JPH0981631A - Software data distributing and selling device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for safely selling software products without using a storage medium in distribution. SOLUTION: This device is provided with a storage means 25 for preserving and storing the various kinds of softwares and data of distribution objects, an interface 21 for forming a radio network with an information terminal carried by a user, a customer request processing means 22 for discriminating request contents such as the listing/trial/purchase, etc., of the various kinds of the softwares/data of the distribution objects originated from the information terminal forming the radio network, a customer information storage means 27 for preserving and storing customer information including credit information, a management means 24 for managing whether or not to cope with a request from the information terminal from the file list of the various kinds of the softwares and data of the distribution objects and the customer information preserved and stored in the storage means 27 and a distribution means 23 for performing control so as to distribute the softwares, the data or a list for the request contents to the information terminal corresponding to the management processing result of the management means 24.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wireless network for an information terminal equipped with a wireless communication means, when a customer who comes to the shop comes to a store for the purchase of products such as software and various data. The present invention relates to a software data distribution / selling device for automatically forming and selling products.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Computer terminals such as workstations and personal computers are connected to each other using a LAN or telephone network,
Applications involving the transmission of information between terminals using communication technology, such as connecting and receiving information to and from a host computer and sharing information, are being advanced.

Generally, when computer software / data package products such as software and various data are sold from a distributor to a customer, various magnetic recording media such as floppy disks and magnetic tapes, or CD-ROMs. A recording medium such as is used. In other words, the customer purchases the recording medium, thereby purchasing the computer software / data package product recorded in the recording medium.

In this case, a recording medium is required separately in addition to the data such as software which is the original object of purchase, and the customer bears this cost. Further, when selling using such a recording medium, it is difficult for the customer to try the software before deciding whether to purchase it.

This is because there is a possibility that the customer may illegally copy the contents of the recording medium, damage it during use, or tamper with it. The reason is that profits are lost.

[0006] Further, in order to copy software or data to a recording medium and distribute it as a product, it takes a lot of time and effort to make a copy of the product, and the cost for logistics and labor,
Then, there is room for various improvements in the distribution of actual products via the recording medium, such as the problem of product purchase and replenishment in the case of out of stock, the problem of inventory management, etc., which requires time for distribution.

The computer device does not need the recording medium itself to use the software and the data, but if the software and the data to be used are placed in the main memory of the device or installed in the external storage device. I'm done. The recording medium itself at the distribution stage is merely necessary as a convenient means for distributing software and data products.

[0008] If the recording medium is not required at the distribution stage, the manufacturing cost, the distribution cost, and the sales cost can be significantly reduced, and the product can be provided to the customer at a lower cost, which is a great advantage. Can be expected.

In particular, in recent years, the progress toward miniaturization of high performance of portable information devices called laptop personal computers, notebook personal computers, etc. has been remarkable, and the performance and functions that can be easily taken out and used are secured. It's starting to happen. For customers carrying such information equipment, by connecting the information equipment owned by the seller and the customer's equipment with a communication line to enable transmission of data etc. by communication technology, It becomes possible to adopt a distribution form such as distribution and sale of data such as software without using a recording medium as described above.

As described above, an environment in which a distribution form that does not require a recording medium can be adopted is gradually being prepared. When using such a communication technology, the information source owned by the distributor and the customer's device can be connected via a communication path to exchange information with each other and exchange status information with each other. It is the same as maintaining the face-to-face sales form with, and since it is easy to manage the customer from the sales source, it is possible to meet the customer's request for software trial on the own-owned information device. .

In the case of information equipment such as a computer, there are models with various specifications, and even if the models have the same model number, the main memory capacity for each user and the expanded state of peripheral equipment such as an external storage device. The functions and configurations of the device are different in detail, such as image display capability and audio function capability.

[0012] Therefore, unless the software is actually installed and executed in the own machine, it is impossible to know whether or not the software can be used under the present circumstances, and even if the software can be executed in the own machine, it cannot be executed. The requirement for trial before purchase is strong in terms of whether it can be put to practical use or is worth introducing due to the configuration of, or the relationship between storage capacity, processor capacity, numerical operation capacity, etc. .

Here, the most problematic point in distributing data such as software by connecting the information equipment owned by the distributor and the equipment of the customer with the communication line is that both the information to be communicated. For example, the device protocol.

That is, when information devices are connected to each other via a communication path for communication, it is necessary to set the protocols and the like in both information devices in order to perform communication. When used for connection, there are various types of connector shapes depending on the device, and therefore it is necessary to prepare many communication lines matching the various connector shapes of information devices. Also, there is a problem regarding the efficiency of the seller, such as being unable to deal with many customers at once.

[0015]

As described above, conventionally, when a product such as software or various data is provided from a seller to a customer for the purpose of selling, various recording media such as a floppy disk and a magnetic tape are used. Or
It was necessary to transfer or share by connecting communication lines between information devices.

In the former case, a recording medium is additionally required, and in the latter case, there is a problem that the communication line is physically limited and communication setting is troublesome and inefficient.

In recent years, wireless communication means that can be easily used, as represented by mobile phones, has spread, and this wireless communication means is also applied to communication between information devices such as a host computer and a portable electronic computer. It has started to be done. The use of wireless communication technology to share information among multiple devices makes it possible to connect devices with each other by connecting them with a communication cable. Since the constraint of was released, it became possible to move freely anywhere and exchange information freely, and the range of applications expanded, and a more fluid network structure became possible.

