG. In this case, the processes in steps S112 and S113 are the same as the processes in steps S111 and S112 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  After creating the e-mail text, the difference management server 22 sends the created e-mail text in FIG. 5, the model identification information instructed, the latest version number, presence / absence information for individual correspondence, and a mail address list to the mail server 21. Then, the mail server 21 determines whether it is an individual correspondence based on the received individual correspondence presence / absence information. (Step S114).

  In step S114, for individual correspondence, the mail server 21 uses the header information including all the mail addresses in the mail address list to be the destination mail address and the mail address of the mail server 21 to be the sender as an email header. To the header, and the created e-mail text is added to each header to generate an e-mail. The header part in this case is not the header part in the body of the email but the header part of the email. In this way, preparation for distribution is performed for all the mobile terminals 1 individually designated by the target model including the mobile terminal 1-1. Further, the mail server 21 transmits the generated electronic mail to the wireless network 901, thereby transmitting the electronic mail to all mail addresses in the mail address list. That is, the mail server 21 instructs the individual mobile terminal 1 that has been instructed to upgrade the program by e-mail. The mail address of the mail server 21 is set in advance in a storage unit (not shown) (for example, a magnetic disk), and is read from this storage unit when used. (Step S118).

  Furthermore, when the mail server 21 finishes transmitting all the individual mails that have been instructed, it notifies the difference management server 22 that the transmission has ended. Then, the difference management server 22 ends the program update instruction process.

  On the other hand, the operation of the mobile terminal 1 that receives the e-mail sent by the mail server 21 is steps S201 to S210 in FIG. 10, but the description is omitted because it is the same as the operation of the mobile terminal 1 in the program update process for all models. .

  Regarding the operation of upgrading the version only to the individual portable terminal 1 in the above description, the administrator of the dedicated server 2 is an explanation about the program update by the program update instruction of the portable terminal 1 of a certain model name. Next, an operation in the case of individually upgrading the version of the connected mobile terminal 1 when the connection server in the communication network 901 is accessed by the mobile terminal 1 accessing the Internet or the like will be described.

  Now, using the mobile terminal 1, the user inputs a URL by a screen operation from the menu screen displayed on the LCD unit 14, and starts to connect to the Internet. Then, the mobile terminal 1 first establishes a session (establishes a communication path) between the mobile terminal 1 and the connection server by transmitting a connection establishment request (Internet connection request) to the connection server in the wireless network 901. To connect. Further, the connected connection server connects to the Internet designated by the URL. In this case, a communication path is established between the Internet specified in the URL and the requested portable terminal 1, and the user performs a series of screen operations according to the contents displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 1, thereby exchanging the Internet. I do. On the other hand, in parallel with the above operation, when the connection server in the wireless network 901 requests connection from the terminal 1, the connection server in the wireless network 901 receives a fixed identification number (from the connection establishment request packet received from the portable terminal 1). (Production number) is extracted. Further, the connection server in the wireless network 901 instructs the mail server 21 in the dedicated server 2 to update the program of the portable terminal 1 having the fixed identification number (in this case, the fixed identification number is attached). In other words, when the connection server in the wireless network 901 establishes a session from the mobile terminal 1 to the self-connection server, the dedicated server 2 instructs the mobile terminal 1 that has established the session to update the program. Become.

  Then, the mail server 21 that has received the update instruction extracts a fixed identification number from the received update instruction, and searches the user information database 211 based on the extracted fixed identification number, thereby mail address corresponding to the fixed identification number. And model identification information are extracted. Further, the mail server 21 instructs the difference management server 22 to update the program by attaching the extracted mail address and model identification information.

  Upon receiving the update instruction, the difference management server 22 temporarily stores the received model identification information (manufacturer name, model name), presence / absence information for individual correspondence, and mail address (as a mail address list) in the RAM unit 224. Store. In this case, the presence / absence information for individual correspondence is “present” because “individual model” is selected. When the difference management server 22 uses model identification information (manufacturer name, model name), presence / absence information for individual correspondence, and a mail address list, the information stored in the RAM unit 224 is read and used. Become. (Step S111 in FIG. 7).

  The subsequent processing is the same as the operation of steps S112 to S118 described for updating the program in response to the program update instruction of the portable terminal 1 of the model name with the administrator of the dedicated server 2, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  The dedicated server 2 may perform the process of step S300 of FIG. 11 instead of the process of steps S115 to S116 of FIG. 7 described above (that is, the e-mail transmission process of step S300 of FIG. 7). In addition, the dedicated server 2 may perform the process of step S400 of FIG. 11 instead of the process of steps S125 to S126 of FIG. 8 (that is, the e-mail transmission process of step S400 of FIG. 8). The operation of step S300 or S400 (S301 to S306) of the dedicated server 2 at this time is shown below.

