JP2014120045A - Update information distribution system and distribution management server device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce load on both sides of providing information for version up and of receiving the provision, and to surely and quickly download the information for version up.SOLUTION: When a new update file exists, an update server 1 forms notification information for making a provision source notification unit 106 function so as to make a notification of a provision source of the update file and provides the information to a predetermined public telephone through a line I/F 105. When receiving a completion notification of download through the line I/F 105, the update server 1 makes a download management unit function so as to manage the public telephone which is a transmission source of the completion notification as a provision source of the update file.

Description

  In the present invention, for example, a communication terminal device connected to a network such as a public telephone or a telephone system main device and needs to be updated (updated) for version upgrade or the like is updated (updated). The present invention relates to a system and a server device.

  Various communication terminal devices are connected to the communication network, and for these communication terminal devices, programs and the like may be upgraded in order to enhance functions. For this reason, a so-called version upgrade server is usually installed on the communication network. Each communication terminal apparatus periodically checks the update server for the presence of an update file (update information), and if an update file exists, downloads the update file from the upgrade server.

  However, when download requests concentrate on the upgrade server, the bandwidth of the upgrade server may be compressed and the update file may not be downloaded smoothly. Since the download request is proportional to the increase in the number of communication terminal devices, the more communication terminal devices that can access the upgrade server, the higher the possibility that the update file will be hindered. Whether or not the update file can be smoothly downloaded is also an important factor in the bandwidth (capacity) of the communication line used.

  For this reason, the load of the server is distributed by separating the server that receives the confirmation of the presence or absence of the update file from the server that provides the update file. In addition, by installing a plurality of servers that provide update files, downloading of update files is performed in a distributed manner. However, this increases server installation costs and maintenance costs. For this reason, as a server that provides update files, use a general-purpose server provided by a third party free of charge or at a low cost to create a cloud and reduce server installation costs and maintenance costs. However, there are still security concerns.

  As one measure for solving such a problem, in Patent Document 1 to be described later, the processing load of the transmission device and the necessity are required because the reception devices mutually exchange contents distributed from the transmission device. An invention related to a system and the like for reducing the output bandwidth is disclosed. Specifically, as described in FIG. 7 and paragraph [0035] of Patent Document 1, the receiving device receives a list of contents to be stored from the transmitting device or another receiving device and holds the list. The content entity that has not been received is received from the transmitting device or other receiving device. That is, with regard to content download, not only the transmitting device but also each receiving device can be a content distribution source.

JP 2005-11218 A

  The invention described in Patent Document 1 described above is a system that distributes various contents such as movies. Since the transmitting apparatus needs to manage each of the receiving apparatuses that have received the registration request from each receiving apparatus and transmitted the registration request, the load for managing the receiving apparatus in the transmitting apparatus is large. Whether or not the content is to be downloaded and where to download the content is determined by each receiving apparatus that receives the content based on the provided list. For this reason, it can be said that the load regarding the download of the content in each receiving apparatus is also large.

  In addition, as described above, each receiving apparatus specifies from its own device where to download the target content. Therefore, when there are few providers of the target content, provision requests may be concentrated on a specific provider (a transmission device or a reception device that holds the content). For this reason, although the invention described in Patent Document 1 is suitable for a system or the like when downloading content such as a movie, it is not suitable for updating a version of a program of a receiving apparatus. That is, higher reliability and quickness are required for the update for upgrading the program of the receiving device.

  In view of the above points, the present invention reduces the load on both the side that provides the information for upgrading and the side that receives the information, so that the information for upgrading can be downloaded and updated reliably and quickly. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an update information distribution system according to claim 1 is provided:
An update information distribution system configured by connecting a distribution management server device and a plurality of communication terminal devices through a network,
The distribution management server device
Communication means;
A provider notification means for forming notification information for notifying at least the provider of the update information when there is new update information, and providing it to the predetermined communication terminal device through the communication means;
When receiving a completion notification indicating that the download processing from the communication terminal device is completed through the communication means, the communication terminal device that is the transmission source of the completion notification is added to the update information provider as necessary. Management means and
The communication terminal device
Communication means;
Request means for requesting provision of the update information to the instructed provider when the notification information is received through the communication means;
Update processing means for receiving and storing the new update information provided from the provider in response to a request for provision of the update information through the communication means;
Completion notification means for forming the completion notification indicating that download processing has been completed and transmitting it to the distribution management server device through the communication means when storage of all the newly provided update information is completed. It is characterized by providing.

  According to the update information distribution system of the first aspect of the present invention, the update management system includes a distribution management server device and a plurality of communication terminal devices. The distribution management server apparatus includes a communication unit, and when new update information exists, the provider notification unit functions to form notification information for notifying the provider of the update information, and a predetermined communication terminal Provide to the device through communication means. When the distribution management server device receives the completion notification notifying that the download process has been completed through the communication unit, the management unit functions and provides the communication terminal device that is the transmission source of the completion notification, if necessary. Manage as original.

  On the other hand, each of the communication terminal devices includes a communication unit, and when the notification information for notifying the update information provider is received from the distribution management server device through the communication unit, the request unit notifies the instructed (notified) provider. Request update information. Then, the update means performs processing so as to store and hold update information from the provider received through the communication means. Thereafter, when all of the update information is normally stored, the completion notification unit forms a completion notification and transmits it to the distribution management server device through the communication unit.

  In this way, the distribution management server device can manage the communication terminal device that has received the update information as a distribution source of the update information as necessary. As a result, it is possible to distribute update information providers and avoid applying a large load to only one provider.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the load on both the side that provides the information for upgrading and the side that receives the information, and the communication terminal device can download the information for upgrading reliably and quickly.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the update information delivery system of this invention. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of an update server 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a download server 2. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of data stored in a provider management data file 103. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of data stored in a download management data file 104. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a public telephone 4. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a format of notification or a request | requirement. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of an update information delivery system. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of an update information delivery system. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of an update information delivery system. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process for the public telephone 4 used as a provider to download a new update file. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process for the general public telephone 4 to download a new update file.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the system and apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention can be used in various communication terminal apparatuses connected to a network when updating for upgrading a program or the like for function enhancement or the like. That is, various types of communication terminal devices connected to the network can be assumed, and the range of use is wide. However, in the embodiment described below, in order to simplify the description, the communication terminal device connected to the network is highly public, and must update (update) programs and the like quickly and reliably. A case of a public telephone will be described as an example.

[Overview of update information distribution system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the update information distribution system of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the update information distribution system of this embodiment includes an update server 1, a download server 2, and a large number of public telephones 4 (1), 4 (2) installed in various places in the city. ),... Are connected through the network 3.