As a technique related to this, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-75757 (communication control system Nakamura, Taka,
Sugikawa, Sato, Iwamura, and Ukita), and a new communication platform as shown in this publication has been proposed. The example disclosed in this publication has a characteristic that a wireless connection is automatically set up just by bringing a portable information device to form a network, and a person having the information device can freely join or leave the network. There is.

Therefore, it is hoped that the distribution and sale of software and data and the trial use can be carried out efficiently and safely by using such technology. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is that a customer who brings an information terminal equipped with a wireless communication means visits a sales store to purchase products such as software and various data. In this case, a wireless network with the information terminal is automatically formed, and it is possible to browse or try out the product desired by the customer in advance without impairing the profit of the seller, thereby promoting the advertising effect of the product. It is to realize a software data distribution / selling device that can increase the cost and sell efficiently.

[0020]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is as follows. [Structure] First, a software data distribution and sales device of the present invention comprises a software data storage means for storing and storing various software and data to be distributed, a wireless network interface for connecting a wireless network to an information terminal, and the wireless network. Customer request processing means for discriminating request contents for list request, trial request, purchase request for various software and data for distribution issued from the information terminal connected to the network, and customer information for storing and accumulating information about customers Software data that manages whether or not to respond to a request from the information terminal based on a storage unit, a file list of various software and data to be distributed and stored in the software data storage unit, and information about a customer. Management means and this software It comprises a software data distribution means for controlled to distribute the software or data or list to the information terminal to the request contents in accordance with the management process result of the data management unit.

Secondly, software data storage means for storing and storing various software and data to be distributed, a wireless network interface forming a wireless network with an information terminal carried by a user, and the wireless network. A customer request processing unit that determines request contents such as a list request, a trial request, and a purchase request for the various software and data to be distributed that are issued from the information terminal, and a customer that stores and stores information about the customer including credit information. Software that manages whether or not to respond to a request from the information terminal based on information storage means, a file list of various software and data to be distributed and stored and stored in the software data storage means, and information about customers. Data management means and this software data management When the request content from the terminal is a software data distribution unit that controls to distribute the software or data or the file list thereof to the information terminal according to the management processing result of the stage to the information terminal, and the request content from the terminal is a request for trial use, Software or data temporary execution means for executing or reading software or data according to the request content, performing the operation on behalf to generate a display image of the result, and giving the image to the information terminal.

[Operation] The customer information management means transfers the customer information (customer information) obtained by the request from the customer and simultaneously obtains the customer information of the requester.
The customer information storage means stores and stores customer information such as customer personal information and past history.

The wireless network interface is
A wireless network is automatically formed between an information terminal carried by a customer and a store by a method as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-75757, and requests, software, and data are exchanged via this wireless network. To do.

The customer request processing means discriminates a request from a customer and informs the communication terminal of whether or not to comply with the request. The software data management means holds a storage list of software and data that can be distributed or sold, and determines whether or not to meet the request from the customer request and personal information received through the communication terminal.
The software data storage means stores and stores software or data for distribution or sale, and provides the data when the customer requests it.

The software data distribution means controls the software and data for the requested contents or a file list thereof to be distributed to the information terminal according to the management processing result of the software data management means.

Further, the software data provisional execution means, when the software or the data body is not distributed to the customer at the time of browsing, executes the software on behalf of the customer, generates a display image of the result, and provides it to the information terminal. Distribute only the results of execution or display to.

According to the present invention, when a customer who carries an information terminal equipped with a wireless communication means visits a store for purchasing products such as software and various data, the wireless network with the information terminal is automatically connected. In this way, it is possible to browse or try the product desired by the customer in advance without damaging the profit on the selling side, and it is possible to enhance the advertising effect of the product and sell it efficiently.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the present invention, when a customer who carries an information terminal equipped with a wireless communication means visits a store to purchase products such as software and various data, a wireless network with the information terminal is established. Software that can be automatically formed to allow customers to browse or try products in advance without sacrificing profits on the selling side, thereby improving the advertising effect of products and enabling efficient sales. A software data distribution and sales apparatus is provided, and a software data distribution and sales apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Specific Example) FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an apparatus according to the present invention. This device is roughly divided into an information terminal 1 carried by a customer and brought into the store, and a software data sales device 2 installed in the store.

The information terminal 1 is a small and highly intelligent computer terminal represented by a portable personal computer.
It incorporates necessary input / output devices such as a display and keyboard, and a large-capacity external storage device.

The customer information terminal 1 has a wireless network interface 11 for accessing a wireless network in the store and exchanging information. Further, the software data distribution and sales device 2 on the store side is also a highly intelligent device, and this software data distribution and sales device 2 has a wireless network interface 21 like the information terminal 1, and further has a customer request processing means 22 and software. It has data distribution means 23, software data management means 24, software data storage means 25, customer information management means 26, and customer information storage means 27.

Of these, the customer request processing means 22 is
The software data distribution means 23 allows the judgment of the customer request processing means 22 to comply with the request from the customer by discriminating the request from the customer and communicating to the customer the decision as to whether or not to comply with the request. In this case, it is a means of distributing software or data or trial results thereof to customers.

