JP2002117658A - Device and method for managing data, and device and method for reading data and system for managing information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage various pieces of data, such as contents with simple storing/reading control processing by using a distributable and circulatable storage medium. SOLUTION: High quality music data and image data are stored in a 2nd storing CD 2 of a card 10 provided with a 1st storing part IC 7, that is accessed by a 1st accessing method and is composed of a statically storing part and the 2nd storing part CD 2, that is accessed by a 2nd accessing method and is composed of a dynamically storing part, and music data, and image data obtained by compressing the high quality music data and image data are stored in the IC 7. A portable player 10, that is playback equipment and a household CD card reader 110' can retrieve and reproduce high quality music data and image data on the CD 2, by referring to the compressed music data and image data stored in the IC 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a data management device, a data management method, a data reading device, an information management system, and a data reading method.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which a plurality of storage units are provided on a single storage medium, and various data are stored in these storage units. This technology is disclosed in
The technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 0-142446 (hereinafter referred to as Conventional Technology A), the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-171697 (hereinafter referred to as Conventional Technology B), and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-16175.
No. 0 discloses a technique (hereinafter referred to as a conventional technique C).

The prior art A uses a hybrid optical recording medium, which has a first optical area for recording information recorded in advance according to a highly structured standard format. A second optical area where additional information can be written by a computer connected to the disk drive and then recalled, erased and changed. Therefore, original information can be stored in the first light area in advance in the mass production process, and additional information to be written to the disc can be added to the second light area.

The prior art B uses a hybrid card having an optical recording area for recording data and management information and an IC chip capable of rewriting information. The management information is recorded, and address information of predetermined management information among the management information recorded in the optical recording area is recorded on the IC chip. Then, before accessing the optical recording area, the address information is read from the IC chip, and the management information of the corresponding address is reproduced from the optical recording area.

In the prior art C, a storage medium configured as a CD-ROM has an antenna coil and an integrated circuit element connected to the antenna coil. The storage medium itself stores game software in advance, and the integrated circuit element has a built-in nonvolatile memory. Then, the in-game state of the game executed based on the game software is recorded and stored in the integrated circuit element.

[0007]

By the way, in recent years, PCs
With the spread of (personal computers) and the Internet, various types of information that each user needs to store are stored in PCs, and contents are downloaded from various servers and stored. In general, various information that needs to be stored and downloaded content are
It is stored and managed on the hard disk in C. But,
When information and contents to be stored are diversified, the occupied capacity of the hard disk becomes enormous, which hinders other operations on the PC.

Therefore, it is conceivable to use the above-mentioned prior arts A, B and C in order to store and manage various kinds of information that need to be stored and downloaded contents in an external storage medium. However, in the prior art A, original information is stored in the first optical area in advance in a mass production process, and additional information to be written on the disc is added to the second optical area. Since the original information is stored in the first optical area in advance in the mass production process, it is not suitable for storing information that needs to be individually stored or any downloaded data.

In the prior art B, data and its management information are recorded in an optical recording area of a card, and an address of a predetermined management information among the management information recorded in the optical recording area is recorded on an IC chip. It records information. Therefore, it is necessary to store on the card three types of information including data itself, data management information, and address information of the management information, which complicates the storage control process. In addition, when the amount of data to be stored increases, the management information of the data that needs to be stored and the address information of the management information also increase, so that the storage processing time becomes long. Furthermore, in the prior art C, the game software is stored in the recording medium itself in advance, and the game in progress based on the software is recorded and stored in the integrated circuit element. Or downloaded content cannot be stored and managed.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and a data management device capable of managing various data such as information that a user needs to save and downloaded content by a simple storage control process. It is an object to provide a data management method, a data reading device, an information management system, and a data reading method.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first storage unit for storing information by a first access method, and a first storage unit for storing information by a first access method. A data management device for storing data in a storage medium including a second storage unit in which fixed data is stored by the access method according to item 2 and reading out the data, wherein the storage medium is a server on the Internet via a network. Connection means for connecting to a system; storage control means for storing, in the first storage unit, variable data associated with the fixed data read from the server system by the first access method; and the second storage Reading means for reading the fixed data corresponding to the variable data from the unit by the second access method.

Therefore, it is only necessary to store the variation data in the storage medium, and the storage control processing is simplified. In addition, since the variable data is data associated with the fixed data, the fixed data can be read based on the variable data, so that the fixed data can be managed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first storage unit stores information by the first access method, and the content data is stored by the second access method different from the first access method. A data storage device for storing data in a storage medium having a second storage unit and reading the data, wherein the first storage unit stores search data associated with the content data in the first access unit; A storage control unit that stores the content data corresponding to the search data from the second storage unit by the second access method.

Therefore, it is only necessary to store the search data in the storage medium, and the storage control processing is simplified. In addition, since the content data can be searched based on the search data, the content data can be managed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first storage unit stores information by the first access method, and the detailed data is stored by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management device for storing data in a storage medium provided with a second storage unit and reading the data, wherein the first storage unit stores index information associated with the detailed data in the first access method. And a reading means for reading the detailed data corresponding to the index information from the second storage unit by the second access method.

Accordingly, it is only necessary to store the heading information in the storage medium, and the storage control processing is simplified. Further, since the detailed data can be searched based on the heading information, the detailed data can be managed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first storage unit for storing information by a first access method, and a high-definition image not compressed by a second access method different from the first access method. What is claimed is: 1. A data management device for storing data in a storage medium including a second storage unit storing data and reading the data, wherein the first storage unit stores compressed data associated with the high-quality data. Storage means for storing the high-definition data corresponding to the compressed data from the second storage unit by the second access method.

Therefore, it is only necessary to store the compressed data corresponding to the high-quality data in the storage medium, and the storage control processing is simplified. Further, since high-quality data corresponding to the compressed data can be searched, high-quality data can be managed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a first storage unit for storing information by a first access method, and high-quality image data by a second access method different from the first access method. A data storage device for storing data in a storage medium including a second storage unit and reading the data, wherein the first storage unit is associated with the high-definition image data and has a reduced amount of information. Storage control means for storing the thumbnail data by the first access method, and read means for reading the high-quality image data corresponding to the thumbnail data from the second storage unit by the second access method. .

Therefore, the storage medium only needs to store the thumbnail data associated with the high-quality image data, and the storage control processing is simplified. In addition, since high-quality image data corresponding to the thumbnail data can be searched, high-quality image data can be managed. Also, in the invention according to claim 6, the first storage unit is a static storage unit, and the second storage unit is a dynamic storage unit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the first storage unit stores information by the first access method, and the fixed data is stored by the second access method different from the first access method. A data management method for storing data in a storage medium provided with a second storage unit and reading out the data, the method comprising: connecting the storage medium to a server system on the Internet via a network; A storage control step of storing variable data associated with the fixed data read from the server system in the storage unit by the first access method, and the fixed data corresponding to the variable data from the second storage unit Reading out the data by the second access method.

Further, in the invention according to claim 8, the first storage unit for storing information by the first access method and the content data by the second access method different from the first access method. A data management method for storing data in a storage medium including a second storage unit and reading the data, wherein the first storage unit stores search data associated with the content data in the first access unit. A storage control step of storing the content data corresponding to the search data from the second storage unit by the second access method.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the first storage unit stores information by the first access method, and the detailed data is stored by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management method for storing data in a storage medium provided with a second storage unit and reading the data, wherein the first storage unit stores index information associated with the detailed data in the first access method. And a reading step of reading the detailed data corresponding to the index information from the second storage unit by the second access method.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first storage unit for storing information by a first access method, and a high-quality uncompressed by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management method for storing data in a storage medium having a second storage unit in which data is stored and reading out the data, wherein compressed data associated with the high-quality data is stored in the first storage unit. A storage control step of storing the data by the first access method; and a reading step of reading the high-quality data corresponding to the compressed data from the second storage unit by the second access method.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, a first storage unit for storing information by a first access method, and high-quality image data by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management method for storing data in a storage medium provided with a second storage unit and reading the data, wherein the first storage unit is associated with the high-definition image data to reduce the amount of information. And a reading step of reading out the high-quality image data corresponding to the thumbnail data from the second storage unit by the second access method. .

Therefore, by causing the computer to execute the processes in the steps described in claims 7 to 11, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those in the inventions described in claims 1 to 5. Therefore, by executing the processing steps described using hardware such as a general-purpose computer, the data storage control technique of the present invention can be easily implemented with these hardware.

The invention according to claim 12 is the first invention.
Is a static storage unit, and the second storage unit is a dynamic storage unit.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data storage device comprising a card-shaped optical storage medium having free content data stored in a first storage portion and pay content data stored in a second storage portion. A data reading device for reading the free and paid content data, a prohibiting device for prohibiting the reading of the paid content data by the reading device, and the pay content in accordance with a predetermined procedure. Permission means for permitting reading by said reading means.

Therefore, free content data can be read unconditionally, but paid content data can be read only when permitted by the permission means in accordance with a predetermined procedure. For example, by performing a predetermined procedure such as a fee payment process, the pay content data stored in the storage medium can be read. Therefore, by using this data reading device, a system is constructed in which paid content data and free content data are stored in a storage medium and distributed, and the paid content data can be read on condition of payment of a fee. be able to.

Further, the invention according to claim 14 is provided with connection means for connecting the storage medium to a server system at the center via the Internet. Therefore, the information stored in the server system can be downloaded and stored in the storage medium.

Further, the invention according to claim 15 comprises a card-shaped storage medium optically storing free content data and pay content data, and a reading device for reading the content data from the storage medium. An information management system, wherein one of the storage medium and the reading device permits reading of the free content data by the reading device but prohibits reading of the pay content data, and a predetermined procedure. Permission means for permitting the reading device to read the pay content by means.

Therefore, the free content data can be read unconditionally as described above, but the paid content data can be read only when the permission means permits according to a predetermined procedure. For example, by performing a predetermined procedure such as a fee payment process, the pay content data stored in the storage medium can be read. Therefore, by using this data reading device, a system is constructed in which paid content data and free content data are stored in a storage medium and distributed, and the paid content data can be read on condition of payment of a fee. be able to.

[0033] In the invention according to claim 16, the prohibiting means is provided in the storage medium. In the invention according to claim 17, the prohibiting means is provided in the reading device. That is, the prohibition means may be provided in any of the storage medium and the reading device.

[0034] In the invention according to claim 18, the reading device includes a connection means for connecting the storage medium to a server system via the Internet. Therefore, not only the information stored in the storage medium but also the information stored in the server system can be downloaded and read.

Further, according to the present invention, a card-shaped storage medium optically storing free content data and pay content data, a reading device for reading the content data from the storage medium, and the reading device Is connectable and configured by a server system on the Internet managed by a center, and permits the storage medium, the reading device, and the server to read the free content data by the reading device. However, there is provided a prohibition unit for prohibiting reading of the pay content data and a permission unit for permitting the reading device to read the pay content by a predetermined procedure.

Accordingly, as described above, the free content data can be read unconditionally, but the paid content data can be read only when the permission means permits according to a predetermined procedure. . For example,
By performing a predetermined procedure such as a fee payment process, the pay content data stored in the storage medium can be read. Therefore, by using this data reading device, a system is constructed in which paid content data and free content data are stored in a storage medium and distributed, and the paid content data can be read on condition of payment of a fee. be able to.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data reading method for reading data from a card-shaped storage medium in which free content data and pay content data are optically stored. A prohibition step of prohibiting reading of the pay content data by a readable reading means; and a permission step of permitting the reading means to read the pay content in accordance with a predetermined procedure.

Therefore, by causing a computer to execute the process in the step described in claim 20, the computer can execute claim 1.
The same effect as that of the invention described in 5 can be obtained. Therefore, by executing the processing steps described using hardware such as a general-purpose computer, the data reading technique of the present invention can be easily implemented with these hardware.

[0039]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in sections. A. First Embodiment [Storage medium provided with storage units having different access methods] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a card-shaped storage medium (hereinafter, simply referred to as a card 10) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The card 10 has an electronic storage unit ( In this example, an IC 7 is attached to or embedded in the substrate 1, and an optical storage unit (in this example, a non-circular CD 2 is attached or embedded in the substrate 1) is provided on the back surface (or front surface). This is an example. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a substrate, reference numeral 2 denotes an optical storage unit (CD) including an optical storage track capable of optically storing information,
Reference numeral 3 denotes a hole provided at the center of the card substrate 1, reference numeral 7 denotes an electronic storage unit, and reference numeral 8 denotes a terminal used when reading and writing information electronically. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the card 10 including the optical storage unit 2 including the non-circular optical storage tracks, the optical storage unit 2 may include only the circular optical storage tracks.

The card 10 is in the form of a business card. The IC 7 is embedded on the front side (back side) as shown in FIG. 1A. Image: For example, in the case of a game card, a title indicating the content of the game, an illustration, a production company name, etc.) are printed. In addition, an arrow (insertion guide) indicating the direction in which the card 10 is inserted into the terminal and character information such as the applicable model and the method of use may be printed. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the IC 7 is provided on one surface of the CD 10 and the CD 2 is provided on the other surface, the IC 7 and the CD 2 may be provided on the same surface. Further, a plurality of ICs 7 may be provided on the card 10.

2. Example of Memory Configuration FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of an area layout of two storage units (IC7 and CD2) having different access methods on the card 10 of FIG. FIG. 2A shows an example of an electronic storage unit of the CD card 10, that is, a memory area configuration of the IC 7. The IC 7 (= memory 70) includes a card identification information area 71, a security information area 72, a valid information area 73, and a data area 75. The card identification information area 71 stores identification information of the card 10, such as the type and number of the card 10. The security information area 72 stores card security data.
The valid information area 73 stores card valid information such as the number of valid uses of the card. The data area 75 stores a small amount of data such as character data, parameters, or transaction data (variation data). FIG. 2 (b)
5 shows an example in which a data area 21 capable of storing a large amount of data is provided in the optical storage unit CD2 of the CD card 10.

FIG. 3A shows a card identification information area 71, a security area 72, a valid information area 73, a program area 74, and a data area 75 in a memory 70 'of an IC 7' of a type having a built-in microprocessor and memory. This is an example in which is provided. The card identification information 71 includes the card 10
The identification information of the card 10, such as the type and number of the card 10, is stored. The security area 72 stores card security data. The valid information area 73 stores card valid information such as the number of valid card uses, and the program area 74 stores programs, character data, and set values. The data area 75 stores a small amount of data such as parameters or fluctuation data.

FIG. 3B shows the optical storage section C of the CD card 10.
An example in which a data area 21 capable of storing a large amount of data is provided in the optical storage unit 2 of D2 is shown (in this example, a game application program is stored as data).

