JP2004355563A - Automatic updating method for application software, information terminal, update processing method for application software and database center for application software - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically and selectively update only software with a high advancement level. <P>SOLUTION: Updated file information including the number of starts of the software is sent to a database center. Whenever the software is started, the number of starts is increased. The center uses the number of starts relevant to the number of times of utilization of the software as an index of an advancement level and compares with a set updating condition set for all application software in the same (common) to transmit all the latest software meeting updating conditions. One of the updating conditions is the one in which the number of starts satisfies a prescribed number or larger. When the updating conditions are met, it is determined that there is software to be downloaded. Then, it is rewritten to a software of the latest version. At the same time, the updated version and a updated date are stored in an updating file. Only the software meeting the updating condition is selectively and automatically updated. Thereby, a user is released from the troublesome work of selecting the updating software. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for automatically updating application software, an information terminal device, a method for updating application software, and a database center for application software.
[0002]
Specifically, when updating a plurality of application software installed in an information terminal device or the like with a built-in computer, the application software that is considered to have a certain level of proficiency according to the level of proficiency of the application software The present invention relates to an automatic updating method for application software and the like, in which the updating process is performed automatically only for the application software so that the updating process can be easily performed without bothering the user.
[0003]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art A plurality of application software (application programs) are installed in an information terminal device including a computer so that the information terminal device can be applied to actual business. Recently, not only the number of application software installed but also the amount of data of the application software is gradually increasing so that the software can be applied to many tasks.
[0004]
When the version of such application software is higher than when it was installed, the user is provided with a large amount of the latest information, and the application is selected from a vast amount of information and selected by the user. Update processing is performed on the software so that the software is updated to the latest application software.
[0005]
This updating process is performed irrespective of the frequency of use by the user. In some cases, the application software is frequently used, and in other cases, the installed application software is hardly used. The updating process is performed uniformly regardless of the frequency of use.
[0006]
However, if the frequency of use is high and the proficiency of the application software is high, there is a high necessity of an update process by version upgrade or patch. On the other hand, in the case of application software that is rarely used, and thus has low proficiency, it is sufficient to keep the old version, and it is not necessary to update the version. The same is true for patches.
[0007]
In consideration of the above, in order to enable the user to select only the desired application software, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of transmitting data according to a user's request and a skill level, thereby complicating the user's work. There has been disclosed a technology capable of constructing an environment required by a user without causing the environment to be set.
[0008]
Further, Patent Literature 2 discloses a technique in which an administrator can change an editing function and a user interface of a document processing program according to a user's proficiency or the like.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-301788
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-318695
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is such that a desired setting list of a user is created by inputting a requirement of a virtual environment as a parameter, and one of the parameters has a proficiency level. By inputting these parameters, selective download of program data (application software) is enabled.
[0011]
Therefore, when the user inputs a parameter indicating the proficiency level, the application software is selectively downloaded when there is application software corresponding to the proficiency level for the first time. However, the update information (set proficiency) of the application software is not related to the frequency of use of the application software, so that the actual proficiency acquired by the user by using the application software is different from the actual proficiency. Becomes larger. As a result, application software that has not yet been sufficiently acquired may be updated.
[0012]
Also in Patent Literature 2, an update process of a corresponding program is executed by a user setting as an external program to the last.
[0013]
As described above, in any of the patent documents, the user can set the desired application software in advance by setting in advance or setting each time. The setting work is performed for each of the application software. When a large number of application software are installed, the setting work is troublesome. Further, there is a possibility that the application software may be updated to an inexperienced one. In such a case, the convenience of the user may be reduced.
[0014]
Therefore, the present invention solves such a conventional problem. In particular, there is application software that satisfies the update condition only by setting actual startup information of the application software as common information of the update condition. When this is done, an automatic updating method of application software or the like which enables the update information to be automatically downloaded is proposed.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the method for automatically updating application software according to the present invention, the activation information is stored every time a plurality of application software stored in a rewritable memory unit is activated. Updating the
Accessing a database center where the latest application software is stored, and transmitting start information on the application software to the database center;
Receiving the latest application software from the database center, updating the same application software as the reception application software stored in the memory means, and storing the updated application software in the memory means. I do.
