JP2002099459A - Information storage server, information delivery server, its terminal, information storage method and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information storage/delivery system capable of performing a storing and a delivery processing of data. SOLUTION: In the system, a terminal 20' at an information storage origin sends meaningful information stored into a learning information part 23d and a user data part 23e and key producing information to a storage server to store it into a meaningful information storage database 10a and a key producing information storage database 35. It is necessary at delivering to acquire previously a key produced based on the key producing information, wherein condition information to permit a key delivery is contained. Then, an authentication is performed to a user requesting the key delivery and the key is delivered to an authenticated user, so that the meaningful information is delivered according to a delivery request sent with the key. At the terminal 20', a new database is produced with storing received data. With a limitation of the key delivery, privacy of stored data is protected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information storage server, an information distribution server, a terminal, an information storage method, and a processing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art If an OS needs to be reinstalled or an application is reinstalled due to, for example, a system error in a computer, user-specific data and information accumulated by the previous use will be lost. In the application, various settings are initialized.

Therefore, the desired data is stored in another recording medium in advance, and the stored data is read by a computer as needed at a later date, so that the settings of the computer and the application and the stored data can be stored. State can be returned.

As the above-mentioned storage / distribution system, there are various types such as a conventional file backup device, a restore device, and a data synchronization tool (so-called Windows (registered trademark) briefcase).

[0005]

However, the conventional storage / distribution system has the following problems. That is, the information (data) to be stored exists independently, and the data is not ranked. As a result, the distributed data is overwritten collectively. For this reason, for example, it has been difficult to integrate the data obtained through distribution with the original data and use it comprehensively.

In particular, when the stored data is distributed and stored in another computer (use terminal), the data is not integrated with the original information (data).
It is not preferable that the information is stored by the overwriting method, because the information accumulated by using the other use terminal is lost.

According to the present invention, when auxiliary data (meaningful information or the like: for example, learning information and user data in the embodiment) possessed by a terminal is distributed to a terminal satisfying a specific condition and incorporated, existing data is used. It is an object of the present invention to be able to integrate and to construct a new user-friendly database on a distribution destination terminal.

[0008]

An information storage method according to the present invention is a storage method in an information storage server, which includes main data, is composed of one or a plurality of minimum function units, and is stored in the minimum function unit. Receiving the auxiliary data and key generation information for permitting the distribution of the auxiliary data from a terminal having a database that allows the incorporation of the auxiliary data added with priority; and It is configured to include a processing step of storing data and the key generation information in a storage database.

[0009] An information storage server suitable for carrying out the method stores the auxiliary data in response to a storage request from a terminal including a main data and having a database allowing the incorporation of auxiliary data. The information storage server to perform. The auxiliary data is composed of one or a plurality of minimum function units, and a priority is added to the minimum function unit, and the auxiliary data is stored in the terminal sent together with a storage request from the terminal. And storage means for acquiring the auxiliary data and key generation information for permitting distribution of the auxiliary data, and storing the key generation information in a storage database. By implementing this information storage server, the information storage method can be implemented.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a function of generating a key based on the key generation information and storing the key generation information and the key in the storage database is provided. However, the function of generating a key need not always be provided. For example, if the key itself is received, there is no need to generate the key on the information storage server side. The key may be generated when the key generation information is received, when the key needs to be distributed, or when the key is generated at an arbitrary timing. it can.

A terminal according to the present invention is a terminal including a database that includes main data and allows the incorporation of auxiliary data. The auxiliary data is composed of one or a plurality of minimum function units, and a priority is added to the minimum function unit. Further, auxiliary data extracting means for extracting the predetermined auxiliary data stored in the database, key generation information obtaining means for obtaining key generation information for permitting distribution of the auxiliary data, and the auxiliary data extracting means And means for supplying the auxiliary data and the key generation information obtained by the key generation information obtaining means to an information storage server.

Further, an information storage system according to the present invention includes the above-mentioned information storage server and the above-mentioned use terminal, and stores the obtained auxiliary data according to a storage request sent from the terminal to the information storage server. The key generation information is stored and stored in the information storage database.

In the embodiment, the "information storage server" is realized by the "data storage device 10 '". "Terminal" is "meaningful information storage terminal 20 '".
Corresponding to Further, in the embodiment, the “database” corresponds to the “meaningful information storage database 20a”,
In the embodiment, the “storage database” corresponds to the “meaningful information storage database 10a and the key generation information storage database 35”. Furthermore, “auxiliary data” corresponds to “meaningful information” in the embodiment. However, the auxiliary data may be optional data.

[0014] The means for supplying to the information storage server is realized by the communication unit 20b when supplying via a communication network, and when supplying using a recording medium, the recording medium is used. This is realized by a device that writes data to the device.

"Minimum functional unit" is a unit that functions independently. As an example, in the case of a dictionary, it is one word (part of speech) unit. The minimum functional units are independent of each other and each has a priority. Therefore, the case where the priority is not added does not correspond to the present invention. Also, such as “music distribution data” or “image distribution data”, as in one piece of music or one image, it does not make sense to use a single piece of data. It does not cover a configuration having one configuration. In addition, for example, as in the case of patch software for application upgrade, it is meaningful only by associating it with other optional data. Items for which the order is not taken into account do not correspond to the option data referred to in the present invention.

[0016] Even in the case of the image distribution data and the music distribution data described above, unlike the related art, the data is distributed with a priority added thereto, and the local distribution is integrated and used with other data in consideration of the priority. If it is data, it can be an object of the present invention.

On the other hand, the processing method according to the present invention is a processing method in the information distribution server, including the main data,
Consists of one or more minimum functional units,
A processing step of receiving a key distribution request from a terminal having a database that allows the incorporation of auxiliary data with a priority added to the minimum functional unit; and requesting distribution of the key with the reception of the key distribution request. The terminal to perform the process of distributing the key to the terminal when the terminal determines that the terminal can be distributed as a result of performing the authentication step of performing authentication as to whether distribution is possible and the pre-authentication step. did.

Here, the terminal requesting the key distribution and the terminal storing the data to be distributed may be the same or different. In particular, in the case of the same, a backup function can be realized by storing and distributing.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the processing step of receiving the distribution request together with the key, and the auxiliary data stored in accordance with the storage request from a certain terminal are stored and held with the reception of the distribution request. A processing step of accessing a storage database and extracting the auxiliary data stored in the storage database;
A process including a process of supplying the extracted auxiliary data to the terminal that has requested the distribution is performed.

The distribution server suitable for carrying out the above-mentioned processing method includes a main data and a sub data stored in a storage database directed to a terminal provided with a database which allows the incorporation of the sub data. An information distribution server for distributing the stored data, wherein the storage data is composed of one or a plurality of minimum function units, a priority is added to the minimum function unit, and a certain terminal is stored in the storage database. The auxiliary data stored in accordance with the storage request from the server and key generation information for permitting the distribution of the auxiliary data are stored and held, and the terminal that requests distribution of the key authenticates whether the key can be distributed or not. The terminal can be configured to have a function of distributing the key in the case of a distributable terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the authentication is automatically performed based on the key generation information stored in the storage database. Of course, it is not always necessary to have a function to perform the automatic operation. Also,
According to another embodiment, there is provided a billing processing means for executing a billing process along with distribution of a key. The distribution of the key may be performed, for example, by assuming that the key has been transmitted from the information distribution server and distribution may be performed, or may be performed by receiving a distribution completion notification from the terminal.

Further, as a preferred embodiment, in accordance with a distribution request of auxiliary data from a terminal having the key, means for extracting the auxiliary data stored in the storage database, To the terminal.

Further, the terminal according to the present invention for performing the distribution process is a terminal having a database including main data and allowing the incorporation of auxiliary data,
The auxiliary data is composed of one or a plurality of minimum function units, and a priority is added to the minimum function unit, and a key distribution request unit for issuing a key distribution request to an information distribution server Means for acquiring a key supplied from the information distribution server in response to a distribution request by the key distribution requesting means, and issues a distribution request for the auxiliary data to the information distribution server using the acquired key. A distribution requesting means and a function of acquiring the auxiliary data supplied from the information distribution server in response to the distribution request, and incorporating the acquired auxiliary data into the database in consideration of the priority.

According to the present invention, auxiliary data is downloaded from a certain terminal and stored, and when a key distribution request is issued from a user, the key is distributed and distributed to a user satisfying use conditions necessary for distribution. When the user makes a distribution request using the key, the stored auxiliary data is distributed and incorporated into the distribution destination terminal, thereby constructing a new database.

Since the auxiliary data to be distributed is configured separately for each minimum function unit, registration in the database can be performed for each minimum function unit. Since a priority is added to each minimum function unit, data can be registered at a predetermined position based on the priority.

As described above, when storing,
The key generation information for specifying the distribution destination is supplied to the information storage server together with the auxiliary data to be stored, and is stored in the storage database. When the distribution process is performed, it is assumed that the terminal has a predetermined key based on the key generation information. Therefore, even if there is a distribution request from a terminal having no key, the distribution request is rejected.

