JP2002328808A - Mobile communication terminal, method and program for operating mobile communication terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce quantity of information to be communicated. SOLUTION: A processing control part 3 acquires an application information file 11 stored in a storage part 2 when version up of an application program 10 stored in the storage part 2 is instructed by instruction information inputted from an input part 5 and discriminates whether or not information to indicate an expiration date is included in the file. The processing control part 3 discriminates whether or not the current date and time counted by a time counter 7 are before the expiration date when the information to indicate the expiration date is discriminated to be included. The processing control part 3 switches a display picture of a display part 4 and outputs information to inform a user of warning when the current date and time are discriminated to be before the expiration date. After that, the processing control part 3 completes a processing to perform the version up of the application program 10 without accessing a contents server according to the instruction information inputted from the input part 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal, an operation method of the mobile communication terminal, and a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is known a mobile communication terminal capable of accessing a computer system arranged on a network and functioning as a content server, executing network communication for transmitting and receiving communication data, and downloading an application program. ing. When such a conventional mobile communication terminal downloads an application program, for example, an ADF (Application
By downloading an application information file called “Descriptor File”, information on an application to be installed may be acquired. The downloaded application information file is stored in a predetermined storage unit or the like included in the mobile communication terminal, and is stored, for example, until the corresponding application program is deleted.

After that, when a conventional mobile communication terminal is instructed to upgrade an application program by instruction information input from an input unit in response to a user's key operation or the like, the conventional mobile communication terminal accesses the content server. Download the application information file again. At this time, the mobile communication terminal is stored in the content server by comparing the content of the newly downloaded application information file with the content of the application information file already stored in its own storage unit. It can be determined whether or not the application program has been updated.

For example, in a conventional mobile communication terminal,
According to the instruction information input from the input unit, an already installed application is selected, and FIG.
It is assumed that the “version upgrade” menu is selected on the menu screen D10 as shown in FIG. In this case, the mobile communication terminal sends a transfer request for an application information file such as an ADF to the content server, as shown in the processing sequence of FIG. 9 (step S5).
0). At this time, the mobile communication terminal switches the screen display of the display unit to display an image serving as a confirmation notification screen D11 as shown in FIG. 8B, thereby displaying the application stored in the content server. Notify the user that the program is being checked.

The mobile communication terminal downloads the application information file by receiving the data transferred from the content server in response to the transfer request (step S51). The mobile communication terminal determines whether or not the application program stored in the content server has been updated based on the content of the newly downloaded application information file. A warning notification screen D12 shown in FIG. 8C is displayed, and the process for downloading the application program ends.

[0006]

In the above-mentioned prior art, each time an upgrade of an application program corresponding to an already installed application is instructed, it is determined whether or not the application program stored in the content server is updated. In order to determine, the application information file was downloaded again from the content server. For this reason, there has been a problem that the amount of communication information increases and communication charges increase.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides a mobile communication terminal capable of reducing the amount of communication information, an operation method of the mobile communication terminal, and a program.
The purpose is to provide.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a mobile communication terminal according to a first aspect of the present invention downloads an application program and an application information file from a content server arranged on a network. A mobile communication terminal capable of realizing various application functions, a communication unit for accessing a content server to download an application program and an application information file, and the communication unit being downloaded by executing communication. Application program
A storage unit for storing the application information file in association with the application information file, a process execution unit for executing a process for managing an application program stored in the storage unit, and instruction information for instructing an operation of the process execution unit; An instruction input unit; and a timing unit for measuring a current date and time, wherein the process execution unit upgrades the application program when an instruction to upgrade the application program is given by the instruction information input from the instruction input unit. From the information included in the application information file stored in the storage means in correspondence with the application program instructed to upgrade, and specifies the expiration date of the application program. Measured It is determined whether or not the date and time of presence is before the expiration date of the application program, and when it is determined that the date and time is before the expiration date, the communication means does not access the content server, and upgrades the application program. Ending the processing.

The processing execution means determines whether or not information indicating the expiration date of the application program is included in the application information file stored in the storage means in correspondence with the application program instructed to upgrade. It is desirable to determine whether the current date and time is before the expiration date if it is determined to be included.

An information output unit for outputting information corresponding to a process executed by the process execution unit, wherein the process execution unit notifies a user of a warning when the current date and time is determined to be before the expiration date. It is desirable that the information output means be output by the information output means.

[0011] The information output means includes display means for displaying an image serving as a screen for notifying a warning, and the processing execution means displays the image serving as a warning notification screen for notifying a user of the warning. By displaying by display means,
A warning may be notified to the user.

[0012] When the output of information relating to the application program stored in the storage means is instructed by the instruction information input from the instruction input means, the processing execution means includes: an application program instructed to output the information; Correspondingly, the expiration date of the application program may be specified from the application information file stored in the storage unit, and an image indicating the specified expiration date may be displayed on the display unit.

[0013] When the current date and time is before the expiration date, the processing execution means upgrades the application program without accessing the content server according to the instruction information input from the instruction input means. And updating the application program already stored in the storage means by accessing the content server by the communication means, downloading the application information file and the application program and storing them in the storage means. It is desirable to perform either one of the following procedures.

