JP2001296995A - Information updating method, storage medium with information update program stored thereon and information updating system. - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly perform accounting processing by updating the version of information in a portable terminal always automatically. SOLUTION: This information updating method updates information stored in the portable terminal 1 performing information processing singly and performs accounting processing as a consideration for it. The system is provided with a server 3 for providing information on the newest version to be updated and an information processor 2 connected with the server 3 through the Internet 4. When the version of information stored in the server 3 is newer than the version of information stored in the terminal 1, the processor 2 obtains information of the new version and when the terminal 1 is connected after then, the processor 2 transmits information of the new version to the terminal 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information updating method,
The storage medium storing the information update program and the information update system are described in detail. Either a program or data stored in a portable terminal such as a notebook personal computer or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) that performs information processing independently. Alternatively, the present invention relates to an information updating method for updating information including both of them and performing a billing process as a price, a storage medium storing an information updating program, and an information updating system to which the information updating method is applied.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A program stored in a client connected to a server via a network or a portable terminal detachably connected to a connector of a terminal control device is updated to the latest version, and as a price for it, The following technology has been proposed for performing the accounting process. First, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-269078, a server and a client are connected via a network, a software request for requesting the provision of software specified by the client is transmitted to the server, and the server receives the software request specified by the software request. The server sends installation information (including file version information) of a plurality of files corresponding to the software to the client, and the client refers to the plurality of files to select a file to be requested, and then selects the selected file. The server sends a download request (including the version information of the currently installed file) to the server, and the server sends download information including the file indicated in the download request to the client. Do and download Software distribution methods a client makes the installation of the files have been disclosed in accordance with the broadcast. Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-2
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 69078 discloses a technique in which, when a charge is made but fails in the middle of a download (for example, a line is disconnected), it is ignored as it is and the download is performed again without performing a billing process when the purchase operation is performed again Is disclosed. Hereinafter, this technique is referred to as a first conventional technique.

[0003] Also, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-65827, a terminal control device requests version information of a current program set in a portable terminal connected to a connector section.
The mobile terminal transmits the version information of the current program to the terminal control device, compares the version information received by the terminal control device with the version information of the latest program, and confirms a mismatch. Discloses a portable terminal system that rewrites a current program with a received latest program.
Hereinafter, this technique is referred to as a second conventional technique.

[0004]

In the first prior art, when a user wants to obtain a certain software, a corresponding software request is transmitted from the client to the server. It is unlikely that the same version of software will be obtained again. Therefore, unless the client user knows that the version of the software already obtained by some means is old,
No corresponding software request is sent from the client to the server. That is, the first prior art described above has a drawback that the software cannot be updated to the latest version until it is known that the version of the software already obtained is older.

In the first prior art described above, even when the already acquired software version is known to be old and is updated to the latest version, in addition to the software request transmission processing, Active processing by the user is required, such as an operation for the user to select whether to download the latest file itself or small-sized patch information. Therefore, I want to upgrade the software version,
Users who can't take the time to do the necessary processing,
There is a disadvantage that the software version cannot be upgraded forever.

[0006] In the first prior art described above, if the user is charged but fails in the middle of the download, it is ignored as it is, and when the purchase operation is performed again, the download is performed again without performing the charging process. I have. That is, it is assumed that the user performs the purchase operation again. Therefore, since the user must perform the purchase operation again, if the user is busy and cannot take the time to perform the purchase operation again, the software version cannot be upgraded forever. In addition, if the user did not notice that the download failed, and did not perform the purchase operation again, the software version would not be upgraded and only the billing would be performed. In particular, if a download failure occurs due to a server-side cause, a contractual trouble may occur between the user and the software provider.

On the other hand, in the second prior art, when the user connects the portable terminal to the connector of the terminal control device, the current program automatically stored in the portable terminal is updated to the latest program. Therefore, the user does not need to know that the program version has been updated, and does not need to perform any operation for upgrading the program version. In this case, it is assumed that the program stored in the terminal control device is always the latest version, but the method of obtaining the latest version of the program and storing it in the terminal control device in advance is described above. Nothing is disclosed in JP-A-11-65827. Therefore, even if the first and second prior arts described above are combined, the terminal control device of the second prior art is connected to a server via the Internet like the client of the first prior art. Even so, when the latest version of the program is obtained, the above-described inconvenience of the first related art similarly occurs.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and allows a user to perform any operation without knowing that the version of information comprising a program and / or data has been updated. Information can always be updated to the latest version,
An object of the present invention is to provide an information updating method, an information updating program, a storage medium storing an information updating program, and an information updating system capable of performing an appropriate accounting process.