Further, prior to the distribution of the auxiliary data, a key is distributed from a terminal that wants to receive the distribution. However, a condition for permitting the distribution is set by the key generation information. The key distribution request is rejected. Therefore, the stored auxiliary data is distributed only to a person having a predetermined condition, so that the secret is protected. Of course, the key may be distributed to all the users (terminals) who have made the request, or conversely, the distribution may be permitted only to the stored person.

Therefore, when the storage processing and the distribution processing are performed by the same user terminal, for example, when the data is to be reinstalled due to destruction of data, the backup function can be effectively realized. Of course, the use form is not limited to the case where storage and distribution are performed using the same use terminal as described above, and may be a case where distribution is performed to another use terminal. In any case, by distributing the key which is the right to acquire the auxiliary data, security is enhanced and privacy is protected.

When the storage and distribution are performed as a business, a key for permitting the distribution of the auxiliary data is sold instead of the auxiliary data that is actually used and has commercial value (the user purchases the key). Will be. That is, in the present invention, the right (key) for opening the storage database (a kind of storage box) storing the auxiliary data is charged. Therefore, if you do not set an expiration date for the key or set an expiration date itself, you can open the storage box as many times as possible and receive the distribution of stored auxiliary data as long as the key is valid. Become. In this point, it differs from the conventional billing system (business) that sells the data itself.

The incorporation in consideration of the priority in the use terminal is determined for each of the minimum function units, and the same minimum function unit as the distributed minimum processing unit is registered in the database. In such a case, it is more preferable to include a process of registering the minimum function unit distributed to the database on condition that the priority is high.

Further, in the information distribution system of the present invention,
Including the above information distribution server and the above use terminal,
According to a key distribution request sent from the terminal to the information distribution server, after the terminal is authenticated, the information distribution server distributes a key to the terminal to which distribution is permitted, and the terminal distributes the key together with the key. The information distribution server may distribute predetermined auxiliary data to the terminal in accordance with the distribution request received, and the terminal that has received the distribution may store the received auxiliary data in its own database.

The storage request to the information storage server and the distribution to the terminal may be performed on-line or off-line. Further, the medium for the storage request and the distribution processing may be a transmission medium such as a communication network or an information recording medium, and various media can be used. And preferably, it is performed via a communication network. By using the communication network in this way, it is possible to automatically perform each processing associated with a storage request from a user terminal and each processing based on a distribution request.

Further, an information recording medium of the present invention includes a main data, and a computer-readable information recording medium recording auxiliary data for distribution to a terminal having a database which allows the incorporation of auxiliary data. The auxiliary data is composed of one or a plurality of minimum function units, is stored in a state where a priority is added for each of the minimum function units, and key generation information for permitting distribution of the auxiliary data. Was made to be remembered. This information recording medium is realized by the electronic medium 31 in the embodiment.

Further, the data of the present invention includes main data, the auxiliary data for distribution to a terminal provided with a database allowing the incorporation of auxiliary data, and a key for permitting the distribution of the auxiliary data. The auxiliary data is constructed by one or more minimum function units, and a priority is added to each of the minimum function units, and the auxiliary data can be processed by a computer. It consists of software data.

The term "computer" used herein refers not only to a general-purpose arithmetic device such as a personal computer, but also to an arithmetic processing unit such as a one-chip microcomputer, a CPU, or an MPU, such as a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA. Including equipment equipped. As described above, by using software data or an electronic medium, option data can be easily incorporated and used in a destination terminal (computer).

The components described above of the present invention can be combined as much as possible. Each means constituting the information distribution server, the information storage server, and the terminal according to the present invention can be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit, or can be realized by a programmed computer. The information storage method and processing method according to the present invention can be realized by software (program) for operating a computer or by a dedicated hardware circuit.

[0037]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, an example of a data storage / distribution system as a premise of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a data storage device 10 ′ (also referred to as a “storage server”) that receives and manages stored data, and a data distribution device 10 ″ (“distribution server”) that distributes the stored data ").
A terminal 20 that transmits and receives data to and from the data storage device 10 ′ and the data distribution device 10 ″ is connected via a communication network 30.

In the present embodiment, a certain use terminal (a meaningful information storage terminal on the storage side) 2 connected to the communication network 30.
0 'data (storage data) is stored, and the stored data is stored in another terminal (a terminal using meaningful information on the purchaser side).
20 "for distribution.
In the following description, the reference numeral 20 is used when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the custodian side and the purchaser side.

The terminal 20 includes a general-purpose processing terminal such as a personal computer and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), and a wireless communication terminal such as a mobile phone and a PDA with a communication function.
This wireless communication terminal may be considered as a mobile terminal.

"Data" (also referred to as "storage data" and "distribution data") is meaningful information that is meaningful to be stored and distributed in the terminal 20, and this data is transmitted to the terminal 20. It is stored in the provided meaningful information storage database 20a. In other words, in the meaning storage device 20 'of the information storage source, data (storage data) that is meaningful information meaningful to the storage device 20' is stored, and the meaning information use terminal of the information distribution destination is stored. 2
In the case of "0", distributed data (distribution data) is stored.
The distributed information, the learning history, the registered data information by the user, and the like are stored in accordance with the purpose of use of the use terminal.

Then, the meaningful information storage terminal 20 'as the information storage source issues a request for storing the desired data stored therein to the data storage device 10', and uses the storage system. It has become.

The meaningful information use terminal 2 of the information distribution destination
0 "makes a request for distributing desired data to the data distribution device 10" and uses the distribution system. Then, the distributed information (distribution data) is stored in the meaningful information storage database 20a in the meaningful information using terminal 20 ″, and is integrated with other information already stored and becomes usable. Specific integration processing will be described later.

The data storage device 10 'acquires and stores and manages data stored by the meaningful information storage terminal 20' as the information storage source in response to a request.
Then, the acquired storage data (meaningful information) is stored in the meaningful information storage database 10a.

Further, the data distribution device 10 "transmits the data stored in the meaningful information storage database 10a stored in the data storage device 10 'to the meaningful information use terminal 20" of the information distribution destination. It is.

Further, in this embodiment, the server stores the data, and collects (charges) a usage fee from the user as a consideration for a service distributed for restoration upon request. In collecting the usage fee, the concept of the “key” is introduced, and the meaningful information use terminal 20 ″ intending to receive data distribution purchases the “key” prior to distribution and purchases the “key”. The key is used for distribution.

That is, the meaningful information storage terminal 2 on the keeper side
When data is transmitted from 0 'to the data storage device 10', key generation information is also transmitted, and the key generation information is stored in the key generation information storage database 35. Here, the key generation information is condition information necessary for distributing data (meaningful information) stored in the data storage device 10 'from a terminal (meaningful information storage terminal) 20' on the keeper side. Information for identifying a user (purchaser) capable of distribution and the meaningful information using terminal 20 ″ and restrictions necessary for generating a key.

Then, the user terminal on the user (purchaser) side issues a key purchase request (key distribution request), purchases a “key”, and uses the purchased “key” to generate meaning information. It issues a "delivery request" and acquires meaningful information from the data distribution device 10 ".

The data storage device 10 ′, data distribution device 10 ″, meaningful information storage database 10 a and key generation information storage database 35 may be constituted by separate devices, respectively, or two or more arbitrary devices. If the meaningful information storage database 10a and / or the key generation information storage database 35 are formed by different devices, the data storage device 10 'or the data storage device 10' Distribution device 10 ″
May be directly connected as an external storage device, or may be configured to be connected via various communication networks such as the Internet and an intranet. Also, when the data storage device 10 'and the data distribution device 10 "are composed of different devices, they may be directly connected by a cable, or may be connected to the Internet, an intranet, or an LA.
N, etc., may be connected via various communication networks.

The communication network 30 is a network for exchanging data, and can use various communication media (transmission media) such as a public line, the Internet, and an intranet. The storage / distribution data is information that is stored / distributed according to the purpose of use of the user terminal (user), and information is normally distributed via the communication network 30. However, in the present invention, information may be stored and / or distributed via an electronic medium 31 such as a floppy disk, MO, compact disk recorder (CD-R), or digital video disk (DVD).

Next, a flow of a series of processing of this system will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the information storage system first requires a user to store necessary information (storage data) in the meaningful information storage terminal 20 '. ) Request for storage. Then, the meaningful information use terminal 20 ′ of the information storage source extracts the specified meaningful information (storage data) to be stored from its own meaningful information storage database 20 a, and stores it in the storage server (data storage device) 10. 'Sends a storage request for the information to (). At the time of this storage request, key generation information is sent together with meaningful information.

The data storage device 1 receiving this storage request
0 'stores the meaningful information (storage data) received from the meaningful information storage terminal 20' in the meaningful information storage database 10a. Further, the key generation information received from the meaningful information storage terminal 20 'is stored in the key generation information storage database 35 (). Note that a key created from the key generation information is also stored. If the key generation information includes the key generation prohibition information, the key generation may not be performed.

Then, the meaningful information storage database 10
When the storage processing for storing the information a and the key generation information storage database 35 is completed, a storage completion notification is received ().
Then, when receiving the storage completion notification, the data storage device 10 'issues a storage completion notification to the meaningful information storage terminal 20' of the custodian who has received the storage request ().

