JP2008117420A - Data providing method, electronic equipment, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a general user or an information delivery agent to easily provide data to electronic equipment using a code represented by a pattern image, and to improve the convenience of the data provided using the code represented by the pattern image. <P>SOLUTION: A barcode issuing server 30 converts content data received from a development machine 10A of a content provider to a two-dimensional barcode which is optically readable by a cellular phone 50, and returns image data of the two-dimensional barcode to the development machine 10A. The barcode issuing server 30 calculates an issuing charge of two-dimensional barcode according to the reading expiration date of the content data converted to the two-dimensional barcode, the volume of the content data converted to the two-dimensional barcode, or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for providing data to an electronic device using a code represented by an optically readable graphic image such as a barcode.

  A portable electronic device represented by a mobile phone or a PDA has a difficulty in inputting data because of the downsizing of the device, the number of operation keys is small, or the keyboard is downsized.

  For example, a cellular phone has a total of 12 operation keys “0” to “9”, “*”, “#” for performing a call operation, power ON / OFF, operation mode switching, cursor, etc. There are only about 20 operation keys in total, such as several operation keys for instructing movement of the user. A plurality of hiragana characters and roman characters are assigned to specific operation keys such as numeric keys, and the selected character can be switched according to the number of times the operation key is pressed. For this reason, for example, when registering a friend's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, etc. in the mobile phone, the data input operation becomes extremely complicated.

  In order to eliminate such difficulties in data input, there is a mobile phone equipped with a bar code reader that can input data such as name and phone number using a bar code (for example, patents). Reference 1).

JP-A-10-126480

  By the way, in order to provide data to an electronic device having a barcode reading function using the barcode, the data to be provided to the electronic device must be converted into a barcode. Naturally, this requires software and equipment for bar code conversion. For this reason, the number of persons who can provide data to an electronic device using a barcode is very limited. For the above reasons, it has been rarely performed for general users and information distribution companies to convert desired data into bar codes and provide them to electronic devices.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and allows a general user or an information distribution company to easily provide data to an electronic device using a code represented by an icon, and The object is to improve the convenience of the data provided using the code represented by the icon.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to the present invention, a communication device transmits data usable in an electronic device to a code issuing device that issues a code represented by an image that is optically readable by the electronic device. A first step, a second step in which the code issuing device receives the data transmitted in the first step, and converts the data into the code; and the code issuing device in the second step A third process of transmitting the image data of the code converted in the process of the above to the communication device, and the electronic device optically reads the code attached to the article or displayed by the display device, and from the code There is provided a data providing method including a fourth step of decoding data usable in the electronic device.

  According to the present invention, data that a general user or an information distribution company wants to provide to an electronic device is converted into a code represented by a graphic readable by the electronic device by the code issuing device.

  Further, the present invention provides a code reading effective period when the communication device converts data usable in an electronic device and a code represented by an image optically readable by the electronic device. A first process of transmitting the valid period information to the code issuing apparatus that issues the code, and the code issuing apparatus receives the data and the valid period information transmitted in the first process, and A second process of converting the data and valid period information into the code, and a third process in which the code issuing device transmits image data of the code converted in the second process to the communication device; The electronic device optically reads the code attached to an article or displayed by a display device, and uses the data that can be used in the electronic device from the code and the presence A fourth process of decoding period information, and the electronic device acquires a current time and determines that the current time is within an effective period based on the effective period information decoded in the fourth process And providing a data providing method including a fifth step of permitting the use of the data.

  According to the present invention, data that a general user or an information distribution company wants to provide to an electronic device is converted into a code represented by a graphic readable by the electronic device by the code issuing device. In addition, a valid reading period is set for the code.

  According to the present invention, a communication terminal transmits data usable in an electronic device including the communication terminal to a code issuing device that issues a code represented by a graphic image that is optically readable by the electronic device. 1, a second process in which the code issuing device receives the data transmitted in the first step and converts the data into the code, and the code issuing device has the second A third process of transmitting image data of the code converted in the process to the communication terminal; and the communication terminal receives the image data transmitted in the third process, and the code is displayed on a display screen. A fourth step of displaying, and a fifth step of optically reading the code displayed in the fourth step and decoding data usable in the electronic device from the code And have To provide a data providing method.

  According to the present invention, data that a general user or an information distribution company wants to provide to an electronic device is converted into a code represented by a graphic readable by the electronic device by the code issuing device. In addition, data can be exchanged between electronic devices using codes.

  Further, the present invention provides a first process in which the communication terminal optically reads a code represented by an icon and decodes a communication address indicating a location in the network of content associated with the code from the code, A second step in which the communication terminal transmits the communication address decoded in the first step and identification information indicating that the communication address is a communication address read from the code to the relay device; The relay device receives the communication address and the identification information transmitted in the second process, and provides the content stored in association with the communication address, which is specified by the communication address And a third process of relaying communication between the communication terminal and the communication terminal, and the relay apparatus from the code in the third process A fourth process of counting the number of times of relaying the communication based on the captured communication address for each of the communication addresses, and a management apparatus that manages a usage fee of the code in the fourth process. And a fifth step of calculating a usage fee of the code charged to a person who provided the content using the communication device based on the number of relays counted every time.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first process in which a communication terminal optically reads a code represented by a graphic and decodes code identification information for identifying the code from the code; A second process of transmitting the code identification information decoded in the process to the relay apparatus, and the relay apparatus is a communication apparatus associated with the code identification information transmitted in the second process. A communication device that provides content stored in association with the code identification information, a third process of relaying communication with the communication terminal, and the relay device that performs communication in the third process. A fourth process of counting the number of relays for each code identification information, and a management device that manages the code usage fee based on the number of relays counted for each code identification information in the fourth process Before Providing data providing method and a fifth step of calculating the use fee of the code according to the person who provided the content using a communication device.

  The present invention also provides a first process in which a communication terminal optically reads a code represented by a graphic and decodes a communication address and code identification information for identifying the code from the code; A second process of transmitting the communication address and code identification information decoded in the first process to the relay apparatus; and the communication address and code identification information transmitted by the relay apparatus in the second process. A communication device that is identified by the communication address and provides the content associated with the code identification information, a third step of relaying communication with the communication terminal, and the relay A fourth process in which the device counts the number of times the communication has been relayed in the third process for each of the code identification information; and a management apparatus that manages a usage fee of the code. And a fifth step of calculating the code usage fee charged to the person who provided the content using the communication device based on the number of relays counted for each code identification information in the process of Provide a method.

  According to this invention, the management device charges the person who provided the content using the communication device, based on the communication relay number using the communication address and code identification information included in the code represented by the image. Calculate the usage fee for the code to be used.

  The present invention also provides a first process in which a communication terminal optically reads a code represented by a graphic and decodes data usable in the communication terminal and code identification information for identifying the code from the code. The communication terminal transmits the code identification information decoded in the first process to a management apparatus that manages the code, and the management apparatus performs the second process. A third process of receiving the transmitted code identification information, determining whether the code can be used based on information stored in association with the code identification information, and notifying the communication terminal of the determination result; A fourth step of outputting the data decoded in the first step when the communication terminal is permitted to use the code according to the determination result notified in the third step; Providing data providing method having.

  According to the present invention, the availability of the data decoded by the communication terminal from the code represented by the graphic is determined by the management device that manages the code.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first process in which a communication terminal optically reads a code represented by a graphic and decodes code identification information for identifying the code from the code; A second process of transmitting the code identification information decoded in the process to a management apparatus that manages the code, and the management apparatus receives the code identification information transmitted in the second process, A third step of determining whether or not a current time is within a valid period based on valid period information stored in association with the code identification information; and the management device in the third process A fourth process of transmitting, to the communication terminal, a communication address indicating the location of the content in the network, which is stored in association with the code identification information when it is determined that it is within the valid period; Providing data providing method having.

  According to the present invention, the management device that manages the code stores the communication address indicating the location of the content in the network stored in association with the code read by the communication terminal within the effective use period of the code. Only if provided to the communication terminal.

  Further, the present invention provides a first process in which the communication terminal optically reads a code represented by an icon and decodes a communication address indicating a location in the network of content associated with the code from the code, Validity period information indicating a valid period in which a communication terminal is a communication device specified by the communication address decoded in the first process and can use the content in association with the communication address. A second process of communicating with a communication device that stores information, and a validity period in which the communication device acquires a current time, and the current time is associated with a communication address designated by the communication terminal A third step of determining whether or not it is within an effective period based on information; and the communication device is determined to be within an effective period in the third step. A fourth process of reading the content corresponding to the communication address and transmitting the content to the communication terminal; the communication terminal receives the content transmitted in the fourth process; There is provided a data providing method having a fifth step of outputting.

  According to this invention, the communication apparatus provides the communication terminal with the content stored in association with the code read by the communication terminal only when the code is within the effective use period of the code.

  Further, the present invention provides a first process in which the communication terminal optically reads a code represented by an icon and decodes a communication address indicating a location in the network of content associated with the code from the code, A second process in which the communication terminal acquires information indicating the usage status of the communication terminal or information for identifying the communication terminal; and the information acquired by the communication terminal in the second process. A communication device specified by the communication address, which is transmitted to a communication device that stores a plurality of contents in association with the communication address and information indicating a condition for permitting the use of each content. Process and the communication device receives the information transmitted in the third process and reads the information corresponding to the information and the communication address before A fourth step of transmitting to the communication terminal, the communication terminal receives the contents sent by said fourth step, to provide a data providing method and a fifth step of outputting the content.

  In addition, the present invention provides a first process in which the communication terminal optically reads a code represented by an icon and decodes a communication address and code identification information for identifying the code from the code; A second process of acquiring information indicating the usage status of the communication terminal or information for identifying the communication terminal; the code identification information decoded by the communication terminal in the first process; Information acquired in the process 2 is a communication device specified by the communication address, and information indicating a plurality of contents in association with the code identification information and conditions for permitting use of the contents; A third process of transmitting to the communication device storing the code identification information transmitted in the third process and the information acquired in the second process. A fourth step of reading out the content corresponding to the code identification information and the information acquired in the second step and transmitting it to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal in the fourth step A data providing method including a fifth process of receiving the transmitted content and outputting the content.

  Further, the present invention provides a first process in which the communication terminal optically reads a code represented by an icon and decodes a communication address indicating a location in the network of content associated with the code from the code, A second process in which the communication terminal transmits the communication address decoded in the first process to the relay apparatus; and the relay apparatus identifies information indicating the use status of the communication terminal or the communication terminal. A third process of acquiring the information, a fourth process in which the relay apparatus transmits the information acquired in the third process to the communication apparatus specified by the communication address, and the communication apparatus A fifth step of receiving the information transmitted in the fourth step and transmitting the information and the content corresponding to the communication address to the communication terminal; But receiving said content transmitted in a fifth step, to provide a data providing method and a sixth step of outputting the content.

  Further, the present invention provides a first process in which the communication terminal optically reads a code represented by an icon and decodes a communication address indicating a location in the network of content associated with the code from the code, A communication terminal is a communication device specified by the communication address decoded in the first process, and information indicating a plurality of contents in association with the communication address and conditions for permitting the use of each of the contents; A second process of communicating with a communication device storing the information, a third process in which the communication apparatus acquires information indicating a use status of the communication terminal or information for identifying the communication terminal, The communication device reads out the information acquired in the third process and the content corresponding to the communication address, and transmits the content to the communication terminal. And degree, the communication terminal receives the contents sent by said fourth step, to provide a data providing method and a fifth step of outputting the content.

  According to this invention, the communication device responds to information indicating the use status of the communication terminal or information for identifying the communication terminal among the plurality of contents stored in association with the code read by the communication terminal. Providing content to communication terminals.

  Further, the present invention provides a first process in which the communication terminal optically reads a code represented by an icon and decodes a communication address indicating a location in the network of content associated with the code from the code, The communication device is a communication device specified by the communication address decoded in the first process, and a usage condition indicating a plurality of contents and a condition for permitting use of each content in association with the communication address A second step of communicating with a communication device storing information, and the communication device reads out a plurality of contents associated with the communication address and usage condition information thereof and transmits them to the communication terminal Third process, and the communication terminal receives a plurality of contents and usage condition information transmitted in the third process 4, a fifth process in which the communication terminal acquires information indicating the usage status of the communication terminal or information for identifying the communication terminal, and the communication terminal in the fourth process. A data providing method including a sixth step of permitting use of content corresponding to the information acquired in the fifth step among a plurality of received contents is provided.

