JP2002244953A - Information distribution storing and managing system and information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information distribution, storing and managing system and an information terminal capable of eliminating the limitation of the storage capacity of the information terminal without using an external storage medium, eliminating the need of backing up at regular intervals, and providing the storing and managing service of the distributed electronic information at a low cost without transmitting the distributed electronic information from the information terminal to a server. SOLUTION: When a request to store the electronic information distributed from an information distribution device 10 is given from the information terminal 1, the electronic information managing means 4a of the storing and managing device 11 manages the information as the electronic information held by the information terminal 1 as if the means manages the information in place of the information terminal 1. Then, a request to re-distribute the electronic information managed by the electronic information managing means 4a is given from the information terminal 1, the means re-distributes the electronic information requested for re-distribution by the re-distribution means 3a of the information distribution device 10 to the information terminal 1 through a communication network 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information distribution storage management system for distributing electronic information such as software and data using a communication network and for storing and managing the distributed electronic information, and uses the information distribution storage management system. Information terminal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, distribution of electronic information using a communication network is based on the principle that payment is made to an information provider by paying a necessary value for the distributed electronic information. Has become. Usually, the user who has received the distribution of the electronic information stores the electronic information in a storage medium of the information terminal of the user, or stores the electronic information in an external storage medium of the information terminal.

[0003] In such a situation, when the distributed electronic information is discarded, lost or the electronic information itself is damaged, in order to obtain the same electronic information by redistribution, a similar price is paid again to the information provider. There is a need. Also, some information providers allow re-distribution free of charge, but they are limited to a certain period or a certain number of times, so if you exceed a certain period or a certain number of times, you need to pay the same price again is there.

[0004] When storing the distributed electronic information in the storage medium of the information terminal of the user, the electronic information cannot be stored indefinitely due to the limitation of the capacity of the storage medium of the information terminal. In addition, it is necessary to periodically back up the stored electronic information in preparation for damage or loss of the information terminal itself. On the other hand, when storing the electronic information delivered to the external storage medium, the same problem as the storage in the storage medium of the information terminal occurs, and the cost required for the external storage medium is generated. In order to use the stored electronic information, the portable information terminal must always carry an external storage medium.

Conventionally, a technique for moving electronic information to a location other than the storage section of an information terminal has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-12238.
27 and JP-A-10-336238. The above-mentioned JP-A-8-123827 and JP-A-10-336238 allow an external server to manage electronic information stored in a storage unit of an information terminal body as a backup. Since different electronic information is backed up every time, there is a problem that the amount of information that can be backed up is limited due to the limitation of the capacity of the storage unit of the server body.

In the case where the information is stored in the external server via the communication network, it is necessary to transmit the electronic information main body stored in the storage medium of the user's information terminal and the external storage medium via the communication network. However, the cost of communication for the user increases, and the provider of the external server increases the equipment cost in order to secure the physical storage capacity of the external server. Problem.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to eliminate the limitation on the storage capacity of an information terminal without using an external storage medium, to eliminate the need for regular backup, and to distribute distributed electronic information from an information terminal to a server. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information distribution storage management system and an information terminal which can provide a storage management service of distributed electronic information at a low cost without transmitting the information to an information terminal.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an information distribution storage management system according to the present invention comprises: an information distribution device for distributing electronic information to an information terminal via a communication network; An information distribution storage management system comprising: a storage management device that manages storage of the electronic information, wherein the storage management device is configured to store the electronic information distributed to the information terminal from the information terminal side. Upon receipt of the request, the information terminal has electronic information management means for managing the electronic information held by the information terminal as if it were stored in place of the information terminal. When there is a request from the information terminal to redistribute the electronic information managed by the means, the electronic information requested to be redistributed is transmitted to the communication network. It is characterized by having a re-distribution means for re-distributed to the information terminal by.

According to the information distribution storage management system having the above-described configuration, the information distribution device distributes electronic information to an information terminal via a communication network. When the information terminal requests to store the electronic information distributed from the information distribution device, the electronic information management means of the storage management device replaces the information terminal with the information terminal as the electronic information held by the information terminal. To manage. That is, the electronic information distributed to the information terminal is held by the information distribution device of the distribution source, and the electronic information management unit manages only information that can identify the electronic information body requested to be stored, It becomes possible to manage the information terminal as if it were stored. When the information terminal requests to redistribute the electronic information managed by the electronic information management unit of the storage management device, the electronic information requested to be redistributed by the redistribution unit of the information distribution device is communicated. Redistribute to information terminals via the network. in this way,
By performing a storage request procedure from the information terminal side through an open communication network represented by the Internet, the storage management device acts as a temporary storage manager instead of storing the delivered electronic information in the information terminal. Service to do. Therefore, the limitation on the storage capacity of the information terminal can be eliminated without using an external storage medium, and regular backup can be unnecessary. Further, it is possible to provide a storage management service of distributed electronic information at low cost without transmitting the distributed electronic information from the information terminal to the storage management device.

