JP2007310767A - Information processing system, information processor, information processing method, software providing device, software providing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further efficiently perform processing for updating software. <P>SOLUTION: A CE apparatus 11 stores timing information for expressing the timing for making access in the next place to a service server 12 for providing updating software, and acquires an updating list file from the service server 12, by making access to the service server 12, when becoming its timing. The CE apparatus 11 determines whether or not to acquire the updating software by whether or not software of a newer version than a version of the software held by the CE apparatus 11 is stored in the service server 12 from the updating list file. This invention can be applied to, for example, an information processor for executing processing by using the software. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a software providing apparatus, a software providing method, and a program, and in particular, enables a process for updating software to be performed more efficiently. The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a software providing apparatus, a software providing method, and a program.

  In recent years, CE (Consumer Electronics) devices such as DVD recorders and HDD recorders are becoming popular with a function of connecting to a network.

  A CE device with a network connection function is connected to a server (hereinafter referred to as a service server) operated by a vendor of the CE device, for example, and a version-update software with a corrected version or a function added. Use the network connection function to acquire the software and upgrade the software installed on the CE device. In this case, the user of the CE device can make his CE device easier to use (conveniently).

  However, CE devices are usually connected to the network using the NAT (Network Address Translation) function, and a firewall is set between the CE device and the service server. Even when the service server is prepared, the service server can voluntarily connect to the CE device to notify that the update software has been prepared or to upgrade (send the update software). It has become difficult.

Therefore, a realistic mechanism for upgrading the CE device software is to connect the CE device to the service server according to the user's update instruction, or to periodically save the CE device. A so-called polling method is employed in which the presence or absence of update software is confirmed by connecting to a service server (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).
JP-T-2004-534973 JP 2005-031898 A JP 2004-355563 A

  However, with the CE device polling method, the CE device will connect to the service server regardless of the presence of update software, and if the service server does not have update software, it will perform useless processing. And unnecessarily increase network traffic. In addition, it is necessary to provide the service server with a high processing capacity on the assumption that a large number of CE devices are connected at the same time, which increases the cost of the service server. Even CE devices consume unnecessary power by performing unnecessary communication.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and makes it possible to more efficiently perform the process of updating software.

  An information processing system according to a first aspect of the present invention is an information processing system including an information processing apparatus using software and a software providing apparatus that provides updated software in which the software is updated. And a timing storage means for storing timing information indicating a next access timing to the software providing device; and an update information request for requesting update information of the software based on the timing information. An information acquisition means for receiving the update information and the updated timing information transmitted from the software providing apparatus in response to the update information request; and based on the received update information. Determination means for determining whether or not to obtain the updated software, The software providing apparatus receives software update means for storing the update software, generation means for generating the update information and the timing information for the update software, and receiving the update information request from the information processing apparatus. In response to the update information request, the update information updated by being generated by the generation means and information providing means for transmitting the timing information to the information processing apparatus, The timing storage means further overwrites and stores the updated timing information.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus using software, the software update is performed based on the timing information indicating the next access timing to the software providing apparatus, which is stored in the timing storage means. An update information request for requesting information is transmitted to the software providing apparatus, and the update information and the updated timing information transmitted in response to the update information request from the software providing apparatus are received. Then, the updated timing information is overwritten and stored in the timing storage means, and it is determined whether or not update software is acquired based on the received update information. In addition, in the software providing apparatus that provides the updated software in which the software is updated, update information and timing information about the updated software stored in the software storage unit are generated, and updated by the generation. The update information and timing information thus transmitted are transmitted to the information processing apparatus in response to the update information request received from the information processing apparatus.

  An information processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention provides a timing for the next access to a software providing apparatus that provides updated software in which the software is updated in an information processing apparatus that performs software update processing. Timing storage means for storing timing information to be expressed, and based on the timing information, an update information request for requesting update information of the software is transmitted to the software providing device, and the update information request is transmitted from the software providing device. And an information acquisition means for receiving the update information and the updated timing information, and a determination for determining whether to acquire the update software based on the received update information And the timing storage means overwrites and stores the updated timing information. That.

  The update information can include version information of the update software held by the software providing apparatus, and the determination unit holds the information processing apparatus as the update information. When version information that is newer than the version information of the software exists, it can be determined that the software is acquired.

  Further, the information acquisition means causes the software providing apparatus to transmit an update software acquisition request when the determination means determines that the updated software is to be acquired, and is transmitted from the software providing apparatus. An encryption processing means for receiving the encrypted update software and decrypting the encrypted update software can be further provided.

  The information processing method according to the second aspect of the present invention is the information processing method for performing software update processing, wherein the next timing of accessing the software providing apparatus that provides the updated software with the updated software. The update information request for requesting update information of the software is transmitted to the software providing device based on the timing information to be transmitted, and the update is transmitted from the software providing device in response to the update information request. Receiving the information and the updated timing information, storing the updated timing information, and determining whether to obtain the update software based on the received update information.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute software update processing, wherein a timing at which the software providing apparatus that provides the updated software is updated is accessed next. The update information request for requesting update information of the software is transmitted to the software providing device based on the timing information to be transmitted, and the update is transmitted from the software providing device in response to the update information request. Receiving the information and the updated timing information, storing the updated timing information, and determining whether to obtain the update software based on the received update information.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, the update information for requesting the software update information based on the timing information indicating the next access timing to the software providing apparatus that provides the updated software with the updated software. The request is transmitted to the software providing apparatus, and the update information and the updated timing information transmitted from the software providing apparatus in response to the update information request are received. Then, the updated timing information is stored, and it is determined whether or not the update software is acquired based on the received update information.

  A software providing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is a software providing apparatus that provides an update software in which the software is updated to an information processing apparatus that uses the software. The software providing apparatus stores the updated software. A storage means, update information about the update software, generation means for generating timing information indicating the next timing when the information processing apparatus accesses the software providing apparatus, and an update requesting the update information An information providing unit configured to receive an information request from the information processing apparatus and transmit the generated update information and the timing information to the information processing apparatus in response to the update information request;

  The timing information may include information on the date and time when the updated software in the software storage means is updated next.

  The generation means can generate the timing information by calculating the date and time of the next update from the past update history of the update software.

  The update information may include version information of the update software stored in the software storage means.