[0009]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising: one or both of a program and data stored in a portable terminal which independently performs information processing; And a server for providing information of the latest version to be updated, and an information processing apparatus connected to the server via a network, the method comprising: An information acquisition step of acquiring information of the new version when the version of the information stored in the server is newer than the version of the information stored in the mobile terminal; Transmitting the new version of information to the mobile terminal.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information updating method according to the first aspect, wherein the information processing apparatus notifies the information processing apparatus when the portable terminal receives all the transmitted information normally. Is transmitted to the server, and the server performs the accounting process only when receiving the notification from the information processing device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information updating method according to the second aspect, wherein the server, after the charging process, transmits license information indicating that a license for permitting use of the information has been granted. Transmitted to the information processing device,
The information processing apparatus transmits the received license information to the mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal can use the information based on the received license information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, information consisting of one or both of a program and data stored in a portable terminal that performs information processing by itself is updated, and a billing process is performed in exchange for the information. According to the information updating method, the server includes a server that provides the latest version of information to be updated, and an information processing apparatus connected to the server via a network, wherein the information processing apparatus periodically accesses the server. An information acquisition step of acquiring the new version of information if the version of the information stored in the server is newer than the version of the information stored in the mobile terminal; and An information transmitting step of transmitting a new version of information to the mobile terminal; When receiving the first notification of the normally received all, second to the effect that information update is successful
Transmitting a notification to the server, and receiving license information indicating that a license for using the information transmitted from the server based on the second notification is granted. A license information transmitting step of transmitting the license information to the portable terminal.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information updating method according to the fourth aspect, wherein the server, upon receiving the second notification, charges a user of the portable terminal. After performing, the license information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information updating method according to the fifth aspect, wherein the portable terminal can use the information based on the received license information.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information updating method according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the portable terminal does not normally receive the transmitted information. Erasing the received information.

The invention according to claim 8 relates to the information updating method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the information processing device is connected to the portable terminal, and the portable terminal is connected to the information terminal. After confirming that the information can be updated with the processing device, the information transmission step and the subsequent steps are performed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information updating method according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the information processing apparatus is connected to the portable terminal immediately after the portable terminal is connected. During or during the use, the information transmission step and subsequent steps are performed.

The invention according to claim 10 is the first invention.
In the information updating method according to any one of Items 1 to 9, when the server upgrades the information, the server transmits a notification to that effect to the information processing device, and the information processing device receives the notification. In this case, the information acquisition step and the subsequent steps are performed.

The invention according to claim 11 is the first invention.
According to the information updating method of any one of Items 1 to 10, the mobile terminal stores user information for identifying the user, the information processing device is connected to the mobile terminal, After confirming the user of the portable terminal based on the user information, the information transmitting step and the subsequent steps are performed.

The invention according to claim 12 is the first invention.
According to the information updating method of any one of Items 1 to 11, while transmitting the information from the information processing apparatus to the mobile terminal, the information processing apparatus and the mobile terminal may not be disconnected. The feature is to warn the user.

The invention according to claim 13 is the first invention.
According to the information updating method described in any one of the above items 1 to 12, the information processing apparatus has a battery charging unit for charging a battery which is built in the portable terminal and supplies power to each unit thereof. When the portable terminal is connected to the information processing device for charging the battery, the information processing device performs the information transmitting step and the subsequent steps.

A storage medium according to the invention of claim 14 is
An information update program for causing a computer to realize the function according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is stored.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable terminal for performing information processing by itself, an information processing apparatus to which the portable terminal is detachably connected, and an information processing apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus via a network, A server that provides the latest version of the information comprising one or both of the program and the data, and updates the information stored in the mobile terminal, and performs an accounting process as a price for the information updating system. If the version of the information stored in the server is newer than the version of the information stored in the mobile terminal, the information processing device acquires the new version of information, and when the mobile terminal is connected, The new version information is transmitted to the portable terminal.

[0024] Further, the invention according to claim 16 is based on claim 1.
5. The information updating system according to item 5, wherein the information processing device transmits a notification to that effect to the server when the mobile terminal receives all the transmitted information normally, and the server executes the information processing device Is characterized in that the billing process is performed only when the above notification is received from.

The invention according to claim 17 is the first invention.
6. In the information updating system according to item 6, the server transmits, after the charging process, license information indicating that a license permitting use of the information has been granted to the information processing device. The license information is transmitted to the mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal can use the information based on the received license information.

The invention according to claim 18 is a portable terminal for performing information processing by itself, an information processing device to which the portable terminal is detachably connected, and an information processing device connected to the information processing device via a network, A server that provides the latest version of the information comprising one or both of the program and the data, and updates the information stored in the mobile terminal, and performs an accounting process as a price for the information updating system. The information processing apparatus accesses the server periodically, and when the version of the information stored in the server is newer than the version of the information stored in the mobile terminal, acquires the information of the new version. When the mobile device is connected, the new version of information is sent to the mobile device, and the When the first notification that all the information has been received normally is received, a second notification that the information update has been normally completed is transmitted to the server, and based on the second notification, the second notification is transmitted from the server. When receiving license information indicating that a license permitting use of the transmitted information is granted, the license information is transmitted to the mobile terminal.

The invention according to claim 19 is the first invention.
In the information updating system according to Item 8, when the server receives the second notification, the server performs a charging process on a user of the mobile terminal, and then transmits the license information to the information processing device. It is characterized by:

The invention according to claim 20 is the first invention.
According to the information updating system described in Item 9, the mobile terminal includes:
The information can be used based on the received license information.

Further, the invention according to claim 21 is based on claim 1
The information updating system according to any one of Items 5 to 20, wherein the portable terminal erases the received information when the transmitted information is not normally received.

[0030] The invention according to claim 22 is based on claim 1.
22. The information processing system according to any one of 5 to 21, wherein the information processing device is connected to the mobile terminal and is in a state where the mobile terminal can update information with the information processing device. After confirming the above, the new version information is transmitted to the portable terminal.