[0010] In one embodiment, the information distribution storage management system is characterized in that the information distribution apparatus determines whether or not the user of the information terminal is a user who receives distribution of electronic information. When the determining means and the target user determining means determine that the user of the information terminal is the target user, while permitting the electronic information management means to manage the electronic information, the target user determining means determines When the user of the information terminal determines that the user is not the intended user, there is provided a use licensing unit that does not permit management of the electronic information by the electronic information management unit.

According to the information delivery storage management system of the above embodiment, the user of the information terminal determines whether or not the user of the information terminal is a user who receives the distribution of electronic information. When the target user determining unit determines that the user of the information terminal is the target user, the use permitting unit of the information distribution device permits the electronic information management unit to manage the electronic information. On the other hand, if the target user judging unit judges that the user of the information terminal is not the target user, the use licensing unit does not permit the electronic information management unit to manage the electronic information. As described above, the target user is determined by the target user determining means, and whether or not the electronic information is managed by the electronic information managing means is determined by the use permitting means based on the result of the determination. The storage management service provided by the storage management device can be provided only to the users who receive the distribution of the data.

In one embodiment of the present invention, in the information distribution storage management system, the storage management device manages storage of the electronic information distributed to the information terminal by the electronic information management means in response to a storage request from the information terminal. Then, erasing instruction means for instructing the information terminal requesting storage of the electronic information to delete the electronic information body distributed to the information terminal, and distributed electronic information received from the information terminal side for a storage request. And a management status information registering means for registering management status information indicating the management status of the server.

According to the information distribution storage management system of the embodiment, when the electronic information management means manages the storage of the electronic information distributed to the reporting terminal in response to the storage request from the information terminal, the storage management device The erasure command means instructs the information terminal requesting storage to erase the electronic information body distributed to the information terminal. Then, the management status information registration means of the storage management device registers management status information indicating the management status of the distributed electronic information requested to be stored. Therefore, the information terminal that has requested the storage has its electronic information body erased, and the storage capacity of the storage medium of the information terminal can be effectively freed. Further, by using the management status information indicating the management status (for example, stored or distributed) of the delivered electronic information registered in the management status information registration unit, it is possible to surely manage the electronic information by the storage management device. it can.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the information management system is configured such that when the storage management device receives a request from the information terminal to redistribute the electronic information distributed to the information terminal, Re-distribution determining means for determining whether the distributed electronic information can be redistributed based on the management state information of the distributed electronic information registered in the information registering means, and according to a management state of the electronic information managing means. A management status information updating unit that updates the management status information registered in the management status information registration unit, wherein the redistribution determining unit determines that the electronic information requested to be redistributed is redistributable. Then, the electronic information is redistributed to the information terminal that has requested the redistribution by the redistribution means, and is registered in the management status information registration means by the management status information updating means. It was is characterized by updating the management status information to the delivery state.

According to the information distribution storage management system of the embodiment, when the redistribution determining means of the storage management device determines that the electronic information of the redistribution request can be redistributed, the redistribution means of the information distribution device To redistribute the electronic information requested by the information terminal. Then, the management status information registered in the management status information registration unit is updated to the distributed status by the management status information updating unit of the storage management device. In this manner, redistributable electronic information can be reliably delivered to the information terminal, and updating the management state information to the delivered state can prevent duplicate redistribution.

In one embodiment of the present invention, in the information distribution storage management system, when the information distribution apparatus registers management state information indicating a management state of the electronic information in the management state information registration means, The storage management device of the storage management device performs storage management of the distributed electronic information for a predetermined period of time.

According to the information distribution storage management system of the above embodiment, the accounting processing means of the information distribution device stores and manages the electronic information held by the information terminal when the storage management device stores and manages the electronic information. By performing accounting processing for the management and restricting the storage management of the electronic information by the storage management device to a predetermined period, it is possible to develop a business in which the storage management service of the electronic information is provided to the user for a fee.

An information terminal according to the present invention is an information terminal that receives distribution of electronic information by the information distribution storage management system, and a purchase procedure means for performing a purchase procedure of the electronic information to the information distribution device. An electronic information receiving unit for receiving the electronic information distributed from the information distribution device, an electronic information storage requesting unit for requesting the storage management device to store and manage the distributed electronic information, and an electronic information storage requesting unit. An electronic information erasing means for erasing the distributed electronic information body in accordance with an erasing command from the storage management device after requesting the storage management device to manage the storage of the distributed electronic information.

