JP2005141773A - Server device, terminal device, application communication system and method therefor, and recording medium with application communication program recorded therein - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a desired application to be utilized in a short period of time after the start of communication in an application communication system. <P>SOLUTION: A server system includes a first storage part 121 for storing divided applications, a second storage part 122 for storing the respective information of the divided applications, a third storage part 132 for storing user information, a fourth storage part 124 for storing prepaid information, and a control part 110 for controlling the entire server system. The divided applications includes applications which can be executed independently. The control part 110 transmits the divided applications through a data communication line 300 in response to a transmission request from a user. A user terminal can start the execution of the applications immediately when receiving them. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a server device, a terminal device, an application communication system and method, and a recording medium on which an application communication program is recorded, and in particular, a server device and a terminal device that communicate a plurality of divided applications via a data communication path. The present invention relates to an application communication system and method, and a recording medium on which an application communication program is recorded.

  In recent years, networks such as the Internet are rapidly spreading. Accordingly, there are increasing opportunities for various applications such as game software and book data to be downloaded from a server device to a client terminal via a network and used.

  In general, for data distribution, a method is adopted in which data to be communicated is compressed and the capacity is reduced in order to reduce the burden on the communication infrastructure and the recipient. However, when the application to be distributed has a large capacity and it is not sufficient to simply compress it, a distribution method as shown below is usually used.

  That is, one application is divided into several units such as the capacity of FDD. And it delivers to a user for every divided unit. The user sequentially receives the divided applications and installs them on the terminal device. Then, after all installations are completed, they are combined and operated as one application.

  In an unstable communication infrastructure such as a mobile body, a packet communication system is known as such a distribution method. In order to solve a communication error and reduce a traffic load, data to be distributed is divided into packets and distributed. The data for each packet is synthesized on the terminal side and used as one data (application).

  However, the application distribution method described above has a problem in that it takes a long time from the start of communication until the user can use the application.

  In other words, the user cannot operate the application unless the entire divided application is completely installed or stored in the storage device. For this reason, when communicating a large-capacity application, a very long time is required from when the user issues a transmission request until the desired application can be finally used.

  Therefore, it is very inconvenient when immediacy is required, that is, when the user desires to execute an application such as game software as soon as possible.

  Even if only a part of the application is to be used, it cannot be used unless it is completely received, which is inconvenient.

  In the case of mobile communication, since the communication state depends on the terrain during communication, the distance from the base station, and the like, it is difficult to always maintain a good communication state. For this reason, it is very difficult to stably transmit and receive large-volume applications over a long period of time.

  Therefore, in the conventional distribution method in which an application cannot be used on a user terminal unless the entire divided application is completely received, the use of the application itself becomes difficult.

  Furthermore, the conventional delivery method has a problem with the method of paying the application (charging method). That is, in the conventional distribution method, a fee is paid on the assumption that all divided applications are completely transferred. For this reason, even when only a part of the application is required, the user has to pay for the entire application.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of these situations, and a first object thereof is a server device, a terminal device, and an application that can use a desired application in a short time after starting communication. A communication system and method thereof, and a computer-readable recording medium in which an application communication program is recorded.

  The second object is to provide a server device, a terminal device, an application communication system and method, and a computer reading recording the application communication program, which can promote the use of application communication by charging an appropriate fee. It is to provide a possible recording medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a server device includes a first storage unit that stores an application divided into a plurality of units, a reception unit that receives information from a user, and received information And a transmission unit that transmits at least one of the divided applications, and at least one of the divided applications can be executed independently.

  Preferably, the transmission means transmits the divided application that can be executed alone first.

  Preferably, each of the divided applications has an order to be executed, and the purpose of the application in the state before being divided can be achieved by executing according to the order.

  Here, the application means all the programs (contents) for executing certain processing such as game software, novels, movies, dramas, music, and other continuous data. A collection of mere data that is not related to each other is not included in the application referred to here, but includes data necessary to realize a certain purpose.

  According to these inventions, at least one of the applications divided according to the received information from the user is transmitted to the user. Each of the divided applications has an order for execution, and by executing according to the order, the purpose of the application in a state before being divided can be achieved. At least one of them can be executed alone.

  For this reason, the user who received the divided application can execute the received application without receiving the entire application. Therefore, it is possible to provide a server device that can use a desired application in a short time after starting communication.

  Preferably, the first storage unit stores the divided applications in association with IDs for identifying the divided applications.

  According to the present invention, since IDs for identifying divided applications are stored in association with each other, identification for each divided application is facilitated.

  Preferably, the divided application includes an ID of an application that is a candidate to be used next.

  According to the present invention, since each divided application includes an application ID that is a candidate to be used next, the execution order of each divided application can be easily extracted.

  Preferably, at least one of the divided applications includes an ID for identifying the last application.

  According to the present invention, since the divided application includes an ID for identifying the last application, it is possible to notify the end of execution of one application.

  Preferably, when the ID of the application divided by the receiving unit is received, the transmitting unit transmits the corresponding application stored in the first storage unit based on the received ID.

  According to the present invention, when the application ID from the user is received, the corresponding divided application is transmitted to the user. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately transmit a desired divided application to the user.

  Preferably, the server device further includes a second storage unit that stores predetermined information for each divided application.

  According to the present invention, since predetermined information is stored for each divided application, the stored information can be used when necessary.

  Preferably, the predetermined information includes an ID of the divided application and corresponding price information.

  According to the present invention, since the application ID and the price information corresponding to the application ID are stored, the price can be known for each divided application.

  Preferably, the price information is lower than the price of the divided application transmitted first when the corresponding divided application is transmitted after the second time.

  According to the present invention, since the divided application transmitted from the second time is lower than the divided application transmitted first, the user who receives the divided application transmitted first is given 2 It is possible to motivate the user to purchase or use the application after the first time.

  Preferably, the predetermined information includes a usage count of the divided application.

  According to the present invention, since the number of times of use of each divided application is stored, it is possible to know the frequency of use of the divided application.

  Preferably, the server device further includes a fifth storage unit that stores information on a discount rate corresponding to the number of uses.

  According to the present invention, information on the discount rate corresponding to the number of uses is stored, so that the information can be used as necessary.

  Preferably, the server device, based on the use frequency of the predetermined divided application stored in the second storage unit and the discount rate according to the use frequency stored in the fifth storage unit, It further includes a setting unit for setting the price of the divided application that is a candidate for use.

  According to this invention, the discount rate is determined according to the frequency of use of a predetermined divided application, and the price of the next candidate divided application is set based on the discount rate. Therefore, the user's willingness to purchase for the next divided application can be raised.

  Preferably, the server device is based on the number of times of use of the first divided application stored in the second storage unit and the discount rate corresponding to the number of times of use stored in the fifth storage unit. And a setting unit for setting a price of the divided application transmitted after the second time.

  According to this invention, the discount rate is determined according to the frequency of use of the divided application transmitted first, and the price of the divided application transmitted after the second time is set based on the discount rate. Therefore, the user's willingness to purchase for the second and subsequent divided applications can be raised.

  Preferably, the predetermined information includes advertisement presence / absence information.

  According to this invention, since the presence / absence information of an advertisement is stored for each divided application, the presence / absence information of an advertisement can be known as necessary.

  Preferably, the transmission unit transmits the divided application corresponding to the divided application when transmitting the divided application corresponding to the stored advertisement presence / absence information. To do.

  According to this invention, when there is advertisement information in the divided application, the corresponding advertisement information is attached to the divided application and transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user of desired advertisement information.

  Preferably, the predetermined information includes an application name corresponding to the divided application.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily know the application name corresponding to the divided application.

  Preferably, the server device further includes a third storage unit that stores user information.

  According to the present invention, the user information is stored, so that the information can be used as necessary.

  Preferably, the user information includes a user ID and a password for identifying the user.

  According to the present invention, since the user ID and password are stored, it can be used when identifying the user.

  Preferably, the server device determines whether or not the received user ID and password match the user ID and password stored in the third storage unit when the receiving unit receives the user ID and password. A first determination unit for determining is further provided.

  According to this invention, it is determined whether or not the user ID and password input by the user match those stored. Therefore, it is possible to identify whether or not the user is a legitimate user.

  Preferably, the server device further includes a prohibition unit that prohibits the transmission operation by the transmission unit when the first determination unit determines that the user ID and the password do not match.

  According to the present invention, when the user ID and password transmitted by the user do not match those stored, the application transmission operation is not performed. Therefore, it is transmitted only to an authorized user, and the reliability is improved.

  Preferably, the user information includes a usage history of the application.

  According to the present invention, since the use history of the application by the user is stored, it is possible to obtain appropriate information about the user from the application used in the past.

