WO1998033128A1

WO1998033128A1 - Method of distributing and acquiring information, its apparatus and data structure

Info

Publication number: WO1998033128A1
Application number: PCT/JP1997/000142
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kunio Kamimura
Original assignee: Athena Telecom Lab, Inc.
Priority date: 1997-01-23
Filing date: 1997-01-23
Publication date: 1998-07-30
Also published as: AU1456597A

Abstract

Information is suitably distributed through a communication network, a communication line, etc., and an information management block in which keys for identifying the managed information are recorded is introduced. An apparatus on the side utilizing the information is called an information acquisition apparatus. When the key of the information to be utilized is given, the information acquisition apparatus makes an access to a corresponding information management block and judges whether or not the information retained at present is suitable from the content of the block. If this information is judged to be suitable, it is utilized as it is. If updating is judged to be required, an information distribution apparatus is required to give the information, and the information is received, recorded and utilized. The address information such as business card information is easily and correctly reported, and the latest address information is suitably distributed. Commodity information described in catalogues of mail-order selling can be kept as latest one. Messages from the artists of this month and guide information of newly released music compact disks can be distributed to apparatuses for playing music CDs. Distribution of computer programs and version-up can be made automatically and suitably. Dealers selling computer hardwares can reduce the quantities of softwares to be bundled and can make the market price more economical. Users can easily install only necessary softwares. Dealers of softwares can suitably execute version-up. Therefore, improvement of user service and charge income by version-up can be expected. When registered to a menu, sales chance of softwares can be expanded.

Description

Specification

Information distribution and acquisition method and apparatus and data structure

Technical field

The present invention relates to a method for acquiring information via a communication line or a communication network, a method for distributing information, and an apparatus for implementing these functions. As specific examples of information to be handled, in this specification, "information of contact information marked on business cards, magazines, advertisements, envelopes, Internet homepages, etc." "information described in product catalogs such as mail order" "compact" Music and image information recorded on media such as discs and tapes, and computer programs. Background art

《Section 1 Conventional technology and problems》

Information changes constantly, but it is often difficult to distribute the latest (correctly appropriate) information without fail. Because of that difficulty, they may give up distributing the latest information. Specific examples are shown below.

<< Section 1.1 Contact Information >>

First consider a business card. Information such as your department, telephone number, and fax number changes due to changes within the company. The email address may also change. The ability to hand out new business cards at the time of a transfer greeting, and the transfer of a greeting, will be very busy for that. Loss of communication can occur.

On the other hand, even if you get a business card, managing it is a difficult task. When managing business cards as they are, it is necessary to destroy old business cards and replace them with new business cards. Inappropriate classification can make management unmanageable. If business card information is entered in the computer database to facilitate searching, the database must be changed. It is also difficult to enter the information of a new business card into the database.

As public-private connection (connection of public communication network, leased line, communication path via public communication network), Internet telephone, cable telephone (call using cable TV line). Al information (address information generally speaking) is increasing and becoming more complex. There is a lot of dial information (such as various telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) that provides a means of contacting a certain person, and inexpensive and convenient communication means differ depending on the conditions, making it difficult to use wisely.

Not only are the numbers increasing, but the dial information itself is becoming more complex. Inexpensive communication is possible by selecting multiple communication networks and connecting paths, but the dialing operation is complicated, such as the need to enter dialing information for each device that relays the path. Even if you manage the address information for yourself (that is, write it on your own business card), it is difficult to convey it to others using only the business card. In addition, it is necessary to devise ways to save the trouble of dialing the person who got the business card.

Generally, it is not advisable to write constantly changing information or temporary contact information on business cards. For example, if you work from home temporarily, you may want to notify your home phone number as a work contact only at that time, but if you write that phone number on your business card, you will always receive a work phone at home. You have to be prepared. It is not possible to make detailed specifications such as "We only accept e-mails from our good customers when we contact you on holidays." In other words, business cards cannot classify the other party and provide temporary contact information. Neither the intent of the receiving party nor the intent of the originating party (eg, "If you can talk directly over the phone, the ability to contact you, do not contact if you can email").

In addition to business card information, contact information includes contact information that is marked on magazines, advertisements, envelopes, and websites on the Internet. It consists of company address, phone number, fax number, mobile phone number, e-mail address, homepage address, etc., but no measures have been taken if this information is changed. Once a call is introduced as a contact, it will always be a question and a combined call, so it cannot be used for any other purpose.

It is difficult to change the address of the company introduction website once it has been made public by advertising. Suppose that you rented a provider's subdirectory to create a homepage and advertised its addresses extensively. After that, even if you connect your computer to the Internet to obtain a domain name, abolishing old addresses will cause various problems. At the very least, the old address must leave a change notice.

<< Section 1.2 Catalog Information >>

Product guidance in mail-order catalogs and various advertisements may need to be changed for unexpected reasons. It is necessary to respond promptly to sold-out products, fluctuations in purchase prices, revision of prices in response to sales conditions, addition of new products, and so on. However, those who properly communicate these changes to customers There was no law. In some cases, after receiving an order, the product may be sold out, or even if the purchase price of the product rises, it may be passed on at the price once advertised. Notification of new products will be kept until the next catalog is issued.

《Music and image information recorded on media such as Section 1.3 CD》

Music is often sold on compact discs (CDs). In some cases, images are recorded. There are also cases where it is recorded on MD or tape. Considering sales promotion, it would be desirable to be able to convey monthly messages from artists, the latest concert information, new CD releases, etc. Conventional CDs and tapes do not have this function. The mainstream method is to promote sales through expensive advertisements for unspecified majority through media such as newspapers, radios and TVs. In a situation where a large number of direct mails are distributed, there is little expectation about the effects of direct mails on CD and tape purchasers.

<< Section 1.4 Computer Program >>

Computer programs are frequently upgraded to address bugs and add functions. The upgrade fee is also a major source of revenue for software sales. In many cases, version updates are notified via direct mail, but it takes time and effort to obtain and reinstall a new version of the software. There are many.

It is possible to obtain the latest program using the communication network (by FTP procedure, etc.), but check the version of the program currently in use and check if it is necessary to change to the latest version. The sequence of obtaining and reinstalling is complicated.

In general, there are many programs used by computer operators, so it is rare for the operators to upgrade the version on their own. It is common to see some sort of error or warning message during program execution, and upgrade it without help. At that time, the version-up procedure seems to be even more complicated, as they often have a quick job. Disclosure of the invention

《Section 2 Disclosure of Invention》 << Section 2.1 Summary of the Invention >>

The tools needed to explain the invention are "information acquisition devices", ie, devices that request and receive the latest (accurately appropriate) information in order to use the information, and "information distribution devices", ie, information to be distributed. A device that manages and distributes data as required, and a communication network or line connecting them.

The communication network only needs to be able to provide a communication line connecting the information acquisition device and the information distribution device, such as the Internet, an intranet, a telephone network, and a cable TV network. An information acquisition device and an information distribution device can be realized by installing a program that specifies the operation of the information acquisition device and the information distribution device on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation with a communication function. In addition to this, a dedicated device having a function as an information acquisition device or an information distribution device may be used. The function can be realized by combining logic circuits, or it can be realized by installing a program in a dedicated CPU.

The program of the information acquisition device detects that the information managed by the information acquisition device is to be updated (or that there is no content in the information), and requests new information from the information distribution device. If the procedure for determining whether information is to be updated is simplified and a procedure for constantly requesting new information to be updated is adopted, the program of the information acquisition device can be simplified. This is an effective method if new information is needed in most cases.