[0014] In a mobile communication terminal according to a second aspect of the present invention, a storage means for storing an application program in association with an application information file containing information on the program, and the application program is stored in the storage means. A process execution unit for executing a process for managing an application program, an information output unit for outputting information corresponding to the process executed by the process execution unit, and an instruction information for instructing an operation of the process execution unit. An instruction input unit; and a timing unit that measures a current date and time, wherein the process execution unit is instructed to upgrade when an instruction to upgrade the application program is issued by the instruction information input from the instruction input unit. Stored in the storage means corresponding to the application program From the information contained in the application information file, specify the expiration date of the application program, determine whether or not the current date and time measured by the timing means is before the expiration date of the application program, if it is before the expiration date When the determination is made, information for notifying the user of a warning is output by the information output means.

[0015] A mobile communication terminal according to a third aspect of the present invention is a storage means for storing an application information file including information indicating an expiration date of an application program in association with the application program,
A process execution unit for executing a process for managing an application program stored in the storage unit, and a clock unit for measuring a current date and time, the process execution unit, when a predetermined timing comes, From the information contained in the application information file stored in the storage means, specify the expiration date of the corresponding application program, and determine whether the current date and time measured by the timing means is before the expiration date of the application program. If it is determined that the expiration date has passed, the application program executes a process corresponding to the expiration date.

Communication means for accessing a content server for downloading an application program and an application information file is provided. The storage means stores the application program downloaded by the communication means by executing communication in an application information file. When the processing execution means determines that the current date and time measured by the clocking means has passed the expiration date of the application program, the processing execution means accesses the content server by the communication means, and It is desirable to execute a process of updating an application program already stored in the storage unit by downloading an application information file and storing the application information file in the storage unit.

An information output unit for outputting information corresponding to a process executed by the process execution unit, wherein the process execution unit has a current date and time measured by the clock unit has passed the expiration date of the application program. When it is determined, it is desirable to execute a process of outputting information for notifying a user of a warning by the information output unit.

[0018] A method for operating a mobile communication terminal according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is directed to a mobile terminal comprising an instruction input unit, a storage unit, a process execution unit, an information output unit, a timing unit, and a communication unit. An operation method of a mobile communication terminal, wherein when an instruction to upgrade a version of an application program stored in the storage unit is instructed by instruction information input from the instruction input unit, the processing execution unit updates the version of the application program. The process for upgrading the application program is started, and it is determined whether the application information file stored in the storage unit corresponding to the application program instructed to upgrade includes information indicating the expiration date of the application program. If it is determined that it is included, the current It is determined whether or not the date and time is before the expiration date of the application program. If it is determined that the date and time is before the expiration date, information for notifying a user of a warning is output by the information output unit, and the instruction input unit According to the present invention, the process for upgrading the application program is terminated without accessing the content server by the communication means in accordance with the instruction information input from.

After information for notifying a user of a warning is output by the information output means, the processing execution means accesses the content server by the communication means in accordance with the instruction information input from the instruction input means, It is desirable that the application program already stored in the storage unit be updated by downloading the application information file and the application program and storing them in the storage unit.

A method of operating a mobile communication terminal according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an operation method of a mobile communication terminal including a storage unit, a process execution unit, a timing unit, and a communication unit. When a predetermined timing arrives, the processing execution unit reads information included in the application information file stored in the storage unit to specify the expiration date of the corresponding application program, and measures the expiration date by the timing unit. It is determined whether the current date and time is before the expiration date of the application program, and when it is determined that the expiration date has passed, the communication means accesses the content server to download the application program and the application information file. By storing in the storage means,
Updating an application program already stored in the storage means.

[0021] A program according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a program which responds to instruction information input from instruction input means for instructing a computer functioning as a mobile communication terminal to upgrade an application program. A first determination process for determining whether or not the application information file stored in the storage unit in association with the application program instructed to be up includes information indicating the expiration date of the application program; When it is determined in the first determination process that the information indicating the expiration date is included, the current date and time measured by the timer is specified by the application program specified from the information included in the application information file. Determination of whether or not the expiration date is before And a warning output process for outputting information for notifying a user of a warning when it is determined that the date is before the expiration date in the second determination process by an information output unit; After the information for notifying the warning is output, the processing for upgrading the application program is ended according to the instruction information input from the instruction input means without accessing the content server by the communication means. Processing, and information for notifying a warning is output in the warning output processing, and then, according to the instruction information input from the instruction inputting means, accessing the content server by the communication means, the application information file and the application program And a download process for downloading.

A program according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a program which, when a predetermined timing arrives at a computer functioning as a mobile communication terminal, information contained in an application information file stored in a storage means. By reading, the expiration date specifying process for specifying the expiration date of the corresponding application program, and whether or not the current date and time measured by the timer is before the expiration date of the application program specified in the expiration date specifying process And performing a download process of accessing the content server by the communication means and downloading the application program and the application information file when it is determined that the expiration date has passed in the determination process. .