  Preferably, the server device extracts an appropriate advertisement data stored in the first storage unit based on the stored use history, an advertisement data transmission unit that transmits the extracted advertisement data, and Is further provided.

  According to this invention, appropriate advertisement information is transmitted to the user based on the user's usage history. For this reason, the user can obtain appropriate information.

  Preferably, the user information includes balance information related to payment.

  According to the present invention, balance information relating to the user's payment is stored, so that the user cannot forge the balance information. Further, balance information can be known as necessary.

  Preferably, the server device further includes a comparison unit that compares the balance information related to payment and the price information about the divided application requested by the user, and the transmission unit receives the balance information as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit. The divided application is transmitted when it is larger than or equal to the price information.

  According to the present invention, the desired application is transmitted to the user only when the balance of the user is equal to or higher than the price of the desired application. For this reason, it becomes possible to give a monetary stop to the user.

  Preferably, the server device further includes a fourth storage unit that stores prepaid information related to the advance payment information.

  According to the present invention, since prepaid information is stored, it is possible to use telegraphic payment.

  Preferably, the prepaid information includes a prepaid ID and a password.

  According to the present invention, the prepaid ID and password are stored, so that the prepaid card or the like can be used for collation.

  Preferably, when the prepaid ID and password are received by the receiving unit, the server device determines whether or not the received prepaid ID and password match the prepaid ID and password stored in the fourth storage unit. A second determination unit for determining is further provided.

  According to the present invention, it is appropriately determined whether or not the received prepaid ID and password are correct.

  Preferably, the prepaid information includes money amount information.

  According to the present invention, amount information of a medium such as a prepaid card is stored in the server device. Therefore, the amount information cannot be tampered with.

  Preferably, the server device further includes a billing unit that charges the destination user each time the divided application is transmitted by the transmission unit.

  According to the present invention, the user is charged for each divided application. For this reason, the user can use a necessary application at a minimum necessary fee. Therefore, it is possible to provide a server device that can promote the use of application communication by charging an appropriate fee.

  Preferably, the server device further includes a confirmation unit that confirms whether or not the transmission of the application divided by the transmission unit is completed, and the charging unit charges when the transmission is confirmed by the confirmation unit. It is characterized by performing.

  According to the present invention, the user is charged only when transmission of the divided application is completed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a fee is charged when communication becomes impossible during communication.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the server device is divided in accordance with the received information, a first storage unit that stores a plurality of divided applications, a receiving unit that receives information from the user, and the received information. A transmission unit that transmits at least one of the applications, and a billing unit that charges the destination user each time the divided application is transmitted by the transmission unit.

  According to the present invention, each time a divided application is transmitted, a charge is made to the destination user. For this reason, the user only has to pay the necessary minimum fee. Therefore, it is possible to provide a server device that can promote the use of application communication by charging an appropriate fee.

  Preferably, the server device further includes a confirmation unit that confirms whether or not the transmission of the application divided by the transmission unit is completed, and the charging unit charges when the transmission is confirmed by the confirmation unit. It is characterized by performing.

  According to the present invention, the user is charged only when transmission of the divided application is completed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a fee is charged when communication becomes impossible during communication.

  Preferably, the server device stores a user ID and password for identifying the user, a second storage unit that stores the user ID and password, and when the user ID and password are received by the reception unit, the received user ID and password, When the determination unit determines that the user ID and the password stored in the second storage unit match, and the determination unit determines that the user ID and the password do not match, the transmission operation by the transmission unit is prohibited. And a prohibition unit.

  According to this invention, it is determined whether or not the user ID and password input by the user match those stored. If they do not match, the application transmission operation is not performed. Therefore, it is transmitted only to an authorized user, and the reliability is improved.

  Preferably, the second storage unit further stores balance information relating to the user's payment, and the transmission unit is divided when the balance information is greater than or equal to the price information for the divided application requested by the user. The application is transmitted.

  According to the present invention, the desired application is transmitted to the user only when the balance of the user is equal to or higher than the price of the desired application. For this reason, it becomes possible to give a monetary stop to the user.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the terminal device includes a receiving unit that receives the divided application, an execution unit that executes the received divided application, and a division received as a result of execution by the execution unit. And a request unit for requesting transmission of the next divided application on the basis of the divided candidate application information stored in the next application.

  According to the present invention, as a result of the execution of the divided application, the next transmission request is made based on the divided application information as the next candidate stored in the divided application. Therefore, the divided application is received in an appropriate order.

  Preferably, when advertisement data corresponding to the divided application is attached and transmitted, the reception unit also receives the advertisement data.

  According to this, it is possible to receive advertisement data related to a desired application that is of interest to the user.

  Preferably, the terminal device further includes a transmission unit that transmits a reception completion signal when the reception operation of the application divided by the reception unit is completed.

  According to the present invention, when the reception of the divided application is completed, a completion signal is transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately notify whether the reception is completed.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the application communication system includes a server device including a transmission unit that transmits a divided application that can be executed independently, and a terminal device that receives the divided application. It is characterized by that.

  According to this invention, the server apparatus that has received the application transmission request from the terminal transmits a divided application that can be executed independently. The terminal device that has received this can immediately execute the divided application. Therefore, it is possible to provide an application communication system that can use a desired application in a short time after starting communication.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the application communication system includes a server device including a charging unit that charges each time a divided application is transmitted, and a terminal device that receives the divided application. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, since a consideration is required for each divided application, the application can be used with a minimum charge. Therefore, it is possible to provide an application communication system that can promote the use of application communication by charging an appropriate fee.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an application communication method includes a first storage step for storing an application divided into a plurality of pieces, a reception step for receiving information from a user, and the reception method according to the received information. A transmission step of transmitting at least one of the divided applications, wherein at least one of the divided applications can be executed independently.

  Preferably, the transmitting step is characterized in that a divided application that can be executed alone is transmitted first.

  According to these inventions, it is possible to provide an application communication method capable of using a desired application in a short time after starting communication.

  Preferably, each of the divided applications has an order to be executed, and the purpose of the application in the state before being divided can be achieved by executing according to the order.

  Preferably, the first storing step stores the IDs for identifying each of the divided applications in association with each other.

  Preferably, the divided application includes an ID of an application that is a candidate to be used next.

  Preferably, at least one of the divided applications includes an ID for identifying the last application.

  Preferably, when the ID of the application divided in the reception step is received, the transmission step transmits the corresponding application stored in the first storage step based on the received ID.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a second storage step of storing each predetermined information for each divided application.

  Preferably, the predetermined information includes an ID of the divided application and corresponding price information.

  Preferably, the predetermined information includes an application name corresponding to the divided application.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a third storage step of storing user information.

  Preferably, the user information includes a user ID and a password for identifying the user.

  Preferably, in the application communication method, when the user ID and password are received in the reception step, whether or not the received user ID and password match the user ID and password stored in the third storage step. A first determination step for determining

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a prohibiting step of prohibiting a transmission operation in the transmitting step when it is determined in the first determining step that the user ID and the password do not match.

  Preferably, the user information includes a usage history of the application.

  Preferably, the application communication method includes an extraction step of extracting appropriate advertisement data stored in the first storage step based on the stored usage history, and an advertisement data transmission step of transmitting the extracted advertisement data. And further comprising.

  Preferably, the user information includes balance information related to payment.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a comparison step of comparing the balance information related to payment with the price information about the divided application requested by the user, and the transmission step includes the balance information as a result of the comparison by the comparison step. The divided application is transmitted when it is larger than or equal to the price information.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a fourth storage step of storing prepaid information related to the advance payment information.

  Preferably, the prepaid information includes a prepaid ID and a password.

  Preferably, when the prepaid ID and password are received in the receiving step, the application communication method determines whether or not the received prepaid ID and password match the prepaid ID and password stored in the fourth storage step. A second determination step is further included.

  Preferably, the prepaid information includes money amount information.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a charging step of charging the destination user each time the application divided in the transmission step is transmitted.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a confirmation step for confirming whether or not the transmission of the application divided in the transmission step is completed, and the charging step charges when the transmission is confirmed by the confirmation step. It is characterized by performing.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an application communication method includes a first storage step for storing a plurality of divided applications, a reception step for receiving information from a user, and a division according to the received information. A transmission step of transmitting at least one of the applications that have been transmitted, and a charging step of charging the user of the transmission destination each time the application divided in the transmission step is transmitted.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an application communication method capable of promoting the use of application communication by charging an appropriate fee.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a confirmation step for confirming whether or not the transmission of the application divided in the transmission step is completed, and the charging step charges when the transmission is confirmed by the confirmation step. It is characterized by performing.

