JP2016024803A - Terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a terminal device that provides a user with more convenience.SOLUTION: A terminal device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a communication unit for communication with a server device over a network, and a control unit for controlling execution of a first application in response to an instruction input from a user. The control unit downloads from the server device through the communication unit an update program for the first application on the basis of update information of the first application and a program for executing a second application different from the first application, updates the first application, and selectably presents whether to execute the updated first application or the second application in response to an instruction input for activating the updated first application.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal device capable of downloading a program for executing an application and executing the application.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a terminal device capable of executing an application corresponding to an icon by installing a plurality of various programs for executing the application and selecting a predetermined icon displayed on the standby screen. It was done. When such a terminal device is connected to a network line such as the Internet and receives a notification about an update program from a remote server device (Patent Document 1), the update program is downloaded, and the downloaded program is downloaded to the terminal device. The update process was executed by installing it on.

JP2011-081778 A

  However, in a conventional terminal device, a program for executing the same application that can be downloaded as an update program upon receiving the notification from the server device is an update program for executing a different application. It was not possible to download with the program. Therefore, both programs need to be downloaded separately, which is inconvenient for the user.

  Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention provide a terminal device that is more convenient for the user.

  A terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit for communicating with a server device via a network, and a control unit that controls execution of the first application in response to an instruction input from a user. The terminal unit includes: a program for executing an update program for the first application and a second application different from the first application based on the update information of the first application Is updated from the server device via the communication unit and the first application is updated in response to an instruction input for starting the updated first application. Presenting the application and the second application to be executed in a selectable manner; It is an feature.

  A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a control unit that controls execution of a first application in response to an instruction input from a user, wherein the control unit includes the first Based on application update information, the first application update program and a program for executing a second application different from the first application are downloaded from the server device and the first application is updated. In addition, according to an instruction input for starting the updated first application, the updated first application or the second application is presented to be selectable. It is what.

  A display control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for controlling execution of a first application in response to an instruction input from a user, and the method includes update information of the first application. And updating the first application by downloading from the server device a program for executing the update program for the first application and a second application different from the first application, and after the update And a step of presenting in a selectable manner whether to execute the updated first application or the second application in response to an instruction input for starting the first application.

  Various embodiments of the present invention provide a terminal device that is more convenient for the user.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the server apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image in the application according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image in the application according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing user information stored in the server apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing application information stored in the server apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a processing sequence between the terminal device 100 and the server device 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image in the application according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image in the application according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image in an application according to another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image in an application according to another embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same referential mark is attached | subjected to the common component in drawing.

  Hereinafter, a terminal device 100 capable of executing an application according to the present embodiment will be specifically described as an example of the terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, as an example of the terminal device, a portable terminal device capable of wireless communication such as a smartphone can be cited, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, as an example, portable terminals such as portable game machines, feature phones, portable information terminals, PDAs, wireless controller terminals, and arcade terminals installed in desktop personal computers, laptop personal computers, game centers, etc. The present invention can be applied.

  In the present embodiment, a specific game application is described as an example of the application, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, as an example, the present invention can be applied to various applications such as a spreadsheet application, a mail application, a document creation application, a schedule application, and a map application that can be used in a terminal device.

<Configuration of Terminal Device 100>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the terminal device 100 according to the present embodiment does not have to include all of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 and may have a configuration in which some are omitted.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit including a control unit 101, a wireless communication processing unit 102, and an antenna 103, a display unit 104, a memory unit 105, a touch panel 107, and hardware. It includes an operation unit 106 including a key 108, a sound processing unit 109 connected to a speaker 110 and a microphone 111, a detection unit 112 including an acceleration sensor 113 and a GPS sensor 114, a connector 115, and an image processing unit 116 connected to a camera 117. . Each of these elements is electrically connected to each other via a control line and a data line.

  The control unit 101 includes a CPU (microcomputer), and controls display of each image information stored in the memory unit 105 on the display unit 104 based on coordinate information input by touching the touch panel 107. To do. In addition, the control unit 101 reads out a program for executing the first application stored in the memory unit 105, its update program, and further a program for executing the second application. Control execution. Further, the control unit 101 downloads the application update program from the remotely installed server device via the antenna 103 and the wireless communication processing unit 102 based on the application update information stored in the memory unit 105. Control the update of the first application. Further, in accordance with an instruction input via the user operation unit 106, execution of an application including the first application is controlled. That is, the control unit 101 controls other connected components based on various programs stored in the memory unit 105.

  The control unit 101 may be configured with a single CPU, but may be configured with a plurality of CPUs. In addition, a GPU specialized for image processing, that is, display control for the display unit 104 may be provided separately.

  The communication processing unit 102 functions as a communication unit together with the connected wireless communication antenna 103. In order to transmit information stored in the memory unit 105 to another terminal such as a server device installed remotely via a network, or information transmitted from another terminal such as a server device via a network In order to receive data, various processes such as modulation and demodulation are performed. For example, when various programs according to the present embodiment are received from the server device, the communication processing unit 102 collects the programs according to the present embodiment as needed according to the progress of the process or at the start of execution. Control reception from It also controls sending various processes or results from the execution of the program to the server device.

