JP2000099324A - Device and method for activating sample software and storage medium recording control program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To install program data without enciphering them, to activate sample software on the set date and time and to confirm all functions by incorporating trial limit data for permitting the install of application program(AP) data and the activation of that program within the date and time preset to the sample software. SOLUTION: Concerning a storage medium 12, the computer of a central control part 8 reads the sample software, in which the trial limit data for limiting the trial of AP data and that program corresponding to the date and time through a reading part 13. On the current date and time counted by a time count part 7, a judging part 8a judges whether these data can be tried or not. When the trial is disabled, it is reported by a reporting part 2-1 but when the trial is enabled, an activating part 8b installs the AP data in a previously provided program data buffer 11-2 and activates the AP.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is applied to a communication terminal and an information processing apparatus, and a sample software starting device and method for installing a sample software application program in a program memory and starting the program, and recording the control program thereof. Regarding the medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a software provider generally provides a user with a part of commercially available software as a free sample in order to promote sales of software products. However, in order to prevent the user from continuing to use the provided trial software or using unauthorized copies or unauthorized use, the software provider shall limit the functions of some commercially available software products to a certain extent. It is provided as a free sample. For this reason, there is a problem that the user cannot confirm all functions of a software product marketed from trial software with limited functions.

As a conventional technique for solving the above-mentioned problem, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-325713, a software provider determines an operable time in advance, encrypts and sets a software sample, and sets a sample software. By monitoring the physical location information and the operable time of the computer on which the software is installed at the time of software execution, it operates only within the operable time set by the correctly installed computer and can operate even if copying is repeated Provide trial software that does not change the total time.

Further, according to the description of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-295803, a software object is provided with a function that can be canceled by encryption, and the software object is sent from a software provider to a potential user together with a file management program. A method and apparatus for distributing software objects has been proposed in which the file management program temporarily cancels the function restriction for a purchasing user and enables the software product to be used during a trial period. .

[0005]

However, in the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-325713, it is possible to use trial software whose functions are not limited within the operable time. Since the total time might change, special measures such as encryption were required for copying the program.

In the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-295803, the trial time is not limited, but the functions that can be used for trial are limited. Technology is needed to control access to the Internet. Therefore, all functions of the sample software cannot be confirmed unless the encrypted program data is decrypted.

[0007] JP-A-7-325713, JP-A-7-325713
In any of the prior arts described in JP-A-295803, a special encryption technique enables the trial software to be used within a set possible cumulative use time or accesses a program with limited functions. Therefore, there is a problem that a process of decrypting the encrypted program data is required in order to enable the program.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and installs application program data incorporated in trial software without encryption at a preset date and time, and starts the trial software. Provided are a sample software activation device and method capable of confirming all the functions, and a recording medium recording a control program thereof.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a reading unit for reading trial software storing application program data and trial restriction data for restricting trial use of the application program by date and time, and a clock unit for clocking the current date and time. A determination unit that determines whether the application program data can be trialled at the current date and time measured by the timing unit based on trial restriction data, and when a determination result of trial disable is received from the determination unit. A notification unit for notifying the user that the application cannot be used, and a start unit that starts the application program by installing the application program data in a program memory provided in advance when a determination result of the trial use is received from the determination unit. This is a sample software activation device.

In the present invention, the trial software is used to install various application program data recorded on a recording medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, an MD, an IC card, and the like, and to install or install various application program data in a program memory. And various control data for activating the program.

The reading section may be constituted by a reading device such as a disk driver or a card reader according to the type of the recording medium. The clock unit may be configured by an RTC (real time clock) circuit, a counter circuit, a calendar table, or the like. The determining unit, the program memory, and the starting unit,
It is preferable to configure a computer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O port. The notification unit may be configured by a display device such as a CRT display, an LCD (liquid crystal display), or a plasma display, or a speech synthesizer.

According to the present invention, the trial software is incorporated into the trial software by incorporating trial restriction data for permitting installation of the application program data and activation of the application program within a preset date and time. The application program data can be installed at a preset date and time without encryption, and the trial software can be activated to check all its functions.