  According to the present invention, the communication terminal receives a plurality of contents associated with the read code and use condition information thereof from the communication apparatus, and indicates a use status of the communication terminal among the received contents. The use of only content corresponding to information or information for identifying the communication terminal is permitted.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided receiving means for receiving data usable in an electronic device, and conversion for converting the data received by the receiving means into a code represented by a graphic image readable by the electronic device. Means, transmitting means for transmitting the image data of the code converted by the converting means, and calculating means for calculating the code issue fee charged to a person who has requested the code issuing device to issue the code; A code issuing device is provided.

  According to the present invention, data that a general user or an information distribution company wants to provide to an electronic device is converted into a code represented by a graphic readable by the electronic device by the code issuing device. Further, the code issuing device calculates a code issuing fee to be charged to a person who has requested the code issuing.

  Further, the present invention provides a receiving means for receiving data usable in an electronic device including the communication terminal and terminal identification information for identifying the communication terminal, and data received by the receiving means from the communication terminal. Conversion means for converting the electronic device into a code represented by an image that is optically readable; first transmission means for transmitting image data of the code converted by the conversion means to the communication terminal; A calculation means for calculating an issuance fee of the code charged to a person who has requested the issuance of the code using a communication terminal; Therefore, the issue fee and the terminal identification information received by the receiving means are transmitted to a billing device that performs a billing process for the usage fee of the communication terminal. Providing code issuing unit and a transmission unit.

  According to the present invention, data that a general user or an information distribution company wants to provide to an electronic device is converted into a code represented by a graphic readable by the electronic device by the code issuing device. The code issuing device calculates a code issuance fee charged to the person who has requested the code issuance, and transmits the issuance fee to a charging device that performs a charging process for the usage fee of the communication terminal.

  Further, the present invention optically reads a code represented by a graphic, and reads from the code the data usable in the electronic device and the usability determination information used to determine the availability of the data Determining means for determining availability of the data using the availability determination information decoded by the reading means; and output means for outputting the data when the determination means permits the use of the data An electronic device is provided.

  The present invention also provides an electronic device that optically reads a code represented by a graphic, and uses data that can be used in the electronic device from the code and use availability determination information that is used to determine the availability of the data. Reading means for decoding, determination means for determining availability of the data using the availability determination information decoded by the reading means, and output of the data when use of the data is permitted by the determination means A program for functioning as output means is provided.

  According to the present invention, the electronic device determines whether or not the data decoded from the code represented by the image is usable by using the availability determination information included in the code.

  Further, the present invention optically reads a code represented by an icon, and from the code, a plurality of data that can be used in the electronic device, use condition information indicating a condition for permitting use of each data, Reading means for decoding the information, acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the usage status of the electronic device or information for identifying the electronic device, information acquired by the acquisition means, and decoding by the reading means An electronic device comprising: determining means for determining data permitted to be used among a plurality of data decoded by the reading means based on usage condition information; and output means for outputting the data determined by the determining means. Provide equipment.

  In addition, the present invention provides an electronic device that optically reads a code represented by an image, and uses the code to indicate a plurality of data usable in the electronic device and conditions for permitting the use of each data Condition information, reading means for decoding, acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the usage status of the electronic device or information for identifying the electronic device, information acquired by the acquisition means, and decoding by the reading means Based on the determined use condition information, functioning as a determination means for determining data permitted to be used from among a plurality of data decoded by the reading means, and an output means for outputting the data determined by the determination means Provide a program for

  According to the present invention, the electronic device determines data that is permitted to be used from among a plurality of data decoded from the code represented by the icon based on the usage status of the electronic device or information for identifying the electronic device. To do.

  In addition, the present invention optically reads a code represented by an image, and outputs from the code the data usable in the electronic device and the output format of the data suitable for the type for each type of electronic device. Output format conversion data for conversion into a format, reading means for decoding, acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the type of the electronic device, information acquired by the acquisition means, and decoding by the reading means Conversion means for converting the output format of the data decoded by the reading means into an output format suitable for the type of the electronic device based on the output format conversion data, and the output format converted by the conversion means in the output format Provided is an electronic device having output means for outputting data.

  Further, the present invention optically reads an electronic device from a code represented by an image, and from the code, the data usable in the electronic device and the output format of the data are classified into the type for each type of electronic device. Output format conversion data for conversion to an output format suitable for the image data, reading means for decoding, acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the type of the electronic device, information acquired by the acquisition means, and the reading means Conversion means for converting the output format of the data decoded by the reading means into an output format suitable for the type of the electronic device based on the decoded output format conversion data, and the output format converted by the conversion means Provides a program for functioning as an output means for outputting the data.

  According to the present invention, the electronic device converts the output format of the data decoded from the code represented by the image into an output format suitable for the type of the electronic device and outputs the converted output format.

  Further, the present invention optically reads a code represented by a graphic and decodes a communication address indicating a location of a content associated with the code in the network from the code, and the reading means decodes the code. Communicates with a communication device specified by a communication address, and receives a plurality of contents stored in association with the communication address in the communication device and usage condition information indicating conditions for permitting the use of each content. Receiving means, acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the usage status of the electronic device or information for identifying the electronic device, information acquired by the acquisition means, and use condition information received by the receiving means Based on the above, the use is permitted from among the plurality of contents received by the receiving means. Providing determining means for determining the content, the electronic device and an output means for outputting the contents determined by the determining means.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a reading unit that optically reads an electronic device from a code represented by an icon and decodes a communication address indicating a location in a network of content associated with the code from the code. Use condition information indicating a plurality of contents stored in association with the communication address in the communication apparatus, and conditions for permitting the use of the contents, in communication with the communication apparatus specified by the decoded communication address Receiving means for receiving the information, information indicating the usage status of the electronic device or acquiring information for identifying the electronic device, information acquired by the acquiring means, and use conditions received by the receiving means Based on the information, use is permitted from among the plurality of contents received by the receiving means. It provides a program for causing the functions as an output means for outputting the determined content by determination means, and said determining means determines the content to be.

  According to the present invention, the electronic device receives a plurality of contents associated with the read code and usage condition information thereof from the communication device, and indicates the usage status of the electronic device among the received plurality of contents. The use of content according to the information or information for identifying the electronic device is permitted, and the content is output.

  The present invention also provides a conversion means for converting data usable in an electronic device into a code represented by a graphic image readable by the electronic device, and an image of the code converted by the conversion means. There is provided an output means for outputting data, and a program for calculating an issuance fee for the code output by the output means and for causing the computer user to charge.

  According to the present invention, the program converts the data provided to the electronic device into a code represented by a graphic readable by the electronic device, and charges the computer user for the code issuance fee.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the computer converts the data usable in the electronic device into a code represented by an image optically readable by the electronic device, and issuance of the code converted by the conversion device A determination unit for determining whether or not the code is permitted, and a program for functioning as an output unit for outputting image data of the code when the determination unit permits the issuance of the code are provided.

  According to the present invention, the program converts data to be provided to the electronic device into a code represented by an image that can be read by the electronic device, and performs code issuance management.

  According to the present invention, a general user or an information distribution company can easily provide data to an electronic device using a code represented by an icon. Moreover, the convenience of the data provided using the code represented by a graphic can be improved.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the common part in each figure.
[A. First Embodiment]
[A-1. Configuration of Embodiment]
<1. Configuration of communication system>

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication system 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention. As shown in the figure, the communication system 1 includes a development machine 10A, a printer 10B, the Internet 20, a barcode issuing server 30, a mobile packet communication network 40, and a mobile phone 50. Although the communication system 1 can originally accommodate a large number of mobile phones 50, only one mobile phone 50 is shown in FIG. 1 in order to prevent the drawing from becoming complicated. For the same reason, FIG. 1 shows only one development machine 10A, printer 10B, gateway server 41, and base station 42, respectively.

  The development machine 10A is a computer that creates various types of content data to be provided to the mobile phone 50, such as product information, image data for the mobile phone 50, and incoming melody data. The development machine 10 </ b> A has a function of communicating with the barcode issuing server 30 via the Internet 20. The development machine 10A can print various data including a two-dimensional barcode from the printer 10B.

  The barcode issuing center has a barcode issuing server 30 and provides a barcode issuing service to the content provider. In this barcode issuing service, the barcode issuing server 30 converts the content data received from the content provider development machine 10A into a two-dimensional barcode optically readable by the mobile phone 50, and the two-dimensional barcode This is a service for returning the image data to the development machine 10A. Further, the barcode issuing server 30 has a function for calculating a two-dimensional barcode issuing fee, a function for creating a bill for a two-dimensional barcode issuing fee, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the bar code issuing center is operated by a communication carrier that operates the mobile packet communication network 40 and provides a packet communication service to the mobile phone 50. However, a form other than the telecommunications carrier may operate the barcode issuing center. In this specification, data provided by a content provider to a user as a two-dimensional barcode is also described as content data.

  The mobile packet communication network 40 is a communication network that provides a packet communication service to the mobile phone 50 accommodated in the mobile packet communication network 40, and includes a gateway server 41 and a base station 42. The gateway server 41 performs mutual conversion between the communication protocol for the mobile packet communication network 40 and, for example, TCP / IP and HTTP used in the Internet 20, and data between the mobile packet communication network 40 and the Internet 20 is obtained. Relay the transfer of. A large number of base stations 42 are installed in the communication service area of the mobile packet communication network 40, and perform wireless communication with the mobile phone 50 located in the wireless cell covered by the own station 42. The communication system 1 has a mobile telephone network (not shown) in addition to the mobile packet communication network 40. This mobile telephone network provides a general mobile telephone call service to the mobile phone 50.

  The mobile phone 50 is a mobile device that performs wireless communication with a base station 42 that covers a wireless cell in which the device 50 is located and receives a packet communication service and a call service. The mobile phone 50 has, for example, a function of optically reading a two-dimensional barcode printed on a book or the like, decoding content data from the two-dimensional barcode, and a function of measuring the current time. .

<2. Barcode issuing server configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the barcode issuing server 30. As shown in the figure, the barcode issuing server 30 includes a communication interface 301, an operation input unit 302, a display unit 303, a barcode conversion device 304, a printer driver 305, a CPU 306, a ROM 307, a RAM 308, An HD (Hard Disk) 309 is included, and these units are connected by a bus 310.

  The communication interface 301 controls communication performed between the barcode issuing server 30 and another communication device (for example, the development machine 10A) via the Internet 20. The operation input unit 302 has a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and outputs operation signals corresponding to these operations to the CPU 306. The display unit 303 displays, for example, invoice data related to a two-dimensional barcode issuance fee.

  Under the control of the CPU 306, the bar code conversion device 304 generates a two-dimensional bar code having content data and management information related to the content data as recording information. The management information includes, for example, a provider ID for identifying a content provider, valid period information indicating a period during which the mobile phone 50 can read the content data, and the like.

  A printer 60 is connected to the printer driver 305, and the barcode issuing server 30 can control the printer 60 via the printer driver 305 and print, for example, a bill relating to a two-dimensional barcode issuing fee. .

  The CPU 306 controls each unit connected via the bus 310 by executing a program stored in the ROM 307, the HD 309, or the like. The ROM 307 stores a program that manages basic control of each unit of the barcode issuing server 30. The RAM 308 is used as a work area for the CPU 306, and temporarily stores programs executed by the CPU 306 and various data.

  The HD 309 stores a bar code issue management DB (Data Base) 309a and a charge table 309b. Here, in the barcode issue management DB 309a, for each content data requested to be converted into a two-dimensional barcode by the content provider, content data and valid period information requested by the content provider (for example, content data) A reading start time limit that enables reading and a reading end time limit that disables reading) and information related to the content provider (for example, company name, person in charge name, address, telephone number, mail address) are stored. Note that the valid period information may be configured only by a reading end time limit that disables reading of content data, for example.

  In the fee table 309b, as shown in FIG. 3, the content data reading valid period is provided in five stages from “1 month” to “indefinite period”, and a two-dimensional bar code is provided for each valid period. The standard fee for calculating the issuance fee is set. This reference fee is set to be higher as the effective period shifts from “one month” to “indefinite” in order. The barcode issuing server 30 refers to the fee table 309b and calculates a two-dimensional barcode issuing fee.

<3. Configuration of mobile phone>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the mobile phone 50. As shown in the figure, the mobile phone 50 includes a wireless communication unit 501, an operation input unit 502, a call processing unit 503, a CCD camera 504, a CPU 505, a liquid crystal display unit 506, and a storage unit 507. These parts are connected by a bus 511. Although not shown, the mobile phone 50 has an internal clock that measures the current time (year, month, day, hour, minute, second).