  Preferably, the application communication method includes a second storage step of storing a user ID and a password for identifying the user, and when the user ID and password are received in the reception step, the received user ID and password, The determination step for determining whether or not the user ID and password stored in the second storage step match, and the transmission operation in the transmission step is prohibited when it is determined in the determination step that the user ID and password do not match And a prohibiting step.

  Preferably, the second storage step further stores balance information relating to the user's payment, and the sending step is split if the balance information is greater than or equal to price information for the split application requested by the user. The application is transmitted.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an application communication method is received as a result of a reception step of receiving a divided application, an execution step of executing the received divided application, and execution in the execution step. And a requesting step for requesting transmission of the next divided application based on the divided application information as the next candidate stored in the divided application.

  According to the present invention, as a result of the execution of the divided application, the next transmission request is made based on the divided application information as the next candidate stored in the divided application. Therefore, an application communication method that can receive divided applications in an appropriate order is realized.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a transmission step of transmitting a reception completion signal when the reception operation of the application divided in the reception step is completed.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an application communication method uses a server device including a transmission unit that transmits a divided application that can be executed alone, and a terminal device that receives the divided application. It is characterized by performing application communication.

  According to this invention, the server apparatus that has received the application transmission request from the terminal transmits a divided application that can be executed independently. The terminal device that has received this can immediately execute the divided application. Therefore, it is possible to provide an application communication method that can use a desired application in a short time after starting communication.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an application communication method uses a server device including a charging unit that charges each time a divided application is transmitted, and a terminal device that receives the divided application. It is characterized by performing application communication.

  According to the present invention, since a consideration is required for each divided application, the application can be used with a minimum charge. Therefore, it is possible to provide an application communication method capable of promoting the use of application communication by charging an appropriate fee.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium records an application communication program for causing a computer to execute an application communication method. In the application communication method, a first storage step for storing a plurality of divided applications, a reception step for receiving information from a user, and transmitting at least one of the divided applications according to the received information And at least one of the divided applications can be executed independently.

  Preferably, the transmitting step is characterized in that a divided application that can be executed alone is transmitted first.

  According to these inventions, it is possible to provide a recording medium that records an application communication program for causing a computer to execute an application communication method capable of using a desired application in a short time after communication is started. .

  Preferably, each of the divided applications has an order to be executed, and the purpose of the application in the state before being divided can be achieved by executing according to the order.

  Preferably, the first storing step stores the IDs for identifying each of the divided applications in association with each other.

  Preferably, the divided application includes an ID of an application that is a candidate to be used next.

  Preferably, at least one of the divided applications includes an ID for identifying the last application.

  Preferably, when the ID of the application divided in the reception step is received, the transmission step transmits the corresponding application stored in the first storage step based on the received ID.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a second storage step of storing each predetermined information for each divided application.

  Preferably, the predetermined information includes an ID of the divided application and corresponding price information.

  Preferably, the price information is lower than the price of the divided application transmitted first when the corresponding divided application is transmitted after the second time.

  Preferably, the predetermined information includes a usage count of the divided application.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a fifth storage step of storing information on a discount rate corresponding to the number of uses.

  Preferably, the application communication method is based on the use frequency of the predetermined divided application stored in the second storage step and the discount rate according to the use frequency stored in the fifth storage step. The method further includes a setting step of setting a price of the divided application that is a candidate to be used next.

  Preferably, the application communication method is based on the use count of the divided application transmitted first stored in the second storage step and the discount rate corresponding to the use count stored in the fifth storage step. And a setting step of setting a price of the divided application transmitted after the second time.

  Preferably, the predetermined information includes advertisement presence / absence information.

  Preferably, the transmitting step transmits the divided application corresponding to the divided application when transmitting the divided application corresponding to the presence / absence information of the stored advertisement. To do.

  Preferably, the predetermined information includes an application name corresponding to the divided application.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a third storage step of storing user information.

  Preferably, the user information includes a user ID and a password for identifying the user.

  Preferably, in the application communication method, when the user ID and password are received in the reception step, whether or not the received user ID and password match the user ID and password stored in the third storage step. A first determination step for determining

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a prohibiting step of prohibiting a transmission operation in the transmitting step when it is determined in the first determining step that the user ID and the password do not match.

  Preferably, the user information includes a usage history of the application.

  Preferably, the application communication method includes an extraction step of extracting appropriate advertisement data stored in the first storage step based on the stored usage history, and an advertisement data transmission step of transmitting the extracted advertisement data. And further comprising.

  Preferably, the user information includes balance information related to payment.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a comparison step of comparing the balance information related to payment with the price information about the divided application requested by the user, and the transmission step includes the balance information as a result of the comparison by the comparison step. The divided application is transmitted when it is larger than or equal to the price information.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a fourth storage step of storing prepaid information related to the advance payment information.

  Preferably, the prepaid information includes a prepaid ID and a password.

  Preferably, when the prepaid ID and password are received in the receiving step, the application communication method determines whether or not the received prepaid ID and password match the prepaid ID and password stored in the fourth storage step. A second determination step is further included.

  Preferably, the prepaid information includes money amount information.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a charging step of charging the destination user each time the application divided in the transmission step is transmitted.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a confirmation step for confirming whether or not the transmission of the application divided in the transmission step is completed, and the charging step charges when the transmission is confirmed by the confirmation step. It is characterized by performing.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium records an application communication program for causing a computer to execute an application communication method. The application communication method transmits at least one of a first storage step for storing a plurality of divided applications, a reception step for receiving information from a user, and an application divided according to the received information. A transmission step, and a charging step of charging the user of the transmission destination each time the application divided in the transmission step is transmitted.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium storing an application communication program for causing a computer to execute an application communication method capable of promoting the use of application communication by charging an appropriate fee. It becomes possible.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a confirmation step for confirming whether or not the transmission of the application divided in the transmission step is completed, and the charging step charges when the transmission is confirmed by the confirmation step. It is characterized by performing.

  Preferably, the application communication method includes a second storage step of storing a user ID and a password for identifying the user, and when the user ID and password are received in the reception step, the received user ID and password, The determination step for determining whether or not the user ID and password stored in the second storage step match, and the transmission operation in the transmission step is prohibited when it is determined in the determination step that the user ID and password do not match And a prohibiting step.

  Preferably, the second storage step further stores balance information relating to the user's payment, and the sending step is split if the balance information is greater than or equal to price information for the split application requested by the user. The application is transmitted.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium records an application communication program for causing a computer to execute an application communication method. An application communication method includes a reception step for receiving a divided application, an execution step for executing the received divided application, and a next result stored in the received divided application as a result of execution in the execution step. A requesting step for requesting transmission of the next divided application based on the divided application information as candidates.

  According to the present invention, as a result of the execution of the divided application, the next transmission request is made based on the divided application information as the next candidate stored in the divided application. Therefore, it is possible to provide a computer-readable recording medium that records an application communication program for executing an application communication method capable of receiving divided applications in an appropriate order on a computer.

  Preferably, the application communication method further includes a transmission step of transmitting a reception completion signal when the reception operation of the application divided in the reception step is completed.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium records an application communication program for causing a computer to execute an application communication method. The application communication method is characterized in that application communication is performed using a server device including a transmission unit that transmits a divided application that can be executed independently and a terminal device that receives the divided application.

  According to this invention, the server apparatus that has received the application transmission request from the terminal transmits a divided application that can be executed independently. The terminal device that has received this can immediately execute the divided application. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a computer-readable recording medium that records an application program that can be executed by a computer in an application communication method that can use a desired application in a short time after communication is started. .

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium records an application communication program for causing a computer to execute an application communication method. An application communication method is characterized in that application communication is performed using a server device including a charging unit that charges each time a divided application is transmitted and a terminal device that receives the divided application. .

  According to the present invention, since a consideration is required for each divided application, the application can be used with a minimum charge. Therefore, it is possible to provide a computer-readable recording medium that records an application communication program capable of executing an application communication method capable of promoting the use of application communication by a computer when an appropriate fee is charged. It becomes possible.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an entire application communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the application communication system includes a server system 100 and a plurality of terminal devices 200, 210, and 220 (hereinafter may be collectively referred to as “terminals”). The server system 100 and the terminal devices 200, 210, and 220 can communicate with each other via the data communication path 300.

  The server system 100 includes a storage unit 120 that stores information such as an application, a user, and a prepaid divided into a plurality of parts, and a control unit 110 that controls the entire server system 100.

  The terminal device 200 is a mobile terminal capable of data communication via a mobile base station, and the terminal device 210 is a personal computer. The terminal device 220 is a portable game device.

  The data communication path 300 is a communication path capable of bidirectional communication. For example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a telephone line, mobile communication, or the like is used.