According to the information terminal having the above configuration, the purchase procedure means performs a procedure for purchasing electronic information with respect to the information distribution apparatus, and the electronic information receiving means receives the electronic information distributed from the information distribution apparatus. After requesting the storage management device by the electronic information storage requesting unit to store the electronic information thus distributed, the electronic information erasing unit deletes the distributed electronic information main body in accordance with an erasing instruction from the storage management device. And leave the information required for the redelivery request. Therefore, without using an external storage medium, the limitation of the storage capacity of the information terminal can be eliminated, periodic backup is not required, and the distributed electronic information is not transmitted to the storage management device at low cost. It is possible to receive a storage management service for distributed electronic information.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an information distribution storage management system and an information terminal according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an information distribution storage management system according to an embodiment of the present invention and an information terminal using the same. As shown in FIG. 1, a large number of information terminals 1 (three in FIG. 1) that receive an information distribution storage service (distribution of electronic information and storage and management of the distributed electronic information) over a communication network 7 represented by the Internet. Only shown) is connected. Further, an information delivery storage management system 12 for providing an information delivery storage service is connected to the communication network 7 via the intranet 6. Note that as the information terminal 10, a notebook personal computer, a desktop personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), or the like is used.

In this embodiment, a specific contract is concluded between a plurality of users and an information distributor, so that electronic information can be distributed via the communication network 7. In the case where the storage management service of the electronic information is partially provided to the information terminal 1 for a fee, a specific contract concerning the storage management service is made between the user and the information distributor, so that communication is performed. A paid storage management service can be provided to the user via the network 7.

The information distribution storage management system 12 is a system composed of a plurality of servers. The information distribution storage management system 12 includes an information distribution device 10 for distributing electronic information and a storage management device 11 for storing and managing electronic information.

The information distribution device 10 includes a distribution server 3 connected to a communication network 7, a file server 2 connected to the distribution server 3 for managing and storing electronic information for distribution, and a distribution server 3. It has a billing processing unit 8 connected as billing processing means and an authentication processing unit 9 connected to the distribution server 3 as user target judging means. In response to a request from the information terminal 1, the distribution server 3 includes a file server 2, a billing unit 8, an authentication unit 9
And has a function of controlling the storage management device 11. In addition, the file server 2 stores electronic information and detailed supplementary information related to the electronic information, and searches for the electronic information requested to be distributed by the instruction of the distribution server 3 in response to the distribution request from the information terminal 1. Do. The authentication processing unit 9 has a customer database in which information on the user is managed. The customer database is stored in the customer database, and the user who has requested distribution of electronic information based on the customer database. Is a legitimate user. Further, the charging processing unit 8 performs a charging process for a value of the electronic information to be distributed to a user who has requested distribution of the electronic information.

The distribution server 3 transmits the electronic information requested to be redistributed to the intranet 6 and the communication network 7.
Re-distribution means 3a for re-distributing to the information terminal 1 via the Internet, and use determination means 3b for determining whether or not the user of the information terminal 1 is a target person to receive the distribution of electronic information. ing.

The storage management device 11 is a management server 4 connected to the distribution server 3 of the information distribution device 10.
And a management database 5 including management state information registration means connected to the management server 4. The management server 4 has a function of controlling the management database 5 in accordance with an instruction from the distribution server 3 in response to a redistribution request and a storage request from the information terminal 1. In addition, the management database 5
Performs accumulation of supplementary information (such as a product name) indicating details of each electronic information that can be managed and management status information of the distributed electronic information for each user.

The management server 4 includes an electronic information management unit 4a that manages the electronic information held by the information terminal 1 as if it were stored instead of the information terminal 1, and an information terminal 1 that requested the storage. Instruction device 4 for instructing the information terminal 1 to erase the electronic information body distributed to the information terminal 1
b, a redistribution determining unit 4c that determines whether the distributed electronic information can be redistributed based on the management state information of the distributed electronic information registered in the management database 5,
Management information updating means 4d for updating management state information registered in the management database 5 according to the management state of the electronic information management means 4a.

Note that information (electronic information, customer data, management data, etc.) can be cross-referenced between the information distribution device 10 and the storage management device 11.

The information terminal 1 has a built-in program for performing processing for managing supplementary information of the distributed electronic information.

FIG. 2 shows the information distribution storage management system 12.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining a basic function of FIG. The information terminal 1 (shown in FIG. 1) includes a management program 21, a request specifying unit 22, an information receiving unit 28, and a management data updating unit 2.
The information distribution storage management system 12 (shown in FIG. 1) includes a user authentication unit 23, a request target information search unit 24, a management data update unit 25, and an information transmission unit 26.
And management data 27.

As shown in FIG. 2, the user operates the information terminal 1
The content of the request to the information delivery / storage management system 12 and the target of the request are selected based on the supplementary information of the electronic information managed by the management program 21 incorporated in the server. Then, those requests are transmitted from the request specifying means 22 to the information delivery / storage management system 12 via the communication network 7 (FIG. 1).
).

The information delivery / storage management system 12 which has received the request from the request specifying means 22 is a user authentication means 23
It is determined whether the user who made the request is a legitimate user. When the user authentication unit 23 determines that the user is a legitimate user, the request target information search unit 24 searches the management data 27 for electronic information that is a request target. Management information 2 for the electronic information subject to the request
7, the contents of the request are registered in the management data 27 by the management data updating means 25. Request content
In response to the request (delivery request, storage management request, etc.), the result of the request is transmitted to the information terminal 1 via the communication network 7 by the information transmitting means 26.