3. FIG. 4 shows a method of accessing a storage unit on a card 10 having a different access method.
It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the card reader which accesses C7 (7 ') and CD2) and reads the stored data. FIG. 4A is an external view of the card reader, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory view of an access unit (card driving mechanism and reading / writing mechanism) provided in the card reader. As shown in FIG. 4A, the card reader 30
On the front side, a movable tray (not shown) insertion / ejection port 31 for guiding the card 10 into the card reader 30 and a movable tray drive button 32 are provided. A card access unit 31 is provided inside the car card reader 10. The card access unit 31 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), an IC read / write unit 34, a fixed base 36 for fixing the card 10, a motor mechanism 37 for rotating the card 10 together with the fixed base 36, a shaft 38 and an arm for fixing the card 10 to the fixed base 36. It has an optical read / write unit 39 which is moved by a not shown (not shown). The IC read / write unit 34 is configured to transfer information by electrically contacting the IC 7 provided on the front side of the card 10 (or the same surface as the optical storage unit) when the card 10 is stationary. is there.

As shown in FIG. 4B, when the card 10 inserted in the card reader 30 is positioned on the fixed base 36, the shaft 38 moves downward to fix the card 10 to the fixed base 36. When the card 10 is fixed to the fixed base 36, the motor mechanism 37 for rotating the fixed base 36 rotates, and the fixed base 3
6 and the CD card 10 thereon is rotated. The optical read / write unit 39 moves together with a moving arm driven based on a control signal from a CPU incorporated in a terminal or a card reader, and is stored in the optical storage unit 2 on the CD card 10. Reads information and outputs electrical signals. When the optical storage unit 2 (or a part of the area) of the CD card is configured to be rewritable, information (electric signal) can be converted into an optical signal and written into the optical storage unit 2. .

When the card 10 is not rotating (that is, at the start of rotation or at the time of rotation stop or termination), the IC read / write unit 34 moves at a predetermined timing (the IC 7 embedded in the lower surface of the card 10). Terminal of the IC read / write unit 34 is electrically connected to the terminal of the
The data (storage information) stored in the IC 7 is read, or the data is written in the IC 7. That is, by using the card reader 30 as shown in FIG. 4 as a terminal such as a personal computer, a dedicated portable information terminal, or a card reader / writer of a stand-alone terminal, the optical storage unit 2 of the card 10 The user can access the IC 7 to read and reproduce the stored data, use it for a predetermined application, and write the result.

In the example of FIG. 4B, an example of the internal mechanism of the terminal for reading information stored in the optical storage unit 2 and the IC 7 arranged on different surfaces of the card is shown. 34 is arranged on the same side as the optical reading section 39, the optical storage section 2 and the IC 7 arranged on the same surface on the card are arranged.
May be configured to read information stored in the terminal. In the example of FIG. 4, the single-type card device 3 performs reading of data stored in the CD 2 of the card 10 and reading and writing of data stored in the IC 7 by the same device.
Although 0 was shown, it is not limited to this. For example, the CD card 11 is a separate device, that is, access to the CD 2 is C
The CD card reader reads the data stored in the optical storage unit 2 by rotating the D card 11 and accesses the IC 7 with an IC reader / writer that reads only the data stored in the IC 7. You can also.

4. Contents of Data Stored in Storage Units with Different Access Methods Data stored in the card 10 includes an IC7 (7 ′) access method and a different CD2 access method. To memorize. That is, the IC 7 (7 ') stores data in an electronic storage method with quick access, and the CD 2 stores data in a method suitable for storing large-capacity data, although it is slower than this electronic storage method. .

4- The fluctuation data is stored in the IC.
FIG. 5 shows a case where variable data is stored in an IC and fixed data is stored in a CD.

FIG. 5 shows that the card 1 is used for parts inventory management.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data (file) stored in a memory area of an IC and a CD when 0 is applied. FIG. 5 (a)
Are the component variation data 41-1,..., 41 set in the data area 75 of the memory 70 (70 ') of the IC 7 (7').
FIG. 5 shows an example of the fluctuation file 41 storing “-i”.
(B) shows the part code 42-1 in the data area 21 of CD2.
.. 42-n are set.

In FIG. 5A, each component variation data stored in the component variation file 41 includes a component code, a purchase price, and the number of incoming / outgoing (incoming = + number, outgoing = −number) for each component entry / exit. It has a component code column, a purchase price column, and a number of incoming and outgoing items column to be stored. Also, in FIG.
The part codes stored in 2 include a part code column for storing a part code, a part name, a stock quantity, and a stock value (total purchase price of stock parts), a product name field, a stock quantity field, a stock value field, and the like. Have. In the illustrated example, the component variation data 41- stored in the component variation file 41 of the IC 7 (7 ').
2 is a CD based on the part code stored in the part code column.
Part code 42 stored in the second part file 42
-2. (Example of Operation) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a parts inventory management device using the card 10, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation outline of the parts inventory management device using the card 10. In this example, the card 10 is inserted into the inside of the card from the attachment / detachment port 59 of the portable inventory management terminal 50 as shown in FIG. 6, and a card access unit (FIG. 4B) provided inside the inventory management terminal 50 ) See).
In FIG. 7, when a part is taken in and out, a person in charge is assigned to the inventory management terminal 50.
Of the parts code, the purchase price, the number of storages and the like by reading the bar code by operating the key unit 53 of the key or by reading the bar code by the optical character reading unit 51 such as a bar code reader provided in the inventory management terminal 50. The fluctuation data is input (step S1).

The input result of step S1 is displayed on the display unit 52.
(Step S2), and I
Part change file 41 in data area 75 of C7 (7 ')
(Step S3). If the person in charge operates the correction button 54, the part variation data stored in the part variation file 41 is canceled, and the process returns to S1 to enable re-input (step S4). When the person in charge operates the record button 55 provided on the inventory management terminal 50 (step S5), the terminal 50 accesses the IC 7 (7 ') and sequentially reads out the component variation data stored in the component variation file 41 (step S5). Step S6). Next, the part variation data 4 read in step S5 by accessing the CD2 is read.
The part file 42 stored in the data area 21 of the CD 2 is searched using the part code of No. 1 as a key (step S7). If the column is +, the warehouse is checked, and if the column is-, the warehouse is checked (step S8).

At the time of warehousing, the number of incoming parts in the part variation data is added to the stock column of the part code with the matching part code to update the stock column, and the purchase amount (= number of received goods × purchase price) is added to the stock amount column. The stock amount column is updated (S9). At the time of delivery, the number of issued parts in the part variation data is subtracted from the stock column of the part code in which the part code has been completely updated, and the stock column is updated, and the purchase amount is calculated from the stock amount column (= number of issued goods × The average stock value of the part is subtracted, and the stock value column is updated (S10).

When the update of CD2 is completed, IC7
(7 ') is accessed again, and S6 to S9 (S1) until all the updates of CD2 by the input component variation data are completed.
Step 0) is repeated (S11). When the update of the CD2 based on the component variation data is completed, the component variation data stored in the component file 42 of the CD2 is edited, printed out, and discharged from the recording paper discharge port 57 as an entry / exit record (S11). IC after printing the entry / exit record
The part variation data stored in the part variation file 41 of 7 (7 ') is cleared (S12). It should be noted that the CD 2 is accessed in step S2, and the component file 4
2 can be searched for, and the component name of the component data that matches the key can be retrieved and displayed on the display unit 52.

As is clear from the examples shown in FIGS.
Variable data such as entry / exit data is recorded on the IC 7 (7 ') which has a fast access, and fixed data of a fixed part of the component data, that is, a ledger part, is recorded on the CD2. Fixed data can be updated. In this case, the CD of the card 10 still has a capacity of about 30 megabytes (30 MB).
B) About 300,000 records of the size of about,
That is, it is possible to manage 300,000 types of parts including the standard, and it can be sufficiently applied to parts management with a large number of parts.

The variation data recorded on the IC 7 (7 ') at a desired time (by operating the recording button, for example) is
D2 can be written to the card 10 due to the limitation of the recording capacity of the IC 7 (7 ') even if the fluctuation data is large.
There is no need to change frequently.

An information management system shown in FIG. 26, which will be described later, can be used for the parts inventory management described above. That is, FIG. 26 is an example in which the Internet 260 is used. The network system 600 includes a server (see FIG. 28) connected to the Internet 260 via the server 250 (250 ′), a plurality of user terminals (PCs) 241 connected to the Internet 260 via the server 262, and a server 264. It comprises a stationary terminal 241 'connected to the Internet 260 via the terminal. The stationary terminal 241 ′ is connected to the Internet 60.
It has all the functions of the inventory management terminal 50 shown in FIG.

Then, when the parts are put in and taken out, the server 250
And reads variation data such as a part code, a purchase price, and the number of incoming and outgoing goods, and stores the read variation data in the component variation file 41 of the data area 75 of the IC 7 (7 '). When the person in charge operates the terminal 241 'corresponding to the record button 55 provided on the inventory management terminal 50, the terminal 241'
7 (7 ') is accessed to sequentially read out the component variation data stored in the component variation file 41.

Next, the part file 42 stored in the data area 21 of the CD 2 is searched using the part code of the part variation data 41 read by accessing the CD 2 as a key, and when a part code matching the key is found. Then, the type of incoming / outgoing of the variable part data is checked (incoming / outgoing if the number of incoming / outgoing columns is +, outgoing if negative).

At the time of stocking, the number of stocked parts in the part variation data is added to the stock column of the part code whose part code matches, the stock column is updated, and the purchase amount (= number of stocks x purchase price) is added to the stock amount column. Update the stock value column. At the time of delivery, the number of issued parts in the part variation data is subtracted from the stock column of the part code where the part code has been completed, and the stock column is updated, and the purchase amount (= number of issued goods x average stock amount of the part) is subtracted from the stock amount column. To update the stock value field.

When the update of the CD2 based on the component variation data is completed, the component variation data stored in the component file 42 of the CD2 is edited, printed out, and discharged from the recording paper discharge port 57 as an entry / exit record. When the printing of the entry / exit record is completed, the component variation data stored in the component variation file 41 of the IC 7 (7 ') is cleared. Also,
The storage method is not limited to component management, and can be applied to various applications of a type that inputs variable data and updates a ledger file (fixed data). For example, the card 10 is attached to an accounting terminal, accounting data (journal data) is recorded as fluctuation data, and an accounting master file is stored on a CD2. A sales management (or customer management) system in which merchandise sales data is recorded as data and a sales master file for each product or a sales master file for each customer is recorded on the CD 2 can be given. In addition, a card 10 is attached to a competition record terminal, a variety of application systems such as a competition record system in which athlete and competition records in a sports tournament are recorded as variation data, and a record of athletes by athlete are recorded on CD2. ... can also be mentioned.

4—Storage method for storing local data (or non-standard data) in the IC and storing wide-area data (or standard data) in the CD FIG. 8 shows the card 10 applied to a vegetation survey FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of data (file) stored in a memory area of an IC and a CD in a case. FIG. 8 (a) shows the IC 7
The area vegetation distribution file 61 set in the data area 75 of the memory 70 of (7 ') is shown. The local vegetation distribution file 61 includes vegetation distribution data 61-
1,..., 61-j are stored. These region-specific vegetation distribution data 61-1,..., 61-j include an identification code (plant code) of a plant distributed in the survey target area, an identification code of the target municipal area (block number + municipal code), and an area code. Size, distribution, plant code, municipal identification code, area size, and distribution. FIG.
(B) shows the national vegetation distribution file 62 set in the data area 21 of CD2. This national vegetation distribution file 62 stores wide area vegetation data 62-1 to 62-m. These wide area vegetation data 62-1 to 62-
m is a plant code, a block number (by prefecture, and for islands, an island block (eg, by Yaeyama Islands)), a plant distribution degree, a plant code, a block number, a distribution degree, and the like. In the illustrated example, the vegetation distribution data 41-2 stored in the local vegetation distribution file 61 of the IC 7 (7 ') is the part variation data 41-2 in the plant code and municipal identification code columns stored in the plant code column. The block codes included in the stored municipal identification codes correspond to the plant codes and the block codes stored in the national vegetation distribution file 61 of CD2.

(Operation Example) In this example, the card 10 is mounted on a portable investigation terminal (not shown), and is operated by a card access unit (see FIG. 4B) provided inside the investigation terminal. Read. In addition, the survey terminal is a display unit,
A key input unit and a control unit are provided. When studying vegetation,
When an investigator inputs a survey result such as a plant identification code of a plant, a municipality identification number, a size of a survey area and a distribution of a plant with respect to a plant in the survey target area, vegetation distribution data is generated from the input result, and IC7 ( 7 ′) is recorded in the local vegetation distribution file 61.

At the time of the survey, the surveyor operates a wide-area function button provided on the survey terminal, in addition to inputting data.
2 and searches for wide area vegetation data recorded in the nationwide vegetation distribution file 62 of CD2 using the plant code and the block number included in the municipal identification code as keys. If there is no significant difference in the vegetation of the plant to be surveyed in the field, the plant can be excluded from the survey or separately recorded as the same as the wide area vegetation. After the survey, the user operates the wide-area function button provided on the survey terminal to access the CD2, and uses the plant code and the block number included in the municipal identification code as a key to store the vegetation distribution data file 62 of the national CD2.
Area vegetation data and IC7 (7 ') recorded in
The search results stored in the local vegetation distribution file 61 are searched and compared. If there is no statistical difference, the vegetation can be excluded from the survey because it is not unique vegetation, or separately recorded as the same as vegetation over a wide area.

As is apparent from the example shown in FIG. 8, the storage data capacity is limited, but the access speed of the IC 7 is high.
(7 ') stores local data such as local data that can be referred immediately, and CD2 stores large-capacity wide-area data, which can be compared with the local data at a desired time. In addition, data that seems to be non-standard, for example,
Products other than the joint purchase of the chain store (local products) may be stored in the IC 7 (7 '), and the standard data (the joint purchase of the chain store) may be stored in the CD2.

4—Storage Method for Storing Search Data (Search File) in the IC and Storing Data to Be Searched in the CD FIG. 9 shows the memory area of the IC and the CD when the card 10 is applied to the navigation system. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of data (file) stored in the storage device. FIG. 9 (a)
Indicates a path data file 81 secured in the data area 75 of the memory 70 (70 ') of the IC 7 (7'). The route data file 81 includes route data 81-1,
.., 81-N are stored. FIG. 9B shows CD2
Map index data 82-1 to 82-Q stored in the map search file 82 secured in the data area 21 and map files 83-1 to 83 stored in the data area 21 and storing map data (image information). A configuration example of -M is shown (in this example, the map file is one map data).

The route data stored in the route file 81 in FIG. 9A includes a coordinate value, a node number closest to the coordinate value, a next node number selectable from this node, and a line segment connecting the nodes. Route number (s) represented by
, A coordinate column, a node number column, and an adjacent node number column. FIG. 9B shows a map search file 8.
2 includes a route number column and a map pointer column storing pointers (in some cases) of map information including this route (ie, a line segment connecting the node to the next node). It has. The map file 83 stores a map number and map information (image information) as shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, the route data 81-1,..., 81-N stored in the route data file 81 of the IC 7 (7 ') are maps stored in the CD2 by the route numbers stored in the adjacent node column. Map file 83 of CD2 via search file 82
-1,..., 83-M.