The invention according to claim 23 is the first invention.
In the information updating system according to any one of Items 5 to 21, the information processing device may update the new version of the mobile terminal immediately after the mobile terminal is connected, or during or during the use thereof. The information is transmitted to the portable terminal.

The invention according to claim 24 is the first invention.
In the information updating system according to any one of 5 to 23, when the server upgrades the information, the server transmits a notification to that effect to the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus transmits the notification to the information processing apparatus. When receiving, the information acquisition step and subsequent steps are performed.

The invention according to claim 25 is the first invention.
The information updating system according to any one of 5 to 24, wherein the mobile terminal stores user information for identifying the user, the information processing device is connected to the mobile terminal, After confirming the user of the portable terminal based on the user information, the information transmitting step and the subsequent steps are performed.

The invention according to claim 26 is the first invention.
According to the information updating system of any one of Items 5 to 25, while transmitting the information from the information processing device to the mobile terminal, do not disconnect the information processing device from the mobile terminal. It is characterized by warning the user in advance.

The invention according to claim 27 is based on claim 1
According to the information updating system of any one of Items 5 to 26, the information processing apparatus includes a battery charging unit that is built in the mobile terminal and charges a battery that supplies power to each unit. When the mobile terminal is connected to the information processing device for charging the battery, the information processing device transmits the new version information to the mobile terminal.

[0036]

According to the structure of the present invention, the information is always updated to the latest version without the user knowing that the version of the information comprising the program and / or the data has been updated, and without performing any operation. , And can be appropriately charged.

[0037]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The description will be specifically made using an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information updating system to which an information updating method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The information updating system of this example is schematically configured by a mobile terminal 1, an information processing device 2, a server 3, and the Internet 4. The information processing device 2 is installed at the workplace or home of the user, and is constantly connected to the server 3 via the Internet 4. Mobile terminal 1
Is always carried alone by the user, and the user transmits information stored in the mobile terminal 1 to the information processing device 2 to perform processing such as totaling of the information in the information processing device 2, When the information is printed out by a printer (not shown) connected to the processing device 2, the user is connected to the information processing device 2 via a cable 5 made of a conducting wire or an optical fiber and a connector (not shown). .

The portable terminal 1 is composed of a notebook personal computer, a PDA or the like, and has a control unit 11 and a storage unit 12.
, A communication unit 13, an input unit 14, and an output unit 15. The control unit 11 executes an information update program stored in the program storage unit 12a of the storage unit 12 and various programs constituting information stored in the information storage unit 12b, and executes various registers secured in the storage unit 12 Each part of the mobile terminal 1 is controlled using the flag. Control unit 1
When the information updating program is started, the information processing unit 1 functions as a state determination unit 11a and an information reception monitoring unit 11b, and performs various functions for updating information stored in the information storage unit 12b.

The state determination section 11a determines whether or not the current state of the portable terminal 1 is a state in which information can be updated with the information processing apparatus 2 (information update enabled state).
Here, the information updateable state is, for example, such a case that a program constituting information to be updated is an application program of a word processor, and cannot be updated when the program is being executed. It is not a state, in this case, the state determination unit 1
1a detects whether or not the program constituting the information to be updated is being executed and determines whether or not the information can be updated. The information reception monitoring unit 11 b
It monitors whether all of the information transmitted from the PC has been normally received, and if all of the information has been normally received, notifies the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication unit 13 and informs the information processing apparatus 2 Overwrites the new version information stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 11 with the corresponding old version information stored in the information storage unit 12b. If all of the transmitted information cannot be normally received, the information is notified to the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication unit 13 and transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 to the storage unit 11.
Erasing part or all of the new version information stored in the predetermined storage area.

The storage unit 12 includes a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, or an IC memory card, an FD (floppy (registered trademark) disk), and an HD (hard disk).
It comprises a floppy disk driver (FDD), a hard disk driver (HDD), a CD-ROM driver, and the like, on which a storage medium such as a disk or a CD-ROM is mounted. The storage unit 12 includes a program storage unit 12a in which an information update program necessary for receiving provision of information is stored, an information storage unit 12b in which information is stored, and a name of information stored in the information storage unit 12b. The version information VP relating to the version of the information, data for specifying the storage area of the information storage unit 12b in which the information is stored, and a license for permitting use of the information are granted by an administrator who manages the server 3. And a version storage unit 12c in which license information indicating that the program is stored, and various registers and flags used by the control unit 11 when executing the program are secured. The storage unit 11 also has a storage area for temporarily storing part or all of the new version information being transmitted from the information processing device 2. The information of the new version stored in this storage area is overwritten with the corresponding old version information in the information storage unit 12b after the information reception monitoring unit 11b confirms that all information has been received normally.

The communication unit 13 uses a predetermined protocol when the portable terminal 1 is connected to the information processing apparatus 2 via the cable 5 and a connector (not shown) to update the information with the information processing apparatus 2. Perform communication. The input unit 14 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a light pen, a tablet, and the like. The output unit 15 includes a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, and the like. The user operates the input unit 14 based on instructions on various screens displayed on the output unit 15 by activating various programs constituting
To instruct various processes and input necessary data.