  The communication processing unit 102 is processed based on a wideband wireless communication system typified by W-CDMA (Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access) system, but is not limited to a wireless LAN such as IEEE802.11. It is also possible to perform processing based on a method related to narrowband wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  The display unit 104 performs display instructed by the control unit 101 that executes a predetermined program based on, for example, image information stored in the memory unit 105. Specifically, the control unit 101 performs a predetermined display as the first or second application is executed. As an example, the display unit 104 includes a liquid crystal display. In addition, although the terminal device which concerns on this embodiment is provided with a single display part, it may be provided with two or more display parts.

  The memory unit 105 includes a ROM, a RAM, a nonvolatile memory, and the like, and stores a program for executing the first application and the second application according to the present embodiment. The ROM is a memory that stores a program according to the present embodiment, for example. The control unit 101 executes various processes by loading this program. The RAM is a memory used for writing and reading data while various commands generated by executing a program stored in the ROM are processed by the control unit 101. The nonvolatile memory is a memory in which data is written and read by executing the program, and the data written therein is stored even after the execution of the program is completed.

  The operation unit 106 includes a touch panel 107, a hard key 108, and the like, and accepts various instructions from the user.

  The touch panel 107 is disposed so as to cover the display unit 104, and outputs position coordinate data corresponding to image data displayed on the display unit 104 to the control unit 101. As the touch panel method, a known method such as a resistive film method, a capacitive coupling method, an electromagnetic induction method, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave method, or the like can be used. Moreover, according to the system to be used, a touch on a touch panel by a known indicator such as a finger or a stylus pen is detected.

  The hard key 108 controls on / off of a signal by physically pressing a switch, and includes a power key, a volume key, and the like. These hard keys 108 control power on / off of the terminal device, volume of back music during program execution, and the like. In addition to the pseudo operation keys, each function key used for the game can be installed.

  The detection unit 112 includes an acceleration sensor 113 and a GPS sensor 114. The acceleration sensor detects the acceleration in the triaxial direction of the terminal device 100, for example, detects the rotation of the terminal device 100. The GPS sensor 114 detects the current position of the terminal device 100 through communication with a plurality of satellites.

  The connector 115 inserts, for example, a cartridge or an external storage medium that stores a program for executing a game application, and mediates reading and writing of the program by the control unit 101. Further, for example, a terminal portion for outputting image information to an external display device such as a liquid crystal television can be included.

  The voice processing unit 109 encodes the voice information input from the microphone 111 for storage in the memory unit 105. Also, the audio processing unit 109 decodes audio information such as back music stored in the memory unit 105 and outputs it from the speaker 110.

  The image processing unit 116 is connected to the camera 117, converts an image captured by the camera 117 into a data format suitable for storage, and stores the data in the memory unit 105.

<Configuration of Server Device 200>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the server apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the server device 200 according to the present embodiment does not have to include all of the components illustrated in FIG. 2 and may have a configuration in which some are omitted.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a server device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit including a control unit 201, a communication processing unit 202, and an antenna 203, a storage unit including a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk (HDD), and the like. 204. Each of these elements is electrically connected to each other via a control line and a data line.

  The control unit 201 is typically composed of a CPU, and controls the overall operation of the server device 200. As an example, the user is authenticated based on the identification information transmitted from the terminal device 100, or the update program of the first application or the second application is executed on the terminal device 100 in response to a request from the terminal device 100. The transmission of various programs including a program for performing the control is controlled.

  The communication processing unit 202 transmits various programs and various types of information stored in the storage unit 204 to the terminal device 100 via the connected wireless communication antenna 203, and transmits various requests and various types of information from the terminal device 100. In order to mediate reception, various processes such as modulation and demodulation are performed.

  The storage unit 204 includes a ROM, a RAM, an HDD (hard disk drive), and the like. The ROM stores various programs for control by the control unit 201 of the server device. The RAM is a memory used for writing and reading data while various commands generated by executing a program stored in the ROM are processed by the control unit 201.

  The HDD is a memory for storing the results obtained by executing the program by the control unit 201, and in addition to the above, user information received from the terminal device 100 described in FIG. 3 and FIG. Various programs to be transmitted to the terminal device 100 such as an update program for the first application and a program for executing the second application are stored.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the server apparatus 200 is configured as a single unit has been described as an example. However, naturally, a plurality of server apparatuses can be provided according to the function to be implemented. For example, at least two server devices are provided, and one server device performs user authentication based on user information stored in the storage unit and transmits each user information in response to a request from the terminal device 100. Then, the remaining one server device provides the terminal device 100 with an update program for the first application or provides the second application in response to a request from the user.