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mobile communication terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile communication terminal 100 is, for example, a mobile phone or a PHS (Personal H
and a terminal capable of communicating with a predetermined computer system via a network such as a mobile communication network or the Internet such as the Internet and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, this mobile communication terminal 10
0 is a communication processing unit 1, a storage unit 2, a processing control unit 3,
A display unit 4, an input unit 5, and an antenna 6 are provided.

The communication processing unit 1 transmits and receives radio signals via the antenna 6 and communicates with a computer system or other communication devices arranged on a network. For example, the communication processing unit 1 secures a communication line by transmitting and receiving a radio signal to and from a base station included in a mobile communication network using the antenna 6. Thus, voice communication, data communication, and the like can be executed with the computer system and other communication devices.

The storage unit 2 is composed of a semiconductor memory or the like for storing instruction codes and data supplied to the processing control unit 3 and stores at least one application program 10. The application program 10 stored in the storage unit 2 is, for example, Java.
a (registered trademark) language, an intermediate code format program that is executed on a KVM (K Virtual Machine). Here, the Java (registered trademark) language is
Each program is an object-oriented programming language composed of one or more object classes (also simply referred to as "classes") and interfaces. A class described in the Java (registered trademark) language is compiled into bytecode independent of a device, and then stored in a class file. KVM is a memory, CPU (Centra
l) A Java (registered trademark) Virtual Machine designed for devices with restrictions such as a processing unit.

The storage unit 2 stores, for each application program 10, an application information file 11 containing various information indicating, for example, the name and version of the application program 10, the last update date and time, and the file size. . The application information file 11 includes, for example, the application program 10
Is an ADF (Application Descriptor F) that is a Java (registered trademark) application running on KVM.
ile), and the extension included in the file name is ".
"jad" and ".jam" are used.

Here, the application information file 1
1 can optionally set information indicating the expiration date of the corresponding application program 10.

The processing control unit 3 is composed of a microprocessor such as a CPU and controls the operation of the entire mobile communication terminal 100. For example, the process control unit 3 activates a JAM (Java (registered trademark) Application Manager) on an OS (Operating System), activates a KVM, and executes the application program 10 read from the storage unit 2 to execute a game. And various application functions such as e-commerce. Further, the processing control unit 3 executes the application program 10 such as deleting or upgrading the application program 10 stored in the storage unit 2 according to the instruction information input by the input unit 5 in response to a key operation or the like of the user. Execute the process for management. The processing control unit 3
Is provided with a timer 7 composed of, for example, an RTC (Real Time Clock) and measures the current date, day of the week, time, and the like.

The display unit 4 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Dis
play) for displaying an image according to the control of the processing control unit 3. For example, the display unit 4
An image to be a menu screen for managing the application program 10 is displayed so that an instruction to execute various processes can be input.

The input unit 5 includes a keypad, soft keys, selection buttons, and the like, and is used to input instruction information for instructing the operation of the processing control unit 3 in response to a key operation or the like by a user. For example, the input unit 5 detects that a predetermined button image displayed on the display unit 4 has been designated, and inputs instruction information to the processing control unit 3 in response to pressing of a selection button or the like.

This mobile communication terminal 100 is applied to a network communication system as shown in FIG. That is, the mobile communication terminal 100 is connected to the network 101
It communicates with the content server 102 arranged above and accesses a download site or the like provided by the content server 102.

The network 101 comprises, for example, a mobile communication network or the Internet connected via a gateway.

[0034] The content server 102 executes HTTP (Hy
per Text Transfer Protocol) is a server device that functions as a server.
It stores page b, Java (registered trademark) application, and the like. More specifically, the content server 102
Stores an application program 12 that can be downloaded by the mobile communication terminal 100 to install an application. Here, the application program 12 is stored in the content server 102 in association with the application information file 13. The application information file 13 is an information file stored in the storage unit 2 as the application information file 11 when downloaded to the mobile communication terminal 100.

The operation of mobile communication terminal 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The mobile communication terminal 100 is connected to the network 1 by the communication processing unit 1, for example.
By transmitting and receiving wireless signals to and from the base station provided in the base station 01, the content server 102 is accessed and the application program 12 and the application information file 13 are downloaded. The downloaded application program 12 and application information file 13 correspond to the application program 1
0 and the application information file 11 are stored in the storage unit 2 in association with each other.

Here, in the application information file 11 stored in the storage unit 2 of the mobile communication terminal 100 and the application information file 13 stored in the content server 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention, The expiration date of the corresponding application program 10 or application program 12 can be set.

FIG. 3A shows an example of MIDP (Mo
application information files 11, 13 created for a specification called “bile Information Device Profile”
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing information included in the. FIG. 3 (b)
As another example, it is a diagram showing information included in application information files 11 and 13 created for a so-called mobile phone browser. The application information file 13 is created by a programmer or the like of the corresponding application program 12, and is stored in the content server 10
2 is stored.

The MIDlet-Validity-Period shown in FIG.
The key and the ValidityPeriod key shown in FIG. 3B are information indicating the expiration date of the corresponding application program 10 or 12, and the application information file 1
It was made possible to set options 1 and 13.

The mobile communication terminal 100 stores the application information file 13 including the information indicating the expiration date.
Is downloaded and stored in the storage unit 2 as the application information file 11. In addition, the mobile communication terminal 10
0 indicates that when the version up of the application program 10 is instructed, by executing the process using the information indicating the expiration date, the communication information amount can be reduced.