Further, the software data management means 24
Is a means for holding a type list of software and data that can be distributed or sold, and determining whether or not to comply with the request from the customer request and personal information. The software data storage means 25 is for distribution or It is a means of storing and accumulating sales software and data, and providing the data when the customer's request is met.

Further, the customer information management means 26 is means for transferring the customer information acquired by the request from the customer and at the same time acquiring the customer information of the requester, and the customer information storage means 27 is for the personal information of the customer and the past information. The information storage means stores and stores information such as the history of the.

Further, in the case where the customer information and the software or data held by the software data distribution and sales apparatus 2 are insufficient, a large-scale customer who can provide the customer information as needed to support this A system configuration in which an information storage means 3 and a large-scale software storage means 4 storing the contents of software or data, that is, software / data for various computers which are products to be distributed as a file in a readable / writable manner are provided outside. It may be taken.

Further, the operator terminal 5 for notifying the software data distribution / selling apparatus 2 of the payment completion notice from the customer is also present outside. This operator terminal 5 is also an intelligent terminal.

The software or data for sale stored in the software data storage means 25 is a file of the contents of software / data which is a sale product, and is an official version file for sale. Also, the software and data for distribution are files as a trial package, and basically operate the same as when the software / data that is a sales product is executed, but it is for trial use only. There are some differences in functions etc. compared to the version for sale.

For example, after the distribution software and data are distributed to the information terminal 1 on the customer side, they can be executed and viewed on the information terminal 1. Information such as a key number or a password for execution is mutually exchanged with the wireless network interface 21 on the sales apparatus 2 side at regular intervals so that the apparatus operates normally only when a wireless network with the apparatus 2 is formed. It is designed to transfer. Then, when the information terminal 1 which is executing or trying the distribution software or data cannot obtain this information within a certain period of time, the software or data is executed by itself or through a routine that makes it unreadable. Alternatively, the distribution software and data are programmed so that they can be used for trial.

Files having such restrictions are distribution software and data files. Since the software and data for sale are the official version for sale, these restrictions are not applied.

Next, the operation of the present system having such a configuration will be described. The flow of processing of various requests in the software data distribution / sales apparatus 2 is shown in FIGS. 3 shows a processing flow for a browse request, FIG. 4 shows a processing flow for a purchase request, and FIG. 5 shows a processing flow for a list request. The operation will be described below with reference to the drawings.

-Link between distribution and sales device 2 and information terminal 1-The customer carries the information terminal 1 such as a commercially available laptop computer or notebook computer,
Suppose that you visit a store that sells software and data in the situation shown in FIG. This information terminal 1
The wireless network interface 21 that forms a wireless network with the wireless network interface 21 of the software data distribution and sales device 2 installed in the store to enable communication is provided.

Since the wireless network interface 11 is provided, the information terminal 1 can communicate with the software data distribution and sales device 2 by forming a wireless network with the wireless network interface 21 in the store.

The formation of such a wireless network is automatically performed. This can be realized by using a communication control system such as that disclosed in JP-A-6-75757. In this way, when the information terminal 1 is brought into the store, a wireless network is automatically formed. As a result, the information terminal 1 and the software data distribution / sales apparatus 2 can communicate with each other.

-Activation of "Distribution / Sales Device Access Application" -In this system device, as will be described later, if the customer's credit check is passed, the customer side browses the software / data through his / her own information terminal 1 and tries it. Then, you will be able to decide whether or not to purchase.

The details will be described below. In order to browse the software / data, try it, and then purchase it, etc., the “software data distribution / sales device access application” preinstalled on the customer's own information terminal 1 by the customer side. Or when the communication between the information terminal 1 and the software data distribution and sales apparatus 2 becomes possible, the software data distribution and sales apparatus 2 side issues the "software data distribution and sales apparatus access application" to the information terminal 1
It is prepared by an appropriate method such as being provided by wirelessly transmitting the information to and automatically executing it.

Then, in the information terminal 1, this application is executed and a menu screen appears on the display on the terminal. This menu screen has operation buttons such as “view request”, “list request”, “trial”, “purchase”, and “cancel”, and the desired one is selected by operating the pointing device of the information terminal 1. When operated, the operation corresponding to the operation button is performed, but in the initial screen, the "view request" and "cancel" buttons are valid, and the others are invalid.

If the "viewing request" button is operated, the screen shows what the user's desired software / data file is (input of product name and type), model of the information terminal possessed and requested date and time, The contents request the input of the customer's personal information such as the customer's name, age, sex, address or ID number. When the necessary contents are input and the operation is performed, "Software data distribution / sales device access / The "application" processes the input information together with the "viewing request" command from the wireless network interface 11 of the information terminal 1 to the software data distribution / sales apparatus 2.

When the above-mentioned wireless networks are formed with each other, the "software data distribution / sales device access application" may be automatically started up. When the button is operated to enter the contents of the required items and the operation is performed, the "software data distribution / sales device access application" on the information terminal 1 will use the entered information together with the "view request" command to the information terminal 1 The wireless network interface 11 can process so as to transmit to the software data distribution / sales apparatus 2.