  In the case where encryption processing means for encrypting the updated software stored in the software storage means is further provided, and the information providing means further receives the acquisition request for the software from the information processing device The encrypted update software can be transmitted to the information processing apparatus.

  A software providing method according to a third aspect of the present invention is a software providing method for providing an updated software in which the software is updated to an information processing apparatus using the software, in which update information about the updated software is provided. And timing information representing a timing at which the information processing apparatus accesses the software providing apparatus next, and receiving an update information request for requesting the update information from the information processing apparatus, Correspondingly, the method includes a step of transmitting the generated update information and the timing information to the information processing apparatus.

  A program according to a third aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a process for providing an update software in which the software is updated to an information processing apparatus using the software. Generating information and timing information indicating a timing at which the information processing apparatus accesses the software providing apparatus next, receiving an update information request for requesting the update information from the information processing apparatus, and receiving the update information request Corresponding to the step of transmitting the generated update information and the timing information to the information processing apparatus.

  In the third aspect of the present invention, update information about the update software and timing information indicating the next timing when the information processing apparatus accesses the software providing apparatus are generated. The requested update information request is received from the information processing apparatus, and the generated update information and timing information are transmitted to the information processing apparatus in response to the received update information request.

  According to the present invention, the process of updating software can be performed more efficiently.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between the constituent elements of the present invention and the embodiments described in the specification or the drawings are exemplified as follows. This description is intended to confirm that the embodiments supporting the present invention are described in the specification or the drawings. Therefore, even if there is an embodiment which is described in the specification or the drawings but is not described here as an embodiment corresponding to the constituent elements of the present invention, that is not the case. It does not mean that the form does not correspond to the constituent requirements. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. It's not something to do.

  An information processing system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an information processing device using software (for example, the CE device 11 in FIG. 1) and a software providing device that provides updated software in which the software is updated ( For example, in an information processing system (for example, the information processing system 1 in FIG. 1) including the service server 12) in FIG. Timing storage means for storing (for example, the memory 101A of FIG. 4), and based on the timing information, an update information request for requesting update information of the software is transmitted to the software providing apparatus, and the software providing apparatus The update information and the updated timing information transmitted in response to the update information request from Information acquisition means (for example, the communication unit 107 in FIG. 4) and determination means for determining whether to acquire the update software based on the received update information (for example, the update list in FIG. 4) Analysis unit 103), and the software providing device stores software update means (for example, software storage unit 202 in FIG. 5) for storing the update software, and the update information about the update software. Generating means for generating the timing information (for example, the update list generating unit 206 in FIG. 5), receiving the update information request from the information processing apparatus, and generating the update information in response to the update information request. Information providing means (for example, the communication unit 204 in FIG. 5) that transmits the updated information and the timing information to the information processing apparatus. The timing storage means of the information processing apparatus further overwrites and stores the updated timing information.

  The information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is software that provides update software in which the software is updated in an information processing apparatus (for example, the CE device 11 in FIG. 1) that performs software update processing. Timing storage means (for example, the memory 101A in FIG. 4) for storing timing information indicating the next access timing to the providing apparatus, and an update information request for requesting the software update information based on the timing information. Information acquisition means for receiving the update information and the updated timing information transmitted to the software providing apparatus and corresponding to the update information request from the software providing apparatus (for example, the communication in FIG. 4) Unit 107) and a determination unit for determining whether to acquire the update software based on the received update information. (E.g., update list analyzing unit 103 of FIG. 4) and a, the timing storage means, further overwrites and stores the timing information updated.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the information acquisition unit further determines that the update software is acquired by the determination unit, an acquisition request for the update software is transmitted to the software providing device. (For example, the process of step S16 in FIG. 8), and the encrypted update software transmitted from the software providing apparatus is received (for example, the process of step S19 in FIG. 8). The encryption processing unit (for example, the encryption processing unit 107A in FIG. 4) for decrypting the updated software is further provided.

  The information processing method or program according to the second aspect of the present invention is an information processing method for performing software update processing (for example, the software update processing method of FIG. 8) or a program executed by a computer. Transmits an update information request for requesting update information of the software to the software providing apparatus based on timing information indicating a next access timing to the software providing apparatus that provides updated software. For example, the process of step S13 of FIG. 8 receives the update information and the updated timing information transmitted in response to the update information request from the software providing apparatus (for example, step of FIG. 8). S14), and stores the updated timing information (for example, step S in FIG. 8). 1 process), based on the received update information, including said determining whether to update the software to obtain (for example, step S15 in FIG. 8) steps.

A software providing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is a software providing apparatus (for example, the service server 12 in FIG. 1) that provides an updated software in which the software is updated to an information processing apparatus that uses software. Software storage means for storing the update software (for example, the software storage unit 202 in FIG. 5), update information about the update software, and the information processing device next accessing the software providing device Generating means (for example, the update list generation unit 206 in FIG. 5) that generates timing information indicating the timing to perform the update information, and receiving an update information request for requesting the update information from the information processing apparatus, and responding to the update information request Then, the information providing means for transmitting the generated update information and the timing information to the information processing apparatus For example, a communication unit 204) and FIG.

  The software providing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention further includes encryption processing means (for example, encryption processing section 204A in FIG. 5) for encrypting the updated software stored in the software storage means. The information providing unit further transmits the encrypted update software to the information processing apparatus when the software acquisition request is received from the information processing apparatus.

  The software providing method or program according to the third aspect of the present invention is a software providing method for providing updated software in which the software is updated to an information processing apparatus using software (for example, the software providing in FIG. 9). Processing method), or in a program for causing a computer to execute the process of providing the update software, the update information about the update software and the timing at which the information processing apparatus next accesses the software providing apparatus Timing information to be generated (for example, the process of step S42 in FIG. 9), an update information request for requesting the update information is received from the information processing apparatus (for example, the process of step S41 in FIG. 9), and the update In response to the information request, the generated update information and timing information are stored in the information. And it transmits to the processing unit (for example, step S43 in FIG. 9) comprising the steps.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an embodiment of an information processing system to which the present invention is applied.

  In the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1, a CE (Consumer Electronics) device 11 (information processing device) and a service server 12 (software providing device) that holds software installed in the CE device 11 are connected by a network 13. ing.