First, when the mobile communication terminal 100 downloads the application program 12 stored in the content server 102 and installs a new application, the mobile communication terminal 100 downloads the corresponding application information file 13. The processing control unit 3
The downloaded application information file 13 is stored in the storage unit 2 as the application information file 11 in association with the application program 10.

Thereafter, when the instruction information input by the input unit 5 in response to the key operation of the user or the like instructs to call the selector screen for selecting the application program 10 stored in the storage unit 2. , Processing control unit 3
Is displayed on the display unit 4, for example, the selector screen D shown in FIG.
The image which becomes 1 is displayed.

The selector screen D1 shown in FIG. 4 shows, for example, that the applications “JJJ”, “KKK”, and “LLL” are installed in the mobile communication terminal 100. That is, this selector screen D
1 displays the name of each application obtained from the application information file 11 stored in the storage unit 2 in a selectable manner.

At this time, the processing control unit 3 is, for example,
When the selection of the application is confirmed by pressing a selection button (not shown) included in the menu, the screen display of the display unit 4 is switched, and an image serving as, for example, a menu screen D2 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. .

The menu screen D2 shown in FIG. 4 is used for various processes for managing the application program 10, such as an "information display" menu, an "upgrade" menu, a "delete" menu, and a "permanently delete" menu. The corresponding menu is displayed so as to be selectable.

Here, on the menu screen D2 shown in FIG. 4, when the selection of the "version upgrade" menu is instructed by the instruction information input by the input unit 5 in response to the user's key operation or the like, the processing control unit 3 executes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. This processing is started by the processing control unit 3 reading out and executing an operation program stored in the storage unit 2, and the mobile communication terminal 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention stores the operation program in the storage unit 2. This is a process for upgrading the application program 10 being used.

When the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is started, the processing control unit 3 specifies the location of the application information file 11 corresponding to the application selected on the selector screen D1 shown in FIG. Is acquired (step S1).

The processing control section 3 reads the acquired application information file 11 and determines whether or not information including a field indicating an expiration date is included (step S2).

If the processing control unit 3 determines that the information indicating the expiration date field is not included (NO in step S2), it ends the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. To perform normal processing. That is, the mobile communication terminal 100 communicates with the communication processing unit 1 under the control of the process control unit 3 so that the content server 102
To download the application program 12 and the application information file 13 corresponding to the application for which the version upgrade is instructed. At this time, the processing control unit 3 switches the screen display on the display unit 4 to display, for example, an image serving as a confirmation notification screen D3 illustrated in FIG.

When executing a normal process for upgrading the application program 10, the process control unit 3 downloads the application information file 13 before the application program 12 and stores the application information file 13 in the storage unit 2. Is compared with the contents of the application information file 11. This makes it possible to determine whether the application program 12 stored in the content server 102 has been updated.

For example, the processing control unit 3 uses the information included in the application information file 13 downloaded from the content server 102 to
02 stored in the application program 12
Specify the version or date of last update. Further, the processing control unit 3 uses the information included in the application information file 11 stored in the storage unit 2 to store the information in the storage unit 2.
Of the application program 10 or the last update date stored in the application program 10 is specified. Based on the information specified in this way, the processing control unit 3 determines the version or the last update date of the application program 12 stored in the content server 102 and the version or the last update date of the application program 10 stored in the storage unit 2. Compare with day.

The processing control unit 3 includes the content server 102
When it is determined that the application program 12 stored in the storage unit 2 has been updated, the corresponding application program 12 is downloaded, and the application program 10 already stored in the storage unit 2 is updated. On the other hand, the processing control unit 3
When it is determined that the application program 12 stored in the application program 2 has not been updated, information for notifying the user of a warning by switching the screen display of the display unit 4 is output, and the application program 10 is upgraded. Is completed.

Further, the processing control section 3 executes the processing in step S2
If it is determined that the information includes a field indicating the expiration date (YES in step S2), the information is read and the expiration date is set (step S3).
At this time, the processing control unit 3 specifies the current date and time measured by the timer 7 (step S4).

The processing control section 3 determines whether or not the current date and time specified in step S4 is before the expiration date of the application program 10 set in step S3 (step S5).

When the processing control section 3 determines that the current date and time has passed the expiration date (NO in step S5), it determines that the application program 10 has expired and terminates the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. , A normal process for upgrading the application program 10 is executed.

On the other hand, when the processing control unit 3 determines that the current date and time is before the expiration date (YE in step S5).
S), the screen display of the display unit 4 is switched, for example, an image serving as a warning notification screen D4 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed, and information for notifying the user of a warning is output (step S6).
At this time, the processing control unit 3 may emit a notification sound from a ringer (not shown) included in the mobile communication terminal 100 to notify the user of a warning. That is, the information output to notify the user of the warning can be arbitrarily set according to the design of the mobile communication terminal 100.

