JP4877846B2 - Terminal device, program, recording medium, and server device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for restricting software activation.

  As described in Patent Document 1, software is known that is distributed and stored from a server device to a mobile phone and is activated on the mobile phone to provide a service. As a kind of this kind of software, at the time of start-up, the mobile phone is caused to send identification information to the server device to inquire whether or not the identification information is registered, and the inquiry result of “registered” from the server device There is known software designed to permit the provision of a service when a message is received and to prohibit the provision of a service when it is not received. Hereinafter, this type of software is referred to as “conventional software”.

  Conventional software includes paid software with a monthly fee that requires membership registration (registration information registration) for the first time use, and a trial period that is free only for the current month. It is possible to exemplify paid software that cannot be used continuously without registering as a member. In other words, according to the conventional software, when the above-mentioned inquiry is performed at the time of activation and the inquiry result of “registered” is not received by the cellular phone, the provision of service is completely prohibited. Unauthorized use of receiving paid services without paying fees by manipulating dates can be prevented.

In addition, as conventional software, it is free software that can not be used continuously without registering as a member, or game software having a plurality of stages (modes), and the first stage (mode) can be used free of charge. However, the subsequent stages (modes) are charged, and it is possible to exemplify paid software that cannot be used continuously unless membership registration is performed. With these softwares, the above inquiry is performed at the time of start-up, and if the "Registered" inquiry result is not received by the mobile phone, the provision of services is completely prohibited. It is possible to prevent unauthorized use of services that require membership registration and unauthorized use of paid services without paying a fee.
JP 2008-152797 A

  By the way, the mobile phone transmits and receives by radio waves (wireless). Therefore, if the conventional software is started in a place where radio waves do not reach, such as in buildings or subways, or where radio wave output is weak, a communication error occurs in the above inquiry, and even if the identification information has already been registered, The registration result of “registered” is not received by the mobile phone, and the provision of the service is completely prohibited. In this case, the user must wait until the disconnection state of the communication line between the mobile phone and the server device is recovered before starting the conventional software. This problem may occur even if the terminal device that activates the conventional software is not a mobile phone, or may occur even if the conventional software is not distributed but is software stored in advance in the terminal device.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and solves the problem that provision of services is completely prohibited in the temporary communication line disconnection state even though it is not unauthorized use. For the purpose.

First, terms will be explained.
A “computer” is a device that processes data and has a memory that holds data and a processor that executes a program held in the memory. Examples of the computer include those having an interface with the outside. As an interface with the outside, an input unit for inputting information or data from the outside, an output unit for outputting information or data to the outside, a receiving unit for receiving information or data from the outside, a transmission for transmitting information or data to the outside The part can be exemplified.

  “Information” is a processing target that can be expressed by data. “Input” for information refers to an act of generating data representing external information by detection or measurement. Examples of the input unit include sensors, buttons, and a keyboard. Regarding information, “output” refers to an act of representing information represented by data in a form that can be perceived by humans. Examples of forms that can be perceived by humans include light, sound, and vibration. Examples of the output of information in the form of light include image display and light source blinking. Examples of outputting information in the form of sound include sound emission by a speaker and driving of a sound generation mechanism by a solenoid (for example, ringing of a bell). As the output of information in the form of vibration, oscillation of the vibrator can be exemplified. “Reception” of information refers to an act of receiving data representing information from the outside. Examples of the receiving unit include a wireless receiving unit and a wired receiving unit. “Transmission” of information refers to an act of transmitting data representing information to the outside. Examples of the transmission unit include a wireless transmission unit and a wired transmission unit.

  Examples of “data” include an electrical representation of information, a magnetic representation of information, and an optical representation of information. A “memory” is a device that holds written data in a readable manner. Examples of the memory include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, and an optical memory.

  A “program” indicates a processing procedure in a collection of codes representing instructions. An example of the program is one that causes a computer to provide a service. "Processor" is a procedure that implements an instruction set and executes the instructions represented by the code in the program according to the procedure shown in the program that is a collection of codes that represent the instructions contained in the instruction set. It is an apparatus that executes the program by performing the process. Examples of the processor include a single CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a collection of a plurality of CPUs.

  In the following description, “network” does not include a terminal node. For example, in FIG. 1, the network 30 does not include the mobile phone 10 and the server device 20, the Internet 31 does not include the server device 20 and the gateway (GW) 33, and the mobile communication network 32 includes the gateway 33 and the base station (BS). 34 and the mobile phone 10 are not included. The reason for this is to make the explanation easy to understand and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. The “network” can maintain at least one communication line, and preferably can maintain a plurality of communication lines.