The information terminal 1 receiving the result of the request by the information receiving means 28 updates the supplementary information of the electronic information managed by the management program 21 by the management data updating means 29 according to the result of the request.

FIG. 3 shows management data 31 managed in the management database 5 of the storage management device 11. The management data 31 is managed for each supplementary information of the electronic information of the registered user. The managed data item is an authentication ID 32 for identifying a user.
(“123456” in FIG. 3), a product name 33 and a product code 34 (in FIG. 3, a product name “instruction manual” and a product code “ABCD000”), and a management state 35 of the corresponding product (in FIG. 3, The update date 36 (see FIG. 3) in which the contents of the status “distributed” and the product management status 35 are updated.
In this case, "2000/01 / 01-00: 00: 00: 00").

FIG. 4 shows a manageable information list 41 of supplementary information of manageable electronic information held in the management database 5 of the storage management device 11. The manageable information list 41 is a collection of supplementary information on electronic information to be managed by the storage management device 12 in the electronic information distributed by the information distribution device 10. The item of the supplementary information regarding the electronic information in the manageable information list 41 is a product code 42 (“ABCD000”, “ABCD000” in FIG.
001 "," ABCD002 "," ABCD003 ") and the product name 43 (in FIG. 4, the product name" instruction manual "," map data A "," English word collection "," electronic novel "). At the time when the price of the electronic information is charged, the management server 4 of the storage management device 12 searches whether the electronic information is registered in the manageable information list 41 and determines that the electronic information is registered. When the electronic information is not registered in the manageable information list 41, the management data is not registered.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a management registration process at the time of electronic information distribution of the information distribution storage management system. By this management registration process, a contract for receiving a storage management service for the distributed electronic information is made.

In step S51, a request for distribution of electronic information is made from the information terminal 1 of the user to whom the distribution contract is made to the distribution server 3 via the communication network 7 and the intranet 6. An authentication ID is assigned to the user, and when a distribution request is made, the authentication ID is transmitted from the information terminal 1.
To the distribution server 3.

Next, the flow advances to step S52 to check whether the user is managed by a customer database (customer DB in FIG. 5). That is, based on the distribution request,
The authentication processing unit 9 checks the user's authentication ID. If it is determined in step S52 that the user is a legitimate user, the process proceeds to step S53, where electronic information is searched. That is, the distribution server 3 instructs the file server 2 to search for the electronic information requested to be distributed, and the distribution server 3 instructs the charging processing unit 8 to perform a charging process for the user.

Next, the process proceeds to step S54, where the charging is performed by the charging processing unit 8, and then the process proceeds to step S55, where the control server 4 checks whether the electronic information to be distributed is electronic information that can be stored and registered. At this time, the management server 4 searches the manageable information list 41 (shown in FIG. 4) of the management database 5 to determine whether the corresponding electronic information is electronic information that can be stored and registered. When the management server 4 confirms that the electronic information can be stored and registered, the customer data (user information) of the information terminal 1 is transmitted from the authentication processing unit 9 to the management server 3. Further, detailed information on the distributed electronic information is transmitted from the file server 2 to the management server 3.

Next, in step S56, management registration is performed. That is, the management server 3 stores the user information,
The detailed information on the information and the date of distribution are registered in the management database 5 as the management data of the electronic information of the user, and the management state information of the electronic information is registered as the “distributed” state.

Next, the process proceeds to step S57, where the electronic information retrieved by the file server 2 is transmitted from the distribution server 3 to the requested information terminal 1 via the communication network 7, and the electronic information is distributed. . At this time, the distributed electronic information is distributed with supplementary information added thereto.

In the information terminal 1, based on supplementary information of the distributed electronic information, detailed information on the distributed electronic information is managed by a program built in the information terminal 1. The detailed information on the delivered electronic information managed based on the supplementary information is, for example, a product name, a unique management serial number in the file server 2, and the like.

If it is confirmed in step S52 that the user is not managed in the customer database based on the authentication ID, the process proceeds to step S58, and redelivery is not performed. That is, the distribution request is rejected, and to that effect, the information terminal 1
Send to In step S55, the management server 4
When it is confirmed that the electronic information cannot be stored and registered, the process proceeds to step S59, and the electronic information is not registered in the management database 5.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of storing electronic information in the information distribution storage management system.
By this storage processing, the distributed electronic information is stored in the information terminal 1.
Instead, the storage management device 11 can manage the storage as if it were stored in a pseudo manner.

In step S61, the information terminal 1 requests the distribution server 3 to store electronic information via the communication network 7 and the intranet 6. The electronic information to be requested to be stored at this time is managed by a program incorporated in the information terminal 1, and is used for one or a plurality of pieces of electronic information (the electronic information including both the electronic information body and the supplementary information). It is restricted so that storage requests can only be made. When requesting storage, the authentication ID
And the supplementary information related to the electronic information requesting the storage to the distribution server 3.