(Example of Operation) FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the navigation device using the card 10. The card 10 includes a GPS receiving unit and a display unit, and has a GPS
It is mounted on a card mounting portion of a portable navigation device (not shown) for obtaining a current position based on the GPS data obtained by the receiving portion and then displaying and guiding a route to a destination, and provided inside the navigation device. Read by the card access unit. When the navigation device is activated and a destination is input, the GPS receiving unit intermittently receives GPS data and acquires the coordinates of the current location (step T1). next,
The navigation device accesses the IC 7 (7 '), searches the coordinate value column of the route file 81, and acquires the route data of the coordinate value closest to the current position (step T2).

Next, the node number, the adjacent node number, and the path number are read from the node number column and the adjacent link point column of the path data acquired in step T2 (step T3). The next node and the optimal route (route number) are obtained by calculating the optimal guidance route by a known route calculation method and determining the route from the node closest to the current location to the destination (step T4). Subsequently, the user accesses the CD 2 and searches the map search file 82 using the route number acquired in step T4 as a key (step T4).
5). Further, the map pointer is read from the map pointer column, and the map file corresponding to the map pointer is read from the map files 83-1 to 83-M (step T6),
The map, the current location, and the next guidance route and destination are displayed on the display unit (step T7). IC7 as described above
(7 ') stores frequently accessed data such as constant data (which may be numerical values and parameters (variables)) and search keys (index files), and stores map data (image data) stored in CD2. Such data search can be facilitated.

4—Storage Method for Storing Index Information (Text Data) in IC, and Image Data and Detailed Data in CD FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11A shows the memory 70 (7 ′) of the IC 7 (7 ′).
0 ′) tourist destination guidance data 91 − stored in the guidance data file 91 secured in the data area 75.
1,..., 91-K, and FIG.
2 shows a configuration example of map files 92-1 to 92-K secured and stored in the data area 21 of FIG.

The sightseeing spot guidance data 91-1 to 91-P stored in the guidance data file 91 in FIG.
Tourist spot code, tourist spot name, tourist spot information and CD2
A map pointer indicating a storage address of a map file stored in a sightseeing spot code field, a sightseeing spot name field,
It has a tourist information field and a map pointer field.
In FIG. 11B, the map file 92 stores a map number and map data (image data) 92-1 to 92-K. In the illustrated example, the sightseeing spot guidance data 91-1 to 91-K stored in the guidance data file 91 of the IC 7 (7 ') is a map stored in the CD 2 by the map pointer stored in the map pointer column. File 92-
1, ..., 92-K.

(Operation Example) In this example, the card 10 is mounted on a card reader of a portable information terminal (not shown) having a display unit, a key input unit and a card mounting unit or a viewing terminal such as a personal computer. It is read by a card access unit (FIG. 4B) provided inside the terminal. When the browsing terminal is activated, C7 (7 ') is accessed, the guidance data in the guidance data file 91 is read, and the names of sightseeing spots and the guide information of sightseeing spots are listed on the display unit. When the user points (or clicks) on a tourist destination name by key operation (or mouse operation), guidance data in which the pointed (or clicked) place name is stored is specified. Next, C
D2 is accessed and C is determined based on the map pointer stored in the guidance data specified by the point (or click).
The map file stored in D2 is read, and the map is displayed on the display unit.

As described above, text data (character information) is stored in the IC 7 (7 '), and map data (image information) is stored in the CD 2, so that the IC 7 (7') is stored.
In (7 '), text data is displayed in a list, and by selecting the information displayed in the list, the corresponding image information can be viewed. Examples of text data stored in the IC 7 (7 ') include names and abstract information of accommodation facilities, sports facilities, entertainment centers, and the like, or headings and introduction sentences of machine and product contents such as books, paintings, and music. it can. The CD2 contains image data (photos of accommodation facilities, sports facilities, entertainment centers, etc.), book contents (images corresponding to the number of pages), music data, machine design drawings or photographs, products corresponding to the text data. Photo). In this example, the detailed information stored on the CD 2 is not limited to image data or music data, but may be text data.

4—Storage Method for Storing Thumbnail Data in IC and High-Definition Image Data Corresponding to Thumbnail Data in CD FIG. 12 shows data (file) stored in the memory area of the IC and the CD of the card 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12A shows the memory 70 (7 ′) of the IC 7 (7 ′).
0 ') of the thumbnail data 14 stored in the thumbnail data file 141 secured in the data area 75.
.., 141-N, and FIG. 12B shows a configuration example of image files 142-1 to 142-N secured and stored in the data area 21 of the CD2.

In FIG. 12A, the thumbnail data 141-1 to 14-14 stored in the thumbnail data file 141 are displayed.
1-N includes a thumbnail image data section for storing thumbnail image data and an image pointer section for storing an image pointer indicating a storage address of high-quality image data stored in the CD2. Thumbnail image data is
The amount of information of the high-quality image data stored in the CD 2 is reduced. Also, image file 1 in FIG.
Reference numeral 42 denotes an image number and high-quality image data 142-1 to 142-1.
42-N. In the example shown in the figure, IC7
The thumbnail data 9141 to 141-N stored in the thumbnail data file 141 of (7 ') are stored in the image file 142-1,. Associated with the image number.

(Operation Example) In this example, the card 10 is mounted on a card reader of a portable information terminal (not shown) having a display unit, a key input unit and a card mounting unit or a viewing terminal such as a personal computer. The data is read by a card access unit (FIG. 4B) provided inside the terminal. When the browsing terminal is activated, C7 (7 ') is accessed, the thumbnail data of the thumbnail data file 91 is read, and the thumbnail images are displayed in a list on the display unit. When the user points (or clicks) on one of the thumbnail images by a key operation (or a mouse operation), the image data is specified. Next, by accessing the CD2, the image file stored in the CD2 is read based on the image pointer stored in the thumbnail data specified by the point (or click), and the image is displayed on the display unit.

As described above, the IC 7 (7 ') stores the thumbnail data with the reduced information amount in the thumbnail data, and the CD 2 stores the high-definition image data corresponding to the thumbnail data in the IC 7 (7'). In ()), a list of thumbnail data is displayed, and by selecting the information displayed in the list, the corresponding high-quality image can be browsed.

4—Compression information is stored in the IC and the CD
For storing uncompressed high-quality data and using stored information Data area 7 of memory 70 (70 ') of IC 7 (7')
5 stores high-quality data (uncompressed data) in the data area 21 of the CD2, reproduces the compressed data stored in the IC 7 (7 ') on the portable terminal, and uses the CD2 on the personal computer. Can be reproduced. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the reproduction of the compressed data stored in the IC of the card 10 and the high-quality data stored in the CD. FIG. 13A shows the compressed image data stored in the IC 7 (7 ') by a portable terminal. FIG. 13B is a diagram in which a high-quality image stored in the CD 2 is reproduced by a home personal computer.

In FIG. 13, music data compressed by a compression technique such as MP3 is stored in the IC 7 (7 ').
The high quality music data is stored in the data area 21 of. When the user inserts the card 10 into the portable player 100 equipped with the CD card reader when going out, the portable player 100 reads out and reproduces the compressed music (image) data stored in the IC 7 (7 '). Also, at home, when the card 10 is mounted on a player 100 'equipped with a CD card reader, the player 100' reads and reproduces high-quality music data stored on the CD2. In this case, the portable player 100 may be configured so that the compressed music data is decompressed by the portable player 100. However, the card 10 having the IC 7 ′ having a microprocessor is used, and the program area 74 (FIG. Three
(Refer to (a)) to store the decompression program
The compressed music data may be expanded by the microprocessor 7 '.

Further, the card 10 storing image data compressed by an image compression technique such as MPEG in the IC 7 (7 ') and storing high-quality image data in the CD 2 is also a C card.
The card 10 is mounted on a portable terminal (not shown) equipped with a D card reader and a display unit to reproduce the compressed image stored in the IC 7 (7 '). (Not shown) with the card 10
2 can be read out and reproduced. In this case, the mobile terminal may be configured to perform the expansion processing of the compressed image data on the mobile terminal.
The decompression program may be stored in the program area 74 (see FIG. 3A), and the compressed image data may be decompressed by the microprocessor of the IC 7 '.

4-- Store Game Data in IC
A storage method for storing contents and a method for using stored data are used for a CD. The card 10 is used as a card game card (a card on which game characters for collection and exchange are drawn). On the front side of the card 10, a game character of a card game, for example, a picture of a monster that grows and changes with the progress of the game is printed, and the memory 70 (7 ′) of the IC 7 (7 ′) is printed.
The game data (parameter) of the game character is stored in the data area 75 of 0 ′). When the card 10 is mounted on a portable game machine (not shown) and the power of the game machine is turned on, the game program changes the game data stored in the IC 7 (7 ') with the passage of time. Shows the mature game character. A plurality of game characters are stored, and when the user operates the game machine to cause them to fight, the game characters learn the battle and gradually grow stronger and larger.

Since game data that changes in accordance with the progress of the game is written into the IC 7 (7 '), the user owns a game card that he or she owns. A CD card storing game data of such a pocket game character is collected or exchanged. The CD 2 stores contents such as images and music and other game data. In addition, a card 10 having an IC 7 'having a microprocessor is used, a game program is stored in a program area 74 (see FIG. 3A), and a game is executed by the microprocessor of the IC 7'. May be configured.
In this case, since the terminal only needs to display the game result (that is, the image), a dedicated game machine is not required, and the card mounting unit and the card access unit (FIG. 4 (FIG. b)) or a card reader (FIG. 4A).

In the above-mentioned 4- to 4-, IC / CD
Although the example of the application of the integrated card 10 has been described, the application of the IC / CD integrated card 10 is not limited to the above-described example. For example, it can be used as a diary storing personal information or a database of weather, stock prices, and the like.

[Security] As described above, IC7
(7 ') and various data can be stored alone or in association with the card 10 provided with the CD2. In using the card 10, security such as authentication for confirming the user's use qualification, a copy guard for preventing the card 10 from being copied, and a copyright protector for protecting the copyright of the content stored in the card 10 are used. It is necessary to manage the number of valid times of the card 10 and the number of times the stored content can be viewed. Fig. 14 shows IC7 (7 ')
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of security data stored in a security information area 72 of a memory 70 (70 ′) of FIG.
FIGS. 14A and 14B show examples of card security data and content security data. The card security data 120 stores personal authentication data 121, copy guard data 122, and card valid data 123, as shown in FIG. Personal authentication data 1
Reference numeral 21 denotes a password or image information such as a fingerprint set by the user at the first use of the card 10 at the terminal, and is encrypted.

The copy guard data 122 is blank when the card is not in use, but is the machine number of the terminal used at the first use or the copy downloaded from the server via the Internet at the first use. Prohibition information is stored (note that the copy guard data 122 may be used as flag information, set to “0” in an unused state, and written “1” in a used state). Rewriting of the copy guard data 122 is prohibited. Therefore, if the device number of the terminal at the start of the first use is the copy guard data 122, the card 10 cannot be used by another terminal even if the terminal is of the same model. When the registration number downloaded from the server is copy guard data 122, the card 1
Although 0 can be used, the copied card cannot be used in another terminal because the copy prohibition information is sent to the server at the start of the first use.

The card valid data 123 is a value set as a predetermined card use count or a usable count in a free card or an over-the-counter card. The number of uses or the number of uses of a card sold at a vending machine or the like may be initially set to “0”, and may be set at the time of card purchase in accordance with the purchase amount. As a result, it is possible to prevent card theft and unauthorized use by a stolen card. As shown in FIG. 14B, the content security data 130 includes copyright protection data 131 for the content, browsing validity information 132 for the content, and a pointer 133 to the content stored in the CD2.

The copyright protection data 131 prohibits unauthorized copying of the content. For each content, the content is blank when the content is not in use but is downloaded from the server via the Internet at the first use start. It is stored as copy prohibition information (note that the copy prohibition information is set to “0” when not in use,
In the used state, a flag for writing “1” may be used.) Rewriting of copy prohibition information is prohibited. Therefore, the contents of the card 10 can be browsed within the range of the number of browsable times by other terminals, but when the contents are copied, the copy prohibition information is sent to the server at the first use start, so that the terminal (the same terminal and the same terminal) is used. The content of the card 10 cannot be copied by another terminal).

The content browsing validity information 132 is a content browsable frequency (or frequency) for each content.
Is the value set as Note that the number of browsable times is the number of times corresponding to the usage fee by a predetermined procedure (for example, confirmation of collection of usage fee) (for example, 10 times for 500 yen, 100
12 times for 0 yen). Also, in the case of free content, a specific code (for example, X'FF ') indicating unlimited use is set. However, the number of times that the free content can be viewed is set, and as a paid content, Subtract the number of times, make the browsing impossible if the number of possible browsing that can be browsed for free becomes zero, switch to paid content if desired by the user, set the number of browsable by a predetermined procedure (use fee collection confirmation), and enable browsing It may be. Thus, for example, 1
The time is free for trial use, and the next time it can be paid content.

When the copyright protection of individual contents is not performed and only the number of times of valid use of each card is managed, the content browsing validity information 132 is unnecessary. Also, in the above description, the card security data 120
If the security program installed on the terminal performs writing and checking of copy prohibition information on the copy protection data 122 and the copyright protection data 131 of the card security data 120, the security program is decrypted. In such a case, the copy protection of the card 10 or the copyright protection of the content may be broken, and the card or the content may be illegally copied. However, the security program is stored in the program area 74 of the memory 70 'by using the card 10 having the IC 7' having a microprocessor, and the copy guard data 122 and the copyright are stored by the microprocessor of the IC 7 '. If writing or checking of copy prohibition information in the protect data 131 is executed, the possibility that the security program stored in the IC 7 'is decrypted is much lower than when the security program is installed in the terminal. Since it is extremely unlikely that the copyright protection of the ten copy guards or the contents is broken, the effect of preventing unauthorized copying of cards and contents is improved. Also,
An electronic watermark may be used as the copy guard data 122 or the copyright protection data instead of the copy prohibition information.

[Utilization of Recorded Contents by Terminals Having Different Access Methods] In the description of the above-described embodiments 4- to 4-, the card 10 is provided with two access units (ICs serving as static storage units).
7 (7 ') and C as a dynamic storage unit
Access unit 3 having access means 38, 39 for accessing D2
1 (see FIG. 4 (b))), the reading has been described. However, as described in the above-mentioned Embodiment 4, depending on the environment when the card 10 is used, in some cases, the portable Access IC7 (7 ') using the terminal and
The data stored in (7 ') can be read, and in some cases, the stationary terminal can be accessed to read the data stored in CD2.