  That is, the mail server 21 of the dedicated server 2 extracts the mail address and the version number as the transmission destination of the user information database 211 in order from the head using the instructed model identification information as a key. In this case, if not extracted, the mail server 21 proceeds to the operation of step S307. (Steps S301 and S302 in FIG. 11).

  The mail server 21 confirms whether or not the extracted version number is the latest version (the version number of the designated program). (Step S303).

  In step S302, if it is not the latest version, the mail server 21 checks whether the extracted version number is unknown. In this case, the version number column of the user information database 211 is blank, for example. (Step S304).

  If it is unknown in step S303, the mail server 21 sets header information including the extracted mail address and the mail address of the mail server 21 as the transmission source in the header part of the email, and in the header part in step S113. An email is generated by adding the created email body. Furthermore, the mail server 21 transmits the created e-mail addressed to the extracted e-mail address. The mail address of the mail server 21 is set in advance in a storage unit (not shown) (for example, a magnetic disk), and is read from this storage unit when used. (Step S305).

  Further, the mail server 21 confirms whether or not all the processes are completed, and if not completed, the process returns to step S301 in order to move to a process for extracting the next transmission destination and version number. In this way, the mail server 21 repeats the operations in steps S301 to S306 until the search of the user information database 211 is completed. (Step S307).

  In step S303, if the version number is the latest version, the mail server 21 proceeds to the operation in step S307.

  If the version number is not the latest version in step S304, the mail server 21 sets the header information including the extracted mail address and the mail address of the mail server 21 as the transmission source in the header part of the email. Then, the e-mail body created in step S113 is added to the header portion to generate an e-mail. In this case, only the difference data corresponding to the version number extracted by the mail server 21 remains in the e-mail body, and other difference data is deleted. Furthermore, the mail server 21 transmits the created e-mail addressed to the extracted e-mail address. (Step S306).

  As described above in step S300, the dedicated server 2 checks the version number of all the mobile terminals 1 of the target model including the mobile terminal 1-1. Further, the dedicated server 2 sends the difference data corresponding to the version number (version number identification information corresponding to the current old version number, its program difference data) to the portable terminal 1 having the version number that is not the latest version. Send by email. Therefore, the dedicated server 2 can update the program of the mobile terminal 1.

  In the present embodiment described above, centering on the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 10, program difference data converted into text data is placed in the mail body, and an e-mail with a header added to the mail body is sent to the mobile terminal 1. I sent it. However, even if the program difference data is attached to the e-mail as a file for each version identification information, as a result, the sending side (dedicated server 2) converts it into a text format and sends it to the receiving side (mobile phone). Needless to say, the terminal 1) performs a reverse conversion process.

  Further, the description has been made on the assumption that the dedicated server 2 described above includes the mail server 21 and the difference management server 22 in the dedicated server 2. However, the dedicated server 2 is an information processing device such as a server device, a workstation, or a personal computer that operates under program control by a processor (CPU), and the dedicated server 2 itself performs operations of the mail server 21 and the difference management server 22. Also good.

  In the above description, the model identification information is described as one type of manufacturer name and model name, but a plurality of model identification information may be set. As a designation method in this case, for example, in the case of company A's aa model, ab model, B company's ba model, bb model, and bc model, the model identification information is (A, aa), (A, ab) , (B, ba), (B, bb), and (B, bc). Therefore, in such a case, the program is updated by sending the program difference data by electronic mail to the device corresponding to the five identification information. Further, the model identification information may be the model name alone without including the manufacturer name.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the version difference data of the program stored in the ROM unit 17 is described for each version number difference in the e-mail text that can be used by the dedicated server 2 on the portable terminal 1. ing. Further, the mobile terminal 1 extracts necessary program difference data from a plurality of update program difference data from the e-mail body based on the version number of the program of the own terminal after receiving the e-mail. Therefore, in this embodiment, the program can be automatically updated without any user operation. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the program can be automatically updated even if the version of the portable terminal before the update is not the same.

  Further, in the present embodiment, attention is paid to the fact that there are a plurality of versions of the program of the mobile terminal 1 to be updated, and the dedicated server 2 distributes a plurality of difference data on a single e-mail. Yes. Therefore, even if the program version of the delivery destination mobile terminal is unspecified in advance, the present embodiment is efficient in the same e-mail body without being aware of the program version of the delivery destination mobile phone. It is possible to upgrade the program. Therefore, this embodiment leads to an improvement in convenience.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration in the portable terminal of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the difference information database in the difference management server of the exclusive server of FIG. 1, and the image of difference management data. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the user information database in the mail server of a dedicated server. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the structure in the email main body at the time of a program version upgrade. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement when the difference management server of a dedicated server receives the extraction instruction | indication of difference information. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement when the difference management server of a dedicated server receives a program update instruction | indication. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the timer interrupt generation accompanying the difference management server of a dedicated server updating a program. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement when the mail server of a dedicated server receives an email. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement when a portable terminal receives an email. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement (another process of step S300 of FIG. 7, or step 400 of FIG. 8) when the difference management server of a dedicated server receives a program update instruction | indication.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile terminal 2 Dedicated server 11 Radio | wireless part 12 Control part 13 Audio | voice signal processing part 14 LCD part 15 Key input part 16 Receiver / microphone part 17 ROM part 18 RAM part 21 Mail server 22 Difference management server 211 User information database 221 Difference information database 222 Program storage unit 223 Timer unit 224 RAM unit 225 Display unit 901 Wireless network