Next, the flow advances to step S62 to check whether the user is managed in the customer database (customer DB in FIG. 6). That is, based on the above storage request,
The authentication processing unit 9 checks the user's authentication ID. Then, when it is confirmed in step S62 that the user is a legitimate user, the distribution server 3 sets the storage management device 11
Of the management server 4 corresponding to the storage request. Then, the process proceeds to step S63, in which it is confirmed whether or not there is something related to the electronic information corresponding to the user management data. That is, the management server 4 searches for the management information managed by the management database 5 for the user information corresponding to the transmitted authentication ID and the supplementary information of the electronic information.

If the management data managed in the management database 5 is confirmed in step S63, the process proceeds to step S64, and it is confirmed whether or not the storage process is possible. That is, the management data of the user managed in the management database 5 is searched for whether the management state information of the electronic information is in the “distributed” state based on the supplementary information.

If the management status information of the electronic information is "distributed" in step S64, the process proceeds to step S65, where the management status information is registered. That is, the management server 4 registers the date of storage with respect to the management data relating to the information of the user who is already managed, and further registers the management status information as the "stored" status. After registering the management status information, the management server 4
An “erase command” signal is transmitted to the information terminal 1 via the distribution server 2.

Next, the flow advances to step S66 to delete the delivered electronic information. That is, the information terminal 1 that has received the “erase command” signal deletes only the electronic information body that has requested storage. After deleting the distributed electronic information, only the supplementary information of the distributed electronic information is stored in the information terminal 1.
Will remain.

It should be noted that the management database 5 is determined by the authentication ID.
If it is confirmed that the user is not managed by
If the supplementary information confirms that the electronic information is not managed in the “distributed” state, the process proceeds to step S
Do not store at 67. That is, the storage request is rejected, and the fact is transmitted to the information terminal 1. Then, the rejected information terminal 1 displays that fact. For example, a message such as "ID is wrong" or "The selected information cannot be stored and received" is displayed.

Next, FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the redistribution processing of the electronic information in the information distribution storage management system. By this redistribution processing, it becomes possible to receive again the distribution of the electronic information stored in a pseudo manner in place of the information terminal 1.

In step S71, the information terminal 1 requests the distribution server 3 to redistribute the electronic information via the communication network 7 and the intranet 6. The electronic information to be re-distributed at this time is managed by a program incorporated in the information terminal 1, and the electronic information body of the supplementary information relating to one or more pieces of electronic information is deleted. It is restricted so that a re-distribution request can be made only for an object (ie, electronic information having only supplementary information). At the time of this redistribution request, the information terminal 1 transmits the authentication ID and supplementary information relating to the electronic information to the distribution server 3.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S72 to check whether or not the user is managed in the customer database (the customer DB in FIG. 7). That is, based on the redistribution request from the information terminal 1, the authentication processing unit 9 performs the user authentication I
Confirmation of D is performed. Then, when it is confirmed that the user is a legitimate user, the distribution server 3 stores the storage management device 1
The first management server 4 is instructed to respond to the redelivery request.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S73, wherein it is confirmed whether or not there is any data relating to the electronic information corresponding to the management data of the user. That is, the management server 4 searches for the management information managed by the management database 5 for the user information corresponding to the transmitted authentication ID and the supplementary information of the electronic information.

If the management data managed in the management database 5 is confirmed in step S73, the flow advances to step S74 to check whether the data can be redistributed. That is, the management data of the user managed in the management database 5 is searched for whether the management state information of the electronic information is in the “stored” state based on the supplementary information. As a result, when the user requests re-distribution of the electronic information, the management state information is searched, and if the management state information is in the “distributed” state, the distribution is not performed. It is possible to prevent distribution.

If the management state information of the electronic information is in the "stored" state, the flow advances to step S75 to register the re-distributed state. That is, the management server 4 registers the redistribution date with respect to the management data relating to the information of the user who is already managed, and further registers the management state information as the “distributed” state.

After registering the management status information, the management server 4 transmits a distribution permission for the electronic information to the distribution server 3 of the information distribution device 10.

The distribution server 3 receiving the distribution permission from the information distribution apparatus 10 instructs the file server 2 to search for the requested electronic information.

Next, the process proceeds to step S76, where the electronic information retrieved by the file server 2 is transmitted from the distribution server 3 to the requested information terminal 1 via the communication network 7, and redistribution of the electronic information is performed. Do.

It should be noted that the management database 5 is determined by the authentication ID.
If it is confirmed that the user is not managed by
If the supplementary information confirms that the electronic information is not managed in the “stored” state, the process proceeds to step S
Go to 77 and do not re-distribute. That is, the re-distribution request is rejected, and the fact is transmitted from the distribution server 3 to the information terminal 1. The rejected information terminal 1 displays a message to that effect. For example, a message such as "ID is wrong" or "selected information cannot be received" is displayed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the management registration canceling process of the electronic information in the storage information distribution management system. By this management registration release processing, the contract for receiving the storage management service for the electronic information for which the release request has been made is destroyed.