For example, save data such as player information is stored in the IC 7 (7 ') of the card 10, a game program is stored in the CD 2, and the IC 7 (7') of the card 10 is stored.
(7 ') to access IC7 (7') with a portable game machine (not shown) provided with an access means for accessing IC7 (7 ').
A game is played based on save data such as player information stored in (7 '). IC7 of card 10 (7 ')
And a home game machine provided with two access means for accessing the CD2, the CD2 is accessed and the CD2 is accessed.
The game can be played by using the game program described above, and the progress of the game can be stored in the IC 7 (7 '). In this example, a player identification code (or pointer) is added to the player information stored in CD2 and the player information stored in IC 7 (7 '), and the player information stored in CD2 and IC 7 (7') are stored. Associate player information.

B. Second embodiment [1. Overview of Information Management System] In the second embodiment,
Character data such as dictionaries, literary works, guidebooks, etc., image data such as maps, photographs, illustrations, paintings, and sound information such as music are digitized content data (in the embodiment, simply referred to as contents). It is stored in a card type storage medium such as a CD card. The card type storage medium has a storage unit on one side, and the other side is used as a printing side. It is to be noted that a storage medium having storage units provided on both sides can be used, and the card 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be used in the first embodiment.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are diagrams showing an overall model of the information management system according to the present embodiment. A card-type storage medium (hereinafter, content card) storing content stores free content data and / or pay content data, and is distributed free or sold for a fee as shown in FIG. 15 or FIG. The user holding the content card can browse (view) the content stored in the storage medium only by inserting the content card into the terminal.
As shown in FIG. 15, in the case of free distribution, a content card 210 is mainly used as an advertising medium, and an advertiser 300 is a content card in which a content production company 400 stores content including information for company advertisement and service information such as music. The content card 210 is commissioned, and the content card is distributed by itself or by a content production company or (distribution company).

The content production company recruits advertisers, produces and distributes content cards, and receives advertisement fees. The user inserts the content card 210 into the terminal 2
It is possible to browse character information, images, music, etc. on condition of browsing (viewing / listening) of advertisement contents, answering a questionnaire, etc. only by inserting the contents into 40. May be performed). In addition, a free distribution content card is used as an incentive to pay services, and the number of uses (or expiration date,
If the validity period is exceeded, a fee is collected (or charged), and the sales can be recorded. Further, in this case, the content production company may provide a server 250 connected to a network such as the Internet 260, and may aggregate the usage status of the content card 210 or update the content via the network such as the Internet 260. it can.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the case of pay sale, the content card 210 can be sold in stores or sold by vending machines in the same manner as in the case of dictionary, book, magazine, or record sale. it can. The user can browse (view) the content only by inserting the content card 210 into the terminal 240. In this case, the content production company collects the usage status of the content card 210 via the server 250 'connected to a network such as the Internet 260, updates the content, and provides the user with a fee or free charge. Various services can also be provided. In addition, when the number of uses (or expiration date, effective expiration date) stored at the time of sale is exceeded, a fee can be collected (or charged) or sales can be recorded. Also,
By responding to the questionnaire, it is possible to increase the number of times of use or to discount the fee. In the description of FIGS. 15 and 16, the server 250 or 250 'may be provided by a content production company, but may be a machine of an operating entity (service company) other than the content production company. Further, a server may not be provided. Hereinafter, an information management system using a network such as a content card, a terminal, and the Internet will be described with reference to respective embodiments.

[2. Content Card] 2- (1): Example of Content Card in Which Storage Unit is Made of Optical Recording Medium FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a card-type storage medium (content card) storing content, and FIG. CD with non-circular optical storage
An example using a card is shown. In FIG. 17, reference numeral 201 denotes a substrate (a card substrate made of a non-conductive material (a synthetic resin or paper is used in this embodiment));
Denotes an optical storage unit capable of optically storing information (in this example, attached to or embedded in a card substrate), and reference numeral 203 denotes a hole provided at the center of the card substrate 201. In FIG. 17, the optical storage unit 202 including a non-circular optical storage track is shown.
Although the content card 210 provided with is described as an example, the optical storage unit 202 may include only a circular optical storage track.

In FIG. 17, the content card 210 has a business card shape, and information (character string) indicating the content of the content stored in the optical storage unit 202 as shown in the example of FIG. And image: For example, when the content is music, a title, a composer name, a singer name, a singer's photograph, a production company name, etc. are printed. In addition, other than reading an arrow (insertion guide) indicating the direction of insertion into the content card device, reading the content stored in the content card 210, or inserting the content into the content card device for writing information, the content is viewed (viewed). A display to the effect that it is possible may be printed. Also, on the back side (front side) of the content card 210, an optical storage unit 202 composed of a non-circular optical storage track is provided as shown in the example of FIG. 17B, and a character is written as described later (FIG. 18). Information, audio information, image information, and other contents, and an optical storage unit 202
The information required to use the content stored in the.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration example (area layout example) of the optical storage unit 202. FIG. 18A shows the optical storage unit 202 which includes a card identification information area 221, a content information area 224, and a free content area. 225 and a pay content area 226. The card identification information area 221 stores card identification information such as a card number, and the content information area 224 stores the type, number,
The storage address (the number of tracks, the number of sectors) of each content is stored. Free content area 225 stores free content, and paid content area 226 stores paid content. FIG.
(B) is an example further including a valid information area 223. The valid information area 223 stores valid information such as the number of times the free content can be used (browsing or outputting) and the number of times the paid content is used. FIG. 18C is an example including a server address area 222. The server address area 222 includes a server address necessary for charging the content, collecting user information, and updating the content on the content card with the content held in the database. Is stored. In each of the above examples, the free content area 225 and the pay content area 226 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the content area may store either free content or paid content. Also,
FIGS. 18 (a ′), (b ′), and (c ′) correspond to FIGS.
This is an example in which the optical storage unit 202 of (b) and (c) is provided with a program area 27 storing a program to be downloaded to a terminal. Also, the program area 227
As a program stored in the terminal, a content browsing program for browsing (viewing) the content on the terminal side, for example, a content reading program for taking the content (compressed data) stored in the content data area 225 into the terminal, and expanding the compressed data There is a content usage frequency monitoring program that counts the number of times free content or paid content is used (or counts down) based on valid information 223.

In an example of connection to a server via a network (FIG. 26: described later), in addition to the above programs, a network connection program, a display program for displaying captured content, and / or an output program for outputting content, and the like. When inserted into the terminal, the content card 2
There are a card driver for reading and writing the contents of the ten contents, and all or a part of a group of programs necessary for browsing (viewing) the contents. In addition, a card driver for controlling access to the terminal and a network automatic connection setting program for performing automatic network setting such as the Internet may be stored.

In FIG. 18, when the information on the content card is not updated, the optical storage unit 202 may be constituted by a non-rewritable memory. Here, when the information on the content card can be updated by data from the server as described later, the card number area 221 and the server address area 222 are non-rewritable memory areas, and the valid information area 223 to the program The area 227 is configured as a rewritable memory area. In addition, only one type of content may be stored in the free content area 225 or the pay content area 226, but usually a plurality of contents are stored. At this time, each content is filed and stored in the content areas 225 and 22.
6 is stored.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are diagrams showing another embodiment of the content card. Free content is shown in Figure 19
As shown in the example of (a), a menu screen content file 251, an advertisement content file (stores questionnaire information in this example) 252, and free service content files 253-1 to 253-10 are stored.
As shown in the example of FIG. 20A, the pay content is a menu screen content file 261, pay content (in this example, a song collection) 263-1 to 263-2.
0 is stored. In this way, each content is filed and stored in the content areas 225 and 226. The type and storage address of each file (content) stored in the content area 225 are as shown in FIG.
Is stored in the content information area 224, and is referred to by the card driver when the content is read. In the case where the program area 227 storing the program group is provided on the content card 210 (FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C; FIG. 23; described later)
A table describing address information of each content file and the like in the card driver in the program group (FIG. 20)
When (b)) is provided, the content information area 224 may not be provided.

The following examples can be given as specific examples of the content stored in the content card 210 having the above configuration. 2- (1)-(A): Free contents In addition to advertising information, free contents are distributed by music contents of free services, novels and guidebooks, quizzes with prizes, questionnaires, sightseeing maps and housing models, and public organizations. Public service contents to be recorded (for example, a citizen convenience book) or a combination of these contents can be cited. These are distributed by means of distribution such as enclosed in direct mails and announcements, distributed in stores, magazine appendixes, distributed by hand at streets, etc., and stacked and distributed at windows such as city halls and banks.

Further, the content stored in the content card 210 can be distributed free of charge as a coupon that can be used free of charge a predetermined number of times (or a predetermined time). In this case, the free use count (or free use time) is stored in the valid information area 223 shown in FIGS. In addition, the number of free use
When used for (hours) minutes, content card 2
10 is made unusable, but after use for the number of free uses (hours), a charge may be made. Although the content card 210 itself is free, a charge or a fee may be collected when using the content stored in the content card 210.

2- (1)-(B): Paid Content Paid content is a collection of music and songs, books, novels,
E-books, songs collections, dictionaries, travel guides, folk guides, archeology guides, history guides, and other guide collections, quiz collections with prizes, traffic maps, city maps, various maps, vehicles Examples include various map collections such as maps, collections of exhibited paintings and art collections such as sculptures and buildings sold at exhibition halls. These pay contents (audio information, character information, image information, etc.) are provided alone or in combination. Pay content cards can be sold by face-to-face sales, mail order sales, and sales by vending machines. They can also be sold as paid gift certificates.

In this case, each content file is composed of a sub file containing information to be combined with a main file describing the entire story. For example, when a comic book is provided as a combination of image information and sound information, the comic book file is composed of a main file that describes the combination of each sub file along the scenario, and a combination of the image file and sound file corresponding to the main file. Is stored as 2- (2): Example of content card provided with electronic storage medium and optical storage medium FIGS. 21 and 22 are diagrams showing another embodiment of a card-type storage medium (content card) storing contents. is there. FIG. 21 shows an example in which the content card 11 includes an electronic storage unit (in this example, an IC is attached or embedded) on the front surface (or back surface), and an optical storage unit (non-circular in this example) on the back surface (or front surface). Is attached or embedded). FIG. 22 illustrates an example in which an electronic storage unit is provided on the same surface as the content card 211 ′, and an optical storage unit is provided on the back surface (or front surface).

In FIGS. 21 and 22, reference numerals are the same as those in FIG. 17, reference numeral 201 denotes a substrate, reference numeral 202 denotes an optical storage track capable of optically storing information, and reference numeral 203 denotes a center of the card substrate 201. Reference numeral 207 denotes an electronic storage unit, and reference numeral 208 denotes a terminal used when reading and writing information electronically. Although FIG. 21B illustrates the content card 211 including the optical storage unit 202 including the non-circular optical storage track, the optical storage unit 202 may include only the circular optical storage track.

In FIG. 21, the content card 211 is in the form of a business card, and the front side (back side) shows the content in which the IC 207 is embedded and stored as shown in the example of FIG. 21A. Information (strings and images: For example,
In the case of guide maps such as hot spring guides, titles and photos of hot springs,
Production company name) is printed. Note that, similarly to the above-described embodiment, an arrow (insertion guide) indicating the direction of insertion into the content card device, and the fact that the content can be viewed (viewed) only by inserting the content card 211 into the content card device. May be printed. Further, on the back side (front side) of the content card 211, an optical storage unit 202 composed of a non-circular optical storage track is provided as shown in the example of FIG. In addition to contents such as information, acoustic information, and image information, information necessary for using the contents stored in the optical storage unit 202 is stored.

In FIG. 22, the content card 211 ′ has a business card-like shape as in FIG. 21, and has a front side (back side).
As shown in the example of FIG. 22A, information indicating stored contents (character strings and images: for a world travel guide, for example, titles, photographs of tourist spots, courses, production company names, etc.) Is printed. Further, an IC 207 and an optical storage unit 202 are provided on the back side (front side) of the content card 211 ′, as shown in FIG.
The IC 207 stores information, programs, and the like necessary for using the content stored in the optical storage unit 202,
The optical storage unit 202 stores character information, as described later (FIG. 23).
Content such as audio information and image information is stored.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a configuration example (region layout example) of each storage unit of the content cards 211 and 211 ′ in FIGS. 21 and 22. As shown in FIG. 23A, the IC memory 7 includes a card identification information area 71, a program area 73, and a content data area 74. The card identification information area 71 stores card identification information, the program area 73 stores a program to be downloaded to the terminal, and the content data area 74 stores character information, simple information, and the like, as shown in FIG. In the optical storage unit 202, a content information area 224 'and a free content area 225'
And a pay content area 226 '. The content information area 224 'stores the type and number of the content and the storage address (the number of tracks and the number of sectors) of each content, and the free content area 225' stores the content including image information, music information, or detailed character information. , The pay content area 226 'stores pay contents. .

FIG. 23B shows a configuration in which a memory of an IC 207 of a type having a built-in microprocessor and memory is provided with a card identification information area 271, an OS area 272, a program area 273 ′, and a valid information area 275. It is an example. The card identification information area 271 stores card identification information, and the OS area 272 stores an OS (operating system). Program area 2
73 ′ stores a group of programs such as a network connection program, a content decompression program, and an output program for outputting content data to a buffer of the terminal. The valid information area 275 stores valid information such as the number of times the content can be used. FIG. 23 (b ′)
As shown in the figure, the free storage area 225 'storing the content and the pay content area 2 are stored in the optical storage unit 202.
26 'is provided. In the example of FIG. 23B, instead of storing the content information in the optical storage unit 202, the content information table (FIG.
(B)), and a content information area is not secured in the optical storage unit 202. Specific examples of the content stored in the content cards 211 and 211 ′ having the above configuration include the following examples.

2- (2)-(A): Free Content As in the case of the above-mentioned free content of 2-1 (A), free content is not only advertising information, but also music content of free service, novels and the like. An outline of a guidebook, a quiz with a prize, a questionnaire, a sightseeing map or a house model, a record of public service contents distributed by a public organization (for example, a citizen convenience book), or a combination of these contents can be given. In addition, the electronic storage unit (I
C) Taking advantage of the characteristic that the 207 and the optical storage unit 202 are provided side by side,
Electronic storage unit 2 on the front side (or on the same surface as the optical storage unit 202)
07 stores character information (for example, selection menu, advertising content, merchandise information, price list, sales destination, ordering method, etc.) in the content data area 274, and the back side (or the same surface as the electronic storage unit 207). The storage unit 202 can store the content of the above-mentioned free service and the like.