The information distribution device sends appropriate information in response to a request from the information acquisition device. In some cases, the content of the request from the information acquisition device is analyzed to convey that "the information held by the information acquisition device is appropriate and no new information is needed".

<< Section 2.2 Overview of Specific Examples >>

First, a specific example will be briefly described in order to facilitate the description of the present invention. Details will be described in "Best mode for carrying out the invention".

《Section 2.2.1 Overview of handling business card information》

The business card information is managed by key information for specifying the business card information. Figure 1 shows the configuration of the business card information management system. The original business card information is managed on the Internet homepage, and the address of the homepage is www.atele.com. The device (for example, a workstation) that accommodates this home page is the information distribution device 108. The “recording unit (business card information original database) 110” stores the original information of the information corresponding to the key. In it, my “business card information 1 1 1” is recorded corresponding to the key information kunio. At this time, my business card says, "My contact information is managed on the home page http://www.atele.com/ and can be retrieved with the key kunio." The person who obtained this business card can send the information to “Address Book Program 103” of “Information Acquisition Device (for example, PC) 101”.

(http: 〃www.atele.com / and kunio). If www.atele.com is specified as the default address book management program, you only need to enter kunio. At this time, the “recording section (business card information database) 105” has an information management block (see section 2.3) in which only kunio of key information is recorded.

When you start the inquiry process of the information acquisition device, the homepage specified by Ki-kunio

(www.atele.com). From the “recording section (business card information original data base database) 110”, the “information management block original data 111” corresponding to K-kunio is extracted, and the content is sent back to the “information acquisition device 101”. The “information acquisition device 101” records the information in the “recording unit (business card information database) 105”.

For business card users, the process of entering my contact address (phone number, email number, company address, affiliation, etc.) is greatly simplified. No input error occurs. Usually, it refers to the information in the “business card information database 104” of the “information acquisition device 101” and prints the postal address label or extracts the telephone number of the contact.

If I give my home phone number, write himitsu as a special password and hand it over to my business card. If you specify this password in addition to kunio, in addition to the usual information corresponding to the key kunio, your home phone number and mobile phone number will be sent to the information acquisition device.

The business card information has an expiration date. For example, when entering the original information into www.atele.com of the information distribution device, if it is expected that the information will not change for at least 6 months, the expiration date is the date and time 6 months after the information was entered Specify as 1 1 2. With this expiration date, my contact information will be distributed to the information acquisition device.

The computer of the domain name www.atele.com provides the latest business card information without changing its address, so if you register a key there, even if you change your contact information easily, Information can be distributed appropriately simply by notifying.

《Section 2.2.2 Information management system such as CD》

Catalogs have been distributed on print media, but CDs are increasingly being distributed on CDs. In some cases, information is sent directly from the website to the user's computer without using a CD. If the emphasis is on appearance, the amount of information will increase, so it is not possible to display information as if the printed matter was not as smooth. It is realistic to distribute the information on CD or collectively distribute the information first if using a communication network.

By the way, it would be convenient if product information distributed by CD etc. could be updated at an appropriate time. Therefore, the expiration date is added to the information of each product, and when the expiration date is detected, the latest information is requested to the information distribution device via a communication line, and is obtained and displayed by the information acquisition device.

Information such as CDs, video tapes, and optical discs such as music and images are first recorded and sold, and no further rewriting is considered. Therefore, these information management blocks are recorded on CD or videotape so that the artist's message of the month, concert information, and new music information can be provided later. If there is no information in these information management blocks, or if the validity period has expired, the program of the information acquisition device requests and obtains the latest information from the information distribution device via the communication network. In this way, the information acquisition device can display the latest information.

Due to the novelty of the above mechanism and the sense of unity with the artist, high added value is given to CD. From the viewpoint of the artists and the sales side, the chances of sales promotion using CDs increase.

《Section 2.2.3 Computer program》

Figure 2 shows the system configuration for requesting and distributing an appropriate computer program. Key information that identifies the program, its version number, and installation destination address information (such as directory path specification) are managed as a set.

To start the program on the “information acquisition device 201”, specify the key (Prog002) and start it. The startup menu program sends information 206 corresponding to the key to the version control program 203. If the version 2.05 is confirmed to be the latest version by checking against the latest version list 202, the program is started by specifying the path (A: \ P \ 002.exe).

If the key is ProgOOl, the program path is not specified, and the program is not installed. Request the program.

The information distributing device 201 refers to the information 211 corresponding to the key ProgOOl, specifies the corresponding program 214 from the path, and sends it to the information acquiring device. Also send the installation script 215 that describes the installation procedure.

Multiple installation scripts and programs depending on the type of hand and OS of the information acquisition device When distributing, the information distribution device requests the information acquisition device for information on the hardware and OS type of the information acquisition device. The (original) information corresponding to the key of the information distribution device has a record of the combination of the information acquisition device and the type of OS, and the distribution program and installation procedure corresponding to the combination. Based on the information of the OS type sent from the information acquisition device, send an appropriate distribution program and installation procedure.

The information acquisition device installs the program according to the specified installation procedure. As a result, the version and path are entered as information corresponding to the key ProgOOl. If the startup menu is activated first, continue the program. If the version upgrade process is simply started, the process ends when the installation / version upgrade is completed.

《Section 2.2.4 — General update process flow》

When the batch update processing of business card information, catalog information, and CD information is started, the information management block (see section 2.3) is accessed in order to update to the latest information. There is also a way to start this process when you are free and keep the information up to date. The update process can be started under the instruction of “obtain the latest information even if the expiration date has not expired”. It can also launch a batch update process that updates all programs installed on the computer to the latest version.

When the program is started from the menu command, it is first determined from the information held in the information management block whether the information (that is, the program) held in the information management block is to be updated. Similarly, when a computer program starts another program or a dynamically linked library program, the information held in the information management block of the information management block (that is, another program or dynamically linked library program) is also used. It is determined whether it is an update target. As a result, if it is determined that the program is to be updated, an appropriate program and its installation procedure are requested and received, and the installation is performed.

If there is no information managed by the information management block, it is immediately determined that the information is to be updated. If the information management block has expired, it is determined to be updated. By comparing the registered date and time of the information with the current date and time, it is also possible to determine whether or not it is within the validity period specified by the operator.

If the version number of the information is recorded in the information management block, it is compared with the latest version. If the operator specifies that minor version upgrades are not to be performed, it is determined whether or not an update is to be performed according to the policy.

If it is an update target, key information that identifies the information management block, It sends management information such as expiration date, registration date and time, number of versions, and whether minor version upgrade is possible and the address of the information acquisition device to the information distribution device. In some cases, information such as a password for business card information and a license number for a computer program purchase may be sent together.

If an instruction that does not require updating is received from the information distribution device, the information (corresponding to the key) of the information acquisition device is used. Even if the information to be managed is not updated, if the information distribution device notifies the management information such as the expiration date, the registration date and time, and the version number, the management information is updated.

When an update instruction is sent from the information distribution device, the information receiving unit starts a process of receiving new information, receives new information, and replaces old information with new information. In the case of computer software, update processing is performed. If you want to keep the old version of the software, register it in the software managed only by the information acquisition device.

If it is not an update target, and if batch update processing has been performed, the next information management block is read and the update processing is performed. If there is no information management block to be read, the batch update processing ends. In the case of starting from a menu or a command or other program, if it is not the update target, the information managed by the information management block is used by the “information management block use processing unit”. In the case of contact information or log information, the information is displayed on the screen. In the case of music CD, the information is reproduced. If it is a computer program, start the program.