In step S81, the information terminal 1 requests the distribution server 3 via the communication network 7 and the intranet 6 to cancel management registration of electronic information.
The electronic information that is subject to management registration cancellation is managed according to a program built in the information terminal 1,
The management information is restricted so that the management information can be released from the electronic information in which supplementary information relating to one or more electronic information exists. Here, the presence or absence of the electronic information main body is not limited when the electronic information main body is already deleted from the information terminal 1 or when the electronic information main body is resident in the storage medium of the information terminal 1. Is considered. At the time of the registration cancellation request, the information terminal 1 sends the authentication ID
And the supplementary information relating to the electronic information is transmitted to the distribution server 3.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S82 to check whether or not the user is managed in the customer database (the customer DB in FIG. 8). That is, the authentication processing unit 9 confirms the user's authentication ID based on the registration cancellation request. When it is confirmed that the user is a legitimate user, the management server 4 of the storage management device 11 is instructed to respond to the registration cancellation request. Then, in step S83, it is confirmed whether or not there is something related to the electronic information corresponding to the user management data. That is, the management server 4 transmits the authentication ID and the user information corresponding to the supplementary information of the electronic information to the management database 5.
Is searched for management data.

If the management data managed in the management database 5 is confirmed, that is, if the electronic information is managed and registered, step S8 is performed.
The process proceeds to step 4 to check whether the management can be released. If the management can be released, step S85
The management server 4 deletes the management data related to the detailed information of the user information that is already managed. After deleting the management data related to the detailed information, the management server 4 transmits a “deregistration completed” signal to the information terminal 1 via the distribution server 3.

Next, proceeding to step S86, the information terminal 1 which has received the "deregistration completed" signal deletes only the supplementary information of the electronic information for which the registration release request has been made.

It should be noted that the management database 5 is identified by the authentication ID.
If it is confirmed that the user is not managed by
If the supplementary information confirms that the electronic information is information that is not managed, the process proceeds to step S87 and is not canceled. That is, the registration cancellation request is rejected, and the fact is transmitted to the information terminal 1. The rejected information terminal 1 displays a message to that effect. For example, "ID is wrong"
Or "The selected information is not managed."

Next, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the management status reference processing of electronic information in the information distribution storage management system. This management state reference processing makes it possible to refer to the management state information relating to the electronic information that has been managed and registered.

In step S91, the information terminal 1 requests the distribution server 3 to refer to the management status of the electronic information via the communication network 7 and the intranet 6.
At the time of this management state reference request, the information terminal 1 sends the authentication ID.
To the distribution server 3.

Next, the flow advances to step S92 to check whether or not the user is managed in the customer database. That is, based on the management state reference request, the authentication processing unit 9 checks the user's authentication ID. Then, when it is confirmed in step S92 that the user is an authorized user, the distribution server 3 instructs the management server 4 of the storage management device 11 to respond to the management state reference request.

Next, the flow advances to step S93 to check whether or not management data relating to the user exists. That is, the management server 4 searches the management database 5 based on the transmitted authentication ID for the presence of management data relating to the user. When it is confirmed that the management data relating to the user exists in the management database 5, the process proceeds to step S94, and the reference display is performed.
That is, based on the management data relating to the user, the supplementary information of the electronic information and the management status information are transmitted to the information terminal 1 via the distribution server 3.

The information terminal 1 displays the received supplementary information and management status information by a display mechanism (not shown) of the information terminal 1. From the displayed information, it is possible to confirm the details of the information managed in the management database 5 at the time of the reference request (for example, the managed product name, the storage state of the product, and the like).

Further, by displaying the management status information on the homepage of the distribution server 3 that can be browsed via the Internet, the user can manage the management status information without transmitting the management status information to the information terminal 1 of the user. It becomes possible to refer to information.

The management database 5 is identified by the authentication ID.
If it is confirmed that the user is not managed by the user, the process proceeds to step S95 and is not accepted. That is,
The management status reference request is rejected, and the fact is transmitted to the information terminal 1. Then, the rejected information terminal 1 displays a message to that effect. For example, "ID is incorrect" is displayed.

FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram relating to version up (revision) of electronic information in the information distribution storage management system. In this state transition diagram, a state in which electronic information is distributed to the information terminal 1 (item 101 in FIG. 10) is an initial state. In this initial state, the management state information of the management data 41 relating to the electronic information in the management database 5 is in the “distributed” state (item 10 in FIG. 10).
2). The electronic information stored in the file server 2 is the electronic information before the upgrade (item 103 in FIG. 10), and this electronic information is distributed to the information terminal 1. After the initial state, the electronic information is upgraded (item 104 in FIG. 1). This version upgrade of the electronic information is the same as the product code after the update before the update. The version upgrade of the electronic information may be performed after a state in which a storage request of the electronic information described below is made.