  The wireless communication unit 501 includes an antenna 501 a and controls wireless communication performed with the base station 42. Under the control of the CPU 505, for example, the wireless communication unit 501 generates a transmission signal by superimposing data relating to transmitted voice, data for packet communication, and the like on a carrier wave, and this signal is transmitted to the base station 42 via the antenna 501a. Send to. Further, the wireless communication unit 501 receives a wireless signal transmitted from the base station 42 via the antenna 501a, demodulates this signal, and receives data related to received voice addressed to its own device 50, data for packet communication, and the like. obtain.

  The operation input unit 502 has a plurality of keys for inputting numbers, characters, operation instructions, and the like, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation of these keys to the CPU 505. The call processing unit 503 includes, for example, a microphone, a speaker, and a voice processing unit, and performs call processing including call connection / disconnection under the control of the CPU 505. For example, the CCD camera captures an image of a two-dimensional barcode printed on a book or the like.

  The CPU 505 controls each unit connected via the bus 511 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 507. The liquid crystal display unit 506 includes a liquid crystal display panel and a drive circuit that performs display control of the liquid crystal display panel.

  The storage unit 507 includes a ROM 508, a RAM 509, and a nonvolatile memory 510 such as an SRAM (Static-RAM) or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable-ROM). The ROM 508 stores software such as an operating system for the mobile phone 50 and a Web browser. The RAM 509 is used as a work area for the CPU 505, and temporarily stores programs executed by the CPU 505 and various data.

The non-volatile memory 510 stores decoding software 510a that identifies a two-dimensional barcode from an image captured by the CCD camera 504 and decodes content data and management information thereof from the image of the two-dimensional barcode. Yes. The nonvolatile memory 510 stores content data decoded from a two-dimensional barcode and management information thereof.
The above is the configuration of the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[A-2. Operation of First Embodiment]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
In the operation of the present embodiment described below, the content data in the text data format showing the recipe and how to make the dish shown in FIG. 5 is converted into the two-dimensional barcode shown in FIG. 6 and provided to the mobile phone 50. The case where it does is demonstrated.

<1. Barcode issue processing 1>
First, the operation of the barcode issuing process 1 executed by the CPU 306 in the barcode issuing server 30 will be described with reference to FIG. As a premise that the barcode issuing process 1 is executed, it is assumed that the content provider performs the process described below using the development machine 10A.

  That is, the content provider creates the text data shown in FIG. 5 on the development machine 10A as the content data to be provided to the mobile phone 50. Further, the content provider is notified in advance of information relating to the charge table 309b shown in FIG. 3 as the service content related to the barcode issuing service from the barcode issuing center, and the content provider can effectively read the content data according to this information. Determine the period.

  Then, the content provider sends the created content data, validity period information about the content data, and information about the content provider (for example, company name, person in charge name, address, telephone number, mail address) from the development machine 10A. Transmit to the bar code issuing server 30.

  The barcode issuing process 1 shown in FIG. 7 is executed by the CPU 306 when the barcode issuing server 30 receives content data, valid period information, and information on the content provider from the development machine 10A. When the barcode issuing process 1 is started, first, the CPU 306 stores the content data received from the development machine 10A, the validity period information, and information about the content provider in the barcode issuing management DB 309a (step S101). Further, the CPU 306 sets content data management information such as a provider ID and valid period information based on the information received from the development machine 10A (step S102).

  Next, the CPU 306 generates a two-dimensional barcode having the content data received from the development machine 10A and the management information set in step S102 as recording information using the barcode conversion device 304 (step S103). Then, the CPU 306 transfers the generated two-dimensional barcode image data to the communication interface 301, and returns the two-dimensional barcode image data to the development machine 10A (step S104).

  Thereafter, the CPU 306 reads a reference fee corresponding to the content data reading effective period set as management information in step S102 from the fee table 309b (see FIG. 3), and based on the reference fee, the two-dimensional barcode is read. An issue fee is calculated (step S105). Here, the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee may be the standard fee itself corresponding to the validity period, or the content provider may report the number of two-dimensional barcodes used and the validity period. The amount of money may be calculated according to the usage number. The two-dimensional barcode issuance fee may be a uniform amount regardless of the validity period or the number of uses.

  Next, the CPU 306 reads information necessary for issuing an invoice, such as a company name, a person in charge name, and an address of a content provider that is a request source for issuing a two-dimensional barcode, from the barcode issuance management DB 309a. Bill data is created based on the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee calculated in step S105 (step S106). Then, the CPU 306 sends the created invoice data to the printer 60, prints the invoice relating to the issuance fee for the two-dimensional barcode (step S107), and ends the barcode issuing process 1.

  At the barcode issuing center, the printed invoice is sent to the content provider, and a two-dimensional barcode issuing fee is collected from the content provider. Of course, the bill may be transmitted from the barcode issuing server 30 to the content provider development machine 10A by e-mail or the like. As described above, the barcode issuing center can collect the issue fee according to the reading valid period of the two-dimensional barcode issued in response to the request from the content provider from the content provider.

In the barcode issuing process 1 described above, the two-dimensional barcode image data is transmitted to the development machine 10A when the content provider has not paid the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee. After confirming that the content provider has paid the issuance fee of the two-dimensional barcode, the image data of the two-dimensional barcode may be transmitted to the development machine 10A. Further, the bar code issuing server 30 may collectively print invoices relating to each two-dimensional bar code issued during the period from the previous month 25th to the current month 24th on the 25th of every month.

<2.2 Dimensional Barcode Providing Method>
When the development machine 10A receives the two-dimensional barcode image data transmitted from the barcode issuing server 30 by the barcode issuing process 1, the content provider operates the development machine 10A to display the two-dimensional barcode image. Printing is performed from the printer 10B. For example, the two-dimensional barcode shown in FIG. 6 includes text data relating to the recipe and how to make the dish shown in FIG. 5 as recorded information. The content provider provides the two-dimensional barcode to the user of the mobile phone 50 by placing the two-dimensional barcode on a book such as a cookbook or a flyer.

<3. Barcode reading process 1>
Next, the operation of the barcode reading process 1 executed by the CPU 505 in the mobile phone 50 will be described with reference to FIG. The barcode reading process 1 is executed by the CPU 505 when the barcode reading mode is selected by an operation input on the mobile phone 50.

  First, the CPU 505 displays a message prompting the user to take a two-dimensional barcode image on the liquid crystal screen. In response to this message, for example, when the user captures an image of a two-dimensional barcode printed on a book, a flyer, or the like using the imaging function provided in the mobile phone 50, that is, the CCD camera 504, the CPU 505 first captures the image. The generated image data is generated (step S201), and the image data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 510 (step S202).

  Next, the CPU 505 activates the decoding software 510a stored in the nonvolatile memory 510 (step S203), and identifies a two-dimensional barcode image from the captured image (step S204). Then, the CPU 505 decodes the content data and management information of the content data from the identified two-dimensional barcode image (step S205). For example, by reading and decoding the two-dimensional barcode shown in FIG. 6, the mobile phone 50 obtains the text data and management information thereof shown in FIG.

  Note that the cellular phone 50 has not been able to identify a two-dimensional barcode image from the captured image, or has barely identified a two-dimensional barcode image, but has not obtained sufficient image resolution. A function for displaying a message prompting the user to re-capture an image including a two-dimensional barcode on the liquid crystal screen and retrying the barcode reading process 1 when content data cannot be decoded from the image of the two-dimensional barcode. Have.

  Next, the CPU 505 obtains the current time (year, month, day, hour, minute, second) timed by the internal clock, and the current time and the content data reading valid period included in the management information, To determine whether or not the content data is within the valid reading period (step S206). As a result, if it is determined that it is not within the valid period, the CPU 505 displays a message to the effect that it is out of the valid reading period (step S207), discards the decoded content data and its management information, and displays the bar. The code reading process 1 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 505 determines in step S206 that it is within the valid period, it displays the decoded content data on the liquid crystal screen (step S208). As a result, the liquid crystal display screen of the mobile phone 50 displays the content data related to the recipe and how to make the dish shown in FIG. 5, for example, decoded from the two-dimensional barcode. Next, the CPU 505 displays a message asking whether or not the data is stored in the non-volatile memory 510 on the liquid crystal screen, and when the operation input instructs the storage in the non-volatile memory 510 (step S209: Yes), the CPU 505 decodes the message. The content data and its management information are stored in the nonvolatile memory 510 (step S210), and the barcode reading process 1 is terminated.

  Note that the validity period information included in the content data management information merely indicates the reading validity period of the content data, and the content data once decoded and stored in the nonvolatile memory 510 is It can be used regardless of the period.

  If content data is provided to the mobile phone 50 using a two-dimensional barcode as described above, the burden on the user required for data input can be greatly reduced. For example, the mobile phone 50 can take in the content data related to the recipe and how to make the dish shown in FIG. 5 from the two-dimensional barcode shown in FIG. In this case, the convenience of the mobile phone 50 as a portable information tool can be improved, for example, the mobile phone 50 can be used instead of writing a note of the material on paper when going to buy dinner ingredients. .

  In this embodiment, the case where the person who requests the barcode issuing center to issue the two-dimensional barcode is a content provider has been described. However, the barcode issuing center requests the two-dimensional barcode to be issued. The person who performs may be a general individual user.

  In this case, the individual user requests the barcode issuing server 30 to issue a two-dimensional barcode from the personal computer owned by the individual user via the Internet 20. The two-dimensional barcode image data transmitted from the barcode issuing server 30 is printed from a printer connected to the personal computer and used.

  For example, in the case of an individual user, his / her business card information (company name, title, name, company address, telephone number, etc.) is transmitted from the personal computer to the barcode issuing server 30 as data to be converted into a two-dimensional barcode. The two-dimensional bar code image received from the bar code issuing server 30 can be printed on a sticker sheet by a printer and pasted on its own business card.

  Of course, the individual user transmits data to be converted into a two-dimensional barcode from the mobile phone 50 owned by the individual user to the barcode issuing server 30 and also the image of the two-dimensional barcode converted in the barcode issuing server 30. The mobile phone 50 may receive the image and display it on the liquid crystal screen, and another mobile phone 50 having a two-dimensional barcode reading function may read the displayed two-dimensional barcode image.

  The barcode issuing server 30 stores two types of charge tables 309b for general individual users and content providers (information distribution providers) in the HD 309, and the requester for issuing the two-dimensional barcode is an individual user. Or an information distribution company, and the individual user and the information distribution company may have different two-dimensional barcode issuance fees.

[B. Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In addition, in this embodiment, the same code | symbol shall be used about the part which is common in 1st Embodiment. Also, the description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[B-1. Configuration of Embodiment]
<1. Configuration of communication system>
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the communication system 2 according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the communication system 2 includes a communication fee management server 70 in addition to the Internet 20, the barcode issuing server 30, the mobile packet communication network 40, and the mobile phone 50 described in the first embodiment. have.

  The communication fee management server 70 calculates a communication fee according to the amount of calls and packet communication for each mobile phone 50 accommodated in the mobile packet communication network 40 every month, and uses the communication fee as the mobile phone 50. An invoice is issued for collection from the subscriber (user). In the present embodiment, both the communication charge center having the communication charge management server 70 and the barcode issuing center are operated by a communication provider that provides packet communication service to the mobile phone 50. .

  In this embodiment, the fee table 309c shown in FIG. 10 is stored in the HD 309 of the barcode issuing server 30 instead of the fee table 309b (see FIG. 3) described in the first embodiment. In this fee table 309c, as shown in FIG. 10, a total of three categories from “less than 200” to “700 or more” are provided according to the number of bytes of data to be converted into a two-dimensional barcode. Each time, a reference fee for calculating a two-dimensional barcode issuance fee is set.

  In the fee table 309c, when the number of bytes of data to be converted into the two-dimensional barcode is “less than 200”, the reference fee is “0”. This indicates that when the data to be converted into the two-dimensional barcode is less than 200 bytes, the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee is free.

  This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the mobile phone 50 requests the barcode issuing server 30 to issue a two-dimensional barcode, and the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee is two-dimensional. It is calculated in accordance with the number of bytes of data to be converted into a barcode, and is a point where a fee for issuing a two-dimensional barcode is collected from the user as a communication fee for the mobile phone 50. The operation of this embodiment will be described below with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

[B-2. Operation of Second Embodiment]
<1. Barcode issue processing 2>
The operation of the barcode issuing process 2 executed by the CPU 306 in the barcode issuing server 30 will be described with reference to FIG. Assuming that this barcode issuing process 2 is executed, it is assumed that the following process is performed in the mobile phone 50 that requests the barcode issuing server 30 to issue a two-dimensional barcode.

