JP2000092004A - Reception terminal equipment and center unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To purchase only required charged data even when a subscriber of pay broadcast reception does not regularly or irregularly change a portable storage device. SOLUTION: This reception terminal equipment 101 is provided with a portable storage device operation means 104 for reading and writing information for identifying the software to an external portable storage device 102, a software storage means 105 for storing the software, a software management means 106 for managing the information for identifying the name of the stored software or the like and a stored software collation means 107 for collating the information for identifying the software managed by the software management means 106 and the information for identifying the software stored in the portable type storage device 102. When collation matches by the stored software collation means, the subscriber is recognized and the use of the software is made possible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a center apparatus for broadcasting information, and receiving information broadcast by the center apparatus.
The present invention relates to a receiving terminal device having a function of processing received information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a service of multiplexing and broadcasting information other than video and audio has been provided in the broadcasting field. A receiving terminal device that receives such a new service has a function of executing software for using the new service and a function of receiving the software itself.

[0003] Conventional pay-broadcasting services include a service for setting a period such as a month and making a reception contract for viewing, and a service for making a reception contract for each data and viewing. In a service for which a reception contract is made by setting a period, once a reception contract is made, the service can be used any number of times during the contract period. In a service in which a reception contract is made for each data, the contractor downloads necessary data when necessary and pays a fee for the downloaded data. The technical idea as a method for realizing this service is disclosed in JP-A-8-32530.

A known technique described in this publication will be described with reference to FIG. First, in the data transmitting device 3801, the multimedia data 3802 is transmitted to the scrambler 38.
03 and is scrambled using a scramble key 3804 that is periodically changed. The scramble key is also supplied to an encryption unit 3805, and is encrypted using the scramble master key 3806. here,
The scramble master key is different for each type of multimedia data, and is changed periodically or irregularly.

[0005] The encrypting unit 3805 also transmits the common information 380
7 and the work key 3808 are also supplied.
8 using the scramble key 3804 and the common information 380
7 is encrypted. The encrypted data is supplied to the multiplexing unit 3809 as related information.

[0006] The multiplexing unit 3805 has a scrambler 3803.
Multiplexes the scrambled multimedia data 3802 supplied by the encryption unit 3805 and the related information supplied by the encryption unit 3805, and transmits the data
811.

In the data receiving device 3811, the receiving circuit 38
12, the digital signal is received by a signal separation circuit 381.
Output to 3. The signal separation circuit 3813 separates the multimedia data and related information from the input signal, outputs the multimedia data to the descrambler 3814, and outputs the related information to the decoding circuit 3815.

[0008] The decryption circuit 3815 decrypts the related information using the work key 3817 recorded on the IC card 3816. An encrypted scramble key as a result of decryption of the related information is transmitted to a scramble key
18 and the data identifier included in the common information is output to the download determination unit 3819.

[0009] The IC card 3816 is supplied to the contractor by concluding a reception contract with the information provider.
Work key 3817, contract contents 3820, information fee 382
1. Scramble master key 3822, accounting total 382
3 is recorded in advance. The recorded content of the IC card 3816 is periodically changed, and is supplied to the contractor every time there is a change.

[0010] In the contract content of the IC card, a data identifier corresponding to the received multimedia data is recorded. The information fee records a fee for each download of each type of data. Scramble master key 3822 is similar to scramble master key 3806. The accounting total records the total value of the fee read from the information fee.

[0011] Upon receiving the data identifier, the download determining unit 3819 determines whether the same data identifier exists in the contract contents of the IC card 3816 and the download requesting unit 3824. The scramble master key 3822 corresponding to the identifier is read from the IC card 3816 and transferred to the scramble key decryption circuit 3818. Here, the contractor selects in advance the one desired to be downloaded by the download request unit 3824, and its data identifier is recorded.

The scramble key decryption circuit 3818 converts the encrypted scramble key into a scramble master key 3
It is decrypted at 822 and sent to the descrambler 3811. The descrambler 3811 decodes data corresponding to the scramble key in the multimedia data, and records the data on the MO 3825.

The download judging unit 3819 extracts the fee corresponding to the scramble master key 3822 from the information fee 3821 and adds the fee to the accounting total 3823. The billing information tallying circuit 3826 periodically accesses the billing tally 3823 of the IC card 3816, and transmits the amount to a center station (not shown) having the data transmitting device 3801.

[0014]

However, according to the technical idea disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-32530, the contractor makes a download reception contract to obtain desired data, and downloads the data in advance. It is necessary to select the desired data twice. In addition, every time the same data is downloaded or read twice, a double fee is charged because a charge is added to the accounting total every time the data is downloaded or read from the MO. Furthermore, since the data is recorded on a removable medium such as an MO, it is liable to be subjected to unauthorized copying. Further, since the IC card, which is a portable storage device, is exchanged regularly or irregularly, inconveniences such as wasteful costs are imposed on both the pay data distributor and the contractor.

From a contractor's point of view, it is not desirable to be charged for each use of data that is used repeatedly, such as software. Further, it is desirable that the data charged once can be used on, for example, any receiving terminal device at home. Therefore, it is not desirable to be charged for each download. In order for the contractor to be able to use the charged data on all receiving terminal devices, a mechanism capable of storing paid data on all receiving terminal devices without being charged at the time of download is required.
However, in this case, a person other than the subscriber who has purchased the paid data can use the paid data, and a subscriber who has not purchased the paid data can illegally use the paid data.

According to the present invention, a subscriber who has made a subscription contract for pay broadcasting can immediately purchase only necessary pay data without making regular or irregular changes in the portable storage device, and can purchase the paid data once. The pay data can be used any number of times on any receiving terminal device, and a subscriber who has not purchased the pay data cannot use the pay data illegally.

[0017]

As a first means of the present invention, a portable storage device operating means for reading or writing at least software identification information to or from an external portable storage device in a receiving terminal device; Software storage means for storing software, software management means for managing software identification information for identifying software written at least in the stored software, and software identification information managed by the software management means. It is characterized by comprising storage software collation means for collating software identification information recorded in the portable storage device.

As a second means of the present invention, a list of software identification information is displayed on the receiving terminal device, a request for executing the software is received, and whether or not the software targeted for the execution request is available. Software selection means for judging whether or not the software is available.

A third means of the present invention is characterized in that, in the second means of the present invention, the software selecting means determines whether or not the software to be requested for execution needs to be charged. I do.

As a fourth means of the present invention, charging information including software identification information of software determined to be required to be charged by the third means of the present invention is provided to the receiving terminal device. And charging means for sending to

According to a fifth means of the present invention, in the fourth means of the present invention, the charging means responds to the purchase software information reference request from the center device transmitting the information to the receiving terminal device to the portable storage device. A list of recorded user identification information and software identification information is transmitted. As a sixth means of the present invention, it is determined that it is necessary to charge the receiving terminal device with at least the user's identification information and the third means of the present invention to the center device transmitting the information to the receiving terminal device. It is characterized by comprising charging means for transmitting software identification information of software and transmitting charging information including software identification information to the portable storage device operating means.

As a seventh means of the present invention, the receiving terminal device is required to charge the center device with at least the user's identification information and software determined to be required to be charged by the third means of the present invention. Send identification information,
After receiving the software license information from the center device or if the software fee is within a certain amount, charging means for sending charging information including software identification information to the portable storage device operating means is provided. And

As an eighth means of the present invention, the receiving terminal device receives the execution request in the second means of the present invention and executes the software stored in the software storage means determined to be usable. Software execution means for performing the operation.

As a ninth means of the present invention, a user management means for managing at least user identification information using the receiving terminal device, purchased software identification information and user fee collection method information in the center device. And software fee management means for managing at least software identification information and software fees; and periodically sending a purchase software information reference request to the receiving terminal device, wherein user identification information and software identification information are transmitted. And a charge processing means for calculating a charge for uncollected software using the user management means and sending a charge collection request including at least the software charge and user charge collection method information. It is characterized by the following.