In this way, the wireless network interface 11 of the information terminal 1 sends a "browsing request" of software or data from the customer to the software data distribution / sales apparatus 2.

In this request, in addition to the product name and type of the requested software and data, the model of the information terminal possessed and the requested date and time, the customer's personal information such as the customer's name, age, sex, address or ID number is given. It will be attached.

This "browsing request" is a valid command only for the software data distribution / sales apparatus 2 in the store, and is a distribution request command of distribution software or data that can be executed or read. Other than this, there are a “list request” and a “purchase request” which will be described later. First, regarding the case of the “viewing request”, the request processing in the software data distribution and sales device 2 will be described.

-Processing for "viewing request" -The transmitted request is received by the wireless network interface 21 of the software data distribution and sales apparatus 2 and sent to the customer request processing means 22 inside the software data distribution and sales apparatus 2. The customer request processing means 22 determines what the request is (S101 in FIG. 3), knows that it is a "browsing request", and at the same time, sends it from the information terminal 1 accompanying the "browsing request". Information is checked (S102 in FIG. 3).

If it is determined that the request from the customer is not in a predetermined format, or if it is determined to be inappropriate due to lack of information, the customer request The processing means 22 outputs a request rejection notice (S202 in FIG. 3), and this notice is transmitted to the customer side through the wireless network interface 21. At this time, in order to urge the customer to perform a re-operation, a request re-emission notification may be transmitted.

When the result of the check in step S202 is that the request from the customer is appropriate, the customer request processing means 22 further passes the "viewing request" to the software data management means 24.

Then, this software data management means 2
4 retrieves the stored information from the software data storage means 25 and the large-scale software data storage means 4 and confirms the stored information (S103 in FIG. 3).

That is, the software data management means 24 stores the "product name", "type", "price", "compatible model", and "file model" as file information of software and data currently stored in the distribution and sales apparatus 2. Update date ”,
The storage list in which the outline information such as “request count” is recorded is constantly updated by searching the software data storage means 25 or the large-scale software data storage means 4 storing the software / data body at regular intervals. Accordingly, the latest information is stored and managed (205, 108).

The software data storage means 25 stores a total of two types of software / a version of the same software / data, a version for regular sale and a version for trial.
Data is accumulated. Among the three types of requests from the customers listed above, the distribution software data is for the “browsing request”, and the sales version of the software / data is for the “purchase request”. After the request is accepted through the procedure described below, it will be distributed to the customer.

For the remaining "list request", the software data list information is distributed to the customer from the accumulation list stored in the software data management means 24 described later.

Regarding the "list request", the request record is left, but the request is immediately accepted without checking the customer information described later. That is, when the information terminal 1 transmits a “list request”, the transmitted request is received by the wireless network interface 21 of the software data distribution and sales apparatus 2 and is sent to the customer request processing means 22 inside the software data distribution and sales apparatus 2. . Customer request processing means 2
2 determines what the request is (S501 in FIG. 5),
While knowing that it is a "list request", the information sent from the information terminal 1 accompanying the "list request" is checked (S502 in FIG. 5).

Here, if it is determined that the request from the customer is not in a predetermined format, or if it is determined to be inappropriate due to lack of information or the like, this customer request The processing means 22 outputs a request refusal notification (S505 in FIG. 5), and this notification is transmitted to the customer side through the wireless network interface 21.

When the result of the check in step S502 is that the request from the customer is appropriate, the customer request processing means 22 further passes the "list request" to the software data management means 24.

Then, this software data management means 2
4 retrieves information stored in the software data storage means 25 or the large-scale software data storage means 4 to obtain information that can be a list of software / data, and transmits the information to the information terminal 1 (S503 in FIG. 5).

The customer receives this information and lists it, so that the desired software data is distributed and sold by the distribution and sales apparatus 2.
It is possible to confirm using the information terminal 1 whether or not it is in the software data storage means 25 inside or the large-scale software data storage means 4, and there is no need to search for whether or not there is a desired product in the store. .

Further, the software data storage means 25
Is externally replenished with software and data by an operator's operation. For this replenishment, an operator uses a medium such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk to perform an installation work, or there is an external large-scale software data storage means 4, which communicates with the distribution and sales apparatus 2 by wire or wirelessly. If possible, this communication will also serve.

The external large-scale software data storage means 4 is the software data storage means 25 built in the software data sales device 2 installed in the store.
It is installed as a secondary storage means when the storage capacity is not large and there is no room to store software and data that are frequently requested by customers.

Therefore, the software and data storage list stored in the large-scale software data storage means 4 is also sent to the software data management means 24 through the software data storage means 25 and stored there.

When the software / data stored in the internal storage means 25 or the external storage means 4 is newly supplied or updated, the information is detected by the software management means 24 to detect this change. Since the accumulation list is updated, you can always search the latest information. That is, the software management means 24 searches the software data storage means 25 and the large-scale software data storage means 4 storing the software / data body at regular intervals to check whether there is a change, and there is a change. In this case, the accumulation list is updated so that it is possible to inform what kind of software / data products can be provided immediately.

If the software / data management means 24 finds that the software / data requested by the customer is not stored as a result of collating the request with the accumulation list (S103 in FIG. 3), the customer requests that fact. Processing means 2
It transmits to 2. As a result, the customer request processing means 22 processes to send a request refusal notice to the customer side together with a message that the requested software / data is not stored (S202 in FIG. 3).

At this time, similarly to the above, a notification of re-issuing the request or a message instructing the store operator to send an inquiry may be sent. The contents to be transmitted are sent to the information terminal 1 by the wireless network interface 21 of the software data distribution / selling device 2, and the information terminal 1 receives the contents at its own wireless network interface 11, and the "software data" on the information terminal 1 is received. Distribution / Sales Equipment Access Application ”
Pass to. "Software data distribution sales device access
The application "displays this notification on the display on the information terminal 1 to notify the user (customer).

On the other hand, software data management means 24
Is a result of collating the request with the storage list (S10 in FIG. 3).
3) If it is found that the software / data requested by the customer is stored, a customer information inquiry instruction is issued to the customer information management means 26 (S10 in FIG. 3).
4).

In other words, before the software and data are distributed, the software data management means 24 gives an instruction to the customer information management means 26 to inquire customer information in order to conduct a customer credit check. .

-Customer Credit Survey- In the process of step S104, when an instruction is issued to inquire about customer information, the customer information management means 26 responds to this instruction to the customer information storage means 27 as the requester. Ask to retrieve customer information.

The customer information storage means 27 stores necessary information including history information for each customer. That is, the customer information accumulating means 27 records general information such as the date and time of all past requests and customer ID numbers as a full request list, and the product name and type of the requested software / data, the model of the information terminal, and the request. Date and time, customer name, age, gender, address, I
Details of the request such as the D number are stored as a customer information list organized for each customer.

The customer information accumulating means 27 updates the customer information list in response to the customer information acquisition request and retrieves the customer information list to acquire the personal information and the past record of the customer currently issuing the request, It is sent to the customer information management means 26.

The customer information management means 26 checks this (S105 in FIG. 3). As a result, when the customer information of the customer currently issuing the request cannot be found in the stored information of the customer information storage means 26, the customer is registered in the customer information list as a new customer (S108 in FIG. 3).

On the other hand, when the customer information is found, the customer information management means 26 checks the past behavior record from the acquired customer information and checks whether the previous payment has not been paid or the fraudulent procedure has been performed. Then, it is determined whether or not distributing the software or data to the customer leads to loss (disadvantage) on the store side based on a predetermined determination criterion (S106 and S107 in FIG. 3).

-Survey Results and Corresponding Processing- The customer information management means 26 displays the results (S10 in FIG. 3).
7) If it is judged to be disadvantageous (if it is judged to be a bad customer), the fact that the request from the customer is rejected is transmitted to the customer information processing means 22 through the software data management means 24 and the request is rejected (see FIG. 3 (S202), if necessary, the communication network with the customer is disconnected.

In the customer information management means 26, if the recording capacity of the customer information storage means 27 is insufficient, or if there are a plurality of affiliated stores and the customer information is managed as a whole, it is externally stored. The large-scale customer information storage means 3 is installed in such a form that it can communicate with the software data distribution / sales apparatus 2 using a telephone line or the like, so this will also be referred to.

In this case, even when the customer information accumulating means 27 cannot find the customer information, it is possible to find the defective customer listed in another store by inquiring to the external large-scale customer information accumulating means 3. It is also possible to inform other stores of the latest customer information.

-Distribution of product and trial use-After the above procedure, the customer's request is complete and appropriate (no information is missing), and the requested software and data are stored inside the distribution and sales device. When there is no problem in customer information (good customer), the corresponding software / data is selected from the software / data stored in the software data storage means 25 according to the request. The software data distribution means 23 operates so that
The software / data read by this is transmitted via the wireless network interface 21 of the software data distribution / sales apparatus 2 (S109, S2 in FIG. 3).
01), the information terminal 1 of the customer receives the information via the wireless network interface 11 and fetches the information terminal 1 to distribute it to the customer.

The software data distribution means 23 is arranged so that the software and data to be distributed can be normally transferred to the customer's information terminal 1 without disturbing the communication of the wireless network, for example, code exchange can be performed at the time of transfer. Has become.

As described at the beginning of the description of this example, when the request from the customer is the "browsing request", the software / data transmitted to the information terminal 1 of the customer is stored in the software data storage means 25. Out of the two types of software for sale and distribution, the distribution software / data is the target.

This distribution software / data is a trial version and is almost the same as the sales software data, but it is made for sale only because it is created so as to operate normally only in the store. Not the same as the version.

For example, after the software and data are distributed to the information terminal 1 on the customer side, the customer can execute or view the contents without paying the price.
Information such as a key number or password for execution is set for a certain period of time with the wireless network interface 21 on the sales device 2 side so that the normal operation is performed only when a wireless network between the software data distribution and sales device 2 is formed. It is designed to transfer each other.
Then, when the distributed software / data side cannot obtain this information within a certain time, the software / data cannot be executed or read by itself as if it were outside the store.

In this way, the customer can freely operate the distributed software / data while in the store, so that the contents can be tested and examined thoroughly without charge. You can decide whether to buy or not. At the same time, since the software and data can be used only in the store, even if the distribution software / data is distributed to the customer, there is no loss on the store side, and conversely, the advantages of the software or data can be efficiently utilized. , It can be promoted because it can appeal to many customers.