[0013] The trial restriction data of the trial software comprises data that sets a time zone in which the trial can be performed within 24 hours a day, and the determination unit can trial the application program data of the trial software with the current date and time. It may be configured to determine whether or not the time zone is appropriate based on the trial restriction data. According to this configuration, it is possible to set a time zone in which a trial can be performed within 24 hours a day, and permit the trial use of the application program.

[0014] The trial restriction data of the trial software includes data in which a day of the week that can be trialled within seven days of the week is set, and the determination unit determines that the current date and time can trial the application program data of the trial software. Or not may be determined based on the trial restriction data. According to this configuration, it is possible to set a day of the week that can be used for trial in seven days a week, and to permit installation and activation of the application program.

A communication unit that performs data communication with a communication terminal of a specific communication destination via a communication line; and an acquisition unit that obtains current date and time data received from the specific communication destination by the communication unit. May be configured to determine whether it is possible to try the application program data of the trial software based on the trial restriction data and the current date and time data acquired by the acquisition unit.

In this configuration, the communication section may be composed of a modem, a network control circuit, a data conversion circuit, and the like.
The acquisition unit may be configured by a computer. According to this configuration, for example, as a specific communication destination, a public time signal provider, a trial of the application program is not permitted unless accurate current date and time data is obtained in advance from a communication terminal such as a software provider. It can also be configured.

[0017] The acquisition unit acquires, from the communication terminal of the software providing destination that is a specific communication destination, the trial software storing the application program data and the trial restriction data for restricting the trial of the application program by date and time via the communication unit. May be configured. According to this configuration, for example, as a specific communication destination,
The trial software can be browsed and directly acquired by data communication from a communication terminal such as a software provider on the Internet.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the reading unit is made to read the trial software storing the application program data and the trial restriction data for restricting the trial use of the application program by the date and time, and the current date and time is counted. When the determination unit determines whether it is possible to try the application program data at the current time and date based on the trial limit data, A trial software activation device control program that causes the notification unit to notify the trial unavailable unit and, when receiving a trial availability determination result from the determination unit, install the application program data in the program memory provided in advance in the activation unit and activate the application program. Provided by a recording medium that records It is.

According to this configuration, in the personal computer and the information processing apparatus, the program for controlling the apparatus by the computer is installed from the recording medium, so that the application program data incorporated in the trial software can be previously encrypted without being encrypted. It is possible to realize a sample software starting device that can be installed at a set date and time, starts the sample software, and checks all its functions.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a trial software activation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a main body cabinet, 2 is an input / output unit, and 3 is a lid. The main body cabinet 1 has an LCD
It has an input / output unit 2 that integrates a display unit such as a (liquid crystal display) or a PD (plasma display) with a transparent tablet, an infrared communication unit (not shown), a pen, a power switch of the main unit, and the like. An input / output unit 2, an infrared communication unit, a control circuit for controlling a pen, an interface,
A power supply unit for supplying a drive voltage to each unit is incorporated. The lid 3 is connected to the rear surface of the main body cabinet 1 by a hinge, pivots so as to cover the input / output unit 2, and plays a role of protecting the input / output unit 2 when being carried.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the input / output unit of the trial software activation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, an input / output unit 2 includes a liquid crystal display unit 2-1 of a thin matrix type capable of displaying characters and a transparent tablet unit 2-2 having a size covering the liquid crystal display unit 2-1.
And are integrated. The liquid crystal display unit 2-1
If necessary, a backlight composed of an EL panel or the like may be provided on the back surface.