Note that the custodian's meaningful information storage terminal 20 'receiving this notification notifies the user of the completion of storage, and
A series of storage processing ends. The storage completion notification to the user can be made by, for example, displaying a completion message on the display unit of the meaningful information storage terminal 20 '.

As shown in FIG. 1, storage data may be supplied via the communication network 30 or may be transferred to the data storage device 10 'via the electronic medium 31. Of course, there is also a case where both the communication network 30 and the electronic medium 31 are used for delivery.

On the other hand, an information distribution system for distributing the data stored as described above is as shown in FIG. The meaningful information storage database 10a has already stored meaningful information according to a storage request from a user. Further, the key generation information storage database 35 stores key generation information according to a storage request of a user (storage person) and a key generated based on the key generation information.

Therefore, the user who wishes to deliver the stored data makes a request to the meaningful information using terminal 20 ″ to deliver the necessary information (data) data.
Then, the meaningful information using terminal 20 ″ on the purchaser side sends a key purchase request to the distribution server (data distribution device) 10 ″ with the information specified by the user ().

Data distribution device 1 receiving this key purchase request
0 ″ accesses the key generation information storage database 35 (), determines whether the key can be distributed (authentication of “user (purchaser)”), and if the key can be distributed, generates the key. The key is acquired from the information storage database 35 (). Then, a "key" is distributed to the meaningful information utilizing terminal 20 "together with the" permission response "(). Along with the distribution of the key, the data distribution device 10 ″ performs a billing process.

The meaningful information utilizing terminal 2 which has obtained this key
0 "requests the data distribution device 10" to distribute meaningful information together with the key (). The data distribution device 10 ″ that has received the distribution request accesses the meaningful information storage database 10a and searches for the relevant meaningful information (data) (). If the relevant meaningful information is extracted (). Then, the extracted information (distribution data) is distributed to the meaningful information utilizing terminal 20 ″ of the requested information distribution destination ().

The meaningful information utilizing terminal 2 which has received this distribution
0 "stores the received information (distribution data) in its own meaningful information storage database 20a, sends a distribution completion notification to the data distribution device 10", and issues a distribution completion notification to the user. The delivery completion notification to the user can be made by, for example, displaying a completion message on the display unit of the meaningful information using terminal 20 ″.

As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution data may be supplied via the communication network 30 or may be delivered to the data storage device 10 'via the electronic medium 31. Of course, there is also a case where both the communication network 30 and the electronic medium 31 are used for delivery.

Next, each part will be described. The terminal 20
It has a software structure as shown in FIG. That is, the operating system (OS) 2 on the terminal 20
1, one or more application softwares 22a, 22b,... Exist. One or a plurality of application softwares 22a and 22b can be simultaneously driven.

Here, the “application software” is software necessary for achieving the purpose of use of the terminal 20. For example, when the user terminal is a personal computer, the application software includes word processor software and spreadsheet software. Also,
When the terminal 20 is a mobile phone, a dialer, a telephone directory, mail software (mailer), and the like can be used.

The terminal 20 is also provided with use purpose auxiliary software 23 as auxiliary software for the application software 22a and 22b. The “usage purpose auxiliary software 23” is different from software (the above-described application softwares 22a and 22b) necessary to achieve the purpose of use of the terminal 20, and is to improve the convenience of the application softwares 22a and 22b. Software. For example, if the application software is a word processor or mail software, there are dictionaries and spell checkers. Further, the use purpose auxiliary software 23 is not limited to the text-based software as described above, and can be applied to software that handles various forms such as image data, such as image display software that can be edited and processed. .

Further, the electronic data distributed via the communication network 30 is taken into the use purpose auxiliary software 23 via the communication interface 24. Similarly, the information distributed via the electronic medium 31 is taken into the use purpose auxiliary software 23 via the I / O device 25 capable of reading the data of the electronic medium 31.

As shown in FIG. 6, the use purpose auxiliary software 23 comprises a use purpose auxiliary software driving section 23a, a main data section 23b, an option data section 23c, a learning information section 23d, and a user data section 23e. .

Here, the use purpose auxiliary software driving unit 23a
Are the main data section 23b and the option data section 23
c, a part for achieving the function of assisting the purpose of use by using each data of the learning information part 23d and the user data part 23e. If the use purpose auxiliary software 23 is a dictionary, there is a function of extracting kanji corresponding to the requested reading, reordering the kanji in a predetermined order, and responding. Further, if the purpose-of-use auxiliary software is image display software, there is a function of processing and displaying image data.

The main data section 23b is essential data necessary for assisting the purpose of use. If the use purpose auxiliary software 23 is a dictionary, it is the minimum necessary system dictionary data expected to be used by many people.

The option data section 23c is data that can be freely added, exchanged, or deleted to the main data section 23b later to assist the purpose of use. Assuming that the use purpose auxiliary software 23 is a dictionary, it is dictionary data such as a personal name dictionary, a place name dictionary, a dictionary in a specific technical field, etc., which is determined by the user as to whether it is necessary. This option data part 23
c may not be in the initial state. Of course, it may be registered from the beginning.

The learning information section 23d is a section for storing the usage history of the user. When the usage purpose auxiliary software 23 is a dictionary, the use frequency of each word stored in the dictionary is registered. The learning information section 23d may not be in the initial state. Of course, it may be registered from the beginning.

The user data section 23e is a data area that can be freely used by a user (user). For example, when a user adds new data, it is stored in this area. That is, if the usage purpose auxiliary software 23 is a dictionary, the new words created by the user
e. The user data section 23e may not be in the initial state. Of course, it may be registered from the beginning.

As is clear from the above, the learning information section 23
The data d and the user data unit 23e are accumulated as the user uses the terminal 20, and change depending on the usage status of the user. Then, the content of the learning information unit 23d is automatically updated according to the usage history of the terminal 20. Further, the content of the user data section 23e is updated in response to a user's intentional input such as new word registration.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, data (auxiliary data) used by the use purpose auxiliary software 23 is stored and distributed.
More specifically, as for data storage, the meaningful information storage database 20 inside the meaningful information storage terminal 20 'is used.
a, meaningful information (learning information and user data) and key generation information unique to the use terminal are extracted (), sent to the data storage / distribution device 10 (), and stored in the meaningful information storage database 10 a and key generation information. Each is stored and stored in the database 35 ().

On the other hand, information distribution is performed in the following procedure. That is, in the information distribution, the stored meaningful information (local data: learning information + user data) is stored in the meaningful information storage database 20a of the meaningful information utilizing terminal 20 ″.
The information is incorporated into the learning information section 23d and the user data section 23e, and a new meaningful information storage database is generated. At this time, in this embodiment, in order to receive the distribution, it is required that a key be purchased in advance and that the key be held.

Therefore, first, the meaningful information utilizing terminal 20 ″
Stores the key purchase request necessary for the distribution of
Notify the distribution device 10 (). Upon receiving the key purchase request, the data storage / distribution device 10 authenticates the user (purchaser) based on the key generation information, and responds with permission (permission refusal) or extracts / distributes the key (,). .

The user (purchaser) cannot purchase the key if the key reply is included in the permission reply from the data storage / distribution device 10. Therefore, distribution of meaningful information cannot be received. On the other hand, when the “key” has been distributed, the data storage / distribution device 10 is notified of a meaningful information distribution request using the distributed “key” ().

In response to the received distribution request, the data storage / distribution device 10 obtains the corresponding meaningful information D '() and distributes it to the meaningful information utilizing terminal 20 ″ (). The information D ′ is stored in the meaningful information storage database 20 in the meaningful information use terminal 20 ″ of the information distribution destination.
a.

As a method of storing the actual information (distribution data) D ′ at the destination, the information may be directly stored in a predetermined area in each storage unit in the meaningful information utilizing terminal 20 ″,
Once the data is stored in another area, it may be integrated with existing meaningful information (data).

The learning information section 23 associated with this distribution
d, the user data section 23e may be regarded as having added distributed information (distribution data) D ', or integrating new information (distribution data) with existing information to form a new learning information section. 23d and the user data part 23e may be regarded as being generated (updated).

Further, in the case of authentication upon receiving a key purchase request, as shown in FIG. 8, by acquiring information for authentication as key generation information in advance, the data storage / distribution device 10 side May be done automatically (),
As shown in FIG. 7, each time, the meaningful information storage terminal (user (custodian)) 20 'is asked for permission ('), and the user (custodian) authenticates each time. ("), And a predetermined process may be performed on the meaningful information utilizing terminal 20" based on the response.

Next, the internal structure of the data storage / distribution device 10 and the terminal 20 for storing / distributing the data described above will be described. The hardware configuration is the same for both the data storage device 10 'and the data distribution device 10 ", as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, a communication unit 10b is connected to a communication network 30 such as a network and controls communication with the network (communication network) 30.
b, data can be transmitted / received to / from a user terminal connected to the communication network 30.