-Merchandise purchase-When a customer desires to purchase software data, the customer first pays for the software and data to the store. After that, the operator of the store uses the operator terminal 5 to perform an information input operation in which the corresponding customer has already paid the product price of the desired software / data for purchase. Then
The operator terminal 5 transmits this information to the software data distribution and sales apparatus 2, and the software data distribution and sales apparatus 2 which has received the information notifies the customer information management means 26 of this.

In response to this, the customer information accumulating means 27 updates the customer information list of the customer by adding the information that the software / data price has been paid. The customer operates the "purchase request" button from the menu screen of his information terminal 1. Then, the “distribution / sales device access application” of the information terminal 1 performs this operation, and if the software / data being browsed by the “browsing request” is the purchase request target, the input information at that time is currently stored on the information terminal 1. Since the information remains, a "purchase request" is sent to the software data distribution / sales apparatus 2 together with a "browsing request" command.

If another piece of software / data is to be purchased, a "viewing request" operation is required to display the desired purchase software / data name, type, customer personal information, etc. on the display screen of the information terminal 1. Items will be displayed. Enter the corresponding contents in correspondence with the items. Then, when the confirmation operation is performed, the information is transmitted to the software data distribution / sales apparatus 2 together with the command of "browsing request".

When the software data distribution / selling apparatus 2 receives this "purchase request", it sends it to the customer request processing means 22.
The customer request processing means 22 determines what the request is (S401 in FIG. 4), knows that the request is a "purchase request", and sends the information terminal accompanying the "purchase request". The information from 1 is checked (S40 in FIG. 4).
2).

Here, if it is determined that the request from the customer is not in a predetermined format, or if it is determined to be inappropriate due to lack of information or the like, this customer request The processing means 22 outputs a request rejection notification (S413 in FIG. 4), and this notification is transmitted to the customer side through the wireless network interface 21. At this time, in order to urge the customer to perform a re-operation, a request re-emission notification may be transmitted.

When the result of the check in step S202 is that the request from the customer is appropriate, the customer request processing means 22 further passes the "viewing request" to the software data management means 24.

In the software data management means 24 that has received this "purchase request", the software data storage means 2
5 and the stored information in the large-scale software data storage means 4 are searched to confirm the storage (S403 in FIG. 4). And
Inquire the customer information in the same way as in the case of "view request",
Similar to the “viewing request”, the history of the customer is checked (S404 to S408 in FIG. 4) and whether or not the price has been paid is checked (S409 in FIG. 4).

If the payment has not been paid, the software data management means 24 issues a payment request notification to the customer, and the software data distribution and sales device 2 transmits it to the information terminal 1 (S412 in FIG. 4). .

If the payment has been made, the corresponding software / data for sale is transferred from the software data storage means 25 to the customer through the software data distribution means 23, and the sales procedure is completed (S4 in FIG. 4).
10 to S411).

When the distribution software / data has already been distributed by the "browsing request" and the purchase request is subsequently issued while the wireless network is not disconnected and the communicable state is maintained. Since the request has already been checked, the history check of the customer information may be omitted.

At this time, for example, if the customer's identity or account can be confirmed through the large-scale customer information accumulating means 3, and the transaction can be done online with the financial period of the bank, the payment will be deducted from the account. It is also possible to immediately distribute the software / data for sale and omit the cash payment from the customer.

In the case of the regular sale version of software / data, from the viewpoint of security, for example,
The encryption / decryption key code is received at the store at the time of payment, and the customer receives the regular sale version of the software / data received at his / her own information terminal 1.
By using this decryption key code to decipher the code so that it can be used on your own device, you can prevent the use of a third party who has illegally obtained the version / software of the officially-sold version. You can

As described above, a wireless network interface for automatically linking with a partner to form a wireless network is provided in a portable information terminal such as a laptop computer or a laptop computer, and a regular sale is made on a server of a store. And trial versions of software /
In addition to stocking data, credit information for each customer, etc., a wireless network interface is provided to enable communication with a portable information terminal, and the customer who owns the portable information terminal has its own information terminal. When you bring your own information terminal to the area where you can communicate with the server of the store, the customer's information terminal automatically establishes a wireless network with the server of the store and makes it possible to communicate, and the customer Operate to search the server for the software / data you want to try, and when you make a request, the server checks the customer credit information, and if there is no problem, sends the trial version of the software / data to the customer's information terminal. Then, the customer's information terminal is made to be able to use it for a trial. If there is no problem based on the above, the server side reads out the version for regular sale of the software / data to be purchased, sends it to the customer's information terminal, and passes it to the customer's information terminal so that it can be used. .

As described above, as a result of distributing the software / data by using the wireless line, it is not necessary to use a storage medium for distributing the software / data, and the efficiency of distribution can be improved. In addition, since the credit information is checked and it is distributed when there is no problem, it is possible to browse or try the product desired by the customer in advance without damaging the profit of the seller side, thereby promoting the advertising effect of the product. It is possible to realize a software data distribution / selling device that can increase the efficiency and sell efficiently.

(Second Specific Example) In the case of the browsing (trial) software / data shown in the first specific example, even if this cannot be executed or read outside the store, the customer There is also a possibility that the browsing software / data distributed by the company will be tampered with in some way so that it can be freely used outside the store, and further it may be distributed to an unspecified number of others without permission.