Simple information (for example, a synopsis of the content on the back side) is stored in the content data area 274 of the electronic storage unit 207, and details are stored in the optical storage unit 202 on the back side (or on the same surface as the electronic storage unit 207). Information can also be stored. In addition, these content cards 211, 2
11 'can be distributed in the manner described above. Further, similarly to the case of 2- (1)-(A) described above, the content stored in the content cards 211 and 211 ′ is distributed free of charge as a coupon that can be used for a predetermined number of times (or for a predetermined time) free of charge. You can also. Also, 2
As in the case of -1- (A), the content card 21
1,211 'itself is free, but content card 2
Charges or charges may be collected when using the contents stored in the files 11 and 211 '.

2- (2)-(B): Paid Content Like the above-mentioned paid content of 2- (1)-(B), the paid content is not only a collection of music and songs, but also a book, a novel, and a hobby. E-books and songs collections that replace books, comic books, etc.
Various guides such as dictionaries, travel guides, folk guides, archeology guides, history guides, quizzes with sweepstakes, traffic maps,
Examples include various map collections such as city maps, various maps, and vehicle maps, exhibit paintings sold at exhibition halls, and art collections such as sculptures and buildings. Further, an electronic storage unit (IC) 7
Utilizing the characteristics of the electronic storage unit 207 on the front side (or on the same surface as the optical storage unit 202), character information (for example, selection menu, advertising content, product information, Price list, sales destination,
Ordering method, etc.), and the back side (or electronic storage unit 20).
The optical storage unit 202 (on the same side as 7) can store the contents of the above-mentioned paid service and the like.

As in the case of 2- (2)-(A), the content data area 274 of the electronic storage unit 207 is used.
In the optical storage unit 202, detailed information can be stored. These content cards 211 and 211 'are composed of character information,
The image information and the sound information are provided alone or in combination. In addition to face-to-face sales, content cards can be sold through mail order sales and vending machine sales. They can also be sold as paid gift certificates.

[3. Content Card Viewing Terminal] 3- (1): Content Card Device FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a content card device connected (or built-in) to a content viewing terminal (hereinafter, terminal). FIG. 24A is an external view of the content card device (in this example, the CD card device 230 configured to access the CD card 210 (211)). FIGS. 24B and 24C are explanatory diagrams of the content card driving mechanism and reading / writing.

3- (1)-(A): In the case of a CD card device which only accesses the optical storage unit, the CD card 210
A movable tray (not shown) insertion / ejection port 231 for guiding the inside of the D card device 230 and a movable tray drive button 2
32 are provided. Further, a CD card drive mechanism and a read / write mechanism 231 ′ are provided inside the CD card device 230 as shown in FIG.
The inserted CD card 210 is the fixed base 2 of the card rotating unit.
When positioned on the optical axis 238,
At the same time, the CD card 210 is fixed to the fixing base 236. When the CD card 210 is fixed to the fixed base 236, the rotation motor 37 for rotating the fixed base 236 rotates, and the CD card 210 thereon is rotated together with the fixed base 236. The optical reading unit 239 reads information stored in the optical storage unit 202 on the CD card 210 based on a control signal from a CPU built in a terminal or a card reading device, and outputs an electric signal. When the optical storage unit 202 (or a part of the area) of the CD card is configured to be rewritable, information (electric signal) can be converted into an optical signal and written into the optical storage unit 202. .

3- (1)-(B): In the case of a CD card device capable of accessing the electronic storage unit and the optical storage unit, the appearance of the CD card device of the present embodiment and the operation at the time of inserting and removing the CD card are as follows. This is the same as the case of FIG. The content card driving mechanism and the reading / writing mechanism 231 ″ have an IC reading function for transmitting and receiving information by being in electrical contact with the IC 207 provided on the front side of the CD card (or on the same surface as the optical storage unit) at rest. The CD card 210 (211) is mounted on the fixed base 23.
6, the rotation motor 237 for rotating the fixed base 236 rotates, and the CD card 210 (211) thereon is rotated together with the fixed base 236. Optical reading unit 23
Reference numeral 9 reads information stored in the optical storage unit 202 of the CD card 210 (211) based on the control signal and outputs an electric signal. When the optical storage unit 202 (or a part thereof) of the CD card 210 (211) is configured to be rewritable, information (electrical signal) is converted into an optical signal and written into the optical storage unit 202. Can be.

When the IC 207 is provided, the CD
When the card 211 is not rotating (that is, at the start of rotation or at the time of rotation stop or termination), the IC
The reading unit 34 moves (in the example of FIG. 24C, the terminal of the IC 207 embedded on the lower surface of the CD card 211 is
The terminal of the C reading unit 234 is electrically contacted), and IC2
07, read the data (storage information) stored in
Alternatively, data is written to the IC 207.

That is, the CD card device 230 shown in FIG. 24 is used as a data input device of a terminal such as a personal computer, and the optical reading unit 2 of the CD card 210 (211) is used.
(And the IC 207) can be read and reproduced to be used for a predetermined application. Further, in the example of FIG. 24C, an example of the internal mechanism of the terminal that reads information stored in the optical storage unit 202 and the IC 207 disposed on different surfaces of the card is shown.
By arranging the IC reading section 234 on the same side as the optical reading section 239, a terminal configuration for reading the information (FIG. 20) stored in the optical storage section 202 and the IC 207 arranged on the same surface of the card is provided. You can also. Further, in the example of FIG. 24, the single-type card device 230 that reads data stored in the optical storage unit of the CD card 211 and reads and writes data stored in the IC 207 by the same device.
However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, CD card 2
Reference numeral 11 denotes a separate device, that is, an access to the optical storage unit 202 is performed by a CD card device that rotates the CD card 211 and reads only data stored in the optical storage unit 202, and access to the IC 207 is performed by the IC 207. It can also be performed by an IC read / write device that only reads stored data.

3- (2): Content Card Browsing Terminal Device FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a content card browsing terminal, and is a CD card device configured to be able to access the CD card 210 (211). This is an example in which the terminal 230 is connected to or built in a terminal. As shown in FIG. 25, the content card browsing terminal has a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) 241 connected (FIG. 25 (a)) or built-in a CD card device 230 as shown in FIG. -Type terminal 241 ′ installed in a place where people can easily gather, such as a store, a department store, a convenience store, etc.
24 (FIG. 25 (b)), and a portable mobile terminal (mobile or mobile phone, etc.) 241 "incorporating the CD card device 230 (FIG. 25). (C)).

The personal computer 241 has an audio output device. In addition, the stationary terminal 241 'is composed of a computer device, and includes a plurality of operation keys, a display monitor,
An audio output device, a fee collection mechanism including a fee collection port 245 ′ (a fee collection unit 167 in FIG. 30), and a card attaching / detaching unit 24.
6 '. As will be described later (FIGS. 27 and 30), in addition to the content card browsing terminal, a terminal provided with a function of selling content cards, updating the number of effective contents (or expiration date, effective expiration date), updating contents, and collecting questionnaires. Can be used as A portable mobile terminal includes a display monitor and a sound output device. When the CD card 210 (211) is inserted into the CD card device 230, the terminal 241, 241 'or 241 ", as shown in FIG.
The content stored in 11) is fetched into the viewing buffer memory of the terminal and displayed on a monitor so that the content can be viewed, or sound is output simultaneously or at another timing.

When the terminal 241, 241 ′ or 241 ″ is connectable to a network such as the Internet (the Internet 260 in the embodiment) as shown in FIG. 15 or FIG.
41, 241 ′ or 241 ″, the terminal connects to the server 250 (250 ′) and
(250 ') can charge a user or an advertiser, transmit a content card browsing program, update content, and the like. In the case of the stationary terminal shown in FIG. 25B, a charge collection port 245 'and a charge inspection device (not shown) are provided.
(211) can be inserted, and the pay content can be browsed (or, if a charge is inserted after the insertion of the CD card, the pay content corresponding to the charge can be browsed).

3- (3): Program Configuration of Content Card Viewing Terminal The content card browsing terminal includes: a card driver comprising a group of programs for controlling access to the content card and a content card browsing program on the terminal side. If installed, that is, if the terminal is set in advance to be connectable to a network such as the Internet, and an Internet connection program such as a WWW browser and a content card browsing program are installed in advance: FIG. 18 shows an example in which a card driver and a content browsing program are stored.
Program area 227 of (a '), (b'), (c ')
A card driver, a network connection program such as the Internet, a content card browsing program group, and an automatic connection setting program for performing an automatic connection setting of the terminal and the network such as the Internet are stored in the terminal. When the server 250 (250 ') (FIGS. 15 and 16) is used, an automatic connection for automatically setting a network connection program such as a card driver or the Internet, a content card browsing program group, and a terminal to the network such as the Internet. If you have a setting program and you want to download a group of programs from the center machine 250 (250 ') to the terminal when connected to the terminal via the Internet etc. after inserting the content card: Has a card driver installed and connection settings with a network such as the Internet are set. However, the content browsing program is located on the content card or server 250 (250 ') side, and the terminal reads from the content card or Server 250
(250 ') to download to the terminal (Fig. 27
(Process P3), FIG. 34)): A microcomputer is formed on the content card side, and a card driver, a network connection program such as the Internet, a content card browsing program group and a terminal are provided in the program area 271 ′ of FIG. There is a case where an automatic connection setting program for performing automatic connection setting of a network such as the Internet is stored.

In the above case, since the content card browsing program group is pre-installed on the terminal side, the user can browse the content card only by inserting the card. However, if the content card browsing program differs depending on the type of content card, it is necessary to install a group of content card browsing programs corresponding to the type of content card in advance. Further, since the card driver is required to be versatile, the load on the memory on the terminal side increases. Therefore, FIG.
Although it is suitable for the content card browsing terminal 241 'as shown in FIG. 5B, the personal computer is used as the content card browsing terminal 241 as shown in FIG. When the mobile terminal is the content card browsing terminal 241 "as described above, the load on the program storage memory becomes large. Also, updating the content card browsing program may be troublesome.

In contrast, in the above case, the terminal only needs to be provided with a program loading means (program) for taking in the content card browsing program from the content card and writing it into the RAM. And the stored content browsing program can be stored, so that the inconvenience as in the case described above does not occur. In addition, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the content storage capacity efficiency of the content card.

In the above case, the terminal may be provided with a program uploading means (program) for receiving and taking in the content card browsing program from the server 250 and writing it into the RAM. Further, since a card driver dedicated to the content card or a stored content browsing program can be stored, the inconvenience as in the case described above does not occur. In addition, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the content storage capacity efficiency of the content card. In the above case, a card driver is installed on the terminal side, and a content browsing program group is provided on the content card or the server 250 (250 ') side. It is short and overhead time can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the content storage capacity efficiency of the content card.

In the above case, the content card performs the network connection operation via the terminal and the content browsing preparation operation. Therefore, the terminal transmits and receives the buffer memory and the browsing data necessary for exchanging data with the network. A buffer memory for displaying the time and / or a buffer memory for the sound output may be provided, and the inconvenience as in the case described above does not occur. In addition, it is particularly suitable for a case where a content card is viewed on a mobile terminal having a small memory capacity. In the above description, a CD card device is used as an example of a content card device connected to or incorporated in a content card browsing terminal, but the content card device is not limited to a CD card device (for example, an IC card device).
IC that can access only embedded or pasted IC card
It may be a card device, a DVD device that reads data stored on a DVD, or an MD device that reads data stored on an MD.)

[4. Information Management System Utilizing Network] 4- (1): Information Management System (Network System) FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a network system applied to the information management system of the present invention. This is an example in which the Internet 260 is used. In the following description, the Internet 26 is connected via a server computer (hereinafter, server) 250 (250 ′).
The case of a terminal device connected to 0 is taken as an example. The network system 600 includes a server (FIG. 28) that connects to the Internet 260 via the server 250 (250 ′);
A plurality of user terminals (PCs) 241 connected to the Internet 260 via the server 262 (FIG. 25A)
And a stationary terminal 241 ′ connected to the Internet 260 via the server 264. Note that a plurality of mobile terminals connected via the server (wireless station) 263 may be added to the network system 600.
The network system 600 is connected to the server 250 (2
50 ′) may be a network system including a server connected to the Internet 260 via the server 263 and a plurality of mobile terminals 241 ″ connected to the Internet 260 via the server 263.

4- (2): Sale of Content Using Network A method of selling paid content on a content card using the network system of FIG. 26 will be described below with reference to a process chart of FIG. For the sake of explanation, a card driver is installed in the terminals 241, 241 ′, 241 ″, and a group of programs required for content browsing other than the card driver is stored in the content card (CD card 210, 211, 211 ′). (FIGS. 18 (a ′), (b ′), (c ′) and FIG. 21 (a)).

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram (process chart) of a method of selling paid content on a content card using a network system. Process P1: (Acquisition of Content Card) In FIG. 27 (a), the user is free distribution or an appendix such as a magazine,
Receive a free content card by enclosing a direct mail, or use a content card vending machine (or a stationary terminal (FIG. 25 (b)) and a content card vending machine) to receive a content card (210, 211, or 21).
1 ′) by purchasing FIG. 17, FIG. 21 or FIG.
A content card as shown in FIG. 2 is obtained.

Process P2: (Use of Content Card) When browsing (viewing) the content stored in the content card is desired, a desired one is selected from the content cards possessed, and the terminal 241 (personal computer) and the terminal 241 '(mobile terminal) or terminal 241 "(stationary terminal) is started and inserted into the content card reading slot (when using terminal 241", "content browsing" is displayed from a displayed menu. Menu "(see FIG. 32).

Process P3: (Fetching of Content Browsing Program, etc.) When a content card is inserted, the card driver (in this example, the card driver and the Internet connection program are already installed in the terminal), the program area 227 (271) of the card content ) Is stored in the RAM of the terminal (see FIG. 32 for details). The card driver, the Internet connection program, and the content browsing program may be configured to be read from a content card storing the card driver. The card driver is installed in the terminal in advance, and the Internet connection program and the content browsing program are stored. You may be comprised so that they may be read from a content card.

Also, a card driver and an Internet connection program may be installed on the terminal side, and the content browsing program may be downloaded from the server 250 (250 '). The card driver, the Internet connection program, and the content browsing program may be configured to be downloaded from the server 250 (250 '). The card driver is installed in the terminal in advance, and the Internet connection program and the content browsing program are stored in the server. 250
(250 ') and may be stored (see FIG. 33 (b) for details).

Process P4: (Paid Content Browsing Selection Judgment) When the user selects browsing of paid content in the browsed content selection menu (FIG. 31 (c)) displayed by the content browsing program, the process transitions to P6.

Process P5: (Free Content Browsing Selection Judgment) When the user selects browsing of free content in the browsing content selection menu (FIG. 31 (c)) displayed by the content browsing program, the process transits to P7, otherwise. If so, the process ends.

Process P6: (Determination of Card Valid Count etc.) The terminal checks the card use count stored in valid area 223 based on the browsing program, and if valid count> 0, transitions to P7, otherwise. In this case, the process transits to P8.
Also, a card having no valid information area 223 (FIG. 18)
When (a ′)) is read, the flow shifts to P7.