《Section 2.3 Information management block》

A set of information managed by one key is called an “information management block”. Figure 3 shows an example of an information management block.

In the case of business card information, one business card information can be managed by one information management block. Even if one person's business card information is divided into information that is open to the public and information that is open to close people, each can be a separate information management block. When searching for “recording section (business card information original database) 110” of “information distribution device 1108” using only kunio, “information management block 1 1 1 J” having only key kunio is retrieved. If you specify and search for kunio and another key himitsu (the user recognizes it as a pass-word), the information management block shown in Fig. 3 (a) is extracted. , Key — Two types of information are set: Key information No. 1 is key information to be printed on business cards Key information No. 2 is a password to be transmitted only to close people The home address and home telephone number are recorded, and if necessary, the expiration date of the information corresponding to the passcode is specified.

The work of inputting and updating information is generally performed by an information provider. Authority to change information It is necessary to notify these workers in advance of special information indicating that there is a problem. When the key kunio and the information holding the update right are transmitted, both the normal information corresponding to the key kunio and the information corresponding to the password himitsu can be accessed.

There is also a method of setting a pointer from the information management block corresponding to one key to the information management block corresponding to the pass pad and managing it. In FIG. 3 (b), there is a home address and a telephone number block at the end of the pointer from the information block path himitsu corresponding to the key kunio.

In the case of a computer program, set an "information management block" for each program to be managed. In the case of Fig. 3 (c), the information management block is composed of the key information for identifying the program, the version number, and the path indicating the program location.

<< Section 2.4 Judgment of Information Update by Information Acquisition Device >>

The following is a method (procedure) for determining whether or not the content of the information management block is to be updated by the information acquisition device.

(1) "information expiration date". The validity period (date and time) of the information to be managed is recorded for each information management block. This is the expiration date. It is compared with the current time held by the information acquisition device, detects the expiration date, and determines that the information is to be updated.

(2) Record “information acquisition date and time (and time)” in the information management block as this variation. The current time held by the information acquisition device and the expiration date (provided externally) are added to the acquisition date and time, and the two values are compared to detect expiration.

(3) "Version number". The version of the information is recorded for each information management block. The version number is sent to the information distributing device, and the information distributing device determines whether or not it is the latest version. This can be said to be a method in which the information acquisition device always determines that the information is to be updated and leaves the information distribution device to send or not to send the latest information. '

(4) There is a method of giving a combination of a key and its latest version number (in the form of a table, etc.) in advance. This combination is called a “version control table”. The version number recorded in the information management block corresponding to the key is compared with the latest version number recorded in the version management table given in advance to detect whether or not the key is to be updated. There are various methods for sending the version control table from the information distribution device to the information acquisition device. "A method for attaching an expiration date to the version control table and requesting it from the user side when it expires""A method for sending it periodically from the information distribution device" Method "" The operator The information acquisition device requests the information distribution device only when instructed. "

(5) "Presence or absence of information". If there is no information to be managed in the information management block, it is judged unconditionally to be updated.

<< Section 2.5 Judgment of Information Update in Information Distribution Device >>

The contents of the information management block held by the information acquisition device can be sent to the information distribution device, and the information distribution device can determine whether to update the information. Specific examples are shown below.

(1) If the acquisition date and time of the information for the key of the information acquisition device is earlier than the acquisition date and time of the original information of the information distribution device, it is determined that the information needs to be updated.

(2) If the version number of the information for the key of the information acquisition device is smaller than the purge version number of the original information of the information distribution device, and the policy of the information acquisition device is `` Upgrade all including minor version upgrades '', It is determined that the information needs to be updated.

(3) The major version number of the information version number for the key of the information acquiring device is smaller than the major version number of the original information of the information distributing device, and the policy of the information acquiring device is “Execute major version upgrade”. If so, it is determined that the information needs to be updated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows the configuration of the business card information management system. Figure 2 shows the configuration of a system that requests and distributes computer programs. Figure 3 shows an example of an information management block. Figure 4 shows the configuration of the information acquisition device. Figure 5 shows the information acquisition method. FIG. 6 shows the configuration of an information distribution apparatus focusing on information distribution. Fig. 7 shows the configuration of the information distributing device that focuses on the maintenance of the original information and the original information management block. Figure 8 shows the information distribution process. FIG. 9 shows the maintenance process of the original information block and the original information. FIG. 10 shows an example of designation of incoming call selection and designation of outgoing call selection. Figure 11 shows the procedure for reconciling the intentions of the calling and called parties. FIG. 12 illustrates the connection function of the information distribution device. FIG. 13 illustrates the operation of the catalog information management system. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION << Section 3 Information Acquisition Device >> << Section 3.1 Configuration of Information Acquisition Device >>

Figure 4 shows the configuration of the information acquisition device. The key information is analyzed by analyzing the command from the “input section 4 0 1” (menu start ゃ command line input) by the “key information detection section 4 0 3”. An information management block inside the information acquisition device is detected based on the key information. If a key is assigned to each information distribution device, the same key may be accidentally used by different information distribution devices. In preparation for this, the information acquisition device searches for the information management block by “key + information distribution device address”. A method may be used in which the information acquisition device uniquely sets a unique key inside the information acquisition device and converts the key into the key information of the information distribution device by the information management block.

The “information management block take-out unit 4 04” searches the information management block storage units (the first information management block storage unit 4 12 and the second information block storage unit 4 17) that store the information management block. When the information management block and the information main body are supplied on a non-writable medium (for example, a CD, the “second recording unit” in FIG. 4), the information acquisition device can record the update information on the medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium). On the disc, in Fig. 4, the “first recording unit”). In this case, the information management block fetching unit 4 04 first searches the “first information management block storage unit 4 1 2” inside the “first recording unit 4 1 1”. When there is no corresponding information management block, the information management block of the “second information management block storage unit 4 17” inside the “second recording unit 4 16” is searched.

When the main memory of the computer, the secondary memory such as a magnetic disk, and the external recording medium such as a CD are used simultaneously, the information management block accommodating unit and the recording unit holding the information main unit accommodating unit are further added. One recording section, second recording section, third recording section, fourth recording section, and so on.

If the contents of the CD are to be transferred to the magnetic disk first, or if the contents are to be directly input to the magnetic disk of the information acquisition device from the communication line, one recording unit is sufficient. Also, when the information management block and the information main body are supplied on a writable medium and the information acquisition device writes the update information, one recording unit is sufficient.

The search for the information management block specifies the information management block from the key. For example, the information management block is identified by a key that identifies a person (for example, kunio) or a key that identifies a company (for example, the company name). In the case of a catalog, the information management block is specified using the product name or product number as a key. To display catalog information on the screen of a computer (information acquisition device), first access the list of products to be displayed on the screen. The list contains keys for specific products. Access the information management block for each product to be displayed. For music CDs, when the message of the month is selected, the corresponding information management block is accessed from the key. For computer programs, The information management block is accessed from the key corresponding to the program.

The contents of the extracted information management block are analyzed by the “update judging unit 405” to judge the necessity of updating. The various judgment methods (procedures) are described in section 2.4. If there is no need to update, start the "information use section 410" directly.

The process of the update determination can be simplified. For example, in the case of business card information, the contact person of the specified key is actually contacted (telephone call, e-mail transmission, etc.), and if contact is not possible, the operator or program of the information acquisition device specifies the key and Instruct update.