Next, means provided by the present invention for solving the above-described problems will be described.
The present invention provides a data storage unit that stores one or more essential data essential for providing a service, a providing unit that reads the essential data and provides the service to a user, and an identification that stores unique identification information Before starting to provide services by the information storage unit and the providing unit, an inquiry is made to communicate with an external server device and inquire whether the identification information is registered in a database referred to by the server device. And communication in communication between the server device and a provision permission unit that permits the provision of the service by the provision unit when the result of the inquiry in the inquiry unit indicates that it is registered in the database comprising a detector for detecting the occurrence of errors, and permits storage unit for storing permission information indicating the number of times to allow the provision of the service by the provider, the said Subjected authorization unit, in the inquiry by the inquiry section, the permission information the communication error by the detection unit when it becomes impossible query can not said query is detected, stored in the permission storage part And the permission information stored in the permission storage unit is updated so as to limit the number of times the service is permitted to be provided. A terminal device (first terminal device) is provided.
The terminal device communicates with a server device connected via a network, and the unique identification information stored in the terminal device is referred to by a database (a database constructed in the server device or the server device). To the user if the result of the inquiry indicates that it is registered in the database. If it is indicated that the service is not registered in the database, control is performed so as not to allow the service to be provided to the user. This terminal device provides a service when a network failure occurs during the inquiry of the identification information to the server device and a communication error is detected and the identification information cannot be queried and the inquiry becomes impossible. When the permission information indicating the condition for permitting the service indicates that the condition for permitting the service provision is satisfied, control is performed so as to permit the service provision.
According to this terminal device, essential data essential for providing the service is stored in the terminal device in advance, so that even if a network failure occurs, there is no effect on the user receiving the service. , Regular users who can register for membership (membership registration) in advance and receive services will not be able to refer to the network even if a network failure occurs. You can receive service.
In addition, the provision of a service when the inquiry becomes impossible due to a network failure (hereinafter referred to as “providing the service when the inquiry is impossible”) is limited. Specifically, the number of service provisions is limited, or the service provision time is limited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a network failure intentionally and prevent all of the services from being illegally repeated. In the form in which the number of times of service provision and the time for which the service can be provided are limited, the entire service can be provided when the inquiry is impossible. Therefore, even when a network failure occurs, the content can be enjoyed without any functional restrictions.
Here, “essential data essential for providing a service” is data used for providing a service by a providing unit. That is, the providing unit provides a service using data essential for providing the provided service. As a form of “using” essential data and “providing” a service, a form of outputting the information using essential data representing information can be exemplified. In this form, for example, when this information is an image, it can be understood that the essential data is used as well as the service is provided when the image is output in the form of light.
In addition, “permission information indicating conditions for permitting service provision” refers to permission information for conditions for permitting service provision with a predetermined restriction when a communication error is detected due to a network failure. is there. Examples of the permission information include a flag indicating whether service provision is permitted or not, information about the number of times service provision is permitted a predetermined number of times, and information about time when service provision is permitted only within a predetermined time period. Is possible.
Also, “update the permission information so as to restrict the provision of the service” updates the service from “permitted” to “not permitted” if the permission information is a flag indicating whether the service is permitted or not. If the permission information is the number of times that the service is permitted a predetermined number of times, it is updated to reduce the number of times of permission, and the time information that the service is permitted only within the predetermined time If so, it means updating to reduce the time allowed. If the permission information indicates that the conditions for permitting the provision of the service are satisfied, the provision of the service when the inquiry is impossible is repeatedly permitted.
Further, software (application) including essential data essential for a service may be preinstalled in a terminal device or downloaded from a server device via a network. That is, what is necessary is just to be memorize | stored in the terminal device at the time of a user using service. In addition, as a form of downloading software including essential data, there are a form of downloading in a batch and a form of downloading separately. The present invention can also be applied to a case where the downloaded essential data is read and the service is provided in the divided download mode. Note that the server device that stores the software to be downloaded and the server device that makes an inquiry for identification information may be the same or different.
Here, the terminal device is a computer that has a transmission unit and a reception unit and stores software essential for providing a service, and specifically includes a mobile phone, a personal computer, a portable game machine, and the like. Is possible. That is, the transmission unit may transmit data wirelessly or transmit data by wire, and the reception unit may receive data by wire even if it receives data wirelessly. It may be a thing. Even if the transmission unit transmits data by wire and the reception unit receives data with priority, a communication error due to a temporary trouble such as congestion may occur. is there.
Examples of services provided by the terminal device include game play, fortune-telling, video playback, music playback, and the like. Of course, it is not limited to this. Further, examples of the method for storing software include a memory built in the terminal device, a card-type recording medium inserted into the terminal device, an external storage device connected to the terminal device, and the like.
The identification information is associated with the mobile terminal and stored in the terminal device. If it is a mobile phone, it is a terminal serial number, individual identification information, subscriber ID, etc., and can be distinguished from other users. It means information, but it is not necessarily exclusive information. For example, identification information shared by a plurality of users may be used. Further, the identification information may be a license number associated with the software and assigned to the software. Moreover, the cookie information etc. which are produced | generated by the server apparatus and sent to the terminal device may be sufficient. Since cookie information or the like is information generated by the server device, it is not information fixed to the mobile terminal or software, but information given when a member is registered.
In addition, as a network failure, when communication cannot be performed due to a failure of a network device, etc., when a server device connected via the network cannot perform inquiry processing of identification information due to failure, etc., a user on a telephone line For example, when the communication is restricted due to a temporary increase in the number of terminals, if the terminal device is a mobile phone, it can be exemplified when the radio wave does not reach or the phone is weak, such as inside a building, tunnel, or underground . That is, when the terminal device makes a query for identification information to the server device, it means that the query result from the server device cannot be obtained correctly, and only when the query result is not obtained from the server device. It is also included that the query result is an unexpected query result other than “registered” and “not registered”.
The “detection unit that detects the occurrence of a communication error” detects a communication error when a network failure occurs, and may simply detect the presence or absence of a communication error, or cause a communication error. May be detected in detail. Further, when there are a plurality of causes of communication errors, it is not necessary to be able to provide a service when it becomes impossible to inquire about all the causes of communication errors. For example, if it is determined that a failure has occurred in the transmission unit or reception unit of the terminal device, as long as the terminal device is used, further communication is not possible. May not be allowed to be provided.

In the above terminal device, when the provision permission unit indicates that the result of the query in the query unit is registered in the database, the permission information stored in the permission storage unit is You may make it reset to the predetermined expected value which shows that the conditions which permit provision of the said service are satisfied.
In this terminal device, the network failure is recovered, communication is performed again with the server device connected via the network, and an inquiry is made as to whether the identification information is registered in the database referred to by the server device. If the result of the inquiry indicates that the result is registered in the database, the permission information is reset to a predetermined expected value indicating that the conditions for permitting the provision of the service are satisfied. By doing so, it is possible to permit the provision of the service when the inquiry is impossible.
In other words, if the permission information is updated and the permission information indicates that the conditions for permitting the provision of the service are not satisfied, control is performed so as not to permit the provision of the service when the inquiry is impossible. Even if it is no longer permitted to provide the service, the authorization information will be provided when the inquiry of the identification information that is performed after the network failure is recovered indicates that it is registered as a result of the inquiry. Since the update is performed so that the initial value is set to be permitted, the provision of the service when the inquiry is impossible can be permitted again.
Here, resetting to the expected value means setting the permission information to “permitted” if the permission information is a flag indicating whether or not the service is permitted. If it is information on the number of times that the service is permitted, it is reset to the permitted number of times, and if it is information on the time that the service is permitted only within a predetermined time, it is reset to the permitted time.

  In a system that requires member registration in order to use the service in advance, it is preferable that the initial value of the permission information is set only when the member registration is completed. In other words, if the membership registration is not completed, if the permission information is a flag indicating whether or not the service is permitted, the flag is set to “not permitted” in advance, and the service permits the service for a predetermined number of times. In the case of information on the number of times, the permitted number of times is set to “0” in advance, and in the case of information on the time to permit the service within a predetermined time, the permitted time is set to “0” in advance. As a result, when the member registration is not completed, the permission information indicates that the condition for permitting the provision of the service is not satisfied, and therefore it is possible to control the provision of the service when the inquiry is impossible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of the service by intentionally causing a network failure even though the membership is not registered.

In each of the above terminal devices, the permission information stored in the permission storage unit indicates the number of times the service provision is permitted, and the provision permission unit, when the inquiry becomes impossible, When the number of remaining times indicated by the permission information stored in the permission storage unit is indicated, the permission information stored in the permission storage unit is updated to subtract the remaining number of times, and the provision of the service is performed. You may make it permit.
In this terminal device, a service can be provided a predetermined number of times as a service when inquiry is impossible. “Number of times service provision is permitted” indicates a finite number of times of 1 or more. When the permission information indicates “3”, it means that the service is provided three times as the service when the inquiry is impossible. When the permission information indicates “3” and the service is provided, the permission information is updated to “2”. When the permission information indicates “0”, service provision is not permitted.