[0016]
In the information terminal device according to the present invention described in claim 11, a rewritable memory means for storing a plurality of application software;
Memory means for storing start information updated by starting the application software;
It is characterized by having access means to a database center where the latest application software is stored.
[0017]
An update processing method for application software according to the present invention described in claim 15 is an update processing method for application software in a database center having the latest application software and an update management file for each customer,
Saving boot information regarding the application software transmitted from the information terminal device;
Collating the update conditions of the application software with the start information;
Transmitting the latest application software to the information terminal device with respect to the application software satisfying the update condition.
[0018]
According to the present invention, when updating the application software installed on the information terminal device side, the application software is updated based on the proficiency level of the application software, in other words, based on how much the application software is actually used. Decide whether to update the software.
[0019]
Therefore, the information terminal device separately stores the activation information for each application software. The number of times of activation and the like can be used as the activation information. This is because it is considered that the more the number of startups, the more frequently the application software is used, and accordingly, the proficiency in the application software is also increased. As described above, whether or not to update the corresponding application software is automatically determined by using the correlation between the number of times of activation and the proficiency level.
[0020]
By using the start information such as the number of times of start actually used as information indicating the proficiency level, the deviation from the actual proficiency level of the application software is reduced.
[0021]
In order to update the application software, for example, communication with the database center is performed periodically, and individual start information on a plurality of application software installed in the information terminal device is transmitted to the database center. The database center stores the latest application software for each application software. The software is either the latest application software by a patch or the latest application software by a version upgrade.
[0022]
The database center stores an update management file for each customer (user) and holds update conditions as criteria for determining the proficiency of application software. The update condition is the same (common) for all application software.
[0023]
The update condition is basically the startup information of the application software used as the skill level, that is, the number of startups. If the number of times of activation exceeds a set value N (for example, 30 or more), the update processing is executed as it is worthy of the update.
[0024]
In the case of application software having a small number of startups, since the application software is not used much, it is considered that upgrading to the latest version is of little value. Therefore, by selecting the application software based on the number of times of activation, the application software most desired by the user is automatically updated to the latest one.
[0025]
As update conditions to be added in addition to the number of times of activation, for example, the number of activation days since the last update, the activation time (integrated time), and the like are considered. The number of startup days and the startup time are suitable when the update processing of the application software is performed irregularly.
For example, in the case of periodic update processing, even if the number of activations exceeds a specified value, the automatic update processing is not performed unless the next periodic processing date arrives. However, when the number of startup days or the startup time satisfies the reference values, the automatic update processing can be performed without waiting for the next regular processing day.
[0026]
When the update condition is satisfied, the corresponding application software is transmitted to the information terminal device. The application software to be transmitted is the latest application software updated by a patch or the latest application software upgraded. Update information is saved in the update management file at the same time as the transmission of the application software. The update information includes the latest version information (including the latest batch information) of the application software, the update date and time, and the like.
[0027]
The information terminal device automatically updates the corresponding application software to the latest application software. At the same time, the start information (number of starts) for the application software is reset. By resetting, it is possible to prepare for the next update process.
[0028]
The update information is displayed on the display means on the information terminal device side. Thus, the user can easily grasp which application software has been updated. By accessing the update file in the memory means provided on the information terminal device side, it is possible to confirm whether the application software has been updated or not.
[0029]
By performing such update processing of the application software, only the application software requiring the update processing can be automatically updated selectively without bothering the user.
[0030]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of a method for automatically updating application software according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
According to the present invention, it is automatically determined whether or not the application software should be updated based on the activation information of the application software, and when the update condition is satisfied, the application software is automatically updated to the latest application software. is there.
[0032]
Therefore, FIG. 1 shows a conceptual diagram of the entire update system for realizing the present invention. This update system 10 is intended for a plurality of information terminal devices 12. The information terminal device 12 is a computer for information processing having a built-in CPU, and a plurality of application software for appropriately processing various information are installed in the information terminal device 12.