  That is, in the mobile phone 50, a web browser is first activated by the user, and a connection request is transmitted to the barcode issuing server 30 via the mobile packet communication network 40 and the Internet 20. The barcode issuing server 30 is provided with a website for barcode issuing service, and a service menu related to the barcode issuing service is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the mobile phone 50 that has accessed the website.

  In response to this menu display, when the user selects an input menu for data to be converted into a two-dimensional barcode by operation input, for example, when text data as shown in FIG. Transmits the input text data and the mobile device ID (for example, telephone number) of the mobile phone 50 to the barcode issuing server 30. The barcode issuing process 2 shown in FIG. 11 is executed by the CPU 306 when the barcode issuing server 30 receives the content data and the mobile device ID from the mobile phone 50.

  When this barcode issuing process 2 is started, first, the CPU 306 stores the text data and the mobile device ID received from the mobile phone 50 in the barcode issuing management DB 309a (step S301).

  Next, the CPU 306 counts the number of bytes (number of characters) of the text data received from the mobile phone 50, and measures the amount of data to be converted into a two-dimensional barcode (step S302). Thereafter, the CPU 306 converts the text data received from the cellular phone 50 into a two-dimensional barcode using the barcode conversion device 304 (step S303), and the image data of the two-dimensional barcode is issued from the issuing cellular phone. It returns to 50 (step S304).

  Then, the CPU 306 reads a reference fee corresponding to the number of bytes measured in step S302 from the fee table 309c (see FIG. 10), and calculates a two-dimensional barcode issuance fee based on the reference fee (step S305). ). If the amount of data to be converted into a two-dimensional barcode is less than 200 bytes, the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee is free.

  After that, the CPU 306 determines whether or not the calculated two-dimensional barcode issuance fee is charged (step S306). If it is free, the barcode issuance processing 2 is terminated. On the other hand, if the CPU 306 determines that the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee is charged (step S306: Yes), the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee calculated in step S305 and the cell phone 50 that issued the request are issued. After transmitting the mobile device ID received from the communication fee management server 70 (step S307), the barcode issuing process 2 is terminated.

<2. Operation of the communication charge management server>
When the communication fee management server 70 receives the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee and the mobile device ID from the barcode issuing server 30, the communication fee management server 70 first identifies the received two-dimensional barcode issuance fee based on the mobile device ID received at the same time. Is stored in the charge management DB as charge information to be added to the communication charge of the mobile phone 50.

  The communication fee management server 70 calculates a communication fee for one month for each mobile phone 50 with reference to the charge management DB at a predetermined date and time, for example, 25th of every month. At this time, when a two-dimensional barcode issuance fee is stored as billing information in the billing management DB, the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee is added to the communication fee. In addition, the communication fee management server 70 prints a bill for the communication fee for each mobile phone 50.

  The communication fee center then sends the printed bill to the user and collects the communication fee including the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee from the user. In this way, the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee may be collected from the user as the communication fee of the mobile phone 50. If the operator of the barcode issuing center is different from the carrier, the communication fee center (communication carrier) collects the communication fee including the issuance fee of the two-dimensional barcode from the user and then collects the two-dimensional bar code. Remit the amount of the code issuance fee to the bar code issuance center operator.

<3. Operation of mobile phone>
The cellular phone 50 can receive the image data of the two-dimensional barcode transmitted from the barcode issuing server 30 and store it in the nonvolatile memory 510. When the CPU 505 of the mobile phone 50 receives an instruction to display the image data of the two-dimensional barcode stored in the nonvolatile memory 510 by an operation input or the like, as shown in FIG. Will be displayed on the LCD screen. The two-dimensional barcode displayed on the liquid crystal screen has, for example, the user's name, address, telephone number, and mail address shown in FIG. 12 as recorded information. It can be read by another mobile phone 50 having a barcode reading function.

  Note that the process of reading the two-dimensional barcode in the mobile phone 50 is substantially the same as the barcode reading process 1 (see FIG. 8) described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. However, the mobile phone 50 includes, for example, a user's name, address, telephone number, mail address, etc. decoded from a two-dimensional barcode, and the mobile phone 50 such as a phone book, address book, and mail address book. The application program to be registered in association with the address book is stored, and by this application program, the user's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, etc. decoded from the two-dimensional barcode are automatically stored in the above-mentioned various address books. Registered in

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when the mobile phone 51 has a communication interface 512 that controls wired communication with a personal computer 80 connected via a communication cable, the mobile phone 51 The two-dimensional barcode image data received from the barcode issuing center 30 can be transferred to the personal computer 80 via the communication interface 512. In this case, the user can operate the personal computer 80 to print and use the two-dimensional barcode image transferred from the mobile phone 51 from the printer 60. The communication interface 512 may control short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), HomeRF, infrared communication, and the like.

[C. Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where data requested by a content provider or an individual user is converted into a two-dimensional barcode at the barcode issuing center has been described. However, the organization that manages the issuance of two-dimensional barcodes may provide a form for providing two-dimensional barcode conversion software to content providers or individual users.

  However, in this case, for example, when a contract for providing software for converting a two-dimensional barcode is made between a content provider and an organization that manages issuance of a two-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode exceeding a certain amount is required. The code issuance fee is paid in advance from the content provider to the organization that manages the issuance of the 2D barcode, and the software for 2D barcode conversion provided to the content provider has a credit value corresponding to the amount paid. Are associated.

  The content provider installs the 2D barcode conversion software provided by the organization that manages the issuance of the 2D barcode on the development machine 10A, and activates the 2D barcode conversion software. The operation for issuing a two-dimensional barcode will be described with reference to FIG. When the 2D barcode conversion software is installed on the development machine 10A, the credit value associated with the 2D barcode conversion software and the fee described in the first embodiment are used. A table 309b (see FIG. 3) is stored in the memory of the development machine 10A.

  When the two-dimensional barcode conversion software (barcode issuance process 3) is activated on the development machine 10A, first, in the development machine 10A, content data provided to the mobile phone 50 is created by a content provider (step). S401). In addition, when the information regarding the content data reading validity period is input by the content provider, the development machine 10A sets the management information of the content data (step S402).

  Next, the development machine 10A reads the reference fee corresponding to the reading validity period of the content data included in the set management information from the fee table 309b stored in the memory, and 2 based on the reference fee. An issuance fee for the dimension barcode is calculated (step S403). Note that the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee may be calculated according to the amount of data converted into the two-dimensional barcode as described in the second embodiment. In this case, the fee table 309c (see FIG. 10) described in the second embodiment is associated with the two-dimensional barcode conversion software.

  Next, the development machine 10A reads the balance of the credit value stored in the memory (Step S404), and the credit value balance and the credit value for the issuance fee of the two-dimensional barcode calculated in Step S403 described above. And a determination is made as to whether or not the balance of the credit value remains for the two-dimensional barcode issuance fee (step S405).

  As a result, when the development machine 10A determines that the balance of the credit value is less than the issuance fee of the two-dimensional barcode (step S405: No), the development machine 10A displays a message prompting the credit value to be updated (step S405). S406), the barcode issuing process 3 ends. In response to this message display, the content provider accesses the management server of the organization that manages the issuance of the two-dimensional barcode from the development machine 10A, and newly adds a certain amount of money as a two-dimensional barcode issuance fee. When the payment is made by settlement, the balance of the credit value stored in the memory of the development machine 10A is rewritten to a value obtained by adding the credit value corresponding to the payment amount to the balance. Note that the development machine 10A may display a message prompting the credit value to be updated on the screen when the balance of the credit value becomes smaller than a predetermined value.

  On the other hand, if the development machine 10A determines that a sufficient balance of credit values remains (step S405: Yes), the content data created in step S401 and the management information set in step S402 Is generated as recorded information (step S407). Further, the development machine 10A rewrites the balance of the credit value stored in the memory to a value obtained by subtracting the credit value corresponding to the issue fee of the two-dimensional barcode from the balance (step S408).

  Thereafter, the development machine 10A displays the generated two-dimensional barcode image on the screen, outputs the two-dimensional barcode image data to a printer connected to the development machine 10A, or two-dimensional barcode. The output of the generated two-dimensional barcode image data, such as sending the image data to the outside of the development machine 10A, is permitted (step S409), and the barcode issuing process 3 ends.

  In this way, the organization that manages the issuance of two-dimensional barcodes may provide software for two-dimensional barcode conversion to content providers or individual users. The two-dimensional barcode conversion software may be provided to the development machine 10A via a network, or an arbitrary recording medium such as an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. May be provided to the development machine 10A.

  In the present embodiment, the case where a credit value corresponding to the amount is used has been described. However, instead of the credit value, the allowable number of two-dimensional barcodes that can be issued for the amount paid by the content provider is used. The numerical value shown may be used. In this case, the development machine 10A decrements (-1) the number of allowable issuance times stored in the memory each time the software for two-dimensional barcode conversion is started and a two-dimensional barcode is issued.

  In the present embodiment, the credit value is stored in the memory of the development machine 10A in association with the software for two-dimensional barcode conversion. However, in such a case, a malicious user or content provider may tamper with the credit value stored in the development machine 10A.

  Therefore, the credit value may be stored in a management server owned by an organization that manages the issuance of two-dimensional barcodes. In this case, when the two-dimensional barcode conversion software is activated and the two-dimensional barcode is issued on the development machine 10A, the ID information assigned to the content provider or the two-dimensional barcode conversion software is used. It uses to access the management server and read and write its own credit value stored in the management server. Of course, the numerical value of the allowable number of issuances described above may be similarly managed.

  Also, instead of using a credit value according to the amount of money, the software for 2D barcode conversion is accompanied by the amount of data converted to 2D barcode, the validity period, the number of issues, etc. The issue fee may be calculated in accordance with the payment fee, and a settlement process (billing process) may be performed in which the issue fee is withdrawn from a bank account registered in advance by the content provider.

[D. Fourth Embodiment]
Next, FIG. 16 is a sequence chart for explaining the operation of each part of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the same code | symbol is used about the part which is common in 1st Embodiment mentioned above, and the description shall be abbreviate | omitted.

  First, in the present embodiment, the content data converted into the two-dimensional barcode includes a URL of a site that provides more detailed information regarding the content, as shown in FIG. Content data including such a URL is transmitted from the development machine 10A to the barcode issuing server 30 by the content provider.

  Then, the barcode issuing server 30 generates a two-dimensional barcode having, as recorded information, the content data received from the development machine 10A and the barcode ID assigned to the newly issued two-dimensional barcode (step S501). ), And returns the image data of the two-dimensional barcode to the development machine 10A. The barcode issuing server 30 transmits the barcode ID of the issued two-dimensional barcode to the gateway server 41 in the mobile packet communication network 40 (step S502).

  The gateway server 41 is a relay device that relays Internet access from each mobile phone 50 accommodated in the mobile packet communication network 40, and stores a relay management table 410a shown in FIG. 18 in a memory. When the gateway server 41 receives the barcode ID from the barcode issuing server 30, the gateway server 41 adds the barcode ID to the relay management table 410a.

  On the other hand, the mobile phone 50 reads, for example, a two-dimensional barcode attached to an article or the like by a content provider, and decodes content data and barcode ID from the two-dimensional barcode. Then, the cellular phone 50 displays the decoded content data (see FIG. 17) on the liquid crystal screen. In response to this display, a URL displayed on the screen is designated by an operation input, and when access to a site designated by this URL is instructed, the mobile phone 50 decodes the URL and the content data together with the URL. A connection request including the received barcode ID is transmitted to the base station 42. This connection request is transmitted from the base station 42 to the gateway server 41 via the exchange (step S503).

  When the gateway server 41 receives the connection request from the mobile phone 50, the gateway server 41 transmits the connection request to the content server specified by the URL included in the connection request (step S504), and communication between the mobile phone 50 and the content server is performed. Is relayed (step S505). Through the communication in step S505, more detailed information (content) related to the content stored in the content server in association with the barcode ID decoded from the two-dimensional barcode by the cellular phone 50 is downloaded to the cellular phone 50. Is done. Further, the gateway server 41 increments (+1) the value of the corresponding relay count in the relay management table 410a shown in FIG. 18 based on the barcode ID included in the connection request received from the mobile phone 50. (Step S506).