  The CE device 11 is, for example, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) device, a television receiver, an audio device, an air conditioner device, an automatic shutter device, an illumination device, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or It is a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) recorder (recording / reproducing apparatus). In the present embodiment, the CE device 11 is described as an HDD recorder.

  The CE device 11 can connect to the service server 12 via the network 13 and use various services provided by the service server 12.

  The service server 12 is configured by, for example, a computer and provides a predetermined service to the CE device 11 accessed (connected) via the network 13. In the present embodiment, the service provided by the service server 12 is an update service that provides an updated version of software installed in the CE device 11.

  Here, software means basic software such as OS (Operating System), programs that make up application software executed on the basic software, keyword dictionary used in the basic software or application software, Additional data such as UI (User Interface) extension data.

  Therefore, for example, the service server 12 does not exist in the current CE device 11, a version in which a defect in software currently installed in the CE device 11 is corrected, a version in which the CE device 11 has advanced functions, A CE that has accessed via the network 13 a version of software that is newer than the version of software currently installed in the CE device 11 (hereinafter referred to as “updated software” as appropriate), such as a version with a new function added. Supply to device 11.

  The network 13 is a network such as digital satellite broadcasting, the Internet, or a local area network (LAN) (including a home LAN).

  In FIG. 1, for simplicity of explanation, only one CE device 11 is connected to the service server 12, but the service server 12 connects to a plurality of accessed CE devices 11. It is possible to provide update software (at the same time).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the CE device 11 of FIG.

  The CE device 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 32, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 33, an operation unit 34, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 35, a network interface unit 36, a tuner 37, an encoder. 38, a decoder 39, a display control unit 40, and a bus 41.

  The CPU 31 controls the entire CE device 11 based on basic software and application software read from the ROM 33 or the HDD 35 and loaded on the RAM 32. For example, the CPU 31 executes a recording process of a broadcast signal received by the tuner 37, a reproduction process of a broadcast signal recorded in the HDD 35, a power supply control process (not shown), and the like. The CPU 31 also executes software update processing for accessing the service server 12 and acquiring update software.

  The RAM 32 stores basic software and application software read from the ROM 33 or the HDD 35, and also appropriately stores data that has to be temporarily stored in various processes executed by the CPU 31.

  The operation unit 34 has operation buttons such as a recording button for receiving a recording (recording) instruction for the received broadcast signal, a playback button for receiving a reproduction instruction for a broadcast signal stored in the HDD 35, and a stop button for stopping recording or reproduction. Then, an operation signal corresponding to the operation button operated by the user is supplied to the CPU 31 via the bus 41. The operation unit 34 also has an IR (Infrared Radiation) receiving unit that receives an infrared signal from a remote controller (not shown). Even when a predetermined operation is performed by the remote controller, the CE device 11 itself is used. An operation signal similar to that operated is supplied to the CPU 31 via the bus 41.

  The HDD 35 is an auxiliary storage device, and stores (stores) the basic software or application software, the broadcast signal received by the tuner 37 and the like, and the update software acquired from the service server 12 as described above.

  The network interface unit 36 is configured by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like, and is connected to the network 13 and communicates with the service server 12.

  The tuner 37 receives a ground wave or satellite wave broadcast signal via an antenna (not shown) under the control of the CPU 31. Here, the received broadcast signal is a digital or analog signal including at least a video signal and an audio signal.

  When the received broadcast signal is an analog signal, the tuner 37 supplies the received analog broadcast signal to the encoder 38. On the other hand, if the received broadcast signal is a digital signal, the tuner 37 supplies the received digital broadcast signal to the display control unit 40 or the encoder 38 via the bus 41.

  The encoder 38 converts the analog broadcast signal supplied from the tuner 37 into a digital signal (A / D conversion). Further, the encoder 38 encodes (compresses and encodes) with a predetermined encoding method such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2 method. The A / D converted broadcast signal or the compressed and encoded broadcast signal is supplied to the HDD 35 and the display control unit 40 via the bus 41.

  The decoder 39 decodes a compressed and encoded broadcast signal supplied from the HDD 35 or the like via the bus 41 by a decoding method corresponding to a predetermined encoding method performed by the encoder 38 and supplies the decoded signal to the display control unit 40. To do.

  The display control unit 40 converts a video signal among broadcast signals supplied from the tuner 37 via the decoder 39 or the bus 41 into a predetermined video signal such as an NTSC (National Television System Committee) system, An audio signal in the broadcast signal is converted into an analog audio signal and supplied to the display device 51 connected to the CE device 11. As a result, in the display device 51 constituted by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or the like, video and audio corresponding to the broadcast signal received by the tuner 37 and the broadcast signal reproduced from the HDD 35 are output. Is done.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the service server 12 of FIG.

  The CPU 71 executes various processes according to programs stored in the ROM 72 or the storage unit 78. For example, the CPU 71 executes a software providing process for providing update software to the CE device 11 accessed via the network 13.

  The RAM 73 stores programs executed by the CPU 71 and data supplied from the ROM 72 or the storage unit 78. The CPU 71, ROM 72, and RAM 73 are connected to each other via a bus 74, and data is exchanged between them as necessary.

  An input / output interface 75 is also connected to the CPU 71 via a bus 74. The input / output interface 75 is connected to an input unit 76 such as a keyboard, mouse, and microphone, a display such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal display), and an output unit 77 such as a speaker. The CPU 71 executes various processes in response to commands input from the input unit 76. Further, the CPU 71 outputs the processing result to the output unit 77.

  The storage unit 78 connected to the input / output interface 75 includes, for example, an HDD, and stores programs executed by the CPU 71 and various data. In addition, the storage unit 78 stores software to be provided to the CE device 11.

  The network interface 79 communicates with a connected external device (for example, the CE device 11) via the network 13 such as digital satellite broadcasting, the Internet, or a local area network, or directly.

  The drive 80 connected to the input / output interface 75 drives a removable medium 81 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and drives the program or data recorded therein. Get etc. The acquired program and data are transferred to and stored in the storage unit 78 as necessary. The program and data may be acquired via the network interface 79 and stored in the storage unit 78.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a program recording medium that stores a program that is installed in a computer and can be executed by the computer includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only). Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) (including magneto-optical disk), or removable media 81 which is a package medium made of semiconductor memory, or ROM 72 where programs are temporarily or permanently stored, The storage unit 78 includes a hard disk. The program is stored in the program recording medium using a wired or wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting via a network interface 79 that is an interface such as a router or a modem as necessary. Done.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration when the CE device 11 executes a software update process for accessing the service server 12 and acquiring updated software.