Thereafter, a request for storage of the electronic information is made from the information terminal 1. At that time, the electronic information body stored in the information terminal 1 has been deleted (FIG. 1).
0 item 105). In this state, the management database 5
The management status information of the management data 41 regarding the electronic information in the above is in the “stored” state (item 1 in FIG. 10).
06).

Thereafter, the information terminal 1 requests re-distribution of the electronic information. In this state, the management data 4 on the electronic information in the management database 5 is stored.
1 is set to the “distributed” state (item 108 in FIG. 10), and the file server 2 searches for electronic information to be requested for re-distribution by using the product code. At this point, the file associated with the target product code is the upgraded electronic information. As a result, the updated electronic information is distributed to the information terminal 1.
(Item 107 in FIG. 10).

As described above, according to the information distribution storage management system, the information terminal 1 performs a storage request procedure to the storage management device 11 via the open communication network 7 typified by the Internet. The storage management device 11 provides a service of temporarily storing the distributed electronic information on behalf of the terminal 1, without storing the delivered electronic information in the terminal 1. Therefore, the limitation on the storage capacity of the information terminal 1 can be eliminated without using an external storage medium, and it is not necessary to perform regular backup. Further, it is possible to provide a storage management service of distributed electronic information at low cost without transmitting the distributed electronic information from the information terminal 1 to the storage management device 1.

The authentication processing unit 9 determines the use target person, and based on the determination result, determines whether or not to permit the storage management device 11 to store and manage the electronic information by the use licensing unit 3b of the distribution server 3. Since the determination is made, it is possible to provide the storage management service by the storage management device only to the user who receives the distribution of the electronic information.

Further, in the information terminal 1 which has requested the storage, the delivered electronic information body is erased, and the storage capacity of the storage medium of the information terminal 1 can be effectively freed. In addition, by using the management status information registered in the management database 5, the management of the electronic information by the storage management device 11 can be reliably performed.

When the redistribution determining means 4c of the management server 4 determines that the electronic information of the redistribution request is redistributable, the redistribution means 3a of the distribution server 3 transmits the electronic information requested by the information terminal 1 Redistribution is performed, and the management state information registered in the management database 5 is updated to the distribution completed state by the management state information updating unit 4d of the management server 4, so that the electronic information that can be redistributed is reliably transmitted to the information terminal 1. It can be distributed, and by updating the management state information to the distributed state, it is possible to prevent duplicate redistribution.

The accounting section 8 of the information distribution apparatus 10 stores the electronic information held by the information terminal 1 in the storage management apparatus 1.
In managing the storage of the electronic information, the storage management device 11 limits the storage management of the electronic information by the storage management device 11 to a predetermined period. It can be achieved by developing businesses provided to

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal using the information distribution storage management system. The information terminal 111 has a control function, a communication function, a display function, an input selection function, and a storage function.
A control unit (CPU (central processing unit)) 112 and a display unit 113
, An input unit 114, a communication unit 115 as electronic information receiving means, a program memory 116, and a data memory 1
17. The control section 112 and the program memory 116 function as purchase procedure means, electronic information storage requesting means, and electronic information erasing means.

The data memory 117 can store a plurality of distributed electronic information in addition to a general information file of the user. The electronic information includes an electronic information body 118 and supplementary information 119 on the electronic information. When electronic information is distributed by the information distribution device 10 (shown in FIG. 1), the information body 118 and the supplementary information 1
19 are distributed in pairs. When a storage request for the electronic information is made, when the storage processing is performed by the storage management device 11, the "erase command" for "deletion of the distributed electronic information" in step S66 (shown in FIG. 6). Is sent. The information terminal 111 that has received the “erase command” from the storage management device 11 is described in the supplementary information 119 related to the electronic information for which the storage request is made, according to the management program stored in the program memory 116. The information (information that can specify the electronic information body 118) is searched for the electronic information body 118 that is a pair of the supplementary information 119. The retrieved electronic information body 118 is
While the supplementary information 119 is deleted without being transmitted to the storage management device 11, the supplementary information 119 is left without being deleted because it is used as transmission information at the time of a re-distribution request. When requesting a redistribution of the electronic information, the storage management device 11
By transmitting the existing supplementary information 119, the electronic information is redistributed.

As described above, according to the information terminal 111, it is possible to eliminate the limitation of the storage capacity without using an external storage medium, to eliminate the need for periodic backup,
Without transmitting the distributed electronic information to the storage management device 11, the storage management service of the distributed electronic information can be provided at low cost.

[0085]

As is clear from the above, according to the information distribution / storage management system and the information terminal of the present invention, even if the capacity of the storage medium possessed by the information terminal is limited, the electronic data stored in the storage medium is limited. By requesting storage of information via a communication network, new electronic information can be delivered.