  Next, the server system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing details of the server system 100 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 2, server system 100 includes control unit 110 and storage unit 120 as described above.

  The storage unit 120 includes a first storage unit 121 that stores the divided applications, a second storage unit 122 that stores information on each of the divided applications, and a third storage unit 123 that stores user information. And a fourth storage unit 124 for storing prepaid information.

  The first storage unit 121 stores a plurality of applications such as game software (a), digitized book data (b), a demo program (c), and advertisement data (d). Each application is divided into necessary minimum units according to the contents of each application. For example, the game software (a) is divided into n according to the content of the game. Communication is performed in units of the divided applications.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the first storage unit 121. Referring to FIG. 3, the first storage unit 121 stores a plurality of divided applications and application IDs for identifying the divided applications.

  For example, for one application called Super Golf, “a golf game 1 hole program”, “a golf game 2 hole program”, and “a golf game 3 hole program” are stored as divided applications. . Each divided application stores an application ID, 123456, 123457, and 123458 in association with each other.

  The application ID stores classification information including a category. Classification information including categories includes game software, digitized book data, demo programs, advertisement data, and the like.

  Here, each divided application includes application ID information that is a candidate to be used next. Therefore, for example, the “golf game 1 hole program” includes an application ID (123457) of the next candidate “golf game 2 hole program”.

  If there is no application to be used next among the divided applications, an application ID indicating that the application is the last is included.

  The second storage unit 122 stores information about the divided applications. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the second storage unit 122. Referring to FIG. 4, in the second storage unit 122, related information is stored in a manner associated with the application IDs of the divided applications illustrated in FIG. 3. The related information includes price information, usage count, application name, creator, creator, and the like.

  For example, for a divided application (application ID = 1231456) called “Golf game 1 hole program”, the price is 500 yen, the total number of uses is 570 times, the application name is “Super Golf”, the creator is “Sharp”, and The creator “John Smith” is stored in association with each other.

  The third storage unit 123 stores personal information of users who use the application communication system. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the third storage unit 123. Referring to FIG. 5, the third storage unit 123 stores, as user personal information, user password, personal information such as address / name / age / profession, balance information related to payment, usage history information of applications used. A terminal ID for identifying the terminal is stored in association with each user ID.

  The fourth storage unit 124 stores prepaid information related to advance payment information. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the fourth storage unit 124. Referring to FIG. 6, the fourth storage unit 124 stores a prepaid ID for identifying a prepaid card, a prepaid card password, face value information, issue date, use permission / inhibition information, and the like in association with each other.

  Here, the prepaid ID, personal identification number, amount information, and the like are predetermined as prepaid information in the prepaid card manufacturing or sales stage. The usage information is recorded as either “used” or “unused” depending on whether the user has used the corresponding prepaid card.

  In addition, when it is “used” by being used by the user, the amount information of the target prepaid ID is added to the balance information column relating to the user's payment shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the control unit 110 includes a central processing unit (not shown), a temporary storage device, a data communication path connection device, a main program storage unit, and the like.

  The central processing unit performs control of each unit, data selection, data transfer, temporary storage of information, and the like according to the main program stored in the main program storage unit.

  The temporary storage device temporarily holds the processing result by the central processing unit.

  The data communication path connection device connects the server system 100 and the data communication path 300, and performs bidirectional communication with the terminal devices 200, 210, and 220 via the data communication path 300.

  The main program stored in the main program storage unit is a program for realizing the application communication system, and controls the entire server system 100. Therefore, a plurality of programs as shown below are included.

  That is, for example, a program for displaying on the terminal side a guidance screen for allowing the user to select a required application and perform various settings, and balance information for the distribution request sent from the terminal side is stored in the third storage unit 123. A program for determining whether delivery is possible by extracting from the program, a program for selecting and transmitting a divided application stored in the first storage unit 121 based on the next application ID sent from the terminal, and sent from the terminal A program that saves the usage history of the application in the third storage unit 123, the usage history of the user's application is extracted from the third storage unit 123, and appropriate advertisement data is extracted from the first storage unit 121 based on this Etc., and a program that extracts the information and transmits it to the user.

  The main program may be stored in advance in the main program storage unit, or may be recorded on a removable recording medium 111 such as a CD-ROM.

  When the program is recorded on a removable recording medium, the recorded program is read from the recording medium by a CD-ROM device (not shown) or the like and temporarily stored in the main program storage unit.

  The recording medium on which the program is recorded includes a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a disk system such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk device, etc.) and an optical disk (CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD, etc.), A medium such as a card system such as an IC card (including a memory card) or an optical card, or a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash ROM, or the like is conceivable.

  Further, it may be a medium that carries the program in a fluid manner so that the program is downloaded from the network. When the program is downloaded from the network in this way, the download program is stored in the server system 100 in advance or installed in the server system 100 from another recording medium in advance.

  The content stored in the recording medium is not limited to a program, and may be data.

  A specific example when this main program is executed will be described later.

  Next, the terminal devices 200, 210, and 220 shown in FIG. 1 will be briefly described. Since these terminal devices 200, 210, and 220 have the same main functional configuration, the mobile terminal 200 will be described as a representative.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 200. Referring to FIG. 7, mobile terminal 200 includes data communication path connection device 201, memory device 202, control unit 203, display unit 204, and operation unit 205.

  The data communication path connection device 201 connects the mobile terminal 200 and the data communication path 300, and performs bidirectional communication with the server system 100 via the data communication path 300.

  The memory device 202 stores data transmitted from the server system 100. For example, a divided application that is transmitted in response to a transmission request.

  The control unit 203 includes a central processing unit (not shown) and a main program storage unit. Then, the data communication path connection device 201, the memory device 202, the display unit 204, and the operation unit 205 are controlled according to the stored main program.

  For example, the control unit 203 controls the exchange of data with the memory device 202 in order to execute the divided application stored in the memory device 202. When the application is executed, the display unit 204 and the operation unit 205 serving as a user interface are also controlled. Then, when requesting the divided application required next, the operation of the data communication path connection device 201 is also controlled in order to transmit the corresponding application ID to the server system 100.

  The main program may be stored in advance in the main program storage unit, or may be recorded on a removable recording medium 211 such as a magnetic tape. The recording medium 211 may be the same as that described in the description of FIG.

  Next, the flow of processing in the application communication system configured as described above will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the entire application communication system in the present embodiment. Here, a case where a prepaid card is used as a method of paying for the application is shown. Moreover, as a terminal device, the mobile terminal 200 is described as an example.

  Referring to FIG. 8, when a user who wishes to distribute an application purchases a prepaid card (“Yes” in step S801), the process proceeds to step S803, and a prepaid card purchase process is performed.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a prepaid card to be purchased. As shown in the figure, the prepaid card includes a prepaid ID, a password for the prepaid card, face value information, an issue date, and the like. Therefore, a user who has purchased a prepaid card by paying a desired amount can know the ID and password assigned in advance to the card. The prepaid card information is already registered in the fourth storage unit 124 of the server system 100.

  If a prepaid card is not purchased, the process of step S803 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S805.

  In step S805, the user terminal and the server system are connected, and user information is collated. That is, based on user information stored in the third storage unit 123 of the server system 100, authentication processing of user information transmitted from the mobile terminal 200 is performed.

  Subsequently, in step S807, desired application selection processing is performed. That is, here, the divided application is distributed and the payment for the divided application is performed.

  When the distribution of the desired application is completed, the distributed application is executed on the user terminal in step S809. If necessary, the next divided application is further distributed and the application is also executed.

  The above is the rough processing flow of the entire application communication system. Hereinafter, each process will be described in detail.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the prepaid card purchase process (step S803) of FIG. The user purchases a prepaid card as shown in FIG. 9 at a convenience store, a toy store, a bookstore, or the like.

  Referring to this figure, when a user purchases a prepaid card for the first time, that is, when connecting to server system 100 for the first time (“Yes” in step S101), the user's personal information and the like are input in step S103. It is. That is, the user ID, password, personal information, etc. are input from the dedicated terminal or the like by the person or the agent.

  Then, in step S105, the input personal information and the like are transmitted to the server system 100 via the data communication path 300. The server system 100 that has received the personal information or the like stores the information (user ID, password, personal information, etc.) in the third storage unit 123 in step S107.

  When data such as personal information is transferred, a prepaid card is sold to the user in step S109. Then, the subroutine is terminated and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of terminal authentication processing (step S805) of FIG. Referring to this figure, first, in step S1101, a user connects to server system 100 through mobile terminal 200 that can use an application. Note that the mobile terminal 200 having a function of automatically connecting to the server system 100 may be used for connection.