In the process of updating business card information, product information, music and image information, computer programs, etc. (for later use), the "information use section 410" does not execute anything, and a series of processes Ends. If you want to use business card information, product information, music and image information immediately, the “information use section 410” displays information on the screen, plays audio, sets communication paths to the communication partner, etc. , Start the specified program. "Information Utilization Unit 410" is the information body storage unit inside the recording unit ("First Information Body Storage Unit 4 14" If there is no applicable information there, "Second Information Body Storage Unit 4 19" ) Take out the information body from. If the update information is not recorded, the information is passed directly from the “update information receiving unit 407” to the “information using unit 410”.

As a result of executing a program, another program or other information may be started by specifying a key. In some cases, another information or program is specified in the information retrieved by the key. In this case, the “key information detecting section 403” is further activated.

If there is a need to update the information body, the "update information request section 406" requests the information distribution apparatus to update the information. The request is made via the “communication section 409” and the “communication network 421” outside the information acquisition device. In addition to requesting appropriate information by specifying a key, it is also necessary to send management information such as the version number, expiration date, and information distribution time to the information distribution device in addition to the key, and to update the information. Can be left to the information distribution device. The information acquisition device can determine the necessity of updating based on its own policy. As an example, there is a policy that “minor version upgrades of computer software will not be performed unless a particular problem occurs, and only major version upgrades will be performed”.

“Update information receiving section 407” receives update information from the information distribution apparatus. The management information is received from the information distribution device in addition to the (new) information body. In the case of a computer program, the installation procedure (script file for UNIX, batch file for personal computer, etc.) may be received.

The “reception information setting unit 408” sets the above reception information in the recording unit of the information acquisition device. "second If it is not possible to write to the “recording section 4 1 6” of the first section, write to the “first recording section 4 1 1”. If only the “first recording section 4 1 1” exists, write it there. There is also a method in which writing to the recording unit is not performed at all. In this case, the received information is discarded after being used by the “information use section 410”. In this case, it is necessary to frequently obtain information from the information distributing device. However, a writable and storable recording unit is not provided, and an inexpensive information acquiring device can be configured.

In Fig. 4, the information management block accommodating section and the information main body accommodating section are separated, but as shown in "Section 2.2.1 Overview of handling business card information", the information main body must be recorded in the information management block. If this is the case, there is no need to store the information body.

The information acquisition device can be further simplified. Only the address of the information distributing device is recorded in the recording section of FIG. 4 (“first recording section 4 11” or “second recording section 4 16”). When key information is specified, an inquiry is always made to the information distribution apparatus. This is a reasonable device configuration when the information acquisition device is inexpensive and when it is desired to always use the latest information.

<< Section 3.2 Processing of information acquisition device >>

Computers with communication functions (PCs, workstations, large computers) are sufficient as information acquisition devices. By installing a program on a computer, the function as an information acquisition device can be realized. Figure 5 shows the processing procedure.

First, a key detection is performed by analyzing a start command and the like. Next, the information management block (413) is taken out from the first information management block storage unit (412) corresponding to the key (503). If it can be extracted, the process proceeds to “update determination processing 5 0 7”. If not, the information management block (4 18) is taken out from the second information management block accommodating section (4 17). If it can be extracted, the process proceeds to “update determination processing 5 0 7”.

In the “update determination processing 507”, the processing described in “Section 2.4 Determination of Information Update by Information Acquisition Device” is performed. As a result, if the update is unnecessary, the processing shifts to the “retrieve information 509” processing. If an update is necessary, move on to the “update information request 5 1 0” process. Here, management information such as keys is sent to the information distribution device. In other words, in addition to the key, information such as the business card information password and the computer program purchase license number may be sent together. If the information distribution device determines that the update is not necessary, it will be notified so,

"Receive information setting 5 1 4" is skipped. When the information body is sent, set the information body in the recording unit in the “Receive information setting 5 1 4” process. If the information distributing device determines that the update of the management information, that is, the contents of the information management block is unnecessary, a notification to that effect is given, and the "update of management information 5 1 7" is skipped. It is. When new management information is sent, perform “Update management information 5 1 7”.

Finally, “information use processing 5 1 8” is performed. As described in Section 3.1, if only information is updated, do nothing in “Information Use Processing 5 18”.

《Section 4 Information distribution equipment》

In response to a request for information specifying a key or the like from the information acquisition device, the information distribution device sends the original information. It is also possible to always send the latest information original to the request. It is also possible to add a process to determine whether or not to send the latest information to the request. In some cases, the expiration date has expired and the information acquisition device requests the latest information, but the information is still the latest information. For example, even if you initially specify that your department's information is valid for six months, that information remains valid if there is no change. If the expiration date of the original information has been extended, only the expiration date is updated (that is, only the management information) is sent. In cases where only the old information is registered as the original without extending the expiration date of the original information, it is possible to adopt a method of not sending anything.

Also, as a policy on the user side, “I make only major changes (major version upgrades), do not make minor changes (minor version upgrades)”; if the information distribution device is notified, new No information is sent.

<< Section 4.1 Configuration of Information Distribution Device Information Distribution >>

Figure 6 shows the configuration of an information distribution device that focuses on information distribution. An information update request is sent from the information acquisition device via the “communication network 610”. The key is received by the “communication section 601” and the key is extracted by the “key detection section 602”. The information management block corresponding to this key is taken out from the “information management block original storage unit 605” inside the “recording unit 604”.

The necessity of updating is determined by the “update determining unit 607”. If management information such as a version number, an expiration date, and an information distribution time is transmitted from the information acquisition device in addition to the key, it is sent to the update determination unit. If the information acquisition device has sent a policy stating that “minor version upgrades of computer software will not be performed”, the information will not be updated.

If it is necessary to update the information, the “information transmitting unit 608” extracts the corresponding “information original 6 1 2” from the “information original storing unit 6 06” and transmits it. When sending a computer program, send various information according to the information acquisition device, OS, etc. Also send the installation instructions. In the example of Fig. 6, the "information original 6 1 2" is managed separately from the "information management block original 6 1 1", and is stored in the "information original storage unit 6 06". Have been. On the other hand, in the case where the original information is recorded in the information management block, the original information is taken out from the information management block accommodating section and sent to the information acquisition device.

The “management information communication unit 609” extracts the corresponding “information management block original 6 11 1” from the “information management block original storage unit 605”. Since this information management block may include a plurality of types of management information corresponding to the type of the computer of the information acquisition device and the OS, if necessary, the management information transmission unit 609 may use the information management device for the information acquisition device. After editing, send it to the information acquisition device via the “communication section 600”. Part or all of the work of editing the contents of the information management block for the information acquisition device can be entrusted to the information acquisition device. In this case, the contents of the management information block of the information distribution device are sent to the information acquisition device as it is.

《Section 4.2 Configuration of information maintenance of information distribution device》

Fig. 7 shows the configuration of the information distribution device focusing on the maintenance of the original information and the original information management block. Instructions to add, modify, or delete the original information may be input via the “communication network 610” and “communication section 601”, or may be input from the “input section 701” . In either case, the key is detected by the “key detection section 602”.