The warning notification screen D4 shown in FIG. 4 displays whether or not to confirm that the application program 12 stored in the content server 102 has been updated.
Contains a message to ask the user.
The warning notification screen D4 includes button images B1 and B2 for the user to answer the inquiry. The processing control unit 3 detects that one of the button images B1 and B2 has been specified by the instruction information input by the input unit 5 in response to a key operation or the like by the user.

The process control section 3 determines whether or not to execute the update confirmation of the application program 12 stored in the content server 102 based on the instruction information input from the input section 5 (Step S7). In the warning notification screen D4 shown in FIG. 4, when the instruction information input from the input unit 5 instructs selection of the button image B1 indicating “Yes”, the processing control unit 3 accesses the content server 102 and It is determined when the update of the program 12 is confirmed. On the other hand, a button image B indicating “No”
When an instruction to select 2 is given, the processing control unit 3 determines not to confirm the update.

When the processing control unit 3 determines that the update of the application program 12 is confirmed (step S7)
YES), the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is terminated, and normal processing for upgrading the application program 12 is executed. That is, even if the current date and time is before the expiration date of the application program 10, the mobile communication terminal 100 accesses the content server 102 according to the instruction information input from the input unit 5, and
You can check for updates. In this way, for example, when a malfunction of the application is corrected before the expiration date, the application program 12 updated by the content server 102 is transferred to the mobile communication terminal 100.
You can download it. The processing control unit 3 can update the application program 10 already stored in the storage unit 2 by storing the downloaded application program 12 in the storage unit 2 as the application program 10.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the update is not confirmed (NO in step S7), the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. At this time, the process control unit 3 switches the screen display of the display unit 4, for example, and displays an image serving as the menu screen D2 shown in FIG. That is, the process control unit 3 can end the process for upgrading the application program 10 without accessing the content server 102 according to the instruction information input from the input unit 5. In this case, the mobile communication terminal 100
Does not access the content server 102, so that the amount of communication information can be reduced.

As described above, when the processing control unit 3 determines that the current date and time is before the expiration date, the processing control unit 3 according to the instruction information input from the input unit 5,
Application program 1 without access to
The procedure for ending the processing for upgrading the version 0 and the procedure for accessing the content server 102 by the communication processing unit 1 and downloading the application information file 13 and the application program 12 and storing them in the storage unit 2 allow the storage unit 2 To update the application program 10 already stored in the application program. In this case, even if the current date and time is before the expiration date, it is possible to access the content server 102 in accordance with the instruction information input from the input unit 5. Thus, for example, when a defect of the application is corrected before the expiration date, the application program 12 updated by the content server 102
You can also download.

On the menu screen D2 shown in FIG. 4, the user selects an "information display" menu for outputting information relating to the application program 10 according to instruction information input by the input unit 5 in response to a key operation or the like by the user. Is instructed, the processing control unit 3 switches the screen display of the display unit 4 to display, for example, an image serving as the information display screen D5 shown in FIG.

The information display screen D5 shown in FIG. 4 displays the expiration date specified from the application information file 11 corresponding to the application selected on the selector screen D1, and notifies the user of the expiration date of the application program 10. Can be.

That is, when the instruction information input from the input unit 5 instructs the selection of the “information display” menu and instructs the output of the information on the application program 10, the processing control unit 3 outputs the information from the application information file 11. An information display screen D5 that specifies the expiration date of the application program 10 and indicates the specified expiration date
Is displayed on the display unit 4.

This information display screen D5 is a menu screen D
2 includes a button image B3 for instructing to return to 2. When the processing control unit 3 detects that the selection of the button image B3 is instructed by the instruction information input by the input unit 5 in response to the user's key operation or the like, the image displayed on the display unit 4 is displayed on the menu screen D2. Return to the image that becomes

Next, as a specific example, the application information file 11 stored in the storage unit 2 is stored in the storage unit 2 as shown in FIG.
The mobile communication terminal 100 when the information illustrated in FIG. 3A or the information illustrated in FIG. 3B is included.
Will be described.

According to the instruction information input from the input unit 5,
When the selection of an application is instructed on the selector screen D1 shown in FIG. 4 and the selection of the “version upgrade” menu is instructed on the menu screen D2, the processing control unit 3 reads the application information file 11 corresponding to the selected application. The location is specified (the process of step S1 in FIG. 5). The process control unit 3 reads the application information file 11 and determines whether or not information indicating the expiration date is included (the process of step S2 in FIG. 5).

In the case of the application information file 11 including the information exemplified in FIG. 3A, the MIDlet-Valid
Expiration date is May 14, 2001 with ity-Period key
It is specified at 10:30 on the day. FIG. 3 (b)
In the case of the application information file 11 including the information exemplified in the above, the validity period is specified at 10:30 on May 14, 2001 by the ValidityPeriod key. Therefore, the processing control unit 3 sets the expiration date of the application program 10 to 10:03 on May 14, 2001.
It is set to 0 minutes (the processing of step S3 in FIG. 5).

The processing control section 3 specifies the current date and time measured by the timer 7 (the processing of step S4 in FIG. 5),
It is determined whether or not the expiration date is before 10:30 on May 14, 2001 (the process of step S5 in FIG. 5). Here, it is assumed that, for example, the current date and time measured by the timer 7 is 6:45 on April 30, 2001. In this case, the processing control unit 3 determines that the expiration date of the application program 10 stored in the storage unit 2 has not yet arrived, and displays an image serving as a warning notification screen D4 illustrated in FIG. Output information for notifying the user of the warning (step S6 in FIG. 5).
Processing).