When data (including various requests) is transmitted from the terminal 20, the user authentication section 10c determines whether or not the terminal 20 is a legitimate terminal. Also, the user authentication unit 10c
It has a function of performing authentication with the network 30 and authentication of database management. That is, the operator can update the storage contents of the meaningful information storage database 10a via the MM input / output unit (man-machine interface) 10d. Therefore, the determination (authentication) as to whether the operator is a legitimate person is made by the user authentication unit 10c.
Is to do.

The MM input / output unit 10d has an input / output function with the outside and is used by an operator of the system for input / output. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a numeric keypad, a mouse, or the like. Any type of input device can be used as long as the input from the operator is transmitted to the system. Also,
Output devices include, for example, displays, printers,
Any type can be used as long as it is a speaker or the like and can transmit information from the system to the operator.

Further, the data storage / distribution device 10 includes an arithmetic unit 10 having an arithmetic function for driving and processing each function.
e, and a database management unit 10f for managing various data structures and data entities. Then, the data in the meaningful information storage database 10a and the key generation information storage database 35 are read and written via the database management unit 10f. The key generation information storage database 35 stores authentication data and key data necessary for authentication of a user (purchaser).

The meaningful information storage database 10a
Is a meaningful information storage area for storing meaningful information (learning information + user data), which is stored data sent from the information storage source use terminal, and data necessary for the data storage / distribution device 10 (other data). Data) is stored.

The data storage / distribution device 10 further includes a program unit 10g. The program unit 10g stores a program necessary for achieving the purpose of use of the data storage / distribution device 10, and is sent from the meaningful information storage terminal 20 'in the context of the present invention. Based on a request to store meaningful information (storage data), store received data, generate keys, distribute and store key generation information, extract necessary distribution data based on distribution requests, A program for executing a distribution process is stored.

Further, each of the processing units 10b to 10b
g is connected via a bus. The hardware configuration is almost the same as that of a conventional server.

On the other hand, a hardware configuration diagram of the terminal 20 side is as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, a data transmission device connected to a communication network 30 such as a network, and having a communication unit 20b for controlling communication with the network, and connected to the communication network 30 via the communication unit 20b Data can be sent to and received from

The terminal 20 also has a user authentication unit 20
c, and has a function of performing authentication with the network (communication network) 30 and authentication of database management. That is, the user can update the storage contents of the user data unit 23e and other databases via the MM input / output unit (man-machine interface) 20d. Therefore, the user authentication unit 20c determines whether the user is a legitimate person (authentication).

The MM input / output unit 20d has an input / output function with the outside, and is used when a user performs input / output. As the input device, for example, a keyboard, a numeric keypad,
A mouse or the like is applicable, and any type can be used as long as a user's input is transmitted to the system. The output device may be, for example, a display, a printer, a speaker, or the like, and may be of any type as long as information can be transmitted from the system to the user.

Further, the terminal 20 includes an operation unit 20e having an operation function for driving and processing each function, and a database management unit 20 for managing various data structures and data entities.
f. Then, the database management unit 20
Reading and writing of data in the meaningful information storage database 20a is performed via f. In the “other data” in the meaningful information storage database 20a, data necessary for achieving the purpose of use of the terminal 20 is stored.

Further, the terminal 20 is provided with the program unit 2
0 g. The program unit 20g is a terminal 2
A program necessary for achieving the purpose of use is stored. For example, application software for executing call processing, document creation, and the like is stored. Further, in the context of the present invention, for example, the application software 22a, 22b and the use purpose auxiliary software 23 shown in FIG. 5 are stored in the program unit 20g. Furthermore, a program for performing each processing such as storage / distribution request of meaningful information (data) and storage of delivered meaningful information and option data is also stored in the program unit 20g.

Further, each of the processing units 20b to 20
g is connected via a bus. The hardware configuration is almost the same as that of a conventional server.

The main processing functions for realizing the information storage system and the information distribution system performed between the data storage / distribution device 10 and the terminal 20 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are extracted and shown in FIG. , And FIG. FIG.
Reference numeral 1 denotes an information storage system, which is a data storage device 10 '.
And the meaning information storage terminal 20 '. FIG.
2 is an information distribution system, and a data distribution device 10 ″
And the meaning information use terminal 20 ″.

That is, as shown in FIG. 11, on the side of the meaningful information storage terminal 20 ′ of the information storage source, the MM input / output unit 20 d (particularly, the MM input / output unit 20 d) for receiving a storage request of information (meaningful information) from the user. Input function), a communication unit 20b for transmitting and receiving data, and a program unit 20g.

The program section 20g is provided with a meaningful information storage request section 20h receiving a request from the MM input / output section 20d.
Gives the acquisition command of the information necessary to execute the storage request to the meaningful information search unit 20i and the key generation information acquisition unit 20j, respectively. The meaningful information search unit 20i accesses the meaningful information storage database 20a and searches for the requested meaningful information. Then, based on the search result, the next-stage meaningful information extracting unit 20k extracts the relevant meaningful information (learning information + user data), and passes it to the communication unit 20b.

On the other hand, the key generation information acquisition unit 20j generates a "key" necessary for normal distribution when distributing meaningful information to be transmitted to and stored in the data storage device 10 '. Key generation information, which is the condition information of (1), and passes the obtained key generation information to the communication unit 20b.

The condition information (key generation information) includes, for example, a public key (including information for generating a public key) for decrypting the encrypted data and a user (purchaser) capable of delivering. There is information to specify. This key generation information is stored and held, for example, in other data (see FIG. 10) in the meaningful information storage database 20a. Of course, it may be stored in another storage area. Then, the communication unit 20b sends the received meaningful information and key generation information to the data storage device 10 '.

On the other hand, the data storage device 10 ′
0 (meaningful information storage terminal 20 '), a communication unit 10b for transmitting and receiving data, and a program unit 10g. The program unit 10g includes the meaningful information storage terminal 2
0 'receives the meaningful information sent together with the storage request, stores the meaningful information storage unit 10i in the meaningful information storage database 10a, and the meaningful information storage terminal 20'.
Has a key generation information storage unit 10j which receives the key generation information sent together with the storage request from the storage device and stores the key generation information in the key generation information storage database 35. Further, the key generation information storage unit 10j has a function of generating a key according to the received key generation condition and storing the key in the key generation information storage database 35. Thereby, the key generation information storage database 35
In the information, information for specifying a user (purchaser) who is permitted to distribute the stored meaningful information and various information such as a key to be passed to the user are registered in association with each other.

As shown in FIG. 12, the meaningful information use terminal 20 ″ of the information distribution destination for constructing the information distribution system is provided.
Includes an MM input / output unit 20d (particularly, an input function) for receiving a distribution request of information (meaningful information) from a user, a communication unit 20b for transmitting and receiving data, and a program unit 20g. This basic configuration is the same as that of the meaningful information storage terminal 20 '.

In the meaningful information use terminal 20 ″ of the information distribution destination, the specific functions in the program section 20g are different. That is, the program section 20g has a distribution request from the MM input / output section 20d (a key not in use). Key purchase request unit 20 that sends a key purchase request to the data distribution device 10 ″ via the communication unit 20b in response to the key purchase request.
m and a distribution request from the MM input / output unit 20d, and sends a meaningful information distribution request to the data distribution device 10 ″ via the communication unit 20b.
q and the meaningful information (learning information + user data) sent from the data distribution device 10 ″ are incorporated in a predetermined area in the meaningful information storage database 20a, and the existing learning information section 23d and user data section 23e are incorporated. And a key sent from the data distribution device 10 ″ to a predetermined area (other data) in the meaningful information storage database 20a.
Key storage / extraction unit 2 for storing the key and extracting the stored key
0p. The key storage / extraction unit 20p also has a function of giving a predetermined key (a key for meaningful information for which a distribution request is made) to the meaningful information distribution requesting unit 20q. The meaningful information distribution requesting unit 20q can actually request the communication unit 20b to distribute meaningful information on condition that the key is held.

On the data distribution apparatus 10 ″ side, a communication unit 10b for transmitting and receiving data to and from each terminal 20 (meaningful information use terminal 20 ″), and a program unit 10
g. Based on a key purchase request or a distribution request received via the communication unit 10b, the program unit 10g determines whether or not the user has the right to receive the requested meaningful information (whether the user has the key, whether the key is purchased, or not). User authentication unit 10k for determining whether or not the user is qualified to do so).

If the user authentication unit 10k determines that the user does not have the authority to receive the distribution, the user authentication unit 10k sends the request to the meaningful information using terminal 20 ″ via the communication unit 10b.
It has a function to send a response of non-permission (data distribution, key distribution). Further, if it is determined that the user has the authority to receive the distribution, in the case of a key purchase request, the key extracting unit 10m is notified to that effect (authorized + key purchase request). This is notified to the meaningful information extracting unit 10n (authorized + key purchase request).

Then, the key extracting unit 10m accesses the key generation information storage database 35, extracts necessary keys,
It has a function of distributing a key to the meaningful information use terminal 20 ″ for which a key purchase request has been made via the communication unit 10b. The meaningful information extraction unit 10n accesses the meaningful information storage database 10a, The designated meaningful information (learning information + user data) is extracted, and sent to the meaningful information using terminal 20 ″ that has requested distribution via the communication unit 10b.
It has a function to distribute meaningful information.