If this software or data is expensive, it is expected that the loss on the store side will be great, but this can be prevented by installing the software data temporary execution means 28 as follows. It is possible.

That is, in the second specific example, in addition to the configuration of the first specific example, as shown in FIG. 7, the software data selling apparatus 2 is provided with software data provisional execution means 28. The software data provisional execution means 28 does not distribute the software / data itself to the customer, but performs various executions and processes on the software / data by itself, and distributes only the execution and display results to the customer. It is a functional means that enables to do.

That is, the software data provisional execution means 2
8 has the ability to execute the same processing as the case of execution on the information terminal 1 of the customer, and can execute or read software or data on behalf of the customer's information terminal. There is.

Therefore, the software data provisional execution means 2
8 does not distribute the main body of software / data to the customer when the information terminal 1 makes a "browsing request", but executes the software / data on behalf of the customer as in the first specific example. Alternatively, it is a means for temporarily executing software data, such as distributing only the display result.

When the software data temporary execution means 28 is provided, the software data storage means 25 is
Unlike the specific example, only the software / data for sale which is a regular version for sale is stored and accumulated, and the data is provided when the request from the customer is met. Therefore, we have not prepared a trial version.

In this example, the software management means 24 stores software / data requested by the customer in the software data storage means 25 or the large-scale software data storage means 4.
A function of selecting from the data and passing to the software data provisional execution means 28 is added, and the software data distribution means 23 displays the software / data obtained as a result of execution by the software data provisional execution means 28. It has a function of transmitting the information on the screen to the information terminal 1, and does not have the function of distributing the software / data itself to the information terminal 1 as in the first specific example.

Further, in addition to the function of the first specific example, the customer information processing means 22 sends the operation information from the information terminal 1 to the software data provisional execution means 28 when the customer is a good customer. The function to pass is added.

Further, the software data temporary execution means 28
Thus, in order to perform various operations on the information terminal 1, an operation screen when software / data is executed is displayed on the information terminal 1 and the same input operation as when the software / data is executed is performed. As described above, it is necessary to transmit the input operation content to the software data temporary execution means 28, but a program (temporary execution support program) for that purpose is prepared in advance on the software data sales device 2 side, and the software data temporary execution means 28 is used. Prior to the processing, it is necessary to transmit the information to the information terminal 1 by wireless communication and provide the information terminal 1 so that the information terminal 1 is automatically executed. Therefore, a program (temporary execution support program) for that purpose is prepared in the software data storage means 25, and the software data distribution means 23 communicates wirelessly to the information terminal 1 prior to the processing by the software data temporary execution means 28. It is provided with a function of transmitting and providing it, and controlling it so that it is automatically executed.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of processing as an operation example of the second specific example. This will be described with reference to the drawings. When a software / data browsing request is made from the customer's information terminal 1, a "browsing request" is issued, but when the software data sales device 2 receives the "browsing request" from the information terminal 1, the customer request processing is performed. The means 22 discriminates what the request is (S601 in FIG. 6), knows that the request is a "browsing request", and checks the information from the information terminal 1 sent in association with this "browsing request". Is performed (S602 in FIG. 6).

Here, if it is determined that the request from the customer is not in a predetermined format, or if it is determined to be inappropriate due to lack of information, etc., this customer request The processing means 22 outputs a request refusal notification (S614 in FIG. 6), and this notification is transmitted to the customer side through the wireless network interface 21. At this time, in order to urge the customer to perform a re-operation, a request re-emission notification may be transmitted.

When the result of the check in step S602 is that the request from the customer is appropriate, the customer request processing means 22 further passes the "viewing request" to the software data management means 24.

Then, this software data management means 2
4 retrieves the stored information from the software data storage means 25 and the large-scale software data storage means 4 and confirms the stored information (S603 in FIG. 6). Then, the customer information is instructed to be searched (S604 in FIG. 6), and if not found,
The customer is registered in the customer information list as a new customer (S608 in FIG. 6).

On the other hand, if found, a history judgment is made (S605 to S607 in FIG. 6; customer credit check), and as a result, if the customer is a bad customer, the software data management means 24 is used to reject the request from the customer. Customer information processing means 22
To reject the request (S614 in FIG. 6), and if necessary, to disconnect the communication network with the customer.

After the above procedure, the customer's request is complete and appropriate (without information loss), and the requested software and data are stored inside the distribution and sales apparatus (in stock). When the customer information has no problem (good customer), the corresponding software / data is selected from the software / data stored in the software data storage means 25 or the large-scale software data storage means 4 according to the request. The software management unit 24 operates so that it is transferred to the software data temporary execution unit 28, and the software / data read by this is transferred to the software data temporary execution unit 28 (S609 in FIG. 6).

Although not shown, in order to perform various operations on the information terminal 1 by the software data provisional execution means 28, an operation screen for executing software / data is displayed on the information terminal 1 and the operation screen is displayed. It is necessary to transmit the contents of the input operation to the software data provisional execution means 28 so that the input operation and the like exactly as in the case of executing the software / data are performed. The program for that purpose (temporary execution support program) is the software data in advance. Prepared by the sales device 2 side, prior to the processing by the software data provisional execution means 28, the software data distribution means 23 transmits and provides this to the information terminal 1 by wireless communication, and automatically executes the software data provisional execution. Execution means 2
Be prepared to handle the processing by 8.

When the "browsing request" is received in this way, if there is no problem, the main body of the software / data is first passed to the software data temporary execution means 28 and is temporarily executed there. Then, the screen at that time is output from the software data provisional execution means 28, the screen information is sent to the information terminal 1 through the software data distribution means 23, and the screen is displayed on the display of the information terminal 1.

The operation information from the information terminal 1 of the customer who saw the screen is the software data provisional execution means 28 as it is.
(S610 in FIG. 6). Then, the software data temporary execution means 28 executes or reads out the software / data according to the operation from the customer (see FIG. 6).
S611), only the display screen of the result operated here is sent to the software data distribution means 23, and this is sent to the customer.

As described above, in this example, since the software data temporary execution means 28 is provided in the software data sales device 2, the customer himself / herself can use the information terminal 1 on the customer side without distributing the software / data to the customer. It is possible to make the user feel as if he / she is operating software and data, and it is possible for the customer to thoroughly examine the contents, and it is possible to suppress unauthorized use by a person who is not the purchaser.

As described above, the present system is provided with a wireless network interface for automatically linking with a portable information terminal such as a laptop computer or a laptop computer to form a wireless network, and also a server of a store. In addition to stocking the software / data of the regular sale version and the trial version, and also stocking the credit information for each customer, etc., a wireless network interface is provided to enable communication with a portable information terminal, When a customer who owns an information terminal brings his or her own information terminal into an area where it can communicate with the server of the shop, the customer's information terminal can automatically communicate with the server of the shop by forming a wireless network. In this state, the customer operates the information terminal of his / her own, and the software / data that he / she wants to try is the server. When you make a request and make a request, the server side checks the customer credit information, and if there is no problem, you can send a trial version of the software / data to the customer's information terminal and pass it to the customer's information terminal for trial use. Similarly, when purchasing, a purchase request is sent from the customer's information terminal to the server, so that if the customer has no problem based on the credit information, the version of the software / data he / she wants to purchase is sold for sale on the server. The information is read out by the side, transmitted to the customer's information terminal, and passed to the customer's information terminal for use.

As described above, as a result of distributing the software / data using the wireless line, it is not necessary to use a storage medium for distributing the software / data, and the efficiency of distribution can be improved. In addition, since the credit information is checked and it is distributed when there is no problem, it is possible to browse or try the product desired by the customer in advance without impairing the profit of the seller side, thereby promoting the advertising effect of the product. It is possible to realize a software data distribution / selling device that can increase the efficiency and sell efficiently. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific examples described above, and various modifications can be carried out.

[0121]

As described above, according to the present invention, when a customer brings an information device equipped with wireless communication means to purchase a product such as software or various data,
By automatically forming a wireless network that allows you to freely withdraw and join, it is possible for customers to browse and try products in advance before selling them without sacrificing the profit of the seller, and efficiently distributing or selling the products It is possible to achieve great effects in practical use.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the present invention and is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first specific example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the present invention and is a schematic diagram of a software data sales store in which the system of the present invention is introduced.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the present invention and is a flowchart of a browsing request process in the first specific example of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the present invention and is a flowchart of a browsing request process in the first specific example of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the present invention and is a flowchart of a browsing request process in the first specific example of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the present invention and is a flowchart diagram of a browsing request process in the second specific example of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the present invention and is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second specific example of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Customer information terminal 2 ... Software data distribution / sales device 3 ... Large-scale customer information storage means 4 ... Large-scale software storage means 5 ... Operator terminal 22 ... Customer information processing means 21 ... Wireless network interface 23 ... Software data distribution means 24 ... software data management means 25 ... software data storage means 26 ... customer information management means 27 ... customer information storage means 28 ... software data provisional execution means

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A software data storage means for storing and storing various software and data to be distributed, a wireless network interface for connecting a wireless network to an information terminal, and the distribution object issued from the information terminal connected to the wireless network. Of various software and data for requesting a list request, trial request, and purchase request, customer request processing means, customer information storage means for storing and storing customer information, and storage and storage for the software data storage means. Software data management means for managing whether or not to respond to a request from the information terminal based on a file list of various software and data to be distributed and information about customers, and a management processing result of the software data management means. According to the above request Software data distribution sales device, wherein a software or data or list to anda software data distribution means for controlled to distributed to the information terminal for. 2. A software data storage means for storing and storing various software and data to be distributed, a wireless network interface forming a wireless network with an information terminal carried by a user, and an information terminal forming the wireless network. Customer request processing means for determining request contents such as list request, trial request, purchase request, etc. for various software and data to be distributed, customer information storage means for storing and storing customer information including credit information, Software data management means for managing whether or not to respond to a request from the information terminal from a file list of various software and data to be distributed and stored and stored in software data storage means, and this software Depending on the management processing result of the data management means Software and data distribution means for controlling software or data for request contents or a file list thereof to distribute to the information terminal, and when the request content from the terminal is a request for trial use, software or data according to the request content And a software data provisional execution means for performing the execution or reading, performing the operation on behalf of the user to generate a display image of the result, and giving the image to the information terminal.