Thereafter, on the warning notification screen D4,
When the selection of the button image B1 indicating “Yes” is instructed,
The processing control unit 3 controls the communication processing unit 1 to access the content server 102 and download the application information file 13. On the other hand, when the selection of the button image B2 indicating “No” is instructed on the warning notification screen D4, the screen display of the display unit 4 is switched without accessing the content server 102, and the image serving as the menu screen D2 is displayed. return.

As described above, the warning notification screen D4 shown in FIG.
When the selection of the button image B2 is instructed in,
Since there is no access to the content server 102, there is no information transmitted and received between the mobile communication terminal 100 and the content server 102 as shown in the processing sequence of FIG. That is, when an instruction to upgrade the application program 10 is issued, the application program 10 is upgraded without accessing the content server 102 according to the instruction information input from the input unit 5 in response to a key operation or the like by the user. Can be terminated. Thereby, the amount of communication information can be reduced.

For example, a content server 102 corresponding to an application for managing a schedule for one month
In the application information file 13 stored in
The first day of each month is set as an expiration date. The mobile communication terminal 100 downloads the application information file 13 and
Is stored in the storage unit 2. When the version control of the application program 10 corresponding to the application managing the schedule is instructed, the processing control unit 3 reads the application information file 11 and the current date and time measured by the timer 7 is before the expiration date. In some cases, the process for upgrading can be ended without accessing the content server 102.

Alternatively, for example, every Monday is set as an expiration date in the application information file 13 stored in the content server 102 corresponding to an application for detecting and removing a computer virus. The mobile communication terminal 100 downloads the application information file 13 and stores it in the storage unit 2 as the application information file 11. When the process control unit 3 is instructed to upgrade the application program 10 corresponding to the application for detecting and removing the computer virus, the process control unit 3 reads the application information file 11 and makes the current date and time measured by the timer 7 valid. If it is before the deadline,
The process for upgrading the version can be ended without accessing the content server 102.

As described above, the processing control unit 3 specifies the expiration date of the application program 10 instructed to upgrade from the information included in the application information file 11 and, if the current date and time is before the expiration date. Then, the process for upgrading the application program 10 without accessing the content server 102 ends. That is, even when an instruction to upgrade the application program 10 is given by the instruction information input from the input unit 5, the process for upgrading can be ended without accessing the content server 102. Thereby, the amount of communication information can be reduced.

The processing control unit 3 includes information indicating the expiration date of the application program 10 in the application information file 11 stored in the storage unit 2 corresponding to the application program 10 instructed to upgrade. It is determined whether the current date and time is before the expiration date. That is, the information indicating the expiration date of the application program 10 in the application information file 11 is information that can be set as an option.
If the information indicating the expiration date is included in 1, it is determined whether or not the current date and time is before the expiration date.

Further, even when the current date and time is before the expiration date, the content server 102 can be accessed according to the instruction information input from the input unit 5. Thus, for example, when a defect of the application is corrected before the expiration date, the application program 12 updated by the content server 102
Can be downloaded.

As described above, according to the present invention,
Application information file 11 stored in storage unit 2 of mobile communication terminal 100 and content server 10
2, an expiration date can be set as an option. The processing control unit 3 uses the information indicating the expiration date to store the application program 1 stored in the storage unit 2.
If version upgrade is instructed before the expiration date of 0,
Information for notifying a user of a warning can be output. At this time, the process control unit 3 can end the process for upgrading the application program 10 without accessing the content server 102, based on the instruction information input from the input unit 5. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of communication information when an instruction to upgrade the application program 10 is issued, thereby reducing communication charges.

In the above embodiment, when the upgrade of the application program 10 is instructed by the instruction information input by the input unit 5 in response to the user's key operation or the like, the expiration date of the application program 10 is specified. It has been described that information for notifying a warning is output. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, various functions are realized by enabling the expiration dates of the application programs 10 and 12 to be set in the application information file 13 stored in the content server 102 and the application information file 11 stored in the storage unit 2. can do.

For example, the mobile communication terminal 100 detects an expired application program from the application programs 10 stored in the storage unit 2 every time a predetermined timing arrives, and the application program 10 is activated. Processing corresponding to the expiration may be performed.

In this case, the processing control section 3 executes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the processing control unit 3 determines whether the expired application program 10
It is determined whether or not a predetermined timing for detecting is reached (step S10). For example, the processing control unit 3 determines that when the power of the mobile communication terminal 100 is turned on, or when a predetermined time (eg, 12:00) arrives every day, the timing for detecting the expired application program 10 has arrived. Determine.

When the processing control section 3 determines that the timing has not arrived (NO in step S10), the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 ends.