The information processing device 2 comprises a desktop personal computer or the like, and includes a control unit 21 and a storage unit 2.
2, communication units 23 and 24, input unit 25, and output unit 2
6 is comprised. The control unit 21 executes an information update program necessary for receiving the provision of the information stored in the program storage unit 22 a of the storage unit 22, and uses various registers and flags secured in the storage unit 22 to store information. Each part of the processing device 2 is controlled. When the information update program is started, the control unit 21 includes an update information acquisition unit 21a,
In addition to functioning as the information updating unit 21b, the updating notifying unit 21c, and the license transmitting unit 21d, it performs various functions for updating information.

If the version of the information stored in the server 3 is newer than the version of the information stored in the information storage unit 22c of the storage unit 22 of the information processing apparatus 2, the update information acquisition unit 21a Get information. The information updating unit 21b updates the information of the new version because the version of the information stored in the server 3 is newer than the version of the information stored in the information storage unit 22c of the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. After the information acquisition unit 21a acquires the information, if the current state of the portable terminal 1 is the information updateable state, the portable terminal 1 and the communication unit 2
The mobile terminal 1 communicates with the mobile terminal 1 based on the new version information obtained by the update information obtaining unit 21a by communicating via the mobile terminal 1
The information of the old version stored in the information storage unit 12b of the storage unit 12 is updated. The update notification unit 21c notifies the server 3 via the Internet 4 that the information update in the mobile terminal 1 has been completed normally. The license transmission unit 21d transmits the license information, which is transmitted from the server 3 via the Internet 4 and added to the information updated in the mobile terminal 1, to the mobile terminal 1 via the communication unit 23 after the charging process is completed. .

The storage unit 22 includes a ROM, a RAM, a semiconductor memory such as an IC memory card, an FD, an HD, and a CD.
FDD, HDD, C on which a storage medium such as a ROM is mounted
It is configured by a D-ROM driver or the like, and includes a program storage unit 22a, a terminal information storage unit 22b, an information storage unit 22c, and an update information storage unit 22d.
Various registers and flags used by the control unit 21 when executing the information update program are secured. The program storage unit 22a stores an information update program required for receiving information provided by the control unit 21. The terminal information storage unit 22b stores the name of the user who operates the mobile terminal 1,
Company name, e-mail address, credit card number, CPU (Central Processing Unit) constituting control unit 11 of portable terminal 1
Type and version information, the type and version information of the OS started by the control unit 11, the type of information currently stored in the information storage unit 12b of the storage unit 12 of the portable terminal 1 (for example, in the case of a program, a browser, Terminal information including a database and a word processor) is stored. The information storage unit 22c temporarily stores the latest version of information to be acquired from the server 3 and transmitted to the mobile terminal 1. The update information storage unit 22d stores the storage unit 12 of the mobile terminal 1.
Of information to be updated stored in the information storage unit 12b, version information VC relating to the version, data for specifying the storage area of the information storage unit 12b in which the information is stored, and charging by updating the information Update information including information on the cost performed is stored. The version information VC is stored in the storage unit 12 of the mobile terminal 1.
After the information stored in the information storage unit 12b is updated, the version is the same as the version information VP. Before the update, and after the latest version information is obtained from the server 3, the information is obtained. Version information V
Same version as S.

The communication section 23 communicates with the mobile terminal 1 for updating information and the like using a predetermined protocol when the mobile terminal 1 is connected to the information processing apparatus 2 via the cable 5 and a connector (not shown). The communication unit 24 communicates with the server 3 via the Internet 4 for updating information and the like using a predetermined protocol. The input unit 25 is configured by a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and the output unit 26 is configured by a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, and the like. The user operates the input unit 25 to instruct various processes and inputs necessary data based on the instructions on the various screens displayed on the screen.

The server 3 includes a control unit 31 and a storage unit 32
And a communication unit 33. The control unit 31
A system management program for managing the information updating system stored in the program storage unit 32a of the storage unit 32 is executed, and each unit of the server 3 is controlled using various registers and flags secured in the storage unit 32. I do. When the system management program is started, when the update notification unit 21c of the information processing device 2 is notified via the Internet 4 that the information update in the mobile terminal 1 has been completed normally, the control unit 31 After performing a charging process (for example, debit from a credit card bank account) to the user of the portable terminal 1 based on the name for specifying the information, the version information VC, and the like, the information is updated. The communication unit 33 and the Internet 4 store the information on the cost charged for the communication and the license information indicating that a license for using the information is granted.
Functions as a billing processing unit 31a that transmits the information update system to the information processing apparatus 2 via the PC, and performs various functions for managing the information updating system.

The storage unit 32 includes a ROM, a RAM, a semiconductor memory such as an IC memory card, an FD, an HD, and a CD.
FDD, HDD, C on which a storage medium such as a ROM is mounted
The control unit 3 includes a D-ROM driver and the like.
1, a program storage unit 32a storing a system management program to be executed by each of the mobile terminals 1, an information storage unit 32b storing constantly the latest version of information to be updated for each mobile terminal 1, and an update for each mobile terminal 1. An update information storage unit 3 for storing update information including a name of information to be provided, version information VS on the version thereof, information on a fee charged for updating the information for each mobile terminal 1, and the like.
2c, and various registers and flags used by the control unit 31 when executing the system management program are secured. The communication unit 33 communicates with the information processing device 2 via the Internet 4 for updating information or the like using a predetermined protocol.