If no key is specified, the “information management block original data addition section 70 2” is started as new information. The request for a new key is transmitted to the maintenance operator via the “communication section 601” and “communication network 610”, and the instruction from the operator is taken out by the “key detection section 602”. It is notified to the original information management block original addition section 70 2. As a result of searching "recording section 604", if the key is already used, inform the operator of the fact and prompt the operator to input a new key. When the maintenance operator is in front of the information distributing device, an instruction such as key input is displayed on the “display section 706” ′, and a new key is received from the “input section 701”. In any case, a new key different from the key already used is received, and a new “information management block original 6 11 1” is newly created and accommodated in the “information management block original storage unit 6 05”. “Original information 6 1 2” is also stored in “Information original storage section 06 6”.

If the key is specified from the beginning, the "information block original retrieval unit 603" is started. If there is such an original information block, it interprets it as an instruction to correct or delete it, and activates the “information management block original correction and deletion unit 704”. In an actual system, a procedure for strictly verifying whether the information is input from a person who has the authority to manage the information is necessary, but the description is omitted in this specification. The determination of correction or deletion is made by analyzing an instruction from the “communication unit 601” or the “input unit 701”, but detailed description thereof will be omitted. Finally, the “information original data modification and deletion unit 705” is started. If “information block original retrieval unit 6 03” cannot detect the applicable information management block original, it is determined that information is to be newly added, and “information management block original file addition unit 7 0 2” is started, and “information management block A new “Information Management Block Original 6 1 1” is added to the Lock Original Storage Unit 6 0 5, and a new “Information Original Data Addition Unit 7 0 3” is started, and a new “ Contains the original information 6 1 2 ".

<< Section 4.3 Information Distribution Processing of Information Distribution Device >>

Figure 8 shows the information distribution process. First, the information sent from the information acquisition device is analyzed, “key detection 800 2” is performed, and “information block original 8003” corresponding to this key is performed. The “update determination processing 804” compares the content of the original information block with the content of the information sent from the information acquisition device, determines whether or not update is necessary, and selects information to be newly sent. If it is catalog information (often), send the latest information for the key. For business card information, send the latest information within the range corresponding to the password. In the distribution of the program, the content of the update is determined from the type of information acquisition device, OS, and version upgrade policy. In some cases, “when not updated”, “when only the management information of the information management block is updated”, and “update of the management information of the information management block and the original information to be managed” may be performed.

If it is not updated, “notify that updating is not required 810” is sent to the information acquisition device. If there is an agreement with the processing program of the information acquisition device that "there is no update if there is no communication", the processing is stopped without communication. However, in this case, it is necessary to set the waiting time for reception by the information acquisition device (time when it is determined that there will be no communication if it is delayed further). In addition to having to wait until this time elapses, it is not easy to use as an information acquisition device because it is confused with the case where information is lost in the communication network.

If only the management information needs to be updated, the “management information transmission process 808” is started, and the series of processes ends. This is the case when only the expiration date of information is extended.

When updating the original information, both the “information transmission processing 807” and the “management information transmission processing 808” are activated and the processing is terminated. In the “information transmission process 807”, the original information is sent to the information acquisition device. If it is a computer program software, send the program for the installation procedure and the uninstall procedure for the old version. In the “management information transmission process 808”, information to be updated among the information of the original information block is sent to the information acquisition device.

<< Section 4.4 Information Distribution Device Information Maintenance Process >>

Figure 9 shows the maintenance process of the original information block and the original information block. Outside the information distribution device It analyzes the information sent from, performs “Key detection 9 02”, and performs the corresponding “Extraction of the original information block 9 04”. If there is no key information or the corresponding information block does not exist, it is determined that information is to be newly added, and "new key request and reception processing 9 11 1" and "information management block original data addition processing 9 08" are performed. Perform “information original copy addition processing 9 0 9”, and end the processing. In “New key request and reception process 9 1 1”, request and reception of a new key, confirmation of the validity of the received key (such as not overlapping with the existing key), and request for re-entry are performed. Do.

If the information management block corresponding to the key is found as a result of the “information block original retrieval 9 04”, the external instruction is interpreted as a correction or deletion instruction and the “information management block original data correction and deletion processing” is performed. 9 0 6 ”is started. A description of the process of confirming the right to modify information is omitted. The determination of correction or deletion is made by analyzing external instructions. Finally, the “Original information correction and deletion process 9 07” is started.

《Section 5 Business Card Information Management System》

Section 2.2.1 gives an overview of the “business card information management system”. A business card information management system can be realized by combining an information acquisition device and an information distribution device, but there are various varieties for the realization, and each has a special effect.

《Section 5.1 Incoming call guidance》

The information management block that expresses business card information has an expiration date, but the designation can always be expired. For one, the time when information was transferred from the information distribution device to the information acquisition device is defined as the expiration date. Or, specify no expiration date (zero and display expiration date. In this case, the information acquisition device is required to make an inquiry whenever it uses the information. The called party frequently specifies the contact information. This is an effective way to make changes, and if you work temporarily in a park on a sunny day, the information held by the information distribution device, such as a mobile phone as your primary contact The caller retrieves the latest contact information before contacting him and obtains information that he or she needs to contact the cell phone at present.

Even if the validity period is short (for example, 30 minutes), it is good. In this case, it is specified as "I will go out for a while (30 minutes), so please contact my mobile phone."

It is possible for the caller to use outdated information, contrary to the intent of the callee, but the caller must be prepared for the wrong or inappropriate contact. 《Section 5.2 Reconciliation of intention of calling party and called party》

When the information on the business card is passed to the sender, the subsequent information communication is performed under the initiative of the sender. It is up to the caller to determine which media (telephone, fax, e-mail, etc.) and numbers (NTT telephone numbers, cable telephone numbers, etc.) to use. At the discretion of the caller, the call may be made at midnight.

By using the method described in the previous section, if you want to be contacted at that time, and if you only show the contact information to the calling party, you can guide the incoming call according to the intention of the called party. However, the intention of the sender is ignored. For example, some people think that "mobile phones sometimes have poor voice quality, so I don't want to talk about it."

The procedure for reconciling the intentions of the calling side and the called side will be described with reference to FIG. The information management block corresponding to the key specifies the contacts and the order of their selection (intention of the called party). FIG. 10 (a) shows an example of information set by the called party in the original information management block of the information distribution apparatus. This is a part of the information recorded in the information management block that is related to the designation of the destination. "Voice 1" in the destination order designation indicates that voice communication is desired first. In the example of FIG. 10 (a), it is indicated that the user wants to contact the company telephone first and then the mobile telephone. "Document 1" indicates that written communication should be made here first. In the example of Figure 10 (a), the user first wants to send an e-mail, and the next option is to contact the company fax.

On the other hand, the transmitting device has information specifying the preference of the transmitting device. Figure 10 (b) shows an example of outgoing call selection. The caller expresses OK for a company phone, NG for a mobile phone, and OK for a company fax, but NG for an e-mail.

Fig. 11 shows a procedure for matching the intentions of both (Fig. 10 (a) and Fig. 10 (b)) with the information distribution device. First, “Receive a key for designating the receiving side 1 101” from the transmitting side apparatus is performed. The work table is created by copying the part of the original management information block corresponding to the key, which is designated as incoming call selection 1 102. FIG. 10 (a) is an example of this work table. Next, “delete a row in the work table for which the display of availability is NG 1 1 03” is performed. In the case of the table in Fig. 10 (a), the row of contact 1 is deleted. Next, “Receive call selection specification 1 1 04” is performed from the calling terminal. Fig. 10 (b) shows an example of outgoing call selection designation. Then, “delete the row of the work table that was set to NG in the transmission selection specification 1 1 05”. In FIG. 10 (b), since the mobile phone and the e-mail are NG, the lines of the contact 2 and the contact 4 in FIG. 10 (a) are deleted. As a result, only contact 3 remains in the worksheet. Perform the “Sort the rest of the work table and retrieve the contact with the lowest number in the order of destination 1 1 06” processing. In the process of “Transferring the extracted contact to the caller 1 1 07” processing, “No voice contact, no document contact Is the company's fax. Actually, the telephone number of the company's fax is also extracted from the information management block and transmitted to the caller.