  The CE device 11 includes a software management unit 101, a download management unit 102, an update list analysis unit 103, an authentication processing unit 104, a version management unit 105, a software update unit 106, a communication unit 107, and a software storage unit 108. Is done.

  The software management unit 101, download management unit 102, update list analysis unit 103, authentication processing unit 104, version management unit 105, and software update unit 106 in FIG. 4 correspond to the CPU 31 in FIG. The unit 107 corresponds to the network interface unit 36 in FIG. 2, and the software storage unit 108 in FIG. 4 corresponds to the HDD 35 in FIG.

  The software management unit 101 performs power control of the CE device 11 and management of the current time. Further, the software management unit 101 has a memory 101A, and the date and time when the service server 12 is next accessed to obtain updated software supplied from the download management unit 102 (hereinafter referred to as the next polling date and time). ) Is stored in the memory 101A.

  The software management unit 101 determines whether or not to access the service server 12 by determining whether or not the next polling date and time stored in the memory 101A has elapsed. When it is determined to access the service server 12, the software management unit 101 supplies a download start instruction (command) for instructing the start of the update software download process to the download management unit 102.

  The software management unit 101 does not determine whether or not the current time has passed the next polling date when the CE device 11 is powered off and when the CE device 11 is in a standby state. The determination is made when the CE device 11 is powered on (when the power is turned on).

  The download management unit 102 controls the update list analysis unit 103, the authentication processing unit 104, the software update unit 106, and the communication unit 107 to manage the update software download process. For example, when a download start instruction is supplied from the software management unit 101, the download management unit 102 causes the communication unit 107 to send an update list file acquisition request to the service server 12, and from the service server 12 as a response to the request. The update list file returned is acquired via the communication unit 107.

  As will be described later with reference to FIG. 7, the update list file stores the latest software version number (version information) currently held by the service server 12 and the recommended next polling date and time. Is a file.

  The update list analysis unit 103 analyzes the update list file supplied from the download management unit 102. That is, the update list analysis unit 103 is the software version number stored in the update list file from the download management unit 102 and the software currently being executed by the CE device 11 supplied from the version management unit 105. The version number of the software is compared with each other to determine whether or not the service server 12 stores a version of software (updated software) that is newer than the version of software currently executed on the CE device 11. The update list analysis unit 103 supplies the download management unit 102 with the necessity of software acquisition as a result of the determination.

  The authentication processing unit 104 performs authentication processing with the service server 12 using device identification information for identifying the CE device 11 and a password. For example, the device identification information and the password are stored in the memory 101A, managed by the software management unit 101, and supplied to the authentication processing unit 104 via the download management unit 102.

  The version management unit 105 is supplied with a software version number newly stored in the software storage unit 108 and a software version number when the software is updated (installed) from the software update unit 106. The

  The version management unit 105 manages the software version number stored in the software storage unit 108. In other words, the version management unit 105 stores a list of software version numbers stored in the software storage unit 108 and a version number of software currently being executed on the CE device 11, and if necessary, Then, the version number of the software currently being executed on the CE device 11 is supplied to the update list analysis unit 103.

  Here, it is assumed that the version number of the software currently executed on the CE device 11 is the latest version of the software stored in the software storage unit 108. When the storage unit 108 stores a software version that is newer than the version number of the software currently executed on the CE device 11, the latest software version number is stored in the update list analysis unit 103. Supplied.

  The software update unit 106 stores the update software supplied from the download management unit 102 in the software storage unit 108 and supplies the version number of the stored update software to the version management unit 105.

  Also, the software update unit 106 sets the software stored in the software storage unit 108 to be usable by the CE device 11 (that is, installs) and installs it according to the control of the download management unit 102. The version number of the software is supplied to the version management unit 105.

  The communication unit 107 communicates with the service server 12 connected via the network 13 according to a predetermined protocol under the control of the download management unit 102. That is, the communication unit 107 transmits the command or data supplied from the download management unit 102 or the authentication processing unit 104 to the service server 12 and receives the command or data transmitted from the service server 12 to download management. To the authentication unit 104 and the authentication processing unit 104. Note that the communication unit 107 includes an encryption processing unit 107A. When performing encrypted communication with the service server 12, the encryption processing unit 107A performs encryption or decryption of data to be transmitted and received.

  The software storage unit 108 stores software acquired from the service server 12. In the software storage unit 108 shown in FIG. 4, the numbers shown in parentheses represent software version numbers. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 4, the software storage unit 108 includes the basic software A whose version number is 001 to 003, the application software A whose version number is 007 to 009, and the application additional data whose version number is 007 to 009. I remember A.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration when the service server 12 executes software providing processing for providing software in response to the software update processing of the CE device 11.

  The service server 12 includes an update software input unit 201, a software storage unit 202, a database 203, a communication unit 204, an authentication processing unit 205, an update list generation unit 206, and a software transmission management unit 207.

  The update software input unit 201 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the CPU 71, the input unit 76, the storage unit 78, the drive 80 in which the removable medium 81 in which the update software is recorded is mounted, or the like in FIG. 5 corresponds to the storage unit 78 of FIG. 3, the communication unit 204 of FIG. 5 corresponds to the network interface unit 79 of FIG. 3, and the authentication processing of FIG. The unit 205, the update list generation unit 206, and the software transmission management unit 207 correspond to the CPU 71 in FIG.

  The update software input unit 201 supplies the software storage unit 202 with update software created by itself or obtained by reading from a removable medium or the like.

  Further, the update software input unit 201 updates the software update information in the database 203 every time the update software is supplied to the software storage unit 202. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, the software update information is a summary of the latest version number, update date, next update date, etc. for each of the various types of software stored in the software storage unit 202. Information.

  The software storage unit 202 stores software to be provided to the CE device 11. In the example of FIG. 5, the software storage unit 202 includes basic software A with version numbers 009 and 010, application software A with version numbers 009 and 010, application additional data A with version numbers 009 and 010, version Application software B having numbers 005 and 006 and application additional data B having version numbers 005 and 006 are stored.