[0033]
The information terminal device 12 has application software for update processing in order to realize automatic update processing of installed application software. In addition to this, update files for a plurality of application software are prepared, and update information for each application software is recorded in this file.
[0034]
Each of the plurality of information terminal devices 12 is connected to a database center 16 via a communication line 14 such as the Internet. The database center 16 holds a plurality of application software, and moreover, the latest application software. Regardless of the manufacturer, the application software possessed is assumed to have the main software that can be acquired by the user. Some of the latest application software is based on patches, while others are based on upgrades. A new version of application software is also included.
[0035]
The database center 16 refers to the update information on the application software sent from the information terminal device 12 based on the line connection with the plurality of information terminal devices 12 and determines if there is application software satisfying the update condition. Then, the latest application software related to the application software is returned. The update condition is the same (common) for all application software.
[0036]
An update management file is prepared in the database center 16 for management for each customer, and update information and the like are recorded in this update management file.
[0037]
Next, the present invention will be described in detail. First, the information terminal device 12 according to the present invention will be described.
[0038]
FIG. 2 is a system diagram showing the concept of the information terminal device 12 according to the present invention. The information terminal device 12 includes a CPU 20 for controlling the entire device and a memory means 22 in which a plurality of application software are installed. As the memory means 22, a semiconductor memory, a hard disk device (HDD) or the like that can secure a large storage capacity is suitable. FIG. 2 shows a case where a hard disk device is used.
[0039]
Further, in addition to software such as an operating system (OS) and a memory means (ROM) 24 for storing data such as fixed values, application software necessary for realizing automatic update processing of application software, It has a working memory means (RAM) 26 in which an update file is stored. In this example, a transmitting / receiving means 28 for performing communication with the external communication line 14 and the like, and a liquid crystal display element (LCD) are provided. The used display means 30 and the like are interconnected by a bus 32.
[0040]
Application software for automatic updating, update files, and the like can also be saved by using a partial memory area of the memory unit 22. The display unit 30 displays menu information, update processing information, and the like for an update process that is performed regularly or irregularly.
[0041]
The automatic update processing of the application software is executed regularly or irregularly. The following example is an example in which execution is performed periodically. The CPU 20 or the like has a built-in clock means as a clock means for executing the program periodically. The automatic update process for the application software is started every several months, for example, in synchronization with the power-on of the apparatus. Has become.
[0042]
In the update file, update information on all installed application software is recorded.
FIG. 3 shows an example of information recorded in the update file. In this example, each information of the application software name, the version, the installation date, the number of startups, the last startup date and the last update processing date is recorded as update information. Is done.
[0043]
First, the software name of the installed application software is recorded. Next, the version information is recorded. The version information is updated to the latest version every time the application software is updated. The installation date is the date when the application software was first installed.
[0044]
The number of starts is start information of the application software and corresponds to the number of uses of the application software. The activation count is updated (incremented by +1) each time the application software is activated. Since the number of startups is an index indicating how much the user has used the application software, the number of startups is a numerical value related to the proficiency level of the application software. This is because it is considered that the greater the number of startups, the higher the level of proficiency in the application software.
[0045]
The activation count is reset by updating the application software. As a result, the number of uses for the latest application software is recorded as the number of startups, so that the level of proficiency in the latest application software can be always known from the number of startups.
[0046]
The last activation date is the last day on which the application software is activated, and it is possible to know whether or not the application software is frequently used. For example, when adding, for example, the number of startup days or the startup time (integrated time) from the last update to the application software update condition in addition to the number of startups described above, the update of the application software is performed based on the last startup day. Can perform processing. However, in this case, the update processing of the application software is an irregular processing. For example, the number of startup days can be set in units of several months, and the startup time can be set in about 50 to 100 hours.
[0047]
The last update processing date is the latest update date. The update processing date is changed to the updated date every time the application software is updated.