  When the connection is completed, in step S1103, the server system 100 transmits an input request such as a user ID and a password to the mobile terminal 200 side. In step S1105, the mobile terminal 200 that has received the request displays an input request screen on the display unit 204 to prompt user input. The user inputs data such as a user ID and a password from the operation unit 205 according to the screen. The input data is transferred to the server system 100. Note that the input form is not limited to the input from the operation unit 205. For example, a user ID, a password, and the like may be stored in advance in the mobile terminal 200, and may be transmitted as they are.

  In step S 1107, the server system 100 that has received the user ID and the like collates these with the user ID and password stored in the third storage unit 123. And it is confirmed whether it is a regular user.

  If the user is not an authorized user (“No” in step S1107), an error occurs in step S1111 and the mobile terminal 200 cannot proceed to the subsequent steps.

  On the other hand, if the user is a legitimate user (“Yes” in step S1107), the connection between the mobile terminal 200 and the server system 100 is maintained (step S1109), and the terminal authentication process ends.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the application selection process (step S807) of FIG. Referring to this figure, server system 100 transmits an application menu to mobile terminal 200 based on the application name stored in second storage unit 122 in step S1201.

  In response to this, the mobile terminal 200 displays an application menu on the display unit 204 (step S1203). The user selects a desired application from the displayed menu (step S1205). Information on the selected application is transmitted to the server system 100. Here, it is assumed that a golf game is selected as the application.

  In the server system 100, in step S1207, information on the selected application is received, and the corresponding application is transmitted and charged for the transmission.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the application transmission and billing process (step S1207) of FIG. With reference to FIG. 13, first, in step S1301, the server system 100 determines whether or not the selected application, that is, the target of the transmission request is the final application ID.

  If it is not the final application ID, the process proceeds to step S1303. In step S1303, the control unit 110 extracts the price information of the corresponding divided application from the second storage unit 122 based on the transmitted application name (or application ID).

  Since the application name “golf game” has been transmitted this time, the application ID of the first divided application is extracted from the applications of the n divided golf games. Then, price information is extracted from the second storage unit 122 based on the application ID.

  When the price information of the application to be transmitted is extracted, in step S1305, balance information related to payment corresponding to the user ID is extracted from the third storage unit 123. In step S1307, the price information of the application is compared with the balance information related to the payment corresponding to the user ID.

  As a result of the comparison, if (balance information−price information) ≧ 0 (“Yes” in step S1307), the corresponding application is transferred in step S1309. That is, the divided application stored in the first storage unit 121 corresponding to the application ID in the second storage unit 122 is read out and transferred to the mobile terminal 200.

  On the other hand, if (balance information−price information) <0 (“No” in step S1307), prepaid processing is performed in step S1321.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the prepaid process (step S1321 in FIG. 13). Referring to FIG. 14, in step S 1401, an input request such as a prepaid ID and a prepaid password is transmitted from server system 100 to mobile terminal 200.

  Receiving this, the mobile terminal 200 displays an input request screen on the display unit 204 in step S1403 to prompt the user to input. The user inputs data such as a prepaid ID and a password from a keyboard or the like according to the screen. The input data is transferred from the mobile terminal 200 to the server system 100. In addition to the direct input from the keyboard or the like by the user, for example, the prepaid card may be an IC card or a magnetic card, and this may be used when the terminal has a reading function. .

  When the prepaid ID or the like is transmitted, in step S1405, server device 100 performs a collation process on the transmitted data. That is, the prepaid ID and the prepaid password stored in the fourth storage unit 124 are collated to confirm that the target prepaid card is a regular prepaid card.

  As a result of the collation, if the card is not a regular prepaid card (“No” in step S1405), error processing is performed in step S1415 to inform the user that the card is illegal. Then, the subsequent steps are not allowed to proceed.

  On the other hand, as a result of the collation, if it is a regular prepaid card (“Yes” in step S1405), the amount information corresponding to the prepaid ID is extracted from the fourth storage unit 124 in step S1407. In step S1409, the extracted amount information is added to balance information related to payment in the third storage unit 123. At this time, “used” is recorded in the usage information of the fourth storage unit 124.

  Next, in step S1411, the balance information after the amount information is added is transmitted from the server system 100 to the mobile terminal 200 in order to inform the user. Receiving this, the mobile terminal 200 displays the balance information on the display unit 204 in step S1413.

  In this way, when the prepaid process is completed, the process returns to the process of step S1307 in FIG. 13 again, and balance information regarding the current payment, that is, the balance information after the amount information of the prepaid card is added, and the desired division. Comparison with the price information of each application. Then, depending on the comparison result, the process proceeds to the prepaid process in step S1321 or the transfer process of the corresponding application in step S1309.

  In step S1309, when the corresponding divided application is transmitted from the first storage unit 121 to the mobile terminal 200, the mobile terminal 200 receives this in step S1311.

  When the mobile terminal 200 completes reception of the divided application (“Yes” in step S1313), the mobile terminal 200 transmits a reception completion signal to the server system 100 in step S1315.

  Upon receipt of this reception completion signal, in the server system 100, in step S1317, the application stored in the second storage unit 122 is obtained from the balance information related to the payment corresponding to the user ID stored in the third storage unit 123. Price information related to the ID is subtracted. That is, only when the reception of the divided application is completed in the user terminal, the consideration for the received application is paid. The deducted result is recorded in the corresponding balance information.

  When the consideration is paid, the mobile terminal 200 releases the connection with the server system 100 in step S1319. Then, the application transfer and billing process ends.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the application execution process (step S809) of FIG. Referring to FIG. 15, in mobile terminal 200, first, in step S1501, the application transmitted in response to the request is activated.

  Here, an application called a golf game is targeted. FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the target golf game. With reference to FIG. 16, the application is divided | segmented for every hole from the 1st hole to the 18th hole in the golf game.

  The contents of the golf game transferred to the mobile terminal 200 for the first time are the basic information of the golf game (the program that is the basis of the golf game and its information) and the data of the first hole. The content of the golf game transferred to the mobile terminal 200 after the second is data of each hole, and does not include basic information of the golf game.

  Here, the basic program is divided so that only the contents of the first time are included, but the case where the basic program is included in the contents transmitted after the second time is not excluded.

  Each divided application includes an application ID that is a candidate to be used next.

  Returning to FIG. 15, when a golf game is newly used, the first divided application is activated. Therefore, the golf game for the first hole is executed. When the first hole is completed (“Yes” in step S1503), whether or not the next divided application can be transferred is confirmed in step S1505. That is, the user confirms whether transfer of the next application is desired or cancelled.

  If transfer is possible (“Yes” in step S1505), the process proceeds to step S1507, and the mobile terminal 200 is connected to the server system 100. That is, the terminal authentication process shown in FIG. 11 is performed again. On the other hand, if transfer is not possible (“No” in step S1505), the game is terminated without being connected to the server system 100.

  When the mobile terminal 200 is connected to the server system 100 according to the terminal authentication process of FIG. 11, it is determined in step S1509 whether or not the currently coupled-in application is the final application.

  Specifically, the determination is made based on the application ID that is the next use candidate included in each divided application. If the application ID is not an application ID that identifies the final application ID (“No” in step S1509), the process proceeds to step S1511. On the other hand, if the application ID is an application ID that identifies the final application ID (“No” in step S1509), the process proceeds to step S1515.

  If it is not the final application, the next candidate application ID is transferred from the mobile terminal 200 to the server system 100 in step S1511. In step S1513, the application transfer and billing process shown in FIG. 13 is performed again.

  In this case, since “No” is determined in the determination process in step S1301 in FIG. 13, the processes after step S1303 are repeated again. That is, the process up to the 17th hole is repeated by the same processing procedure as that for the 1st hole.

  Returning to FIG. 15, when the application is the final application, that is, when the 18th hole is cupped in, the application ID for identifying the end is transferred from the mobile terminal 200 to the server system 100 in step S1515. At this time, the game result and the like are also transferred. In step S1517, the application transfer and billing process shown in FIG. 13 is performed again.

  In this case, since “Yes” is determined in the determination process of step S1301 in FIG. 13, the processes after step S1323 are performed. That is, in step S <b> 1323, the server system 100 records the application ID for identifying the end, the game result, and the like in the application usage history information in the third storage unit 123.

  In step S1325, appropriate advertisement data and the like are extracted from the first storage unit 121 with reference to the usage history information stored in the third storage unit 123. The extracted advertisement data and the like are transmitted from the server system 100 to the mobile terminal 200.

  According to the processing flow of the application communication system described above, since the application to be communicated is divided into a plurality of parts, only necessary divided applications are transmitted and received in one communication. Moreover, since at least the first divided application can be executed alone, the user can execute the application immediately after the first divided application is transmitted. Is possible. Therefore, the application can be executed in a very short time after issuing the transmission request.