  Note that the software storage unit 202 in FIG. 5 stores both the latest version and the previous version, but deletes the old version of the software. Instead, all software (update software) supplied from the update software input unit 201 may be stored in the software storage unit 202, or unnecessary software may be deleted appropriately at a predetermined timing. It is also possible to perform.

  The database 203 stores authentication information for authenticating the CE device 11 and software update information. The authentication information is device identification information (device ID) for identifying the CE device 11 and a password, and the software update information is the latest version number of the software stored in the software storage unit 202 as described above. This is information that summarizes the update date and time, the next scheduled update date, and the like.

  The communication unit 204 communicates with the CE device 11 connected via the network 13 according to a predetermined protocol. For example, the communication unit 204 transmits update software supplied from the software storage unit 202 to the CE device 11. Note that the communication unit 204 includes an encryption processing unit 204A, and when performing encrypted communication with the CE device 11, the encryption processing unit 204A performs encryption or decryption of data to be transmitted and received.

  The authentication processing unit 205 uses the authentication information stored in the database 203 to perform authentication processing for authenticating the CE device 11 that has accessed the service server 12.

  The update list generation unit 206 generates an update list file from the software update information stored in the database 203 based on an instruction from the software transmission management unit 207 and supplies the update list file to the communication unit 204.

  The software transmission management unit 207 controls the software storage unit 202, the communication unit 204, the authentication processing unit 205, the update list generation unit 206, and the like to update the CE device 11 accessed via the network 13. Manages software provision processing that provides (sends) software. In FIG. 5, control lines between the software transmission management unit 207 and the software storage unit 202, the communication unit 204, the authentication processing unit 205, and the update list generation unit 206 are not shown. .

  FIG. 6 shows an example of software update information stored in the database 203 of the service server 12.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the software update information in the database 203 is a single table with each CE device 11 as a row and each software as a column. The table row is assumed to use one of the software arranged in the column of the table, access the service server 12, and obtain the update software stored in the software storage unit 202. A device 11 is arranged. On the other hand, in the column of the table, the version number of the latest version of the software, the date and time (update date and time) when the latest version of the software was stored in the software storage unit 202, the version one before the latest version The date and time when the software was stored in the software storage unit 202 (last update date and time) and the next scheduled update date (update scheduled date) are arranged for each software. Note that the version, update date, previous update date, and scheduled update date of each software are stored only in the row of the CE device 11 that uses the software.

  For the basic software A, in the row of CE device X, 004 as the version number, February 1, 2006 as the update date (06/02/01), January 10, 2006 as the last update date ( 06/01/10) and April 1, 2006 (06/04/01) as the scheduled update date are stored. This means that the CE device X which is one of the CE devices 11 uses the basic software A, and the basic software A having the latest version number 004 is February 1, 2006 (06 / 02/01) is stored in the software storage unit 202, and the date when the previous version is stored in the software storage unit 202 is January 10, 2006 (06/01/10) In addition, this indicates that the next scheduled update date is April 1, 2006 (06/04/01).

  For basic software B, in the rows of CE devices Y and Z, 003 as the version number, January 30, 2006 as update date (06/01/30), December 15, 2005 as the previous update date The date (05/12/15) and April 15, 2006 (06/04/15) as the scheduled update date are stored. This means that the CE devices Y and Z as the CE device 11 use the basic software B, and the basic software B having the latest version number 003 is January 30, 2006 (06 / 01/30) is stored in the software storage unit 202, and the date before the latest version is stored in the software storage unit 202 is December 15, 2005 (05/12/15) Further, the next scheduled update date is April 15, 2006 (06/04/15).

  For application software A, in the CE device X row, 010 as the version number, January 15, 2006 (06/01/15) as the update date, and January 5, 2006 as the previous update date The date (06/01/05) and the update date, February 20, 2006 (06/02/20) are stored. This means that the CE device X as the CE device 11 uses the application software A. As for the application software A, the latest version number 010 is January 15, 2006 (06/01/06). 15) is stored in the software storage unit 202, and the date on which the version previous to the latest one is stored in the software storage unit 202 is January 5, 2006 (06/01/05). This indicates that the next scheduled update date is February 20, 2006 (06/02/20).

  For application software B, in the CE device Y row, version number 006, update date March 10, 2006 (06/03/10), last update date March 1, 2006 ( 06/03/01) is stored, and the scheduled update date is blank. This means that the CE device Y as the CE device 11 uses the application software B. As for the application software B, the latest version number 006 is March 10, 2006 (06/03/06). 10) is stored in the software storage unit 202, and the date on which the version previous to the latest one is stored in the software storage unit 202 is March 1, 2006 (06/03/01). This indicates that the next scheduled update date is undecided.

  In FIG. 6, the update date and time and the time (time) of the previous update date and time are omitted, but for example, 0:00 am is set.

  The same applies to the application additional data A and B and other software not shown.

  In the software update information, as described above, the CE device 11 that is supposed to access the service server 12 may be registered in advance, or the software update information may be accessed by accessing the service server 12. You may register the CE device 11 that has downloaded.

  As described above, since the software update information manages the version number, update date / time, last update date / time, and scheduled update date for each software, the CE device 11 on which the software is installed is the same type of CE device. Whether it is a different type of CE device or not. For example, even a HDD recorder or an air conditioner device can be managed by a single piece of software update information (table) as long as it is a CE device that uses the same software.

  The software update information does not necessarily need to be stored in the database 203 as a table. As described above, the version number of each software, the update date / time, the last update date / time, the scheduled update date, and the CE that uses the software What is necessary is to know the device 11.

  Next, an update list file generated by the update list generation unit 206 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7A shows a format example of the update list file.

  In the update list file, as shown in FIG. 7A, the next access date and time (hereinafter referred to as the recommended next polling date and time) to the service server 12 recommended by the service server 12 is stored at the top of the file.

  When the update list generation unit 206 generates the update list file, the update date closest to the current date among the software update dates used by the CE device 11 that has accessed the service server 12 is Set it as the recommended next polling date and store it at the top of the update list file.