Next, the operation of the information updating system having the above configuration will be described. First, the user of the mobile terminal 1 concludes a contract with the administrator of the server 3 for receiving information, and stores an FD or CD storing an information update program necessary for receiving information from the administrator. -After receiving the recording medium such as a ROM, in a state where the portable terminal 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 are connected via the cable 5 and a connector (not shown), the information storage program storing the information update program is processed. The information update program is installed in the mobile terminal 1 and the information processing device 2 by attaching the information update program to the storage unit 22 of the device 2 and operating the input unit 25. Thus, the information update program is stored in the program storage unit 12a of the storage unit 12 of the mobile terminal 1 and the program storage unit 22a of the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2, respectively.

In the portable terminal 1, the information update program is read from the program storage unit 12a into the control unit 11, and controls the operation of the control unit 11. When the information update program is started, the control unit 11 functions as a state determination unit 11a and an information reception monitoring unit 11b, and executes a process described below under the control of the information update program. In the information processing device 2, the information update program is read from the program storage unit 22a by the control unit 21, and controls the operation of the control unit 21. When the information update program is started, the control unit 21 updates the update information acquisition unit 21a, the information update unit 21b, the update notification unit 21c, and the license transmission unit 21.
It functions as d, and executes processing described later under the control of the information update program. Next, the user operates the input unit 25 of the information processing device 2 to input his / her name, company name, mail address, credit card number, type and version information of the CPU constituting the control unit 11 of the mobile terminal 1. The terminal information including the type and version information of the OS activated in the control unit 11, the type of information to be updated (for example, in the case of a program, a browser, a database, and a word processor) is input. Thereby, the terminal information is stored in the terminal information storage unit 22b of the storage unit 22 of the information processing apparatus 2.
Is stored. On the other hand, the administrator of the server 3 performs a user registration process so that the user who has concluded the contract can be provided with the information. Thereby, the information storage unit 32b of the storage unit 32 of the server 3 stores the information of the version information VS to be updated for the mobile terminal 1, and the update information storage unit 32c stores the update of the mobile terminal 1 for the mobile terminal 1. The name of information to be performed and version information VS are stored.

In this case, the user operates the input unit 25 of the information processing apparatus 2 to start the server 3 using the browser started.
Requests the enrollment program by accessing the homepage of the Internet 4 operated by the administrator of the company, activates the downloaded and installed enrollment program, and in accordance with the instructions, data such as own name, company name, e-mail address, credit card number, etc. , The user may be registered as a user of the server 3, request the information update program, and install the downloaded information update program in the mobile terminal 1 and the information processing device 2. .

The information to be stored first in the information storage unit 12b of the storage unit 12 of the portable terminal 1, and the information to be updated in this information updating system, is as follows:
The user presents the type of information necessary for concluding a contract with the administrator of the server 3 and receives the information update program and a recording medium in which the information is stored together or separately from the administrator. Alternatively, the storage medium may be mounted on the storage unit 12 of the mobile terminal 1, and the input unit 14 may be operated to install information on the mobile terminal 1. In addition, as a function of the information update program, a function for obtaining a new type of information is also added, and the user connects the portable terminal 1 and the information processing device 2 to the cable 5 and the In a state where the information processing device 2 is connected via a connector (not shown),
The information update program is started by operating the input unit 25 of
Requests the server 3 to download desired information,
The downloaded information may be installed in the mobile terminal 1. In any case, the installed information is stored in the information storage unit 1 of the storage unit 12 of the mobile terminal 1.
2b.

Next, the information already stored in the information storage unit 12b of the storage unit 12 of the portable terminal 1 is stored. When updating the information to the latest version, the information of the latest version is processed from the server 3 The processing of the update information acquisition unit 21a when the update is acquired by the device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The update information acquisition unit 21a is started periodically (for example, every day, every week, every month), and configures terminal information stored in the terminal information storage unit 22b.
After extracting the type of information that is currently stored in the information storage unit 12b of the storage unit 12 of the portable terminal 1 and that is to be updated (step SA1), the server 3 accesses the server 3 via the communication unit 24 and the Internet 4 and is extracted. The version information V of the information to be updated for the mobile terminal 1 in the update information storage unit 32c of the storage unit 32 of the server 3 based on the type of the received information.
S is obtained (step SA2). Next, the update information acquisition unit 21a configures the update information stored in the update information storage unit 22d of the storage unit 22, and stores the update information in the storage unit 1 of the mobile terminal 1.
2 extracts the version information VC of the information to be updated stored in the information storage unit 12b
And judges whether the version information VS is newer than the version information VC (step SA3). If the version information VS is not newer than the version information VC, the update information acquisition unit 21a ends a series of processing.

On the other hand, if the version information VS is newer than the version information VC, the update information acquisition unit 21a
The server 3 is accessed via the communication unit 24 and the Internet 4, requesting the server 3 to download the version information VS information, and storing the downloaded version information VS information in the information storage unit 22 c of the storage unit 22. After performing (step SA4), the version information VC of the information constituting the update information stored in the update information storage unit 22d of the storage unit 22 is updated to the version information VS (step SA5), and a series of processing ends. . When there is a plurality of pieces of information to be updated, the processing described above is repeated for all pieces of information.