On the other hand, when the processing control unit 3 determines that the timing has come (YES in step S10), the processing control unit 3 specifies the location of the application information file 11, and reads the application information file 11 stored in the storage unit 2. Acquire (Step S11). At this time, the processing control unit 3 reads information serving as a field indicating the expiration date of the application program 10 included in the application information file 11, and sets the expiration date (step S12). Further, the processing control unit 3 specifies the current date and time measured by the timer 7 (step S1).
3).

The processing control section 3 determines whether or not the current date and time specified in step S13 is before the expiration date of the application program 10 set in step S12 (step S14).

When the processing control unit 3 determines that the current date and time is before the expiration date (YES in step S14),
The process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

On the other hand, when the processing control unit 3 determines that the current date and time has passed the expiration date (N in step S14)
O), assuming that the application program 10 has expired, a process corresponding to the case of the expiration is executed (step S15). For example, the processing control unit 3
A process of displaying an image for notifying a user of a warning on the display unit 4 and a process of displaying the content server
02 to download the application program 12 and the like. The processing control unit 3 performs, for example, a ringer (not shown) included in the mobile communication terminal 100 as a process for notifying the user of a warning.
For example, a process of outputting a notification sound from the server may be performed. That is, the information output to notify the user of the warning can be arbitrarily set according to the design of the mobile communication terminal 100.

The mobile communication terminal 100 is a portable telephone or a PH.
S, for example, PDA (Personal
Any device capable of communicating with the content server 102 via the network 101, such as a digital assistant or a personal computer (PC), may be used.

The application program 12 downloaded from the content server 102 by the mobile communication terminal 100 may be a multi-platform program created in the Java (registered trademark) language, or can be operated only on a specific OS. It may be a native program.

The present invention can be realized by using a computer functioning as a normal mobile communication terminal without using a dedicated device. That is, an operation program for causing a computer to execute each of the above-described processes is recorded in a predetermined recording unit provided in the mobile communication terminal, and a microprocessor such as a CPU reads and executes the operation program to execute the above-described operation. It can function as the mobile communication terminal 100. Here, the operation program is FD, CD
-It may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a flash memory and distributed. In addition, FTP on the Internet
(File Transfer Protocol) The operation program may be stored in a file system of a server or the like, and may be downloaded to a computer, for example, by superimposing it on a carrier wave.

[0088]

According to the present invention, the amount of communication information can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network communication system to which a mobile communication terminal is applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating information included in an application information file.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing images serving as various screens displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when an instruction to upgrade an application program is given;

FIG. 6 is a processing sequence for describing a specific example of the operation of the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in a modified example of the mobile communication terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display unit in a conventional mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 9 is a processing sequence for explaining an operation of a conventional mobile communication terminal.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication processing part 2 Storage part 3 Processing control part 4 Display part 5 Input part 6 Antenna 7 Timepiece 10, 12 Application program 11, 13 Application information file 100 Mobile communication terminal 101 Network 102 Content server B1-B3 Button image D1 selector Screen D2, D10 Menu screen D3, D11 Confirmation notification screen D4, D12 Warning notification screen D5 Information display screen

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat II (reference) H04B 7/26 109M F term (reference) 5B076 AC05 BB06 5B082 EA10 GA05 HA05 5K067 BB21 EE02 EE10 EE16 FF02 FF05 FF23 GG01 GG11 HH05 HH22H KK13 KK15 LL13 5K101 LL12 MM07 NN12 NN18