In the transparent tablet 2-2, for example, transparent electrodes are provided on the inner surface of two transparent sheets, and in a normal state, small projecting spacers are regularly printed so that the electrodes do not contact each other. , The finger is touched by a finger or a pen, the transparent electrode is brought into contact, and the selected position is detected.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 2-3 denotes a film on which the functions of the frequently used fixed keys are printed with easy-to-understand symbols, and the film 2-3 comprises a liquid crystal display unit 2-1 and a transparent tablet 2-2. Between the transparent tablet 2-2
However, the area corresponding to the symbol functions as a fixed key. Also, by synchronizing the display content displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2-1 with the position information of the transparent tablet 2-2, it is possible to detect the position of the liquid crystal display unit 2-1 selected by the user. .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a trial software activation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
, The same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The liquid crystal display unit 2-1 and the transparent tablet 2-2 of the input / output unit 2 are described with reference to FIG. The liquid crystal display unit 2-1 functions as a display unit that displays a text creation screen and a notification unit that notifies a message. The transparent tablet unit 2-2 functions as an input unit for inputting coordinate information.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a tablet control unit for extracting coordinate information from the transparent tablet unit 2-2. The transparent tablet unit 2-2 is connected to transparent electrodes provided on respective transparent sheets. Tablet control unit 4
Performs coordinate detection at a position designated by a finger or a pen by contact between the transparent electrodes.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a liquid crystal display circuit control section for controlling the liquid crystal display section 2-1 via the common circuit 5-1 and the segment circuit 5-2, and the liquid crystal display circuit control section 6 causes the liquid crystal to emit dots. The dot position signal is stored as a bit map, and the dot position signal is sent to the common circuit 5-1 and the segment circuit 5-2. Reference numeral 7 denotes a timekeeping unit composed of an oscillator, an RTC (real time clock) circuit, a counter circuit, a calendar table, and the like. The timekeeping unit 7 measures time using a clock signal, Output time.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a central control unit constituted by a computer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O port. The central control unit 8 controls input information or output information according to various instructions. The central control unit 8
Is a determination unit 8a that determines whether the application program data can be used at the current date and time measured by the clock unit 7 based on the trial restriction data.
And an activation unit 8b for installing application program data in the RAM based on the trial restriction data and activating the application program when a determination result of trial availability is received from the determination unit 8a.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a body power switch, which is a switch for turning on / off the body power. Reference numeral 10 denotes a ROM, a font information area 10-1 storing a font of a character to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2-1; a program data area 10-2 storing a program indicating an operation of the central control unit 8; Information area 10-3 for storing dictionary information for the user, and a coordinate information area 10-4 for storing conversion information for converting coordinates detected by the tablet control unit 4 into coordinates corresponding to the display position. have.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a RAM, which allows the user to input / output the
A data buffer 11-1 for storing various data such as text and graphics input from the user, a trial software, a program data buffer 11-2 for storing program data of a program medium, and trial limit data (time limit data) incorporated in the trial software. , Limit date and time data).

Reference numeral 12 denotes a recording medium (program medium) including, for example, a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, an IC card, and the like which can be separated from the main body. An executable program to be executed, a source program capable of constructing the executable program, and an intermediate program are recorded.

Further, trial software incorporating application program data and trial restriction data for restricting trial use of the application program by date and time may be stored in the recording medium 12 and provided to the user. Reference numeral 13 denotes a reading unit including a disk driver, a card reader, and the like for reading the recording medium 12.

The RAM 11 of the main body cabinet 1
If the program is not installed in advance,
The program and data necessary for causing the present invention to function, the application program of the trial software, and the trial restriction data are read from the recording medium 12 by the reading unit 13, and the data is stored in the data buffer 11-1 of the RAM 11.
The program code of the execution program is stored in the program data buffer 11-2 of the RAM 11.

According to the recording medium 12 in which the trial software activation device control program is recorded, the central control unit 8 stores, in the computer, trial software in which application program data and trial restriction data for restricting trial use of the application program by date and time are stored. The reading unit 13 reads the current date and time, and causes the timer unit 7 to count the current date and time. The determination unit 8a determines whether the application program data can be used at the measured current date and time based on the use control data. When the judgment unit 8a receives a judgment result indicating that the trial cannot be performed, the notification unit 2 informs the user that the trial cannot be performed.
-1 is notified, and upon receiving a determination result of trial use from the determination unit 8a, trial software for installing the application program data in the program data buffer 11-2 provided in advance in the activation unit 8b and activating the application program. An activation device can be realized.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a communication unit including a modem, a network control circuit, a data conversion circuit, and the like.
Data communication is performed with a communication terminal of a specific communication destination via a communication line. Reference numeral 15 denotes a communication control unit that controls the communication unit 14. The communication control unit 15 controls transmission and reception of e-mail and input / output of data with the Internet via the communication unit 14.