Claims (36)

A software update system including a server that manages program updates of a plurality of mobile terminals,
The server includes storage means for creating and storing program difference data for each version difference,
A delivery means for delivering a first e-mail including the created one or more of the program difference data to the portable terminal;
An extraction means for extracting the program difference data corresponding to the version number from the first e-mail based on the current version number of the program of the own terminal upon receiving the first e-mail; ,
Updating means for updating the program of the terminal itself based on the extracted program difference data. A software update system including a server that manages program updates of a plurality of mobile terminals,
When there is a difference data creation instruction of the portable terminal, the server creates and stores difference data including version difference identification information for identifying the difference of the version number and program difference data for each difference of the version number Means,
When there is an instruction to update the program of the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal has a distribution unit that distributes the created first e-mail including the created one or more difference data to the mobile terminal,
When the portable terminal receives the first electronic mail, the portable terminal identifies the version number difference identification information corresponding to the version number from the received first electronic mail based on the current version number of the program of the terminal itself. Extracting means for extracting the program difference data corresponding to the identified version number difference identification information;
Updating means for updating the program of the terminal itself based on the extracted program difference data. It has a connection server that relays between the Internet and wireless networks,
3. The software according to claim 1, wherein the connection server includes an instruction unit that instructs the server to update a program to the terminal when a session is established from the portable terminal to the self-connection server. Update system. The server includes an instruction input means for inputting a program update instruction to the terminal by inputting selection of a model name to be upgraded. Or the software update system of 3 description. The server includes an instruction input means for inputting a program update instruction to the terminal by causing the model name to be upgraded and the selection of the terminal corresponding to the model name to be input. The software update system according to claim 1, wherein the software update system is provided. The portable terminal has a completion notification means for notifying by a second e-mail indicating completion of update when the program of the own terminal is updated by the first e-mail,
The server has management means for managing the version number of the program by storing the version number after the program update of the mobile terminal that has received the notification upon receiving the second e-mail in the server. The software update system according to claim 1 or 2. The software update system according to claim 6, wherein the server has a resending unit that resends the first e-mail to a portable terminal that has not received an update completion notification when the second e-mail is not received. . If the distribution unit receives the second e-mail indicating update completion in the past and stores the received update completion as a version number of the current program in its own server, the distribution unit stores a plurality of 3. The software update system according to claim 1, wherein the program difference data corresponding to the difference between the version number of the program difference data to be updated and the current program version number is distributed by e-mail. The distribution means, if the target of a program update instruction is individual for the mobile terminal, distributes to an e-mail address corresponding to the specified individual mobile terminal. Or the software update system of 8. The distribution means distributes to all e-mail addresses corresponding to all the portable terminals corresponding to the model of the portable terminal for which the instruction is given if the program update instruction targets are all the models of the portable terminal. 10. The software update system according to claim 1, 2, 8, or 9. 7. The software update system according to claim 1, 2, or 6, wherein the program difference data is attached to the electronic mail as a binary difference update file. 7. The software update system according to claim 1, wherein the program difference data is included as text data in a body of the electronic mail. The difference in the version number is a difference between the latest version number of the program of the model managed for each model of the portable terminal and the version number of the program of each previous generation. 2. The software update system according to 2. A server device that manages program updates of a plurality of portable terminals,
Storage means for creating and saving program difference data for each version difference;
A delivery means for delivering a first electronic mail including the created one or more program difference data to the portable terminal;
By sending the first e-mail, the program difference data corresponding to the version number is extracted from the first e-mail based on the current version number of the program of the terminal itself, and the extracted program difference And an update unit that updates the program of the terminal based on the data. A server device that manages program updates of a plurality of portable terminals,
When there is a difference data creation instruction of the portable terminal, storage means for creating and storing difference data including version difference identification information and program difference data for identifying the difference of the version number for each difference of the version number;
When there is an instruction to update the program of the portable terminal, a distribution unit that distributes the created one or more first e-mails including the difference data to the portable terminal;
By transmitting the first e-mail to the mobile terminal in the previous period, the version difference identification information corresponding to the version number is identified from the first e-mail based on the version number of the program of the current terminal. And updating means for extracting the program difference data corresponding to the identified version difference identification information and updating the program of the own terminal based on the extracted program difference data. Server device. Receiving means for receiving a second e-mail indicating completion of the update after the portable terminal has updated the program of its own terminal by the first e-mail;