As a tenth means of the present invention, a user management means for managing user identification information using a receiving terminal device and user fee collection method information in a center device, at least software identification information and software It is characterized by comprising software charge management means for managing software charges, and charging processing means for sending a charge collection request including at least software charges and user charge collection method information.

According to an eleventh means of the present invention, in the seventh means of the present invention, the billing processing means identifies the software identified for the identified user from the received user identification information and the software identification information. A center apparatus for determining whether or not to grant a software license, and transmitting a software license only when it is determined to grant the license.

As a twelfth means of the present invention, an external storage device operating means for reading at least software and software identification information stored in the external storage device in the receiving terminal device, and an external storage device stored in the external storage device External storage device software verification means for verifying the software identification information, the software identification information managed by the software management means, and the software identification information recorded in the portable storage device. .

As a thirteenth means of the present invention, a software executing means for executing software stored in an external storage device determined to be usable by the second means of the present invention in a receiving terminal device. It is characterized by having.

As fourteenth means of the present application, the receiving terminal device has download management means for managing at least software identification information of software broadcast by the center device, and software identification information managed by the download management means. And download software matching means for matching software identification information managed by the software management means with software identification information recorded in the portable storage device.

A fifteenth means of the present invention is characterized in that, in the second means of the present invention, the software selecting means determines whether or not the software requested to be executed needs to be downloaded. I do.

The sixteenth means of the present invention is characterized in that the receiving terminal device is provided with a download means for downloading software determined to be required to be downloaded by the fifteenth means of the present invention.

As a seventeenth means of the present application, a download software management means for managing software to be broadcasted to a center device, and a download software list for transmitting at least a list of software identification information of the software to be broadcasted It is characterized by comprising transmitting means and download software transmitting means for transmitting software to be broadcast.

As an eighteenth means of the present invention, in the sixth means and the seventh means of the present invention, software identification information and software version are added to charging information sent by the charging means to the portable storage device operating means. It is characterized by including.

As a nineteenth means of the present invention, in the first means of the present invention, the information to be verified by the stored software verification means is the software identification information and the software version managed by the software management means; The software identification information and the software version recorded in the portable storage device.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the information to be verified by the external storage device software verification means includes the software identification information and software stored in the external storage device. Version and
It is characterized by software identification information and software version managed by the software management means, and software identification information and software version recorded in the portable storage device.

As a twenty-first means of the present invention, in the fourteenth means of the present invention, the information verified by the download software verification means is the same as the software identification information and software version managed by the download management means. , Software identification information and software version managed by the software management means, and software identification information and software version recorded in the portable storage device.

As a twenty-second means of the present invention, in the second means of the present invention, the software selecting means determines whether or not the software to be requested for execution is the software to be upgraded. It is characterized by.

[0038] As a twenty-third means of the present invention, the receiving terminal device is provided with a download means for downloading software determined to be upgraded in the twenty-second means of the present invention. .

[0039]

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows a receiving terminal device 101 provided with a software performance management mechanism of the present invention.
1 shows a configuration example of a software execution management system that uses software stored in the receiving terminal device 101. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a receiving terminal device for receiving information broadcast by a center device 103;
02 manages available software information which is given to a user who has made a software usage contract with the center device 103 and identifies the user and includes a list of software names available to the user. Portable storage device, 103 is a center device for broadcasting information to the receiving terminal device, 104 is provided with an insertion / removal slot for the portable storage device 102, and reads / writes a software name managed by the portable storage device 102 Means 105, a software storage means for storing software, 106 a name of the software stored in the software storage means 105, a fee, a character string which briefly describes the software, Software storage means 105
Software management means for controlling software execution information by managing software storage information comprising storage locations in the
A software name 107 is used to compare the available software information obtained from the portable storage device operation means 104 with the software storage information managed by the software management means 106, and the software name, the software fee, and the software name are used. A storage software verification means for generating and managing a storage software verification result table having a flag indicating whether or not the software name is included in the software information and a flag indicating whether or not the software name is included in the software storage information. , 10
Reference numeral 8 denotes a software which has a function of receiving a software selection menu display request and a software execution request from the user, and which responds to the request from the user based on the stored software verification result table received from the stored software verification means 107. A selection unit 109 outputs billing information including the software name selected by the user by the software selection unit 108 and the user identification information received from the portable storage device operation unit 104 to the transmission unit A110, and permits the software name. Billing means for outputting to portable storage device operating means 104, 110
Is transmission means A for transmitting billing information sent from the billing means 109, 111 is transmission means A for transmitting data transmitted from the transmission means A110, and 112 is transmission means A111.
And receives the charging information from the charging processing means 1
The receiving means A, 113 for outputting to 15 are software fee management means for managing software fee information comprising the software names and software fees of all software, and 114 are user identification information of at least all users. User management means having user information including an account number, 11
Reference numeral 5 compares the billing information received from the receiving means A 112, the user information received from the user managing means 114 and the software fee information received from the software fee managing means 113, and checks the account number of the user and the software fee. Means for outputting the data received from the billing means 115 to the financial system; and 117, receiving the software name selected by the user by the software selecting means 108 and receiving software. This is software execution means for sending a software execution request to the software management means 106.

The operation of the software execution management system configured as described above will be described below.

The portable storage device 102 is the center device 10
3 is passed from a broadcast center (not shown) having the center device 103 in a state where the user identification information of the user who has made the software use contract is recorded. An example of the portable storage device 102 is an IC card. As shown in FIG. 2, the portable storage device 102 records, as usable software information, user identification information and a list of software names to which the user has been permitted to use.
The user always inserts the portable storage device 102 into the insertion port of the portable storage device operation means 104 before using the software.

The software management means 106 of the receiving terminal device 101 has a table shown in FIG.
05, the software name of the software stored in
It manages software fees, character strings that briefly describe software, and software storage locations as stored software information.

When using the software, the user inputs a software selection menu display request to the software selection means 108 by operating a remote controller (not shown). Upon receiving the software selection menu display request, the software selection unit 108 issues a storage software verification request to the storage software verification unit 107. Upon receiving the stored software verification request, the stored software verification unit 107 issues a request for reading usable software information to the portable storage device operation unit 104. The portable storage device operating unit 104 that has received the available software information read request reads the available software information from the portable storage device 102 and passes the available software information to the stored software matching unit 107.

The storage software collation means 107 which has received the usable software information reads the storage software information managed by the software management means 106 and performs a storage software collation processing for collating with the usable software information. Figure 4 shows the flow of the stored software verification process.
This will be described with reference to FIG. A software name, a fee for the software, a character string that briefly describes the software, a use permission flag indicating whether or not the use of the software is permitted;
A storage software collation result table having an element called a storage flag indicating whether or not it is stored in the storage software is prepared (step 401). For all entries of the stored software information, a software name, a fee of the software, and a character string that briefly describes the software are copied to the stored software comparison result table, all the use permission flags are set to 0, and all the storage flags are set. It is set to 1 (step 402). Put a read mark on the first line of available software information (step 4
03). The entry of the line marked with the readout of the available software information is extracted as a check software name (step 404). It is determined whether or not the check software name exists in the stored software collation result table (step 405). If the check software name exists in the stored software collation result table, the use permission flag of the entry including the software name in the stored software collation result table is set to 1 (step 406).
If the check software name does not exist in the stored software comparison result table, an entry having the software name as the check software name is newly added to the stored software comparison result table. The charge of the software of the newly added entry and the character string that briefly describes the software are emptied, and the use permission flag = 1 and the storage flag = 0 (step 407). It is determined whether the read mark of the available software information can be moved to the next line (step 4).
08). If the read mark of the available software information is moved to the next line in step 408, the read mark of the available software information is moved to the next line, and the process returns to step 404 (step 409). If it is not moved in step 408, the process ends. FIG. 5 shows a stored software verification result table generated from the usable software information of FIG. 2 and the stored software information of FIG. 3 by this verification processing. Since the software 501 and 502 both appear in the available software information and the stored software information, they are entries in which both the use permission flag and the storage flag have become 1 through steps 405 and 406. 503 and 5
Since 04 is software that appears only in the stored software information, it does not go through the steps from step 404 onward. Since 505 and 506 are software that appears only in the available software information, they are entries without a character string that briefly describes the software fee and software through step 405 and step 407 with the use permission flag being 1. The stored software verification unit 107 passes the generated stored software verification result table to the software selection unit 108.