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A mobile communication terminal capable of realizing various application functions by downloading an application program and an application information file from a content server arranged on a network. Communication means for accessing a content server to perform the communication, a storage means for storing an application program downloaded by the communication means performing communication in association with an application information file, and an application stored in the storage means Processing execution means for executing processing for managing the program; instruction input means for inputting instruction information for instructing the operation of the processing execution means; and a timer for measuring the current date and time The process execution means, when an instruction to upgrade the application program is given by the instruction information input from the instruction input means, starts processing for upgrading the application program, and is instructed to upgrade the version. From the information contained in the application information file stored in the storage means corresponding to the application program, the expiration date of the application program is specified, and the current date and time measured by the timing unit is before the expiration date of the application program. Or not, and if it is determined that it is before the expiration date, the process for upgrading the application program is terminated without accessing the content server by the communication means. Mobile communication terminals. 2. The process execution means according to claim 1, wherein said application information file stored in said storage means corresponding to the application program instructed to upgrade includes information indicating an expiration date of the application program. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the mobile communication terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: determining whether the current date and time is before the expiration date. 3. An information output unit for outputting information corresponding to a process executed by the process execution unit, wherein the process execution unit warns a user when the current date and time is determined to be before the expiration date. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein information for notifying the mobile terminal is output by the information output unit. 4. The information output means includes display means for displaying an image serving as a screen for notifying a warning, and the processing executing means displays an image serving as a warning notification screen for notifying a user of a warning. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 3, wherein a warning is notified to a user by displaying the warning on the display means. 5. The processing execution means, when an instruction to output information related to an application program stored in the storage means is given by the instruction information input from the instruction input means, the application instructed to output the information. 5. An expiration date of the application program is specified from an application information file stored in the storage unit corresponding to the program, and an image indicating the specified expiration date is displayed by the display unit. A mobile communication terminal according to claim 1. 6. The process executing means, when determining that the current date and time is before the expiration date, upgrades the application program according to the instruction information input from the instruction input means without accessing the content server. And an application program already stored in the storage unit by accessing a content server by the communication unit, downloading an application information file and an application program, and storing the application information file and the application program in the storage unit. The mobile communication terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mobile communication terminal executes one of: 7. A storage unit for storing an application program in association with an application information file containing information on the program, and a process execution unit for executing a process for managing the application program stored in the storage unit. An information output unit that outputs information corresponding to a process executed by the process execution unit; an instruction input unit that inputs instruction information for instructing an operation of the process execution unit; and a timing unit that measures a current date and time. The process execution means is stored in the storage means in correspondence with the application program instructed to upgrade when an upgrade of the application program is instructed by the instruction information input from the instruction input means. Information contained in the application information file Determining the expiration date of the application program, determining whether or not the current date and time measured by the timing means is before the expiration date of the application program, and warns the user when determining that the current date and time is before the expiration date. A mobile communication terminal, wherein information for notifying the user is output by the information output means. 8. A storage unit for storing an application information file including information indicating an expiration date of the application program in association with the application program, and executing a process for managing the application program stored in the storage unit. Processing execution means, and a time measuring means for measuring the current date and time, the processing execution means, when a predetermined timing comes, from the information included in the application information file stored in the storage means, The expiration date of the application program to be specified is specified, and it is determined whether or not the current date and time measured by the timer is before the expiration date of the application program. Against expiration Mobile communication terminal and executes processing was, characterized in that. 9. A communication unit for accessing a content server to download an application program and an application information file, wherein the storage unit stores an application program downloaded by the communication unit executing communication. When the processing execution means determines that the current date and time measured by the timing means has passed the expiration date of the application program, the processing execution means accesses the content server by the communication means, and Executing a process of updating an application program already stored in the storage unit by downloading a program and an application information file and storing the file in the storage unit. Mobile communication terminal according to claim 8 that. 10. An information output unit for outputting information corresponding to a process executed by the process execution unit, wherein the process execution unit determines that a current date and time measured by the clock unit has passed an expiration date of an application program. 10. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 8, wherein when it is determined that the information is output, information for notifying a user of a warning is output by the information output unit. 11. 11. A method of operating a mobile communication terminal, comprising: an instruction input unit, a storage unit, a process execution unit, an information output unit, a timing unit, and a communication unit. When the upgrade instruction of the application program stored in the storage unit is instructed by the instruction information, the process execution unit starts processing for upgrading the application program, and the application instructed to upgrade the application program. It is determined whether or not the application information file stored in the storage means corresponding to the program contains information indicating the expiration date of the application program. If the current date and time is before the expiration date of the application program Determine whether there is
If it is determined that the date is before the expiration date, information for notifying the user of a warning is output by the information output unit, and then the content server is accessed by the communication unit in accordance with the instruction information input from the instruction input unit. And terminating the process for upgrading the application program without using the application program. 12. After the information for notifying a user of a warning is output by the information output means, the processing execution means accesses the content server by the communication means according to the instruction information input from the instruction input means. The operation method according to claim 11, wherein the application program already stored in the storage unit is updated by downloading an application information file and an application program and storing the application program in the storage unit. 13. A method of operating a mobile communication terminal comprising a storage means, a processing execution means, a timing means, and a communication means, wherein when a predetermined timing comes, the processing execution means stores the storage means. By reading the information contained in the application information file stored in the means, specify the expiration date of the corresponding application program,
It is determined whether or not the current date and time measured by the timing means is before the expiration date of the application program, and when it is determined that the expiration date has passed, the communication means accesses the content server, and the application program and the application program are executed. An operation method for a mobile communication terminal, comprising: updating an application program already stored in said storage means by downloading an information file and storing it in said storage means. 14. In response to instruction information input from an instruction input means for instructing a computer functioning as a mobile communication terminal to upgrade an application program, the computer is associated with the application program instructed to upgrade. A first determination process for determining whether or not the application information file stored in the storage unit includes information indicating an expiration date of the application program; and determining the expiration date in the first determination process. If it is determined that the information includes the indicated information, it is determined whether or not the current date and time measured by the timer is before the expiration date of the application program specified from the information included in the application information file. A second discriminating process for discriminating, and a valid period in the second discriminating process. A warning output process of outputting information for notifying a user of a warning when it is determined to be before, by an information output unit; and outputting information for notifying a warning in the warning output process. A termination process for terminating a process for upgrading an application program according to instruction information input from the instruction input unit without accessing a content server by a communication unit; and issuing a warning in the warning output process. And a download process for accessing the content server by the communication unit and downloading the application information file and the application program in accordance with the instruction information input from the instruction input unit after the information for the application is output. . 15. When a predetermined timing arrives at a computer functioning as a mobile communication terminal, information contained in an application information file stored in storage means is read to enable the corresponding application program to be activated. A time limit specifying process for specifying a time limit; a determining process for determining whether the current date and time measured by the timer is before the expiration date of the application program specified in the time limit specifying process; If it is determined that the expiration date has passed, access the content server by communication means,
A download process for downloading the application program and application information file, and a program for executing.