  In each of the above terminal devices, a registration unit that communicates with the server device and newly registers the identification information, and a registered storage unit that stores registered information indicating that the registration by the registration unit is completed, Further, the provision permission unit may not permit the provision of the service when the registered information is not stored in the registered storage unit even when the inquiry becomes impossible. Good. In this terminal device, provision of a service when the inquiry is impossible is permitted only when member registration for using the service in advance is necessary and the member registration has already been completed. As a result, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of the service by intentionally causing a network failure even though the membership is not registered.

In each of the above terminal devices, the timing for updating the permission information may be when a predetermined time has elapsed after the provision of the service is permitted. In this terminal device, the provision of the service when the inquiry is impossible is permitted, and the permission information is updated after a predetermined time has elapsed after the use of the content is started. As a result, if the content has been used and before a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, if the power of a mobile phone is turned off due to an incorrect operation, or the service is forcibly terminated. Even in the case that the permission information is not updated, it is possible to prevent the user from being disadvantaged because the permission information is not updated.
Here, the permission information is set to be updated after one minute from the time when the provision of the service when the inquiry is impossible is permitted, and “1” is stored in the permission information. Is assumed to be once. In this case, the terminal device does not immediately rewrite the permission information to “0” even if the service use at the time of failure is permitted and the provision of the service is started. Then, the permission information is rewritten to “0” when one minute has elapsed since the service provision was permitted. Therefore, even if the operation is terminated by mistake immediately after the service starts, the permission information remains “1”, so the right to use the service once is maintained valid. .

Further, the present invention provides a computer that stores essential data essential for providing a service and unique identification information, a providing unit that reads the essential data and provides the service to a user,
Before starting the provision of service by the providing unit, the inquiry unit communicates with an external server device, and inquires whether the identification information is registered in a database referred to by the server device, and the inquiry When the result of the inquiry in the unit indicates that it is registered in the database, the provision permission unit that permits the provision of the service by the provision unit and the occurrence of a communication error in communication with the server device are detected. And a program for causing the providing permission unit to function as a permission storage unit that stores permission information indicating a number of times that the provision of the service by the providing unit is permitted. The permission information stored in the permission storage unit when the communication error is detected by the detection unit and the inquiry cannot be performed because the communication cannot be performed. When the remaining number of times indicated by the there, as well as permits the provision of the service, the permission information stored in the permission storage part, and updates to limit the number of times to allow the provision of the service Provided is a computer program or a computer-readable recording medium characterized by recording the computer program. According to this computer program, the computer can be given the same function as the first terminal device.

  In addition, the present invention provides a software storage unit that stores software including the program and the essential data, a transmission request reception unit that receives a transmission request for the software, and the transmission request is received by the transmission request reception unit. If it does, a server apparatus provided with the transmission part which transmits the said software to the transmission origin of the said transmission request is provided. In a communication system including the server device and a computer including a transmission unit and a reception unit, the program can be downloaded from the server device to the computer via a network, and the computer can function as a first terminal device. .

On the other hand, the present invention stores a data storage unit for storing a plurality of essential data essential for providing a service, a providing unit for providing the service to a user using the essential data, and unique identification information. Before starting the provision of service by the identification information storage unit and the providing unit, it communicates with an external server device and inquires whether or not the identification information is registered in a database referred to by the server device When the inquiry unit, the detection unit for detecting the occurrence of a communication error in communication with the server device, and the result of the inquiry in the inquiry unit indicate that they are registered in the database, the providing unit provides the The use of all or part of a plurality of essential data is permitted, and during the inquiry by the inquiry unit, the communication error is detected by the detection unit and the inquiry cannot be performed. A number of the essential data to be permitted by the use permission unit, the use permission unit permitting the use of only the limited essential data among the plurality of essential data by the providing unit when it becomes impossible Is less in the case where the communication error is detected by the detection unit and the inquiry cannot be made and the inquiry becomes impossible than the case where it is registered in the database. 2 terminal device).
According to this terminal apparatus, when the service is an aggregate of a plurality of service elements, when the result of the inquiry in the inquiry unit indicates that it is registered in the database, all of the plurality of essential data by the providing unit Alternatively, since the use of a part is permitted, the first number of service elements can be provided, and when the communication unit is detected by the detection unit and the inquiry cannot be performed and the inquiry becomes impossible, the provision unit Since only limited essential data among a plurality of essential data is allowed to be used, the second number of service elements can be provided, and the first number> the second number. According to this terminal device, a part of the service is provided even when the communication line is temporarily disconnected, so that the provision of the service is completely prohibited even though it is not unauthorized use. can do.

  As a form of “using” a plurality of essential data and “providing” a service, a form of outputting the plurality of information using a plurality of essential data respectively representing a plurality of pieces of different information can be exemplified. In this mode, if each of the plurality of pieces of information is an image, only one of the plurality of images is output in the form of light and only a part of the service (one service element) is provided. In addition, it can be seen that one essential data representing the one image was used, and a part of the service (one service element) was not provided because the one image was not output in the form of light. Not only that, but it can also be seen that the one essential data was not used.

Further, the present invention provides a computer that stores a plurality of essential data essential for providing a service and unique identification information, a providing unit that provides the service to a user using the essential data, and the providing unit Before starting to provide the service according to the above, an inquiry unit that communicates with an external server device and inquires whether the identification information is registered in a database referred to by the server device, and the server device A detecting unit for detecting occurrence of a communication error in communication, and when the result of the inquiry in the inquiry unit indicates that it is registered in the database, the provision unit uses all of the plurality of essential data. If the communication error is detected by the detection unit during the inquiry by the inquiry unit and the inquiry cannot be performed and the inquiry becomes impossible, the providing unit According to the present invention, there is provided a computer program that functions as a use permission unit that permits use of limited essential data among the plurality of essential data, wherein the number of the essential data that is permitted to be used by the use permission unit is stored in the database. The computer program or the recording of the computer program is characterized in that the communication error is detected by the detection unit and the inquiry cannot be performed because the detection unit detects that the communication error is detected. A computer-readable recording medium is provided. According to this computer program, the computer can have the same function as the second terminal device.

  In addition, the present invention provides a software storage unit that stores software including the program and the plurality of essential data, a transmission request reception unit that receives a transmission request for the software, and the transmission request to the transmission request reception unit. Is received, a server device is provided that includes a transmission unit that transmits the software to a transmission source of the transmission request. In a communication system including the server device and a computer including a transmission unit and a reception unit, the program can be downloaded from the server device to the computer via a network, and the computer can function as a second terminal device. .

  The present invention can also be understood as a transmission medium (for example, a network) for transmitting the above computer programs. That is, the present invention can be understood as a medium (data carrier) for recording or transmitting each of the above computer programs in a computer-readable manner. The present invention can also be understood as computer program elements that are part or all of the computer programs. The present invention can also be understood as a computer program product having a medium that stores data that is loaded into a computer and becomes each of the above computer programs.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid a situation in which provision of services is completely prohibited in the temporary communication line disconnection state even though it is not unauthorized use.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment includes first to third examples, and there are many matters common to the first example and the second example. First, items common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described. Such matters include the configuration of the communication system to be used and part of the software design.

<Configuration of communication system>
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a mobile phone 10 that functions as a client computer and a server device 20. In the figure, one mobile phone 10 and two server devices 20 are shown, but the number of mobile phones 10 may be two or more, and the number of server devices 20 may be one or three or more. There may be. The mobile phone 10 and each server device 20 can communicate with each other via the network 30.

  The network 30 includes an Internet 31, a mobile communication network 32, a gateway (GW) 33 that interconnects the Internet 31 and the mobile communication network 32, and a base station (BS) 34 that is connected to the mobile communication network 32. Including. The gateway 33 can convert a communication protocol used in the Internet 31 and a communication protocol used in the mobile communication network 32. In the figure, six base stations 34 are shown, but the number of base stations 34 may be 5 or less, or 7 or more. In the figure, one mobile communication network 32 is shown, but the number of mobile communication networks 32 may be two or more. In this case, the number of gateways 33 is two or more.

  In communication between the mobile phone 10 and the server device 20, data transmitted from the mobile phone 10 reaches the server device 20 via the base station 34, the mobile communication network 32, the gateway 33, and the Internet 31 in this order, and the server device 20. The data transmitted from the mobile phone 10 reaches the mobile phone 10 through the Internet 31, the gateway 33, the mobile communication network 32, and the base station 34 in this order. Communication between the mobile phone 10 and the base station 34 is wireless communication using radio waves.

  The server device 20 is one or a plurality of computers of a provider that provides services to members (regular users) using software that can be activated on the mobile phone 10, and stores one or a plurality of portable software. A website for downloading (distributing) mobile software to the mobile phone 10, comprising a device 21 and a storage device 22 in which a member database for registering members for each mobile software stored in the storage device 21 is constructed. A distribution server), a member registration server that registers a member for each mobile software stored in the storage device 21, and a member authentication server that performs member authentication of the mobile software stored in the storage device 21. Has been implemented.

  The storage device 21 and the storage device 22 are hard disks, respectively, but may be any memory other than the hard disk. Moreover, although the storage device 21 and the storage device 22 are separate bodies, they may be integrated. Further, one or both of the storage device 21 and the storage device 22 may be in another server device connected to the server device 20 via a network.

  The server device 20 as a web server selects selection information for causing the mobile phone 10 that has accessed the distribution site to select one of one or more types of identification information for identifying mobile software stored in the storage device 21. When a distribution request including one type identification information selected using the selection information is received from the mobile phone 10, the mobile software identified by the type identification information is transmitted to the mobile phone 10.

  The server device 20 as a member registration server includes type identification information for identifying portable software stored in the storage device 21 and user identification information for identifying a user of the cellular phone 10 from the cellular phone 10. When the member registration request is received, the user identification information is associated with the portable software identified by the type identification information, and stored in the storage device 22 as user identification information for identifying a regular user of the portable software. Register in the built member database. That is, membership registration is performed. Then, when the registration to the member database is completed, the server device 20 as the member registration server transmits a registration completion notification indicating that to the mobile phone 10.

  The server device 20 as a member authentication server includes member identification (inquiry) including type identification information for identifying portable software stored in the storage device 21 and user identification information of the cellular phone 10 from the cellular phone 10. When the request is received, the member database constructed in the storage device 22 is referred to, and whether the same user identification information as the user identification information is registered in association with the portable software identified by the type identification information. The result of this determination, that is, the authentication result (inquiry result) is transmitted to the mobile phone 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 10 includes a wireless communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an audio output unit 13, an audio input unit 14, an operation unit 15, a processing unit 16, a first storage unit 17, and a second storage unit 18. Is provided. The wireless communication unit 11 performs wireless communication using radio waves with the base station 34. The processing unit 16 is one or a plurality of processors (for example, CPUs), and functions as a transmission unit that transmits information and data using the wireless communication unit 11 and a reception unit that receives information and data using the wireless communication unit 11. To do.

  The display unit 12 is a display that displays an image, such as a liquid crystal display. The processing unit 16 functions as a display unit that displays information using the display unit 12. The audio output unit 13 has a speaker and generates sound from the speaker. The processing unit 16 functions as an output unit that outputs information using the audio output unit 13. The voice input unit 14 includes a microphone and collects sound using the microphone. The operation unit 15 includes a plurality of operators such as keys and buttons, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation of the operator. The processing unit 16 functions as an input unit that inputs information using the voice input unit 14 and inputs a user instruction using the operation unit 15.

  The first storage unit 17 is a non-rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), for example, and stores user identification information of the mobile phone 10 and an operating system (not shown). Examples of user identification information include terminal serial numbers, individual identification information, subscriber IDs, and telephone numbers (calling IDs). In the following description, all processes performed by the mobile phone 10 are after the operating system is started.

  The second storage unit 18 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM), for example, and stores a set in which the mobile software, the member registration flag, and the relief provision information are associated with each other one by one. . In the figure, only one set is stored, but the second storage unit 18 can store a plurality of sets. The member registration flag is data indicating whether or not the corresponding mobile software has been registered as a member, and the permission information indicates whether or not the corresponding mobile software is allowed to provide relief (providing services when inquiries are not possible). It is data. In addition, when using a cookie as user identification information, it is made to memorize | store in the 2nd memory | storage part 18. FIG.

  The mobile phone 10 can be received, stored, and activated by mobile software carried by the user and distributed from the server device 20. A web client such as a browser is mounted on the mobile phone 10, and a user can cause the mobile phone 10 to access a distribution site and download mobile software from an access destination distribution site. Specifically, it is as described below.

  When the user inputs an instruction to access the distribution site of the server device 20 operating the operation unit 15, the mobile phone 10 functions as a web client. Specifically, the distribution site of the server device 20 is accessed, the selection information is received from the server device 20, and the portable software stored in the storage device 21 of the server device 20 is identified using the selection information. An image for selecting one from one or a plurality of type identification information is displayed, and when the user selects one portable software by operating the operation unit 15 based on the image, the selected portable software A distribution request including type identification information is transmitted to the server device 20, whereby the mobile software transmitted from the server device 20 is received and stored in the second storage unit 18. In addition, the mobile phone 10 can activate the mobile software stored in the second storage unit 18 in accordance with a user instruction.

<Part of software design>
The mobile software according to the present embodiment is distributed from the distribution site of the server device 20 to the mobile phone 10 and stored and activated in the mobile phone 10 to provide an intended service. The intended service differs for each mobile software. The desired services include playing the desired game (a service that lets the user play the desired game), fortune-telling (a service that fortunes the user's fortune), playing the desired video, and the desired music. Can be exemplified.

  In addition, the mobile software causes the mobile phone 10 to send unique identification information to the server device 20 when the mobile phone 10 is activated, to inquire whether or not the identification information is registered. If the inquiry result of "" is received, the provision of the intended service is permitted, and if the inquiry result is not received, the provision of the intended service is restricted if the identification information is registered, It is designed to prohibit any provision of the intended service if it is not registered. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which provision of services is completely prohibited even though identification information is registered in a temporary communication line disconnection state.

  Mobile software includes, for example, i-mode (registered trademark) i-appli (registered trademark) of NTT DoCoMo, Inc., EZ app (BREW (registered trademark)) of KDDI Corporation, and S! App (registered trademark). These are Java (registered trademark) applications, and the Java (registered trademark) program performs image display control, LED blinking control, operation key input control, and audio output control on the liquid crystal display screen of the mobile phone. Is called. Further, communication with the web server is performed using the HTTP (S) protocol as necessary. It is also possible to link with native applications such as browsers and mailers that are pre-installed in mobile phones. Of course, the present invention is not limited to these, and the portable software may be described in a programming language other than Java (registered trademark) programming language such as C language.

<First embodiment>
The mobile software according to the first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “first mobile software”) may provide relief to the member only once in a temporary communication line disconnection state. Mobile software that can. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the second storage unit 18 of the mobile phone 10 stores first mobile software as mobile software and a permission flag as permission information. The value of the permission flag is “1” to permit the relief provision, or “0” to not permit.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the data structure of the first portable software. As shown in this figure, the first portable software includes one program and one essential data. This program is a program that can be executed by the processing unit 16 of the mobile phone 10. The essential data is data essential for providing the desired service.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of service provision control processing by the first portable software. The provision control process is started in the mobile phone 10 when the processing unit 16 of the mobile phone 10 starts executing the program of the first mobile software and starts the first mobile software. In the provision control process, first, the processing unit 16 communicates with a member authentication server (server device 20) corresponding to the activated first mobile software, and the user identification information of the mobile phone 10 is used as the user identification information. Then, it is inquired whether or not it is registered in the member database referred to by the member authentication server in association with the first portable software (step S10). Specifically, the processing unit 16 transmits a member authentication request including user identification information of the mobile phone 10 and type identification information corresponding to the first mobile software to the member authentication server (server device 20). . At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, an image indicating that communication is in progress is displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 10.

  Next, the processing unit 16 determines whether or not a communication error has occurred in the communication in step S10 (step S11). If no communication error has occurred in the communication in step S10, the member authentication server receives the member authentication request from the mobile phone 10, refers to the member database built in the storage device 22, and makes this member authentication request. It is determined whether or not the same user identification information as the user identification information included in the member authentication request is registered in association with the first mobile software identified by the type identification information included in Then, the result of this determination, that is, the authentication result (inquiry result) is transmitted to the mobile phone 10, and the processing unit 16 of the mobile phone 10 receives this authentication result (inquiry result). Note that the data structure of the member database is arbitrary. For example, it may be a structure in which only user identification information is registered in association with the first mobile software, or a structure in which a set of user identification information, member registration date, and member withdrawal date is registered. Good. In the case of the former, it is determined that the user is registered as a member (regular user) by storing the desired user identification information in the member database. In the latter case, the desired user identification information is stored in the member database. Is stored, the member registration date is registered, and the member withdrawal date is not registered, it is determined that the member is a regular user.

  If the determination result in step S11 is “NO”, that is, if no communication error has occurred, the processing unit 16 uses the authentication result (inquiry result) received from the member authentication server to determine the user of the mobile phone 10 Is a member of the first portable software (step S12). When the determination result is “NO”, that is, when it is determined that the user of the mobile phone 10 is not a member of the first mobile software, the processing unit 16 performs a member registration process (step S13).

  In the member registration process, the processing unit 16 sends a member registration request including the type identification information of the first mobile software and the user identification information of the mobile phone 10 to a member registration server ( To the server device 20). Thereby, in the member registration server, the user identification information is associated with the portable software identified by the type identification information, and the user identification information for identifying the member of the first portable software is stored as a storage device. 22 is registered in the member database constructed. Of course, when this member database has a structure in which a set of user identification information, member registration date and member withdrawal date is registered, not only the user identification information but also the member registration date is registered. If the first mobile software is modified and it is determined in step S12 that the user of the mobile phone 10 is not a member of the first mobile software, the member registration process is not performed according to the user's selection. The first portable software may be terminated.

  Next, when receiving a registration completion notification from the member registration server, the processing unit 16 sets a member registration flag (step S14). Specifically, the member registration flag is updated so as to indicate registered. In addition, although illustration is omitted, when the member performs the withdrawal procedure, the member registration flag is cleared. Specifically, the member registration flag is updated to indicate unregistered.

Next, the processing unit 16 sets a permission flag corresponding to the first mobile software (step S15). Specifically, the permission flag held in the second storage unit 18 in association with the first portable software is updated to be “1” indicating that the relief provision is permitted. In this way, by renewing so that the relief provision is permitted after being authenticated as a member, the relief provision can be repeatedly received.
Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the processing unit 16 causes the display unit 12 to display an image indicating that it is being activated. When the activation is completed, the first mobile phone stored in the second storage unit 18 is displayed. The desired service is provided using the essential data included in the software (step S16), and the provision control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a communication error occurs in the member authentication (inquiry) in step S10, the determination result in step S11 is “YES”, and the processing unit 16 performs the process in step S17. A communication error may occur when the member authentication (inquiry) in step S10 is performed in a place where radio waves do not reach, such as in a building or subway, or where radio wave output is weakened, A case where the processing unit 16 cannot connect to the member authentication server corresponding to the first mobile software due to a problem or the like can be exemplified.

In step S17, the processing unit 16 determines whether or not the member registration flag is set. When the determination result is “NO”, the processing unit 16 displays the image shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 12, notifies the occurrence of a communication error, and prompts the user to select whether to retry (step S22). By providing the determination in step S17, provision of services when inquiries are not permitted is permitted only when member registration is required in order to use the service in advance and membership registration has already been completed. The By omitting the determination in step S17, the relief provision can be permitted regardless of whether or not the member is registered. However, since the permission flag is not set again for a user who is not registered as a member, it is possible to prevent the user from repeatedly receiving relief provision.
Note that the contents of the notification in FIG. 8 can be arbitrarily changed. The notification content may be changed according to the content of the communication error. For example, if a communication error occurs due to member authentication (inquiry) in a poor signal condition, the message “Communication connection failed. Please retry in a good signal condition.” If the communication error occurs because there is no response from the member authentication server even though the status is good, the message “There is no response from the server. Please start the app after a while.” Is displayed. Then, the provision control process may be terminated.

  Next, the processing unit 16 determines whether or not to retry (step S23). When the user operates the operation unit 15 and selects not to retry, the determination result is “NO”, and the providing control process ends. On the contrary, when the user selects to retry, the determination result is “YES”, and the process returns to step S10.

  When a communication error occurs in member authentication (inquiry) (S11: YES), if the member registration flag is set (S17: YES), the processing unit 16 determines whether the permission flag is set. Determination is made (step S18). If the determination result is “NO”, that is, if the value of the permission flag is “0” indicating that the relief provision is not permitted, the process proceeds to step S22, and the relief provision is not performed.

  If the determination result in step S18 is “YES”, the processing unit 16 causes the display unit 12 to display an image that prompts the user to select whether or not to provide relief as shown in FIG. 9 (step S19). It is determined whether or not to perform (step S20). This determination result is “YES” when the user inputs an instruction to provide relief by operating the operation unit 15, and becomes “NO” when an instruction to not provide relief is input. . If the determination result of step S20 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S22.

  When the determination result of step S20 is “YES”, the processing unit 16 clears the permission flag (step S21). Specifically, the permission flag stored in the second storage unit 18 is updated so that the value becomes “0” indicating that the relief provision is not permitted. That is, the service is updated so as to limit the provision of the desired service (relief provision). Then, the process proceeds to step S16, where an intended service is provided (relief provision). Since the permission flag is cleared in this way, and thereafter it is not set until it is authenticated as a member, relief provision is permitted only once.

  As described above, the mobile phone 10 according to this embodiment includes the second storage unit (data storage unit, permission) that stores the first mobile software including one or more essential data essential for providing the desired service. Storage unit) 18, the first storage unit (identification information storage unit) 17 that stores the user identification information of the mobile phone 10, and the essential data stored in the second storage unit 18 are read to the user. And a processing unit (providing unit, inquiry unit, detecting unit, providing permission unit) 16 for providing a service. And the 2nd memory | storage part 18 memorize | stores the permission flag which shows the conditions which permit said provision, and the process part 16 reads the essential data memorize | stored in the 2nd memory | storage part 18, and is an expected service to a user. And communicates with the external server device 20 via the network 30 to inquire whether the same user identification information as the user identification information is registered in the member database referred to by the server device 20 When the result of this inquiry indicates that it is registered in the member database, the provision of the intended service is permitted, the occurrence of a communication error in communication with the server device 20 is detected, and When the communication error is detected and the inquiry becomes impossible and the inquiry becomes impossible, the permission flag stored in the second storage unit 18 indicates that the condition for permitting the provision of the desired service is satisfied. When, as well as allow the provision of desired service (relief provided), the permission flag stored in the second storage unit 18 is updated so as to limit the provision of the intended service.

  Therefore, according to the cellular phone 10 according to the present embodiment, when the member authentication (inquiry) cannot be performed due to a communication line disconnection state or the like in the activation process when the first portable software is activated, the permission flag is set. If is set, provision of the desired service (relief provision) is permitted, and relief provision is not permitted if relief provision has already been performed and the permission flag is cleared. Therefore, even if the user of the mobile phone 10 cannot perform member authentication (inquiry) due to a communication error in a temporary communication line disconnection state, the user can receive relief only once.

  Further, in the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment, the processing unit 16 displays the permission information stored in the second storage unit 18 when the result of the inquiry indicates that it is registered in the member database. It is reset to a predetermined expected value indicating that the condition for permitting relief provision is satisfied. Therefore, after the user of the mobile phone 10 is authenticated again as a member, the user can receive the relief provision again. In other words, after the member is authenticated, the user can repeatedly receive the relief provision while the relief provision until the member is authenticated again is limited to once.

<Second embodiment>
The mobile software according to the second embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “second mobile software”) may provide relief to the member multiple times in a temporary communication line disconnection state. Mobile software that can. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, in the second storage unit 18 of the mobile phone 10, the number of times of permission indicating the remaining number of times that the second portable software as the portable software can provide relief as permission information. Information is stored. The maximum value of the remaining number is n, and the minimum value is 0. n is an expected value and is a natural number of 1 or more.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of service provision control processing by the second mobile software. The difference between the flow shown in FIG. 5 and the flow shown in FIG. 5 is stored in the second storage unit 18 in association with the second mobile software instead of step S15 for setting the permission flag corresponding to the first mobile software. Step S31 is provided to update the permitted number of times information so that the remaining number of times matches the expected value. Instead of Step S18 for determining whether or not the permission flag is set, the permitted number of times information is indicated. Step S32 for determining whether or not the remaining number is greater than 0 is provided, and instead of step S21 for clearing the permission flag, step S33 for updating the permitted number information so that the remaining number is reduced by one is provided. This is the point.

  In the provision control process of FIG. 11, the remaining number indicated by the permission number information is decreased by 1 every time relief provision is performed, and thereafter does not return to the expected value (n) until the member is authenticated. Relief provision is allowed only n times.

  As described above, the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment has the second storage unit (data storage unit, permission) that stores the second mobile software including one or a plurality of essential data essential for providing the desired service. Storage unit) 18, the first storage unit (identification information storage unit) 17 that stores the user identification information of the mobile phone 10, and the essential data stored in the second storage unit 18 are read to the user. And a processing unit (providing unit, inquiry unit, detecting unit, providing permission unit) 16 for providing a service. And the 2nd memory | storage part 18 memorize | stores the number-of-permissions information which shows the conditions which permit said provision, The process part 16 reads the essential data memorize | stored in the 2nd memory | storage part 18, and expects to a user. Whether or not the same user identification information as the user identification information is registered in the member database referred to by the server device 20 by providing a service and communicating with the external server device 20 via the network 30. When the inquiry is made and the result of the inquiry indicates that it is registered in the member database, the provision of the intended service is permitted, the occurrence of a communication error in the communication with the server device 20 is detected, and the above inquiry is being made. In addition, when a communication error is detected and an inquiry cannot be made and the inquiry becomes impossible, the number-of-permissions information stored in the second storage unit 18 satisfies a condition for permitting provision of an intended service. When shown, as well as permits the provision of the intended service (relief provided), the number of permitted information stored in the second storage unit 18 is updated so as to limit the provision of the intended service.

  Therefore, in the cellular phone 10 according to the present embodiment, in the activation process when the second portable software is activated, when the member authentication (inquiry) cannot be performed due to a communication line disconnection state or the like, If the remaining number is indicated (if greater than 0), the provision of the desired service (relief provision) is permitted, the remaining number is reduced by 1, and the relief provision has already been performed n times, If it is 0, relief provision is not permitted. Therefore, even if the user of the mobile phone 10 cannot perform member authentication (inquiry) due to a communication error in a temporary communication line disconnection state, the user can receive relief only n times.

  Further, in the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment, the processing unit 16 displays the permission information stored in the second storage unit 18 when the result of the inquiry indicates that it is registered in the member database. It is reset to a predetermined expected value indicating that the condition for permitting relief provision is satisfied. Therefore, after the user of the mobile phone 10 is authenticated again as a member, the user can receive the relief provision again. That is, after the user is authenticated, the user can repeatedly receive the relief provision while the relief provision until the member is authenticated again is limited to n times.

<Third embodiment>
The portable software (hereinafter referred to as “third portable software”) according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the service of the intended service when an authentication result (inquiry result) indicating membership is obtained. It is portable software that can provide all of the provision of a part of the intended service (relief provision) if the authentication result is not obtained. That is, in the relief provision in the present embodiment, the function of the third portable software is limited. In addition, there are a case where an authentication result indicating membership is not obtained, and a case where the authentication result is not obtained due to a communication error.

  Many of the matters common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment are also common to the present embodiment. However, in this embodiment, since the relief provision is performed regardless of whether or not the user is a member, the member registration flag is not stored in the second storage unit 18 of the mobile phone 10 as shown in FIG. The second storage unit stores third mobile software as mobile software and permission function information as permission information. As shown in FIG. 13, the third portable software includes one program and a plurality of essential data. The intended service related to the third mobile software is an aggregate of a plurality of service elements, and each of the plurality of essential data is essential for providing each service element. Further, the plurality of essential data is essential when providing all of the intended services (all service elements). The permitted function information corresponding to the third portable software indicates at least one essential data that can be used for providing the service among the plurality of essential data included in the third portable software.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of service provision control processing by the third mobile software. In this provision control process, the processing unit 16 of the mobile phone 10 first performs the above-described member authentication (introduction), as in the first and second embodiments (step S10), and a communication error occurs. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S11). If no communication error occurs in the communication in step S10, the processing unit 16 determines that the user of the mobile phone 10 uses the third mobile software based on the authentication result (inquiry result) received from the member authentication server. It is determined whether it is a member (step S12). When the determination result is “YES”, the processing unit 16 updates the permitted function information stored in the second storage unit 18 so as to indicate that all essential data can be used (step S43). ). Next, the processing unit 16 provides a service (step S16). In this provision, the essential data indicated by the permitted function information can be used. Therefore, in this case (when it is authenticated as a member), it is possible to provide all of the intended services using all the essential data.

  On the other hand, when the determination result in step S12 is “NO”, the processing unit 16 displays an image for confirming whether or not to perform member registration on the display unit 12 (step S41), and the operation of the operation unit 15 is performed accordingly. Whether or not to register as a member is determined based on the instruction input by (step S42). If this determination is “YES”, the above-described member registration process (step S13) is performed, and the process proceeds to step S43. Therefore, even in this case (when a member is registered), it is possible to provide all the desired services using all the essential data.

  When the determination result in step S42 is “NO”, the processing unit 16 uses the permitted function information stored in the second storage unit 18 as a limited essential data among a plurality of essential data essential for the intended service. Update to indicate that the data is available (step S44). Next, the processing unit 16 provides a service (step S16). In this case (when it is verified that the member is not a member), a part of the intended service using limited essential data among all required data (limited service elements among all service elements) ) Only can be provided.

  When a communication error occurs in the communication in step S10, the processing unit 16 causes the display unit 12 to display an image that prompts the user to select whether or not to provide relief as shown in FIG. 9 (step S19). It is determined whether or not to provide relief (step S20). This determination result is “YES” when the user inputs an instruction to provide relief by operating the operation unit 15, and becomes “NO” when an instruction to not provide relief is input. . If the determination result of step S20 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S22. The processing in step S22 and the subsequent step S23 is as described above, and the processing returns to step S10 when retrying, and ends when not retrying. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S20 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S44. In other words, in this case (when providing relief), a part of the intended service using limited essential data among all essential data (limited service elements among all service elements) Only can be provided.

  As described above, the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment includes the second storage unit (data storage unit) that stores a plurality of essential data essential for providing the desired service, and the user identification of the mobile phone 10. A first storage unit (identification information storage unit) 17 that stores information, and a processing unit (providing unit, inquiry unit) that provides the desired service to the user using essential data stored in the second storage unit 18 , Detection unit, use permission unit) 16. And the process part 16 communicates with the external server apparatus 20 via the network 30, and the user identification information same as the said user identification information is registered into the member database which the server apparatus 20 refers to. If the result of this inquiry indicates that it is registered in the member database, the use of all of the plurality of essential data is permitted and the occurrence of a communication error in communication with the server device 20 is detected. When a communication error is detected during the inquiry and the inquiry cannot be made and the inquiry becomes impossible, the use of only the limited essential data among the plurality of essential data is permitted.

  Therefore, according to the cellular phone 10 according to the present embodiment, when the member authentication (inquiry) cannot be performed due to a communication line disconnection state or the like in the activation process when the third portable software is activated, the above plural The use of only limited essential data among the required data is permitted, and a part of the intended service can be provided. Therefore, even if the user of the mobile phone 10 cannot perform member authentication (inquiry) due to a communication error in a temporary communication line disconnection state, a part of the intended service (function of the third mobile software) You can receive the offer only.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the result of the inquiry indicates that it is registered in the member database, the use of all of the plurality of essential data is permitted. It is good also as permitting use. At this time, if a communication error is detected and the query cannot be made and cannot be queried, the number of required data allowed to be used is permitted when the result of the query indicates that it is registered in the member database. Less than the number of required data. In this way, as an example in which the function is limited even when the result of the inquiry indicates that it is registered in the member database, the type of essential data that is not permitted to be used changes or is used depending on the date indicated by the terminal device The type of essential data that is not permitted to be used differs depending on the person identification information. In addition, from the viewpoint that the function is more limited at the time of a communication error than when the query is successful, the mandatory data that is allowed to be used at the time of the communication error is included in the mandatory data that is allowed to be used when the query is successful. Although it is preferable, it does not need to be included. That is, there may be essential data that is permitted to be used only when a communication error occurs.

<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications illustrated below are also included in the scope thereof.
The first and second embodiments described above may be modified such that relief provision is permitted within a predetermined time after a communication error occurs. In this case, information indicating the predetermined time can be exemplified as the permission information.
In the first and second embodiments described above, in the terminal device such as a mobile phone, the timing for updating the permission information may be when a predetermined time has elapsed since the provision of the service is permitted. .

  In the above-described embodiment, software for transmitting the result of the play to the server device 20 at the end of the game play can be adopted as the portable software. In the first and second embodiments, since the full-function version is played, it is conceivable that communication is restored when a play result is transmitted even if a communication error occurs during authentication. In this case, it is preferable to transmit the result of play after re-authentication at that time. This is particularly effective for specifications that do not inform the user whether the current service provision is a relief provision. This is because it is possible to avoid a situation in which the user thinks that the user is not providing relief and has played until the end but has not been able to transmit the result.

  When the first to third embodiments described above are modified and the mobile software is downloaded from the distribution site and used for the first time, “0” indicating that permission information (permission flag, permission number information) is not permitted as an initial value. It is preferable to set to "." As a result, it is possible to prevent the provision of relief before registering the member, and it is possible to prevent the communication line from being intentionally disconnected and receiving the intended service.

  The first to third embodiments described above may be modified, and steps S19 and S20 in FIGS. 5, 11, and 14 may be omitted. In this case, in FIG. 5 and FIG. 11, the flow proceeds to step S21 after step S18. In FIG. 14, when the determination result in step S11 is “YES”, the flow proceeds to step S16. And S23 becomes unnecessary.

The first and second embodiments described above are modified so that the member software is authenticated when the portable software is terminated and the portable software is started next time, not just when the member is authenticated. If permitted, a permission flag may be set.
In the above-described embodiment, the member authentication is performed every time at startup, but may be applied to portable software that is not performed every time. Examples of such portable software include software that performs member authentication only once in two activations. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to portable software that always performs member authentication every time it is activated.

  The first embodiment or the second embodiment described above and the third embodiment are combined to limit the number of times the service provision (relief provision) is permitted and only a part of a plurality of essential data. May be allowed to be used. In this case, the third embodiment may be modified to add the processes of steps S15, S18, S21 in FIG. 5 or steps S31, S32, S33 in FIG.

The embodiment described above may be modified and applied to software including a plurality of programs.
In addition, as a terminal device, an information terminal, a portable game, a mobile terminal, a personal computer, or the like that can store and operate downloaded software or preinstalled software, and the software has a function capable of communicating with a server. The electronic device may be adopted.
The server device may be provided with a server dedicated to portable software instead of a general-purpose web server. Further, both a web server and a dedicated server may be provided, and the program and essential data included in the portable software may be stored separately in a dedicated server and a general-purpose web server.
If the client computer and the server computer can communicate with each other, a network system such as a LAN or a WAN can be adopted regardless of wired or wireless.
The member authentication includes authentication using a code for identifying an individual using a telephone number, a solid identification number, and a cookie, and authentication of whether the product is a regular product using a product registration number.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile phone 10 that constitutes a communication system 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the memory | storage image of the 2nd memory | storage part 18 of the mobile telephone 10 in 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the data structure of the 1st portable software which concerns on a 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the provision control process which concerns on a 1st Example. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 10. It is a figure which shows typically the memory | storage image of the 2nd memory | storage part 18 of the mobile telephone 10 in 2nd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the provision control process which concerns on a 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows typically the memory | storage image of the 2nd memory | storage part 18 of the mobile telephone 10 in the 3rd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the data structure of the 3rd portable software which concerns on a 3rd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the provision control process which concerns on a 3rd Example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Mobile phone, 16 ... Processing part, 17 ... 1st memory | storage part, 18 ... 2nd memory | storage part, 20 ... Server apparatus.

Claims (8)

A data storage unit for storing one or more essential data essential for providing the service;
A providing unit that reads out the essential data and provides the service to a user;
An identification information storage unit for storing unique identification information;
Before starting to provide service by the providing unit, an inquiry unit that communicates with an external server device and inquires whether the identification information is registered in a database referred to by the server device;
A provision permission unit that permits provision of the service by the provision unit when the result of the inquiry in the inquiry unit indicates that the result is registered in the database;
A detection unit that detects occurrence of a communication error in communication with the server device;
A permission storage unit that stores permission information indicating the number of times the provision of the service by the providing unit is permitted,
The provision permission unit stores the permission stored in the permission storage unit when the communication error is detected by the detection unit during the inquiry by the inquiry unit and the inquiry cannot be performed and the inquiry is impossible. When there is a remaining number of times indicated by the information , the provision of the service is permitted, and the permission information stored in the permission storage unit is updated so as to limit the number of times the provision of the service is permitted. Terminal device to do.   The provision permission unit, when the result of the query in the query unit indicates that it is registered in the database, the permission information stored in the permission storage unit is a condition for permitting provision of the service The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is reset to a predetermined expected value indicating that the above is satisfied. Before SL provides authorization unit, when a said query impossible, when indicating that the remaining number of times indicated by the permission information stored in the permission storage part is present, the permission information stored in the permission storage part The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is updated so as to subtract the remaining number of times, and the provision of the service is permitted. A registration unit that communicates with the server device and newly registers the identification information;
A registered storage unit that stores registered information indicating that the registration by the registration unit is completed;
The provision permitting unit does not permit the provision of the service when the registered information is not stored in the registered storage unit even when the inquiry becomes impossible. The terminal device according to any one of 1 to 3.   The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the permission information is updated when a predetermined time elapses after the provision of the service is permitted. A computer that stores the required data and unique identification information required to provide the service,
A providing unit that reads out the essential data and provides the service to a user;
Before starting to provide service by the providing unit, an inquiry unit that communicates with an external server device and inquires whether the identification information is registered in a database referred to by the server device;
A provision permission unit that permits provision of the service by the provision unit when the result of the inquiry in the inquiry unit indicates that the result is registered in the database;
A detection unit that detects occurrence of a communication error in communication with the server device;
A program that functions as a permission storage unit that stores permission information indicating the number of times the provision of the service by the providing unit is permitted,
The provision permission unit stores the permission stored in the permission storage unit when the communication error is detected by the detection unit during the inquiry by the inquiry unit and the inquiry cannot be performed and the inquiry becomes impossible. When there is a remaining number of times indicated by the information , the provision of the service is permitted, and the permission information stored in the permission storage unit is updated so as to limit the number of times the provision of the service is permitted. Program to do.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 6 is recorded. A software storage unit for storing software including the program according to claim 6 and the essential data;
A transmission request receiving unit that receives the transmission request of the software;
A server device comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the software to a transmission source of the transmission request when the transmission request is received by the transmission request reception unit.

Images