Next, after the information processing apparatus 2 obtains information having the version information VS from the server 3, the information stored in the information storage section 12 b of the storage section 12 of the portable terminal 1 is replaced with the information of the version information VS. The processing of each unit of the mobile terminal 1, the information processing device 2, and the server 3 in the case of updating to "" will be described with reference to FIG. The information updating unit 21b of the control unit 21 of the information processing device 2 is always started as long as the power of the information processing device 2 is turned on, and is connected to the communication unit 23 via the cable 5 and a connector (not shown). Monitor whether or not is connected (step SB1). Then, when the user connects the portable terminal 1 to the information processing device 2 via the cable 5 and the connector (not shown), the information updating unit 21b is in a state where the information can be updated to the portable terminal 1 via the communication unit 23. Inquire whether or not. Thereby, the state determination unit 11a of the control unit 11 of the mobile terminal 1
Detect whether or not the program constituting the information to be updated is being executed and determine whether or not the information can be updated, and repeat the same determination until the information can be updated. Then, the information is notified to the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication unit 13 (step SB2).

When the status determination unit 11a notifies that the information can be updated, the information update unit 21b
After communicating with the mobile terminal 1 via the communication unit 23 to obtain the version information VP of certain information stored in the version storage unit 12c of the storage unit 12 of the mobile terminal 1 (step SB3), the version information VP And the version information VC of the corresponding information stored in the update information storage unit 22d to determine whether the version information VP is older than the version information VC (step SB).
4). Then, the information updating unit 21b updates the version information V
If P is not older than the version information VC, a series of processing ends, and the version information VP becomes the version information VC.
If it is older, the version information VC stored in the information storage unit 22c of the storage unit 22 is read, and then the mobile terminal 1 communicates with the mobile terminal 1 via the communication unit 23 to send the version information VC to the mobile terminal 1. Is transmitted (step SB5). Thereby, in the portable terminal 1, the information of the version information VC is sequentially stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit 12 while being transmitted from the information processing device 2.
The information reception monitoring unit 11b monitors whether all of the information transmitted from the information processing device 2 has been normally received (step SB6), and when all of the information has been normally received, a predetermined storage in the storage unit 11 is performed. Information processing device 2 stored in the area
After overwriting the information of the new version information transmitted from the information storage unit 12b with the corresponding information of the old version information, the version information VP of the information stored in the version storage unit 12c is replaced with the version information V.
C, and notifies the information processing device 2 to that effect via the communication unit 13 (step SB7).

On the other hand, for some reason, for example, the user disconnects the cable 5 from the portable terminal 1 without noticing that information is being transmitted from the information processing device 2 to the portable terminal 1. If all of the information transmitted from the server cannot be normally received, the information reception monitoring unit 11
b, after erasing part or all of the information of the new version information transmitted from the information processing device 2 stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit 11, and informing the information via the communication unit 13 Notify the processing device 2 (step SB
8).

If the portable terminal 1 has received a notification that all the transmitted information has been received normally, the update notification unit 2
1c notifies the server 3 via the communication unit 24 and the Internet 4 that the information update in the mobile terminal 1 has been completed normally (step SB9). As a result, the billing processing unit 31a of the control unit 31 of the server 3 performs a billing process (for example, credit) for the user of the mobile terminal 1 based on the name for specifying the updated information, the version information VC, and the like. Card withdrawal from the bank account), information about the cost charged for updating the information, and license information indicating that a license was granted to use the latest version of the information. Is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication unit 33 and the Internet 4. Accordingly, the license transmission unit 21d of the control unit 21 of the information processing device 2 stores the information regarding the fee charged for updating the information transmitted from the server 3 via the Internet 4 in the update information storage unit 22d. And the license information transmitted from the server 3 via the Internet 4 via the communication unit 23.
Send to Thereby, the control unit 11 of the mobile terminal 1
After the transmitted license information of the information is stored in the storage area of the information in the version storage unit 12c of the storage unit 12 (step SB10), a series of processing ends. On the other hand, if there is a notification from the portable terminal 1 that all the transmitted information has not been received normally, the information updating unit 12
b returns to the process of monitoring whether or not the portable terminal 1 is connected again to the communication unit 23 via the cable 5 and a connector (not shown) (step SB1). When there is a plurality of pieces of information to be updated, the processing described above is repeated for all pieces of information.