Further, even when the storage capacity of the information terminal is small, it is possible to receive the distribution at any time only by charging for the electronic information, so that the environment of the user (communication line used, type and location of the information terminal) can be obtained. Etc.) and the time to purchase can be freely purchased.

Further, in order to redistribute the electronic information requested to be stored, it is possible to freely store and redistribute the electronic information repeatedly by not charging the electronic information itself.

Further, when requesting storage of electronic information, the communication cost is greatly reduced by transmitting only the supplementary information of the electronic information instead of transmitting the electronic information itself via the communication network. be able to.

Also, by storing and redistributing the electronic information via a communication network instead of storing the electronic information in an external medium, it is possible to receive the redistribution from any place without having the external medium always available. Can be.

When the electronic information is upgraded (revised) by the distributor, if the original electronic information itself stored in the information distribution device has been replaced, the user of the electronic information will be requested to store the electronic information. After that, the latest electronic information can be obtained by performing a re-distribution request procedure.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an information distribution storage management system and an information terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating basic functions of the information distribution storage management system.

FIG. 3 shows data managed by a management database of the information distribution storage management system.

FIG. 4 is a manageable information list included in a management database of the information distribution storage management system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a management registration process of the information distribution storage management system.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a storage process of the information distribution storage management system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a re-distribution process of the information distribution storage management system.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing management registration release processing of the information distribution storage management system.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a management state reference process of the information distribution storage management system.

FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram regarding version upgrade of electronic information of the information distribution storage management system.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal using the information distribution storage management system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information terminal, 2 ... File server, 3 ... Distribution server, 3a ... Redistribution means, 3b ... Usage judgment means, 4 ... Management server, 4a ... Electronic information management means 4b ... Erasure instruction means, 4c ... Redistribution judgment means 4d: management information updating means, 5: management database, 6: intranet, 7: communication network, 8: accounting processing unit, 9: authentication processing unit, 10: information distribution device, 11: storage management device, 12: information distribution Storage management system.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An information distribution storage management system comprising: an information distribution device that distributes electronic information to an information terminal via a communication network; and a storage management device that manages storage of the electronic information distributed by the information distribution device. When the storage management device receives a request from the information terminal side to store the electronic information distributed to the information terminal,
An electronic information management unit that manages the electronic information held by the information terminal as if it were stored in place of the information terminal, wherein the information distribution device was managed by the electronic information management unit When receiving a request from the information terminal to redistribute the electronic information, the information terminal further includes a redistribution unit that redistributes the electronic information requested to be redistributed to the information terminal via the communication network. Information delivery storage management system. 2. The information distribution storage management system according to claim 1, wherein the information distribution device determines whether a user of the information terminal is a target person to receive distribution of electronic information. When the target user determining means and the target user determining means determine that the user of the information terminal is the target user, while permitting the electronic information management means to manage the electronic information, the target user determining means An information delivery storage management system, comprising: a use licensing unit that does not permit management of electronic information by the electronic information management unit when the unit determines that the user of the information terminal is not the intended user. 3. The information distribution storage management system according to claim 1, wherein the storage management device stores the electronic information distributed to the information terminal by the electronic information management means in response to a storage request from the information terminal. Erasing command means for instructing the information terminal requesting storage of the electronic information to delete the electronic information body distributed to the information terminal; and a distributed instruction receiving the storage request from the information terminal side. An information delivery storage management system, comprising: management status information registration means for registering management status information indicating a management status of electronic information. 4. The information distribution storage management system according to claim 3, wherein the storage management device receives a request from the information terminal to redistribute the electronic information distributed to the information terminal. Re-distribution determining means for determining whether the distributed electronic information can be redistributed based on the management state information of the distributed electronic information registered in the management state information registering means; Management status information updating means for updating the management status information registered in the management status information registration means in response thereto, wherein the electronic information for which the redistribution determination means has received a redistribution request can be redistributed. When it is determined that the electronic information is redistributed to the information terminal that has requested the redistribution by the redistribution means, the management state information registration means Information distribution storage management system and updates the management status information registered in the delivered state. 5. The information delivery storage management system according to claim 1, wherein the information delivery device registers management status information indicating a management status of the electronic information in the management status information registration unit. An information distribution storage management system, comprising: charging processing means for performing charging processing for storage management, wherein storage management of the distributed electronic information by the electronic information management means of the storage management device is performed for a predetermined period. 6. An information terminal receiving distribution of electronic information by the information distribution storage management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information terminal transmits the electronic information to the information distribution device. Purchase procedure means for performing, electronic information receiving means for receiving the electronic information distributed from the information distribution device, electronic information storage requesting means for requesting the storage management device to manage the distributed electronic information, and the electronic information Electronic information erasing means for erasing the distributed electronic information body in accordance with an erasing command from the storage management device after requesting the storage management device to manage storage of the distributed electronic information by the storage requesting device. Information terminal to do.