In the above, the example in which the “matching process” is performed by the information distribution device has been described. If you do not want to disclose the information on the receiving side, specify the transmission selection (Fig. 10 (b)) from the information acquiring device on the transmitting side to the information distributing device, and the information distributing device acquires only the result of the reconciliation process. Send to device.

If it is possible to provide the caller's information (Fig. 10 (a)), which is the information on the receiver, to the sender (that is, if the receiver permits), the information is sent from the information distribution device to the information acquisition device on the sender. Then, the program in the transmitting side device matches the intention of the transmitting side. The receiving side selection designation (Fig. 10 (a)) may be displayed on the screen of the information acquisition device, and the operator may look at it and make a selection.

The calling party's calling order designation corresponding to the incoming call designation designation may be added to the calling party's designation designation. If the operator designates either the incoming call order designation or the outgoing call order designation, the subsequent matching process may be performed based on the above process. To use the outgoing call order specification, refer to Figure 11 “Sort the rest of the work table and retrieve the contacts with the lowest incoming call order number 1 1 0 6”. Retrieve contacts with the lowest order number. " One order may be obtained by weighting both orders.

Regarding Internet telephone calls, calls from the Internet side are prohibited by law and administrative guidance in some countries. For this reason, a path connecting both parties cannot be set unless both parties have access to the Internet. Terminals that access the Internet via a dial line are not always connected to the Internet, so the number of people who can talk on the Internet is limited.

By notifying (registering) the business card information distribution device in real time whether or not it is currently connected to the Internet and Internet telephone is available, the other party can prepare for the Internet telephone. You can set an Internet telephone path after confirming that you are using the Internet. In other words, the chances of using inexpensive Internet phones increase.

《Section 5.3 Protection of Private Information》

Personal information such as business card information requires measures from the viewpoint of privacy protection. The key will be provided only to the person who obtained the business card. A close person is given a special password. This information is transmitted via the communication line, and the corresponding information is returned via the communication line. Eavesdropping on communications is handled by encryption (such as a public key). In order to counter attempts to extract information by accessing the information distribution device with malicious intent, take measures to temporarily suspend the provision of information for consecutive errors in key information and password information. Also contact the called party (information provider) and recommend changing the key information and password. In addition, it is possible to search for the information that has been extracted and stored in the information acquisition device by organization, address, etc., but it is prohibited to access the information distribution device from outside and search for all the information. . In other words, it is only possible to extract information by specifying a key or password.

<< Section 5.4 Connection Function of Information Acquisition Device >>

Section 2.2.1 assumed a case where key information is specified in the address book program of the information acquisition device and contact information is displayed. Adding an automatic dial function to the address book program makes it even easier to use. If you start by specifying "voice communication" for the key information (kunio), the selection of the voice communication dial number and the call to it are executed continuously. The choice of whether it is a company phone, a home phone, or a mobile phone is made according to the procedure described in “Section 5.2 Matching the intentions of the calling and called parties”.

<< Section 5.5 Connection function of information distribution device >>

As described in “Section 5.2 Matching the intentions of the caller and the receiver,” the information distribution device can select the receiver by matching the intentions of the receiver and the caller. If a path connecting the information distributing device and its destination is set up and connected to the bus from the transmitting side to the information distributing device, the path connecting the transmitting side and the receiving side is completed. The information acquisition device only sends key information (kunio) to the information distribution device, and the path to the communication partner is set. ·

By setting the path in this way, even if key information managed by another information distribution device is specified in the contact corresponding to the key information, the path connecting the calling side and the called side can be set smoothly. You can do it. In the example of Fig. 12, when Mr. Y (kunio kamimura) is called from Mr. X's telephone 1 201, Mr. X designates "Kunio" in the "information acquisition device 1 201".

The "information acquisition device 1 201" obtains the address of the information distribution device from the "C information management block 1 202" corresponding to the key, and connects. At this time, a “first communication path 1 2 1 2” connecting the “information acquisition device 1 201” and the “first information distribution device 1 204” is set. Key information is transmitted from the “information acquisition device 1 201” to the “first information distribution device 1 204” via the “first communication path 1 212”. In addition, information is sent to create further communication paths. The “first information distributing device 122” specifies the “A information management block 122” corresponding to the key information (kunio). If you look at the corresponding "A Information 1 206", you will see the key (kamimura) and the information distribution device address (CATV head station). Therefore, the “second communication path 1 2 1 3” to the “second information distribution device 1 208” is set.

The “second information distribution device 1208” identifies the “B information management protocol 1209” corresponding to the key (kamimura), and according to the information, sends the “B information management protocol 1209” to Mr. Y (kunio kamimua). Third communication path 1 2 1 4 "is set.

The “second information distribution device 1208” connects the “third communication path 1 2 1 4” with the “second communication path 1 2 1 3”. Then, the “first information distribution device 1 204” connects the “second communication path 1 2 1 3” with the “first communication path 1 2 1 2”. In this way, a communication path connecting Mr. X and Mr. Y is completed.

"Information acquisition device 1 201" only sends the key kunio, but by providing the connection function of each information distribution device, the intended communication path to Mr. Y is provided. It is not possible to complete a similar communication path by repeating (for each information distributing device) the procedure of giving a connection instruction to the information distributing device on the way from the “information acquiring device 1 201” on the transmitting side. However, the procedure is complicated from the viewpoint of the information acquisition device.

《Section 5.6 New dial space》

The connection function of the information acquisition device (section 5.4) and the connection function of the information distribution device (section 5.5) allow the operator to use the key information instead of the dial number. Since the key information only needs to be unique for each information distribution device, a number space different from the actual number space of the communication network can be created. '

With the emergence of a large number of communication networks, routes connecting communication paths have become complicated, and address (dial) information has become complicated. As described in section 5.5, it is convenient to be able to follow multiple independent dial spaces in succession and set up communication paths. Because the address (number) space of the communication network is gradually narrowing, such as a shortage of mobile phone numbers, it is convenient to use an independent number space for each information distribution device.

《Section 6 Catalog Information Management System》

The operation of the “catalog information management system” that displays the latest information based on the catalog information provided on the CD will be described with reference to FIG. CD to display catalog information (PC) 1 3 0 1 ”and start“ CD View 1 (Program) 1 3 0 3 ”. The CD view incorporates a catalog information management system. In other words, the “key detection unit 403”, “information management unit record extraction unit 404”, “update determination unit 405”, “update information request unit 4 ◦6”, and “update information reception unit 407” in FIG. “Received information setting section 4 08” “Information utilization section 4 10 0” is included in the CD view. Note that “communication section 409” is not shown explicitly in Fig. 13 because it exists in ordinary computers. CD View II displays the table of contents and the pages of the specified catalog on the “display section 13 16”.

When using a CD for the first time, create a new “Latest Information Database 1304” for that CD. This corresponds to the “first recording unit 4 1 1” in FIG. The “latest information database 13304” will eventually record the latest update information of catalog information, but at this time no information is recorded. Therefore, the View II program first searches the “Latest Information Database 1304” to confirm that there is no information, extracts the information from the CD, and puts the catalog information in the “Display section 1316”. indicate. That is, CD corresponds to the “second recording unit 4 17” in FIG.