[0048]
The items listed as the update information described above are merely examples, and it is sufficient that at least the application software name, the version, and the number of startups exist as the update information.
[0049]
FIG. 4 et seq. Show an embodiment for realizing the method for automatically updating application software according to the present invention. As one function of the information terminal device 12, the information terminal device 12 has an application for automatic updating. Software is installed.
[0050]
FIG. 4 shows an example of installation of application software. It is assumed that application software for automatic updating has already been installed.
[0051]
Prior to the installation, the identification number (ID) and password of the user are registered and stored as individual authentication data of the user (step 40). Next, installation of application software, which is a normal processing procedure, is performed (step 42), and the software name, version, and installation date and time of the installed application software are registered in an update file, and a series of installation processing is performed. Ends (step 44).
[0052]
The creation process of the activation information regarding the installed application software will be described with reference to FIG.
When the power of the apparatus is turned on and specific application software is started (step 50), the number of starts of the corresponding application software is updated, and the value is registered and stored in an update file (step 52). At the same time, the activation date and time is registered in the update file as the final activation date, and the activation information creation processing ends (step 54).
[0053]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an automatic update process of application software that is performed periodically. The periodic update process can be performed every six months or every year. Alternatively, shorter months may be used. It is assumed that this update processing date can be freely selected and changed by the user. Of course, without waiting for the set periodic update processing date, the above-mentioned irregular update processing for starting the application software for the automatic update is also possible, and ordinary update processing not restricted by the automatic update processing is also possible. Of course, the updating process can also be selected.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 6, when the information terminal device 12 is turned on, application software for automatic updating is started, and it is first checked whether or not the date is a regular update processing date (step 62). When the date corresponds to the update processing day, an update menu is displayed on the display means 30 (step 64).
[0055]
As an update menu display, for example, a display to the effect that "automatic update processing of application software" is performed. The user may consider it unnecessary, and in such a case, the entire update process may be configured to pass. FIG. 6 is an example when there is no such a path.
[0056]
After a predetermined time has elapsed after the update menu is displayed, the line connection with the database center 16 is automatically performed via the communication line 14, and when the line is connected, the ID registered on the user side is registered. Is transmitted (step 66).
[0057]
Using the received ID and password, the database center 16 performs collation processing with registered personal authentication information (step 68). As a result, if the authentication is not successful, a request for transmission of the ID and the password is again issued from the database center 16 side, and the fact is displayed on the display means 30 (step 70). In response to this, the user performs retransmission processing of the ID and password, and performs authentication processing again (steps 72 and 74). If the user is not authenticated in the authentication processing in step 74, the line is disconnected and the automatic update processing of the application software is stopped (steps 74 and 76).
[0058]
Such a result may occur when the user information is not yet registered in the database center 16 or when a part of the information to be registered has an erroneous description.
[0059]
When the authentication is performed in step 68 or step 74, the update file information is transmitted from the user to the database center 16 (step 78). The update file information is registration information as shown in FIG. 3. In this case, if all of the registration information can be transmitted, only a part thereof (for example, the above-described software name, version, and number of startups) is transmitted. May be. In this example, all registration information is transmitted.
[0060]
The database center 16 verifies, based on the received update file information, whether there is application software that satisfies the update conditions.
Here, the update condition is set the same for all application software.
[0061]
The update condition is determined based on whether or not the information indicating the skill level satisfies a specified value. As the information indicating the proficiency level, the start information of the application software, specifically, the number of starts is used. An arbitrary number of activations can be set as the specified value N. For example, a value such as N = 30 can be set (see FIG. 8).
[0062]
In addition, when making a determination including the number of startup days and the latest startup time (integrated usage time) in addition to the number of startups, that is, the number of startups satisfies the specified value N, and the number of startup days since the last update ( When the start time) satisfies the reference value (the reference date or the reference time), the update processing is executed. In this case, unlike the regular processing in FIG. It is an irregular automatic update process.
[0063]
Therefore, in the example of FIG. 6, information indicating the proficiency level of the application software, that is, activation information (number of activations) is used as the update condition.