The central control unit 8 includes a connection unit 8c for connecting a specific communication destination on a LAN line, the Internet, or an external network via the communication unit 14 and the communication control unit 15, a current date and time received from the specific communication destination. An acquisition unit 8d for acquiring data is further provided. The obtaining unit 8d is configured to obtain, from a communication terminal of a software providing destination that is a specific communication destination, trial software that stores application program data and trial restriction data for restricting trial use of the application program by date and time. The determining unit 8a is configured to determine whether it is possible to try the application program data of the trial software based on the trial restriction data and the current date and time data acquired by the acquiring unit 8d.

[First Embodiment] As a first embodiment, a trial software process when introducing trial software stored in a storage medium (for example, a CD-ROM) will be described. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that, when the trial software is shipped, for example, a trial available time zone from 13:00 to 15:00 is stored in the trial software as trial restriction data. First, the user downloads an application program of the trial software from the CD-ROM and introduces it into the trial software activation device. When the trial software is introduced, the trial period is R
It is stored in the trial limited data buffer 11-3 of the AM 11. The introduced trial software can be started as an application program.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example (1) of a display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the user tries to start this application program at 16:30, the current time is acquired from the clock unit 7 and the current time is between 13:00 and 15:00. It is checked whether it is present or not, and if it is not between 13:00 and 15:00, information indicating that it cannot be used and a usable time zone are displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 2-1.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen example (2) according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the user tries to start this application at time 14:10, the application program is started and the main menu of this application is displayed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen example (3) according to the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, Wednesday is stored as a trial available day when the trial software is shipped. The trial available days are stored in the trial limited data buffer 11-3 of the RAM 11.

As shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the user tries to start this application program on Tuesday, the user obtains the current date and time from the clock unit 7 and checks whether the current date and time is Wednesday. If it is not Wednesday, a message indicating that it cannot be used and a day of the week that can be used for trial are displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 2-1. When the user attempts to start the application on Wednesday, the user starts the application as shown in FIG. 5 and displays the main menu of the application.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (1) of the trial software activation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 shows a processing procedure when a trial available time zone is provided within 24 hours a day. STEP 1: Wait for an instruction to start the application by the user. STEP 2: When an instruction to start the application is received, the current time is acquired from the clock unit 7. STEP 3: Trial limited data buffer 11 in RAM 11
Read out the available time zone from -3.

STEP 4: The current time acquired in STEP 2 is compared with the trial available time zone read in STEP 3, and it is determined whether the current time is within the trial available time zone. STEP 5: If the current time is not within the trial available time, a message as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2-1 to notify the user that the trial is not available. STEP6: If the current time is within the usable time, ST
The application specified in EP1 is started. STEP 7: As shown in FIG. 5, the main menu or the initial screen of the application is displayed, and the processing is ended.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure (2) of the trial software activation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 shows a processing procedure when an available day of the week is provided in seven days of a week. STEP 8: Wait for an instruction to start the application by the user. STEP 9: When an instruction to start the application is received, the current date and time are acquired from the clock unit 7. STEP10: Trial limited data buffer 1 of RAM11
The trial available day is read from 1-3. STEP11: The current date and time acquired in STEP9 and ST
By comparing with the trial available day read in EP10, it is determined whether or not the current date and time is the trial available day.

STEP12: If the current date and time is not a trial day, a message as shown in FIG.
-1 is displayed to inform the user that trial use is not possible. STEP13: If the current date and time is a trial day, ST
The application specified in EP8 is started. STEP14: As shown in FIG. 5, the main menu or the initial screen of the application is displayed, and the process is terminated.

According to this configuration, when a user wants to purchase and use a specific application program, the program provider responds to a request to try in advance so that the operability and function of the program can be grasped. In the case of providing a program for the purpose, the user can set the trial time zone within 24 hours a day, or set the trial day of the week within 7 days a week, so that the user can download the program within the time limit. With all functions operable,
It can be used for trial. Therefore, the user can appropriately determine whether the program is useful for him or her. Since the purchaser of the program can use the trial in a state where the full function can be used, the program provider side can obtain appropriate judgment information of the purchaser.

[Second Embodiment] As a second embodiment, trial software processing when introducing trial restriction data and trial software from a specific communication destination on the Internet or a network will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the central control unit 8 communicates with the LAN via the communication unit 14 and the communication control unit 15.
A connection unit 8c for connecting a specific communication destination on a line, the Internet, or a network, and an obtaining unit 8d for obtaining current date and time data received from the specific communication destination are provided. When the user attempts to start this application, the connection unit 8c starts an Internet browser and connects to a specific communication destination. When communication becomes possible, the acquisition unit 8
d to output a signal and obtain the current time / date and time of the communication destination from the connection unit 8c.

The acquisition unit 8d outputs a signal to the determination unit 8a when acquiring the current time / date information. In the judgment unit 8a,
The trial available time zone / day of the week is read from the trial limited data buffer 11-3 of the RAM 11, and is compared with the current time / date acquired by the acquiring unit 8d. As a result of the comparison, if the current time / date matches the usable time zone / day of the week, a signal is output to the liquid crystal display circuit control section 6 and the main menu or the initial screen of the application is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 2-1. I do.

In this embodiment, at the time of shipment of the software program, the trial available time zone is from 13:00 to 15:
00 time zone is stored. When the trial software is installed, the trial available time zone is stored in the trial limited data buffer 11-3 of the RAM 11.

The application program of the introduced sample software can be started. When the user starts the application program, first, the user starts an Internet browser and connects to a specific communication destination. The specific communication destination is a provider of the trial software, and always holds accurate time information. By connecting to a specific communication destination, the time information of the communication destination is automatically acquired.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (3) of the trial software activation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 shows the procedure of the current time acquisition process when a trial time zone is provided within 24 hours a day. STEP2-1: Start an Internet browser. STEP 2-2: Connect a specific communication destination. STEP 2-3: Automatically obtain time information from the connected specific communication destination. STEP2-4: Disconnect the communication. STEP2-5: Terminate the Internet browser and end the process.

Next, it is checked whether or not the acquired current time is between 13:00 and 15:00, and if it is not between 13:00 and 15:00, it is notified that the trial cannot be used. For example, when the user tries to start the application program at time 16:30, the obtaining unit 8d obtains the current time and checks whether the current time is between 13:00 and 15:00. If it is not between 5:00 and 15:00, as shown in FIG.
The liquid crystal display unit 2-
1 is displayed on the display screen. Also, when the user sets the time 14:
If you try to launch this application on 10,
As shown in FIG. 5, the application program is started and a main menu of the application is displayed.

In this embodiment, Wednesday is stored as a trial available day when the trial software is shipped. The trial available days are stored in the trial limited data buffer 11-3 of the RAM 11. For example, when the user tries to start this application program on Tuesday, the connection unit 8c starts up an Internet browser and connects to a specific communication destination.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (4) of the trial software activation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart shown in FIG. 10 shows the procedure of the current date and time acquisition processing when an available day of the week is provided in seven days a week. STEP 9-1: Start an Internet browser. STEP 9-2: Connect a specific communication destination. STEP 9-3: Automatically obtain time information from a specific communication destination connected. STEP9-4: Disconnect the communication. STEP9-5: Terminate the Internet browser and end the processing.

It is checked whether or not the day of the present date and time acquired by the acquiring unit 8d is Wednesday. If it is not Wednesday, as shown in FIG. 1 is displayed on the display screen. Also,
When the user tries to start the application on Wednesday, the application is started and a main menu of the application is displayed as shown in FIG.

Here, by connecting to a specific communication destination, the current time / date information is automatically obtained, or the user can obtain accurate current time information on a network. An information site may be specified and a message prompting acquisition of current time / date information may be displayed.