The validity information stored in the validity information area 223 is not limited to the number of times of card use, but may be a card validity period. When the validity information is the card validity period, the date and the card validity period are compared in this process (P6). If the validity information is within the validity period, the process transitions to P7. If not, the process transits to P8. Also, when the valid information is the card use time period, the date and the card usable time (= remaining time) are checked in this process (P6), and if the card usable time> 0, the process transits to P7, otherwise. In this case, it is configured to transition to P8.

Process P7: (Content Browsing, etc.) In the process P6, when it is confirmed that the card is valid, the terminal uses the browsing program to read the content information (FIG. 18) stored in the content information area 224.
(A '), (b'), (c ')), the menu screen content 251 is read and displayed as a menu, and when the user selects a desired menu, the content corresponding to the selected menu is displayed on the content card. Free content area 225 (225 ') or paid content area 2
26 (226 '), performs expansion processing, and displays it on the display unit 165 (or outputs from the sound output unit 166). At this time, when the user performs a browsing end operation of this content, the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the valid count is set in the valid information area 2.
23 (that is, the storage content of the valid information area 223 is updated with the remaining valid number), and the process transits to P11. In addition,
In the case of a content card in which the valid information area 223 is not provided, the decrement of the valid number is not performed. When the valid information is the card use valid time, the value obtained by subtracting the use time (remaining valid use time) is the valid information area 2.
23 is overwritten.

Process P8: (Valid Number Update Selection Judgment) If it is confirmed in the process P6 that the card is not valid, the terminal displays the valid number update method and fee on the display monitor based on the browsing program. I do. If the user wants to update the number of valid times, the user goes to a nearby stationary terminal and performs the operation of updating the number of valid times in P10. (If the number of valid times is not updated, the user cannot use the content card. It will be disposed of.) The same applies to the case where the card expiration date has expired or the case where the card use effective time <the predetermined time.

Process P9: (Preparation for Update by Stationary Terminal) In the process P8, the stationary terminal 241 '
Since the guidance screen 171 as shown in the example of (a) is displayed, the user selects the icon 174 and inserts a content card into the card attaching / detaching portion 246 ′ of the stationary terminal 241 ′. Then, the terminal 241 ′ displays an effective use count update screen 174 ′ as shown in FIG. 31D, and the user selects a desired count by key operation or the like.

Process P10: (Update of valid number of times, etc.)
5 ′ (FIG. 25 (b)), the stationary terminal 24
1 'adds the number of effective uses corresponding to the payment fee to the effective information area of the content card.

Process P11: (Browsing End Determination) When the user performs a browsing end operation, the browsing process ends, and when the next content browsing operation is performed, the process transits to P4. By the process of FIG. 27, the content production company 400 (or the content sales company)
The prepaid sales of the content stored in the content card can be performed based on the update operation (steps P7 and P8) of the number of validity times (or the expiration date and the valid use time) of the content card in the stationary terminal 241 ′. it can.

At the time of sale, the server 250 (25
0 '), the sales amount (collection fee amount) is transmitted, so that the server 250 (250') can regularly (for example, every day) total sales for each content. In addition, a payout or the like to the installer of the stationary terminal 241 ′ can be calculated periodically (for example, monthly). In addition, since the questionnaire and the card identification information are also transmitted to the server 250 (250 '), the content production company grasps the usage status of the content, plans the production of the content, determines the advertisement fee, prepares a report to the advertiser, and the like. It can be performed. FIG. 27
As shown in the example of the flowchart of (b), the content may be browsed as free content a predetermined number of times, and when the number of times exceeds the predetermined number, switching to paid content may be performed on condition of payment of a fee.

That is, when the user selects viewing of free content in FIG. 27A (process P4 → P5),
The user selects whether to switch the free content to the pay content (process P5-2), and when the user selects the switch to the pay content, information corresponding to the free content in the content information 224 (FIG. 18). Is changed from "free" to "pay", and the process transits to the process P8 (process P5-3).

If the user does not select the switching to the pay content in the process P5-2, the valid information 2
23 (FIG. 18) is 0
To make the free content unavailable (browsing prohibited) (process P5-4). In the process of FIG. 27, an area for writing the number of valid times (or valid period, valid use time) is defined as one of the constant areas of the program stored in the program area 227 in order to prevent the card valid number from being fraudulent. Then, the value of the constant area is compared with the contents of the valid information area 223 in the card validity determination in the process P4 by overwriting the remaining valid number (or the remaining valid use time) obtained in the process P3 in the constant area. If they do not match, the content card may be invalidated as a fraudulent card. Alternatively, the content card may not be provided with a valid information area, and the number of valid times and the like may be managed by the server 250 (250 ') via the Internet 260. In this case, the configuration is such that activation of the Internet connection program and establishment of a communication connection between the stationary terminal 241 'and the server 250 (250') via the Internet 260 are performed between the process P3 or P2 and P3.

4- (3): Configuration Example of Server Used in Network FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server. Server 250
(250 ′) denotes a control unit 251, a communication control unit 252, a data transmission / reception unit 253, a data input / output unit 254, a sales data recording unit 255, a questionnaire data recording unit 256, a content updating unit 257, and a package totaling table creation unit 258. It has.

The control section 251 comprises a CPU, a RAM, a program storage memory, and peripheral circuits. Communication control unit 25
2 performs a communication control operation with the Internet 260.
The data transmission / reception unit 253 includes a plurality of reception buffers,
It receives data transmitted from a plurality of stationary terminals and transmits updated content and the like. The data input / output unit 254 accesses the database 280,
Reading data from the database 280 and storing data in the database 280 are performed. The sales data recording unit 255 records sales in the device-specific sales file 281 and the contents-specific billing file 282, and creates detailed data to be written in the detailed data file 283. The questionnaire data recording unit 256 creates file data to be written in the questionnaire file 284 based on the result of the questionnaire.
The content update unit 257 is configured to execute the content file 285
-1 to 285-n are updated. The tally table creation unit 258 stores the sales file 28 for each device.
A sales summary table, a sales trend survey table, and the like are created based on the sales file 282 and the content-by-contents file 282, and a user tendency analysis table and the like are created based on the questionnaire file 284.

The communication control unit 252, the data transmission / reception unit 253, the sales data recording unit 255, the questionnaire data recording unit 256, and the content updating unit 257, other than the input means, and the tally table creation unit 258 are created by a program. Then, the program can be stored in the program storage memory, and can be appropriately executed under the control of the control unit 251. Also,
The server 250 (250 ') is connected to the database 280 (the connection method with the database may be an inline connection, or may be connected via the Internet 260).

The database 280 stores a sales file 281 for each device, a sales file 282 for each content, a specification data file 283, a questionnaire file 284, and content files 285-1 to 285-n. The sales file 281 for each device is
The sales (collection fee) of each stationary terminal 241 ′ connected to the server 250 (250 ′) via the “0” are stored. The content-specific sales file 282 stores sales (collection fee) for each content. Detail data file 283
Stores details of sales and usage count updates (content updates). The questionnaire file 284 stores the results of the questionnaire, and the content files 285-1 to 285-
n stores the content. The server 250
In the case of the method of transmitting the browsing program from (250 ′) to the terminal in which the content card is inserted, the browsing program group 286 is stored in the database 280. WW as a browsing program on the Internet
When the W browser is used, the program group is converted to an HTML file and a content file 285-1 to 285-1.
285-n may be a data file.

4- (4): Configuration Example of Database FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a configuration example of data stored in each file stored in the database 280. The device-specific sales file data 810 contains the device number (or identification number) of the stationary terminal 241 'as shown in FIG.
Number column 811 for storing the number and the daily collection fee column 81 for storing the daily collection amount (sales) for each terminal 241 '.
2 is provided. The sales file data 820 for each content is, as shown in FIG. 29B, a content number column 821 for storing a content number (or identification number).
And a monthly sales amount column 822 for storing monthly sales for each content.

The detailed data file data 830
Is a date column 831 for storing a fee collection date (sales date) as shown in FIG. 29 (c), and a stationary terminal 241 ′.
Device number column 832 for storing the device number of the content, content number column 833 for storing the number of the content, card sales,
It has a section column 834 for storing a section code indicating a sales section such as an effective usage frequency renewal fee and a content renewal fee, and an amount column 835 for storing an actual collected amount (sales amount). The questionnaire file data 840 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (d), the device number column 841 and the basic item column 8
42, an item column 843 relating to content is provided. The device number column 841 stores the device number of the stationary terminal 241 ′. The basic item column 842 includes gender, age, occupation,
Basic questionnaire results such as motivation for use, card acquisition method, card acquisition location, etc. are stored. The item column 843 relating to the content includes the type of the content browsed, the favorite content, the content considered good, the content to be purchased, the undesirable content, the desired price range, the propriety of the advertising method, and the like. Remember. Also, the content files 285-1 to 285-
n is the content number column 8 as shown in FIG.
51, a program ID column 852, a usage fee brochure 853, and a content column 854. Content number column 8
Reference numeral 51 stores a content number. Program ID
The column 852 stores a browsing program ID used to browse (view) this content. Usage fee Brocade 85
Reference numeral 3 stores a standard usage fee (fixed price), and a content column 85.
4 stores the content. When the content is content using a plurality of sub-content files, a pointer column (855) storing the storage address of the sub-content may be provided.

Next, an example of a terminal having a function of updating the number of valid times (or valid period, valid period) of content card sales, content browsing, and content use, content update, and questionnaire collection will be described.

4- (5): Configuration Example of Stationary Terminal for Selling Contents FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a stationary terminal for selling contents. A description will be given of an example of a terminal having a content card sale, content browsing, updating of the number of valid times (or expiration date, effective expiration date) of content usage, addition / update of content, and questionnaire collection function.

The stationary terminal 241 ′ is
1. Communication control unit 362, data transmission / reception unit 363, key operation unit 364, display unit (display monitor) 365, sound output unit 366, fee collection unit 367, content browsing unit 36
8, update unit 369, and content card device unit 370
It has.

The control section 361 comprises a CPU, a RAM, a program storage memory, and peripheral circuits. Communication control unit 36
2 performs a communication control operation with the Internet 260.
The data transmission / reception unit 363 transmits a command, data, and the like from the terminal 241 ′, and receives updated content and additional content from the server 250 (250 ′). The key operation unit 364 includes keys and a mouse for menu selection and questionnaire response. Display (display monitor) 365
Displays content when displaying menus and messages and when browsing content. The sound output unit 366 outputs an operation, content browsing, music, voice, and the like. The charge collecting unit 367 performs a charge collection at the time of selling a content card, a charge collection at the time of browsing paid contents, an update of the effective number of times of use of the contents, and addition / update of contents, and an operation of generating a collection signal. The content browsing unit 368 performs a content browsing operation when the user selects the content browsing menu. The updating unit 369 performs an updating operation such as updating the number of effective times of using the content and updating the content. The content card device section 370 includes a content card device (230) as shown in FIG.

The charge collecting section 367 has a charge collecting port 245 'shown in FIG. 25B, and the content card device section 370 has a card attaching / detaching section 246' for inserting and discharging a content card. When the stationary terminal 241 'also serves as a content card vending machine, a card stocker (not shown) for stocking a plurality of types of content cards and a transport mechanism for taking out the selected content card and transporting the selected content card to the card loading / unloading port 46. (Not shown). In addition, the stationary terminal 2 for selling contents
41 'is a convenience store, station, street, department store,
It is desirable to be installed in a supermarket or the like.

4- (6): Operation Example of Stationary Terminal for Selling Contents FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the stationary terminal 241 'for selling contents. Step S201: (Guidance Screen Display and Selection by User) The terminal 241 ′ is in an activated state (power on), is connected to the Internet 260, and is a terminal for selling contents when a content card is not in use. Is displayed on the display unit 365.

The user can select the icon 172 (“card purchase”), the icon 173 displayed on the guide screen 171.
("Use"), icon 174 ("update effective count"),
When any of the icons 175 (“content update”) is designated by a key operation or the like, a signal is transmitted from the key operation unit 364 to the control unit 361.

Step S202: (Judgment of User Operation) The control unit 361 checks a signal from the key operation unit 364, and if it means "purchase card", transitions to S203, meaning "use". In this case, the process proceeds to S205,
When it means “update of the number of effective uses”, the process proceeds to S207, and when it means “update of contents”, S2.
Transition to 17.

Step S203: (Sale of Content Card) The control unit 361 displays a content sale screen as shown in FIG. 31B, allows the user to select a desired content card, and inputs a fee into the fee slot 245 '. Then, the selected content card is taken out of the content cards stored in the card stocker and transported to the content card loading / unloading port 246 '. In addition, when the user selects a content card, an outline or an abstract can be displayed or a preview can be made.

Step S204: (Transmission of Sales Amount, etc.) The control unit 361 sends a reception request including the card sales amount information of the content card sold in step S203 via the data transmission / reception unit 363, the communication control unit 362, and the Internet 260. To the server 250 (250 '),
The control is returned to S225. In this case, the reception request is the device number of the terminal 241 ′, the data included in the sold content card is the content number, and a data type code meaning “content card sales data” (for example,
"1") and the sales amount (if the content card includes different contents (excluding sub-contents), the amount for each content). It should be noted that the transmission of the sales amount or the like is not performed each time, but transmission information such as the sales amount is held in the memory at the time of sale, and is held in the memory until a predetermined time (that is, periodically). The sales price and the like may be transmitted to the server 250 (250 ′) in a lump.

Step S205: (Content Browsing etc.) The content browsing unit 368 is controlled by the control unit 361 as shown in FIG.
7, the content browsing program stored in the program area 227 (273, 273 ') of the content card is loaded into the RAM and activated. The validity of the content card is determined, and if it is confirmed that the content card is valid, the content information stored in the content information area 224 (FIG.
(B ′), (c ′)) to read the menu screen content 251. Then, a browsing content selection menu as shown in FIG. 31C is displayed, and when the user selects a desired menu, the content corresponding to the selected menu is taken out from the content data area 225 of the content card and subjected to decompression processing. , Display unit 365
(Or output from the sound output unit 366). Hereinafter, the selected content is browsed (viewed) according to the procedure described in the processes P6 to P11.

Step S206: (Calculation of Number of Remaining Effective Uses and Update of Number of Times) When the user performs a browsing end operation of this content, the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of effective uses (remaining effective use number) is overwritten in the effective information area 223. Then, the process transits to S222. At this time, the card identification information and the number of the browsed content may be stored in a memory and calibrated so as to be transmitted to the server 250 (250 ') via the Internet 260 at a predetermined time. When answering a questionnaire or the like, the number of times of use is not reduced or added. The card identification information, the number of the browsed content, and the result of the questionnaire are stored in a memory.
0 may be transmitted to the server.