  The update server 1 manages a provider that provides update files (update information) to the public telephones 4 (1), 4 (2),..., And the public telephones 4 (1), 4 (2),. It has a function of notifying the update file provider. The update file is made up of programs and data that need to be newly provided to the public telephones 4 (1), 4 (2),. As will be described in detail later, the update server 1 indicates the update file provision status of the public telephones 4 (1), 4 (2),... It also has a function to manage.

  The download server 2 is one of the providers of update files, and is provided as a dedicated server device that provides update files. Of course, the update server 1 and the download server 2 can be configured as one server device. However, in this embodiment, the management of the update file provision and the update file provision are distributed to different server devices to prevent the load from being concentrated on one server device.

  The network 3 is mainly the Internet, but connects from the update server 1, the download server 2, the public telephones 4 (1), 4 (2),... To the Internet, for example, a public telephone network (PSTN: Public Switched) Telephone Networks). Each of the public telephones 4 (1), 4 (2),... Is installed in various places in the city, accepts the insertion of coins and telephone cards, and makes a call by calling the other party. is there. Each of the public telephones 4 (1), 4 (2),... Has basically the same configuration and functions in the same manner. Therefore, in the following, the public telephones 4 (1), 4 (2),... Are collectively referred to as a public telephone 4 unless otherwise specifically indicated.

  In the update information distribution system of this embodiment, when a new update file is generated, the update server 1 updates one or more public telephones 4 that are determined in advance so as to become the update file provider. Notify the file provider. The provider of the update file in this case is basically the download server 2 provided as a dedicated provider of the update file on the network 3. The public telephone 4 that has received the notification from the provider downloads the update file from the provider, whereby the public telephone 4 itself is managed by the update server 1 as the provider of the update file.

  In addition, when there is an update file to be newly provided for each public telephone 4 that has performed an update check for confirming whether or not a new update file exists, the update server 1 sets the source of the update file. Notice. In this case, the update file provider is the public telephone 4 that is managed by the update server 1 as the update file provider after receiving the download server 2 and the update file.

  The update server 1 determines which device of the download server 2 or the public telephone 4 that has received the update file is notified as the update file provider. In other words, the update server 1 selects a provider with sufficient bandwidth and processing capacity as an update file provider in accordance with the current download status of the update file managed by itself, and updates the update check source. Notify the public telephone 4.

  As described above, in the update information distribution system of this embodiment, not only the download server 2 but also one or more public telephones 4 determined in advance are the update file provider. As a result, the update file providers are distributed so that each of the public telephones 4 can reliably and quickly download the update file.

  In addition, it may be considered that the update file cannot be provided due to, for example, a failure of the public telephone 4 that has provided the update file. For this reason, the public telephone 4 that has received the notification of the update file provider forms a failure notification and transmits it to the update server 1 when the update file is not received from the provider.

  When receiving the failure notification from the public telephone 4 that has notified the update file provider, the update server 1 notifies the public telephone 4 of the other provider of the update file again. In addition, the update server 1 uses another public telephone 4 that has received the update file as a provider instead of the provider that has not been able to provide the update file to the public telephone 4 that has transmitted the failure notification. That is, the update file provider is replaced. As a result, in addition to the download server 2, a constant number of update file providers are always secured to maintain an environment in which update files can be efficiently provided.

  And the update server 1 of this embodiment does not need to manage the state of all the public telephones 4. FIG. The update server 1 manages the download server 2 serving as an update file providing source and a predetermined public telephone 4 that is determined in advance, and the public telephone 4 that has been checked for updates is currently receiving the update file from To manage. Through these managements, the update server 1 appropriately selects and notifies the update file provider from the public telephone 4 that has checked for updates. As a result, the public telephone 4 that has received the notification of the update file provider can receive (download) the update file reliably and quickly, and update (update) the program for version upgrade. .

[Details of each device constituting the update information distribution system]
Next, configuration examples and operations of the update server 1, the download server 2, and the public telephone 4 constituting the update information distribution system of this embodiment will be specifically described.

[Configuration example of update server 1]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the update server 1 according to this embodiment. The control unit 101 controls each unit of the update server 1 and is configured by connecting a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory) through a CPU bus (not shown). Computer device. The storage device 102 includes a hard disk that is a large-capacity storage medium, writes various data obtained by various programs and various processes to the hard disk, reads data written to the hard disk, Delete it.

  The provider management data file 103 is formed in a hard disk or a non-volatile memory, and stores and holds information related to the download server 2 serving as an update file provider and one or more public telephones 4 determined in advance. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the provider management data file 103. As shown in FIG. 4, the provider management data file 103 includes a MAC address (Media Access Control address) and an IP address (Internet Protocol address) of a device (download server 2 or public telephone 4) that is the provider of the update file. The current update file version, update date, and type.

  In FIG. 4, the MAC address and the IP address are information for uniquely specifying a device that provides the update file. The version of the current update file is information indicating the version of the update file that can be provided by each device. The update date is the date when the current update file is updated, and the type is information indicating whether the device is the download server 2 or the public telephone 4. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first is data about the download server 2, and the second and subsequent information is information about the public telephone 4 that is determined in advance so as to be the update file provider.

  Then, it is assumed that a new update file is provided and held in the download server 2 of the update information distribution system of this embodiment. In this case, the control unit 101 of the update server 1 updates the version and update date of the update file for the download server 2 of the provider management data file 103 based on the information from the download server 2, for example. As a result, the update server 1 recognizes that a new update file has been prepared in the download server 2.

  Then, as will be described in detail later, the update server 1 notifies the update file provider of the update file provider to the predetermined public telephone 4 and prompts the download of the update file. When the public telephone 4 to which the update file provider is notified can download the update file appropriately from the provider, a completion notification for notifying that the download from the public telephone 4 is completed is sent to the update server 1. Sent. Therefore, when receiving the completion notification, the update server 1 updates the version information and update date of the update file of the data corresponding to the public telephone 4 that has transmitted the completion notification of the provider management data file 103. Thereby, it can be managed which public telephone 4 the update file is updated.

  The download management data file 104 is formed on a hard disk or a nonvolatile memory. The download management data file 104 manages the public telephone 4 that has been checked for updates and the provider of the update file notified to the public telephone 4, and manages the success or failure of downloading the update file on the public telephone 4 To do. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the download management data file 104.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the download management data file 104 manages the MAC address and IP address of the device that requested the update check, and the MAC address and IP address of the device that provided the update file. Furthermore, the download management data file 104 manages information indicating the version of the update file to be downloaded and information indicating whether the update file has been successfully downloaded.