<Example of first application>
As a 1st application which concerns on this embodiment, the application regarding a battle | competition type role playing game is mentioned as an example. The competitive role-playing game obtains the right to challenge the next new dungeon every time a dungeon composed of a plurality of stages is cleared. The game is completed by repeatedly challenging and clearing new dungeons and clearing all prepared dungeons.

  Here, the “stage” is a virtual game in which one or a plurality of friendly characters stored in association with the user are controlled by playing a puzzle game to play against one or a plurality of enemy characters that appear. It is a battle field.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image in the application according to the present embodiment. According to FIG. 3, the display screen of the display unit 104 of the terminal device 100 is vertically divided into two, and a virtual battle field 301 is displayed at the top of the screen. The enemy character 302 that is an opponent in the battle field and the user himself / herself are displayed. One or more teammate characters 303 stored in association with each other are displayed. In addition, a 5-row × 6-column grid-like board surface 305 in which a plurality of movable objects 304 are arranged is displayed at the bottom of the screen, and the movable object 304 is displayed in accordance with a user operation instruction input via the touch panel 107. The puzzle game progresses by controlling the placement.

  Each user moves each movable object 304 to an arbitrary position on the board by an operation instruction via the touch panel 107. Here, predetermined attributes are determined in advance for each movable object 304. As an example, there are six types of “red”, “green”, “water”, “yellow”, “purple”, and “recovery”. As a result of the user moving the movable object 304 to an arbitrary position, a predetermined number (for example, three) of movable objects 304 having the same attribute are continuously arranged in the vertical or horizontal direction on the board. Thus, an attack is applied to the enemy character 302 with a predetermined attack power. Then, the remaining value of the physical strength parameter of the attacked enemy character 302 is subtracted. The remaining value of the physical strength parameter of the enemy character 302 can be visually recognized by referring to the enemy physical strength parameter gauge 306.

  On the other hand, every time the user moves the movable object 304 a predetermined number of times, the enemy character 302 is attacked by the enemy character 302 with a predetermined attack power. When the attack is received, the physical strength parameter of the teammate character 303 is subtracted. The remaining value of the physical strength parameter of the teammate character 303 can be visually recognized by referring to the teammate physical strength parameter gauge 307.

  Eventually, the team that has lost all physical strength parameters first loses, and one battle game ends. By clearing such a battle game a plurality of times, the stage is cleared, and all other stages included in the dungeon are cleared in the same manner, thereby completing the dungeon.

  Further, in the game application according to the present embodiment, one or more ally characters 303 are composed of characters obtained by winning against the enemy character 302, but can also be obtained by consumption of a predetermined charge item. Is possible. Note that the “billing item” can be purchased from the provider of the application according to the present embodiment using currency in the real world.

  Furthermore, it is possible to use a character owned by a user who has been registered as a friend in advance in a battle game against the enemy character 302 as an assistant of one or more teammate characters 303. Note that the friend registration has a predetermined restriction, and as an example, a maximum of five users can be registered as friends in advance.

<Example of second application>
The second application according to the present embodiment is a game application different from the first application, and a program for executing the second application can be obtained by downloading it from the server device alone. It is. And when it obtains independently, by installing the said program in the terminal device 100, the starting icon for starting a 2nd application is displayed on the standby screen of the display part 104 of the terminal device 100, and the said starting By selecting an icon, the second application can be activated.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the obtaining method, the program for executing the second application can be obtained by downloading from the server device 200 together with the update program for the first application. In this case, in order to execute the first application, the first icon is selected by selecting the activation icon corresponding to the first application displayed on the display unit 104 of the terminal device 100 in the standby screen display state. It is possible to start by transitioning to a screen where the application or the second application can be selected and selecting execution of the second application there.

  As an example of the second application according to the present embodiment, an application related to a problem solving role-playing game can be cited. The problem-solving role-playing game obtains the right to challenge the next new scenario every time a scenario composed of a plurality of areas is cleared. The game is completed by repeatedly challenging and clearing new scenarios and clearing all prepared scenarios.

  Here, the “area” is a virtual space in which the character 308 and the enemy character 309 associated with the user are displayed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image in the application according to the present embodiment. According to FIG. 4, the display screen of the display unit 104 of the terminal device 100 is vertically divided into two, a virtual area is displayed at the top of the screen, and a character 308 and an enemy character 309 associated with the user himself / herself are displayed. Has been.

  The second application presents a task necessary for the enemy character 309 to clear the game, and inputs the movable object 311 on the board surface 310 displayed at the bottom of the screen of the display unit 104 via the touch panel 107. It moves according to the user's operation instruction made, and it progresses by solving the subject.

  The movable object 311 has predetermined attributes. For example, there are six types of “red”, “green”, “water”, “yellow”, “purple”, and “recovery”. As a result of the user moving the movable object 311 to an arbitrary position, a predetermined number (for example, three) of the movable objects 311 having the same attribute are continuously arranged in the vertical or horizontal direction. As a result, the movable object 311 disappears from the board surface 310.