  The gateway server 41 calculates, for each barcode ID, the number of relays in the period from the 25th month of the previous month to the 24th of this month, for example, when a predetermined date and time such as the 25th of every month is reached. The relay count data for one month calculated every time is transmitted to the barcode issuing server 30 (step S507).

  The HD 309 of the barcode issuing server 30 stores a fee table 309d shown in FIG. 19 instead of the fee table 309b (see FIG. 3) described in the first embodiment. When the barcode issuing server 30 receives the relay count data for one month calculated for each barcode ID from the gateway server 41, the barcode issue server 30 is based on the relay count data and the charge table 309d (see FIG. 19). For each two-dimensional barcode, a usage fee for the two-dimensional barcode corresponding to the number of relays is calculated (step S508). Then, the barcode issuing server 30 creates bill data relating to the usage fee for each two-dimensional barcode, outputs the bill data to the printer 60, and prints the bill (step S509).

  As described above, in the barcode issuing center, each mobile phone 50 communicates the usage fee of the two-dimensional barcode issued in response to a request from the content provider using the URL included in the two-dimensional barcode. On the basis of the number of times, for example, it is calculated periodically such as every month, and the usage fee of the two-dimensional barcode can be collected from the content provider.

  In the present embodiment, the gateway server 41 detects the number of times each mobile phone 50 communicates using the URL included in the two-dimensional barcode. It may be detected by a server on the Internet 20 such as the barcode issuing server 30.

  In the present embodiment, the usage fee calculation (step S508) and the invoice printing (step S509) associated with the issuance of the two-dimensional barcode are performed in the barcode issuing server 30. In a server different from the barcode issuing server 30 or the gateway server 41 provided in the issuing center, the communication fee management server 70 in the fee management center described in the second embodiment, and the like, The invoice may be printed.

  In this embodiment, the URL indicating the location of the content on the network and the barcode ID of the two-dimensional barcode are included in the two-dimensional barcode as recorded information. However, the URL alone is sufficient. If the content can be specified, it is not necessary to include the barcode ID as recorded information in the two-dimensional barcode. In this case, in the relay device such as the gateway server 41, information for determining whether or not the connection request from the mobile phone 50 is based on data decoded from the two-dimensional barcode is included in the connection request. It may be. In addition, when the mobile phone 50 performs communication in response to reading of a two-dimensional barcode, if the communication is set in advance to communicate with a specific content server whose communication address is registered in the memory, the barcode Only the ID may be included in the two-dimensional barcode as recording information, and the URL need not be included in the two-dimensional barcode as recording information.

[E. Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, in this embodiment, the same code | symbol shall be used about the part which is common in 1st Embodiment. Also, the description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

<1. Configuration of mobile phone>
FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the mobile phone 55 according to this embodiment. The cellular phone 55 shown in the figure is different from the cellular phone 50 in the first embodiment in that the nonvolatile memory 520 includes a model information storage area 520a and a base station ID storage area 520b. Although not shown, this mobile phone 55 has an internal clock that measures the current time (year, month, day, hour, minute, second), as with the mobile phone 50 in the first embodiment. is doing.

  In the model information storage area 520a, model information indicating the model of the mobile phone 55 is stored. The base station ID storage area 520b stores the base station ID of the base station 42 that covers the wireless cell in which the mobile phone 55 is currently located. When the mobile phone 55 is out of the communication service area of the mobile packet communication network 40 or in a place where radio waves do not reach, data indicating that the mobile phone 55 is out of service is stored in the base station ID storage area 520b.

<Data structure of content data included as recorded information in 2.2-dimensional barcode>
Next, FIG. 21 to FIG. 24 illustrate data structures of content data included as recording information in the two-dimensional barcode in the present embodiment. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 21, since different content data is displayed according to the time zone when the mobile phone 55 reads the two-dimensional barcode, “00:00 to 09:59”, “10:00” ˜13: 59 ”and“ 14:00 to 23:59 ”include different content data. Of course, other than the time zone, the period may be determined using, for example, the date. In the example shown in FIG. 22, since different content data is displayed depending on the location where the mobile phone 55 is located when the two-dimensional barcode is read, the “Kanto district” or “Kansai district” For each region, different content data is included. Of course, the size of the area can be set arbitrarily.

  In the example shown in FIG. 23, since different content data is displayed depending on the user using the mobile phone 55 when the two-dimensional barcode is read, “A0000 to A9999” and “B0000 to Different content data is included for each user ID group of “B9999”. In the case of the example shown in the figure, a questionnaire is conducted with respect to users who wish to join rental shop members, and according to the answer, a user ID within the range of “A0000 to A9999” is selected for users interested in movies. A user ID is added in the range of “B0000 to B9999” to users who are interested in music.

  In addition, the size of the liquid crystal screen, the color that can be displayed, the format of data that can be handled, and the like of the mobile phone 55 are different for each model. In the example shown in FIG. 24, content data created for each model of the mobile phone 55 such as “P503” or “N211” so that the content data can be displayed in a format most suitable for each model. It is included.

  As described above, the two-dimensional barcode in the present embodiment includes different pieces of content data as recording information for each time zone, each region, each user ID, or each model.

<3. Barcode reading process 2>
Next, the operation of the barcode reading process 2 executed by the CPU 505 in the mobile phone 55 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same step number is attached | subjected to the same step as the barcode reading process 1 (refer FIG. 8) demonstrated in 1st Embodiment, and operation | movement description is simplified.

  The barcode reading process 2 is executed by the CPU 505 when the barcode reading mode is selected by an operation input on the mobile phone 55. When the barcode reading process 2 is started, first, the CPU 505 displays a message prompting the user to take a two-dimensional barcode image on the liquid crystal screen. In response to this message, when the user captures a two-dimensional barcode image using the CCD camera 504 provided in the mobile phone 55, the CPU 505 generates the captured image data (step S201), and the image data is stored in a nonvolatile manner. Stored in the memory 520 (step S202).

  Next, the CPU 505 activates the decoding software 510a stored in the non-volatile memory 520 (step S203), and identifies a two-dimensional barcode image from the captured image (step S204). Thereafter, the CPU 505 decodes the content data from the identified two-dimensional barcode image (step S205). As shown in FIGS. 21 to 24, when the two-dimensional barcode includes different content data for each time zone, each region, each user ID, or each model, the CPU 505 has 2 In addition to each content data, use condition information (one or more of time zone information, area information, user ID, and model information) indicating the conditions for permitting the use of each content data is decoded from the image of the dimensional barcode. To do.

  Next, the CPU 505 determines whether or not the use condition information is included in the two-dimensional barcode (step S521). As a result, if the CPU 505 determines that the usage condition information is not included, the CPU 505 displays the decoded content data on the liquid crystal screen (step S522), and proceeds to step S526.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 505 determines that the use condition information is included in the two-dimensional barcode (step S521: Yes), the CPU 505 first determines the type of use condition information. Next, the CPU 505 acquires the current time measured by the internal clock according to the type of the determined use condition information, for example, when the use condition information is time zone information (step S523). Next, the CPU 505 determines content data permitted to be used from among the decoded content data based on the acquired current time and the time zone information included in the two-dimensional barcode (step S524). Only the content data is displayed on the liquid crystal screen (step S525).

  For example, when the content data and time zone information shown in FIG. 21 are decoded from the two-dimensional barcode and the current time is 11:35, the CPU 505 corresponds to “10:00 to 13:59”. Only content data is displayed on the LCD screen. Note that the cellular phone 55 may use more accurate current time information provided from the mobile packet communication network 40 instead of the current time measured by the internal clock.

  If the use condition information is regional information, the CPU 505 first acquires a base station ID from the base station ID storage area 520b (step S523). Next, the CPU 505 transmits the acquired base station ID to a location information service server (not shown). This location information service server is provided, for example, in the mobile packet communication network 40 or on the Internet 20 and converts a base station ID into latitude / longitude information or an address in response to an inquiry from the mobile phone 55 and sends it back. have.

  When the CPU 505 of the mobile phone 55 receives location information such as latitude / longitude information and an address from the location information service server, the mobile phone 55 selects from the area information included in the two-dimensional barcode based on the location information. Determine the region where is currently located. Then, the CPU 505 identifies content data associated with the determined area as content data that is permitted to be used from among the decoded content data (step S524), and displays only this content data on the liquid crystal screen. (Step S525). For example, when each content data and area information shown in FIG. 22 is decoded from the two-dimensional bar code and the current position of the mobile phone 55 is in Tokyo, the CPU 505 displays only the contents data corresponding to “Kanto area”. Display on the LCD screen.

  Instead of the above-described position information service server, a positioning center that measures the position of the mobile phone 55 may be used. In this case, the mobile phone 55 requests the positioning center to determine the current position of the own device 55. In addition, when the mobile phone 55 has a function of converting the base station ID into latitude / longitude information or an address, it is not necessary to use the above-described position information service server or positioning center. In addition, when the mobile phone 55 has a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, the position information (latitude / longitude, altitude) of the mobile phone 55 measured using this GPS function is used instead of the base station ID. be able to. Of course, the GPS function may not be built in but a GPS receiver may be connected to the mobile phone 55.

  If the use condition information is a user ID, the CPU 505 first displays a message prompting the user ID to be input on the liquid crystal screen, and acquires the user ID input in response to the display (step S523). Next, the CPU 505 determines content data permitted to be used from among the decoded content data based on the acquired ID and the user ID information included in the two-dimensional barcode (step S524). Only this content data is displayed on the liquid crystal screen (step S525).

  For example, when each content data and user ID information shown in FIG. 23 is decoded from the two-dimensional barcode, and the input user ID is “A0039”, the CPU 505 determines the content data corresponding to “A0000 to A9999” Only on the LCD screen. Note that the same user ID may be assigned to a plurality of users. Further, authentication information used for personal authentication such as a password may be used instead of the user ID. In addition, the target of providing content data using a two-dimensional barcode may be only one person, not a plurality of users. In addition, when the mobile phone 55 has a function of acquiring and analyzing biometric information (for example, a fingerprint, a voice print, a retina, etc.) of a user who uses the mobile phone 55, the function is used. The biometric information acquired in this way can be used instead of the user ID.

  If the use condition information is model information, the CPU 505 first acquires the model information of the mobile phone 55 from the model information storage area 520a (step S523). Next, the CPU 505 determines content data permitted to be used from among the decoded content data based on the acquired model information and the model information included in the two-dimensional barcode (step S524). Only this content data is displayed on the liquid crystal screen (step S525).

  For example, when the content data and model information shown in FIG. 24 are decoded from the two-dimensional barcode and the model of the cellular phone 55 is “P503”, the CPU 505 displays only the content data corresponding to “P503” on the liquid crystal display. Display on the screen. Note that the model information is not limited to the model of the mobile phone 55, and may be information indicating the type of electronic device such as a mobile computer or a PDA having a two-dimensional barcode reading function.

  Thereafter, the CPU 505 displays a message asking whether or not to store the content data decoded from the two-dimensional barcode in the nonvolatile memory 520 on the liquid crystal screen. Then, when the operation input instructs the storage to the nonvolatile memory 520 (step S526: Yes), the CPU 505 stores the content data in the nonvolatile memory 520 (step S527), and ends the barcode reading process 2 To do.

  When content data is stored in the non-volatile memory 520, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 24, two-dimensional barcodes include different content data for each time zone, each region, each user ID, or each model. If included, the CPU 505 stores each content data and its use condition information in the nonvolatile memory 520. When the content data stored in the nonvolatile memory 520 is read and used in this way, the CPU 505 determines the current time when the reading is instructed, the position of the own device 55, the input user ID, or the model. Only the content data corresponding to the information is displayed on the liquid crystal screen.

  In this way, when the content data is provided using the two-dimensional barcode, if the use condition information is used, the time when the two-dimensional barcode is read, the position of the cellular phone 55, the cellular phone 55, and the like. The content data to be displayed can be appropriately changed according to the user using the mobile phone, the model of the mobile phone 55, and the like. Of course, as described above, the same effect can be obtained also when the content data decoded from the two-dimensional barcode and stored in the nonvolatile memory 520 is used.

  Note that the content data provided using the two-dimensional barcode may be image data, musical tone data, etc. in addition to text data. When the content data is musical sound data, musical sounds based on the musical sound data are output from a speaker (not shown) provided in the mobile phone 55.

  Further, when displaying content data in the most suitable display format for each model, instead of preparing the content data for each model as shown in FIG. 24, one content data and the display format of this content data May be included in the two-dimensional bar code as record information, for display format conversion data for each model for converting to a display format corresponding to the model of the mobile phone 55. In this case, the cellular phone 55 converts the display format of the content data decoded from the two-dimensional barcode using the display format conversion data corresponding to the model of the own device 55 and displays it on the liquid crystal screen.