As described above, according to the configuration of this example, when the information processing apparatus 2 periodically accesses the server 3 to acquire the latest version information, and the portable terminal 1 is connected to the information processing apparatus 2, Since the latest version of the acquired information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 1, the user of the mobile terminal 1 can know whether or not the used information has been upgraded even when the business is busy. It is possible to always obtain the latest version information without any processing. In the description of the above example, in order to emphasize the effect of the present invention, it is assumed that the user connects the portable terminal 1 to the information processing device 2 for a purpose other than the version upgrade of information. When the user knows that the information has been upgraded in some way, for example, through an advertisement or a press release, he / she connects the portable terminal 1 to the information processing apparatus 2 in consideration of the version upgrade of the information. Even in this case, the effect does not change at all. This is because there is no need to actively check whether or not the information has been upgraded, and the point that only the mobile terminal 1 is connected to the information processing device 2 and no other operation is required is the same. Further, according to the configuration of this example, the accounting process is not performed unless the mobile terminal 1 normally receives all the transmitted information. Therefore, unlike the above-described first related art, the version is not upgraded and only the accounting is performed. It will not be done. Therefore, there is no possibility that a contract trouble will occur between the user and the software provider.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and changes in design and the like can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Even if there is, it is included in the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the mobile terminal 1 normally receives all the transmitted information, performs a billing process, and adds license information. In this case, the mobile terminal 1 is supplied with the license information. The latest version information may be used based on the license information (for example, the information may be correctly installed in the information storage unit 12b or the encrypted information may be decrypted). With this configuration,
It is possible to prevent the latest version of information stored in the information storage unit 22c from being used improperly before the billing process. Further, in the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the user connects the portable terminal 1 to the information processing apparatus 2 for a purpose other than the version upgrade of the information. The mobile terminal 1 is not always connected to the information processing device 2 when going out and returning to the workplace or home where the information processing device 2 is installed. Therefore, in order to ensure that the user connects the portable terminal 1 to the information processing device 2, the information processing device 2 is charged with a battery that is built into the portable terminal 1 and supplies power to each unit of the portable terminal 1. A battery charging unit may be provided so that the battery is always charged when returning from the home, and the information may be updated to the latest version while the battery is being charged. In this case, the cable for charging the battery and the cable 5
If they are integrated, connection becomes easy. In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the information updating process is performed after confirming that the mobile terminal 1 is in the information updating enabled state in the process of step SB2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The information updating process may be performed immediately after the user connects the portable terminal 1 to the information processing apparatus 2, during the use, or forcibly during the use.

In the above-described embodiment, the transmission of information is stopped when the user accidentally disconnects the cable 5 from the mobile terminal 1 during the transmission of information from the information processing device 2 to the mobile terminal 1. However, in order to avoid such a situation, during transmission of information from the information processing device 2 to the mobile terminal 1, a display unit such as a light emitting diode is connected to either the mobile terminal 1 or the information processing device 2. Disconnect the cable 5 by flashing it on one or both sides, displaying that fact on the output unit 15 or the output unit 26, or sounding an alarm by detecting that the connection of the cable 5 is about to be disconnected. It is good also as a structure which warns that there is not. Also, in the above embodiment,
The example in which the information processing device 2 periodically accesses the server 3 to acquire the latest version of information has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the information used by the mobile terminal 1 is upgraded, the server 3 The information may be notified to the information processing apparatus 2 by e-mail or another method, and based on the notification, the information processing apparatus 2 may access the server 3 to acquire the latest version information. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the information processing apparatus 2 is provided in the workplace or the home of the user has been described, but the information processing apparatus 2 is not limited to this, and is operated by a manager of a so-called Internet cafe or the server 3. At the service station, the terminal information stored in the terminal information storage unit 22b of the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2 is stored in the storage unit 12 of the mobile terminal 1 and the user goes there to perform information processing. When the portable terminal 1 is connected to the apparatus 2 via the cable 5, the processing after step SB2 in FIG. 3 may be performed after confirming the user based on the terminal information.

[0061]

As described above, according to the configuration of the present invention, the information of the portable terminal is always stored without the user knowing that the version of the information has been updated and without performing any operation. Can be updated to the latest version, and appropriate billing processing can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information updating system to which an information updating method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of an update information acquisition unit 21a.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the mobile terminal 1, the information processing device 2, and the server 3.

[Description of Signs] 1 mobile terminal 2 information processing device 3 server 4 internet 5 cable 11, 21, 31 control unit 11a state determination unit 11b information reception monitoring unit 12, 22, 32 storage unit 12a, 22a, 32a program storage unit 12b , 22c, 32b Information storage unit 12c Version storage unit 13, 23, 24, 33 Communication unit 14, 25 Input unit 15, 26 Output unit 21a Update information acquisition unit 21b Information update unit 21c Update notification unit 21d License transmission unit 22b Terminal information Storage units 22c, 32c Update information storage unit 31a Charge processing unit