According to this configuration, when the apparatus is capable of communicating through the network, the apparatus communicates with a specific communication destination when the trial software program is started, and obtains the current time or the current date and time from the communication destination. Therefore, the use of accurate time information from outside through data communication can be used to more strictly limit the trial time without relying on the clock section in the device, thereby preventing unauthorized use due to the time setting operation of the device. can do.

[0058]

According to the present invention, the trial software is incorporated into the trial software by incorporating trial restriction data for permitting installation of application program data and trial use of the application program within a preset date and time. The encrypted application program data can be installed at a preset date and time without encryption, and the trial software can be activated to check all its functions.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a trial software activation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a configuration of an input / output unit of the trial software activation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a trial software activation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen example (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen example (2) according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen example (3) according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (1) of the trial software activation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure (2) of the trial software activation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (3) of the trial software activation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure (4) of the trial software activation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body cabinet part 2 Input / output part 2-1 Liquid crystal display part 2-2 Transparent tablet part 3 Lid part 4 Tablet control part 5-1 Common circuit 5-2 Segment circuit 6 Liquid crystal circuit control part 7 Clock part 8 Central control part 8a Judgment unit 8b Starting unit 8c Connection unit 8d Acquisition unit 9 Main unit power switch 10 ROM 10-1 Font information area 10-2 Program data area 10-3 Dictionary information area 10-4 Coordinate information area 11 RAM 11-1 Data buffer 11- 2 Program Data Buffer 11-3 Trial Limit Data Buffer 12 Recording Medium 13 Reading Unit 14 Communication Unit 15 Communication Control Unit

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A reading unit for reading trial software storing application program data and trial restriction data for restricting trial use of the application program by date and time, a clock unit for clocking the current date and time, and a clock unit for clocking the application program data. A determination unit that determines whether or not a trial can be used at the current date and time measured by the determination unit based on the trial restriction data, and a notification unit that notifies the user that the trial cannot be performed when the determination unit determines that the trial is unavailable. And a start-up unit that, upon receiving a determination result of trial use from the determination unit, installs the application program data in a program memory provided in advance and starts the application program. 2. The trial restriction data of the trial software includes data that sets a time zone during which the trial can be performed within 24 hours a day, and the determining unit determines that the current date and time are the application program data of the trial software. 2. The trial software activation device according to claim 1, wherein a determination is made based on the trial restriction data as to whether or not the trial time zone is suitable. 3. The trial restriction data of the trial software is:
The determination unit determines whether or not the current date and time matches the day of the week on which the application program data of the trial software can be trialled. The sample software activation device according to claim 1, wherein the determination is made based on data. 4. A communication unit for performing data communication with a communication terminal of a specific communication destination via a communication line, and an obtaining unit for obtaining current date and time data received from the specific communication destination by the communication unit, 2. The sample supply system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether it is possible to try the application program data of the sample software based on the trial restriction data and the current date and time data acquired by the acquisition unit. Software activation device. 5. The trial software which stores application program data and trial restriction data for restricting a trial of the application program by a date and time from a communication terminal of a software providing destination as a specific communication destination via a communication unit. 5. The sample software activation device according to claim 4, wherein 6. Reading trial software storing application program data and trial restriction data for restricting trial use of the application program by date and time, time the current date and time, and read the application program data at the current date and time Determines whether or not a trial is possible based on the trial restriction data, notifies the user that the trial is not possible when receiving the determination result that the trial is not possible, and prepares the application program data in advance when the determination result that the trial is available is received. Starting the application program by installing the application software in the installed program memory. 7. The computer causes the reading unit to read the trial software storing the application program data and the trial restriction data for restricting the trial use of the application program according to the date and time, and causes the timer to time the current date and time. At the current date and time, determine whether or not the application program data can be trialled based on the trial restriction data, and let the determining unit notify the trial unit when the determination result indicates that the trial is not possible. A recording medium storing a trial software activation device control program for installing an application program data in a program memory provided in advance in an activation unit and receiving an application program data when the determination unit receives a determination result of trial use from the determination unit.