Step S207: (Card Insertion Detection) In step S222, the user selects the icon 174, and the card attaching / detaching portion 246 'of the stationary terminal 241'.
When the content card is inserted into the terminal 241 ′, the terminal 241 ′ displays or outputs a “message prompting insertion of a content card”. Then, when the user inserts the content card, it detects this and sends a card insertion signal to the control unit 361.

Step S208: (Display and selection of effective use frequency selection screen) Effective use frequency selection screen 17 as shown in FIG.
Since 4 'is displayed, the user selects a desired number of the displayed update times by key operation or the like.

Step S209: (Judgment of Correctness of Collected Charge) The user displays the charge displayed on the screen (or voice output) in step S208 by the charge input port 245 '(FIG. 25B).
, The fee collection unit 367 of the terminal 241 ′ checks whether the input amount matches the display fee, and if they match, the process proceeds to S210. If the input amount exceeds the fee, the change is returned to the fee input port 245 ', and if the input amount is insufficient, an additional input is awaited.

Step S210: (Update of Effective Number of Times, etc.) The control unit 361 adds the number of effective uses corresponding to the payment fee to the effective information area 223 (75) of the inserted content card, and stores the collected fee information in the memory. Hold.

Step S211: (Selection of Possibility of Cooperation of Questionnaire, etc.) The control unit 361 displays on the display unit 365 a message stating “Updating the content content to the latest content free of charge when responding to the questionnaire” and displaying a selection icon. When the user selects the icon for responding to the questionnaire, the process proceeds to S212. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S216. In addition,
When the user responds to the questionnaire, the content of the discount is updated to the latest content and a selection icon is displayed. When the user selects the icon to respond to the questionnaire, the difference of the discount fee is returned and the process returns to S212. The transition may be made.

Step S212: (Questionnaire) The control section 361 displays a questionnaire screen (not shown), conducts a user questionnaire, and stores the questionnaire result in the memory.

Step S213: (Connection to Internet and Transmission of Questionnaire Result, etc.) The control unit 361 performs an operation of connecting to the Internet 260, and sends a reception request including the questionnaire result and a transmission request including the effective use count update fee information. Server 250 (250 ')
Send to In this case, the reception request including the questionnaire result includes the device number of the terminal 241 ′, the data type code (for example, “2”) meaning “questionnaire and data” and the questionnaire result (questionnaire data), The transmission request including the information includes a device number of the terminal 241 ′, a content number, a data type code (for example, “3”) meaning “effective usage count update fee data”,
And the collected amount (if the content card includes different contents (excluding sub-contents), the amount is prorated to each content).

[0171] The display unit 365 displays "Increase the number of effective uses when responding to a questionnaire" and displays an icon for selection. When the user selects an icon to respond to the questionnaire, a questionnaire screen (shown in FIG. 17) is displayed. Z)
Is displayed, a user questionnaire is conducted, and a predetermined number of valid times is added to the valid information field 223 (275) of the content card, and then the questionnaire result is transmitted to the server 250 (25).
0 ′).

Step S214: (Reception of Updated Content) When the server 250 (250 ′) receives the questionnaire result transmitted in step S213, the server 250
(250 ') transmits the updated content to the terminal 241' when the content of the database corresponding to the content of the content card has been updated (see FIG. 33), so that the terminal 241 ' To receive.

Step S215: (Updating the Contents of the Content Card) The update unit 369 controls the above-described step S215 under the control of the control unit 361
The content received in 214 is overwritten and stored in the content data area 225 (25 ') of the inserted content card (that is, the content card content is updated with the latest content), and the process proceeds to S225.
If the display unit 365 displays a message stating that "if you answer the questionnaire, the valid use count is added" and displays a selection icon on the display unit 365, the content is not updated for free (server 250 ( 250 ')
Does not transmit the updated content (see FIG. 33).

Step S216: (Transmission of Effective Number Collection Fee Information, etc.) The control unit 361 performs a connection operation with the Internet 260, and transmits a transmission request including the effective use number update fee information to the server 250 (250 ′). Transit to S225. In this case, the transmission request includes the device number of the terminal 241 ′, the content number, the data type code (for example, “3”) meaning “effective usage count update fee data”, and the sales amount (contents different from the content card ( (Excluding sub-contents), it includes the amount of money prorated for each content). The card identification information and the collection fee information stored in the card identification information area 221 of the content card are transmitted to the server 250 (250 '), and the process proceeds to S225. In this case, instead of transmitting the fee information and the like each time a fee is collected, the fee information is stored in a memory, connected to the Internet for a predetermined time (that is, periodically), and stored in the memory until then. Collects the card identification information and the collected fee information collected by the server 250 (25
0 ′).

Step S 217: (Display of Content Update Screen) The control unit 361 determines the icon 175 in the step S 222.
Is selected, a menu screen 171 for updating the content as shown in FIG. 31 (e) is displayed. FIG. 31 (e)
In the example, the control unit 361 is the content card device unit 37
0 to control the content information area 2 of the content card.
The content name stored in the menu 24 (224 ') is displayed after the menu. It should be noted that additional contents such as new contents may be displayed on the menu.

Step S218: (Designation of Update Content) When the user selects and designates a plurality of contents on the menu screen 171 by a key operation or the like, the control unit 361 holds the designated content number in the memory (menu number) When “0” is designated, the numbers of all the displayed contents are held). When the additional content can be selected and specified, the content number is held when the additional content is specified.

Step S219: (Transmission of Selected Content Number, etc.) When the selection of the updated content in step S218 is completed, the control unit 361 transmits a reception request including the content number held in the memory in step S218 via the Internet 260. To the server 250 (250 ').
In this case, the reception request includes the device number of the terminal 241 ′, the data type code (for example, “4”) meaning “content update designation data”, and the update-designated content number or classification number (sub-content If included)
It is included.

Step S220: (Reception of Updated Content) If the content of the database corresponding to the content of the content card is updated (added), the server 250 (250 ′) updates (adds) the transmission request. A list of content to send,
The terminal 241 'receives the transmitted updated (additional) content list, the sales price information, and the updated (additional) content because the terminal transmits the sales price information and the updated (added) content.

Step S221: (Received Content List, Charge Display, etc.) The control unit 361 receives the content list and the charge information received in step S220, and displays them on the screen (if there are a plurality of contents, the charge list is displayed). The total is calculated and displayed together with the usage fee of each content), and the input of the fee is prompted by a display message or voice.

Step S222: (Determination of Correctness of Collected Charge) The user displays the charge displayed on the screen (or voice output) in step S221 by the charge input port 245 ′ (FIG. 25 (b)).
, The fee collection unit 367 of the terminal 241 ′ checks the input amount, and if the input amount matches the displayed amount, the process transits to S 2223. If the input amount exceeds the fee, the change is returned to the fee input port 245 ', and if the input amount is insufficient, an additional input is awaited.

Step S223: (Updating of Contents) The update unit 369 controls the above-described step S223 under the control of the control unit 361.
The content received at 220 is overwritten and stored in the content data area 225 (25 ') of the inserted content card (that is, the content of the content card is updated with the latest content).

Step S224: (Transmission of Content Update Charge Collection Data, etc.) The control section 361 transmits a transmission request including the content update collection information to the server 250 (250 '), and transitions to S225. In this case, the transmission request includes the device number of the terminal 241 ', the content number, a data type code (for example, "5") meaning "content update fee collection data",
And the collected amount (if the content card includes different contents (excluding sub-contents), the amount is prorated to each content). The card identification information and the collection fee information stored in the card identification information area 221 of the content card are stored in the server 250 (25
0 ') and the process goes to S225.

Step S225: (Discharge of Content Card) The terminal 241 ′ discharges the content card to the outside from the content card loading / unloading port 246 ′, and returns the control to step S200.

4- (7): Operation Example of Server FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the server in the content selling method using the network system of FIG. 26, and FIG. FIG. 33B shows an example in which a browsing program is downloaded from a server. Also, the server 250 (250 ') and the stationary terminal 24
1 'is connected to the Internet 260.

Step T1: (Determining Reception) In FIG. 33 (a), the server 250 (250 ′) receives a reception request from a certain terminal 241 ′ of a plurality of stationary terminals connected to the Internet 260. The data (device number, data type, data string) following the reception request is received and taken into the reception buffer.

Step T2: (Determination of Data Type) The control unit 251 checks the data type of the received data stored in the reception buffer, and if it indicates “content card sales data”, transits to T3, If it means "questionnaire data", the process transits to Step T6.
If it means “effective use count update fee collection data”, the process proceeds to step T7 to “content update request data”
If it means, the process transits to Step T10. Step T for “content update fee collection data”
Transition is made to 14.

Step T3: (Creation of Detail Data and Storage in Detail File) The sales data storage unit 55 stores the date (year, month, day, time) obtained based on the timer under the control of the control unit 251 in the date column 831.
Then, the device number extracted from the reception buffer is stored in the device number column 832. Also, extract the content number, data type code, and card sales amount from the data string,
Content number column 833, division column 834, amount column 835
, And the detail data 830 is created, and additionally stored in the detail data file 283 of the database 280 via the data input / output unit 254. When the content numbers are different (excluding the case of sub-contents), detailed data is created for each content.

Step T4: (Recording in Sales File by Device) The sales data storage unit 55 searches the sales file 281 by device in the database 280 using the device number extracted from the reception buffer as a key, and the device numbers match. The card sales amount is added to the column of the same date in the collection fee column by date 812 of the file data.

Step T5: (Recording in Content-Based Sales File) The sales data storage unit 55 searches the content-based sales file 282 in the database 280 using the content number extracted from the reception buffer as a key, and the content numbers match. The card sales amount is added to the column of the same month in the monthly sales column 812 of the file data, and step T1
Return control to

Step T6: (Creation of Questionnaire Data and Recording in Questionnaire File) The questionnaire data recording unit 256 extracts the device number from the received data and stores it in the device number column 841, and extracts the basic questionnaire items from the questionnaire data. In the basic item column 842. The questionnaire result of the questionnaire item related to the content is extracted, stored in the item column 843 related to the content, and stored (added) in the questionnaire file.
Then, control is returned to T1.

Step T7: (Creation of Detail Data and Storage in Detail File) The sales data storage section 255 stores the date (year, month, day, time) obtained based on the timer under the control of the control section 251 in the date column 831.
Then, the device number extracted from the reception buffer is stored in the device number column 832. From the data column, the content number, data type code, effective usage count update amount (value of collection fee)
And the content number column 833 and the division column 83
4. The detailed data 830 is sequentially stored in the amount column 835, and the detailed data 830 is created.
0 is additionally stored in the detailed data file 283. In addition,
When the content numbers are different (excluding the case of sub-contents), detailed data is created for each content.

Step T8: (Recording in Sales File by Device) The sales data storage unit 255 searches the sales file 281 by device in the database 280 using the device number extracted from the reception buffer as a key, and the device numbers match. The usage effective number update amount (value of the collection fee) is added to the column of the same date in the collection fee column by date 812 of the file data.

Step T9: (Recording in Content-Based Sales File) The sales data storage unit 55 searches the content-based sales file 282 of the database 280 using the content number extracted from the reception buffer as a key. Monthly sales column 822 for file data with matching content numbers
In the same month column of the number of valid usage updates (collection fee value)
Is added, and control is returned to T1.

Step T10: (Search for Update Target Content File) The control unit 251 sequentially retrieves the content number designated to be updated and the update date of the content from the received data received in step T1. The content files 285-1 to 285-n of the database 280 are searched, and the update date of the content whose content number matches is retrieved.

Step T11: (Determination of Updating of Content to be Updated) The control unit 251 compares the update date of the content extracted in step T10 with the update date of the update-designated content. If the update date of the content specified to be updated is older, the target content is determined to have been updated, and the process proceeds to T12; otherwise, the process proceeds to T13.

Step T12: (Transmission of Updated Content) The control unit 251 receives the content (compressed file) having the same content number in step T10 as the data transmitting / receiving unit 253 and the terminal number of the terminal that has received the usage fee information via the Internet 260. Stationary terminal (241 ')
Send to

Step T13: (End Determination of Update Target Content) The control unit 251 repeats the operations of T11 to T13 for all of the update target content numbers stored in the received data. return.

Step T14: (Creation of Detail Data and Recording in Detail File) The sales data storage section 255 stores the date (year, month, day, time) obtained based on the timer under the control of the control section 251 in the date column 831.
Then, the device number extracted from the reception buffer is stored in the device number column 832. The content number, the data type code, and the content update amount (the value of the collection fee) are extracted from the data sequence, and the content number column 833, the classification column 834,
The detailed data 830 is created by sequentially storing the detailed data 830 in the money amount column 835, and the data
Is additionally stored in the detailed data file 283. When the content numbers are different (excluding the case of sub-contents), detailed data is created for each content.

Step T15: (Storing in Sales File by Device) The sales data storage unit 255 searches the sales file 281 by device in the database 280 using the device number extracted from the reception buffer as a key, and the device numbers match. The content update amount (value of the collection fee) is added to the column of the same date in the collection fee column 822 of the file data.

Step T16: (Recording in Sales File by Content) Also, the sales data storage section 255 uses the content number taken out from the reception buffer as a key to make the database 280
The content-based sales file 282 is searched. Monthly sales column 81 of file data with matching content numbers
Content update amount (value of collection fee) in the same month column of 2
Is added, and control is returned to T1.

(Operation example when downloading a browsing machine from a server) In FIG. 33B, of the operations when downloading a browsing machine from a server, the operations in steps T2 to T16 are the same as those in FIG. The operation is the same as that shown in FIG.
In the case where the reception request in step T1 of (a) is not received, the operation following the program transmission request determination (T17 to T2)
0).

Step T17: (Extraction of Content Number) The control unit 251 extracts a content number (or content classification number) from the received data received in step T1.

Step T18: (Search for File Corresponding to Content) The control section 251 searches the content files 285-1 to 285-n of the database 280 using the content number (or content classification number) as a key. The browsing program ID for this content is extracted from the program ID column 2852 of the matched content file, and the browsing program (program file) stored in the browsing program storage area 86 is searched using the ID as a key.
Retrieve the matching browsing program.

Step T19: (Transmission of Browsing Program) The control unit 251 receives the browsing program (compressed file) extracted in step T18 via the data transmission / reception unit 253 and the Internet 260, and enters the stationary terminal ( 41 ').

Step T20: (End Determination of Update Target Content) The control unit 251 repeats the above-described operations of T17 to T19 for all of the update target content numbers stored in the received data. return.

4- (8): Example of Operation of Fetching (Receiving) Program of Terminal at Content Browsing FIG. 34 shows a detailed operation of the process P3 in FIG. 27, that is, an example of an operation of loading (receiving) a program of the terminal for content browsing. It is a flowchart. FIG. 34A shows an example in which an Internet connection program such as a card driver and a WWW browser is installed in a terminal, an Internet connection setting is performed, and a browsing program is stored in a content card. FIG. 34B shows an example in which an Internet connection program such as a WWW browser is installed in a terminal and an Internet connection setting is performed, and an example in which a browsing program is stored in a server (3- (3)). -(2)).