  Further, conditions for permitting use such as time zone, region, user ID, or model may be used in appropriate combination. Furthermore, instead of the user ID, identification information unique to each mobile phone 55 such as a telephone number or a manufacturing number may be used.

[F. Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the mobile phone used in this embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the mobile phone 55 described in the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the sixth embodiment, the content provider prints a two-dimensional barcode on, for example, a book or a poster affixed to a store, and the two-dimensional barcode contains more detailed information on the book or poster. The URL of the site (content server) that provides the information and the barcode ID of this two-dimensional barcode are recorded. In addition, the content provider provides more detailed information (content data) regarding information posted on books and posters using the content server specified by the URL.

  Next, content data stored in the content server will be described. For example, even when there is an access from the mobile phone 55 based on reading the same two-dimensional barcode, the content server provides different content data depending on the time zone when the mobile phone 55 reads the two-dimensional barcode. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26, different content data is stored for each time slot for the same barcode ID. Similarly, the content server provides different content data even for the same two-dimensional barcode depending on the location where the mobile phone 55 is located when reading the two-dimensional barcode, for example. As shown in FIG. 27, different content data is stored for each region with respect to the same barcode ID.

  In addition to the time zone and region described above, the content server similarly stores different content data for each user ID or each model of the mobile phone 55 for the user ID and the model of the mobile phone 55. Even when there is an access based on reading the same two-dimensional barcode from 55, different content data is provided depending on the user using the mobile phone 55 and the model of the mobile phone 55.

  Next, FIG. 28 is a sequence chart for explaining operations of the mobile phone 55 and the content server according to the present embodiment. First, the cellular phone 55 reads a two-dimensional barcode in response to a user operation, and decodes the URL of the content server and the barcode ID of the two-dimensional barcode (step S541). Note that this two-dimensional barcode includes designation information for designating the type of additional information required when the mobile phone 55 accesses the content server.

  Here, the additional information is, for example, the time when the mobile phone 55 reads the two-dimensional barcode, the position of the mobile phone 55 when the two-dimensional barcode is read, and the use of the mobile phone 55 This is information indicating the user ID of the user who is performing the operation, the model of the mobile phone 55, and the like, and is information transmitted to the content server together with the barcode ID. Note that the time when the mobile phone 55 accesses the content server may be used instead of the time when the mobile phone 55 reads the two-dimensional barcode. Further, the position of the mobile phone 55 may be the position when the mobile phone 55 accesses the content server, instead of the position when the two-dimensional barcode is read.

  Next, the CPU 505 acquires additional information designated by the designation information decoded from the two-dimensional barcode (step S542). For example, when the designation information designates the time when the two-dimensional barcode is read, the CPU 505 acquires the current time measured by the internal clock. Of course, more accurate current time information provided from the mobile packet communication network 40 may be used as additional information.

  When the designation information designates the position of the mobile phone 55 when the two-dimensional barcode is read, the CPU 505 uses the base station ID read from the base station ID storage area 520b as additional information. Of course, when the mobile phone 55 has a GPS function, the position information of the mobile phone 55 measured using the GPS function may be used as additional information. Further, the CPU 505 can also use the position information (latitude / longitude information and address) obtained using the position information service server and the positioning center described in the fifth embodiment as additional information.

  When the designation information designates the user ID of the user who uses the mobile phone 55, the CPU 505 displays a message prompting the user ID to be input on the liquid crystal screen, and is input according to this display. The user ID is used as additional information. When the specification information specifies the model of the mobile phone 55, the CPU 505 uses the model information of the mobile phone 55 read from the model information storage area 520a as additional information.

  Thereafter, the CPU 505 transmits a content acquisition request to the content server using the URL decoded from the two-dimensional barcode (step S543). This content acquisition request includes the barcode ID of the read two-dimensional barcode and the additional information acquired in step S542 (one or more of time information, position information, user ID, and model information). ing. This content acquisition request is transmitted to the content server via the mobile packet communication network 40 and the Internet 20.

  When the content server receives the content acquisition request, the content server reads the content data corresponding to the barcode ID and the additional information included in the content acquisition request from the memory (step S544), and transmits the content data to the mobile phone 55. (Step S545). Then, the cellular phone 55 displays the content data received from the content server on the liquid crystal screen (step S546).

  For example, each piece of content data is stored in the memory of the content server in the configuration shown in FIG. 26. In the content acquisition request received from the mobile phone 55, the barcode ID “BC000001231” and the time information “11:35” are stored. Is included, the content server transmits content data corresponding to “10:00 to 13:59” to the mobile phone 55, and this content data is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the mobile phone 55.

  Each content data is stored in the memory of the content server in the configuration shown in FIG. 27. The content acquisition request received from the mobile phone 55 is added to the barcode ID “BC00005497” and the base installed in Tokyo. If the base station ID of the station is included, the content server, for example, transmits the received base station ID to the location information service server to obtain latitude and longitude information, an address, etc., and the mobile phone 55 is moved to the Kanto area. The location data is determined, and the content data corresponding to “Kanto district” is transmitted to the mobile phone 55. Then, this content data is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the mobile phone 55. If the content server has a function of converting the base station ID into latitude / longitude information or an address, it is not necessary to use the location information service server.

  As described above, even if the content server accesses from the mobile phone 55 based on the same two-dimensional barcode reading, the time when the mobile phone 55 reads the two-dimensional barcode or the two-dimensional barcode Depending on the position of the mobile phone 55 at the time of reading, the user using the mobile phone 55, the model of the mobile phone 55, and the like, the content to be provided can be appropriately changed. In addition, since the content corresponding to the two-dimensional barcode read by the mobile phone 55 is provided from the server, the content is included in the two-dimensional barcode as recorded information and provided to the user as compared with the fifth embodiment. Since the amount of content data to be provided to the user can be dramatically increased, for example, moving image data and programs can be easily provided.

  Furthermore, if the content server performs a process of totaling / analyzing the barcode ID and additional information included in the content acquisition request from each mobile phone 55, the content server is sent to the content server based on the reading of the two-dimensional barcode. For the accessing user, useful information for content business, such as the time zone and region where the two-dimensional barcode is read, and the model of the mobile phone 55, can be obtained.

  In the sixth embodiment described above, the designation that designates the type of additional information (time, location, user ID, model) required when the mobile phone 55 accesses the content server in the two-dimensional barcode. The case where information is included was explained. However, the mobile phone 55 may voluntarily transmit additional information such as time, position, model, and user ID to the content server without including the above-described designation information in the two-dimensional barcode.

  Further, the additional information may be acquired not by the mobile phone 55 but by the content server. However, in this case, the time information is the time when the content server receives the content acquisition request from the mobile phone 55. For the location information of the cellular phone 55, the content server inquires the location information service server, the positioning center, or the home register or the exchange in the mobile packet communication network 40 about the current location of the cellular phone 55. As for the model information and the user ID of the mobile phone 55, it is possible to use a user agent transmitted from the mobile phone 55 as long as it is communication using a Web browser, or the mobile packet communication network 40. It can also be obtained from the management server.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 29, additional information may be acquired by the gateway server 41 and added to the content acquisition request. In the case of the processing shown in the figure, first, the mobile phone 55 decodes the URL and barcode ID of the content server from the two-dimensional barcode (step S561), and sends a content acquisition request to the content server using the decoded URL. Transmit (step S562). This content acquisition request includes the barcode ID of the read two-dimensional barcode and designation information for designating the type of additional information.

  When the gateway server 41 receives the content acquisition request, the gateway server 41 acquires additional information specified by the specification information included in the content acquisition request for the mobile phone 55 that is the transmission source of the content acquisition request (step S563). For example, when the designation information designates time, the gateway server 41 acquires the current time measured by the internal clock of the gateway server 41. When the designation information designates the location of the mobile phone 55, the gateway server 41 sends the current location of the mobile phone 55 to the location information service server, the positioning center, or the home register or exchange in the mobile packet communication network 40. Queries the position and obtains the position information.

  When the designation information designates the user ID of the user who uses the mobile phone 55, the gateway server 41 uses the user ID registered in advance by the user with respect to the gateway server 41, or The subscriber ID of the packet communication service is acquired. When the specification information specifies the model of the mobile phone 55, the gateway server 41 uses, for example, information transmitted from the mobile phone 55 as UserAgent.

  Thereafter, the gateway server 41 adds the additional information acquired in step S563 to the content acquisition request received from the mobile phone 55, and communicates it to the content server (step S564). When the content server receives the content acquisition request, the content server reads the content data corresponding to the barcode ID and additional information included in the content acquisition request from the memory (step S565), and transmits the content data to the mobile phone 55. (Step S566). Then, the cellular phone 55 displays the content data received from the content server on the liquid crystal screen (step S567).

  As described above, when the additional information is acquired by the gateway server 41 and added to the content acquisition request, it is not necessary to provide the mobile phone 55 with a function for acquiring the additional information. Further, since the amount of communication from the mobile phone 55 to the gateway server 41 can be reduced by the amount of additional information, traffic in the mobile packet communication network 40 can be reduced.

  Note that the telecommunications carrier acquires various information about the user such as age and sex when signing a packet communication service subscription with the user of the mobile phone 55. Therefore, when the additional information is acquired by the gateway server 41, information such as the user's age and sex may be used as the additional information. In addition, in this way, the gateway server 41 implements a service for adding information useful for content business to a content acquisition request and providing it to a content provider as an information addition service. A service usage fee may be collected from the connected content provider.

  Further, the additional information may be acquired by the base station 42 instead of the gateway server 41, for example. In particular, when additional information is acquired at the base station 42, if the additional information to be acquired is position information of the mobile phone 55, the base station ID of the own station 42 may be acquired. There is no need to access.

  In the sixth embodiment, control as described below may be performed. That is, first, in the two-dimensional barcode, a URL indicating the location of the content on the network and the barcode ID of the two-dimensional barcode are recorded. In addition, when the content can be sufficiently specified only by the URL, it is not necessary to include the barcode ID as recording information in the two-dimensional barcode. If the communication address of the content server is registered in advance in the nonvolatile memory 520 of the mobile phone 55, only the barcode ID may be included in the two-dimensional barcode as recorded information, and the URL is stored in the two-dimensional barcode. Need not be included as record information.

  The cellular phone 55 transmits a content acquisition request including the barcode ID to the content server specified by the URL decoded from the two-dimensional barcode. Then, the content server carries a plurality of contents stored in association with the barcode ID included in the received content acquisition request and usage condition information indicating conditions for permitting the use of each content. It transmits to the telephone 55. For example, when content data is stored in the content server in the state shown in FIG. 26 and the content acquisition request received from the mobile phone 55 includes the barcode ID “BC000001231”, the content server A total of three pieces of content data and time zone information associated with each piece of content data are transmitted to the mobile phone 55.

  The mobile phone 55 stores each content data received from the content server and its use condition information in the nonvolatile memory 520. When the content data stored in the nonvolatile memory 520 is read out and used in this way, the mobile phone 55 uses the current time when the reading is instructed, the position of the own device 55, and the input user ID. Alternatively, model information is acquired, and among the content data stored in the nonvolatile memory 520, only content data corresponding to the acquired information is read and displayed on the liquid crystal screen.

[G. Seventh Embodiment]
Next, in the seventh embodiment, a case will be described in which content data provided using a two-dimensional barcode is encrypted. In addition, in this embodiment, the same code | symbol shall be used about the part which is common in 1st Embodiment. Also, the description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a data providing service using a two-dimensional barcode (hereinafter referred to as an encrypted two-dimensional barcode) including encrypted content data as recording information. A content provider who wants to provide data using an encrypted two-dimensional barcode first makes a service contract with the communication carrier of the mobile packet communication network 40 regarding the use of the encrypted two-dimensional barcode. By signing this service contract, the content provider is a subscriber of the packet communication service provided by the communication carrier and is the encryption 2 for the owner of the mobile phone having a two-dimensional barcode reading function. Content data using a dimensional barcode can be provided.

  Further, the communication carrier issues a unique encryption key A for each content provider to the content provider that has signed a service contract (step S581). This encryption key A is used to encrypt content data to be included as recording information in the encrypted two-dimensional barcode. Further, the encryption key A may be used for decoding encryption applied to content data decoded from an encrypted two-dimensional barcode in a mobile phone.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the content provider encrypts the content data using the encryption key A issued by the communication carrier and the encryption key B managed by the content provider itself. As described above, the encryption key B is used for encryption of content data and decoding of encryption applied to the content data. Only one or a plurality of specific users can use the content data. Restrict. As the encryption key B, for example, a user ID issued by the content provider to the user, a password for personal authentication registered in advance by the user with the content provider, or the like is used.