  In addition, the communication costs required to begin executing the desired application will be reduced. Further, the user can select whether or not to continuously execute the remaining application by executing a part of the application. Therefore, the user's options are widened, and the inconvenience that the entire application is transmitted even if unnecessary is avoided.

  In addition, since the data capacity sent every time is small, the traffic load on the line is also reduced. Furthermore, since the application can be executed by the divided application alone, the storage capacity required for the terminal device can be reduced.

  In addition, the charged application is not charged for the entire application, but for each divided application. Therefore, the user only has to pay for the necessary divided application, and the application can be utilized at the minimum necessary fee.

  Furthermore, since charging is performed after the transfer of the divided application is completed even for a terminal in an unstable communication state, such as the mobile terminal 200, the user can issue an application transmission request with peace of mind.

  In addition, the prepaid information about the prepaid card is managed on the server system 100 side together with the balance information related to the payment for the user, and therefore cannot be tampered with. Therefore, the reliability of the application communication system itself is improved, and the system is smoothly operated.

  In the golf game configuration shown in FIG. 16, the application is divided for each hole. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, each hall is further divided into bunker processing, pond pocha processing, OB processing, etc., and these are transferred to the terminal as necessary. May be.

  Further, in FIGS. 15 and 16, etc., a golf game has been described as an example of an application, but the application is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to divide book data such as novels into chapters 1 and 2 such as chapters, or to divide a demo program into each step in the order of the demonstration. . That is, there is an execution order for each divided application, and any application can be used as long as the purpose of executing one application before the division can be achieved by executing the application in order. The present invention can also be applied to this.

  Further, in FIG. 15 and the like, the case where the divided applications are executed in order from the 1st hole to the 18th hole has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such a case. Depending on the contents of the application, the order may be changed, or all the divided applications may be terminated before being executed, and the purpose of the application may still be achieved. The present invention can also be applied to such a case.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the communication unit at the time of one communication is one divided application has been described. However, two or more divided applications may be communicated in response to a user request.

  Further, in FIG. 13 and the like, a case has been described in which charging (payment) is performed in units of divided applications as a charging (payment) method for an application. However, all of the divided applications 1 to n may be charged (paid) in a lump.

Further, in the embodiment shown this time, the case where payment is made with a prepaid card as the price of the application received is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to prepaid cards, and various billing (payment) methods such as withdrawal from a bank account, a method of using a debit card, and postpayment in response to a request can be applied.
<Modification 1>
Next, Modification 1 in the present embodiment will be described. This modification is different from the first embodiment in that the price of the divided application is set according to the transfer order. That is, in this modification, the price of the divided application transferred at least the second time or later is set lower than the price of the divided application transferred first.

  In FIG. 17, the example of the data memorize | stored in the 2nd memory | storage part 122 in the modification 1 is shown. Referring to FIG. 17, the second storage unit 122 stores a standard price, the number of uses, an application name, a creation source, and the like corresponding to each application ID.

  Here, the divided application with the application ID of 000001 (Chituri 1 (shown as 1 surrounded by a circle in the figure)) is transferred first in one application software called “Chituri”. Corresponds to the application. Therefore, the standard price of the divided application (application IDs 000002, 000003, etc.) transferred after the second time is set lower than the standard price (500 yen).

  Further, in this figure, the price is set to be lower each time the divided application is transferred. That is, when the application ID is 000001, the standard price is 500 yen, when the application ID is 000002, the standard price is 450 yen, when the application ID is 000003, the standard price is 400 yen, and when the application ID is 000005, the standard price is 350 yen. The standard price is set according to the transfer order.

  The billing process for the user is performed based on the standard price information shown in FIG. Therefore, in the accounting process flowchart of FIG. 13, the “price information” in step S1303 is the “standard price” shown in FIG.

  For this reason, the user is charged with "price information where the price of the divided application transferred after the first time is lower than the price of the divided application transferred first". Become.

Therefore, the user who received the first divided application can be encouraged to purchase and use the second and subsequent divided applications.
<Modification 2>
In the first modification, the standard price of the divided application transferred at least the second time is set lower than the standard price of the divided application transferred first. However, in the second modification, regardless of the transfer order, the price information of the next candidate divided application is set based on the number of uses of each divided application and the discount rate corresponding to the number of uses.

  Here, the usage count of each divided application is stored in the second storage unit 122 as shown in FIG. Further, the discount rate corresponding to the number of uses is stored in the fifth storage unit 125. Therefore, in this modification, the storage unit 120 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 further includes a fifth storage unit 125.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of data stored in the fifth storage unit 125. In this figure, for example, if the number of uses is 0 times or more and less than 10,000 times, the discount rate is 0%, and if it is 10,000 times or more and less than 100,000 times, 10% and 100,000 times That's 30 percent.

  When the user is charged, the discount rate stored in the fifth storage unit 125 and the price information (standard price) stored in the second storage unit 122 are used. . That is, the discounted price of the divided application as the next candidate is set from the discount rate and the standard price, and charging processing is performed for the discounted price.

  A specific example of price setting will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. In FIG. 17, since the application ID (000001) is used 150,000 times, the discount rate is 30% from FIG. Therefore, the price of the next candidate application ID (000002) is discounted by 30% from the standard price. Therefore, 450 yen * (1-0.3) = 315 yen is set as the price to be charged with respect to the standard price of 450 yen.

  Similarly, the price of the application ID (000003) is 400% * (1−0.1) = 360 yen because the application ID (000002) is used 80000 times and the discount rate is 10%.

  Further, the price of the application ID (000004) is 5000% because the number of times the application ID (000003) is used is 5000 times, and is 350 yen * (1-0) = 350 yen.

  In this way, the price for each divided application is set. Accordingly, in the accounting process flowchart of FIG. 13, the “price information” extracted in step S1303 is “the fifth number corresponding to the number of uses and the number of uses of each divided application stored in the second storage unit 122”. “Price information of the next candidate divided application set based on the discount rate stored in the storage unit 125”.

  The discount rate stored in the fifth storage unit 125 is appropriately set by the application provider based on the number of times each divided application is used.

  According to this modification, the next candidate is based on the number of uses of each divided application stored in the second storage unit 122 and the discount rate stored in the fifth storage unit 125 corresponding to the number of uses. A discount is made on the standard price of the split application. For this reason, a popular application can be purchased cheaply and the user's willingness to purchase and use can be raised.

Here, the data example stored in the second storage unit 122 has been described with reference to FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and price information set regardless of the transfer order of the divided applications may be used as shown in FIG. In this case, the price to be charged is determined by the price information and the discount rate.
<Modification 3>
In the second modification, based on the number of times of use of each divided application stored in the second storage unit 122 and the discount rate for the number of times of use stored in the fifth storage unit 125, the divided application that becomes the next candidate The price of was set. However, in this modified example, the price of the divided application transmitted after the second time is set based on the number of times the application is transmitted first and the discount rate corresponding to the number of times of use.

  Here, the number of times each divided application is used is stored in the second storage unit 122 as shown in FIG. Further, the discount rate corresponding to the number of uses is stored in the fifth storage unit 125 as shown in FIG. Therefore, also in this modification, the storage unit 120 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 further includes a fifth storage unit 125.

  When the user is charged, the discount rate stored in the fifth storage unit 125 and the price information (standard price) stored in the second storage unit 122 are performed. In other words, the price of the divided application transmitted after the second time is set using the discount rate determined from the number of times of use of the divided application transmitted first, and charging processing is performed for the set discounted price. It is.

  Hereinafter, this will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. In FIG. 17, since the application ID (000001) is used 150,000 times, the discount rate is 30% from FIG. Therefore, the price of the divided application transmitted after the second time is discounted by 30% from each standard price.

  For example, in the case of the application ID (000002), 450 yen * (1-0.3) = 315 yen is set as the price to be charged with respect to the standard price of 450 yen.

  Similarly, the price of the application ID (000003) is 400 yen * (1-0.3) = 280 yen with respect to the standard price of 400 yen.

  The price of the application ID (000004) is 350 yen * (1-0.3) = 245 yen with respect to the standard price of 350 yen.

  In this way, the price for each divided application is set. Therefore, in the accounting process flowchart of FIG. 13, the “price information” extracted in step S <b> 1303 corresponds to “the number of times and the number of times of use of the first divided application stored in the second storage unit 122. The price information of the divided application transmitted after the second time set based on the discount rate stored in the fifth storage unit 125.

  The discount rate stored in the fifth storage unit 125 is appropriately set by the application provider based on the number of times the divided application is transmitted first.

  According to this modification, a discount is applied to the price of the divided application transmitted after the second time based on the number of times of use of the divided application transmitted first and the corresponding discount rate. Therefore, a popular application can be purchased at a low price, and the user who has received the first divided application can be motivated to purchase or use the second and subsequent divided applications.

In this case as well, the example of data stored in the second storage unit 122 has been described with reference to FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 4, price information set regardless of the transfer order of the divided applications may be used. In this case, the price to be charged is determined by the price information and the discount rate.
[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment has the same configuration as that of the application communication system in the first embodiment shown in FIG. The configuration of the server system shown in FIG. 2 is also the same.

  However, the following points are different. That is, the second storage unit 122 further stores, for each divided application, advertisement presence / absence information and a predetermined discount amount based on the presence / absence information. When there is an advertisement, when transferring the divided application The point that the divided application with the advertisement data stored in the first storage unit 121 is transferred. When there is an advertisement, the divided application is based on the price information stored in the second storage unit 122 with a predetermined discount. The charging process is performed, and the information indicating the presence / absence of advertisement is added to the last bit of each application ID stored in the first storage unit 121.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of data stored in the second storage unit 122 in the second embodiment. Referring to this figure, in the second storage unit 122, as in the case of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the standard price, the number of uses, the application name, and the creation source corresponding to each divided application are stored. Etc. are stored. In addition to these, the presence / absence of an advertisement and the discounted price are stored.

  The divided application with advertisement is appropriately discounted, and the discounted price is stored. For example, in the application ID with advertisement (123456a), the standard price is discounted by 200 yen, and the price is set to 300 yen. The application ID (123457a) is discounted by 150 yen with respect to the standard price to 250 yen, and the application ID (123458a) is discounted by 150 yen with respect to the standard price and set at 250 yen.

  The discount amount is appropriately set by the application provider and the advertiser who provides the advertisement data. If there are a plurality of advertisers, the discounted price may be set even lower.

  Based on the price information (standard price or discounted price) set in this way, the user is charged. That is, when the column for presence / absence of advertisement is “present”, the billing process is performed at the discounted price, and when the column for presence / absence of advertisement is “none”, the billing process is performed at the standard price.

  Then, when the advertisement presence / absence column is “present”, when the divided application is transmitted, the application with the advertisement data stored in the first storage unit 121 is transmitted. Therefore, in this case, the terminal that has issued the transmission request receives the divided application with the advertisement data.

  Here, FIG. 20 illustrates an example of data stored in the first storage unit 121 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, “a” is assigned to the last bit of each divided application ID when there is an advertisement, and “b” is assigned when there is no advertisement.

  Next, the flow of application transmission and billing processing (step S1207 in FIG. 12) in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This figure corresponds to the flowchart of FIG. 13 in the first embodiment. Therefore, different points will be mainly described.

  First, in step S1, the second storage unit 122 extracts advertisement presence / absence information of the corresponding application ID. If there is advertisement information ("YES" in step S2), the process proceeds to steps S3 to S10. If there is no advertisement information ("NO" in step S2), the process proceeds from step Sll to step S18. Proceed to processing.

  If there is advertisement information and the divided application is the final application ID (“YES” in step S3), the game result and the like are stored in the third storage unit 123 in step S4. Next, in step S5, advertisement data is extracted and an application ID is determined. In step S19, the application extracted from the first storage unit 121 based on the application ID is transferred.

  On the other hand, if the divided application is not the final application ID (“NO” in step S3), discounted price information is extracted from the second storage unit 122 based on the application ID in step S6. Next, in step S7, balance information is extracted based on the user ID, and in step S8, the balance information is compared with discounted price information.

  As a result, if (balance information minus discounted price information) ≧ 0, the divided application with advertisement data is transferred from the server system to the terminal in step S9.

  On the other hand, if (balance information—price information with a predetermined discount) <0, the bripaid process is performed in step S10.

  If there is no advertisement (“NO” in step S2), the same processing as the application transfer / billing processing in the first embodiment is performed (step S11 to step S18).

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the application provider charges the user a predetermined discount price when there is an advertisement in the divided application. Then, the difference between the predetermined discounted prices is collected from the advertiser who provides the advertisement.

  For this reason, the user can purchase at a low price when receiving the divided application. Also, since related advertisement data is received at the same time, it is possible to obtain interesting latest information.

  On the other hand, the advertiser can make a desired advertisement by providing the user with the latest information such as a new application.

  In general, when advertising the latest information such as a new application, when using a printed matter or a storage medium, a time lag of several weeks or more is likely to occur before distribution and distribution, and the freshness is likely to be lost. For this reason, it is a problem in terms of user acquisition. Furthermore, since it is distributed and distributed to those who are not interested, the advertiser and the advertiser are wasted.

  According to the present embodiment, the divided application with advertisement data is transferred only when the divided application with advertisement is transferred. Therefore, it can be advertised with the minimum necessary advertising fee. Therefore, even if the advertiser is a person who conducts a small business form such as a personal game software developer, there is an advantage that it is easy to produce advertisement data.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, application providers and users other than users (advertisers) that deliver applications can participate in the application providing system, so that each of the application providers, users, and advertisers is activated. Will be.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole application communication system in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detail of the server system 100 of FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a first storage unit 121. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a second storage unit 122. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a third storage unit 123. FIG. It is the figure which showed the example of the data memorize | stored in the 4th memory | storage part. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mobile terminal 200. FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process of the whole application communication system in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the prepaid card purchased. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of prepaid card purchase processing (step S803) in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of terminal authentication processing (step S805) of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of application selection processing (step S807) in FIG. 8; FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of application transmission and billing processing (step S1207) in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the subroutine of the prepaid process (step S1321 of FIG. 13). 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of application execution processing (step S809) of FIG. It is the figure which showed the structure of the golf game used as object. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a second storage unit 122 in Modification 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a fifth storage unit 125. It is the figure which showed the example of the data memorize | stored in the 2nd memory | storage part 122 in 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of the data memorize | stored in the 1st memory | storage part 121 in 2nd Embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of application transmission and billing processing (step S1207 in FIG. 12) according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  100 server system, 110 control unit, 111 recording medium, 120 storage unit, 121 first storage unit, 122 second storage unit, 123 third storage unit, 124 fourth storage unit, 200 mobile terminal, 201 Communication channel connection device, 202 memory device, 203 control unit, 204 display unit, 205 operation unit, 210 personal computer, 220 portable game device, 211 recording medium, 300 data communication channel.

Claims (78)