As described above, the data storage device 10 ′ and the data distribution device 10 ″ may be realized by the same device, as described above. As it may be the first,
It is preferable that the functions shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. Of course, if it is clear that only one function is used, it is sufficient to incorporate only the one function. In addition, information storage source and information distribution destination
A user terminal that incorporates one function can receive and distribute data stored by another user terminal, or can receive and distribute data stored by itself thereafter. In particular, in the latter case, the backup function is realized through a separately provided server.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the meaningful information to be distributed is composed of one “minimum function unit” or a minimum function unit group including a plurality of “minimum function units”. The “minimum functional unit” is a unit that functions independently. For example, in the case of a dictionary, it is a single word (part of speech) unit. The minimum functional units are independent of each other, and each has a priority.

Therefore, when a plurality of minimum function unit data are stored in the learning information section 23d and the user data section 23e, the data are sorted according to their priorities, and the higher the priority, the more easily the data is used. . Although the priority is set to an appropriate value in the initial state, it changes according to the use situation.

Therefore, for example, if the data of each minimum function unit is arranged in the order as shown in FIG. 14A in the initial state, the priority is changed (use of the usage history) by adding the usage history. The order is different from that in the initial state, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, since it is managed for each minimum function unit,
If data of one or more minimum function units is added after receiving a new data distribution, see the priority,
It will be inserted at an appropriate position (see FIG. 3C).

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Not only user data but also main data and option data are managed in minimum function units, and priorities are added to each. Therefore, the priority can be determined not only by comparing the priorities in the user data section 23e but also by checking the priorities with other data. That is, the main data, the option data, and the user data can be collectively managed.

In the meaningful information in this embodiment, the user data stored in the user data section 23e is data created and registered by the user. Also, the learning information section 23
The learning information stored in d becomes priority information updated according to the frequency of use of the main data and the option data.

Next, the functions of the program sections 10g and 20g will be described while explaining the operation of the information storage / distribution system with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG. First,
When receiving data storage, the user operates the MM input / output unit 20d of the meaningful information storage terminal 20 'of the information storage source to specify the meaningful information to be stored and make a storage request. Therefore, the meaningful information storage request unit 20 of the program unit 20g
In h, it is determined whether or not an instruction for a process of requesting storage of meaningful information is given from the MM input / output unit 20d (ST
1). If the request is other than the storage request, a corresponding predetermined process is executed (ST2), and the next input is waited for.

On the other hand, when there is a meaningful information storage request, the contents of the request are passed to the meaningful information storage request section 20h. Then, the meaningful information search unit 20i searches the meaningful information storage database 20a (the learning information unit 23d and the user data unit 23e) for the relevant meaningful information (S
T3). Then, based on the search result, the meaningful information extracting unit 20k extracts desired meaningful information and passes it to the communication unit 20b (ST4).

Further, the key generation information acquisition section 20j reads the meaningful information storage database 20a (other data)
The key generation information is acquired for the meaningful information to be stored and passed to the communication unit 20b (ST5).

In the above description, the search / extraction process of the meaningful information is performed first, and then the process of obtaining the key generation information is performed. However, the order may be reversed, or the process may be performed in parallel. Of course it is good.

The meaningful information and the key generation information obtained by executing the above-described processing steps are transmitted to the data storage device 10 'by the communication unit 20b. That is, together with the above information, the destination information (address of the data storage device) and the source information (address of the use terminal,
Information for authenticating that the user is a legitimate user such as an ID number) and the contents of the request, that is, transmission data including data indicating a storage request, are created and output.

On the other hand, when the data storage device 10 'receives a storage request from the meaningful information storage terminal 20', the user authentication section 10c requests the data storage device 10 'from a legitimate user terminal (storage request).
Then, the meaningful information storage unit 10i stores the acquired meaningful information in the meaningful information storage database 10a (ST7). Further, the key generation information storage unit 10j
A key is generated based on the obtained key generation information, and the generated key and the key generation information are stored in the key generation information storage database 35 (ST8, ST9). And each storage unit 10
When the storage process (storage in the database) is completed, i and 10j issue a completion notification, and the communication unit 10b returns the completion notification to the meaningful information storage terminal 20 'as the information storage source (ST10).

[0117] Having received the completion notification via the communication unit 20b, the meaningful information storage terminal 20 'of the information storage source sends a message indicating the completion to the output device (display or the like) of the MM input / output unit 20d. Is output, and the process ends (ST11).

Next, when performing processing for receiving data distribution, as shown in FIG. 17, the user operates the MM input / output unit 20d of the meaningful information use terminal 20 ″ of the information distribution destination, and Make a distribution request specifying the meaningful information to be distributed.

Therefore, upon receiving the meaningful information distribution request processing command from the MM input / output unit 20d, the meaningful information distribution requesting unit 20q of the program unit 20g has already purchased the key for the requested meaningful information. It is determined whether or not the processing has been completed (ST21). That is, from the key storage / extraction unit 20p,
It is determined whether key information is provided. If the key has not been purchased, a key purchase request is made to the key purchase request unit 20m.

[0120] In response to this, the key purchase requesting unit 20m issues a key purchase request to the data distribution device 10 "via the communication unit 20b (ST22). Whether the request is a key purchase request or information (name, ID code, mail address, etc.) specifying a user (key purchaser) stored and held in the terminal in advance is extracted and sent to the data distribution device 10 ″. (ST23).

Data distribution apparatus 10 ″ that has received a key purchase request
The user authentication unit 10k acquires key generation information for the relevant meaningful information from the key generation information storage database 35 (ST24).

Whether the obtained key generation information includes a user who has made a key purchase request, that is, a user who has stored meaningful information in advance (a custodian) is a user who has permitted distribution. It is determined whether or not (ST25). If it is not included, the user authenticating unit 10k notifies the meaningful information use terminal 20 ″ requesting the key purchase rejection of the key purchase. The terminal 20 ″ sends a message indicating that the key purchase has been rejected,
The data is output to the output device (display or the like) of the MM input / output unit 20d (ST26), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the branch determination in step 25 is Yes,
That is, if the key purchase is permitted, the key extraction unit 1
0m is activated, and extracts the key for the requested meaningful information from the key generation information storage database 35. Then, the extracted key is distributed to the meaningful information utilizing terminal 20 ″ that has requested the key purchase via the communication unit 10b.

[0124] Significant information utilizing terminal 2 to which the key has been distributed
0 ″ indicates that the received key is to be stored and stored via the communication unit 20b.
Hand over to extraction unit 20p. Then, the key storage / extraction unit 20p
Saves the received key (ST28) and outputs the completion of the key purchase to an output device (display or the like) of the MM input / output unit 20d (ST29).

Next, it is determined whether or not a distribution request is made (ST30). That is, it is determined whether or not there is such a request from the MM input / output unit 20d. Then, when there is a distribution request, the meaningful information distribution request unit 20q acquires a key for the meaningful information to be distributed from the key storage / extraction unit 20p, and transmits the data distribution device 1 via the communication unit 20b.
0 ”is requested to be delivered together with the key. If no delivery request is made, the request is left as it is (in the above example of the flow,
The key is saved, and the result is displayed).

On the other hand, the data distribution device 1 that has received the distribution request
0 "determines whether or not the request is from a user who can be delivered by the user authentication unit 10k. That is, it determines whether or not the user authentication unit 10k has the correct key for the meaningful information. If it is, the meaningful information extraction unit 10n sets the meaningful information storage database 10a (meaningful information storage area).
And retrieves and extracts the relevant meaningful information (learning information + user data) and passes it to the communication unit 10b. Then, the meaningful information obtained by executing each of the above-described processing steps is delivered to the meaningful information use terminal 20 ″ of the information delivery destination to which the delivery request has been made by the communication unit 10b (ST31).

The meaningful information utilizing terminal 20 ″ provides the distributed meaningful information to the meaningful information embedding section 20n via the communication section 20b, and if there is desired data, the meaningful information storage database 20a (ST32), and when the distribution is completed, the fact is output to an output device (display or the like) of the MM input / output unit 20d (ST33).

Further, the process of incorporating meaningful information shown in step 32 is specifically executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, data is incorporated for each minimum function unit.

More specifically, one minimum function unit is obtained from the meaningful information (minimum function unit group) obtained by distribution (ST41). Since data is also stored for each minimum function unit in the main data unit 23b in which common / standard data is stored, the same data as the minimum function unit to be processed is registered in the main data unit 23b. It is determined whether or not there is (ST42). If it does not exist in the main data section 23b, it is determined whether or not the same minimum function unit is already registered in the meaningful information storage section (learning information section 23d + user data section 23e) (ST43). .

If the data is not registered in the meaningful information storage unit, it is new data, so the minimum function unit to be processed is added to a predetermined storage area of the meaningful information storage unit (ST44).

Then, it is determined whether or not the unprocessed minimum function unit remains in the distributed meaningful information (ST).
45). If there is any remaining, the process returns to step 41 via step 48, and shifts to processing for the next distributed minimum function unit (ST48).

On the other hand, in either of steps 42 and 43, Y
es, that is, when the same minimum function unit has already been registered in any of the main data unit 23b and the meaningful information storage unit, the priority of the already registered minimum function unit,
The priorities of the distributed minimum function units are compared (ST4).
7).

When the priority of the distributed minimum function unit is higher, the process jumps to step 44, and
The minimum function unit to be processed is added to the meaningful information storage unit (ST44).

Conversely, if the priority of the distributed minimum function unit is lower, the minimum function unit acquired this time is not used. Then, the process proceeds to step 48, where the process shifts to processing for the next distributed minimum function unit (ST48).

If the processing for all the minimum function units in the distributed meaningful information is completed by repeatedly executing the above-described processing, the determination in step 45 becomes No. Proceed to. That is, since the incorporation process (distribution) into the meaningful information storage unit is completed with the current information distribution, an “incorporation completion notification” is transmitted to the data distribution device 10 ″, and a series of processes ends.

By performing the incorporation, data for each minimum function unit is stored in the meaningful information storage unit.
In addition, the priority is registered in association with the priority. Therefore, in the meaningful information utilizing terminal 20 ", the data used for the meaningful information in the meaningful information storage terminal 20 'of the information storage source is incorporated by distribution. In addition, when the distributed information is used, each minimum function Since the priority is added to the unit, the operability is improved by estimating and using the unit having the higher priority as the minimum functional unit that is more likely to be used. Since it is already used by the meaningful information storage terminal 20 ′ of the information storage source and functions effectively under the use environment, the distributed meaningful information use terminal 20 ″ is also suitable from the beginning. Can be used.

In particular, the meaningful information storage terminal 2 of the information storage source
0 'user is the meaningful information use terminal 2 of the information distribution destination
If the user is the same as "0", a more convenient environment can be reproduced by distribution.
Instead of overwriting, the priority is added for each minimum function unit, so that the original data can be used.

In order to execute the above information distribution system as a business, it is necessary to charge for any action. Therefore, in the present embodiment, charging is performed on the condition that the user purchases a key for distribution (sale of the key on the server side).

More specifically, the charging process is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, first, it is determined whether or not the key purchase request has been completed (ST51). And
In this embodiment, it is determined that the key purchase request has been completed when the key is distributed to the meaningful information using terminal 20 ″ of the information distribution destination. The meaningful information using terminal 20 that has received the key ", A notice of completion of receipt may be issued, and it may be determined that the key purchase request has been completed on condition that the notice of completion is received. If not completed, other processing is executed (ST51).

When the key purchase request is completed, the "charging program" stored as other data in the meaningful information storage database 10a is read (ST5).
3) Charge processing is executed by the program unit 10g (S)
T54). For example, the charge amount can be easily obtained by creating and holding a charge table in which a charge is determined for each key to be distributed in advance, and referring to the charge table.

Further, the validity period of the key may be determined, and the fee may be changed depending on the period. That is, for example, a valid period such as one week, one month, six months, one year, or the like is determined, and distribution can be performed any number of times within the valid period. Instead of determining the validity period, the number of times of receiving the distribution may be determined, such as once, n times.

Then, the accounting result is transmitted to the data distribution apparatus 10 ″.
To the output device of the MM input / output unit 10d (ST5).
5) Register the accounting result in a database (for example, other data in the meaningful information storage database 10a) (ST56). It should be noted that the result of the charging process is described in each terminal 2
The notification may also be made to the 0 ', 20 "side.

Further, the actual fee collection from the user may be collected each time, or may be performed at regular intervals (for example, on a monthly basis) based on the billing information stored in the database.
May be collected at once. Then, the collection method may be payment by issuing an invoice, credit or bank deduction, or a certain usage fee may be collected in advance from the user by advance payment system and allocated from there. . Further, when the terminal to be used is a mobile phone or the like, it can be collected together with the telephone charge.

[0144] The mode of use of the present embodiment can be either storage / distribution between a plurality of use terminals owned by the same person or storage / distribution of meaningful information held by another person. Then, in the case of distribution of meaningful information from a third party, a predetermined consideration can be paid as a provision fee to the user of the information storage source.

The user may be an information storage source at one time and an information distribution destination at another time. In such a case, if the key for the meaningful information created and stored by the user is purchased by a third party, points will be given, and within that point the key for other meaningful information will be purchased. You can also.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described with reference to an actual example. For example, assuming a kana-kanji conversion dictionary used in a Japanese processing system, the application software referred to in FIG. 5 is a word processor or other various applications for inputting Japanese. Then, the use purpose auxiliary software becomes a Japanese processing system (Kana-Kanji conversion system), and the Kana-Kanji conversion dictionary becomes a Kana-Kanji conversion dictionary registered in the main data section 23b, option data section 23c and user data section 23e shown in FIG. .

In this case, the minimum functional unit is candidate information including “reading”, “candidate for reading”, and “part of speech”. A priority is set to each candidate information as an initial value, and the value changes according to the use history. That is, the priority in this example is like a frequency, and the value increases as it is used.

FIG. 20 shows an example of the minimum function unit registered in each data section. That is,
As is apparent from a comparison between FIG. 15 and FIG. 20, the main data section 23b has the system dictionary and the option data section 23.
c is a specialized dictionary that supports a system dictionary such as a personal name dictionary, and the user data section 23e is a user registration dictionary that allows the user to freely register.

First, as shown in FIG. 20, a standard system dictionary is registered in the main data section 23b in minimum function units, and is registered in the learning information section 23d in association with the priority of each minimum function unit. The specialized dictionary is registered in the option data section 23c in the minimum function unit, and the priorities of the minimum function units are registered in the learning information section 23d in association with each other. The user data section (user registration dictionary section) 23e serving as a meaningful information storage section is registered for each minimum function unit according to the use of the user.

Each of the learning units 23d (learning information unit), which is unique holding information generated with the use of the user terminal.
And the meaning information of the user registration dictionary unit 23e (user data unit) is transmitted to the data storage device 10 'in advance and registered in the meaning information storage database 10a. Then, if the dictionary data is subsequently destroyed or the learning information is initialized, a distribution request is made to the data distribution device 10 ″, and the stored data is distributed and incorporated. You can return to the state of the dictionary at the time.
When another user terminal is used, the data distribution device 10 ″ is used.
By making a distribution request to the user and incorporating the stored data into the dictionary, the state of the dictionary at the time of storage processing can be set from the beginning of use of the user terminal. If the key distribution conditions are set to only the person, the key can be used completely as a backup.

At the time of the above-mentioned distribution, meaningful information of all corresponding minimum function units is distributed from the data distribution device 10 ″ to the meaningful information utilization terminal 20 ″ of the information distribution destination. Needless to say, key distribution is performed before the distribution, and the same applies to the following embodiments. The meaningful information utilizing terminal 20 ″ executes the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 on the received meaningful information, and determines the minimum function unit that satisfies the additional condition for the learning information part 23d and the user data part 23e as the meaningful information storage. It is determined in turn whether or not they match, and those that match are registered.

In the case of the above-described distribution processing associated with the destruction of dictionary data, since nothing is registered in the user data section 23e or the like, the determination in step 33 is all No. Therefore, the main data section (system dictionary) 23b
Then, it is determined whether or not the same minimum functional unit having a high priority exists, and if it does not exist, it is registered in the user data section as satisfying the additional condition. In the above three examples, none of them has the same minimum functional unit, so that they are additionally registered as they are. It should be noted that the determination as to whether or not they are the same is made based on complete coincidence.

As a result, when the incorporation of the distributed data is completed, as shown in FIG. 20, the meaning of the meaningful information is associated with the user data section (user registration dictionary section) 23e for each minimum function unit. Stored (returned to the state at the time of storage).

Further, since each dictionary registered in this manner is composed of the minimum function unit, each dictionary is integrated to generate one dictionary, and data access at the time of actual kana-kanji conversion is performed. Alternatively, a search may be performed with respect to one integrated dictionary. Then, at the time of this integration process, the “reading (kana)” is compared for each minimum function unit, and stored in the order of reading. Furthermore, when a homonym exists, the one with the higher priority is placed before. As a result, updated data as shown in FIG. 21 is generated.

Although not specifically shown, FIG.
In the state shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that one of the minimum functional units delivered as further user data includes data of “Ainu noun (priority n)”. At this time, if the priority is “1”, the same minimum function unit is already registered in the main data unit (system dictionary), and the priority associated with the minimum function unit registered in the main data unit 23b is Since it is “2”, the priority of the distributed one is low. Therefore, in this case, the distributed minimum function unit “Ainu Ainu Noun (priority 1)” is not added.

If the distributed priority n is 3 or more, the branch judgment in step 37 results in Yes, so the distributed minimum function unit “Ainu Ainu noun (priority n)” is added. You. In this case, the original system dictionary “Ainu Ainu Noun (priority 2)” is not deleted in the present embodiment. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, when integrating a plurality of dictionaries, if there is user registration dictionary data that is distribution data of meaningful information and system dictionary data having the same minimum function unit, By constructing a dictionary using only those having a higher priority, only one of the integrated dictionaries to be searched can be present. Of course, coexistence is also possible.