The software selecting means 108 which has received the stored software collation result table from the stored software collation means 107 performs a software selection menu generating process based on the stored software collation result table. The software selection means 108 has the attribute table shown in FIG. 6 and determines the software attribute by comparing the attribute table with the use permission flag and storage flag of each entry of the software selection table in the software selection menu generation processing. FIG. 6 will be described.
In FIG. 6, the attribute value is a 2-bit binary number, and each bit of the attribute value sequentially corresponds to the use permission flag and the storage flag. 6
01 is the attribute value of the use permission flag = 0 and the storage flag = 1 = '01 ', and the software having this attribute value is already stored in the receiving terminal device 101 and can be used as long as it is charged. This attribute is called “charging”. 602 is an attribute value = '1
0 'is charged, but software having this attribute value cannot be used because the software itself is not stored in the receiving terminal device 101. This attribute is "unavailable"
Call. 603 can be used because the attribute value = “11” is charged and stored in the receiving terminal device 101. This attribute is called "available".

The software selection means 108 uses the software selection menu to change the software name of each entry in the software selection table, the software fee, a character string that briefly describes the software, and a character string that briefly describes the attribute. It is displayed on a screen (not shown) as a software selection menu screen. Here, the software fee is not displayed for the item whose use permission flag is 1. For example, reference numeral 501 in FIG. 5 indicates that the use permission flag = 1 and the storage flag = 1, so the attribute value = "".
At 11 ", the attribute becomes available and the software selection menu screen displays" HTML Browser, software for displaying HTML files, available now. "The user selects one entry in the software selection menu Enter a software execution request, except that an entry with the unavailable attribute in the software selection menu cannot be selected.

FIG. 7 shows a display example of a software selection menu screen generated from the stored software comparison result table of FIG.

Upon receiving the software execution request, the software selection means 108 performs a charging execution selection process. The charging execution selection process will be described with reference to FIG. The software selecting means 108 obtains an attribute from the attribute value of the entry selected by the user (step 801). It is checked whether the attribute is “charge” or “available” (step 802). If the attribute is "charging" in step 802, the software name of the selected entry is passed to charging means 109 (step 803).
If the attribute is “available” in step 802, the software name of the selected entry is
(Step 804).

Upon receiving the software name, the charging means 109 executes a receiving terminal device charging process. The receiving terminal device charging process will be described with reference to FIG. The billing means 109 having received the software name becomes the portable storage device operating means 104
Issue a user identification information acquisition request (step 901).
The portable storage device operating unit 104 that has received the user identification information acquisition request reads the user identification information from the portable storage device 102 and returns the user identification information to the charging unit 109 (step 902). The billing means 109 having received the user identification information transmits a billing request including the user identification information and the software name to the center device 103 using the transmission means A110 (step 903). Further charging means 10
9 issues a portable storage device write request including the software name to the portable storage device operating means 104 (step 90).
4). The portable storage device writing unit that has received the portable storage device writing process is the portable storage device operating unit 104.
Writes the received software name in the available software information of the portable storage device 102 (step 90).
5) The portable storage device operation procedure issues a portable storage device write completion notification to the charging means 109 (step 906).
The accounting unit 109 that has received the portable storage device writing completion notification passes the software name to the software execution unit 117 (step 907).

Upon receiving the software name, the software execution means 117 passes a software execution request including the software name to the software management means 106. Software management means 1 receiving a software execution request
Reference numeral 06 refers to the stored software information, recognizes the storage location of the software, and activates the software at the storage location of the software storage unit 105.

Using the transmitting means A110, the transmitting means A111, and the receiving means A112, the charging processing means 1 of the center device 103 which has received the charging request including the user identification information and the software name from the charging means 109 of the receiving terminal device 101.
Reference numeral 15 executes a center billing process. FIG. 10 shows the flow of the center billing process. The accounting unit 115 issues a software fee reference request including the software name to the software fee management unit 113 (step 1001). The software fee management means 113, which has received the software fee reference request, has a software fee table shown in FIG. 11 and takes one entry including the same software name as the software name received from the software fee table. The software fee is returned to the billing means 115 (step 1).
002). The billing means 115 having received the software fee from the software fee management means 113 issues a user account reference request including user identification information to the user management means 114 (step 1003). Upon receiving the user account reference request, the user management means 114 finds one entry including the same user identification information as the user identification information received from the user management table shown in FIG. 12, and purchase software in the entry. And the user account number in the entry is returned to the billing means (step 1004). Upon receiving the user account number from the user management means 114, the charging processing means 115 transmits the software fee and the user account number to the transmission means B116.
Issue a charge debit request from the user account to an external financial system (not shown) (step 100)
5).

As described above, in the first embodiment, the portable storage device 102 used in the receiving terminal device 101 for receiving the digital broadcast uses the user identification information for identifying the user who has concluded the software usage contract and the usage. A mechanism for recording usable software information comprising a list of software names of software that the user has purchased legally.
1 is a mechanism for storing software, a portable storage device 10
2, a mechanism that can read and write the area of the available software information of the portable storage device 102, and informs the user that the user has purchased the software in the receiving terminal device 101 to the center device 103 via the uplink. A mechanism is provided in which the software in the receiving terminal device 101 cannot be used unless its software name is registered in the software information of the portable storage device 102. Since the software cannot be used unless the software in the terminal 101 is purchased, the copyright and license of the software can be protected, and the user can select the desired software among the unpurchased software stored in the receiving terminal device 101. You can purchase only the software immediately and use it as many times as you want, Required to pay a fee for the stored use non software to signal terminal 101 is eliminated.

Further, for example, a user who owns two or more receiving terminal devices 101 of the same model at home purchases certain software stored in the receiving terminal device A on the receiving terminal device A, for example. When the software name is recorded in, for example, the portable storage device A, the software stored in the reception terminal device B is replaced with the reception terminal device B by replacing the portable storage device A with another reception terminal device B in the home. The software can be used without purchasing on the device B. As a result, a user who owns two or more receiving terminal devices of the same model in the home can avoid purchasing one piece of software repeatedly for all receiving terminal devices in the home. However, in this case, the software name of the portable storage device for the receiving terminal B is not recorded in the software information of the portable storage device for the receiving terminal B. Therefore, the portable storage for the receiving terminal B is stored in the receiving terminal B. Even if it is installed, the software cannot be used on the receiving terminal device B.

Thus, the software license can be protected. In addition, even when the receiving terminal device is replaced due to a failure of the receiving terminal device, by using the portable storage device used on the old receiving terminal device with the new receiving terminal device, the old receiving terminal device can be used. If the purchased software is stored in the new receiving terminal device, the software can be used on the new receiving terminal device without newly purchasing the software.