[0064]
Since the update file information sent to the database center 16 includes information on all application software installed in the apparatus, the update file information is to be updated based on the start information on each application software and the update condition. Application software and other application software are distinguished on the database center 16 side.
[0065]
In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the database center 16 determines whether there is any application software that matches the above-described update condition. As a result, there is no candidate for the application software to be updated. When there is no application software to be downloaded, that is, when there is no information received from the database center 16 (step 80), the fact that there is no corresponding application software is displayed on the display means 30 (step 82). Then, after performing confirmation processing to the user, if there is an intention to disconnect the line, a process of disconnecting the line is executed, and the automatic update processing of the application software is terminated (steps 84 and 85).
[0066]
On the other hand, when there is application software that matches the update condition (step 80), all the corresponding application software is downloaded, and the application software registered in the memory unit 22 is replaced with the latest version of the application software. Rewritten with software (step 86).
[0067]
Along with this rewriting, the updated latest version and the date and time of the update are registered in the update file (step 88). Further, the number of activations for the updated application software is reset. By resetting the number of activations, it is possible to prepare for the next update process. Instead of resetting, a flag or the like may be set to distinguish the number of activations before and after updating.
[0068]
Thereafter, the software name and the version (or patch) of the updated application software are displayed on the display means 30 (step 90). The display on the display means 30 allows the user to confirm which application software has been updated.
[0069]
After the confirmation process to the user, if there is an intention to disconnect the line, a process of disconnecting the line is executed, and the automatic updating process of the application software is terminated (step 92).
[0070]
In the updating process of the application software described above, the user (customer) only sets in advance the startup information corresponding to the proficiency level, and thereafter, it is determined whether the application software is to be automatically updated. When it is determined that the information should be downloaded, the information is automatically downloaded to the information terminal device 12, and the user only needs to confirm the result.
[0071]
As a result, it is not necessary to execute the cumbersome selection process of whether or not to download each time the update process is performed, and the operation becomes very simple. This effect is more remarkably exhibited as the number of installed application software and the amount of data are increased. In addition, since startup information related to the operation of the application software is used as the update condition, it is possible to determine whether or not the application software has been updated in relation to the actual proficiency level of the application software. Can be accurately determined.
[0072]
Next, the configuration and functions of the database center 16 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0073]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the concept of the database center 16 according to the present invention. The database center 16 includes a CPU 100 that controls the entire center and a memory unit 102 in which a plurality of latest application software are installed. As the memory means 102, a hard disk device (HDD) or the like that can secure a large storage capacity is preferable.
[0074]
Further, in addition to software such as an operating system (OS) and a memory means (ROM) 104 for storing data such as fixed values, application software necessary for realizing the update processing of the application software and a user It has a working memory means (RAM) 106 in which an update management file provided for each (customer) is stored. In this example, the information terminal device 12 is a user via an external communication line 14 or the like. Transmission / reception means 108 for performing communication between them, and display means 110 using a liquid crystal display element (LCD) or the like as necessary are mutually connected by a bus 109.
[0075]
Application software for automatic updating, update files, and the like can also be saved using a partial memory area of the memory unit 102.
[0076]
FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of an update management file managed for each user. In this example, as the information registered in the update management file, the software names of a plurality of application software owned by the user and the same application software as the application software are stored in the memory unit 102. The latest version, the update date and time when updating to the latest version, and the date when the user updates the application software are illustrated.
[0077]
Here, a specified value N as an update condition indicating the proficiency level of the application software is registered. As the specified value N, N = 30 is exemplified as described above. The specified value N may be stored in another memory means such as the memory means 106 in association with the user. This is because the specified value N is likely to be changed by the user. Also, the prescribed value N may be set to a different value depending on the user even if the same application software is used.
[0078]
The latest version update date and time is the date and time (acceptance date and time) when the latest version was obtained from the manufacturer that provides the application software. The manufacturer of the application software is not limited to one company, and usually handles application software of a plurality of companies.