Although not specifically shown, for example, an integration process as shown in FIG. 21 may be performed in conjunction with the installation process. Further, in the present embodiment, the comparison between the distributed minimum function unit and the already registered data is performed on the main data section 23b and the meaningful information storage section, but the present invention is not limited to this. , Meaningless information storage section only, or conversely, option data section 23
If the same minimum function unit having a high priority has already been registered in the user data section 23e,
It may not be added to the meaningful information storage unit.

Next, an example in which the terminal 20 is a personal computer and stores a user dictionary will be described. When a personal computer (computer) is damaged or data is destroyed, dictionary data such as character input support software is destroyed, and data that has been learned and registered may be lost. In order to prevent this, the user-specific dictionary that has been learned and registered is stored in the storage server, so that even if such a trouble occurs, it can be recovered.

In addition, when a sentence is created using character input support software, it may not be converted into a desired word. For example, when inputting a specialized word in various fields, the word is not registered as a standard dictionary and is not converted as it is. Also, unusual personal names (both historical and present) are difficult to convert.

In such a case, conventionally, the user performs conversion to a single kanji, inputs another idiom to display necessary kanji, and combines them to register a new word. However, creating a new word and registering it each time is not only troublesome and troublesome,
If you mistakenly register words with similar kanji, it may cause typographical errors. In such a case, using the distribution system of the present invention,
By receiving the distribution of meaningful information created by another person, it is possible to efficiently and accurately create sentences.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, when a certain sentence is converted by inputting a kana of "Naruto", there may be no desired conversion candidate. In such a case, a distribution request is made using the dictionary distribution function of the character input support software. In the present embodiment, the distribution request button “distribution” is incorporated in the toolbar, and when this “distribution” portion is clicked, a selection dialog (dictionary list) for a distribution request as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. .

Then, by selecting a dictionary to be distributed from the “dictionary list” list shown in FIG. 23 and clicking a “dictionary distribution start” button, a distribution request can be made to the distribution server. . Specifically, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 17, when the key for the dictionary to be requested for distribution has not been obtained, a key purchase request is made prior to the distribution request to obtain the key.

When changing the host (data distribution device 10 ″) in which the dictionary displayed in the dictionary list is present, the user clicks “host” in the state shown in FIG. Switch to the display screen,
Further, by clicking "change dictionary host", a change screen (not shown) is displayed, and the update process is permitted.

On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 23, when the “Dictionary distribution start” button is clicked, a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed. When “Yes” is clicked on this screen, a distribution request is made. Along with this, the distribution data is distributed from the data distribution device 10 ″. During this distribution, the dictionary receiving screen shown in FIG. 26 is displayed. When the distribution is completed, the distribution shown in FIG. The installation completion screen (reception completion screen) is displayed, and the distributed dictionary can be used.

As a result, the distributed dictionary can be used thereafter. For example, when "Narutoto" and "Kana" are input and the kanji conversion process is performed, the "adult" as shown in FIG.
Can be converted.

In addition to displaying the “delivery completion screen (reception completion screen)” shown in FIG.
On the 0 ″ side, the data distribution device 10 ″ is in the background.
Issues a completion completion notification to.

In the present embodiment, regardless of whether or not the distribution is actually performed, the charging process is obtained with the key purchase. Then, with the completion of the key purchase, for example, a key purchase completion report screen as shown in FIG. 29 is output and displayed on the display device of the data distribution device 10 ″.

Next, an example in which the terminal used is a mobile phone will be described. In a mobile phone, a user dictionary or a learning result that has been used may be lost due to a breakage of a device, a change in a carrier, a change in a used model (replacement), or the like.
Further, there are cases where a user wants to use a word registered in a mobile phone owned by a different person on his / her mobile phone. Therefore, by providing a dictionary stored in a different mobile phone (regardless of whether the owner is the same or not) and distributing (downloading the dictionary), providing the same Kana-Kanji conversion environment for all mobile phones Will be able to

More specifically, when the dictionary storage start menu is displayed on the liquid crystal display, which is the output device of the MM input / output unit 20d, the numeric keypad of the MM input / output unit 20d is operated to select "dictionary storage". , A dictionary is stored. The dictionaries to be stored here include not only word dictionaries but also various types such as e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, and transmitted / received e-mail data.

When the storage processing is completed in the data storage device 10 ', a completion confirmation message such as "Dictionary has been stored" is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the mobile phone.

On the other hand, for distribution of a dictionary, a dictionary distribution menu on a mobile phone as shown in FIG. 30 is displayed. This dictionary distribution menu includes two types of menus, “start distribution” and “return to the original menu”. A menu for only key purchase may be provided.

At this time, when the numeric keypad which is the MM input / output unit 20d is operated and "1" is pressed and selected, as shown in FIG. 31, what kind of distribution of meaningful information is to be performed. A selection screen is displayed. When the user dictionary of “1” is selected in this state, a list screen that can be distributed in the user dictionary is displayed as shown in FIG. Of course, FIG.
1, in FIG. 32, a plurality can be selected in the same manner.

When a dictionary for receiving distribution is selected from the list screen shown in FIG. 32, a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 33 is displayed. That is, the presence / absence of a key is determined, and if the user does not own the key, the user purchases the key and then distributes (downloads) the actual dictionary. FIG.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a display screen in the case where the user does not own the key. When the key is purchased and received, a charge screen of 10 yen is displayed as a confirmation screen. Therefore, if the key is already owned, the price is 0 yen.

When download start is selected on this display screen, data is distributed from the data distribution device 10 ″.
When the distribution process is completed and the dictionary in the mobile phone is updated, a confirmation message of the completion of the distribution such as "Dictionary has been distributed" is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the mobile phone as shown in FIG. .

Although not shown, the screen before the dictionary distribution menu shown in FIG. 30 further includes a dictionary storage menu and a menu screen for selecting one of the dictionary distribution menus.

Further, the dictionary to be stored and distributed is distributed in a state where priorities are assigned to the respective minimum function units, as in the above-described embodiments, and is meaningful when incorporated. It is added to and incorporated into the existing dictionary on the information use terminal (mobile phone) 20 ″ side.

FIG. 35 shows still another distribution example. In the illustrated example, a postal code dictionary stored in a certain terminal is distributed, and the postal code conversion is performed using the dictionary, so that the input can be saved.

Also in this postal code dictionary, each address is a minimum functional unit, and is assigned a priority. Therefore, each time the address is used, an address frequently used even with the same postal code is displayed first. If you keep a postal code dictionary that has already been used and its priority has been updated, the more frequently used postal codes are displayed even in the same postal code, so that they are displayed in order of relative ease of use. can do. Therefore, by storing such an easy-to-use dictionary, data may be destroyed later,
If a distribution request is made when the user wants to use the terminal at another user terminal, the state of the postal code dictionary which is easy to use when stored can be obtained.

FIGS. 36 to 38 show an example in which English words are used as dictionaries to be processed in the information storage / distribution system. In other words, applying this system,
By sharing a storage type English word dictionary, words can be easily input for each purpose.

Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 36, by inputting an English word “John”, when a word starting from the character is displayed as a conversion candidate,
Since each English word is given a priority as the minimum function unit, it is displayed from the top in the descending order of the priority. In addition, some English words displayed in the figure are incorporated from the beginning as a system dictionary, and some meaningful information is added by distribution.

FIG. 37 shows an example of displaying a conversion candidate when "T" is input in a conversion method in which candidates are limited for each key input. It is assumed that the movie actor dictionary has been distributed before this processing.
Then, a priority is assigned to each personal name, which is the smallest functional unit that has received the distribution, and the distribution data (movie actor dictionary) that has been distributed has a higher priority due to the actual use of the terminal at the information storage source. Is set. Therefore, as shown in the figure, among English words preceded by "T", those of movie actors are displayed at the top of the conversion candidates.

In such a system in which the candidates are limited for each key input, the candidates are searched not only from the top but also from the middle of the family name as shown in FIG. It can also be applied to those that are displayed.

In the example shown in the figure, when distribution of various personal name dictionaries such as, for example, officer directory dictionary data of a company or an employee list of a certain company (such as those internally disclosed on an intranet), the distribution is performed. An example is shown in which the name of the received person has a higher priority and is displayed at a higher rank.

In either case, it is necessary to purchase and acquire a key for receiving the distribution of the dictionary immediately before receiving the distribution of the dictionary or in advance. Since the key purchase is premised in this way, the person who created the stored dictionary (meaningful information) can specify the recipient of the distribution and distribute the dictionary to users within a limited range. , Can be shared. Of course, without specifying the distribution target, distribution may be permitted to all users,
A notification (e-mail or the like) may be received each time to determine whether to permit.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, meaningful information is distributed, but it is also possible to distribute option data together or only option data. In this case as well, it is assumed that the key is purchased.