Note that the billing processing means 115 of the center device 103 which has received the billing request including the user identification information and the software name converts the user payment deferral information in the user management table managed by the user management means 114. Refer to and determine whether or not to allow the user who issued the charging request to purchase the software to be charged, and if so, return the software license information and receive the user's receipt. In the terminal device, after the billing means 109 transmits the billing request, the software name is recorded in the portable storage device 102 only when the software license information is received, so that it is difficult for the center to collect the fee. Software that is not sold to users who have determined that

In this case, if the price of the software to be purchased is within a certain fixed price, the software name can be written in the portable storage device 102 without waiting for the license from the center device. However, for software at a price that we find easy to pay,
If a user issues a billing request, the user can use it quickly without waiting for the license information. The receiving terminal device 10
The first billing means 109 issues a software name write request to the portable storage operation means 104 without issuing a billing request to the center device 103, and the billing processing means 115 of the center device 103 periodically sends the receiving terminal device 101 The receiving terminal device 101 accesses the center device 103 every time the software is purchased by accessing the accounting means 109 of the above and receiving the information for identifying the user and the software name list written in the portable storage device 102. This eliminates the need and eliminates the time required to purchase software.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 13 shows software stored in the receiving terminal device 101 and an external storage device connected to the receiving terminal device 101 in the receiving terminal device 101 having the software performance management mechanism of the present invention. 130
1 shows an example of the configuration of an external storage device software execution management system using software stored in a storage device 1. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 1301 denotes a plurality of software having an interface connectable to the receiving terminal device 101, a software name of the software, a software fee, a character string that briefly describes the software, and storage of the software. External storage device 1302 for storing a removable medium storing external storage device information including a location
Has an interface connectable to the external storage device 1301, issues a read request and an execution request to the external storage device 1301, and when the read request is issued, receives the external storage device information sent from the external storage device 1301 and executes the execution request. Is issued, the external storage device operating means for executing the software in the external storage device 1301, the stored software collation result table received from the stored software collation means 107 and the external storage device operation means 1302. The external storage device information returned by issuing the information request is compared with the software name, software fee, a character string that briefly describes the software, and whether the software name is included in the available software information Flag indicating whether the software name is included in the stored software information. External storage device flag indicating whether or not the software name is included in the external storage device information, and the external storage device software verification result in which the location of the external storage device 1301 where the software is recorded is associated The external storage device software collation unit 117 that generates and manages the table receives the software name selected by the user by the software selection unit 108 and executes the software in the software management unit 106 or the external storage device operation unit 1302. This is software execution means that issues a request.

The portable storage device 102 is the center device 10
3 is passed from the center device 103 to the user who has made the software use contract with the user identification information of the user recorded. An example of the portable storage device is an IC card. The portable storage device 102 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), a list of user identification information and a list of software names to which the user has been permitted to use is recorded as usable software information. The user always inserts the portable storage device 102 into the insertion port of the portable storage device operation means 104 before using the software.

The software management means 106 of the receiving terminal device 101 has a table shown in FIG.
05, the software name of the software stored in
It manages software fees, character strings that briefly describe software, and software storage locations as stored software information.

When using the software, the user inputs a software selection menu display request to the software selection means 108 by operating a remote controller (not shown). Upon receiving the software selection menu display request, the software selection means 108 outputs the external storage device software verification means 130
3 and a software collation request is issued. External storage device software verification means 1 receiving a software verification request
303 issues a storage software verification request to the storage software verification means 107. Upon receiving the stored software verification request, the stored software verification unit 107 issues a request for reading usable software information to the portable storage device operation unit 104.

The portable storage device operating means 104 which has received the available software information read request reads the available software information from the portable storage device 102 and passes the usable software information to the storage software means. Upon receiving the usable software information, the stored software collating means 107 reads the stored software information managed by the software managing means 106 and collates with the available software information received from the portable storage device operating means 104. The collation process performs the same operation as the operation from step 401 to step 409 in FIG. By this matching process, the available software information of FIG. 2 and FIG.
FIG. 5 shows a stored software collation result table generated from the stored software information. The storage software collation means 107 passes the generated storage software collation result table to the external storage device software collation means 1303.

The external storage device software verification means 1303 that has received the stored software verification result table issues an external storage device information read request to the external storage device operation means 1302. The external storage device operation unit 1302 that has received the external storage device information read request reads the external storage device information shown in FIG. 14 from the external storage device 1301 and passes it to the external storage device software verification unit 1303. The external storage device software verification unit 1303 verifies the external storage device information received from the external storage device operation unit 1302 with the stored software verification result table. The flow of the external storage device collation processing will be described with reference to FIG. External storage device software having elements such as a software name, a software fee, a character string that briefly describes the software, a use permission flag, a storage flag, an external storage device flag, and a storage location stored in the external storage device 1301. A wear collation result table is prepared (step 1501). The software name, software fee, character string briefly describing the software, use permission flag, and storage flag are copied to the external storage device software verification result table for all entries of the stored software verification result table (step 1502). ). Put a readout mark on the first line of the external storage device information (step 1
503). The line with the readout mark of the external storage device information is taken out as a check entry (step 150).
4). It is determined whether a software name identical to the software name of the check entry exists in the entry of the external storage device software verification result table (step 150).
5). If an entry having the same software name as the software name of the check entry exists in the external storage device software comparison result table, the external storage device flag of the entry in the external storage device software comparison result table is set to 1 for the check. The element of the storage location of the entry is copied to the element of the storage location of the entry (step 1506). If an entry with the same software name as the software name of the check entry does not exist in the external storage device software verification result table, the software name of the check entry and the software Add an entry with the same elements as charges and storage location. The use permission flag and the storage flag of the newly added entry are set to 0, and the external storage device flag is set to 1 (step 1507). It is determined whether the read mark of the external storage device information can be moved to the next line (step 1508).
The read mark is moved to the next line, and the process returns to step 1504 (step 1509). If the readout mark cannot be moved to the next line in step 1508, the process ends. FIG. 16 shows the external storage device software collation result table generated from the external storage device information of FIG. 14 and the stored software collation result table of FIG. 6 by this collation processing. In FIG. 16, reference numeral 1601 denotes software registered in all available software information, stored software information, and external storage device information. Reference numeral 1602 denotes software registered in the available software information and the stored software information and not registered in the external storage device information, so that the item of the storage location is empty. Reference numeral 1603 denotes software that is not registered only in available software information. Since 1604 is software registered only in the stored software information, the item of the storage location is empty. Reference numeral 1605 denotes software that is not registered only in the stored software information. Since 1606 is software registered only in available software information, the items of the fee of the software, the character string briefly describing the software, and the storage location are empty. Reference numeral 1607 denotes software registered only in the external storage device information. The external storage device software verification unit 1303 transfers the generated external storage device software verification result table to the software selection unit 108 and manages it.

The software selection unit 108 performs a software selection menu generation process based on the external storage device software verification result table received from the external storage device software verification unit 1303. Software selection means 10
Reference numeral 8 denotes a software selection menu generating process which has an attribute table shown in FIG. 17 and includes a use permission flag, a storage flag,
The software attribute is obtained by comparing the external storage device flag. FIG. 17 will be described. In FIG. 17, the attribute value is a 3-bit binary number, and each bit of the attribute value corresponds to a use permission flag, a storage flag, and an external storage device flag in order. 17
01 is an attribute value of '001' for the use permission flag = 0, the storage flag = 0, and the external storage device flag = 1, which is neither charged nor stored, but exists in the external storage device 1301 and therefore has software having this attribute value. To use the software, the user is charged and becomes available from the external storage device 1301. The attribute of the software having the attribute value = '001' is called a "charging external storage device". Reference numeral 1702 denotes software having an attribute value = `010` or` 011`, whose storage flag is 1, that is, software having this attribute value has already been stored in the receiving terminal device 101 and can be used as long as charging is performed. This attribute is called “charging”. 1703 is charged with the attribute value = “100”, but the software having this attribute value cannot be used because the software itself is stored in both the receiving terminal device 101 and the external storage device 1301. This attribute is called "unavailable". 1704 is charged with the attribute value = “101” and can be used from the external storage device 1301. This attribute is called “external storage device available”. 1705 can be used because it is already charged in the software of the attribute value = “110” or “111” and stored in the receiving terminal device 101. This attribute is called "available". The software selection means 108 is a software selection menu. The software name of each entry of the external storage device software verification result table, the software fee, a character string that briefly describes the software, and a character string that briefly describes the attribute are used in the software selection menu. Is displayed on a screen (not shown) as a software selection menu screen. Here, the software fee is not displayed for the item whose use permission flag is 1. For example, 1601 in FIG.
Since the use permission flag = 1, the storage flag = 1, and the download flag = 1, the attribute can be used with the attribute value = “111”, and “HTML B” is displayed on the software selection menu screen.
The software for displaying HTML files and HTML files is available now. "is displayed. The user selects one entry of the software selection menu and inputs a software execution request. An entry having an unusable attribute cannot be selected, and a display example of a software selection menu screen generated from the external storage device software collation result table of FIG.

If the attribute of the entry selected in the software execution request is “charging external storage device” or “charging”, the software name and storage location of the selected entry are passed to the charging means 109. If the attribute of the entry selected in the software execution request is “available” or “external storage device available”, the software name and storage location of the selected entry are passed to the software execution means 117.

Upon receiving the software name and the storage location, the charging means 109 executes the receiving terminal device charging process. The receiving terminal device billing process performs the same operation as Steps 901 to 907 in FIG. However, in step 907, not only the software name but also the storage location is passed to the execution means.

The software execution means 117 which has received the software name and the storage location performs the software execution process. FIG. 19 shows the flow of the software execution process. The software execution unit 117 checks whether the received storage location is empty (step 1901). If the storage location is empty, the software execution means 117 sends a software execution request including the software name to the storage software management means 106.
(Step 1902). Upon receiving the software execution request, the software management unit 106 refers to the stored software information, recognizes the storage location of the software, and activates the software in the storage location of the software storage unit 105 (step 1903). ). If the storage location is not empty in step 1901, the software execution means 117 issues a software execution request including the software name and the storage location to the external storage device operating means 1302 (step 1904). Upon receiving the software execution request, the external storage device operating means 1302 accesses the software indicated in the storage location and starts the software (step 1905).

The billing processing means 1 of the center device 103 which has received a billing request including the user identification information and the software name from the billing means 109 of the receiving terminal device 101 using the transmitting means A110, the transmitting means A111 and the receiving means A112.
Reference numeral 15 executes a center billing process. The center billing process is from step 1001 to step 1005 shown in FIG.
The same operation as is performed.

As described above, if the receiving terminal device 101 of the software performance management system of the first embodiment is provided with a mechanism capable of executing the software in the external storage device 1301, the center device 103 and software (not shown) are provided. The vendor can supply new software for the receiving terminal device 101 that is not stored in the receiving terminal device 101 to the user, and the user has a wider choice of software to purchase. The external storage device 1301 includes, for example, a CD-RO
M, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, PD, MO, M
D, ZIP and IC cards can be used. (Embodiment 3) FIG. 20 shows an example of the configuration of a download software performance management system using a receiving terminal device 101 having a software performance management mechanism of the present invention. In FIG. 20, 2001 is the center device 10.
3. Download software management means for managing the software name of the software to be downloaded by the download broadcast, a character string that briefly describes the software, the download software information including the channel through which the software flows, and the entity of the software to be downloaded , 2
Reference numeral 002 denotes a download software list transmitting unit for transmitting download software information including a software name of software that the center apparatus 103 broadcasts by download broadcast, a character string that briefly describes the software, and a channel through which the software flows. , 2003 is download software sending means for sending software according to the instruction of the download software management means 2001, and 2004 is download software information sent from the download software list sending means 2002 and sent from the download software sending means 2003. Transmission means C, 2005 for multiplexing and transmitting software to be transmitted are transmission means C, 2006 for transmitting data transmitted from transmission means A110, and transmission means C200 for transmission means C200.
Receiving means C, 20 for receiving data from the receiving device 5 and separating and outputting downloaded software information and software;
07 is a download management unit that manages the download software information received from the reception unit C2006;
008 is a stored software collation result table received from the stored software collation means 107 and the download management means 2
007, collating the downloaded software information received from 007, the software name, the software fee, a character string that briefly describes the software, a flag indicating whether the software name is included in the available software information, A flag indicating whether the software name is included in the stored software information, a flag indicating whether the software name is included in the download software information, and a channel on which the software is downloaded and broadcast. Download software verification means for generating and managing downloaded software verification result tables,
The receiving means C2006 receives the software name selected by the user by the software selecting means 108 and the channel on which the software is downloaded and broadcast.
Download means for downloading the software from

The operation of the download software performance management system configured as described above will be described below.

Download software management means 200
1 has the software entity and download software information shown in FIG. The download software management means 2001 associates the entity of the software with the channel for broadcasting each software and passes it to the download software transmission means 2003, and transmits the download software information to the download software list transmission means 200.
Hand over to 2. Download software list sending means 20
02 repeatedly sends the received download software information to the transmission means C2004 for all channels.
The download software sending means 2003 repeatedly sends the received software entity to the sending means C2004 on the channel specified by the software.

The transmitting means C2004 multiplexes and transmits the download software information received from the download software list transmitting means 2002 and the software received from the download software transmitting means 2003. The transmission unit C2005 transmits the multiplexed data received from the transmission unit C2004.

The receiving means C2006 is connected to the transmitting means C2005.
The multiplexed data received from the software is separated into download software information and software. The download management unit 2007 receives and manages download software information from the reception unit C2006.

The portable storage device 102 is the center device 10
3 is passed from the center device 103 to the user who has made a contract to receive the download broadcast with the user identification information of the user recorded. As shown in FIG. 2, the portable storage device 102 records, as usable software information, user identification information and a list of software names to which the user has been permitted to use. The user always inserts the portable storage device 102 into the insertion port of the portable storage device operation means 104 before using the software.

The software management means 106 manages the software information stored in the software storage means 105 in the table shown in FIG.

When using the software, the user inputs a software selection menu display request to the software selection means 108 by operating a remote controller (not shown). Upon receiving the software selection menu display request, the software selection unit 108 downloads the software selection unit 200
8. A software collation request is issued to 8. Upon receiving the software verification request, the download software verification unit 2008 issues a stored software verification request to the storage software verification unit 107. Upon receiving the stored software verification request, the stored software verification unit 107 issues a request for reading usable software information to the portable storage device operation unit 104. The portable storage device operating unit 104 that has received the available software information read request reads the available software information from the portable storage device 102 and passes the available software information to the stored software matching unit 107.

The stored software collating means 107 which has received the available software information reads the stored software information managed by the software managing means 106 and collates with the available software information received from the portable storage device operating means 104. I do. The collation process performs the same operation as the operation from step 401 to step 409 in FIG. FIG. 5 shows a stored software verification result table generated from the usable software information of FIG. 2 and the stored software information of FIG. 3 by this verification processing. The stored software verification unit 107 passes the generated stored software verification result table to the download software verification unit 2008.

Upon receiving the stored software comparison result table from the stored software comparison unit 107, the download software comparison unit 2008
07 download software information is read and the downloaded software information is compared with the stored software comparison result table. The flow of the download software verification process will be described with reference to FIG. Software name,
A download that has the following elements: software fee, a character string that briefly describes the software, a use permission flag, a storage flag, a download flag indicating whether the software can be downloaded, and a channel from which the software can be downloaded. A software collation result table is prepared (step 2201). For all entries in the stored software verification result table, the software name, software fee, a character string that briefly describes the software, a use permission flag, and a storage flag are copied to the download software verification result table. At this time, the download flag = 0 and the channel = 0 (step 220)
2). A read mark is placed on the first line of the download software information (step 2203). The entry of the line with the read mark of the download software information is extracted as a check entry (step 220).
4). It is determined whether or not the same software name as the software name of the check entry exists in the entry of the download software verification result table (step 220).
5). If an entry with the same software name as the software name of the check entry exists in the download software comparison result table, the download flag of the entry in the download software comparison result table is set to 1, and the channel of the check entry is set to the entry. (Step 2206).

In step 2205, if an entry with the same software name as the software name of the check entry does not exist in the download software verification result table, the software name of the check entry and the software Add an entry with the same elements as the wear fee and channel. The use permission flag and the storage flag of the newly added entry are set to 0, and the download flag is set to 1 (step 2207). It is determined whether the read mark of the download software information can be moved to the next line (step 2208). The read mark is moved to the next line, and the process returns to step 2204 (step 2209). If the read mark cannot be moved to the next line in step 2208, the process ends. FIG. 23 shows a download software verification result table generated from the download software information of FIG. 21 and the stored software verification result table of FIG. 6 by the download software verification processing. In FIG. 23, reference numeral 2301 denotes software registered in all available software information, stored software information, and downloaded software information. 2302 is available software information,
Since the software is registered in the stored software information and not registered in the download software information, the channel item is 0. 2303 is software that is not registered only in available software information.
Since 2304 is software registered only in the stored software information, the item of the channel is 0.

Reference numeral 2305 denotes software that is not registered only in the stored software information. Since 2306 is software registered only in the available software information, the fee of the software, the character string that briefly describes the software is empty, and the channel item is 0. 2307
Is software registered only in the download software information. The download software verification means 2008 transfers the generated download software verification result table to the software selection means 108 for management.

The software selection unit 108 performs a software selection menu generation process based on the download software comparison result table received from the download software comparison unit 2008. Software selection means 10
Reference numeral 8 denotes a software selection menu generation process having the attribute table shown in FIG. 24. The use permission flag, the storage flag, and the like of each entry of the attribute table and the downloaded software comparison result table are displayed.
The software attribute is obtained by comparing the download flag. FIG. 24 will be described. In FIG. 24, the attribute value is a 3-bit binary number, and each bit of the attribute value corresponds to a use permission flag, a storage flag, and a download flag in order. 24
01 is the attribute value of 'use permission flag = 0, storage flag = 0, download flag = 1 =' 001 ', which is neither charged nor stored, and can be downloaded. To use software having this attribute value, download. You have to pay later. The attribute of the software having the attribute value = “001” is called “download accounting”. 2402
Is software with an attribute value = `010` or` 011` and the storage flag is 1, that is, the software having this attribute value is already stored in the receiving terminal device 101, so that there is no need to download a new file and it can be used as long as charging is performed. . This attribute is called “charging”. Reference numeral 2403 indicates that the attribute value = “100” is charged, but the software itself is
Since it is not stored in 1 and cannot be downloaded, software having this attribute value cannot be used. This attribute is called "unavailable". 2404 is the attribute value = '101'
Are not stored in the receiving terminal device 101, but can be used only by downloading. This attribute is called “download”. 2405 is the attribute value = '11
It can be used because it is charged by the software of '0' or '111' and stored in the receiving terminal device 101. This attribute is called "available". Software selection means 1
08 is a software selection menu. The software name of each entry of the downloaded software verification result table, the software fee, a character string that briefly describes the software, and a character string that briefly describes the attribute are displayed on the software selection menu screen. Is displayed on a screen (not shown). Here, the software fee is not displayed for the item whose use permission flag is 1. For example, at 2301 in FIG. 23, since the use permission flag = 1, the storage flag = 1, and the download flag = 1, the attribute can be used with the attribute value = “111”, and the “HTML Browser,
The software for displaying HTML files is now available. "

The user selects one entry of the software selection menu and inputs a software execution request. However, an entry with the unavailable attribute in the software selection menu cannot be selected. FIG. 25 shows a display example of a software selection menu screen generated from the download software comparison result table of FIG.

The software selection means 108 obtains an attribute from the attribute value of the entry selected by the software execution request, and if the attribute is download charging or download, the software name, use permission flag, and channel of the entry are used as download execution information. Transfer to download means 2009. If the attribute of the entry selected in the software execution request is charging, the software name of the selected entry is passed to charging means 109. If the attribute of the entry selected in the software execution request is available, the software name of the selected entry is used as software execution means 11
Pass to 7.

The operation of download means 2009 having received the download execution information will be described with reference to FIG.
The software is received by specifying the channel in the download execution information to the receiving means C2006 (step 260).
1). A software storage request including the download execution information and the received software is issued to the software management means 106 (step 2602).

A software storage completion notification is received from the software management means 106 (step 2603). The use permission flag in the download execution information is determined (step 2604). If the use permission flag is 1 in step 2604, the software name is passed to the execution means (step 2605). In step 2604, the use permission flag is 0
In the case of (1), the software name is passed to the charging means 109 (step 2606).

The software management means 106 which has received the download execution information and the software storage request including the software from the download means 2009 passes the software storage request including the software to the software storage means 105. The software storage unit 105 that has received the software storage request stores the passed software and returns the storage location to the software management unit 106. The software management means 106 passed the storage location from the software storage means 105 receives the software name of the download execution information, the software fee, a character string briefly describing the software, and the software execution means. The storage location is added to the stored software information as a new entry, and a software storage completion notification is returned to the download unit 2009.

When the charging unit 109 receives the software name and the storage location, it executes the receiving terminal device charging process. The receiving terminal device billing process performs the same operation as Steps 901 to 907 in FIG.

The billing processing means 1 of the center device 103 which has received a billing request including the user identification information and the software name from the billing means 109 of the receiving terminal device 101 using the transmitting means A110, the transmitting means A111 and the receiving means A112.
Reference numeral 15 executes a center billing process. The center billing process is from step 1001 to step 1005 shown in FIG.
The same operation as is performed.

The software execution unit 117 that has received the software name passes a software execution request including the software name to the software management unit 106. Software management means 1 receiving a software execution request
Reference numeral 06 refers to the stored software information, recognizes the storage location of the software, and activates the software at the storage location of the software storage unit 105.

As described above, if the receiving terminal device 101 of the software performance management system according to the first embodiment has a mechanism capable of receiving a software download broadcast, the center device 103 and a software vendor (not shown) will The software for the new receiving terminal device 101 that is not stored in the device 101 can be immediately supplied to the user, and the user can immediately use the download software transmitted from the center device 103. (Embodiment 4) By the way, depending on the software, by upgrading and upgrading, for example, there is a software group having the same software name as information for identifying software but different versions.

According to the contractor, when purchasing software, if the software is a new version of the software already purchased,
It is desirable to be able to purchase cheaper than the newly purchased price.

Therefore, in the download software performance management system shown in FIG.
May be added to the download software information managed by the download management means 2007 of the reception terminal device 101, and the version of the software and the fee at the time of version upgrade may be added.

The download software performance management system in this case is shown below. The download software management means 2001 has the software entity and the download software information with version shown in FIG.
The center apparatus 103 sends the software entity and the version-added download software information from the download software sending means 2003 as in the second embodiment.

The portable storage device 102 is the center device 10
3 is passed from the center device 103 to the user who has made a contract to receive the download broadcast with the user identification information of the user recorded. As shown in FIG. 28, the portable storage device 102 records user identification information, a list of software names and software versions to which the user has been given use permission as usable software information. The user always inserts the portable storage device 102 into the insertion port of the portable storage device operation means 104 before using the software.

The software management means 106 manages stored software information of software stored in the software storage means 105 in a table shown in FIG.

When using the software, the user inputs a software selection menu display request to the software selection means 108 by operating a remote controller (not shown). Upon receiving the software selection menu display request, the software selection means 108 receives the software selection menu display request.
08, a software collation request is issued. Upon receiving the software verification request, the download software verification unit 2008 issues a stored software verification request to the storage software verification unit 107. Upon receiving the stored software verification request, the stored software verification unit 107 issues a request for reading usable software information to the portable storage device operation unit 104. Portable storage device operating means 104 receiving a request to read available software information
Reads the available software information from the portable storage device 102 and passes the available software information to the stored software collation means 107.

The stored software collating means 107 which has received the usable software information reads the stored software information managed by the software managing means 106 and collates with the usable software information received from the portable storage device operating means 104. I do. A description will be given of the collation processing of the stored software collation means with reference to FIG.

[0097] Software name, software version, software fee, software fee due to version upgrade, character string briefly describing the software, usage indicating whether or not the software is licensed for use Storage software having elements of a permission flag, a storage flag indicating whether the software is stored in the software storage unit 105, and an upgrade flag indicating whether the software needs to be upgraded. A collation result table is prepared (step 3001). For all entries in the stored software information, copy the software name, software version, software fee, and the character string that briefly describes the software fee and software by upgrading to the stored software verification result table. All use permission flags are set to 0, and all storage flags are set to 1 (step 30).
02). A read mark is put on the first line of the available software information (step 3003). The entry of the line marked with the read mark of the available software information is extracted as a check entry (step 3004). It is determined whether or not an entry having the same software name as the software name of the check entry exists in the stored software comparison result table (step 3005). If it exists in step 3005, it is determined whether the software version of the check entry is lower than the software version of the corresponding entry in the stored software collation result table (step 3006). If it is determined in step 3006 that the entry is low, the use permission flag and the download flag of the corresponding entry in the stored software collation result table are set to 0 (step 3007). Step 30
When it is determined that the entry is not low in 06, the use permission flag and the download flag of the corresponding entry of the stored software collation result table are set to 1 (step 3008). If it does not exist in step 3005, an entry having the software name as the check software name is newly added to the stored software collation result table. The charge of the software of the newly added entry and the character string that briefly describes the software due to the upgrade and the software are emptied, and the use permission flag = 1 and the storage flag = the upgrade flag = 0 (step 3009).
It is determined whether the read mark of the available software information can be moved to the next line (step 3010). Step 301
If the read mark of the available software information is moved to the next line at 0, the read mark of the available software information is moved to the next line, and the process returns to step 3004 (step 301).
1). If it is not moved in step 3010, the process ends. FIG. 31 shows a stored software verification result table generated from the usable software information of FIG. 28 and the stored software information of FIG. 29 by this verification processing. The stored software collation means 107 passes the generated stored software collation result table to the download software collation means.

The download software verification means 2008, which has received the stored software verification result table from the storage software verification means 107,
The version 07 download software information managed by version 07 is compared with the version download software information and the stored software comparison result table. The flow of the download software verification process will be described with reference to FIG. Software name, software version, software fee, software fee for upgrading, character string that briefly describes the software, use permission flag, storage flag, and whether the software can be downloaded , A version upgrade flag indicating whether or not the software is an object of version upgrade, and a download software verification result table having elements such as a channel from which the software can be downloaded are prepared (step 3201). Download the software name, software version, software fee, software fee by upgrading, character string that briefly describes the software, use permission flag, and storage flag for all entries in the stored software verification result table Copy it to the software verification result table. At this time, the fee for the software by the version upgrade is emptied, and the download flag = 0 and the channel = 0 (step 320).
2). A read mark is placed on the first line of the download software information with version (step 3203). The line with the read mark of the download software information with version is extracted as a check entry (step 3204). It is determined whether or not the same software name as the software name of the check entry exists in the entry of the download software verification result table (step 3205). If an entry with the same software name as the software name of the check entry exists in the download software verification result table, the software version of the check entry is changed to the software version of the corresponding entry in the download software verification result table. It is determined whether the version is higher than the version (step 320)
6). If it is determined that the software version is high, the download flag and the version upgrade flag of the entry are set to 1 and the corresponding value in the software fee due to the version upgrade of the check entry is changed to the software fee due to the version upgrade. And the channel of the check entry is copied to the channel of the entry (step 3207). If the software version is the same or lower in step 3206, the download flag is set to 1, the version upgrade flag is set to 0, and the channel of the check entry is copied to the channel of the entry (step 3208). In step 3205, if an entry having the same software name as the software name of the check entry does not exist in the download software verification result table, the software name and software version of the check entry in the download software verification result table , Add a fee for software, a character string that briefly describes the software, and an entry that has the same elements as the channel. The software fee due to the version upgrade of the newly added entry is made empty, the use permission flag, the storage flag, and the version upgrade flag are set to 0, and the download flag is set to 1 (step 3209). It is determined whether the read mark of the version-added download software information can be moved to the next line (step 321).
0). Move the read mark to the next line, step 320
4 (step 3211). If the readout mark cannot be moved to the next line in step 3210, the process ends. By this download software collation processing,
FIG. 33 shows a download software verification result table generated from the download software information of FIG. 7 and the stored software verification result table of FIG.

In FIG. 33, reference numeral 3301 denotes software recorded in usable software information. 33
02 is software with the same name as 3301, but 3301
The version is higher than the software. Therefore, the version upgrade flag is 1, and the version upgrade fee is described. The download software verification means 2008 transfers the generated download software verification result table to the software selection means 108 for management.

The software selection unit 108 performs a software selection menu generation process based on the download software comparison result table received from the download software comparison unit 2008. Software selection means 10
Reference numeral 8 denotes a software selection menu generation process having the attribute table shown in FIG. 24. The use permission flag, the storage flag, and the like of each entry of the attribute table and the downloaded software comparison result table are displayed.
The software attribute is obtained by comparing the download flag. The attributes are the same as those in the second embodiment. In particular, the attribute whose version upgrade flag is 1 is “version upgrade”. For example, 3302 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the attribute “version upgrade”.

FIG. 34 shows a display example of a software selection menu screen generated from the download software comparison result table of FIG. In the software selection menu screen,
The software fee does not display the item whose use permission flag is 1, but displays the version upgrade fee for the item whose version upgrade flag is 1.

The software selecting means 108 obtains an attribute from the attribute value of the entry selected by the software execution request, and proceeds with the processing according to the attribute. The operation of the software selection unit 108 having received the download execution request is the same as that of the second embodiment. However, the information passed to each means is the software name and software version.

The accounting processing means 115 of the center device 103 which has received the accounting request including the user identification information, the software name, and the software version performs the center accounting process. The center charging process will be described with reference to FIG.
The accounting unit 115 passes the received user identification information, the software name, and the software version to the user management unit 114 (step 3501). The user management means 114 checks the name of the software purchased by the user and the version of the software from the user management table, and determines whether or not the charging request is "version upgrade" (step 3502). If it is determined in step 3502 that the charging request is a version upgrade, the charging processing unit obtains the corresponding upgrade fee from the software fee management table managed by the software fee management unit 113 (step 3503). Step 3502
If it is determined that the charging request is not a version upgrade, the charging processing means 115
The price of the corresponding software is obtained from the software fee table managed by the PC 13 (step 3504). The billing processing unit 115 receives the user account number from the user management table managed by the user management unit 114, and transmits the user account number and the software fee to an external financial system (not shown) using the transmission unit B116. In response to this, a request is made for a fee to be withdrawn from the user account (step 3505).

With the above-described download software performance management system, even when a version is added to the information for identifying software, the receiving terminal device can determine that the software differs depending on the version. Even software with the same software name as the purchased software cannot be executed on the receiving terminal device with a higher version, and the software license can be protected. In addition, by providing a fee structure for version upgrade, a user can purchase new software at a lower price than when purchasing a new version.

However, it may not be possible to broadcast all versions of software having the same software name due to the relationship of the broadcast band. In this case, the software version stored in the external storage device is processed by the external storage device operating means and the external storage device software verification means in the same manner as in the present embodiment, so that the latest version is obtained. Software groups are transmitted by download broadcasting, and old versions of software groups can be read by an external storage device.
A wide range of operations, such as providing on media such as D, becomes possible.

[0106]

As described above, according to the present invention, first, since the software stored in advance in the software storage means cannot be used unless the software is purchased, the copyright and license of the software are protected. The user can purchase only the desired software from among the unpurchased software stored in the receiving terminal device and use it as many times as possible. This has the effect of eliminating the need to pay a fee for unused software stored in the storage means.

Second, a broadcasting center having a center device and a software vendor that supplies software operating on the receiving terminal device use a recording medium that can be used in an external storage device to store the software in the receiving terminal device. It becomes possible to supply the user with new software for the receiving terminal device that is not stored, and the user has an effect that the choice of software to be purchased is expanded.

Third, the center device and the software vendor can immediately supply new software for the receiving terminal device not stored in the receiving terminal device to the user. This has the effect that the user can download the download software transmitted from the center and use it immediately.

Fourth, the receiving terminal device can identify a plurality of pieces of software having the same name but different versions, so that a software vendor can allocate a version to software. Have.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a software execution management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing user identification information and available software information recorded in a portable storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing stored software information managed by stored software management means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a stored software verification process performed by a stored software verification unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a stored software collation result table output by a stored software collation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an attribute table managed by software selection means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a software selection menu screen displayed by software selection means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a charging execution selecting unit performed by the charging unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a receiving terminal device charging process performed by a charging unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a center charging process performed by a charging execution unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a software fee table managed by software fee management means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a user management table managed by a user management unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a software execution management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing external storage device information recorded in the external storage device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an external storage device software verification process performed by an external storage device software verification unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an external storage device software verification result table output by an external storage device software verification unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an attribute table managed by software selection means according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a software selection menu screen displayed by software selection means according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating software execution processing performed by software execution means according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of a software execution management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of download software information managed by download software management means according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating download software verification processing performed by download software verification means according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a download software verification result table output by download software verification means in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an attribute table managed by software selection means according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a software selection menu screen displayed by software selection means according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by a download unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram of versioned download software information managed by download software management means according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing user identification information and usable software information recorded in a portable storage device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing stored software information managed by stored software management means according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating stored software collation processing performed by stored software collation means according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a stored software collation result table output by a stored software collation unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating download software verification processing performed by download software verification means according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a download software verification result table output by download software verification means in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a software selection menu screen displayed by software selection means according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating center billing processing performed by billing execution means according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a user management table managed by a user management unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a software charge table managed by software charge management means according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 illustrates a conventional example of the invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Receiving terminal device 102 Portable storage device 103 Center device 104 Portable storage device operation means 105 Software storage means 106 Software management means 107 Stored software verification means 108 Software selection means 109 Billing means 114 User management means 113 Software Software fee management means 115 Charging processing means 117 Software execution means 1301 External storage device 1302 External storage device operation means 1303 External storage device software verification means 2001 Download software management means 2002 Download software list transmission means 2003 Download software transmission means 2007 Download management means 2008 Download software verification means

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A portable storage device operating means for reading or writing at least information for identifying software to an external portable storage device; a software storage means for storing software; Software management means for managing software identification information for identifying the written software; and collating the software identification information managed by the software management means with the software identification information recorded in the portable storage device. A receiving terminal device having stored software collating means for performing the operation. 2. A reception apparatus comprising: a software selection unit for displaying a list of the software identification information, receiving a software execution request, and determining whether or not software targeted for the execution request is available; Terminal device. 3. The receiving terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the software selecting means determines whether or not the software to be requested for execution needs to be charged. 4. The receiving apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a billing means for sending billing information including software identification information of the software determined to be billed to said portable storage operation means. Terminal device. 5. In response to a purchase software information reference request from a center device in which said charging means transmits information to a receiving terminal device, user identification information for identifying a user recorded in said portable storage device and The receiving terminal device according to claim 4, wherein a list of software identification information is transmitted. 6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least the user identification information is transmitted to a center device that transmits information to a receiving terminal device.
And charging means for transmitting billing information including the software identification information to the portable storage device operating means, while transmitting software identification information of the software determined to need to be billed. The receiving terminal device according to claim 5. 7. At least the user identification information for a center device transmitting information to a receiving terminal device.
Transmits software identification information of software determined to be required to be charged in the above, and operates the portable storage device after receiving software license information from the center device or if the software fee is within a certain amount. A receiving terminal device having charging means for transmitting charging information including software identification information to the means. 8. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising software execution means for executing software stored in the software storage means determined to be usable.
The receiving terminal device according to the above. 9. User management means for managing at least user identification information of a user who uses the receiving terminal device, purchased software identification information, and user fee collection method information, and at least software identification information. Software fee management means for managing software fees, and periodically or irregularly send purchase software information reference requests to receiving terminals, and receive a list of user identification information and software identification information A center apparatus for calculating a charge for uncollected software using the user management means and transmitting a charge collection request including at least the software charge and user charge collection method information; 10. User management means for receiving user identification information and software identification information from a receiving terminal device, and managing at least user identification information using the receiving terminal device and user fee collection method information. A center device having software charge management means for managing at least software identification information and software charge, and charging processing means for sending a charge collection request including at least software charge and user charge collection method information. 11. The charging processing means determines whether to grant a license to the identified user to the identified user from the received user identification information and the software identification information, and gives the license. 11. The center apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the software license is transmitted only when it is determined that the software license has been used. 12. An external storage device operating means for reading at least software and software identification information stored in the external storage device, and software identification information stored in the external storage device and the software management means. A receiving terminal device having external storage device software verification means for verifying software identification information to be performed and software identification information recorded in the portable storage device. 13. The receiving terminal device according to claim 8, further comprising software executing means for executing software stored in the external storage device determined to be usable in claim 2. 14. A download management means for managing at least software identification information of software broadcast by the center device, software identification information managed by the download management means, and software identification information managed by the software management means. And a download software verification unit for verifying software identification information recorded in the portable storage device. 15. The receiving terminal device according to claim 2, wherein said software selecting means determines whether or not the software requested to be executed needs to be downloaded. 16. The receiving terminal device according to claim 15, further comprising download means for downloading software determined to need to be downloaded. 17. Download software managing means for managing software to be broadcast, download software list transmitting means for transmitting at least a list of software identification information of software to be broadcast, and download for transmitting software to be broadcast. A center device equipped with software sending means. 18. The receiving terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the billing information sent by the billing means to the portable storage device operating means includes software identification information and a software version. 19. The information collated by the stored software collation means includes software identification information and software version managed by the software management means, software identification information recorded in the portable storage device, and The receiving terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving terminal device is a software version. 20. The information to be collated by the external storage device software collation means includes software identification information and software version stored in the external storage device, software identification information managed by the software management means, 13. The receiving terminal device according to claim 12, wherein a software version, software identification information and a software version recorded in the portable storage device. 21. The information collated by the download software collation means includes software identification information and software version managed by the download management means and software identification information and software version managed by the software management means. 2. The version, software identification information and software version recorded in the portable storage device.
5. The receiving terminal device according to 4. 22. The receiving terminal device according to claim 2, wherein said software selecting means determines whether or not the software to be requested for execution is software to be upgraded. 23. The receiving terminal device according to claim 22, further comprising download means for downloading the software determined to be a target of the version upgrade.