  For example, when the enemy character 309 presents a task such as “erase six movable objects with the attribute“ red ”!”, The user moves the movable object 311 and moves the movable object with the attribute “red” by the above method. 311 disappears. At this time, the game is completed by clearing the task within a predetermined time, that is, within the remaining time represented by the time gauge 312.

  In the second application according to the present embodiment, the character 308 can be worn with a predetermined avatar. In the example of FIG. 4, the character 308 is wearing a hat avatar 308-1 and a weapon avatar 308-2. Depending on the type of avatar to be worn, for example, the movable object 311 on the board surface 310 can be changed so that only the movable object 311 having a specific attribute is displayed, or the progress of the time limit can be delayed.

  The avatar can be obtained by consumption of a predetermined billing item. The “charge item” is common to the “charge item” used in the first application according to the present embodiment. That is, it is possible to use the billing item for the purchase of the avatar in the second application using the billing item obtained for the first application. In the present embodiment, according to the execution of the second application, it is possible to clear all the issues issued for each area and clear the predetermined scenario, and obtain the billing item as a reward. .

  In addition, an avatar owned by a user who has registered as a friend in the first application can also be used in the second application. That is, it is possible to select an avatar that is more suitable for clearing the task presented by the enemy character 309 by using the avatar of the user registered as a friend. Also in the second application, as in the first application, it is possible to register a user who executes the same second application in advance as a friend. When a predetermined user is registered as a friend in the second application, one of the restriction frames for friend registration provided in the first application is consumed.

<User information stored in server device 200>
FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing user information stored in the server apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. The user information is transmitted to the terminal device 100 at any time when the first or second application is executed on the terminal device 100, and is used when the application is executed. Moreover, it is rewritten based on the information transmitted from the terminal device 100 at any time as the application is executed.

  According to FIG. 5, the HDD in the storage unit 204 of the server device 200 is provided when the user installs the first or second application in the terminal device 100 in association with each user name 401. Identification information (hereinafter simply referred to as “identification information”) 402 for identifying a user, version information 403 of a first application currently installed in the terminal device, and a second application currently installed in the terminal device Version information 404, mode information 405 indicating that one or both of the first and second applications have been executed, the number of charge items 406 owned by the user, and user name information 407 registered by the user as a friend in advance , Friend frame information 408 indicating the number of remaining friends that can be registered, Ally character information 409 having, are avatar information 410 stores owned by the user, while being transmitted from time to time to each terminal device in accordance with the progress of the application, it is updated from time to time stored information according to the progress of the application. Of course, the stored information is not limited to these, and necessary information can be stored appropriately according to the type of application.

  For example, the user 1 stores “1.0” as the version information 403 of the first application, indicating that the version has not been upgraded yet. Therefore, since the update program has not yet been downloaded to version 2.0, which is the latest version of the first application, it is indicated that the second application downloaded together with the update program has not yet been installed. .

  Here, the “mode information 405” is information indicating whether or not only one or both of the first and second applications are executed in each terminal device. That is, in the present embodiment, mode “A” indicates that only the first application is executed, mode “B” indicates that both the first and second applications are executed, and mode “C” indicates that the first application is executed. It is shown that only the second application has been executed. Thereby, it is possible to grasp which application is not downloaded in the terminal owned by the user. Since the user 1 stores the mode “A”, only the first application has been executed, and the second application has not yet been downloaded to his / her terminal device.

  Further, the user 1 stores “50” as the charging item number information 406, and within the range of 50 charging items, the user 1 acquires a new ally character and uses it in the first application, or acquires a new avatar. Can be used in the second application.

  Further, the user 1 stores the user 3 and the user 5 as the user name information 407 registered in advance as a friend, and when executing the first application, the friend character (M3 or M8) owned by the user 3 or The friend character (M7) owned by the user 5 can be used as an assistant. Further, when executing the second application, an avatar (A1 or A5) owned by the user 3 can be used. In this embodiment, since the number of users who can register as friends is limited to “5”, the number of users who can be registered as friends in the first application or the second application by the user 1 is “3” ( Refer to friend information 408).

  Next, the user 3 will be described as an example. The version of the first application has already been updated to 2.0, and the second application is downloaded at the same time as the update, so that the second application is also a terminal device. It is shown that it is installed within. Therefore, since the user 3 has executed any application, “B” is stored as the mode information 405.

  Further, taking the user 9 as an example, the user 9 has not yet installed the program for executing the first application in the terminal device, but the program for executing the second application alone from the server device. It is shown that it has been downloaded and installed in the terminal device. That is, the user 9 can execute the first application by downloading the program that executes the first application together with the second application update next time.

  In the present embodiment, although the first application and the second application are different applications, some information is stored in the server apparatus 200 in association with the user name, and the both applications Referenced by the terminal device 100 at the time of execution. More specifically, the information updated as needed with the progress of the game application, that is, the charge item number information 406, the user name information 407 registered as a friend, and the remaining registered friend frame information 408, the first application and It is used in any execution of the second application. This is because, for example, the charge item is purchased from the provider of the application according to the present embodiment using currency in the real world. If the charge item is individually managed in each of the first application and the second application, This is because it is uneconomical for the user. In addition, even though both applications are different from each other, by making the charging item obtained for one application available to the other application, a user who often plays one application can be led to the other application. It becomes possible. Further, by making the user name information 407 registered as a friend and the remaining registered friend frame information 408 mutually usable between both applications, it becomes possible to further increase the relevance of both applications in the same manner as the billing item information. .