[0186]

As described above, according to the present invention, the distribution data is composed of one or a plurality of minimum functional units.
Since a priority is added to each minimum function unit, such distribution data is downloaded from a certain terminal and is distributed to a predetermined terminal for each minimum function unit. Integration with existing data can be achieved, and a convenient database can be reconstructed. In addition, since the user is dead on the premise of purchasing a key when distributing, the charging process can be performed reliably, and by restricting the distribution of the key, terminals that have certain conditions for which distribution is permitted can be Since the distribution data can be distributed only by the user, confidentiality can be maintained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system (particularly, an information storage system) to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a system (particularly an information distribution system) on which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the information storage system.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the information distribution system.

FIG. 5 is a software configuration diagram showing an example of the inside of a use terminal.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of use purpose auxiliary software.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of an information storage system and an information distribution system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of an information storage system and an information distribution system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a data storage / distribution device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a use terminal.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a main configuration for implementing an information storage system according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a main configuration for implementing the information distribution system according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of meaningful information to be stored and distributed according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change history of registered contents of meaningful information.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information held in a use terminal.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an embodiment of an information storage system according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an embodiment of the information distribution system according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a meaningful information incorporation processing function.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a billing process function in the data distribution device.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of information held in a usage terminal according to a specific example.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a process of generating one dictionary by integrating a plurality of dictionaries.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a usage example of a dictionary before distribution according to a specific example.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for distribution processing on the use terminal side according to a specific example.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for distribution processing on the use terminal side according to a specific example.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen for prompting a confirmation before distribution on the use terminal side according to a specific example.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen during distribution on the use terminal side according to a specific example.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen after completion of storage on the use terminal side according to a specific example.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of using a dictionary after distribution is completed.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output screen on the data distribution device after purchasing a key.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on the use terminal side according to an example applied to a mobile phone as the use terminal.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on the use terminal side according to an example applied to a mobile phone as the use terminal.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on the use terminal side according to an example applied to a mobile phone as a use terminal.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on the use terminal side according to an example applied to a mobile phone as a use terminal.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on the use terminal side according to an example applied to a mobile phone as the use terminal.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing still another distribution example.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a shared dictionary is applied to English.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a shared dictionary is applied to English.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a shared dictionary is applied to English.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 data storage / distribution device 10 'data storage device 10 "data distribution device 10a meaningful information storage database 10b communication unit 10c user authentication unit 10d MM input / output unit 10e operation unit 10f database management unit 10g program unit 10i meaningful information storage unit 10j Key generation information storage unit 10k User (purchaser) authentication unit 10m Key extraction unit 10n Meaningful information extraction unit 20 Terminal 20 'Meaningful information storage terminal 20 "Meaningful information use terminal 20a Meaningful information storage database 20b Communication unit 20c User authentication unit 20d MM input / output unit 20e arithmetic unit 20f database management unit 20g program unit 20h meaningful information storage request unit 20i meaningful information search unit 20j key generation information acquisition unit 20k meaningful information extraction unit 20m key purchase request unit 20n Meaningful information set Storage unit 20p key storage / extraction unit 20q meaningful information distribution requesting unit 21 operating system (OS) 22a, 22b application software 23 use purpose auxiliary software 23a use purpose auxiliary software drive unit 23b, 23b 'main data unit 23c, 23c' option Data part 23d, 23d 'Learning information part 23e, 23e' User data part 24 Communication interface 25 I / O device 30 Communication network 31 Electronic medium 35 Key generation information storage database

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Tetsuya Ban 606 Kisoyabashi-dori Nishi-Doin-in, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Omron Software Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hideto Matsushita Kyoto, Kyoto 801 Shimodoji, Higashi-iri, Higashi-iri, Shimogyo-ku, Shimogyo-ku, Omron Co., Ltd. 5B082 AA01 DE06 EA12 GA13 HA08

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An information storage server for storing auxiliary data in response to a storage request from a terminal including a database including main data and permitting the incorporation of auxiliary data, wherein the auxiliary data comprises: Or a plurality of minimum function units, and a priority is added to the minimum function unit. Auxiliary data stored in the terminal sent together with a storage request from the terminal and the auxiliary data An information storage server, comprising: storage means for acquiring key generation information for permitting distribution of the information and storing the key generation information in a storage database. 2. A key is generated based on the key generation information,
The information storage server according to claim 1, further comprising a function of storing the key generation information and the key in the storage database. 3. A terminal comprising a database including main data and allowing the incorporation of auxiliary data, wherein the auxiliary data includes one or a plurality of minimum function units, and the minimum function unit includes An auxiliary data extracting unit to which a priority is added and extracting the predetermined auxiliary data stored in the database; a key generation information obtaining unit to obtain key generation information for permitting distribution of the auxiliary data; A terminal configured to supply the auxiliary data and the key generation information obtained by the auxiliary data extraction unit and the key generation information obtaining unit to an information storage server. 4. The information storage server according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the terminal according to claim 3, wherein the auxiliary data acquired according to a storage request sent from the terminal to the information storage server. An information storage system, wherein the key generation information is stored and stored in the information storage database. 5. An information distribution server for distributing auxiliary data stored in a storage database to a terminal including a database including main data and permitting the incorporation of auxiliary data, the storage data comprising: Or a plurality of minimum function units, and a priority is added to the minimum function unit. The storage database includes auxiliary data stored according to a storage request from a terminal, and auxiliary data stored in the storage database. Key generation information for permitting the distribution of the key is stored and authenticated as to whether or not the terminal can request distribution of the key, and a function of distributing the key when the terminal can distribute the key is provided. An information distribution server, comprising: 6. The information distribution server according to claim 5, wherein the authentication is automatically performed based on the key generation information stored in the storage database. 7. The information distribution server according to claim 5, further comprising a charging unit that executes a charging process when the key is distributed. 8. A means for extracting the auxiliary data stored in the storage database in accordance with a request for distribution of auxiliary data from a terminal having the key, and a means for supplying the extracted auxiliary data to the terminal. 8. The method according to claim 5, further comprising:
Information distribution server described in the section. 9. A terminal comprising a database including main data and allowing the incorporation of auxiliary data, wherein the auxiliary data is composed of one or more minimum function units, and the minimum function unit includes A priority is added, and a key distribution request unit for issuing the key distribution request to the information distribution server, and a key supplied from the information distribution server in response to the distribution request by the key distribution request unit are acquired. Means, using the obtained key, to the information distribution server,
A distribution request unit for issuing a distribution request for the auxiliary data; acquiring the auxiliary data supplied from the information distribution server in accordance with the distribution request; incorporating the acquired auxiliary data into the database in consideration of the priority A terminal having a function. 10. The incorporation taking into account the priority is determined for each of the minimum function units, and when the same minimum function unit as the distributed minimum processing unit is registered in the database, 10. The terminal according to claim 9, wherein the terminal includes a process of registering the minimum function unit distributed on condition that the priority is high in the database. 11. A key distribution request including the information distribution server according to any one of claims 5 to 8 and the terminal according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the key distribution request is transmitted from the terminal to the information distribution server. After the authentication processing of the terminal, the information distribution server distributes a key to the terminal to which distribution is permitted, and according to a distribution request performed together with the key from the terminal,
The information distribution system, wherein the information distribution server distributes predetermined auxiliary data to the terminal, and the terminal that has received the distribution stores the received auxiliary data in its own database. 12. A storage method in an information storage server, comprising: one or a plurality of minimum function units including main data, wherein said minimum function unit includes auxiliary data with a priority added thereto. A processing step of receiving the auxiliary data and key generation information for permitting the distribution of the auxiliary data from a terminal having a database that allows the processing; storing the received auxiliary data and the key generation information in a storage database An information storage method comprising: 13. A processing method in an information distribution server, comprising: one or a plurality of minimum function units including main data, wherein the minimum function unit includes embedded auxiliary data to which a priority is added. A processing step of receiving a key distribution request from a terminal having an allowable database; and, with the reception of the key distribution request, a terminal requesting distribution of the key, an authentication step of performing authentication as to whether distribution is possible, A processing method comprising: distributing the key to the terminal when it is determined that the terminal can be distributed as a result of performing the authentication step. 14. A processing step of receiving a distribution request together with the key, and, upon receiving the distribution request, accessing a storage database in which auxiliary data stored according to a storage request from a terminal is stored and held; 2. A processing step for extracting the auxiliary data stored in the storage database, and supplying the extracted auxiliary data to a terminal which has requested the distribution.
3. The processing method according to 3. 15. A computer-readable information recording medium that includes main data and records auxiliary data for distribution to a terminal having a database that allows incorporation of auxiliary data, wherein the auxiliary data is A key function unit configured to store the key generation information for permitting the distribution of the auxiliary data. Information recording medium. 16. An auxiliary data for distribution to a terminal including a database including main data and allowing the incorporation of auxiliary data, and key generation information for permitting distribution of the auxiliary data. Data, wherein the auxiliary data is constructed by one or a plurality of minimum function units, and a priority is added to each of the minimum function units, and is constituted by software data that can be processed by a computer. Data characterized by being.