  Note that the use of the encryption key B is optional. When encrypting content data, the content provider can arbitrarily select whether to use only the encryption key A or both the encryption key A and the encryption key B.

  In this way, an encrypted two-dimensional barcode is generated based on the content data encrypted using only the encryption key A or the encryption key A and the encryption key B.

  In addition, the content provider creates encryption / decoding software for decoding, in the mobile phone, the encryption of the content data included as the recording information in the encrypted two-dimensional barcode. This encryption / decoding software is created, for example, as an application program for a mobile phone written in a Java (registered trademark) programming language. Note that the telecommunications carrier may provide not only the encryption key A but also the encryption / decoding software to the content provider who has a service contract. The encryption decoding software may be a combination of a function for decoding encrypted content data from a two-dimensional barcode and a function for decoding encryption applied to the content data.

  Returning to FIG. 30, the content provider provides the user with the encryption / decoding software so that the mobile phone can download the generated encryption / decoding software from its home page, for example (step S582). The user downloads and installs the encryption / decoding software from the home page of the content provider onto his mobile phone.

  In addition, the content provider prints the encrypted two-dimensional barcode on a card such as a membership card (step S583). When a user reads an encrypted two-dimensional barcode printed on a card such as a membership card with a mobile phone, the mobile phone first decodes the encrypted content data from the encrypted two-dimensional barcode (step S584). Next, the mobile phone decodes the encryption applied to the content data according to the encryption / decoding software (step S585), and displays the decoded content data on, for example, a liquid crystal screen (step S586).

  In addition, the content provider pays the user a usage fee for the encryption key A every month, for example, while performing a data providing service using an encrypted two-dimensional barcode to the user (step S587). . Of course, the usage fee for the encryption key A may be paid in a certain amount when a service contract is concluded.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining a process from when the cellular phone 56 according to the present embodiment reads the encrypted two-dimensional barcode until it outputs the content data. As shown in the figure, the non-volatile memory 510 of the mobile phone 56 includes an encryption / decoding software 510b provided by the content provider and a barcode for decoding the content data encrypted from the two-dimensional barcode. Decoding software 510a is stored.

  Of course, the decoding software 510c having the functions of both the encryption decoding software 510b and the barcode decoding software 510a may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 510. Further, instead of the encryption decoding software 510b and the barcode decoding software 510a, the mobile phone 56 may be provided with hardware that performs the same functions as those software.

  In the cellular phone 56, when activation of the encryption / decoding software 510b is instructed by an operation input or the like, first, the CPU 505 activates the encryption / decoding software 510b and the barcode decoding software 510a. Next, the CPU 505 transmits an instruction to start reading the encrypted two-dimensional barcode to the CCD camera 504 according to the activated encryption decoding software 510b and barcode decoding software 510a (steps S591 to S593).

  When the CCD camera 504 receives the reading start instruction, the CCD camera 504 captures an image including the encrypted two-dimensional barcode (step S594), generates image data of the captured image, and stores the image data in the RAM 509. Thereafter, the CCD camera 504 transmits an imaging end instruction to the CPU 505 (step S595). In response to this, the CPU 505 starts processing based on the barcode decoding software 510a, first analyzes the image data stored in the RAM 509, and identifies the image of the two-dimensional barcode from this image. Next, the CPU 505 decodes the encrypted content data from the encrypted two-dimensional barcode image according to the barcode decoding software 510 a and stores it in the RAM 509. Thereafter, the CPU 505 ends the process by the barcode decoding software 510a (step S596).

  Next, the CPU 505 starts processing based on the encryption / decoding software 510b, and decodes the encrypted content data stored in the RAM 509. If the content provider uses the encryption key B in addition to the encryption key A when encrypting the content, the CPU 505 inputs the user ID, password, etc. on the liquid crystal screen when decoding the encryption. A message prompting is displayed, and the encrypted content data is decoded using the information input in response to the display. Further, identification information unique to the mobile phone 55 such as a telephone number or a manufacturing number may be used instead of the user ID and password. Thereafter, the CPU 505 displays the decoded content data on the liquid crystal screen (step S597).

  Note that the cellular phone 56 can obtain a sufficient image resolution even when the encrypted two-dimensional barcode image cannot be identified from the captured image or when the encrypted two-dimensional barcode image is barely identified. If the content data could not be decoded from the encrypted 2D barcode image, the message prompting the user to re-capture the image containing the encrypted 2D barcode is displayed on the LCD screen and encrypted. It has a function of retrying reading processing related to a two-dimensional barcode.

  Also, information specifying the encryption / decoding software 510b is added to the encrypted two-dimensional barcode as non-encrypted data, and the encryption / decoding software 510b corresponding to the information is automatically activated in the mobile phone 56. You may make it do. In this case, in the cellular phone 56, when the barcode reading mode is selected by an operation input or the like, first, the barcode decoding software 510a is activated, and the content data encrypted according to the barcode decoding software 510a is activated. Are decoded from the encrypted two-dimensional barcode. Thereafter, the encryption / decoding software 510b specified by the information specifying the encryption / decoding software 510b included in the encrypted two-dimensional barcode is activated, and the content data is read according to the encryption / decoding software 510b. The encryption applied to is decoded.

  As described above, if the content data included in the two-dimensional barcode as recorded information is encrypted, only the mobile phone 56 in which the encryption / decoding software 510b is installed is encrypted from the two-dimensional barcode. It is possible to decode the content data and use the content data. In addition, by using the encryption key B, it is possible to provide content data limited to only one or more specific users. Therefore, security can be ensured when data is provided using a two-dimensional barcode. For example, an encrypted two-dimensional barcode is used when sending personal information such as a telephone number, an address, or an e-mail address. It is effective to use.

[H. Modified example]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can be implemented with another various form, without deviating from the main characteristic. Each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of one aspect of the present invention. As a modification, for example, the following can be considered.

<Modification 1>
In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the mobile phones 50 and 51 have a two-dimensional barcode reading function configured by the CCD camera 504 and the decoding software 510a has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 33, the two-dimensional barcode reading function of the cellular phone 52 includes a barcode reader 552 and a barcode reader driver 551 for controlling the barcode reader 552. It may be. In this case, the bar code reader 552 may of course be detachable from the mobile phone 52.

<Modification 2>
In the above-described fourth embodiment, information indicating the valid period of access based on the URL included in the two-dimensional barcode is added as the record information of the two-dimensional barcode, and the gateway server 41 is within the valid period of access. It may be configured to determine whether or not.

  FIG. 34 is a sequence chart for explaining the operation of each part of the communication system according to the second modification. Also in the second modification, the content data converted into the two-dimensional barcode includes the URL of a site that provides more detailed information about the content, as in the fourth embodiment described above (FIG. 17). reference).

  The content provider includes content data including such a URL, and valid period information indicating a period during which the mobile phone 50 can access the site using the URL (for example, access enabling access to the site). A start time limit and an access end time limit for disabling access) are transmitted from the development machine 10A to the barcode issuing server 30. Note that the valid period information may be configured only by an access end time limit that prohibits access to the site, for example.

  The barcode issuing server 30 generates a two-dimensional barcode having the content data received from the development machine 10A and the barcode ID assigned to the newly issued two-dimensional barcode as recording information (step S601). The two-dimensional barcode image data is returned to the development machine 10A. In addition, the barcode issuing server 30 transmits the barcode ID of the issued two-dimensional barcode and the validity period information received from the development machine 10A to the gateway server 41 (step S602).

  When the gateway server 41 stores the relay management table 410b shown in FIG. 35 in the memory and receives the barcode ID and valid period information from the barcode issuing server 30, the gateway server 41 stores the barcode ID and valid period information in the relay management table. Add to 410b.

  On the other hand, the mobile phone 50 reads the two-dimensional barcode attached to the article or the like by the content provider, and decodes the content data and the barcode ID from the two-dimensional barcode. Then, the cellular phone 50 displays the decoded content data (see FIG. 17) on the liquid crystal screen. In response to this display, a URL displayed on the screen is designated by an operation input, and when an access to a site designated by this URL is instructed, the mobile phone 50 displays the designated URL and this content data. A connection request including the decoded barcode ID is transmitted to the base station 42. This connection request is transmitted from the base station 42 to the gateway server 41 via the exchange (step S603).

  When the gateway server 41 receives the connection request from the mobile phone 50, the gateway server 41 reads the validity period information corresponding to the barcode ID included in the connection request from the relay management table 410b. Then, the gateway server 41 compares the read effective period information with the current time measured by the internal clock provided in the gateway server 41, and determines whether or not it is within the effective period of access to the site. (Step S604).

  As a result, when the gateway server 41 determines that it is outside the valid period (step S605: No), it notifies the mobile phone 50 of a message indicating that it is outside the valid period, and then performs communication based on the received connection request. The process ends without relaying.

  If the gateway server 40 determines that it is within the valid period (step S605: Yes), the gateway server 40 transmits a connection request to the content server specified by the URL included in the connection request (step S606). 50 and the content server are relayed (step S607). Note that the processing after step S608 shown in the figure is the same as the processing from steps S506 to S509 shown in FIG.

  As described above, the gateway server 41 may determine the validity period of access using the URL included in the two-dimensional barcode. When the mobile phone 50 accesses the site based on the URL included in the two-dimensional barcode by including the above-mentioned access valid period information as management information in the two-dimensional barcode, A configuration may be adopted in which it is determined whether or not it is within the valid period of access to the site, and communication is not performed when it is outside the valid period.

<Modification 3>
In the first embodiment described above, the case has been described in which valid period information indicating the valid period of reading content data is included in the two-dimensional barcode as management information. However, the valid period information may be stored in the gateway server 41 in association with the barcode ID, and the mobile phone 50 may ask the gateway server 41 to use the content data decoded from the two-dimensional barcode.

  FIG. 36 is a sequence chart for explaining the operation of each part of the communication system according to the third modification. First, the content provider transmits the content data desired to be converted into a two-dimensional barcode and the valid period information indicating the valid period of reading the content data from the development machine 10A to the barcode issuing server 30 (step S701). .

  The barcode issuing server 30 generates a two-dimensional barcode having as recording information the content data received from the development machine 10A and the barcode ID assigned to the newly issued two-dimensional barcode (step S702). The image data of the two-dimensional barcode is returned to the development machine 10A (step S703). In addition, the barcode issuing server 30 transmits the barcode ID of the issued two-dimensional barcode and the validity period information received from the development machine 10A to the gateway server 41 (step S704).

  When the gateway server 41 receives the barcode ID and the validity period information from the barcode issuing server 30, the gateway server 41 stores the barcode ID and the validity period information in the internal memory.

  On the other hand, the cellular phone 50 reads the two-dimensional barcode attached to the article or the like by the content provider, and decodes the content data and the barcode ID from the two-dimensional barcode (step S705). Thereafter, the cellular phone 50 inquires of the gateway server 41 whether or not the decoding of the two-dimensional barcode has been performed within the content data reading valid period. That is, the cellular phone 50 transmits a use permission request including the barcode ID decoded from the two-dimensional barcode to the gateway server 41 (step S706).

  When the gateway server 41 receives the use permission request from the mobile phone 50, the gateway server 41 reads from the internal memory valid period information corresponding to the barcode ID included in the use permission request. Next, the gateway server 41 compares the read valid period information with the current time measured by the internal clock, and determines whether or not it is within the content data read valid period (step S707). Then, the gateway server 41 transmits a result notification indicating the determination result to the mobile phone 50 (step S708).

  When receiving the result notification from the gateway server 41, the cellular phone 50 determines whether or not the content data can be used based on the determination result (step S709). That is, when the mobile phone 50 receives a notification that the content data is within the valid period for reading the content data, the mobile phone 50 permits the use of the content data and allows display or output to an external device. On the other hand, when the mobile phone 50 receives a notification that the content data is not valid for reading, the mobile phone 50 rejects the use of the content data and displays a message on the liquid crystal screen indicating that the content data is not valid. At the same time, the content data is discarded.

  The validity period may be determined by a server on the Internet 20 such as the barcode issuing server 30 instead of the gateway server 41.

<Modification 4>
In the fourth embodiment and the second modification described above, the case has been described in which the content data converted into the two-dimensional barcode includes the URL of a site that provides more detailed information about the content. However, the two-dimensional barcode includes the URL of the management server that manages the two-dimensional barcode, and the mobile phone 50 obtains the URL of the site related to the content decoded from the two-dimensional barcode from the management server. It is good also as composition to do.

  FIG. 37 is a sequence chart for explaining the operation of each part of the communication system according to the fourth modification. First, the content provider issues a barcode from the development machine 10A with content data that the developer wants to convert into a two-dimensional barcode, the URL of the site related to the content data, and valid period information indicating the valid period of reading the content data. It transmits to the server 30 (step S801).

  The barcode issuing server 30 receives a two-dimensional barcode having recorded data including the content data received from the development machine 10A, the barcode ID assigned to the newly issued two-dimensional barcode, and the URL of the management server 90. Then, the image data of the two-dimensional barcode is returned to the development machine 10A (step S803). In addition, the barcode issuing server 30 transmits the barcode ID of the issued two-dimensional barcode, the validity period information received from the development machine 10A, and the URL of the site to the management server 90 (step S804).

  The management server 90 is a server connected to the Internet 20, and stores a URL management table 900a shown in FIG. 38 in a memory. When the management server 90 receives the barcode ID, the validity period information, and the URL of the site from the barcode issuing server 30, the management server 90 adds these data to the URL management table 900a.

  On the other hand, the cellular phone 50 reads the two-dimensional barcode attached to the article or the like by the content provider, and decodes the content data, the barcode ID, and the URL of the management server 90 from the two-dimensional barcode (step S805). Then, the cellular phone 50 displays the decoded content data on the liquid crystal screen (see FIG. 39). When the URL acquisition button is clicked by an operation input in accordance with this display, the mobile phone 50 sends a URL acquisition request including a barcode ID decoded from the two-dimensional barcode to the management server 90 via the mobile packet communication network 40. (Step S806).

  When receiving the URL acquisition request from the mobile phone 50, the management server 90 reads the validity period information corresponding to the barcode ID included in the URL acquisition request from the URL management table 900a. Then, the management server 90 compares the read valid period information with the current time measured by the internal clock provided in the management server 90, and determines whether or not it is within the content data read valid period. (Step S807).

  As a result, if the management server 90 determines that it is outside the valid period (step S808: No), the management server 90 notifies the mobile phone 50 of a message indicating that it is outside the valid period, and then ends the process. If the management server 90 determines that it is within the valid period (step S808: Yes), the URL corresponding to the barcode ID included in the URL acquisition request is read from the URL management table 900a, and the URL is carried by the mobile phone. It transmits to the telephone 50 (step S809). As a result, the mobile phone 50 can acquire the URL of the site related to the content decoded from the two-dimensional barcode, and thereafter, the site can be accessed using this URL.

  Note that the URL of the management server 90 does not necessarily need to be included in the two-dimensional barcode, and may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 510 of the mobile phone 50. Further, the management server 90 and the barcode issuing server 30 may be the same server. Furthermore, the management server 90 may be provided in the mobile packet communication network 40.

<Modification 5>
In each of the above-described embodiments, the barcode issuing server 30 is connected to the Internet 20. However, the barcode issuing server 30 may be configured to be directly connected to the gateway server 41 of the mobile packet communication network 40 via a dedicated line or installed in the mobile packet communication network 40.

<Modification 6>
In the first embodiment described above, the bar code issuing center has examined the content submitted by the content provider for non-harmful content or not causing trouble in the mobile phone 50, and passed the screening. Only the content may be converted into a two-dimensional barcode.

<Modification 7>
For example, in the first and fifth embodiments described above, the cellular phones 50 and 55 perform a process of decoding and outputting data from a two-dimensional barcode according to a program stored in the ROM 508 or the nonvolatile memories 510 and 520. However, a program for executing the processing according to the present invention may be provided to the mobile phones 50 and 55 by communication. Of course, the program may be provided to the mobile phones 50 and 55 using a recording medium such as an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. However, in this case, it is necessary to provide the mobile phones 50 and 55 with a recording medium drive for reading the program from the recording medium.

<Modification 8>
Various forms other than those described in each of the above-described embodiments are conceivable as the contents of the content data provided as a two-dimensional barcode and a form for providing the two-dimensional barcode to the user. For example, content data provided as a two-dimensional barcode includes product information and contact information, product information indicating the URL of a website that introduces the product details in more detail, a map indicating the location of the store, For example, store introduction information indicating regular holidays, products for sale, timetable data of trains and buses, standby image data of mobile phone 50, incoming melody data, articles of newspapers and magazines, and the like. Also, 2D barcodes can be provided to users in the form of printing 2D barcodes on street and store posters, billboards, train hanging advertisements, business cards, general products, TV screens and PC screens. For example, a form in which a two-dimensional barcode is displayed may be considered.

<Modification 9>
In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where a matrix type two-dimensional barcode is used has been described. However, it is a matter of course that a stack type two-dimensional barcode may be used, and a two-dimensional barcode may be used instead of a two-dimensional barcode. In short, any code may be used as long as it is represented by an image that can be optically read by the electronic device. The code reading method may be a CCD line sensor method, a laser method, or the like.

  The electronic device to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the mobile phone 50. For example, a PHS (registered trademark) terminal, a PDA, a personal computer, various home appliances, etc. Any electronic device having a function of optically reading may be used. In addition, the mobile packet communication network 40 may be a PHS network, a public wireless LAN, an in-house LAN, or the like.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the hardware constitutions of the barcode issuing server which concerns on the embodiment. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a charge table stored in an HD in the barcode issuing server according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the mobile phone according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating content data converted into a two-dimensional barcode according to the embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which concerns on the same embodiment and illustrates about a two-dimensional barcode. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of barcode issuing processing 1 executed by a CPU in the barcode issuing server according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of barcode reading processing 1 executed by a CPU in the mobile phone according to the embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the communications system concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a charge table stored in an HD in the barcode issuing server according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of barcode issuing processing 2 executed by a CPU in the barcode issuing server according to the embodiment. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen for text data to be converted into a two-dimensional barcode in the mobile phone according to the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a case where an image of a two-dimensional barcode received from a barcode issuing server is displayed on a liquid crystal screen in the mobile phone according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the hardware configuration in the mobile phone according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the barcode issuing process 3 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention and is performed in a development machine. It is a sequence chart explaining operation | movement of each part of the communication system which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a diagram illustrating content data converted into a two-dimensional barcode according to the embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the data structure of the relay management table stored in the memory of the gateway server which concerns on the embodiment. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a charge table stored in an HD in the barcode issuing server according to the embodiment. FIG. It is a block diagram which illustrates the hardware constitutions of the mobile telephone which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating the data configuration of content data included as recording information in a two-dimensional barcode according to the embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating the data configuration of content data included as recording information in a two-dimensional barcode according to the embodiment; FIG. 9 is a diagram (No. 3) illustrating the data configuration of content data included as recording information in a two-dimensional barcode according to the embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram (No. 4) illustrating the data configuration of content data included as recording information in a two-dimensional barcode according to the embodiment; 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of barcode reading processing 2 executed by a CPU in the mobile phone according to the embodiment. It is FIG. (1) for demonstrating the content data memorize | stored in the content server which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is FIG. (2) for demonstrating the content data memorize | stored in the content server which concerns on the embodiment. 6 is a sequence chart illustrating operations of the mobile phone and the content server according to the embodiment. 6 is a sequence chart illustrating operations of the mobile phone, the gateway server, and the content server according to the embodiment. It is a figure which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention and illustrates the outline | summary of the data provision service using an encryption two-dimensional barcode. FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a generation process of an encrypted two-dimensional barcode according to the embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process after the mobile telephone which concerns on the embodiment reads an encrypted two-dimensional barcode until it outputs content data. It is a block diagram which illustrates the hardware constitutions of the mobile telephone which concerns on the modification 1 of this invention. It is a sequence chart explaining operation | movement of each part of the communication system which concerns on the modification 2 of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the data structure of the relay management table stored in the memory of the gateway server which concerns on the modification 2 of this invention. It is a sequence chart explaining operation | movement of each part of the communication system which concerns on the modification 3 of this invention. It is a sequence chart explaining operation | movement of each part of the communication system which concerns on the modification 4 of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the data structure of the URL management table stored in the memory of the management server which concerns on the modification 4 of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating content data decoded from a two-dimensional barcode according to Modification 4 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1, 2 ... Communication system, 10A ... Development machine, 10B ... Printer, 20 ... Internet, 30 ... Barcode issuing server, 40 ... Mobile packet communication network, 41 ... Gateway server, 42 ... Base Station, 50, 51, 52, 55, 56 ... mobile phone, 60 ... printer, 70 ... communication charge management server, 80 ... personal computer, 90 ... management server, 301 ... communication interface, 302 ... Operation input unit 303 ... Display unit 304 ... Bar code conversion device 305 ... Printer driver, 306 ... CPU, 307 ... ROM, 308 ... RAM, 309 ... HD, 309a ... Bar code issuance Management DB, 309b, 309c, 309d ... Fare table, 310 ... Bus, 410a, 410b ... Relay management table 501 ... Wireless communication unit, 501a ... Antenna, 502 ... Operation input unit, 503 ... Call processing unit, 504 ... CCD camera, 505 ... CPU, 506 ... Liquid crystal display unit, 507 ... Memory 508... ROM, 509... RAM, 510, 520... Non-volatile memory, 510 a... Barcode decoding software, 510 b. 512 ... Communication interface, 520a ... Model information storage area, 520b ... Base station ID storage area, 551 ... Bar code reader driver, 552 ... Bar code reader, 900a ... URL management table.

Claims (13)

A first step in which a communication terminal optically reads a code represented by a graphic and decodes data usable in the communication terminal and code identification information for identifying the code from the code;
A second process in which the communication terminal transmits the code identification information decoded in the first process to a management device that manages the code;
The management device receives the code identification information transmitted in the second process, determines whether the code is usable based on information stored in association with the code identification information, and a determination result A third process of notifying the communication terminal;
A fourth step of outputting the data decoded in the first step when the communication terminal is permitted to use the code according to the determination result notified in the third step; A data providing method characterized by the above. In the third step,
The management device receives the code identification information transmitted in the second process, and uses the code based on the validity period information stored in association with the code identification information and the current time The data providing method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining whether the communication is possible and notifying the communication terminal of the determination result. The data providing method according to claim 1, wherein the code is a two-dimensional barcode. A reading unit that optically reads a code represented by a graphic image, and decodes data usable in the electronic device and useability determination information used to determine whether the data can be used from the code;
Determination means for determining the availability of the data using the availability determination information decoded by the reading means;
An electronic device comprising: output means for outputting the data when use of the data is permitted by the determination means. The availability determination information is valid period information indicating a valid period of reading the code,
The determination unit acquires a current time, and determines whether the data can be used according to whether the current time is within an effective period based on the effective period information decoded by the reading unit. The electronic device according to claim 4. The reading means includes
An image pickup means for picking up an image of a code represented by a graphic image;
Identifying means for identifying an image of the code from within an image captured by the imaging means;
6. Decoding means for decoding data usable in the electronic device and useability determination information used for determining the availability of the data from the image of the code identified by the identification means. Item 5. The electronic device according to Item 4. The data decoded by the reading means is encrypted,
The electronic device according to claim 4, further comprising decoding means for decoding the encryption applied to the data and obtaining data usable by the electronic device. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the code is a two-dimensional barcode. Computer
Conversion means for converting data usable in the electronic device into a code represented by an image optically readable by the electronic device;
A determination unit for determining whether or not to issue a code converted by the conversion unit, and a program for functioning as an output unit that outputs image data of the code when the determination unit permits the issuance of the code. A point indicating a limit at which the code can be issued, and an issue limit point to which a point required for issuing the code is subtracted every time the code is issued is associated with the program,
A calculation means for calculating points required for issuing the code converted by the conversion means;
The program according to claim 9, wherein the determination unit permits the issuance of the code converted by the conversion unit when the issuance limit point is greater than the points calculated by the calculation unit. Electronics
A reading unit that optically reads a code represented by a graphic and decodes data usable in the electronic device and useability determination information used to determine whether or not the data can be used from the code;
A determination unit that determines the availability of the data using the availability determination information decoded by the reading unit; and an output unit that outputs the data when the use of the data is permitted by the determination unit Program to let you. The program according to claim 9 or 11, wherein the code is a two-dimensional barcode.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 9 or 11.

Images