First storage means for storing a plurality of divided applications;
Receiving means for receiving information from the user;
Transmission means for transmitting at least one of the divided applications according to the received information, comprising: a server device comprising:
A server apparatus, wherein at least one of the divided applications can be executed independently.   The server device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit first transmits a divided application that can be executed independently.   The divided application has an order to be executed, and the purpose of the application in a state before being divided can be achieved by being executed according to the order. 2. The server device according to 2.   The server device according to claim 1, wherein the first storage unit stores the divided application in association with an ID for identifying each of the divided applications.   The server apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the divided application includes an ID of an application that is a candidate to be used next.   6. The server apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the divided applications includes an ID that identifies the last application. When the ID of the divided application is received by the receiving means,
The server device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the transmission unit transmits a corresponding application stored in the first storage unit based on the received ID.   The server apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second storage unit that stores predetermined information for each of the divided applications.   9. The server apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined information includes an ID of the divided application and corresponding price information.   The price information is lower than the price of a divided application transmitted first when the corresponding divided application is transmitted after the second time. 9. The server device according to 9.   The server device according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined information includes a use count of the divided application.   The server apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a fifth storage unit that stores information on a discount rate corresponding to the number of uses.   Based on the use frequency of the predetermined divided application stored in the second storage means and the discount rate corresponding to the use frequency stored in the fifth storage means, it becomes a candidate to be used next The server device according to claim 12, further comprising setting means for setting a price of the divided application.   Based on the number of times of use of the first divided application stored in the second storage means and the discount rate corresponding to the number of uses stored in the fifth storage means, The server device according to claim 12, further comprising setting means for setting a price of the divided application to be transmitted.   The server device according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined information includes advertisement presence / absence information.   The transmission means transmits the divided application corresponding to the divided application when transmitting the divided application corresponding to the stored advertisement presence / absence information. The server device according to claim 15.   The server apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined information includes an application name corresponding to the divided application.   The server device according to claim 1, further comprising third storage means for storing user information.   The server apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the user information includes a user ID and a password for identifying the user.   When the user ID and password are received by the receiving means, a first determination is made as to whether or not the received user ID and password match the user ID and password stored in the third storage means. The server device according to claim 19, further comprising:   The server apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a prohibiting unit that prohibits a transmission operation by the transmitting unit when the first determining unit determines that the user ID and the password do not match.   The server device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the user information includes an application usage history. Extraction means for extracting appropriate advertisement data stored in the first storage means based on the stored use history;
The server apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising advertisement data transmission means for transmitting the extracted advertisement data.   The server device according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the user information includes balance information related to payment. Comparing means for comparing the balance information related to the payment with price information about the divided application requested by the user,
The server device according to claim 24, wherein the transmission unit transmits the divided application when the balance information is greater than or equal to the price information as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit.   The server apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising a fourth storage unit that stores prepaid information related to prepaid information.   27. The server apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the prepaid information includes a prepaid ID and a password.   When the prepaid ID and password are received by the receiving means, a second judgment is made as to whether or not the received prepaid ID and password match the prepaid ID and password stored in the fourth storage means. The server device according to claim 27, further comprising:   The server device according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the prepaid information includes money amount information.   30. The server apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a billing unit that charges a destination user each time the divided application is transmitted by the transmission unit. Further comprising confirmation means for confirming whether or not transmission of the divided application by the transmission means has been completed,
31. The server apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the billing unit charges when the confirmation unit confirms that the transmission is completed. First storage means for storing a plurality of divided applications;
Receiving means for receiving information from the user;
Transmitting means for transmitting at least one of the divided applications according to the received information;
A server apparatus comprising: a billing unit that charges a destination user each time the divided application is transmitted by the transmission unit. Further comprising confirmation means for confirming whether or not transmission of the divided application by the transmission means has been completed,
33. The server apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the billing unit charges when the confirmation unit confirms that the transmission is completed. Second storage means for storing a user ID and password for identifying the user;
Determination means for determining whether or not the received user ID and password match the user ID and password stored in the second storage means when the receiving means receives the user ID and password. When,
35. The server apparatus according to claim 32, further comprising a prohibiting unit that prohibits a transmission operation by the transmitting unit when the determining unit determines that the user ID and the password do not match. The second storage means further stores balance information related to the user's payment,
The transmission unit according to claim 34, wherein the transmission unit transmits the divided application when the balance information is greater than or equal to price information about the divided application requested by the user. Server device. Receiving means for receiving the divided application;
Execution means for executing the received divided application;
Request means for requesting transmission of the next divided application based on the divided application information as the next candidate stored in the received divided application as a result of execution by the execution means. A terminal device provided.   37. The terminal device according to claim 36, wherein when the advertisement data corresponding to the divided application is attached and transmitted, the receiving means also receives the advertisement data.   38. The terminal device according to claim 36, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits a reception completion signal when a reception operation of the application divided by the reception unit is completed.   An application communication system comprising the server device according to any one of claims 1 to 35 and the terminal device according to any one of claims 36 to 38. A first storage step for storing an application divided into a plurality of parts;
A receiving step for receiving information from the user;
A transmission step of transmitting at least one of the divided applications according to the received information, comprising:
An application communication method, wherein at least one of the divided applications can be executed independently.   41. The application communication method according to claim 40, wherein in the transmission step, a divided application that can be executed alone is transmitted first.   41. The divided application has an order for execution, and the purpose of the application in a state before being divided can be achieved by being executed according to the order. 42. An application communication method according to 41.   43. The application communication method according to claim 40, wherein the first storing step stores an ID for identifying each of the divided applications in association with each other.   44. The application communication method according to claim 43, wherein the divided application includes an ID of an application that is a candidate to be used next.   45. The application communication method according to claim 43, wherein at least one of the divided applications includes an ID for identifying the last application. When the ID of the divided application is received by the receiving step,
46. The application communication method according to claim 43, wherein the transmission step transmits the corresponding application stored in the first storage step based on the received ID.   47. The application communication method according to any one of claims 40 to 46, further comprising a second storage step of storing predetermined information for each of the divided applications.   48. The application communication method according to claim 47, wherein the predetermined information includes an ID of the divided application and corresponding price information.   The price information is lower than the price of a divided application transmitted first when the corresponding divided application is transmitted after the second time. 48. An application communication method according to 48.   50. The application communication method according to claim 47, wherein the predetermined information includes the number of times the divided application is used.   51. The application communication method according to claim 50, further comprising a fifth storage step of storing information on a discount rate according to the number of uses.   Based on the use number of the predetermined divided application stored in the second storage step and the discount rate corresponding to the use number stored in the fifth storage step, it becomes a candidate to be used next The application communication method according to claim 51, further comprising a setting step of setting a price of the divided application.   Based on the number of times of use of the divided application transmitted first stored in the second storage step and the discount rate corresponding to the number of uses stored in the fifth storage step, The application communication method according to claim 52, further comprising a setting step of setting a price of the divided application to be transmitted.   54. The application communication method according to claim 47, wherein the predetermined information includes advertisement presence / absence information.   In the transmission step, when the divided application corresponding to the stored advertisement presence / absence information is transmitted, the advertisement data corresponding to the divided application is attached and transmitted. 55. The application communication method according to claim 54.   49. The application communication method according to claim 47 or 48, wherein the predetermined information includes an application name corresponding to the divided application.   57. The application communication method according to any one of claims 40 to 56, further comprising a third storage step for storing user information.   58. The application communication method according to claim 57, wherein the user information includes a user ID and a password for identifying the user.   When a user ID and password are received in the receiving step, a first determination is made as to whether or not the received user ID and password match the user ID and password stored in the third storage step. The application communication method according to claim 58, further comprising:   60. The application communication method according to claim 59, further comprising a prohibition step of prohibiting a transmission operation in the transmission step when it is determined in the first determination step that a user ID and a password do not match.   61. The application communication method according to claim 57, wherein the user information includes an application usage history. An extraction step of extracting appropriate advertisement data stored in the first storage step based on the stored usage history;
62. The application communication method according to claim 61, further comprising an advertisement data transmission step of transmitting the extracted advertisement data.   63. The application communication method according to claim 40, wherein the user information includes balance information related to payment. A comparison step for comparing balance information relating to the payment with price information for the divided application requested by the user;
64. The application communication method according to claim 63, wherein the transmission step transmits the divided application when the balance information is greater than or equal to the price information as a result of the comparison in the comparison step. .   The application communication method according to any one of claims 40 to 64, further comprising a fourth storage step of storing prepaid information related to prepaid information.   66. The application communication method according to claim 65, wherein the prepaid information includes a prepaid ID and a password.   When a prepaid ID and password are received in the receiving step, a second judgment is made as to whether or not the received prepaid ID and password match the prepaid ID and password stored in the fourth storing step. The application communication method according to claim 66, further comprising:   68. The application communication method according to claim 65, wherein the prepaid information includes money amount information.   69. The application communication method according to claim 40, further comprising a billing step of billing a transmission destination user each time the divided application is transmitted in the transmission step. A confirmation step of confirming whether or not the transmission of the divided application is completed in the transmission step;
70. The application communication method according to claim 69, wherein in the charging step, charging is performed when it is confirmed that the transmission is completed in the checking step. A first storage step for storing an application divided into a plurality of parts;
A receiving step for receiving information from the user;
Transmitting at least one of the divided applications according to the received information;
An application communication method comprising: a billing step of billing a destination user each time the divided application is transmitted in the transmission step. A confirmation step of confirming whether or not the transmission of the divided application is completed in the transmission step;
72. The application communication method according to claim 71, wherein, in the charging step, charging is performed when it is confirmed that the transmission is completed in the confirmation step. A second storage step for storing a user ID and a password for identifying the user;
A determination step of determining whether or not the received user ID and password match the user ID and password stored in the second storage step when the user ID and password are received in the reception step; When,
The application communication method according to claim 71 or 72, further comprising a prohibiting step of prohibiting a transmission operation by the transmitting step when it is determined that the user ID and the password do not match in the determining step. The second storing step further stores balance information related to the user's payment,
The said transmitting step transmits the said division | segmentation application, when the said balance information is larger than or equal to the price information about the division | segmentation application which the said user requests | requires. Application communication method. A receiving step for receiving the divided application;
An execution step of executing the received divided application;
As a result of execution in the execution step, based on the divided application information as a next candidate stored in the received divided application, a requesting step for requesting transmission of the next divided application. An application communication method provided.   The application communication method according to claim 75, further comprising a transmission step of transmitting a reception completion signal when a reception operation of the application divided in the reception step is completed.   An application communication method comprising performing application communication using the server device according to any one of claims 1 to 35 and the terminal device according to claims 36 to 38.   78. A recording medium storing an application communication program for causing a computer to execute the application communication method according to claim 40.

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