  In the case of the example shown in FIG. 5, the public telephone 4 with the MAC address “ccccc...” Is notified that the device with the MAC address “XXXXXX. It is shown. Here, the device whose MAC address is “XXXX ...” is the download server 2 as shown in FIG. Similarly, for the public telephone 4 with the MAC address “ddddd...”, The download server 2 with the MAC address “XXXXXX...” Is similarly notified as the update file provider. . In both cases, it is indicated that the update file of version 2.0 can be appropriately downloaded from the download server 2 (successful download).

  In the case of the example shown in FIG. 5, for the public telephone 4 with the MAC address “mmmmm...”, The public telephone 4 with the MAC address “aaaaaa. It has been shown. The public telephone 4 whose MAC address is “aaaaaa...” Is one of public telephones 4 that has been determined in advance to be an update file provider, as shown in FIG. Then, it is shown that the public telephone 4 with the MAC address “mmmmm...” Cannot properly download the version 2.0 update file from the public telephone 4 with the MAC address “aaaaaa.

  Then, for the public telephone 4 with the MAC address “mmmmm...”, It is indicated that another public telephone 4 with the MAC address “bbbbb...” Has been notified as a new source of the update file. Yes. The public telephone 4 with the MAC address “bbbbbb...” Is one of the public telephones 4 determined in advance so as to be the update file provider, as shown in FIG. Then, it is shown that the public telephone 4 with the MAC address “mmmmm...” Has successfully downloaded the version 2.0 update file from the public telephone 4 with the MAC address “bbbbb.

  As described above, from the data of the download management data file 104, it is possible to manage which public telephone 4 receives the update check and which device is notified as the update file provider. Furthermore, the public telephone 4 that is the update check source can appropriately manage whether or not the update file has been downloaded from the notified provider by using the data in the download management data file 104.

  The line I / F 105 of the update server 1 takes in the signal received through the network 3 by converting it into data that can be processed by the own device (update server 1), or converts various data for transmission into signals compliant with the protocol. And sent to the network 3. The provider notification unit 106 notifies the public telephone 4 of the provider of the update file through the line I / F 105 under the control of the control unit 101, and realizes a function of prompting the download of the update file.

  When a new update file is prepared in the download server 2, the provider notification unit 106 notifies a predetermined public telephone 4 of the provider of the update file based on information in the provider management data file 103. In addition, when notifying the update file provider in response to the update check, the provider notification unit 106 appropriately selects the provider according to the data in the provider management data file 103 and the download management data file 104. select. Also, the provider notification unit 106 registers new data in the download management data file 104 when the provider is notified to the public telephone 4 so that the download status can be managed.

  The download management unit 107 updates the data in the provider management data file 103 and the download management data file 104 in response to the update file download completion notification or failure notification from the public telephone 4 that has notified the update file provider. . As a result, the update file download status in the public telephone 4 that has notified the update file provider can be managed.

  The provider change notification unit 108 notifies the public telephone 4 that has transmitted the update file download failure notification of another provider that is different from the provider that has not been able to provide the update file appropriately. As a result, the public telephone 4 that has transmitted the failure notification can download the update file as quickly as possible. The provider switching unit 109 performs processing to remove the public telephone 4 notified as the update file provider from the public telephone 4 that has transmitted the failure notification from the provider, and to make another public telephone 4 a new provider.

  Specifically, the provider switching unit 109 deletes data managed in the provider management data file 103 for the public telephone 4 that has notified the public telephone 4 that has transmitted the failure notification as the update file provider. Then, the provider replacement unit 109 additionally records in the provider management data file 103 the data related to the other public telephones 4 for which the latest update file has been downloaded. In this case, for example, the public telephone 4 specified from among one or more public telephones 4 previously positioned as a spare or a failure notification has been transmitted. Thereafter, an update file is provided from another public telephone 4 or the like. The received public telephone 4 or the like can be provided as a new provider.

  As described above, the update server 1 has a function of managing the update file provider and notifying the public telephone 4 of the update file provider and managing the update file provision status and the like. is there.

[Configuration example of download server 2]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the download server 2 according to this embodiment. The control unit 201 controls each unit of the download server 2 and is a computer device configured by connecting a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM through a CPU bus (not shown). The storage device 202 includes a hard disk that is a large-capacity storage medium, writes various data obtained by various programs and various processes to the hard disk, reads data written to the hard disk, Delete it. The storage device 202 also stores an update file to be provided to the public telephone 4.

  The external I / F 203 converts data from various external devices into data in a format that can be processed by the own device (download server 2), or data in a format that provides data from the own device to the external device. The function to convert to and output. Upon receiving the update file from the external device through the external I / F 203, the control unit 201 performs processing for storing the update file in the storage device 202.

  The line I / F 204 converts a signal received through the network 3 into data that can be processed by the own device (download server 2), or converts various data for transmission into a signal that conforms to the protocol. Or send it to. Although the update file has been described as being provided through the external I / F 203, the present invention is not limited to this. The update file may be transmitted to the download server 2 through the network 3, received through the line I / F 204, and recorded in the storage device 202 by the control unit 201.

  When the update file provision unit 205 receives an update file provision request from the public telephone 4 via the line I / F 204, the update file provision unit 205 performs a process of providing the update file. Specifically, the update file providing unit 205 reads the update file from the storage device 202 under the control of the control unit 201, and performs a process of providing the update file to the requesting public telephone 4 through the line I / F 204. Run.

  As described above, the download server 2 is a dedicated server device that is provided on the network 3 and realizes a function of providing an update file to the public telephone 4.

[Configuration example of public telephone 4]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the public telephone 4 according to this embodiment. The control unit 401 controls each unit of the public telephone 4 and is a computer device configured by connecting a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM through a CPU bus (not shown). The storage device 402 includes a hard disk or a non-volatile memory that is a large-capacity storage medium, writes various programs and various data obtained by various processes to the recording medium, reads the written data, Also, a process of deleting is performed.

  The operation unit 403 includes several function keys such as a so-called numeric keypad and a volume adjustment key provided on the public telephone 4, receives an operation input from the user, and supplies the received information to the control unit 401. The display unit 404 includes a display element such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), for example, and displays various guidance information and warning messages. The billing processing unit 405 has a function of taking in a prepaid card and coins inserted by a user, a function of performing billing processing in accordance with a billing signal from the network 3, and a prepaid card and coins in excess of coins in accordance with an on-hook operation. It has a function to return.

  The dial circuit 406 generates a dial signal based on the dial number from the control unit 401 received by the control unit 401 through the operation unit 403, and transmits the dial signal to the network 3 via a line I / F 407 described later. This dial signal is transmitted to a telephone company exchange connected to the network 3. The line I / F 407 converts the signal received through the network 3 into data that can be processed by the own device (public telephone 4), or converts various data for transmission into a signal conforming to the protocol. Or send it to.

  The call circuit 408 forms a voice signal (analog signal) from the voice data (digital signal) received through the line I / F 407 and supplies it to the handset 409. Further, the call circuit 408 converts the audio signal (analog signal) from the handset 409 into audio data (digital signal), and transmits this to the network 3 through the line I / F 407. The handset 409 includes a speaker (handset) and a microphone (speaker), supplies the sound signal from the call circuit 408 to the speaker, emits the sound, and also outputs the sound signal collected by the microphone to the call circuit 408. Supply. In the public telephone 4, the line I / F 407 transmits / receives voice data to / from the call circuit 408, and transmits / receives control data and update files other than dial signals to / from the control unit 401.

  Further, the request processing unit 410 forms a download request for the update file to the download server 2 and an update check request to the update server 1 under the control of the control unit 401, and transmits this to the network 3 through the line I / F 407. . When the update processing unit 411 receives an update file through the line I / F 407 under the control of the control unit 401, the update processing unit 411 executes processing for storing the update file in the storage device 402.

  The completion notification unit 412 forms a completion notification for notifying that the download has been completed properly when all of the update files have been normally stored in the storage device 402 under the control of the control unit 401. The data is transmitted to the update server 1 through the line I / F 407. Under the control of the control unit 401, the failure notification unit 413 forms a failure notification for notifying that the update file download has failed when the update file download has failed, and this is sent to the update server via the line I / F 407. 1 to send.

  As described above, the public telephone 4 is used by an unspecified number of users, and enables a telephone call to be made by connecting a telephone line to an intended destination. Furthermore, the public telephone 4 of this embodiment can automatically update the program without the user's hand for function enhancement or the like.

[Examples of notifications and requests sent and received between devices]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a format example of notifications and requests transmitted / received between the update server 1 and the public telephone 4 in the update information distribution system of this embodiment. In the update information providing system of this embodiment, basically, information in a very simple format composed of three items of data classification, information 1 and information 2 is transmitted and received. In FIG. 7, information for specifying the transmission destination is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

  For example, the notification information of the update file provider from the update server 1 to the predetermined public telephone 4 is as shown in FIG. That is, the notification information indicates that the data classification is “provider notification”, information 1 indicates “update file version information”, and information 2 indicates “provider identification information” for identifying the provider. Will be shown. The “provider identification information” uses the MAC address and IP address of the provider device. From the notification information, it is possible to specify from which device and how many update files should be downloaded.

  A download request from the public telephone 4 to the update file provider is as shown in FIG. That is, the download request indicates that the data classification is “download request”, information 1 indicates “transmission source identification information” for specifying the transmission source of the download request, and information 2 indicates “free”. It will be. In FIGS. 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E, the “source identification information” uses the MAC address and IP address of the source device. By the download request, it is possible to identify the device requesting the update file from the device that provides the update file, and the update file is sent to the device of the request source (download request transmission source). Provision can be made.

  The completion notification from the public telephone 4 to the update server 1 is as shown in FIG. That is, the completion notification indicates that the data classification is “completion notification”, information 1 indicates “transmission source identification information” for specifying the transmission source of the completion notification, and information 2 becomes “empty”. Is. From the completion notification, the update server 1 can grasp which device has successfully downloaded the update file.

  The update check request from the public telephone 4 to the update server 1 is as shown in FIG. That is, the update check request indicates that the data classification is “update check”, information 1 indicates “source identification information” for specifying the source of the update check request, and information 2 is transmitted. This is the “update file version information” that is currently applied.

  In response to the update check request, the update server 1 receives an update check request from any public telephone 4, and can grasp some version information of the downloaded update file of the public telephone 4. Therefore, the update server 1 can determine whether the update file download is necessary in the device that has transmitted the update check request, and can notify the provider of the update file if necessary.

  The failure notification from the public telephone 4 to the update server 1 is as shown in FIG. That is, the failure notification indicates that the data classification is “failure notification”, information 1 indicates “transmission source identification information” for specifying the transmission source, and information 2 becomes “empty”. . From the failure notification, the update server 1 can grasp which device has failed to download the update file.

[Operation of update information distribution system]
8 to 10 are sequence diagrams for explaining the operation of the update information distribution system of this embodiment. In this embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, as shown at the upper end side of FIG. 8, public telephones 4 (1), 4 (21),. It is assumed that the public telephone 4 is managed by the update server 1.

  Then, it is assumed that an update file of version 2.0 is prepared in the download server 2, and the update server 1 knows that a new update file exists in the download server 2. And, each of the public telephones 4 (1), 4 (2),... Is applied with an update file of version 1.0 (Ver1.0), but version 2.0 (Ver2.0) is applied. It is shown that it is still in a state.

  Accordingly, in this case, in the provider management data file 103 of the update server 1, only the download server 2 holds the latest version 2.0 update file, as shown in FIG. However, the public telephone 4 serving as another provider is in a state of holding only the update file of the old version 1.0.

  For this reason, the update server 1 forms the notification of the provider shown in FIG. 7A, indicates that the new update file exists and that the provider is the download server 2, and that the public telephone 4 to be the provider (1) 4 (21), is notified (step S1). The public telephone 4 (1) that has received the notification of the provider forms the download request shown in FIG. 7B and transmits it to the download server 2 that is the notified provider (step S2).

In response to a download request from the public telephone 4 (1), the download server 2 transmits an update file of version 2.0 to the public telephone 4 (1) (step S3). As a result, the requesting public telephone 4 (1) receives the version 2.0 update file and stores it in the storage device 402 (step S4). Then, when the public telephone 4 (1) as the request source properly receives all the update files of version 2.0 and can store them in the storage device 402, the public telephone 4 (1) forms a completion notification shown in FIG. This is transmitted to the update server 1 (step S5).
In this case, the update server 1 can recognize that the download of the update file of version 2.0 has been completed based on the completion notification from the public telephone 4 (21). Therefore, the update server 1 updates the update file version and update date of the data of the public telephone 4 (1) in the provider management data file 103. As a result, the public telephone 4 (1) becomes the provider of the version 2.0 update file.

Similarly, the public telephone 4 (21) that has received the notification of the provider forms the download request shown in FIG. 7B and transmits it to the download server 2 that is the notified provider (step S6). ). In response to a download request from the public telephone 4 (21), the download server 2 transmits an update file of version 2.0 to the public telephone 4 (21) (step S7). As a result, the requesting public telephone 4 (21) receives the version 2.0 update file and stores it in the storage device 402 (step S8). When the public telephone 4 (21) as the request source properly receives all of the version 2.0 update files and stores them in the storage device 402, the public telephone 4 (21) forms the completion notification shown in FIG. This is transmitted to the update server 1 (step S9).
In this case, the update server 1 can recognize that the download of the update file of version 2.0 has been completed based on the completion notification from the public telephone 4 (1). Therefore, the update server 1 updates the update file version and update date of the data of the public telephone 4 (21) in the provider management data file 103. As a result, the public telephone 4 (21) becomes the source of the version 2.0 update file.

  In this way, the update server 1 notifies the location of the new update file to the public telephones 4 (1), 4 (21),... Then, the environment is arranged so that each of the predetermined public telephones 4 (1), 4 (21),... Acquires an update file from the notified provider and functions as a provider of a new update file. It is done.

  Then, the public telephones 4 other than the public telephones 4 (1), 4 (21),..., Which are determined in advance as the update file provider, perform an update check on the update server 1 from their own devices. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the public telephone 4 (2) forms the update check request shown in FIG. 7D at a predetermined timing and transmits it to the update server 1 (step S11). . Here, the predetermined timing for performing the update check is an appropriate timing such as once a day, once every three days, once every five days, once a week, or the like.

  In this example, the update server 1 that has received the update check request determines whether there is an update file that is newer than the update file indicated by the version information of the transmission source included in the update check from the public telephone 4 (2) that is the request source. To check. If a new update file exists, the update file provider is specified based on the data in the provider management data file 103 and the data in the download management data file 104.

  In this case, the update server 1 is currently a provider of update files for a plurality of public telephones 4, removes providers with high loads, and provides providers with sufficient bandwidth and processing capacity. Identifies the provider that should be notified. Then, the update server 1 forms the provider notification shown in FIG. 7A as a response to the received update check, and transmits it to the requesting public telephone 4 (2).

  In the case of the example shown in FIG. 9, the update server 1 has an update file of version 2.0 for the update check from the public telephone 4 (2) (the process of step S11), and the download server 2 provides Is notified to the public telephone 4 (2) (step S12). At this time, the update server 1 manages the update check request source and the update file providing source using the download management data file 104 described with reference to FIG. 5, and determines whether or not the update file has been successfully downloaded at the request source. Also manage.

  In this example, the update check request source is the public telephone 4 (2), the update file provider is the download server 2, and the version of the update file to be provided is Ver2.0. 104 is managed.

  Upon receiving the response (provider notification), the public telephone 4 (2) forms the download request shown in FIG. 7B and transmits it to the download server 2 that is the notified provider ( Step S13). In response to the download request from the public telephone 4 (2), the download server 2 transmits an update file of version 2.0 to the public telephone 4 (2) (step S14).

  The requesting public telephone 4 (2) receives the version 2.0 update file and stores it in the storage device 402 (step S15). When the requesting public telephone 4 (2) has properly received all of the version 2.0 update files and stored them in the storage device 402, it forms a completion notification as shown in FIG. Is transmitted to the update server 1 (step S16).

  In this case, the update server 1 can recognize that the download of the update file of version 2.0 has been completed based on the completion notification from the public telephone 4 (2). For this reason, the update server 1 updates the information indicating that the download is successful in the download success / failure column of the data of the public telephone 4 (2) in the download management data file 104.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, a general public telephone 4 (11) that is not the update file provider forms an update check request shown in FIG. 7D at a predetermined timing and updates it. It transmits to the server 1 (step S17). The update server 1 that has received the update check request checks whether there is a new update file to be provided to the public telephone 4 (11). If the update server 1 exists, the update server 1 specifies the provider of the update file based on the data of the provider management data file 103 and the data of the download management data file 104.

  Then, the update server 1 forms the provider notification shown in FIG. 7A as a response to the update check, and transmits this to the requesting public telephone 4 (11). In the case of the example shown in FIG. 9, the update server 1 has a version 2.0 update file for the update check from the public telephone 4 (11), and the public telephone 4 (1) becomes the provider. To the public telephone 4 (11) (step S18).

  In other words, even when the download server 2 is the source of the update file, it is assumed that the load is increased because the download server 2 provides update files to many public telephones 4. Such a state can be determined in the update server 1 based on the transmission state of the provider notification and the data stored in the download management data file 104.

  In such a case, the update server 1 identifies the public telephone 4 that is managed as the update file provider and has sufficient bandwidth and processing capacity as the update file provider. Then, the update server 1 manages the update check request source and the update file provider by using the download management data file 104 described with reference to FIG. 5, and also determines whether or not the update file has been successfully downloaded at the request source. to manage.

  In this example, it is downloaded that the update check request source is the public telephone 4 (11), the update file provider is the public telephone 4 (1), and the version of the update file to be provided is Ver2.0. Managed by the management data file 104.

  Upon receiving the response (provider notification), the public telephone 4 (11) forms the download request shown in FIG. 7B, and sends it to the public telephone 4 (1) that is the notified provider. Transmit (step S19). In response to the download request from the public telephone 4 (11), the public telephone 4 (1) transmits an update file of version 2.0 to the public telephone 4 (11) (step S20).

  The requesting public telephone 4 (11) receives the version 2.0 update file from the public telephone 4 (1) and stores it in the storage device 402 (step S21). When the public telephone 4 (11) of the request source properly receives all the update files of version 2.0 and can store them in the storage device 402, the completion telephone notification shown in FIG. Is transmitted to the update server 1 (step S22).

  In this case, the update server 1 can recognize that the download of the update file of version 2.0 has been completed based on the completion notification from the public telephone 4 (11). For this reason, the update server 1 updates the information indicating that the download was successful in the download success / failure column of the public telephone 4 (11) of the download management data file 104.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, a general public telephone 4 (12) that is not the update file provider generates an update check request shown in FIG. 7D at a predetermined timing, and updates it. It transmits to the server 1 (step S23). The update server 1 that has received the update check request checks whether there is a new update file to be provided to the public telephone 4 (12). If it exists, the update server 1 identifies the update file provider based on the data of the provider management data file 103 and the data of the download management data file 104 as described above.

  Then, the update server 1 forms the provider notification shown in FIG. 7A as a response to the update check, and transmits it to the requesting public telephone 4 (12). In the case of the example shown in FIG. 9, the update server 1 has a version 2.0 update file for the update check from the public telephone 4 (12), and the public telephone 4 (1) becomes the provider. To the public telephone 4 (12) (step S24).

  Then, the update server 1 manages the update check request source and the update file provider by using the download management data file 104 described with reference to FIG. 5, and also determines whether or not the update file has been successfully downloaded at the request source. to manage. In this example, it is downloaded that the update check request source is the public telephone 4 (12), the update file provider is the public telephone 4 (1), and the version of the update file to be provided is Ver2.0. Managed by the management data file 104.

  Upon receiving the response (provider notification), the public telephone 4 (12) forms the download request shown in FIG. 7B, and sends it to the public telephone 4 (1) that is the notified provider. Transmit (step S25). However, since the update file is not provided from the public telephone 4 (1), the update file is not provided even if the download request is transmitted to the public telephone 4 (1) a predetermined time (for example, five times). To do. In this case, the public telephone 4 (12) forms the failure notification shown in FIG. 7E and transmits it to the update server 1 (step S26).

  In this case, the update server 1 can recognize from the failure notification from the public telephone 4 (12) that the public telephone 4 (12) has failed to download the version 2.0 update file. For this reason, the update server 1 updates the information indicating that the download has failed in the data download success / failure column of the public telephone 4 (12) in the download management data file 104.

  Further, the update server 1 that has received the failure notification from the public telephone 4 (12) replaces the public telephone 4 (1) with the update file based on the data of the provider management data file 103 and the download management data file 104. Identify the source of Then, the update server 1 forms the provider notification shown in FIG. 7A as a response to the failure notification, and transmits this to the requesting public telephone 4 (12). In the case of the example shown in FIG. 9, in response to the failure notification from the public telephone 4 (12), the update server 1 sends the public telephone 4 (21) having the version 2.0 update file to the new provider of the update file. To the public telephone 4 (12) (step S27).

  Then, the update server 1 newly manages the transmission source (request source) of the failure notification and the update file provider using the download management data file 104 described with reference to FIG. It also manages the success or failure of downloading the update file at the failure notification transmission source. In this example, the failure notification source (request source) is the public telephone 4 (12), the update file provider is the public telephone 4 (21), and the version of the update file to be provided is Ver2.0. It is managed by the download management data file 104.

  Thereafter, the public telephone 4 (12) that is the transmission source of the failure notification transmits a download request to the public telephone 4 (21) that is the provider of the newly notified update file (step S28). In response to the download request from the public telephone 4 (12), the public telephone 4 (21) as a new provider sends an update file of version 2.0 to the public telephone 4 (12) (step S29). ).

  The requesting public telephone 4 (12) receives the version 2.0 update file and stores it in the storage device 402 (step S30). When the public telephone 4 (12) of the request source properly receives all the update files of version 2.0 and can store them in the storage device 402, it forms a completion notice shown in FIG. Is transmitted to the update server 1 (step S31).

  In this case, the update server 1 can recognize that the download of the update file of version 2.0 has been completed based on the completion notification from the public telephone 4 (12). For this reason, the update server 1 updates the information indicating that the download was successful in the download success / failure column of the public telephone 4 (12) data in the download management data file 104.

  In this way, when the public telephone 4 that has transmitted the update check fails to receive the update file from the notified update file provider, the update server 1 selects another provider of the update file. The public telephone 4 is notified. Thus, even when the public telephone 4 cannot download the update file from the notified provider, it can further receive (notify) the update file by receiving further notification from the other provider. Can do.

[Process of update server 1]
Next, details of the operation of the update server 1 that controls the distribution of the update file in the update information distribution system of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[Processing for a public telephone 4 determined in advance as an update file provider]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing for allowing a predetermined public telephone 4 serving as an update file provider to download a new update file. In this embodiment, when receiving a notification that a new update file has been prepared from the download server 2, the control unit 101 of the update server 1 executes the process shown in FIG.

  Then, the control unit 101 notifies the public telephone 4 determined in advance to be the update file provider (step S101), and prompts the user to download a new update file. Specifically, the control unit 101 of the update server 1 controls the provider notification unit 106 to form a provider notification having the configuration shown in FIG. 7A in which the provider of the update file is the download server 2. Then, the control unit 101 sends the notification of the provider to all predetermined public telephones 4 serving as the update file provider based on the data stored in the provider management data file 103 via the line I / F 105. Send.

  Then, the control unit 101 of the update server 1 receives a response from the public telephone 4 that has transmitted the provider notification in step S101 through the line I / F 105 (step S102). In step S102, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a response has been received from the public telephone 4 that has been determined in advance to become the update file provider (step S103). If it is determined in step S103 that no response has been received, the processing from step S102 is repeated.

  Further, when it is determined in the determination process in step S103 that a response from the public telephone 4 that has been determined in advance to be a provider has been received, the received response is a completion notification indicating that the update file has been downloaded. It is determined whether or not (step S104). Assume that it is determined in the determination process in step S104 that a completion notification has been received. In this case, the control unit 101 updates the version information and update date of the update file of the management data of the public telephone 4 that has transmitted the completion notification, which is managed by the provider management data file 103 (step S105). .

  Thereafter, the control unit 101 of the update server 1 determines whether or not the download of the new update file has been completed on all public telephones 4 that have been determined in advance to be the update file provider (step S106). ). In this case, the control unit 101 can determine whether or not the download of the new update file has been completed on the public telephone 4 determined in advance based on the data managed by the provider management data file 103.

  If it is determined in step S106 that the process has ended, the process shown in FIG. 11 is ended and the next execution timing is awaited. If it is determined in step 106 that the processing has not ended, the processing from step S102 is repeated. Also, in the determination process in step S104, it is determined that the received response is not a completion notification. In this case, since the received response is a failure notification, the control unit 101 controls the providing source notifying unit 106 to form a providing source notification that notifies the providing source of the update file, and notifies it again (step S107). ).

  In this case, the update server is basically the provider of the update file, but if there is already a public telephone 4 that has downloaded the new update file, the public telephone 4 is used as the provider. You may make it notify. And after the process of step S107, the process from step S102 is repeated.

  As described above, when a new update file is prepared in the download server 2, the update server 1 according to the present embodiment stores a new update file on the public telephone 4 that is determined in advance so as to be a source of the update file. Encourage downloads. Then, a new update file can be prepared in the public telephone 4 that has been determined in advance so as to be a provider of the update file.

[Processing for general public telephone 4]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a process for causing a general public telephone 4 other than a predetermined provider of an update file to download a new update file. In this embodiment, the control unit 101 of the update server 1 always executes the process shown in FIG. 12 in order to enable downloading of the update file of the general public telephone 4.

  Then, the control unit 101 receives a request from the general public telephone 4 through the line I / F 105 (step S201). The control unit 101 determines whether or not a request from the general public telephone 4 has been received (step S202), and when determining that it has not been received, repeats the processing from step S201. The public telephone 4 that is not managed by the provider management data file 103 becomes a general public telephone 4.

  If it is determined in step S202 that the request from the general public telephone 4 has been received, it is determined whether the received request is a request for an update check (step S203). When it is determined in the determination process of step S203 that the request is an update check, the control unit 101 confirms whether or not the update file is updated based on the version information of the update file included in the received update check (step S203). S204).

  Thereafter, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the update file needs to be updated (whether there is a new update file) based on the result of the confirmation in step S204 (step S205). Assume that it is determined in step S205 that the update file needs to be updated. In this case, the control unit 101 controls the providing source notification unit 106 to form the providing source notification shown in FIG. 7A, transmits this to the update check request source, and download control data file 104 ( The update status is managed using FIG. 5) (step S206).

  In step S205, it is determined that update of the update file is not necessary. In this case, the control unit 101 notifies a message indicating that no new update file exists to the public telephone 4 that has requested update check (step S207). Then, after the process of step S206 or step S207, the control unit 101 repeats the process from step S201.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S203 that the received request is not an update check request, the control unit 101 determines whether the received request is a completion notification (step S208). Assume that it is determined in the determination process of step S208 that the received request is a completion notification. In this case, the control unit 101 controls the download management unit 107 to update the information indicating that the download is successful in the download success / failure column of the corresponding data in the download management data file 104 and manage the update status. Release (step S209). Thereafter, the control unit 101 repeats the processing from step S101.

  Also, in the determination process in step S208, it is determined that the received request or the like is not a completion notification. In this case, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the received request or the like is a failure notification (step S210). Assume that it is determined in the determination process in step S210 that the received request is a failure notification. In this case, the control unit 101 performs notification of another provider and replacement of the provider that could not provide the update file (step S211). Specifically, the control unit 101 first controls the provider change notification unit 108 to notify the transmission source of the failure notification of the other provider of the update file. Further, the control unit 101 controls the provider replacement unit 109 to perform processing for replacing the provider that could not provide the current update file managed by the provider management data file 103 with another provider.

  In the determination process of step S210, when it is determined that the received request or the like is not a failure notification, and after the process of step S211, the process from step S201 is repeated. In this way, the general public telephone 4 can also download the update file from a provider that can efficiently provide the update file, without limiting the provider of the update file to one.

[Processing of public telephone 4]
Note that the processing performed by the public telephone 4 is basically the same for both the public telephone 4 serving as the update file provider and the public telephone 4 that does not. That is, (1) An update check is performed on the update server 1 at every predetermined timing. (2) When the notification of the provider is received, the notified provider is requested to provide the update file and the update file is downloaded. Then, (3) if the download is successful, a completion notification is formed and transmitted to the update server 1, and (4) if the download fails, a failure notification is formed and transmitted to the update server 1. (5) When an update file provision request is received, an update file held by itself is transmitted to the provider. By making such processing possible, the public telephone 4 can function as the public telephone 4 of the update information distribution system of this embodiment.

[Effect of the embodiment]
As can be seen from the above description of the embodiment, the device that provides a new update file is not limited to the download server 2. The public telephone 4 that is determined in advance so as to be a provider of the update file can also be a provider that provides a new update file to the general public telephone 4. Then, the update server 1 notifies the public telephone 4 of an appropriate provider according to the update file download status, and the public telephone 4 can download the update file reliably and quickly.

  In addition, in each of the public telephones 4, when the update file is not successfully downloaded, the update file provider can be changed to another provider. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the situation where the update file cannot be downloaded. Basically, the update server 1 must always manage the information on the provider of the update file managed by the provider management data file 103 and the current update managed by the download management data file 104. Since only the file download status, the load on the update server 1 does not increase. That is, it is not necessary for the update server 1 to manage the status of the update files of all public telephones 4.

  That is, in the update information distribution system of this embodiment, the public telephone 4 that is originally the update file provider is also used as the update file update source. Thereby, the distribution source of the update file can be distributed to a plurality of units so that only the download server 2 is not loaded. Moreover, it is not necessary to provide a plurality of download servers 2 as the update file provider, and the update file download process can be distributed in the existing system.

  Also, unlike unspecified file sharing in an unspecified number of devices, file sharing is performed within the same system, so there is no security problem. That is, a secure update information distribution system can be constructed.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the update server 1 sends a version upgrade notification to a predetermined public telephone 4 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As a matter of course, it is possible to send a version upgrade notification to all public telephones 4 managed by the update server 1.

  In the above-described embodiment, the update server 1 is described as not providing an update file, but the present invention is not limited to this. The update server 1 may also be a provider of update files. For this reason, an update server 1 and a download server 2 are provided, and the update server 1 also has a configuration for providing an update file, or a configuration in which a single management server having the functions of the update server 1 and the download server 2 is provided. You can do things.

  In addition, the manner of determining the public telephone 4 that is the source of the update file can be various. For example, it is possible to set a plurality of installation areas of the public telephones 4 and specify the public telephones 4 as the number of providers determined for each installation area.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the device that downloads the update file is the public telephone 4 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to a system that uses various electronic devices having a communication function that needs to upgrade a program, data necessary for processing, etc., as a device that downloads an update file.

[When there are few devices to download update files]
Consider a case where a device that needs to download an update file is, for example, a main device of a telephone system built in a business office or the like. In this case, for example, the number of main apparatuses that can transmit and receive update files in a series such as those manufactured by the same manufacturer is often far smaller than that of the public telephone 4 of the above-described embodiment. In such a case, instead of predetermining and managing the main device that provides the update file, treat all target main devices as devices that may be the update file provider. To do.

  In this case, the update server 1 manages the update file versions of all the main apparatuses. Then, the update server 1 manages the correspondence relationship between the device that is the update file providing destination and the device that is the update file providing source. The management of this correspondence can be performed in the same way as when managing using the download management data file 104 of the update server 1 of the above-described embodiment.

  Assume that each main device performs an update check on the update server 1 at every predetermined timing, and the update server 1 determines that an update file needs to be downloaded. In this case, the update server 1 selects a device having a sufficient bandwidth and processing capability from the download server 2 and the main apparatus having already downloaded the latest update file. The selected device is notified to the update check request source as the update file provider, and the update check request source device (main device) downloads the update file from the device notified as the provider.

  That is, in the embodiment described above, the public telephone 4 determined in advance is managed as the update file provider, whereas in this example, all the main devices are the update file providers. Only the difference.

  In the case where the update file provider is not fixed and the update server 1 itself can be the update file provider, the system can be operated as follows.

  (1) The update server 1 is provided on the network 3 as in the above-described embodiment. (2) The update server 1 accepts an update check from a subordinate device. (3) The update file can be downloaded from the update server 1. (4) The update server 1 manages the version, MAC address, and IP address of the update file of the device (terminal) that performed the update check. (5) When the update server 1 receives an update check from a plurality of devices under its control, the update server 1 updates the subordinate device that has already downloaded the latest update file for the part exceeding its own bandwidth and processing capacity. Notify as the file provider.

  (6) Upon receiving the notification from the provider, the device transmits a download request to the provider and downloads the latest update file. (7) When the download is completed normally, a completion notification is transmitted to the update server 1. Also, (8) if the download is not completed normally, a failure notification is transmitted to the update server 1. (9) The update server 1 that has received the failure notification selects another provider of the update file, notifies the device that has transmitted the failure notification, and enables the update file to be downloaded from the other provider. Note that the processes (8) and (9) are repeated until the download of the update file is normally completed. In this way, a relatively small update information distribution system can be configured in a more simplified state.

[Others]
As can be seen from the description of the above-described embodiment, the function of the distribution management server device in each claim is realized mainly by the update server 1 of the embodiment. The functions of the communication unit, the provider notification unit, and the management unit of the distribution management server apparatus are realized by the line I / F 105, the provider notification unit 106, and the download management unit 107 of the update server 1. In addition, the functions of the change notification providing unit and the switching unit of the distribution management server device are realized by the provider change notification unit 108 and the provider switching unit 109 of the update server 1.

  The communication terminal device of each claim is realized by the public telephone 4 according to the embodiment. The communication means, request means, update processing means, and completion notification means of the communication terminal device are realized by the line I / F 407, the request processing unit 410, the update processing unit 411, and the completion notification unit 412 of the public telephone 4. Further, the failure notification unit 413 of the public telephone 4 realizes the function of the failure notification means of the communication terminal device.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Update server 101 ... Control part 102 ... Storage device 103 ... Provider management data file 104 ... Download management data file 105 ... Line I / F 106 ... Provider notification part 107 ... Download management part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 108 ... Provider change notification part, 109 ... Provider exchange part, 2 ... Download server, 201 ... Control part, 202 ... Storage device, 203 ... External I / F, 204 ... Line I / F, 205 ... Update file provision part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Network, 4 ... Public telephone, 401 ... Control part, 402 ... Memory | storage device, 403 ... Operation part, 404 ... Display part, 405 ... Charge processing part, 406 ... Dial circuit, 407 ... Line | wire I / F, 408 ... Call circuit, 409 ... handset, 410 ... request processing unit, 411 ... update processing unit, 412 ... completion notification unit, 413 ... failure notification

Claims (8)

An update information distribution system configured by connecting a distribution management server device and a plurality of communication terminal devices through a network,
The distribution management server device
Communication means;
A provider notification means for forming notification information for notifying at least the provider of the update information when there is new update information, and providing it to the predetermined communication terminal device through the communication means;
When receiving a completion notification indicating that the download processing from the communication terminal device is completed through the communication means, the communication terminal device that is the transmission source of the completion notification is added to the update information provider as necessary. Management means and
The communication terminal device
Communication means;
Request means for requesting provision of the update information to the instructed provider when the notification information is received through the communication means;
Update processing means for receiving and storing the new update information provided from the provider in response to a request for provision of the update information through the communication means;
Completion notification means for forming the completion notification indicating that download processing has been completed and transmitting it to the distribution management server device through the communication means when storage of all the newly provided update information is completed. An update information distribution system comprising: The update information distribution system according to claim 1,
The predetermined communication terminal device to which the notification information is provided is one or more communication terminal devices selected in advance as a communication terminal device to be an update information providing source,
The update information distribution system, wherein the management unit of the distribution management server apparatus manages one or more communication terminal apparatuses selected in advance. The update information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein:
The predetermined communication terminal device to which the notification information is provided is a communication terminal device that has transmitted an update confirmation request,
The update information distribution system characterized in that the management means of the distribution management server device can manage a download status of update information of the communication terminal device that has transmitted the confirmation request. An update information distribution system according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3,
The distribution management server device
When receiving a failure notification indicating that the update information could not be acquired through the communication means, forming the notification information for notifying other provider of the communication terminal device that is the source of the failure notification, Change notification means provided through the communication means;
When receiving a failure notification indicating that the update information could not be acquired through the communication means, the update information provider that could not provide the update information to the communication terminal device that transmitted the failure notification from the provider A provider replacement means that uses another communication terminal device as a new provider,
With
The communication terminal device
A failure notification unit configured to form the failure notification and transmit the failure notification to the distribution management server device through the communication unit when the update information is not received from the provider requesting the update information; A featured update information distribution system. The update information distribution system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4,
The distribution management server device
An update confirmation server comprising at least the communication means, the notification means, and the management means;
An update information distribution system comprising: one or more update information providing servers that store the update information and serve as one of the providers of the update information. The distribution management server device of the update information distribution system configured by connecting a distribution management server device and a plurality of communication terminal devices through a network,
Communication means;
A provider notification means for forming notification information for notifying at least the provider of the update information when there is new update information, and providing it to the predetermined communication terminal device through the communication means;
When receiving a completion notification indicating that the download processing from the communication terminal device is completed through the communication means, the communication terminal device that is the transmission source of the completion notification is added to the update information provider as necessary. A distribution management server device comprising: management means. The distribution management server device according to claim 6,
The predetermined communication terminal device to which the notification information is provided is one or more communication terminal devices selected in advance as a communication terminal device to be an update information providing source,
The distribution management server apparatus, wherein the management means manages one or more communication terminal apparatuses selected in advance. It is the delivery management server apparatus in any one of Claim 6 or Claim 7, Comprising:
The predetermined communication terminal device to which the notification information is provided is a communication terminal device that has transmitted an update confirmation request,
The distribution management server apparatus, wherein the management means is capable of managing a download status of update information of the communication terminal apparatus that has transmitted the confirmation request.

Images