First, the product to be displayed is specified from the configuration of “1 page 1 3 0 7”. Refer to “1st product information management block 1309”. At this time, the expiration date is detected by comparing it with the “current time 1 3 1 5” inside the computer.

Therefore, an information update request is made to the “information distribution device (eg, workstation) 1 3 1 1”. The information distributing device searches the “CD information original database 1 3 1 3”, finds the “information management block 1 3 1 4” of the first product as the key, and reads the contents into the “information acquiring device 1 3 0 1” Send to The “information acquisition device 13 01” records the contents of the “information management block 13 14 4 J in the“ latest information database 13 0 4 J. ”When searching for information, The search is performed from "0 4", and when there is no information, "contents of .0 1 3 1 4" is searched, so that the latest information is always used.

If communication with the information distribution device is not possible even after the expiration date, use old information as the next best measure. When the catalog information is distributed on a writable medium such as a tape, the information on the tape can be directly rewritten, and the "latest information database 1304" can be omitted. .

It is natural to set an “information management block” for each product, but it is also possible to combine multiple products into an “information management block”. The decision on how to update the information should be made from the viewpoint of the person who creates the catalog.

When playing music CDs and video clips, instead of displaying information on the screen, audio and images are displayed. Only the point of reproduction is the same, but the processing, device configuration, and data structure are the same. 《Section 7 Computer program distribution management system》

《Section 7.1 Computer program launch interface》

Computer programs can be classified as follows.

(1) A program that constitutes an independent process. It can be invoked from a menu or from the command line. It may be launched from another program. They are characterized in that they are started as independent processes.

(2) Library program. Hard disk control programs such as communication interfaces and printer interfaces, and window systems are provided as libraries. Basic logical operations such as numerical calculations are provided as library functions.

In the case of an independent process, a key to identify the program, a version number (or expiration date), and a program location constitute an information management block (Section 2.3). To start this program, specify this information management block and start it. During the startup process, it is determined whether the program stored in the information acquisition device is the latest version, and if necessary, the latest version is requested, obtained and reinstalled. Even if it is automatically started from another program, if it is started via this information management block, the appropriate version upload is always executed.

If the library program is also a static link, it can be upgraded at the same time as the version upgrade of the main program.

In the case of a dynamically linked library, an interface that starts the library program from the main program via the information management block is introduced. By starting up via the information management block corresponding to each library program, the version is checked each time the dynamically linked library program is started up.If necessary, obtain the latest version and reinstall it. Thor is performed.

If it is cumbersome to perform this process constantly, a flag is set (turned on) to skip the version check process of the information management block. At this time, the dynamic link program is started at high speed. If time permits, turning off this flag and starting the program will check the version of the associated dynamically linked program file and, if necessary, perform a version up. If the old version of the library is left, if the operation becomes abnormal, the information management block can be restored by rewriting the contents of the information management block to indicate the old library. 《Section 7.2 New sales form of computer hardware and software》

At present, various programs such as $ S are installed and sold on computers. On the other hand, there is a method of installing and selling a program of the present invention for managing the version of the program, an inexpensive OS and communication software. In addition, the computer has a program launch interface and a corresponding management information block installed. If you don't like the installed menu, the person who purchased this computer accesses the Internet homepage that provides a template for the program menu. There are recommended menus for various purposes, such as sales business, housewife, elementary school students, engineering students, etc. Select it. Add the startup menu of your favorite software and download it to your computer.

When one of the items in this menu is activated for the first time, the program of the present invention, which manages the version of the program, refers to the contents of the information management block, determines that there is no program, and distributes the specified information. Obtain the necessary programs from the device, install them, and start them. From the second time onwards, if no version upgrade is required, the program is started directly. If you decide to order a program based on whether or not you have a program, once it is installed, it is the same as starting a normal program.

〇s, communication software, and library programs can also be upgraded to the latest version or advanced version. If the OS is replaced, restart the system after the replacement.

As the side that sells the hardware, there are few software bundled with the hardware, so the selling price can be reduced. For those who sell software, having them registered in the menu will increase sales opportunities. In addition, it is expected that user services will be improved and revenues will be increased by having all the appropriate version upgrades executed. The side that uses hardware and software has the advantage that only the necessary software can be installed. Necessary software related to the software is automatically installed. Appropriate version upgrade can also be performed. Even if you intend to use it and register it in the menu, you do not need to install it until you actually use it, so you can use the magnetic disk effectively.

It is convenient to record in the information management block information that proves the purchase of the software (software use license) (for example, the purchase license number). When the hard disk of the information acquisition device runs short, delete programs that are used less frequently. When the program is started again, it will be reinstalled according to the procedure of the present invention. However, the proof of software purchase is sent to the information distribution device, and the license is confirmed (without purchasing a new one). Can be obtained. 《Section 8 Summary of Claims》

<< Section 8.1 Apparatus and Method >>

Claims 1 to 6 are claims of the information acquisition device. Claims 7 to 12 are claims of the information distribution device. Claims 13 to 18 are claims of the information acquisition method. Claims 19 to 24 are claims for the information distribution method.

<< Section 8.2 Computer-readable media >>

The information acquisition method and the information distribution method can be realized by a program. These programs are distributed on computer-readable media such as FD (floppy disk), CD (compact disk), optical disk, and hard disk. In some cases, the program is distributed via a communication network. In many cases, the program is ultimately recorded on a secondary recording medium such as a disk and the installation is completed. There is also a form in which the program is installed on a secondary recording medium such as a computer's hard disk and sold as a computer including software.

In some cases, a program fetched from a communication network is directly expanded in the main memory and executed. Programs written in the Java language are equivalent. Paying attention to the fact that the main memory is also a computer-readable medium, it can be said that this case is the same as the program installed on the hard disk.

Claims 25 to 36 are media readable by a computer that records "the program that implements the information distribution method of claims 13 to 24". Claims 26 to 30 are substantially dependent on claim 25. Claims 32 to 36 depend on claim 31.

Claims 37 to 40 are computer-readable media recording the data structure of the present invention. Claims 41 to 44 are computer-readable media storing a program that implements the data structure of the present invention and the method of the present invention. Industrial applicability

As described above, the method and apparatus for distributing and acquiring information of the present invention make it possible to appropriately distribute information via a communication network or a communication line. For one thing, contact information such as business card information can be easily and accurately conveyed. There is no need to enter addresses or contact numbers. The key for specifying the other party and, if necessary, the information for specifying the information distribution device may be input to the local computer. From this key, you can retrieve the latest contact information at any time.

Product information described in catalogs such as mail order sales can be kept up to date. Using the key given to the music CD and the address of the information distribution device as a clue, this month's artist's message ゃ information on the new music guide can be distributed to the device that plays the CD.

Computer programs can also be distributed and upgraded appropriately. For those who sell computer hardware, the number of bundled software can be reduced and the selling price can be reduced. As a user, you can easily install only the necessary software. As a software seller, since the version upgrade is performed appropriately, improvement in user service and revenue from the upgrade can be expected. If you register on the menu, you will have more opportunities to sell software.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. An information acquisition device for requesting information and taking in information, the “recording unit containing an information management block including a key for identifying information to be managed” “the information management block corresponding to a specified key” Information management block retrieval unit to be detected "Update determination unit that analyzes the contents of the information management block to determine whether or not information needs to be updated" "Update information request to specify information to be updated by key and request information from the information distribution device An information acquisition device comprising: a “update information receiving unit that receives requested information”; and a “reception information setting unit that corrects an information management program based on received information”.