<Application Information Stored in Server Device 200>
FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing application information stored in the server apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. According to FIG. 6, the storage unit 204 of the server device 200 stores the program for executing the application in association with the application name 411 that can be distributed to each terminal device. Link information 412, version information 413 of the currently distributed application, next update scheduled date and time information 414 of the application, link information 415 to an area in the storage unit 204 in which a program distributed as an update program is stored, update Later version information 416 is stored. And according to the request | requirement from the control part 101 of each terminal device, the control part 201 of the server apparatus 200 provides such information to a terminal device at any time.

<Processing Sequence Between Terminal Device 100 and Server Device 200>
1. Execution of First Application Before Update FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence between the terminal device 100 and the server device 200 according to the present embodiment. That is, FIG. 7 shows that the terminal apparatus 100 downloads the program for executing the first application update program and the second application from the execution of the first application, and the updated first application and second application. It is a figure for demonstrating a series of processes performed in the control part 101 of the terminal device 100 and the control part 201 of the server apparatus 200 until execution of this application is performed.

  First, a first application is installed in the terminal device 100 in advance by a user download or the like. The version is either “1.0” or “1.1” in the example of FIG. Then, in the standby screen display state of the display unit 104 of the terminal device 100, the processing sequence by the control unit 101 is started by selecting the activation icon of the first application displayed on the standby screen (S101). . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, the “standby screen” refers to an application (call application, mail) that can be executed by the terminal device 100 in addition to the start icon 313 of the first application. A plurality of start icons 314 for instructing start-up of applications (including applications, camera applications, etc.) can be selected and displayed via an authentication screen after the terminal device 100 is powered on or released from the sleep state. This is the initial screen.

  In S101, when the activation icon 313 corresponding to the first application is selected by the user via the touch panel 107 in order to activate the first application, the control unit 101 performs the first operation as illustrated in FIG. Control is performed to display the start screen of the first application (S102). In the start screen, as shown in FIG. 8B, the display unit 104 starts the title 315 of the first application and the start of communication with the server device 200 for executing the first application. An icon 316 is displayed as an example. At this time, the control unit 101 also updates the current application version information 413 and update information (the presence / absence of an update schedule and the next update) from the storage unit 204 of the server device 200 via the communication processing unit 102 and the antenna 103. Information related to the scheduled date and time information 414) is received (T11) and stored in the memory unit 105 of the terminal device 100. Next, the control unit 101 transmits, for example, identification information and version information of the first application program stored in the terminal device 100 to the server device 200 (T12).

  When the server apparatus 200 receives the identification information and the version information of the first application from the terminal apparatus 100, the control unit 201 of the server apparatus authenticates the user of the terminal apparatus 100 using the received identification information (S103). In addition, this authentication method can use a well-known method. In the present embodiment, information for identifying a user provided when the user installs the first or second application in the terminal device 100 is described as an example of identification information, but the identification information is used. As the authentication, a method such as input of a user ID and a password can be used. Also, a unique number (terminal identification number) assigned to each terminal device can be used. When the authentication confirms that the user is a valid user of the first application, the control unit 201 of the server device controls to transmit various user information necessary for executing the first application to the terminal device 100. (T13). More specifically, among the user information stored in the storage unit 204 of the server device 200, information regarding the charge item number information 406, the user name information 407 registered as a friend, the remaining friend registration frame 408, and the owned character 409 are included. Sent.

  The control unit 101 of the terminal device 100 executes the first application by performing processing based on the program of the first application stored in the memory unit 105 using the received user information (S104). FIG. 8C is a dungeon selection screen displayed on the display unit 104 when the first application is executed. The control unit 101 detects a user instruction input to the dungeon selection icon 317 via the touch panel 107 and selects a user-desired dungeon. FIG. 8D is a selection screen displayed on the display unit 104 to select a stage included in the selected dungeon. The control unit 101 detects a user instruction input to the stage selection icon 318 via the touch panel 107, and selects a stage desired by the user. Next, after selecting a teammate character, a helper character, or the like, the screen shifts to a battle game screen displayed in FIG. This battle game screen is as described in FIG.

  Note that the user can obtain a new teammate character through the battle game executed on the battle game screen. The updated new information is transmitted to the server device 200 as needed according to the progress of the application (T14). As the first application progresses, the control unit 101 sets other users who execute the first application using other terminal devices randomly selected by the server device 200 as new friend candidates. This is displayed (FIG. 8 (f)). And according to a user's desire, the control part 101 performs new friend registration, and transmits the user name information registered as a friend to the server apparatus 200. FIG. Further, as the first application progresses, the control unit 101 displays a new purchase item purchase screen (FIG. 8G). Here, the number of billing items to be purchased is selected according to the user's request, and the control unit 101 performs control to transmit information related to the selected number of billing items to the server device 200.

  When the end of the first application that proceeds as described above is selected (S105), the control unit 101 sets the first application again until the activation icon 313 corresponding to the first application is selected on the standby screen. Wait for such processing.

2. Next, when the control unit 101 detects that the user has selected the activation icon 313 corresponding to the first application via the touch panel 107 in the standby screen display state, the first application And control to display the start screen of the first application as shown in FIG. 8B (S106 and S107). Next, the control unit 101 refers to the update information of the first application received from the server device 200 at T11 and stored in the memory unit 105 (presence / absence of update schedule and scheduled update date / time information 414), and updates the update information. The presence / absence and the update date / time is determined (S108). If it has not arrived or if it is determined that there is no update, the control unit 101 performs processing associated with the execution of the first application in the same manner as the processing performed in S102 to S105. On the other hand, if it is determined that there has been an update and the update date and time has already been reached, the control unit 101 controls the display unit 104 to perform the display shown in FIG. According to FIG. 9A, a notification 319 that the update program of the first application is distributed from the server device 200 is performed on the start screen of the first application similar to FIG. 8B.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 101 downloads the update program for the first application due to detecting an instruction input for the update icon 320 displayed in the notification 319 via the touch panel 107. In order to start the update program, an update program distribution request is transmitted to the server apparatus 200 together with the identification information stored in the terminal apparatus 100 (T15).

  In this embodiment, the first application cannot be continuously executed unless an instruction for updating the update icon 320 is input, and execution of the first application is restricted. That is, the control unit 101 forces the user to download the update program for the first application and download the program for the second application. Conventionally, a second application different from the first application has to be downloaded individually. Therefore, even if the user enjoys the first application, whether or not to newly download the second application depends on the intention of the user. However, in the present embodiment, the user who has enjoyed the first application is forced to download the update program for the first application and download the program for the second application. It is possible to lead to the use of other applications. Therefore, it is possible for the user who enjoys the first application to save the trouble of downloading the second application, and for the provider of the application, the user who has been acquired by providing the first application can be used as it is. It is possible to lead to an application, and it becomes more convenient for both.

  Upon receiving the update program distribution request at T15, the control unit 201 of the server apparatus 200 authenticates whether or not the user is a valid user based on the identification information received in S109. Therefore, when the control unit 201 authenticates that the user is a valid user, the control unit 201 refers to the table shown in FIG. 6 and loads an update program for the first application and a program for the second application together with the update program. It transmits to the terminal device 100 (T16).

  When the control unit 101 of the terminal device 100 completes downloading the update program for the first application and the program for executing the second application, the control unit 101 performs the update process for the first application and the second application based on the update program. Are installed in the terminal device 101 (S110 and S111).

  In the present embodiment, “update” means that the program for executing the first application before the update can be rewritten to a new program, or only a part of the change is rewritten. It is also possible. The “update program” may include a program for executing update processing in addition to a program for executing the application, or only the program for executing the application itself (or a part thereof). It may be. In the latter case, for example, the update process is performed using an update process program common to the applications stored in the terminal device.

3. Execution of First Application After Update FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a standby screen displayed on the display unit 104 after the update process of the first application and the installation of the second application are completed. According to FIG. 9B, the control unit 101 displays the start icon 313 of the first application on the display unit 104 as before the update process of the first application and the installation of the second application. To control. That is, in this embodiment, the second application different from the first application is installed in the terminal device 100, but the second application alone activation icon is not displayed on the standby screen. The start icon of one application is also used for starting the second application. By doing so, it is possible to prompt the user who has used the first application to use the second application.

  In the standby screen display state of the display unit 104, when the control unit 101 detects an instruction input to the activation icon 313 of the first application (S112), the control unit 101 displays the first application shown in FIG. The start screen 321 and the start screen 322 of the second application are displayed (S113). According to FIG. 9C, the start icon 324 for starting communication with the server apparatus 200 for executing the first application title 323 and the first application is displayed in the start screen 321 of the first application. It is displayed. In addition, in the second application start screen 322, a second application title 325 and a start icon 326 for starting communication with the server device 200 to execute the second application are displayed. That is, the control unit 101 presents to the display unit 104 a selectable choice between whether to execute the updated first application or the second application.

  In the present embodiment, the second application is downloaded and installed in association with the update process of the first application. Further, a start screen 322 of the second application is displayed in response to an instruction input for starting the first application. In other words, the first application is “main” and the second application is a “subordinate” application accompanying the first application. Therefore, on the display unit 104, the first application start screen 321 that has been installed in advance so as to be executable in the terminal device 100 so that the user can clearly understand the “main” and “subordinate” relationship. Is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the start screen of the second application.

  Next, in S114, when an instruction input to the user start icon 324 is detected, the control unit 101 selects execution of the first application. Then, the control unit 101 stores the current version information 413 of the first application, the version information 413 of the second application, and the update information of both applications (presence / absence of update schedule and scheduled update date / time information 414) of the two applications. The data is received from the device 200 and stored in the memory unit 105 (T17). Next, the control unit 101 transmits, for example, identification information and version information of the first and second application programs stored in the terminal device 100 to the server device 200 (T18).

  Next, when the server apparatus 200 receives the identification information and the version information of the first and second applications from the terminal apparatus 100, the control unit 201 of the server apparatus uses the received identification information to allow the user of the terminal apparatus 100 to Authentication is performed as to whether or not the user is a valid user of one application (S115). When the control unit 201 recognizes that the user is a valid user in S115, the control unit 201 controls the terminal device 100 to transmit various user information necessary for executing the first application (T19). Specifically, among the user information stored in the storage unit 204 of the server device 200, information on the charge item number information 406, the user name information 407 registered as a friend, the remaining friend registration frame 408, and the owned character 409 is transmitted. Is done.

  The control unit 101 of the terminal device 100 executes the first application using the received user information (S116). The processing performed by the control unit 101 from here until the end of execution of the first application is as follows. This is the same as that described in S104, S105, and T14.

4). Execution of Second Application When the control unit 101 detects an instruction input to the start icon 313 of the first application while displaying a standby screen on the display unit 104 in S117 and is on standby (S118), the display is performed. The first application start screen 321 and the second application start screen 322 shown in FIG. 9C are displayed on the unit 104 (S113).

  Next, in S120, when an instruction input to the user start icon 326 is detected, the control unit 101 selects execution of the first application. Then, the control unit 101 stores the current version information 413 of the first application, the version information 413 of the second application, and the update information of both applications (presence / absence of update schedule and scheduled update date / time information 414) of the two applications. The data is received from the device 200 and stored in the memory unit 105 (T21). Next, the control unit 101 transmits, for example, the identification information stored in the terminal device 100 and the version information of the first and second application programs stored in the terminal device 100 to the server device 200 (T22). ).

  Next, when the server apparatus 200 receives the identification information and the version information of the first and second applications from the terminal apparatus 100, the control unit 201 of the server apparatus uses the received identification information to allow the user of the terminal apparatus 100 to Authentication is performed as to whether the user is a valid user of the second application (S121). If the control unit 201 recognizes that it is a valid user in S121, the control unit 201 controls the terminal device 100 to transmit various user information necessary for executing the first application (T23). Specifically, among the user information stored in the storage unit 204 of the server device 200, information regarding the charge item number information 406, the user name information 407 registered as a friend, the remaining friend registration frame 408, and the avatar information 409 is transmitted. Is done. That is, among the user information transmitted from the server apparatus 200 to the terminal apparatus 100 after authentication by the first application, the billing item information 406, the user name information 407 registered as a friend, and the remaining friend registration frame 408 are commonly used in the second. It is also used in common with other applications.

  The control unit 101 of the terminal device 100 executes the second application by performing processing based on the program for the second application stored in the memory unit 105 using the received user information (S122). . FIG. 9D is a scenario selection screen displayed on the display unit 104 when the second application is executed. The control unit 101 detects a user instruction input to the scenario selection icon 327 via the touch panel 107 and selects a user-desired scenario. FIG. 9E is a selection screen displayed on the display unit 104 in order to select an area included in the selected scenario. The control unit 101 detects a user instruction input to the area selection icon 328 via the touch panel 107 and selects a user desired area. Next, after selecting an avatar to be used, the screen shifts to a battle game screen displayed in FIG. This battle game screen is as described in FIG.

  In addition, the user can obtain a new avatar or a charge item through the problem solving game executed on the battle game screen. The updated new information is transmitted to the server device 200 as needed according to the progress of the application (T24). Further, as the second application progresses, the control unit 101 sets other users who execute the second application using other terminal devices randomly selected by the server device 200 as new friend candidates. It is displayed (FIG. 9 (g)). And according to a user's desire, the control part 101 performs new friend registration, and transmits the user name information registered as a friend to the server apparatus 200. FIG.

  When the end of the second application that proceeds as described above is selected (S123), the control unit 101 again selects the first and second until the start icon 313 corresponding to the first application is selected on the standby screen. Wait for processing related to the application.

  In the example of the above processing sequence, the example in which the updated first application is executed after the update process of the first application and then the second application is executed is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, after the update process, the second application can be executed first, and then the first application can be executed. Also, if the terminal device 100 allows multitasking, the execution of the second application can be started during the execution of the first application, or vice versa.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 101 of the terminal device 100 selects the first application activation icon to start communication with the communication unit based on the update information acquired from the server after the first application is activated. At the same time, the update program for the first application is downloaded from the server device 200 via the server, and the program for the second application is also downloaded. Therefore, it is possible to save the user from having to download the second application individually.