16. The server device according to claim 14, further comprising a management unit that manages a version number of a program as a version number after updating the program of the mobile terminal that has received the notification when the second electronic mail is received. . 17. The server apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a retransmission unit configured to retransmit the first electronic mail to a portable terminal that has not received an update completion notification when the second electronic mail is not received. If the distribution means has received a second e-mail indicating update completion in the past and saved the received update completion as the version number of the current program, a plurality of program difference data saved by the saving means 16. The server apparatus according to claim 14, wherein program difference data corresponding to a difference between a version number of a program to be updated and a current program version number is distributed by electronic mail. The distribution means, if the target of the program update instruction is an individual of the mobile terminal, distributes to an e-mail address corresponding to the specified mobile terminal. Or the server apparatus of 18. The distribution means distributes to all e-mail addresses corresponding to all the portable terminals corresponding to the model of the portable terminal for which the instruction is given if the program update instruction targets are all the models of the portable terminal. 20. The software update system according to claim 14, 15, 18, or 19, wherein: 17. The software update system according to claim 14, 15, or 16, wherein the program difference data is attached to the electronic mail as a binary difference update file. 17. The software update system according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the program difference data is included as text data in a body of the electronic mail. The difference between the version numbers is a difference between the latest version number of the program of the model managed for each model of the mobile terminal and the version number of the program of each previous generation. 15. The software update system according to 15. A software update method comprising a server for managing program updates of a plurality of mobile terminals,
The server creates and stores program difference data for each version difference; and
The server delivering the first e-mail including the created one or more program difference data to the mobile terminal to a plurality of mobile terminals;
When the portable terminal receives the first e-mail, extracting the program difference data corresponding to the version number from the first e-mail based on the version number of the program of the current terminal;
And a step of updating the program of the mobile terminal based on the extracted program difference data. A software update method comprising a server for managing program updates of a plurality of mobile terminals,
When the server has a difference data creation instruction of the portable terminal, a step of creating and storing difference data including version difference identification information for identifying a difference between the version numbers and program difference data for each version difference When,
When the server is instructed to update the program of the mobile terminal, the server delivers the first e-mail including the created one or more difference data to the mobile terminal;
When the portable terminal receives the first e-mail, the version difference identification information corresponding to the version number is identified from the received first e-mail based on the version number of the program of the current terminal. Extracting the program difference data corresponding to the identified version number difference identification information;
And a step of updating the program of the mobile terminal based on the extracted program difference data. It has a connection server that relays between the Internet and wireless networks,
26. The software update according to claim 24 or 25, further comprising a step in which the connection server instructs the server to update the program when the session is established from the portable terminal to the self-connection server. Method. 27. The method according to claim 24, 25, or 26, further comprising a step of causing the server to input a program update instruction to the terminal by inputting selection of a model name to be upgraded. Software update method as described. The server includes a step of inputting a program update instruction to the terminal by causing the server to input a model name to be upgraded and selecting the terminal corresponding to the model name. 27. The software updating method according to claim 24, 25, or 26. When the mobile terminal updates the program of its own terminal by the first e-mail, a notification is made by a second e-mail indicating completion of the update;
The server includes a step of managing the version number of the program by storing the version number after the program update of the portable terminal that has received the notification when the server receives the second e-mail. Item 26. The software update method according to Item 24 or 25. 30. The software update method according to claim 29, further comprising a step of retransmitting the first e-mail to a portable terminal that has not received an update completion notification when the server does not receive the second e-mail. If the server receives a second e-mail indicating completion of update in the past and stores the received update completion as the version number of the current program, it updates the stored program difference data. 26. The software update method according to claim 24, further comprising a step of distributing, by electronic mail, program difference data corresponding to a difference between the version number of the power program and the current program version number. The server includes a step of delivering to a mail address corresponding to an individual mobile terminal for which an instruction has been given, if the target of a program update instruction is the individual mobile terminal. The software update method according to 25 or 31. If the target of the program update instruction is all models of the portable terminal, the server delivers to all e-mail addresses corresponding to all the portable terminals corresponding to the model of the portable terminal instructed. 33. The software updating method according to claim 24, 25, 31, or 32, comprising steps. 32. The software update method according to claim 24, 25, or 31, wherein the program difference data is attached to the electronic mail as a binary difference update file. 32. The software update method according to claim 24, 25, or 31, wherein the program difference data is included as text data in a body of the electronic mail. The difference in version number is a difference between the latest version number of the program of the model managed for each model of the portable terminal and the program version of each previous generation. 25. The software updating method according to 25.

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