2. It has a “writable first storage unit that holds the information management block” and a “second storage unit that holds the management information block”. The information acquisition device according to claim 1, further comprising: an information management block extracting unit that searches from a second recording unit when there is no information management unit.

3. The information acquisition device according to claim 1, further comprising: a "recording unit that separately stores an information management block and information to be managed thereof".

4. The information acquisition apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an "update determination unit that detects the expiration of the information from the contents of the information management block and determines that the update is necessary". .

5. The information acquisition apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an "update determination unit that detects that there is no information from the content of the information management block and determines that information is requested".

6. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising "means for setting a communication path to a communication destination".

7. An information distributing device that sends information in response to a request, “a recording unit that contains an original information management block that includes a key for identifying the original information to be managed” “an information management block corresponding to a specified key” An information management block original extraction unit that detects the originals An update determination unit that determines the necessity of information distribution by comparing information accompanying the request with the contents of the information management block originals Management information transmission unit that sends management information An information distributing device characterized by having the following.

8. The information distributing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a “recording unit that separates and holds the original information management block and the original information to be managed” and an “information transmitting unit that sends the original information”.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising "an update judging unit for detecting that the received key and the acquisition date of the information are older than the acquisition date of the original information and deciding to send the original information". Information distribution equipment.

10. It is characterized by having an “update determination unit that detects that the received key and its information version number are younger than the version number of the original information and decides to send the original information”. Claim 7 20. The information distribution method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of:

24. The information distribution method according to claim 19, further comprising a step of modifying and deleting the information management block.

25. A medium that records an information acquisition method for requesting information and taking in information. The step is to retrieve the information management block corresponding to the specified key. It is necessary to analyze the contents of the information management block and update the information. A step of determining whether or not the information is to be updated and requesting information from the information distribution apparatus by using a key; a step of receiving the requested information; and a step of modifying the information management block based on the received information. A computer-readable medium recording an information acquisition method characterized by the following.

26. A medium for recording an information acquisition method for requesting information and taking in information, comprising: a step of first searching for an information block corresponding to a key from a first recording unit; "Searching process" "Analyzing the information update block by analyzing the contents of the information management block" "Processing of specifying information to be updated by key and requesting information from the information distribution device" "Receiving the requested information" A computer-readable medium recording an information acquisition method, characterized by having a “process” and a “process of modifying an information management block based on received information”.

27. A medium that records an information acquisition method that requests information and takes in information. The step is to retrieve the information management block corresponding to the specified key. It is necessary to update the information by analyzing the contents of the information management block. "Determining whether or not to do so" "Process of specifying information to be updated by key and requesting information from information distribution device" "Process of receiving requested information" "Process of modifying information management block based on received information" "Information A computer-readable medium that records an information acquisition method characterized by having a step of updating an information body held separately from a management program.

28. A medium that records an information acquisition method for requesting information and importing information. “A step of extracting an information management block corresponding to a specified key.” “Detecting the expiration date of information from the contents of the information management block. Process to determine that update is necessary by using the key) "process to specify information to be updated by key and request information from information distribution device" "process to receive requested information" "process to correct information management block based on received information" A computer readable medium having recorded thereon an information acquisition method characterized by having:

29 A medium in which an information acquisition method for requesting information and taking in information is recorded, and "the step of taking out the information management block corresponding to the specified key" "Detecting that there is no information from the contents of the information management block "Step to determine that information is requested" "Step to specify information to be updated by key and request information from information distribution device" "Step to receive requested information"

Information acquisition characterized by having a "step of modifying an information management block based on received information". A computer-readable medium that records the method.

30. A medium that records an information acquisition method that requests information and imports information. The step is to retrieve the information management block corresponding to the specified key. It is necessary to analyze the information management block and update the information. Judgment process) "Requesting information from information distribution device by specifying update target with key" "Receiving requested information" "Modifying information management block based on received information" "Communication" Step to set communication path ahead "

A computer readable medium having recorded thereon an information acquisition method characterized by having:

31. A medium that records an information distribution method of sending information in response to a request, and “a process of detecting an original information management block corresponding to a designated key” “a process of detecting information accompanying the request and an original information management block” A computer-readable medium that records an information distribution method, characterized by having a process of collating content to determine the necessity of information distribution and a process of transmitting management information.

32. A medium that records an information distribution method for sending information in response to a request, and “a process of detecting an original information management block corresponding to a designated key” “a process of detecting information accompanying the request and an original information management block” A computer-readable medium recording an information distribution method characterized by having a process of collating contents to determine the necessity of information distribution, a process of transmitting management information, and a process of transmitting original information.

33. A medium that records an information distribution method for sending information in response to a request, and “a process of detecting an original information management block corresponding to a specified key” “the acquisition date and time of the information specified in the request is A computer-readable medium that records the information distribution method, characterized by having a process of detecting that it is older than the acquisition date of the original information and deciding to send the original information, and a process of transmitting management information. .

34. A medium that records an information distribution method for sending information in response to a request, and "the process of detecting the original information management block corresponding to the specified key" "the version number of the information specified in the request is A computer-readable medium that records an information distribution method characterized by having a process of deciding to send an information original by detecting that it is younger than the version number of the information original, and a process of sending management information. .

35. A medium that records an information distribution method for sending information in response to a request, and “a process for detecting the original information management block corresponding to the specified key” “the information accompanying the request and the original information management block” Step of deciding whether or not information distribution is necessary by collating contents.Step of sending management information.Step of setting communication path to destination.Communication path from other devices and communication path to destination. A computer-readable medium recording an information distribution method characterized by having a step of connecting a computer.

36. A medium that records an information distribution method of sending information in response to a request, and “a process of detecting the original information management block corresponding to the specified key” “the information accompanying the request and the original information management block” Content A computer that records the information distribution method, characterized by having a process of determining the necessity of information distribution by collating information, a process of sending management information, and a process of modifying and deleting information management blocks. Medium.

37. A computer-readable medium that records the “information management block that records the key to specify the information, the expiration date of the information, the information itself,”.

38. A medium readable by a computer that stores the “information management block that records the key that specifies the information, the expiration date of the information, and the information that specifies the information body.”

39. "A key that identifies information, a version number of the information, the information itself, and a computer-readable medium that records the information management block J.

40. A computer-readable medium that records the "information management block that records the key that specifies the information, the version number of the information, and the information that specifies the information body."

41. "Key to specify information, management information of the information, information management block that records the information itself" and "process of analyzing the contents of the information management block to determine whether the information needs to be updated" A computer-readable medium that stores a program that implements the information acquisition process.

42. The key to specify information, the information management information, the information management block that records the information, and the information management block that records the information, the information body, and the information that needs to be updated by analyzing the contents of the information management block. A computer-readable medium that records a program that implements an information acquisition step characterized by the step of determining whether or not information is obtained.

43. “The key to specify information, the management information of the information, the information itself, and the original information management block that records the” and “The information accompanying the request and the contents of the information management block original are compared to determine whether or not information distribution is necessary. A computer-readable medium that stores a program that implements an information distribution method characterized by the decision step.

44. “Original information management block that records“ Key to identify information, management information of the information, information to identify information body, ”“ Information body ”and“ Information associated with request and original information management block. ” A computer-readable medium that records a program that implements an information distribution method characterized by the step of determining the necessity of information distribution by comparing the contents of the information.