4- (8)-(A): Example of Program Import Operation from Content Card Step U1: (Activation of Card Driver) In FIG. 34A, when a content card is inserted, the control unit of the terminal sets Start the card driver (installed on the terminal in this example).

Step U2: (Determination of Type of Content Card) Next, when the content card becomes accessible, the card identification information area 221 (71) of the content card is read and the type of the content card (see FIGS. 18 and 23) Find out.

Step U3: (Activation of the browsing program loader) The control unit (not shown) of the terminal, among the content browsing program loaders included in the card driver, determines the type of the content card determined in step U1 (that is, the content card). ) And activates the content browsing program loader (program).

Step U4: (Capture of program from content card, etc.) The control unit of the terminal controls the content browsing program loader, and the program area 225 (7
The content browsing program is read from 3) and stored in the RAM via the buffer of the terminal. According to the above-mentioned operation, the content browsing program dedicated to the content stored in the content card inserted into the terminal can be taken into an executable state.

4- (8)-(B): Example of Program Download Operation from Server Step U1 ': (Activation of Card Driver) In FIG. 34B, when a content card is inserted, the control unit of the terminal sets Start the card driver (installed on the terminal in this example).

Step U2 ′: (Import of Card Identification Information) When the content card becomes accessible, the content information is read from the content information area 224 (24 ′) of the content card and stored in the RAM.

Step U3 ': (Transmission of program transmission request to server) The control unit of the terminal determines the content number and the terminal 241' of the content information loaded into the RAM in step U2 '.
Is transmitted to the server 250 (250 ') via the Internet 260.

Step U4 ′: (Reception of Program from Server) When receiving the content browsing program for the content card from the server 250 (250 ′), the program is taken into the reception buffer of the terminal, transferred to the RAM and stored (FIG. 3
3 (b)). According to the above-mentioned operation, the content browsing program for the content stored in the content card inserted into the terminal can be downloaded and made executable.

In the example of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 32 to 34, when a WWW browser is used as the browsing program on the Internet, the program group is divided into an HTML file and a content file 285-
1-285-n may be used as the data file. In this case, a WWW browser is resident on the terminal side, and H is stored in the content data area 225 (25 ') of the content card.
The data file referred to in the web page generated from the TML file is stored, and in the example of FIG. 33B, the HTML file is downloaded instead of the browsing program.

[0216] In the content sales example, the case where the number of times of effective use is updated or the content is updated only with the stationary terminal 241 'has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when updating the number of times of effective use or updating the content, the user is first configured to perform user registration in the server and configured to charge the user so that each terminal 241, 41 ', 41 " It can be configured to update the number of times of use or update the content.The stationary terminal may be a stand-alone terminal that is not connected to a network.
The stationary terminal is configured so that a storage medium for storing the collection fee and a storage medium for storing the update content are detachable.

In each of the above embodiments, the shape of the content card is not limited to a square. The network to be connected is not limited to the Internet (including wireless). The stationary terminal may be a stand-alone terminal that is not connected to a network. In this case, the stationary terminal is configured so that a storage medium for storing the collection fee and a storage medium for storing the content for updating are detachably attached. Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made.

[0218]

As described above, according to the first and sixth aspects of the present invention, it is only necessary to store the variation data in the storage medium, and the storage control processing is simplified. Also,
Since the variable data is data associated with the fixed data, the fixed data can be read based on the variable data, so that the fixed data can be put into a manageable state.

According to the second and seventh aspects of the present invention,
It is only necessary to store the search data in the storage medium, and the storage control processing becomes simple. In addition, since the content data can be searched based on the search data, the content data can be managed.

According to the third and eighth aspects of the present invention,
It is only necessary to store the heading information in the storage medium, and the storage control processing becomes simple. Further, since the detailed data can be searched based on the heading information, the detailed data can be managed.

According to the fourth and ninth aspects of the present invention,
It is only necessary to store the compressed data corresponding to the high-quality data in the storage medium, and the storage control processing becomes simple.
Further, since high-quality data corresponding to the compressed data can be searched, high-quality data can be managed.

According to the fifth and tenth aspects of the present invention, since only the security information is stored, the storage control processing is not complicated, and the security of the storage medium and the security of the content data can be ensured. Become.

According to the invention as set forth in claims 11 to 19, paid content data and free content data are stored in a storage medium and distributed, and the paid content data can be read on condition of payment of a fee. Can be constructed. In particular, claims 12 and 17
According to the described invention, it is also possible to download information stored in the server system and store the information in the storage medium.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a card-shaped storage medium of the present invention.

2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example (region layout example) of two storage units having different access methods on the card in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an area layout of two storage units (IC and CD) having different access methods on a card.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a card reading device that accesses a storage unit using a different access method on a card and reads stored data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of data (files) stored in storage units provided on a card and having different access methods.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a parts inventory management device using a card having storage units having different access methods.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of operation of a parts inventory management device using a card provided with a storage unit having a different access method.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an embodiment of data (files) stored in storage units provided on the card and having different access methods.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment of data (files) stored in storage units provided on the card and having different access methods.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation outline of a navigation device using a card provided with a storage unit having a different access method.

FIG. 11 is an example in which a card provided with a storage unit having a different access method is applied to a content browsing apparatus including a terminal such as a portable information terminal or a personal computer.

FIG. 12 is an example in which a card provided with a storage unit having a different access method is applied to a content browsing device including a terminal such as a portable information terminal or a personal computer.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of compressed data and high-quality data stored in a card having storage units having different access methods.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of security data stored in an IC.

FIG. 15 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an information management system based on the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an information management system based on the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a card-type storage medium (content card) storing content.

18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example (region layout example) of an optical storage unit of the content card in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing one embodiment of free content (file) stored in a free content area.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a pay content (file) stored in a pay content area.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a content card storing content.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a content card storing content.

23 is the content card 21 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. FIG.
Configuration example of each storage unit 1, 211 '(region layout example)
FIG.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a content card device connected (or built-in) to a content browsing terminal.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a content card browsing terminal.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a network system applied to the content selling method of the present invention.

27 is an explanatory diagram (process chart) of a content selling method using the network system of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of data stored in each file stored in a database.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a stationary terminal.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a screen displayed on the display monitor of the stationary terminal.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the stationary terminal at the time of updating the number of valid times and the like.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a server.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of a program fetching (receiving) operation of the content browsing terminal.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 CD (dynamic storage unit) 7, 7 'IC (static storage unit) 10 Card (storage medium) 34 First access means 38, 39 Second access means 41-1 to 41-i Part variation data ( Fluctuation data) 42-1 to 42-n Parts data (fixed data) 61-1 to 61-j Regional vegetation distribution data (nonstandard data) 62-1 to 62-m National vegetation distribution data (standard data) 81-1 -81-N Route data (search data) 82-1 to 82-N Map file (content data) 91-1 to 91-K Sightseeing spot guidance data (heading information) 92-1 to 92-K map data ( Detail data) 120 Card security data (security information of storage medium) 130 Content security data (security information of content) 202 Optical storage unit (optical storage unit) 207 IC (electronic storage unit) 210 CD card, content card (card type storage medium) 274 content data area (simple information storage area) 223, 275 valid information area (valid information storage area) 25, 25 ′ content data area ( Content data storage area) 226, 273, 273 ′ program area (program storage area) 241, 241 ″ terminal, content browsing terminal (external terminal, content browsing terminal) 241 ′ stationary terminal (content data selling terminal) 250, 250 'server 260 Internet (network) 280 database (content storage means) 290 card (card-shaped storage medium) 291 card number (card identification information) 292 dial-up connection information 293 viewable number 365 display unit (notification) Stage) 466 audio output unit (notification means) 467 fee collection section (fee collection means) 469 content update unit (content update means)

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] June 20, 2001 (2001.6.2)
0)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0003

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which a plurality of storage units are provided on a single storage medium, and various data are stored in these storage units. This technology is disclosed in
0-1 6 2446 No. disclosed technology (hereinafter, prior referred art A), to the technique disclosed JP 10-171697 (hereinafter, referred to as the prior art B), and JP-A-11-16175
No. 0 discloses a technique (hereinafter referred to as a conventional technique C).

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06K 17/00 ZEC G06K 17/00 ZECB 5C064 19/08 G11B 20/10 D 5D044 G11B 20/10 27/00 D 5D077 27/00 H04N 7/173 610A 5D110 H04N 7/173 610 5/85 B // H04N 5/85 G06K 19/00 F (72) Inventor Akihiro Tsukamoto 3-2-1 Sakaemachi, Hamura-shi, Tokyo Casio F-term (reference) in Hamura R & D Center, Computer Co., Ltd. PQ46 5C052 AA02 AA17 AB03 AB04 AC08 CC11 DD04 DD10 GB01 GB09 GC05 GC09 GC10 GE08 5C064 BA07 BB10 BC01 BC18 BC20 BC25 BD08 BD09 5D044 AB06 AB07 BC03 CC06 CC08 DE29 DE48 DE57 FG18 GK12 HL02 5D077 AA17 AA26 BA19 CA02 CB17 DC01 DD11 5D110 AA08 AA15 BB03 DA11 DB03 DB08 DC06 DE01 EA07 EA15 FA02

Claims (20)

[Claims] A first storage unit that stores information by a first access method; and a second storage unit that stores fixed data by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management device for storing data in a storage medium and reading data from the server system, the connection means connecting the storage medium to a server system on the Internet via a network, and The variable data associated with the read fixed data is stored in the first
A data management device comprising: a storage control unit that stores the fixed data corresponding to the variable data from the second storage unit by the second access method. A first storage unit that stores information by a first access method; and a second storage unit that stores content data by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management device for storing data in the storage medium and reading the data, wherein the first storage unit stores search data associated with the content data by the first access method; and A data management device comprising: a reading unit configured to read the content data corresponding to the search data from the second storage unit by the second access method. 3. A first storage unit for storing information by a first access method, and a second storage unit for storing detailed data by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management device that stores data in a storage medium and reads out the data, wherein the first storage unit stores heading information associated with the detailed data by the first access method, A data management device comprising: a reading unit configured to read the detailed data corresponding to the heading information from the second storage unit by the second access method. 4. A first storage unit for storing information by a first access method, and a second storage unit storing uncompressed high-quality data by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management device for storing data in a storage medium having a storage unit and reading out the data, wherein the first storage unit stores compressed data associated with the high-quality data by the first access method. A data management device comprising: a storage control unit for storing; and a reading unit for reading out the high-quality data corresponding to the compressed data from the second storage unit by the second access method. 5. A first storage unit for storing information by a first access method, and a second storage unit for storing high-quality image data by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management device for storing data in a storage medium having: and reading out the data from the first storage unit, wherein the thumbnail data associated with the high-definition image data and having a reduced amount of information is stored in the first storage unit. A data management device comprising: a storage control unit configured to store the image data by an access method; and a reading unit configured to read the high-quality image data corresponding to the thumbnail data from the second storage unit by the second access method. . 6. The first storage unit is a static storage unit,
The data management device according to claim 1, wherein the second storage unit is a dynamic storage unit. 7. A first storage unit for storing information by a first access method, and a second storage unit for storing fixed data by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management method for storing data in a storage medium and reading data from the server system, comprising: connecting the storage medium to a server system on the Internet via a network; The variable data associated with the read fixed data is stored in the first
And a reading step of reading out the fixed data corresponding to the variable data from the second storage unit by the second access method. 8. A storage device comprising: a first storage unit that stores information by a first access method; and a second storage unit that stores content data by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management method for storing data in a storage medium and reading the data, wherein the first storage unit stores search data associated with the content data by the first access method. A reading step of reading the content data corresponding to the search data from the second storage unit by the second access method. 9. A first storage unit that stores information by a first access method, and a second storage unit that stores detailed data by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management method for storing data in the storage medium and reading the data, wherein the first storage unit stores heading information associated with the detailed data by the first access method, A step of reading out the detailed data corresponding to the heading information from the second storage unit by the second access method. 10. A first storage unit for storing information by a first access method, and a second storage unit for storing uncompressed high-definition data by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management method for storing data in a storage medium having a storage unit and reading the data, wherein compressed data associated with the high-quality data is stored in the first storage unit by the first access method. A data management method comprising: a storage control step of causing the high-quality data corresponding to the compressed data to be read from the second storage unit by the second access method. 11. A first storage unit for storing information by a first access method, and a second storage unit for storing high-quality image data by a second access method different from the first access method. A data management method for storing data in a storage medium provided with and reading the data, wherein the first storage unit associates the thumbnail data with a reduced amount of information with the high-quality image data with the first storage unit. A data management method comprising: a storage control step of storing data by an access method; and a reading step of reading the high-quality image data corresponding to the thumbnail data from the second storage unit by the second access method. . 12. The data management according to claim 7, wherein the first storage unit is a static storage unit, and the second storage unit is a dynamic storage unit. Method. 13. A data reading device for reading data from a card-shaped optical storage medium having free content data stored in a first storage unit and paid content data stored in a second storage unit. Reading means capable of reading the free and paid content data; prohibiting means for prohibiting reading of the paid content data by the reading means; permitting the reading means to read the paid content in accordance with a predetermined procedure. A data reading device comprising: 14. The data reading apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising connection means for connecting the storage medium to a center server system via the Internet. 15. A card-shaped optical storage medium having free content data stored in a first storage unit and pay content data stored in a second storage unit, and the content data is transferred from the storage medium. An information management system comprising a reading device for reading, wherein one of the storage medium and the reading device is allowed to read the free content data by the reading device, but is prohibited to read the paid content data. An information management system, comprising: a prohibition unit for performing the operation and a permission unit for permitting the reading device to read the pay content by a predetermined procedure. 16. The information management system according to claim 15, wherein said prohibition means is provided in said storage medium. 17. The information management system according to claim 15, wherein the prohibition unit is provided in the reading device. 18. The information management system according to claim 15, wherein the reading device includes a connection unit that connects the storage medium to a server system via the Internet. 19. A card-shaped optical storage medium having free content data stored in a first storage section and paid content data stored in a second storage section, and the content data is stored in the storage medium from the card-shaped optical storage medium. A reading device to be read, and a server system on the Internet to which the reading device is connectable and managed by a center; and the storage medium, the reading device, or the server; Prohibiting means for permitting reading of free content data but prohibiting reading of the pay content data, and permitting means for permitting the reading device to read the pay content by a predetermined procedure. Information management system. 20. A data reading method for reading data from a card-shaped optical storage medium having free content data stored in a first storage unit and paid content data stored in a second storage unit. A prohibition step of prohibiting the reading of the pay content data by a reading means capable of reading the free and paid content data; and a permission step of permitting the reading means to read the paid content in accordance with a predetermined procedure. A data reading method comprising: