JP2002196935A - Program delivery system, simulated execution method, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program delivery system easily usable by a user, a simulated execution method, and a recording medium. SOLUTION: The user inputs a retrieval condition for specifying a desired program executable by a function electronic calculator 400 from a terminal device 300. The inputted retrieval condition is transmitted to a delivery server 100 through a communication network N. The delivery server 100 retrieves a program fit for the retrieval condition, and transmits the retrieval result to the terminal device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a program distribution system for distributing a program executable by a computer,
The present invention relates to a simulation execution method and a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, scientific calculators having a programming function in addition to various arithmetic functions have been provided. In a scientific calculator having this programming function, a program created by a user is stored in advance so that the program can be executed as needed.

[0003] Therefore, even in an analysis in which the calculation process is complicated, such as a statistical analysis, for example, if a program suitable for the algorithm of the calculation process is created in advance, the program can be executed as appropriate. Analysis results can be obtained quickly and accurately.

Under the above-mentioned background, there is also provided a system for distributing a program executable by a scientific calculator via the Web. According to this system, a user of a scientific calculator accesses a program distributor's homepage from a terminal device or the like, and downloads a desired program from abundant programs posted on the homepage, thereby creating a program. The time and effort required can be saved.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional program distribution system, abundant programs are posted on the website of the program distributor, but a user can select a desired program from the abundant programs. Sometimes it was difficult to find a program.

[0006] Some websites of program distributors provide simple explanations on how to handle the program.
In some cases, the user is not sure whether the program is the desired program or not. In particular, a user who does not have detailed technical knowledge about the program may hesitate to download the program in such a case.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a program distribution system, a simulation execution method, and a recording medium that are easy for a user to use.

[0008]

The present invention has the following features in order to achieve the above object. In the following description of the invention-specifying matters, components corresponding to the embodiments will be illustrated in parentheses with reference numerals in the drawings.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a program distribution system (for example, a program distribution system) including storage means (for example, the storage unit 106) for previously storing a plurality of programs executable by an electronic computer (for example, a scientific calculator 400). 1) a specification unit (for example, an input unit 302) for specifying a desired program among the programs stored in the storage unit, and a specification for transmitting specific information indicating the program specified by the specification unit. A user terminal (for example, the receiving terminal 300) including an information transmitting unit (for example, the transmission control unit 304); and a specific information receiving unit (for example, the transmission control unit 104) for receiving the specific information transmitted by the specific information transmitting unit. ) And a form of a program capable of executing the program represented by the specific information received by the specific information receiving means. Executing means for executing converted to (e.g., CPU 101) and the execution result transmitting means for transmitting an execution result of the execution unit to the user terminal (e.g.,
And a simulation device (for example, the distribution server 100) having the transmission control unit 104).

[0010] In the first aspect of the present invention, the user:
A desired program is designated from the programs stored in the storage means via the designation means of the user terminal. Then, the specific information transmitting means of the user terminal transmits the specific information representing the program specified by the specifying means. On the other hand, in the simulation device, the specific information receiving means receives the specific information transmitted by the specific information transmitting means. The executing means converts the program represented by the specific information received by the specific information receiving means into a form of a program executable by itself and executes the program. The execution result transmitting means transmits an execution result of the executing means to the user terminal.

[0011] Thus, even if the user does not have specialized knowledge about the program, before downloading the desired program and executing the downloaded program on the computer, the execution result of the program is displayed on the user terminal. You can know. Therefore, the user can easily determine whether or not the program selected by himself / herself is a desired program, as compared with the related art in which only the description of the program is simply presented. Also, by providing such convenience, the user's willingness to purchase can be promoted, so that the program distributor can secure many users.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the program distribution system according to the first aspect, the user terminal includes data input means for inputting data relating to the program specified by the specifying means, and the data input means. Data transmitting means for transmitting the data inputted by the means, the simulation apparatus further comprises data receiving means for receiving the data transmitted from the data transmitting means, and the executing means comprises: The program is executed based on the data received by the receiving means.

[0013] In the second aspect of the present invention, the user:
Data relating to the program specified by the specifying means is input via the data input means of the user terminal. Then, the data transmission means of the user terminal transmits the data input by the data input means. On the other hand, in the simulation device, the data receiving means receives data transmitted from the data transmitting means. The executing means executes the program based on the data received by the data receiving means.

Thus, the user can download the desired program and know the execution mode of the program on the user device before executing the downloaded program on the computer. Therefore, as compared with the related art in which only the description of the program is simply presented, the user can more specifically and easily determine whether the program selected by himself / herself performs the intended processing. Also, by providing such convenience and interest, the user's willingness to purchase can be promoted, so that the program distributor can secure more users.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a computer which can be connected to a network and a distribution server which distributes a program in response to a request transmitted from the computer via the network. A method for simulating a program, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a simulated execution request of the program transmitted from the computer prior to distribution of the program; and a program to be simulated and received by the receiving step. A converting step of converting the data into a program form executable by itself, a detecting step of detecting data input to the program included in the simulation execution request received in the receiving step, and a detecting step of detecting the data input in the detecting step. The converted data into the program converted in the conversion step. A processing step of performing a simulation execution process, and the simulated execution treated results in this process step characterized by comprising a transmission step of transmitting to the electronic computer.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the distribution server receives, in the receiving step, a simulation execution request of the program transmitted from the computer prior to the distribution of the program, and in the conversion step, determines whether the simulation execution target is Is converted into a program form that can be executed by itself, and in the detection step, data included in the simulation execution request and input to the program is detected, and in the processing step, the detected data is converted in the conversion step. A simulation execution process is performed by inputting to the program, and in the transmission step, the result of the simulation execution process is transmitted to the computer, so that even a user who does not have expertise in the program downloads and downloads the desired program. Before running the program,
The execution result of the program can be known by the computer. Therefore, the user can easily determine whether or not the program selected by himself / herself is a desired program, as compared with the related art in which only the description of the program is simply presented. Also, by providing such convenience,
Since the user's willingness to purchase can be promoted, the program distributor can secure many users.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program executable by a server which is connected to a computer via a network and distributes a program executable by the computer in response to a request transmitted from the computer. A storage medium storing the program code for detecting that the specific information is received as a request from the computer,
A program code for designating a program requested by the computer from a plurality of programs stored in a program storage device connected in advance based on the detected specific information, and converting the program into a program form executable by itself. And a program code for inputting and executing data included in the specific information to the converted program, and a program code for transmitting an execution result of the program to the computer.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the reception of the specific information as a request from the computer is detected, and a plurality of the specific information are stored in the program storage device connected in advance based on the detected specific information. The computer specifies a program requested by the computer from the program, converts the program into a program form executable by itself, inputs data included in the specific information into the converted program, executes the program, and executes the execution result of the program electronically. Since the execution of the program to be transmitted to the computer can be controlled on the server, even a user who does not have specialized knowledge about the program downloads the desired program and, before executing the downloaded program, electronically executes the execution result of the program. You can find out with a calculator. Therefore, the user can easily determine whether or not the program selected by himself / herself is a desired program, as compared with the related art in which only the description of the program is simply presented. Also, by providing such convenience, the user's willingness to purchase can be promoted, so that the program distributor can secure many users.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a program distribution system to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the program distribution system 1 includes a distribution server 100, a plurality of program providing terminals 200,.
, And a plurality of scientific calculators 400. Each of these components is a communication network N
And are mutually accessible.

The distribution server 100 is a server owned by a person who manages and operates the program distribution system 1 (hereinafter, referred to as a “management company”).
, And collectively manages programs executable by the scientific calculator 400 (hereinafter simply referred to as “programs”) or programs created by the management company, and distributes the programs to the receiving terminals 300.

The program providing terminals 200 are servers owned by a person who creates a program like a so-called power user (hereinafter, referred to as “creator”), and distributes the program created by the creator to the distribution server 100. Send to

The receiving terminals 300 are purchasers of programs managed by the management company (hereinafter, referred to as “users”).
Downloads a desired program from a plurality of programs collectively managed by the distribution server 100. In addition, the receiving terminal 300 transmits search conditions for searching for a desired program to the distribution server 100 in the course of downloading.

The scientific calculators 400 are detachably connected to the receiving terminal 300 by wired or wireless communication means, and receive programs received by the receiving terminals 300 via the communication means. Executes processing according to the program.

The communication network N is a communication network constituted by wired or wireless communication means such as the Internet or a personal computer communication network.
It has a plurality of public lines such as a DN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line and a plurality of lines independently constructed.

Next, the internal configuration of the distribution server 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the distribution server 100. As shown in FIG.
The main part of is constituted by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, an input unit 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a transmission control unit 104, a display unit 105, and a storage unit 106. These components are connected by a bus 108, and mutually transmit and receive data, control signals, and the like.

The CPU 101 controls the other components of the distribution server 100 in a unified manner, and executes various processes. When executing various processes, the CPU 101 reads out the system programs and the processing programs stored in the storage unit 106, expands them in the RAM 103, sequentially executes various processes according to the expanded programs, and stores the execution results in the storage unit 106. Save to a specified storage location. In this way, the function as the distribution server 100 is realized.

More specifically, the CPU 101 executes a search process, a download count update process, a simulation execution process, a billing process, and a payment process according to various processing programs.

In the search process, the CPU 101 extracts a program 106a that satisfies a search condition specified by the user via the receiving terminal 300 from a plurality of programs 106a stored in the storage unit 106, and extracts the extracted program 106a. This is presented to the receiving terminal 300.

CPU in Download Number Update Processing
101 is a program 106a by the receiving terminal 300.
Every time (download) is performed, the number of downloads corresponding to the downloaded program 106a is counted (incremented).
That is, the CPU 101 recognizes the number of downloads of each of the plurality of programs 106a stored in the storage unit 106.

In the simulation execution process, the CPU 101 executes a program specified by the user to be simulated, from among the plurality of programs 106a stored in the storage unit 106, and transmits the execution result to the receiving terminal 30.
Present at 0.

In the billing process, the CPU 101 determines that the programs 106a...
0... Each time the program 106b is downloaded,
Charge a predetermined price. In this process, the CPU 101 displays a menu for inputting a password corresponding to a prepaid card, a credit card, or the like on the display unit 3 of the receiving terminal 300.
05 is displayed. As described above, the user is charged by electronic payment.

In the payment process, the CPU 101 pays the creator by electronic payment of a creation fee corresponding to the number of downloads counted in the counting process as a price for creating the program. The details of the various processes will be described later.

The input unit 102 includes a keyboard having kana or alphanumeric input keys, cursor keys, various function keys, and the like, and a mouse and other pointing devices. The input unit 102 transmits an input signal corresponding to a keyboard pressing operation or a mouse clicking operation to the CPU 101.
Output to

In the RAM 103, a work memory 103a, which serves as a temporary storage area for system programs and processing programs read from the storage unit 106, input / output data, parameters, and the like in the various processes executed by the CPU 101, is secured. I have.

The transmission control unit 104 has a modem (MODEM: MOd
ulator / DEModulator), terminal adapter (Terminal)
Adapter), a router or the like (neither is shown). The transmission control unit 104 controls communication with external devices such as the program providing terminals 20 and the receiving terminals 300 connected to the communication network N.

A modem (not shown) modulates digital data generated by various processes of the CPU 101 into an analog signal in the frequency band of the telephone line in order to communicate with an external device via the telephone line. On the other hand, it is an apparatus for demodulating an analog signal input via a telephone line into a digital signal.

The terminal adapter (not shown) is an IS
This is a device that converts a communication speed and a communication protocol when using a DN line. A router (not shown) is connected to the program providing terminal 200.
00 ... is a LAN (Local Area Network) via a dedicated line
Is established, the LAN and the distribution server 100
Is a relay device for connecting to a LAN including

The display unit 105 is a CRT (Cathode Ray Tu)
be) and liquid crystal display (LCD)
y) and the like, and displays various display data in accordance with the instruction of the display signal input from the CPU 101.

The input unit 102, the transmission control unit 104, and the display unit 105 need not be provided exclusively for the distribution server 100. These may be configured to be shared with various other servers (not shown) provided by a communication carrier such as a provider.

The storage unit 106 has a storage medium 107. The storage medium 107 is formed of a magnetic or optical recording medium or a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor. The storage medium 107 may be fixedly provided in the storage unit 106 or may be detachably mounted.

The storage medium 107 provides a system program and a processing program necessary for the CPU 101 to control each component constituting the distribution server 100 and execute a predetermined process, and a program connected to the communication network N. A data transmission processing program necessary for controlling communication with external devices such as the terminals 200 and the receiving terminals 300, and data and files generated by processing according to these processing programs are stored. These system programs and data transmission processing programs are stored in the storage medium 107 in the form of readable program codes.
The CPU 101 sequentially executes the operation according to the program code.

The system program and data stored in the storage medium 107 are partially or wholly received from an external device (not shown) such as another server or client via the transmission control unit 104, and are stored in the storage medium 107. The information may be stored in the storage 107. Further, the storage medium 107 may be a storage medium of a server (not shown) different from the distribution server 100, which is constructed on the communication network N. Furthermore,
The processing program can be transmitted to another server or client (not shown) via the communication network N or the like, and can be installed in those devices.

The storage unit 106 stores a plurality of programs 106
a, application program 106b, and HT
The ML file 106c is stored. Although not shown, the storage unit 106 also stores data such as a reference document, a still image, a moving image, and audio for posting on the homepage of the management company. Note that, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 106 is fixedly installed in the distribution server 100, but may be an external database connected via the communication network N.

The programs 106a are programs executable by the scientific calculators 40, transmitted from the program providing terminals 200 via the transmission control unit 104.
In addition, information such as a handling method and a casebook corresponding to the program may be attached to each program 106a, and these may be packaged and stored.

Each program 106a has a program ID (identifi) for identifying the program.
cation) and a creator ID for identifying the creator who created the program. Therefore, the CPU 101 can identify each program by referring to the program ID, and can identify the creator of the program by referring to the creator ID.

The application program 106b is
This is a program that provides an environment for creating the program 106a. Note that this application program 1
06b may be an off-the-shelf product, or may be a product independently developed by a management company.

The HTML file 106c is an HTML (HyperText Mark) for creating the homepage of the management company.
up Language). The program includes data (not shown) such as a reference document, a still image, a moving image, and audio presented on a homepage, a program 106a,.
b is hyperlinked.

Next, the internal configuration of the program providing terminals 200 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of the program providing terminal 200. As shown in FIG. 3, the program providing terminal 200 includes a CPU 201, an input unit 20
2. The main parts are configured by the RAM 203 having the work memory 203a, the transmission control unit 204, the display unit 205, and the storage unit 206 having the storage medium 207. These components are connected by a bus 208 and transmit and receive data and control signals to and from each other.

The CPU 201 executes the program providing terminal 20 stored in the storage medium 207 in the storage unit 206.
The various processing programs corresponding to “0” are expanded in the work memory 203a in the RAM 203, and the following processing is executed according to the expanded processing program.

That is, the CPU 201 executes an application download process and a program transmission process.
CPU 20 in application download processing
1 downloads the application program 106b from the storage unit 106 of the distribution server 100,
06.

Then, the CPU 201 temporarily expands the downloaded application program 206a in the work memory 203a of the RAM 203, and sequentially executes operations according to the contents of the expanded program. As a result, a predetermined environment for creating a program in the program providing terminal 200 is set.

CPU 201 in program transmission processing
Is a program 20 created by the creator via the input unit 202 in the predetermined environment and stored in the storage unit 206.
6b to the distribution server 100 via the transmission control unit 204.

The transmission control unit 204 controls data communication between the program providing terminal 200 and the distribution server 100 connected to the communication network N, and corresponds to, for example, a modem or a terminal adapter. .

The display unit 205 has a CRT (Cathode Ray Tu).
be) and liquid crystal display (LCD)
y) and the like, and displays various display data in accordance with the instruction of the display signal input from the CPU 201.

The storage unit 206 has a storage medium 207.
The storage medium 207 is formed of a magnetic or optical recording medium or a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor.
It may be fixedly provided in the storage unit 206 or may be detachably mounted.

The recording medium 207 includes a system program necessary for the CPU 201 to integrally control each component constituting the program providing terminal 200 and communication with the distribution server 100 connected to the communication network N. And a data transmission processing program necessary for controlling the program, and data related to the processing program. These system programs, data transmission processing programs, and the like are stored in the recording medium 207 in the form of readable program codes, and the CPU 201 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

The storage unit 206 stores an application program 206a and a program 206b. The application program 206a executes the distribution server 1 by the application download processing.
This is the program downloaded from 00. The program 206b is the application program 20
6b is a program created by the creator in a predetermined environment set by execution of 6b.

Further, although not shown, the storage unit 206
Browsing software required to browse the homepage of the management company (referred to as a WWW (World Wide Web) browser)
I also remember.

Next, the internal configuration of the receiving terminals 300 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of receiving terminal 300. As shown in FIG. 4, the receiving terminal 300
The main part is constituted by the U301, the input unit 302, the RAM 303 having the work memory 303a, the transmission control unit 304, the display unit 305, and the storage unit 306 having the storage medium 307. Each of these components is connected to a bus 308.
And send and receive data and control signals to and from each other.

The CPU 301 expands various processing programs corresponding to the receiving terminal 300 stored in the storage medium 307 in the storage unit 306 into the work memory 303a in the RAM 303, and performs the following processing according to the expanded processing program. Execute

That is, the CPU 301 executes a program download process. In the program download process, the CPU 301 stores in the storage unit 1 of the distribution server 100.
., Stored in the storage unit 306 are downloaded via the transmission control unit 304.

Further, the CPU 301 sends the function calculator 40 to the receiving terminal 300 via a wired or wireless communication means.
When 0 is connected, the downloaded program is transmitted to the scientific calculator 400.

The input unit 302 includes a keyboard having kana or alphanumeric input keys, a cursor key, and various function keys, and a mouse and other pointing devices. The input unit 302 outputs an input signal corresponding to a keyboard pressing operation or a mouse clicking operation to the CPU 301.
Output to

In the RAM 303, a work memory 303a serving as a temporary storage area for system programs and processing programs, input / output data, parameters, and the like read from the storage unit 306 in the above-described processing executed by the CPU 301 is secured. .

The transmission control unit 304
And distribution server 100 connected to communication network N
And a communication interface for transmitting a program to the scientific calculator 400 which is detachably connected via communication means.

The display unit 305 is a CRT (Cathode Ray Tu)
be) and liquid crystal display (LCD)
y) and the like, and displays various data such as a management company's homepage according to the instruction of the display signal input from the CPU 301.

The storage unit 306 has a storage medium 307.
The storage medium 307 is formed of a magnetic or optical recording medium or a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor.
It may be fixedly provided in the storage unit 306 or may be detachably mounted.

The recording medium 307 stores a system program necessary for the CPU 301 to control each component constituting the receiving terminal 300 in a unified manner, and communication with the distribution server 100 connected to the communication network N. A data transmission processing program necessary for control, and data related to the processing program are recorded. These system programs, data transmission processing programs, and the like are stored in a recording medium 307 in the form of readable program codes, and the CPU 301 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

The storage unit 306 stores the distribution server 10
0 stores the program 306a downloaded from 0. Further, although not shown, the storage unit 306 stores a WWW (WoW) necessary for browsing the homepage of the management company.
rld Wide Web) also remembers browsers.

Next, the internal configuration of the scientific calculators 400 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of scientific calculator 400. As shown in FIG. 5, the scientific calculator 400 has a CP
U401, input unit 402, tablet 403, position detection device 404, display unit 405, display drive circuit 406, RA
M407, a storage unit 408, a storage medium 409, and a transmission control unit 410.

The CPU 401 stores the data according to the input data input from the input unit 402 and the position data generated by the position detecting device 404 when the operator touches the tablet 403 with an input pen (not shown). A predetermined program is read from the unit 408 and temporarily stored in the RAM 407, and various processes based on the stored program are executed to control each unit of the scientific calculator 400. In this way, the function as the scientific calculator 400 is realized.

Specifically, the CPU 401 executes various processes based on a predetermined program, and
It is stored in M407 and displayed on the display unit 405 via the display drive circuit 406. Also, the CPU 401
Causes the storage unit 408 or the storage medium 409 to store the processing result based on an instruction input via the input unit 402 or the tablet 403.

The CPU 401 executes a program receiving process. CPU 40 in the program receiving process
1 receives the program 306a stored in the storage unit 306 of the receiving terminal 300 via the wired or wireless communication means and the transmission control unit 410, and stores the received program in the storage unit 408.

The input unit 402 has a data input key 402
a, cursor key 402b, mode key 402c, execution key (EXE key) 402d, and EXIT key 402
e. The data input keys 402a include a key group such as a numeric keypad, an alphabet key, an operation symbol key, and a function key. The cursor key 402b is displayed on the display unit 4
05 includes four keys of up, down, left, and right for instructing selection of data, feed operation, and movement operation.

The mode key 402c is used to set the operation mode of the scientific calculator 400. The mode key 402c is a numerical operation mode for performing four arithmetic operations, a program input mode for inputting and executing a predetermined programming language, and inputting and storing desired text data. An editor mode, a vector drawing mode for drawing a vector on the display unit 405, a graph drawing mode for drawing a physical quantity change graph indicating a change in various parameters, and a motion drawing mode for displaying a change over time of a motion locus of an object by simulation are selected. Contains the key to set.

An execution key 402d is used to instruct the CPU 401 to confirm the input data, execute various modes selected and set by the mode key 402c, and execute the program 306a stored in the storage unit 306. Is the key. The EXIT key 402e includes a key for stopping various modes being executed and shifting to the original operation mode.

The tablet 403 is an input device which is a combination of a device for designating coordinates such as an input pen (not shown) and a plate-like device for sensing the designated coordinates. CPU 401 detects position coordinates indicated by an input pen (not shown) based on coordinate reading principles such as a magnetostriction type, a voltage type, and the like.
Output to In addition, the tablet 403 includes a display unit 405
The input operation can be performed by directly instructing display contents displayed on the display unit 405 with an input pen.

The display unit 405 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and performs various displays based on drive signals input from the display drive circuit 406. Further, the display drive circuit 406
A drive signal is generated based on the display data input from the PU 401, and the display control of the display unit 405 is performed by outputting the drive signal to the display unit 405.

The RAM 407 stores various processing programs read from the storage unit 406, input or output data,
And a work memory 407a serving as a temporary storage area for parameters and the like.

The storage unit 408 has a storage medium 409. The storage medium 409 is formed of a magnetic or optical recording medium or a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor. The storage medium 409 may be fixedly provided in the storage unit 408, or may be detachably mounted.

The storage medium 409 has a control program and other various processing programs necessary for the CPU 401 to control each component constituting the scientific calculator 400 and execute a predetermined process, and an external device such as the receiving terminal 300. Data transmission processing program required to control communication with the
And data generated by processing according to these processing programs. These various processing programs, data transmission processing programs, and the like are stored in a storage medium 409 in the form of readable program codes, and the CPU 401 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

The transmission control unit 410 transmits an RS (Recommended)
Standard) -232C and other serial interfaces and SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) and I
A receiving terminal 30 which is provided with a parallel interface such as DE (Integrated Drive Electronics) or an infrared communication means and is connected via such communication means.
0 controls data communication with external devices.

Hereinafter, the operation of the program distribution system 1 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the program distribution system 1 for providing a program.
First, the creator accesses the distribution server 100 from the program providing terminal 200 via the communication network N (step S601), and browses the management company's homepage.

Then, the creator causes the display unit 205 to display a page (not shown) for downloading the application program. On the page not shown,
A menu for instructing the download of the application program is displayed, and when the creator clicks on the menu, the CPU 201 sets the distribution server 1
The application program 106b is downloaded from 00 (step S602).

Note that the download (purchase) of this application program may be either paid or free. When paying, it is preferable to display an input frame for inputting the creator's cash card number when downloading.

When the download of the application program is completed, the creator sets the program providing terminal 200
In step S60, a program can be created under a predetermined environment set by the CPU 201 executing the application program.
3).

In the environment set by the application program, the creator can execute the created program, check the processing mode and the execution result, and determine whether the created program is appropriate. . Furthermore, the creator can examine the created program from the viewpoint of whether the content of the program is simple or the algorithm is optimal.

When the creation of the program by the creator is completed, the creator accesses the distribution server 100 again from the program providing terminal 200 (step S604) and displays a page (not shown) for registering the created program. It is displayed on the unit 205. On the page not shown,
A menu for registering the program is displayed.

When the user clicks a menu (not shown), an input box for inputting the creator's name and account number is further displayed in addition to the file name of the program to be registered and detailed information of the program. The reason that the creator's account number is input here is that the management company pays the creator electronically for a creator's fee for registration of the program. Here, the creator makes a predetermined input, and when the input is completed, clicks an OK menu (not shown).

Thus, the CPU 201 starts the program transmission process, and transmits the program 206b created by the creator and stored in the storage unit 206 to the distribution server 100 via the transmission control unit 204 (step S605).

On the other hand, each time the distribution server 100 receives a program from the program providing terminal 200,
101 receives a program I for the received program.
D and the creator ID are given and stored in the storage unit 106.
Thus, various programs 106a transmitted from the plurality of program providing terminals 200 are stored in the storage unit 106 of the distribution server 100.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the program distribution system 1 relating to the distribution of a program.
First, the user operates the distribution server 10 via the receiving terminal 300.
0 (step S701), and browses the homepage presented by the management company.

At this time, the display unit 305 of the receiving terminal 300
Displays a library search screen 800 as shown in FIG. On the library search screen 800, programs transmitted from the program providing terminals 200 and programs created by the management company are listed in a table format.

The table is divided into categories 801, items 802, uses 803, descriptions 804, dates 805, authors 806, prices 807, number of cases 808, and downloads 809. The item of the classification 801 describes the general classification of the program, such as “statistics” for a statistical analysis program and “graphs” for a graph drawing program.

Item 802 describes the general purpose of the program, such as "calculation" for a program for executing a calculation process and "drawing" for a program for executing a drawing process. ing. By providing the items of the classification 801 and the item 802 in this way, even a person who does not have detailed knowledge about the algorithm can easily access a desired program.

The item of use 803 describes the use of the program, such as "logistic regression calculation" or "drawing of three-dimensional graph". In the item of the description 804, "YES" is described, but this text data is hyperlinked to another page (not shown) in which detailed information of each program is posted, and this text data By clicking on, the library search screen 800 transits to a page not shown.

The items of the date 805 include "00, 03, 11", "9
9, 04, 12 ", the date when the program was posted on the library search screen 800 is described. Author 8
In item 06, the name of the creator who created the program, such as "Dan Honer" or "Robert Sim", is described. In the item of price 807, the price of the program is described like "\ 1500" or "\ 9800".

In the item of the number of cases 808, the number of times the program has been downloaded (purchased), such as "300" or "12", is described. The number of times can be one of indexes indicating the usefulness of the program, and is updated by the CPU 101 every time the program is downloaded.

The items of the download 809 include “Click”
Here, this text data is hyperlinked to a download page (not shown) described below for downloading each program,
If this text data is clicked, the library search screen 800 transits to the download page.

Since a large number of programs are listed in the table including the above items, the user can search for a desired program based on predetermined search conditions. That is, if the user inputs a predetermined search condition in the search condition input frame 810 and clicks on the search menu 811, the search process is started by the CPU 101, and among the plurality of programs stored in the storage unit 106, The display unit 30 displays a program that matches the search condition.
5 are displayed individually.

Note that the search conditions include, for example, “statistics”,
Conditions such as “display”, “\ 5000 or more”, and “number of cases 50 or more” can be specified based on the attributes of the program described in each item of the table posted on the library search screen 800. When a plurality of search conditions are specified, the mutual relationship between the search conditions can be specified as a logical sum (OR), a logical product (AND), or a combination thereof.

As described above, the user searches for a desired program (step S703), and further selects one of the programs individually displayed on the display unit 305 by clicking (step S70).
4), the library search screen 800 transitions to a detailed information page 900 as shown in FIG.

The detailed information page 900 includes step S7
At 04, detailed information of the program selected by the user is posted. The detailed information includes a definition of a main function of the program, a description of arguments used in the main function, a return value, a description of the program, and names of header files, library files, and the like provided by the program.

Further, this detailed information page 900 includes T
EST menu 901 and DOWNLOAD menu 9
02 is displayed. When the TEST menu 901 is clicked, the detailed information page 900 transits to a simulation execution page 1100 described later. Simulated execution page 1
In 100, the program selected by the user in step S704 can be simulated.

On the other hand, when the DOWNLOAD menu 902 is clicked, the detailed information page 900 transits to a download page (not shown) (step S).
705). On the download page, an input frame for inputting the number of the credit card owned by the user is presented. Here, the user inputs the credit card number into the input box using the input unit 302 (step S7).
06).

Then, a purchase reconfirmation display including a purchase menu and a cancel menu for reconfirming the purchase by the user is presented on the download page (step S707). Here, when the user clicks on the cancel menu, the purchase of the program is canceled, and the detailed information page 900 transits to the library search page 800 again.

[0109] On the other hand, when the user clicks on the purchase menu (step S708), the credit card number input in step S706 is transmitted to distribution server 100. The CPU 101 that has detected the receipt of the credit card number in the distribution server 100 proceeds to step S7.
At 04, a response signal indicating that downloading of the program selected by the user is permitted is transmitted to the receiving terminal 300.

[0110] Upon detecting the reception of the response signal in the receiving terminal 300, the CPU 301 executes a download process.
The distribution server 1 transmits the program selected by the user in step S704 and the attached information related to the program.
00 (step S709). On the other hand, in distribution server 100, CPU 101 counts and updates the number of downloads corresponding to the downloaded program (step S710). Thus, the user purchases the program by electronic payment.

FIG. 10 shows that distribution server 100
5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a simulation execution process performed by a PU 101. First, the user selects the library search page 80.
0, and by searching for a desired program as described above, the detailed information page 900 is displayed on the display unit 3.
05 is displayed.

Next, the user clicks on TEST menu 901 presented on detailed information page 900. Then, the detailed information page 900 transits to a test page 1100 as shown in FIG.
1001). The test page 1100 includes data input boxes 1101, 1102, ... for inputting data corresponding to the arguments of the main function of the program selected by the user, and an execution menu 1103 for instructing the start of simulated execution of the program. Is displayed.

Here, the user inputs data corresponding to the argument of the main function to the data input boxes 1101 and 1102 using the input unit 302 (step S1002). When the input is completed, the user clicks the execution menu 1103 (step S1003).

Then, the user proceeds to step S1002
Is transmitted to the distribution server 100 (step S1004). When the data is transmitted to distribution server 100, the program selected by the user is executed on distribution server 100 (step S100).
5). That is, the CPU 101 first stores the received data and the program selected by the user in the work memory 103a.

Next, the CPU 101 sets the work memory 1
03a is converted into an executable format, and the converted program is executed. In the process, CP
U101 inputs the data stored in the work memory 103a to the converted program by a redirect method.

Next, CPU 101 transmits the execution result to receiving terminal 300 (step S1006). As a result, the test page 1100 changes to an execution result page 1200 as shown in FIG. On the execution result page 1200, an execution result corresponding to the input data is displayed.

The execution result page 1200 includes:
A BACK menu 1201 is displayed.
When the CK menu 1201 is clicked, the execution result page 1200 transits to the test page 1100 again. In this way, the program can be repeatedly simulated.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the payment processing by distribution server 100. This payment process is CP
This is a process performed monthly by U101. First, C
The PU 101 recognizes the number of purchases (downloads) of each of the plurality of programs stored in the storage unit 106 (step S1301).

The number of downloads corresponds to the value displayed in the item “number of items” 808 on the library search screen 800. Next, for each program, the CPU 101 multiplies the price of the program by the number of downloads, and totals the multiplication results for each creator of the program (step S1302).

Next, the CPU 101 subtracts a fee corresponding to a management fee, a distribution fee, and the like to be charged to the creator by the manager from each of the tallies of the creators (step S1303). This fee may be set at a price according to the number of times of downloading the program, or may be set at a fixed fee in advance.

Next, the CPU 101 transfers the remaining balance obtained by subtracting the commission from the tally result to an account registered in advance when the creator downloads the application program by electronic payment (step S1304), and ends the processing.

As described above, according to the program distribution system 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) When a user inputs a search condition via the input unit 302, the search condition is
Is transmitted to the distribution server 100 via the
0, the CPU 101 searches for a program that satisfies the search condition from among the plurality of programs 106a stored in the storage unit 106, and displays the search result in the terminal device 300
Therefore, even if a very large number of programs are listed on the library search page 800, the user can quickly access a desired program.

(2) As search conditions, conditions such as program classification, item, usage, date created, author, price, number of downloads, etc., or a combination of these conditions can be input. Therefore, there is the convenience that the user can search for a desired program from various viewpoints.

(3) Further, even when a program (not shown) displayed as a search result includes a plurality of programs that match the search conditions, each program is displayed on a page (not shown). Since the number of downloads is displayed, the user can select a program with high popularity or usefulness without hesitation.

(4) Further, when the user specifies a desired program, the user inputs data corresponding to the program on the test page 1100 and clicks an execution menu 1103 to execute the program as an execution result. Since the result page 1200 is displayed,
Before executing a desired program on the scientific calculator 400, the terminal device 300 can know the execution result of the program. Thereby, compared to the conventional technology in which only the description of the program is simply presented, the user can determine whether the program selected by himself / herself is a desired program,
Alternatively, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the intended processing is performed before purchasing. Further, by providing such convenience and interest, the user's willingness to purchase can be promoted, so that the program distributor can secure many users.

(4) Since all processing related to program distribution, such as payment to the creator of the program creation fee, charging of the program price to the user, and the like, are performed on the WEB, the user can obtain the desired program at any time. On the other hand, program distributors can recruit many creators.

The description in the present embodiment is merely a preferred example of the program distribution system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the simulation execution of the program is performed by inputting data by the user. For each program, the program is processed and a suitable data group is associated with the storage unit 106 or the like in advance. , The simulation execution process may be started only by the click operation of the TEST menu 901 without requiring the user to input data. In this way, the number of operation steps by the user can be reduced.

The program for performing the logistic regression calculation is particularly exemplified assuming that the program is desired by the user. However, for example, if the program is for drawing a graph, the execution result page 1200 includes It goes without saying that a graph or the like as an execution result is displayed.

In the program simulation execution process, the program desired by the user is transmitted to the CP of the distribution server 100 side.
Although the program was executed in U101, the program itself is transmitted to the receiving terminal 300 once, the CPU 301 of the receiving terminal 300 performs a predetermined number of simulations, or the program is invalidated after a predetermined time has elapsed. It may be made to become. In this way, even if the communication network N is congested, the user can quickly simulate the program at the receiving terminal 300.

[0132]

According to the first, third or fourth aspect of the present invention, even a user who does not have specialized knowledge about a program downloads a desired program and executes the downloaded program on an electronic computer. To
The execution result of the program can be known on the terminal device. As a result, the user can easily determine whether or not the program selected by himself / herself is the desired program, as compared with the related art in which only the description of the program is presented. Also, by providing such convenience,
Since the user's willingness to purchase can be promoted, the program distributor can secure many users.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the user can download the desired program and know the execution mode of the program on the user device before executing the downloaded program on the computer. Therefore, the user can specifically and easily determine whether the program selected by himself / herself performs the intended processing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a program distribution system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the distribution server 100.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a program providing terminal 200.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the receiving terminal 300.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the scientific calculator 400.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the program distribution system 1 according to the provision of the program.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the program distribution system 1 related to program distribution.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a library search page 800.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a detailed information page 900.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the program distribution system 1 according to the simulation execution processing.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a test page 1100.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an execution result page 1200.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the program distribution system 1 related to the payment processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Program distribution system 100 Distribution server 101, 201, 301, 401 CPU 102, 202, 302, 402 Input unit 103, 203, 303, 407 RAM 103a, 203a, 303a, 407a Work memory 104, 204, 304, 410 Transmission control Units 105, 205, 305, 405 Display units 106, 206, 306, 408 Storage units 106a, 206b, 306a, 408a Programs 106b, 206a Application programs 106c HTML programs 107, 207, 307, 409 Storage media 108, 208, 308 Bus 200 Program providing server 300 Receiving terminal 400 Scientific calculator 402a Data input key 402b Cursor key 402c Mode key 402d Execution key 402e EXIT key 03 tablet 404 position detector 406 Display driving circuit 800 library search page 900 detailed information page 1100 Test page 1200 execution result page

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A program distribution system comprising storage means for storing a plurality of programs executable by a computer in advance, comprising: a designation means for designating a desired program among the programs stored in the storage means; A user terminal including specific information transmitting means for transmitting specific information representing a program specified by the specifying means; a specific information receiving means for receiving the specific information transmitted by the specific information transmitting means; and the specific information receiving means A simulation unit comprising: an execution unit that converts the program represented by the specific information received by the execution unit into a form of a program executable by itself and executes the program; and an execution result transmission unit that transmits an execution result of the execution unit to the user terminal. A program distribution system comprising: an apparatus; 2. The user terminal further comprises: data input means for inputting data relating to the program specified by the specifying means; and data transmitting means for transmitting the data input by the data input means. The simulation device further includes data receiving means for receiving the data transmitted from the data transmitting means, and the executing means executes the program based on the data received by the data receiving means. The program distribution system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A simulation execution method for a distributed program in a system including a computer connectable to a network and a distribution server for distributing the program in response to a request transmitted from the computer via the network. Prior to distribution of the program, a receiving step of receiving a simulation execution request of the program transmitted from the computer; and a self-executable program to be simulated received by the receiving step. A conversion step for converting the data into a program form; a detection step for detecting data input to the program, which is included in the simulation execution request received in the reception step; and a conversion step for converting the data detected in the detection step to the conversion step. Input to the converted program and execute the simulation And a transmitting step of transmitting a result of the simulated execution processing in the processing step to the computer. 4. A recording medium which is connected to a computer via a network and stores a program executable by a server which distributes a program executable by the computer in response to a request transmitted from the computer. A program code for detecting that specific information is received as a request from the computer; and a program stored in a plurality of program storage devices connected in advance based on the detected specific information. A program code for designating a program requested by the user, converting the program into a program form executable by itself, a program code for inputting data included in the specific information to the converted program, and executing the program. And a program code for transmitting a result of the execution to the computer. A recording medium characterized by the above-mentioned.