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. An information updating method for updating information consisting of one or both of a program and data stored in a portable terminal that performs information processing on its own, and performing a billing process in exchange for the information. A server that provides the latest version of information to be performed, and an information processing device connected to the server via a network, wherein the information processing device has a version of information stored in the server that is the mobile terminal. An information acquisition step of acquiring information of the new version when the version is newer than the version of information stored in the mobile terminal; and an information transmission step of transmitting the information of the new version to the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is connected. Performing an information update. 2. The information processing apparatus, when the mobile terminal receives all transmitted information normally, transmits a notification to that effect to the server, and the server transmits the notification from the information processing apparatus. 2. A billing process is performed only when received.
Information update method described. 3. The server sends, after the accounting processing, license information indicating that a license permitting use of the information has been granted to the information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus receives the license information. The information updating method according to claim 2, wherein the mobile terminal transmits the information to the mobile terminal based on the received license information. 4. An information updating method for updating information comprising one or both of a program and data stored in a portable terminal that performs information processing on its own, and performing a billing process in exchange for the information. A server for providing the latest version of information to be performed, and an information processing device connected to the server via a network, wherein the information processing device periodically accesses the server and is stored in the server. An information acquisition step of acquiring information of the new version if the version of the information stored is newer than the version of the information stored in the mobile terminal; and transmitting the new version information to the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is connected. Transmitting information to the terminal, and successfully receiving all of the information transmitted from the mobile terminal A second notification transmitting step of transmitting, to the server, a second notification indicating that the information update has been normally completed, when the first notification is received, the first notification is transmitted from the server based on the second notification. Receiving license information indicating that a license permitting use of the information has been granted, the license information transmitting step of transmitting the license information to the mobile terminal. 5. The server, when receiving the second notification, performs a billing process on a user of the mobile terminal, and then transmits the license information to the information processing apparatus. 5. The information updating method according to claim 4, wherein: 6. The information updating method according to claim 5, wherein the mobile terminal can use the information based on the received license information. 7. The information updating method according to claim 1, wherein the portable terminal deletes the received information when the transmitted information is not normally received. Method. 8. The information processing device, after confirming that the mobile terminal is connected and the mobile terminal is in a state where information can be updated with the information processing device,
8. The information updating method according to claim 1, wherein the information transmitting step and the subsequent steps are performed. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device performs the information transmission step and thereafter immediately after the portable terminal is connected, during the use thereof, or forcibly during the use thereof. 8. The information updating method according to any one of items 1 to 7. 10. The server, when the version of the information is upgraded, transmits a notification to that effect to the information processing apparatus. When the information processing apparatus receives the notification, the information processing apparatus performs the information acquisition step and subsequent steps. The information updating method according to claim 1, wherein: 11. The portable terminal stores user information for identifying the user, the information processing device is connected to the portable terminal, and the information processing device is connected to the portable terminal based on the user information. 11. The information transmission step and subsequent steps are performed after confirming a user.
The information updating method according to any one of the above. 12. While transmitting the information from the information processing apparatus to the mobile terminal, a warning is issued to a user so as not to disconnect the connection between the information processing apparatus and the mobile terminal. The information updating method according to claim 1. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a battery charging unit for charging a battery which is provided in the portable terminal and supplies power to each unit of the portable terminal. 13. The information updating method according to claim 1, wherein when the information processing apparatus is connected to the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus performs the information transmission step and the subsequent steps. 14. A storage medium storing an information update program for causing a computer to realize the functions according to claim 1. Description: 15. A portable terminal that independently processes information, an information processing device to which the portable terminal is detachably connected, and a program or data that is connected to the information processing device via a network. An information updating system comprising: a server that provides the latest version of information comprising both; updating information stored in the mobile terminal; and performing a billing process in exchange for the information. If the version of the information stored in the server is newer than the version of the information stored in the mobile terminal, the new version of the information is acquired, and when the mobile terminal is connected, the new version of the information is An information update system for transmitting to a mobile terminal. 16. The information processing apparatus, if the mobile terminal receives all transmitted information normally, transmits a notification to that effect to the server, and the server transmits the notification from the information processing apparatus. 2. A billing process is performed only when received.
5. The information updating system according to item 5. 17. The server sends, after the accounting processing, license information indicating that a license permitting use of the information has been granted to the information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus receives the license information. 17. The information update system according to claim 16, wherein the information is transmitted to the mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal can use the information based on the received license information. 18. A portable terminal that performs information processing by itself, an information processing apparatus to which the portable terminal is detachably connected, and a program or data which is connected to the information processing apparatus via a network, and A server that provides the latest version of the information comprising both, and updates the information stored in the mobile terminal, and performs a billing process in exchange for the information. Access to the server, if the version of the information stored in the server is newer than the version of the information stored in the mobile terminal, acquire the information of the new version, and when the mobile terminal is connected Transmitting the new version of information to the mobile terminal and successfully receiving all of the information transmitted from the mobile terminal Receiving a first notification to the effect that the information update has been normally completed, transmitting a second notification to the server that the information update has been completed normally, and using the information transmitted from the server based on the second notification. Receiving license information indicating that a license permitting the license is granted, transmitting the license information to the mobile terminal. 19. The server, when receiving the second notification, performs a billing process on a user of the mobile terminal, and then transmits the license information to the information processing apparatus. The information updating system according to claim 18, wherein 20. The information updating system according to claim 19, wherein the mobile terminal can use the information based on the received license information. 21. The information updating method according to claim 15, wherein the portable terminal deletes the received information when the transmitted information is not normally received. system. 22. The information processing apparatus, after confirming that the portable terminal is connected and that the portable terminal can update information with the information processing apparatus, updates the new version of the information. 22. The portable terminal according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein
Information update system described in. 23. The information processing apparatus transmits the new version of information to the portable terminal as soon as the portable terminal is connected, during use, or forcibly during use. 22. The information updating system according to claim 15, wherein: 24. When the server upgrades the information, the server transmits a notification to that effect to the information processing apparatus. When the server receives the notification, the information processing apparatus performs the information acquisition step and subsequent steps. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein
24. The information updating system according to any one of items 23 to 23. 25. The portable terminal stores user information for identifying the user, the information processing device is connected to the portable terminal, and the information processing device is connected to the portable terminal based on the user information. The method according to claim 15, wherein after the user is confirmed, the information transmission step and the subsequent steps are performed.
4. The information updating system according to any one of 4. 26. While transmitting the information from the information processing apparatus to the mobile terminal, a warning is issued to a user so as not to disconnect the connection between the information processing apparatus and the mobile terminal. An information updating system according to any one of claims 15 to 25. 27. The information processing apparatus has a battery charging unit for charging a battery which is built in the portable terminal and supplies power to each unit of the portable terminal, and allows a user to charge the portable terminal with the battery. 27. The information updating system according to claim 15, wherein the information processing device transmits the new version of information to the mobile terminal when the information processing device is connected to the information processing device.