  Then, after the recommended next polling date and time of the update list file, the version numbers of software used by the CE device 11 that has accessed the service server 12 are sequentially stored. Note that software identification information for identifying the software is added as a header before the software version number. The software identification information is stored in advance in the CE device 11 and the service server 12.

  Further, the arrangement (arrangement) when the software used by the CE device 11 that has accessed the service server 12 is stored in the update list file is, for example, as shown in FIG. Basic software B, application software A, application software B,..., Application additional data A, application additional data B,..., That is, the arrangement of the software update information table shown in FIG. In order.

  When the software used by the CE device 11 that has accessed the service server 12 is unknown, the service server 12 stores the version numbers for all the software included in the software update information in the update list file. Can be stored.

  FIG. 7B shows an example of an update list file transmitted to the CE device X shown in FIG.

  In the update list file for the CE device X, as shown in FIG. 7B, April 1, 2006 (06/04/01) which is the scheduled update date of the basic software A, application software A, and application additional data A February 20, 2006 (06/02/20), which is the latest update date of February 20, 2006, is set as the recommended next polling date. Yes.

  Also, after the recommended next polling date and time of the update list file for the CE device X, 004 which is the latest version number of the basic software A is stored after the header storing the software identification information of the basic software A. Has been.

  Further, after the version number 004 of the basic software A, the latest version number 010 of the application software A and the latest version number 010 of the application additional data A are stored together with the software identification information in that order. Yes.

  FIG. 7C shows an example of an update list file transmitted to the CE device Y shown in FIG.

  The recommended next polling date and time of the update list file for the CE device Y is determined as follows.

  As described above, the recommended next polling date and time for CE device Y is the scheduled update date of basic software B, application software B, and application additional data B that are software used by CE device Y as described above. Thus, the scheduled update date closest to the current date is set as the recommended next polling date.

  However, the scheduled update dates of the application software B and the application additional data B are blank and are not yet determined. In this case, the update list generation unit 206 sets a temporary update scheduled date from the difference (interval) between the update date and time and the previous update date and time.

  That is, in the application software B and the application additional data B, the update date / time is March 10, 2006 (06/03/10), and the previous update date / time is March 01, 2006 (06/03/01). The following update was made on March 10, 2006 (06/03/10), 9 days after the last update date, March 1, 2006 (06/03/01). Assuming that the next update is performed in the same period, the update list generation unit 206 performs the update on March 19, 2006, nine days after the latest update date, March 10, 2006 (06/03/10). Set the date (06/03/19) to the scheduled update date.

  Then, the update list generation unit 206 uses the scheduled update date of the basic software B on April 15, 2006 (06/04/15) and the temporary update date of the application software B and the application additional data B. The closest date and time of March 19, 2006 (06/03/19), March 19, 2006 (06/03/19), is set as the recommended next polling date.

  As described above, when the scheduled update date of the software is not yet determined, the update list generation unit 206 sets a temporary scheduled update date from the past update history, and determines the recommended next polling date and time. Used for.

  After the recommended next polling date and time of the update list file for the CE device Y, the version number 003 of the basic software B, the version number 006 of the application software B, and the version number 006 of the application additional data B are in that order. Stored with identification information.

  Next, software update processing by the CE device 11 and software provision processing executed by the service server 12 in response to the software update processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the software update process by the CE device 11.

  When the power of the CE device 11 is turned on or when the CE device 11 is restored from the standby state, software update processing is started. First, in step S11, the software management unit 101 determines that the current date and time is It is determined whether or not the next polling date and time stored in the memory 101A has elapsed.

  In step S11, the process is repeated until it is determined that the current date / time has passed the next polling date / time. If it is determined in step S11 that the current date / time has passed the next polling date / time, the software management unit 101. Advances the process to step S12.

  In step S <b> 12, the software management unit 101 supplies a download start instruction to the download management unit 102.

  In step S <b> 13, the download management unit 102 that acquired the download start instruction supplies an update list file acquisition request to the communication unit 107. The communication unit 107 connects to the service server 12 via the network 13 and transmits an update list file acquisition request from the download management unit 102 to the service server 12. The update list file acquisition request is sent to the service server 12 as it is without any particular encryption processing.

  In response to this, the service server 12 that has received the update list file acquisition request from the CE device 11 generates an update list file and transmits the update list file to the CE device 11 (processing in steps S41 to S43 in FIG. 9 described later). . This update list file is also transmitted from the service server 12 without being particularly encrypted.

  In step S <b> 14, the communication unit 107 of the CE device 11 receives the update list file transmitted from the service server 12 and supplies it to the download management unit 102. The download management unit 102 supplies the update list file to the update list analysis unit 103.

  In step S <b> 15, the update list analysis unit 103 analyzes the update list file and determines whether there is software in the service server 12 that needs to be updated. That is, in step S15, the update list analysis unit 103 determines the software version number stored in the update list file from the download management unit 102 and the software held by the CE device 11 supplied from the version management unit 105. The software version number is compared, and it is determined whether or not a newer version of software (updated software) than the software version held by the CE device 11 is stored in the service server 12.

  If it is determined in step S15 that there is no software that needs to be updated, the process skips steps S16 to S20 and proceeds to step S21.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that there is software that needs to be updated, that is, software (updated software) that is newer than the software version held by the CE device 11 is stored in the service server 12. If stored, in step S16, the update list analysis unit 103 supplies software identification information of software for which update software needs to be acquired to the download management unit 102.

  Then, the download management unit 102 supplies an update software acquisition request (command) designating the update software to be acquired by adding the software identification information to the communication unit 107, and the communication unit 107 receives the service as a service. Send to server 12.

  The service server 12 receives the update software acquisition request from the CE device 11 and transmits a device authentication request (command thereof) to the CE device 11 (processing in steps S44 and 45 in FIG. 9 described later).

  In step S <b> 17, the communication unit 107 of the CE device 11 receives the device authentication request from the service server 12 and supplies it to the download management unit 102. The download management unit 102 that has acquired the device authentication request instructs the authentication processing unit 104 to execute authentication processing.

  In step S <b> 18, the authentication processing unit 104 supplies authentication information (its own device identification information and password) to the communication unit 107 for transmission. The communication unit 107 encrypts the device identification information and password of the CE device 11 supplied from the authentication processing unit 104 in the encryption processing unit 107A, and transmits the encrypted information to the service server 12.