  Moreover, since the download of the update program of the first application and the download of the program for the second application are forcibly executed, the user who enjoyed the first application is led to use of the second application. It becomes possible for the application provider to guide the user acquired by providing the first application to the second application as it is.

  When an instruction input for starting the first application is detected by selecting the start icon 313 for starting the updated first application, any of the updated first application and second application is detected. Or present it to the user for selection. That is, when starting a second application different from the first application, there is no need to separately provide a start icon corresponding to the second application provided separately, and the second application is activated when the first application is started. In addition, it is possible to guide the user to improve convenience for the user.

<Other embodiments>
In the above-described embodiment, the start icon 313 of the first application before update is used as it is after the update of the first application, and the first and second application start screens are transferred. After updating one application, a new common activation icon is provided that is common to the activation of the first and second applications, and the start screens of the first and second applications are displayed by inputting instructions to the icons. Anyway.

  In the above embodiment, the program for the second application is downloaded along with the download of the update program for the first application, but the program for two or more applications is downloaded. Also good. In addition, the start screens of the first and second applications are displayed at the same time by the instruction input to the start icon of the first application after the update process, but two or more in addition to the start screen of the first application The start screen of the application may be displayed.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the start screen of the first application and the start screen of the second application are displayed up and down on the same screen has been described. However, the first application and the second application can be selected. Of course, the presenting method is not limited to this. FIG. 10 shows a display example of an example start screen when a program for two or more applications is downloaded accompanying the download of the update program of the first application. The start screens 321 and 322 may be virtually displayed side by side, and the display screens may be switched according to the user's flick operation. In the example of FIG. 10, the start screen of the third application can be presented so as to be selectable. Further, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 11, each executable application may be displayed on the list, and the user may select an application by tapping the corresponding title part.

  In the above embodiment, the server apparatus 200 has been described as an example of a single apparatus. However, a plurality of server apparatuses can be provided according to the amount and type of processing. As an example, one server device performs user authentication based on user information stored in the storage unit and transmits each user information in response to a request from the terminal device 100. Then, the remaining one server device provides the terminal device 100 with an update program for the first application or provides the second application in response to a request from the user. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a dedicated server device for managing billing item information and purchasing it. In such a case, the authentication performed in the process is not limited to the authentication based on the identification information, and a user ID and a password can be appropriately used.

  The processes and procedures described in the present specification can be realized not only by those explicitly described in the embodiment but also by software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the processes and procedures described in this specification are realized by mounting logic corresponding to the processes on a medium such as an integrated circuit, a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical storage. Is done. Further, the processes and procedures described in this specification can be implemented as a computer program and executed by various computers.

  Even though the processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may include multiple devices, multiple software, It may be executed by multiple components and / or multiple modules. Further, even if it is described that the data, table, or database described in this specification is stored in a single memory, such data, table, or database may be stored in a single device. Or a plurality of memories arranged in a distributed manner in a plurality of devices. Further, the software and hardware elements described herein may be realized by integrating them into fewer components or by disassembling them into more components.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Terminal device 101 Control part 104 Display part 107 Touch panel 200 Server apparatus

Claims (12)

A communication unit for communicating with the server device via a network;
A control unit that controls execution of the first application in response to an instruction input from a user,
The control unit sends an update program for the first application and a program for executing a second application different from the first application from the server device based on the update information of the first application from the server device. Control to download through the department,
The terminal device.   The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to receive update information of the first application from the server device in response to the instruction input from the user.   The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs control to receive current version information of the first application from the server device together with the update information. The update information includes information for specifying the update timing of the first application,
The control unit controls to download the update program of the first application when it is determined that the update timing has been reached with reference to the information specifying the update timing. The terminal device as described in any one of Claims 1-3. The terminal device includes a display unit for performing a predetermined display in accordance with execution of the first or second application,
The control unit controls the display unit to perform a predetermined notification when it is determined that the update timing has been reached with reference to information specifying the update timing. The terminal device described in 1.   The control unit forcibly executes download of an update program for the first application and download of a program for executing the second application. The terminal device according to item.   The control unit restricts execution of the first application until downloading of an update program for the first application and downloading of a program for executing the second application are performed. The terminal device as described in any one of Claims 1-6.   The control unit uses the user information stored in the server device to control execution of the first application before and after the update, and uses the at least part of the user information to perform the second The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein execution of the application is also controlled.   The terminal device according to claim 8, wherein the at least part of the user information is a user name and billing item information stored in association with the user name.   The billing item information is information related to a billing item obtained by execution of the first application, and the billing item can also be obtained by execution of the second application. 9. The terminal device according to 9. Computer
A program that functions as a control unit that controls execution of the first application in response to an instruction input from a user,
The control unit downloads an update program for the first application and a program for executing a second application different from the first application from the server device based on the update information of the first application. Control,
Said program characterized by the above-mentioned. A method for controlling execution of a first application in response to an instruction input from a user,
The method includes a step of downloading, from a server device, an update program for the first application and a program for executing a second application different from the first application based on update information of the first application. ,
The method comprising the steps of:

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