[0079]
The last update date and time in the update management file is the update date and time information on the user side. Therefore, when "none" is displayed, it means that the application software has not been updated at all. This is because when the user updates even once, the update date and time is registered.
[0080]
The information of the update management file is not limited to the example of FIG. 8, and for example, only the software name and the latest version of the application software may be registered.
[0081]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of an application software update processing method according to the present invention. As a premise, it is assumed that the ID and password of a user who has contracted with the database center 16 are registered in advance in, for example, the memory means 106 of the database center 16.
[0082]
First, when the database center 16 is connected to the user through the communication line 14, an ID and a password are received from the user (step 112). Then, an authentication process is performed using the received ID and password (step 113). As a result of the authentication processing, when the user is not authenticated, a request is made to retransmit the ID and the password, and the authentication processing is executed again (steps 114 and 116). If authentication is still not successful, the end of the service is notified, and the transmission processing of the application software ends (step 118).
[0083]
On the other hand, when the authentication that the user has been registered is performed in steps 113 and 116, the process proceeds to step 120 to store the information of the received update file. It has already been described that an example of the information of the update file is as shown in FIG.
[0084]
Subsequently, the update management file relating to the user is opened, a comparison process with the received update file information is performed, and a proficiency determination process is performed on all application software described in the update file (steps 122 and 124). ).
[0085]
In this example, the skill level determination process, that is, the update condition determination process is performed based on whether or not the number of activations exceeds a specified value N in this example, as described above. The specified value N is set as a value common to all application software.
[0086]
If there is no corresponding application software as a result of the proficiency determination process, information indicating that there is no application software to be updated is transmitted to the user side, and the transmission process of the latest application software is terminated (step 126, 128).
[0087]
However, if the corresponding application software exists as a result of the proficiency discrimination process, all of the relevant latest application software is transmitted to the user (steps 126 and 130). The user rewrites the received latest version of the application software. At this time, it goes without saying that the latest version information is also transmitted.
[0088]
At the end of the transmission process, the update date and time (previous update date and time) of the update management file is updated to the latest one, and then the transmission process of the latest application software is terminated (step 132).
[0089]
By performing the above processing, only application software having a high level of skill is selectively transmitted, so that unnecessary information need not be provided to the user. As such, it has the benefit of providing services to a large number of users.
[0090]
In the above-described embodiment, the proficiency level determination process of the application software is performed on the database center 16 side. However, the proficiency level determination process may be performed on the information terminal device 12 side. A prescribed value N is set in advance, and the prescribed value N and the number of activations are compared for each of the installed application software. The application software exceeding the specified value N is determined to be application software having a high level of skill, and only the software name and version of the application software are sent to the database center 16 side. When the software is the latest patched or upgraded version, the application software can be selectively and automatically updated by transmitting the application software to the user.
[0091]
In the above-described embodiment, a computer such as a personal computer is exemplified as the information terminal device. However, the present invention can be applied to a terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the method for automatically updating application software according to the present invention, if the user only sets in advance the boot information corresponding to the proficiency level, the application software should be automatically updated thereafter. Is determined on the basis of a common update condition, and when it is determined that the update is to be performed, the information is automatically downloaded to the information terminal device side, and the user need only confirm the result.
[0093]
As a result, it is not necessary to execute the cumbersome selection process of whether or not to download each time the update process is performed, and the operation becomes very simple. This effect is more remarkably exhibited as the number of installed application software and the amount of data are increased. By executing this automatic update process regularly, application software with a high level of skill has the benefit of always being able to perform work using the latest version of software.
[0094]
Since the update condition uses startup information corresponding to the frequency of use of the application software, the update condition has a feature that the presence or absence of an update can be accurately determined under conditions close to the actual proficiency level of the application software.
[0095]
Further, according to the information terminal device of the present invention, by installing the application software related to the automatic update as described above, there is a benefit that the troublesome update process can be greatly simplified.
[0096]
Further, according to the application software update processing method and the database center that provides the update processing according to the present invention, only the application software having a high level of skill is selectively transmitted, so that unnecessary information is not provided to the user. But you can. As such, it has the benefit of providing services to a large number of users.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an application software update system for explaining the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a system diagram showing an embodiment of the information terminal device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an update file of application software.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of installation of application software.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of creating startup information and the like.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an automatic update process of application software.
FIG. 7 is a system diagram showing an embodiment of a database center according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an update management file.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of transmission processing of the latest application software.
[Explanation of symbols]
10: Application software update system, 12: Information terminal device, 14: Internet, 16: Database center, 22, 102: Memory means (hard disk device), 28, 108 ... .Transmission / reception means

Claims (23)

Updating the startup information each time a plurality of application software stored in the rewritable memory means is started;
Accessing a database center where the latest application software is stored, and transmitting start information on the application software to the database center;
Receiving the latest application software from the database center, updating the same application software as the reception application software stored in the memory means, and storing the updated application software in the memory means. How to automatically update application software. 2. The application according to claim 1, wherein the start information is the number of starts of the application software, and is used for checking an update condition for updating the application software to the latest application software. Automatic software update method. 2. The method for automatically updating application software according to claim 1, wherein the information on the application software stored in the memory means includes the application software name and its version information. 2. The method for automatically updating application software according to claim 1, wherein the information on the application software transmitted from the database center includes the latest version information in addition to the application software to be updated. . 2. The method for automatically updating application software according to claim 1, wherein the application software to be updated is update application software by a patch or update application software by a version upgrade. The startup information relating to the application software is reset when the same application software stored in the memory unit is updated by the application software transmitted from the database center. 1. The method for automatically updating application software according to 1. 2. The method for automatically updating application software according to claim 1, wherein the access to the database center is performed periodically or irregularly. 2. The method for automatically updating application software according to claim 1, wherein the information transmitted to the database center includes the application software name and its version information in addition to the start information. 2. The application software according to claim 1, wherein when the application software stored in the memory unit is updated to the latest application software, update information on the updated application software is displayed. Automatic update method. The method for automatically updating application software according to claim 9, wherein the information on the update includes a software name of the updated application software, new version information thereof, and an update date. Rewritable memory means for storing a plurality of application software;
Memory means for storing start information updated by starting the application software;
An information terminal device having access means to a database center in which the latest application software is stored. 12. The information terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the access unit includes an access function for accessing the database center regularly or irregularly. The information terminal device according to claim 11, wherein at least the activation information is transmitted to the database center. The information terminal device according to claim 11, further comprising a display unit that displays update information of the application software. An application software update processing method in a database center having the latest application software and an update management file for each customer,
Saving boot information regarding the application software transmitted from the information terminal device;
Collating the update conditions of the application software with the start information;
Transmitting the latest application software to the information terminal device with respect to the application software satisfying the update condition. 16. The application according to claim 15, wherein the start information is the number of starts of the application software, and is used for checking an update condition for updating the application software to the latest application software. Software update processing method. 17. The application software update processing method according to claim 16, wherein, in addition to the activation information, the number of activation days since the last update of the application software is set as an update condition. 16. The application software update processing method according to claim 15, further comprising a step of, when the latest application software is transmitted, recording information on the update in an update management file for each applicable customer. 19. The application software update processing method according to claim 18, wherein the update information includes version information of the updated application software and an update date and time. Rewritable memory means for storing the latest application software;
Memory means for storing update management files for each customer;
Control means for collating the start-up information on the application software transmitted from the information terminal device with an update condition of the application software;
A database center for application software, comprising transmission / reception means for transmitting the latest application software to the information terminal device with respect to the application software satisfying the update condition. 21. The application according to claim 20, wherein the start information is the number of starts of the application software, and is used for checking an update condition for updating the application software to the latest application software. Software database center. In the control means, transmission processing for the latest application software is managed, and when the latest application software is transmitted, information about the update is recorded in an update management file for each applicable customer. 20. A database center for the application software described in 20. 21. The application software database center according to claim 20, wherein the information on the update includes version information of the updated application software and an update date and time.

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