  The service server 12 determines whether the CE device 11 is a valid device based on the authentication information (device identification information and password) transmitted from the CE device 11, and the CE device 11 is a valid device. If it is determined that the latest version software (update software) corresponding to the software identification information included in the update software acquisition request transmitted by the process of step S16 described above is used. The data is encrypted and transmitted to the CE device 11 (steps S46 to S48 in FIG. 9 described later).

  In step S19, the communication unit 107 of the CE device 11 receives the encrypted update software (data) transmitted from the service server 12, decrypts it with the encryption processing unit 107A, and performs download management. To the unit 102.

  In step S <b> 20, the download management unit 102 supplies the update software supplied from the communication unit 107 to the software update unit 106. The software update unit 106 stores the update software supplied from the download management unit 102 in the software storage unit 108 and supplies the stored software version number to the version management unit 105.

  After the process of step S20 or when it is determined in step S15 that there is no software that needs to be updated, in step S21, the download management unit 102 stores the update list file received in the process of step S14. The next recommended polling date and time is supplied to the software management unit 101. The software management unit 101 stores the supplied next recommended polling date and time in the memory 101A as the next polling date and time.

  In step S22, the software management unit 101 determines whether the CE device 11 is powered off or the CE device 11 is in a standby state.

  If it is determined in step S22 that the CE device 11 is not turned off and the CE device 11 is not in the standby state, that is, if the CE device 11 remains turned on, the software The management unit 101 returns the process to step S11. Thereby, the process after step S11 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S22 that the CE device 11 is powered off or the CE device 11 is in a standby state, the software management unit 101 ends the software update process.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the software providing process of the service server 12 performed corresponding to the software update process of FIG.

  When an update list file acquisition request is transmitted from the CE device 11 by the processing in step S13 of FIG. 8, the communication unit 204 of the service server 12 updates the update list transmitted from the CE device 11 in step S41. The file acquisition request is received and supplied to the software transmission management unit 207.

  In step S42, the software transmission management unit 207 supplies an update list creation instruction to the update list generation unit 206, and the update list generation unit 206 generates an update list file.

  In step S43, the update list generation unit 206 supplies the generated update list file to the communication unit 204, and the communication unit 204 transmits the update list file acquisition request to the CE device that has transmitted the update list file acquisition request. 11 to send.

  Thereafter, an update software acquisition request (command thereof) is transmitted from the CE device 11 to the service server 12 by the processing in step S16 of FIG. 9 described above.

  In step S44, the communication unit 204 of the service server 12 receives the update software acquisition request from the CE device 11 and supplies it to the software transmission management unit 207.

  In step S45, the software transmission management unit 207 causes the communication unit 204 to transmit a device authentication request (command) to the CE device 11. The communication unit 204 transmits a device authentication request to the CE device 11.

  In response to this device authentication request, the CE device 11 transmits the encrypted authentication information (the device identification information and password of the CE device 11) to the service server 12 (the process of step S18 in FIG. 8 described above).

  In step S46, the communication unit 204 of the service server 12 receives the encrypted authentication information (device identification information and password) from the CE device 11, decrypts it with the encryption processing unit 204A, and supplies it to the authentication processing unit 205. To do.

  In step 47, the authentication processing unit 205 compares the authentication information transmitted from the CE device 11 with the authentication information stored in the database 203 to determine whether the CE device 11 is a valid device. Determine whether.

  If it is determined in step S47 that the CE device 11 that has transmitted the update software acquisition request is not a valid device, step S48 is skipped and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S47 that the CE device 11 that has transmitted the update software acquisition request is a valid device, that is, the authentication information of the CE device 11 that has transmitted the update software acquisition request is stored in the database 203. In step S48, the authentication processing unit 205 supplies the fact to the software transmission management unit 207, and the software transmission management unit 207 includes the update software acquisition request received in step S44. The latest version of software (updated software) corresponding to the software identification information being acquired is acquired from the software storage unit 202 and supplied to the communication unit 204.

  The communication unit 204 encrypts the update software supplied by the software transmission management unit 207 in the encryption processing unit 204A, transmits the encrypted software to the CE device 11, and ends the processing.

  As described above, according to the software update process of FIG. 8 and the software provision process of FIG. 9, the CE device 11 receives the timing information (next time) indicating the next access timing to the service server 12 that provides the update software. (Polling date and time) is stored in the memory 101A, and when the timing comes (when the timing has elapsed), the service server 12 is accessed and the update list file is acquired from the service server 12. Then, the CE device 11 updates the update software depending on whether or not a newer version of software (update software) than the software version held by the CE device 11 is stored in the service server 12 from the update list file. It is determined whether or not to acquire.

  Therefore, since the service server 12 is accessed only at the timing designated by the next polling date and time when the update software is scheduled to be prepared in the service server 12, it is not necessary to poll regularly.

  As a result, the software can be updated efficiently between the CE device 11 and the service server 12, and the traffic on the network 13 can be reduced.

  In the CE device 11, the number of communication processes can be reduced, and the power consumption of the CE device 11 can be reduced. On the service server 12 side, when the update software is not prepared, the number of CE devices 11 that are accessed to check the presence of the update software decreases, so the processing capacity required for the server is set low. It is possible to reduce the installation and operation costs of the service server 12.

  The update list file only stores date and time information and a number representing the version, and since the confidentiality of the update list file itself is low, authentication processing and encryption processing are not performed in exchange of the update list file. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the number of times authentication processing and cryptographic processing are executed with a large processing load ratio, and to reduce the processing load (required processing capacity) of the CE device 11 and the service server 12.

  On the other hand, in sending / receiving the update software (data thereof), the CE device 11 is authenticated, and then the update software is subjected to a predetermined encryption process and transmitted, so that the update software can be provided securely.

In the above-described example, the CE device 11 determines whether the current date / time is the next polling date / time when the power is on, and the current date / time becomes the next polling date / time, or next polling When the date and time have passed, an update list file acquisition request is immediately sent to the service server 12 to perform processing for acquiring the update software, but when the current date and time becomes the next polling date and time. For example, in the case where processing with a large load such as a recording process has been performed by the CE device 11, the execution of the processing with a large load is completed without immediately executing the processing for acquiring the update software. You may make it perform the process which acquires update software. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the necessary maximum processing capacity of the CE device 11 and to suppress the maximum power consumption.

Further, in the above-described example, in the state where the power of the CE device 11 is turned off or in the standby state, it is not determined whether the current date / time is the next polling date / time, and only in the state where the power of the CE device 11 is turned on. Although the determination is performed, the determination is performed even when the CE device 11 is in the standby state, and when the current date and time becomes the next polling date and time in the standby state, the CE device 11 is turned on, It is also possible to execute a process for acquiring the update software and return to the standby state again after the process is completed. In this case, the time when the CE device 11 is not being used can be used effectively to upgrade to the latest software, and the next time the user uses it, the latest software is already used. The CE device 11 that is more convenient (easy to use) for the user can be provided quickly.

  Furthermore, in the above-described example, the service server 12 creates an update list file when receiving an update list file acquisition request from the CE device 11 (the process of step S42 described above). It is also possible to create (in advance) an arbitrary timing before receiving an update list file acquisition request, such as a timing at which a new version of software is stored in the software storage unit 202.

  In addition, the update list generation unit 206 predicts the scheduled update date based on the difference (interval) between the update date and time and the previous update date and time for software for which the scheduled update date has not been entered. The update date may be obtained by a method. For example, in addition to the difference between the update date and time and the previous update date, the average value of the past update intervals is calculated, and the date obtained by adding the average value of the calculated update intervals to the latest update date and time. It may be the scheduled update date.

  In this specification, the steps described in the flowcharts include processes that are executed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in time series, as well as processes that are executed in time series in the described order. Is also included.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of one Embodiment of the information processing system to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the CE apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the service server of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structural example of the CE apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structural example of the service server of FIG. It is a figure explaining software update information. It is a figure explaining an update list file. It is a flowchart explaining the software update process by CE apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the software provision process by a service server.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing system, 11 CE apparatus, 12 Service server, 13 Network, 101 Software management part, 101A memory, 102 Download management part, 103 Update list analysis part, 105 Version management part, 107 Communication part, 107A Encryption processing part, 108 software storage unit, 202 software storage unit, 203 database, 204 communication unit, 204A encryption processing unit, 206 update list generation unit, 207 software transmission management unit

Claims (13)

In an information processing system comprising an information processing device using software and a software providing device that provides updated software in which the software is updated,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Timing storage means for storing timing information representing the next access timing to the software providing device;
Based on the timing information, an update information request for requesting update information of the software is transmitted to the software providing apparatus, and the update is transmitted from the software providing apparatus in response to the update information request. Information acquisition means for receiving information and the updated timing information;
Determination means for determining whether to obtain the update software based on the received update information, and
The software providing device includes:
Software storage means for storing the update software;
Generating means for generating the update information and the timing information for the update software;
Information for receiving the update information request from the information processing apparatus and transmitting the update information and the timing information updated by being generated by the generation unit in response to the update information request to the information processing apparatus Providing means and
The timing storage unit of the information processing apparatus further stores the updated timing information by overwriting. In an information processing apparatus that performs software update processing,
Timing storage means for storing timing information indicating a timing of next accessing the software providing apparatus that provides the updated software with the software updated;
Based on the timing information, an update information request for requesting update information of the software is transmitted to the software providing apparatus, and the update is transmitted from the software providing apparatus in response to the update information request. Information acquisition means for receiving information and the updated timing information;
Determination means for determining whether to obtain the update software based on the received update information, and
The timing storage unit further overwrites and stores the updated timing information. The update information includes version information of the update software held in the software providing device,
3. The information processing according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines to acquire the software when there is version information that is newer than the version information of the software held by the information processing apparatus as the update information. apparatus. The information acquisition unit further transmits an update software acquisition request to the software providing device when the determination unit determines to acquire the updated software, and is transmitted from the software providing device. The encrypted update software is received,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising encryption processing means for decrypting the encrypted update software. In an information processing method for performing software update processing,
An update information request for requesting update information of the software is issued to the software providing apparatus based on timing information indicating a next access timing to the software providing apparatus that provides the updated software with the updated software. Send
Receiving the update information and the updated timing information transmitted in response to the update information request from the software providing device;
Storing the updated timing information;
An information processing method including a step of determining whether to acquire the update software based on the received update information. In a program that causes a computer to execute software update processing,
An update information request for requesting update information of the software is issued to the software providing apparatus based on timing information indicating a next access timing to the software providing apparatus that provides the updated software with the updated software. Send
Receiving the update information and the updated timing information transmitted in response to the update information request from the software providing device;
Storing the updated timing information;
A program including a step of determining whether to acquire the update software based on the received update information. In a software providing apparatus that provides updated software in which the software is updated to an information processing apparatus that uses software,
Software storage means for storing the update software;
Generating means for generating update information about the update software, and timing information indicating a timing at which the information processing apparatus accesses the software providing apparatus next;
An information providing means for receiving an update information request for requesting the update information from the information processing apparatus, and transmitting the generated update information and the timing information to the information processing apparatus in response to the update information request; A software providing apparatus comprising: The software providing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the timing information includes information about a date and time when the updated software in the software storage unit is updated next. The software providing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the generation unit generates the timing information by calculating a date and time for the next update from a past update history of the update software. The software providing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the update information includes version information of the update software stored in the software storage unit. Further comprising encryption processing means for encrypting the updated software stored in the software storage means,
The software providing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the information providing unit further transmits the encrypted update software to the information processing apparatus when receiving the acquisition request for the software from the information processing apparatus. . In a software providing method for providing update software in which the software is updated to an information processing apparatus using software,
Generating update information about the update software, and timing information indicating a timing at which the information processing device next accesses the software providing device;
Receiving an update information request for requesting the update information from the information processing apparatus;
A software providing method including a step of transmitting the generated update information and the timing information to the information processing apparatus in response to the update information request. In a program for causing a computer to execute processing for providing updated software in which the software is updated to an information processing apparatus using software,
Generating update information about the update software, and timing information indicating a timing at which the information processing device next accesses the software providing device;
Receiving an update information request for requesting the update information from the information processing apparatus;
A program comprising a step of transmitting the generated update information and the timing information to the information processing apparatus in response to the update information request.

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