JP4882405B2 - Function setting system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a function setting system for a mobile terminal device that can provide various function programs that can be executed by the mobile terminal device.

  For example, in mobile phones and personal digital assistants, various applications are prepared in advance in storage means in the apparatus, and various functions are being realized. However, functions of application contents are being improved day by day, and it is desired that applications having new functions that are not assumed at the time of sale of the apparatus be acquired and used later.

  In this case, it is conceivable to connect to a server that provides an application to be acquired through a communication line such as the Internet and download it through a predetermined procedure. However, recently, some programs have malicious intent such as illegal processing, and it is difficult for users to judge their suitability, so downloading from a server provided by an unknown operator Will be avoided. For this reason, even if it is a good application program, its effective use is hindered by the presence of a small number of malicious programs.

Therefore, in order to resolve these issues and provide a highly reliable application to users, a highly reliable application provider can download the application after conducting a strict check. Therefore, a system is required (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-2005-70984

  However, in the case of the above, although the security is improved, the procedure on the opposite side becomes complicated, and in order to download the desired application, the reliability of the server is confirmed and the access of the server is checked. Inconveniences arise in terms of ease of use, such as the complexity of the procedure and the necessity of a portable terminal that requires a special function.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object thereof is to easily and quickly acquire a function program by omitting troublesome procedural operations even for a function program that is not originally provided in a mobile terminal. It is an object of the present invention to provide a function setting system that can be executed by a portable information terminal.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a new function program is set in the function program providing apparatus, the function program management apparatus generates function program identification information for identifying the function program and transmits it to the information medium issuing apparatus. At the same time, the function program is transmitted to the function program providing apparatus. As a result, the function program providing apparatus is in a state where it can provide a function program that can be executed by the portable information terminal created by the function program management apparatus.

  The portable information terminal is designated to connect to the function program providing apparatus described above by wireless communication means when a function program download request is generated. In the portable information terminal, when the automatic recognition means reads the function program identification information recorded on the function program identification information recording medium issued by the information medium issuing device by the user's operation, the function program execution means Is searched for whether the specified function program is stored in the storage means, and if the function program exists, the searched function program is executed, and if the function program does not exist, it is specified. The function program obtaining means is activated so as to obtain the function program. The function program obtaining means connects to a function program providing apparatus designated in advance using a wireless communication means, and obtains the function program.

By using this function setting system, in the portable information terminal, only the function program created by the function program management apparatus can be downloaded. In other words, it is not created by the function program management apparatus. Since the function program is not downloaded inadvertently, a highly reliable function program can be provided even if an authentication process or the like during a download procedure that is generally performed is omitted. Accordingly, it is possible to download a safe function program quickly and easily without troublesome authentication processing.

  According to the invention of claim 2, in the above invention, the function program can be set in an operation mode according to an operation parameter, and the function program identification information recording medium includes the function program identification information and the operation mode of the function program. Since the operating parameters to be determined are recorded, even when the function program is for controlling a device of a specific manufacturer or model, for example, the device used as information on the function program identification information recording medium Instead of recording and setting unique information corresponding to devices of a specific manufacturer or model, it is only necessary to record information corresponding to a common operation even if the manufacturer is different. It can be set as possible. Even when a new device is targeted, it is not necessary to provide a function program identification information recording medium for the device by providing a function program for the device, so that versatility can be improved.

According to the invention of claim 3, in each of the above-mentioned inventions, the function program identification information recording medium is recorded or attached to the object to be operated by setting the portable information terminal and executing the function program. Even when a new function program that is not stored in the information terminal is executed, the function program identification information recording medium recorded or attached to the object can be read easily and quickly and reliably. become.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment when the present invention is applied to a mobile phone as a mobile information terminal will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of the system, which is the basic configuration used in the following embodiments. For example, a user A who uses a mobile phone 1 as a portable information terminal receives a provision of a function application (hereinafter abbreviated as a function application) which is a new function program that can be executed by the mobile phone 1 and executes the function application. It is a system that receives services.

  The cellular phone 1 used in this system is equipped with a QR code reading function as an automatic recognition means, specifically equipped with a camera, and analyzes recorded information by performing image processing on the captured QR code. It is a configuration that can. The mobile phone 1 can be connected to a telephone line through the base station 2 by a wireless communication function, and can be connected to a communication network such as the Internet 3 through the telephone line. In addition, a memory for storing the function application is provided therein, and the function application can be executed by the control circuit. Furthermore, some have an infrared communication function, and a remote control function described later can be realized by acquiring a function application.

  The mobile phone 1 stores in advance address information of a dedicated server 4 for downloading a function application. The server 4 is placed under the management of a reliable administrator such as a provider that provides a functional application or a supplier of the mobile phone 1, and the functional application to be downloaded operates safely in advance. Those that have been confirmed can be registered. Access from the mobile phone 1 to the server 4 is configured to be performed via the Internet 3.

  A service provider B that provides a function application includes a terminal device 6 having a function as an information medium issuing device that generates a function application as a function program and issues a QR code 5 that is a function program identification information recording medium. Yes. The generated function application is registered in the server 4 via the Internet 3 or the like. The QR code 5 is issued in the form of being distributed as a printed matter or electronic information to a place where the service user should read. The service provider B provides various services corresponding to the service user A when the application is executed by the service user A, and the service user can receive the service.

Next, the basic operation of the function setting system having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing exchanges among the cellular phone 1 of the service user A, the server 4 of the system administrator, and the terminal device 6 of the service provider B.
First, a case where the service provider B intends to provide the service user A with a function application that can be newly implemented using the mobile phone 1 will be described. In this case, on the service provider B side, a function application to be executed by the mobile phone 1 is created (P1). In this case, the function application is created so as to be able to cope with the difference in the model and model number of the mobile phone 1, and the function application is created according to the content of the service to be performed and the form of the object. That is the premise.

  Next, on the service provider B side, processing for registering the created function application in the server 4 is performed (P2). This processes so that it can register with the designated server 4 memorize | stored beforehand in the inside of the mobile telephone 1 made into object. When the function application registration processing is performed by the server 4 or the system administrator who manages the function application to be registered, when the function application to be registered is executed on the actual mobile phone 1, fraud or inconvenience, etc. Registration is performed after ensuring the safety by confirming that no occurrence occurs (P3), and the server 4 can be provided, that is, can be downloaded. Subsequently, on the service provider B side, a QR code 5 necessary for starting the function application registered in the server 4 is generated and issued (P4).

  Next, an operation when the service user A operates the mobile phone 1 to download a function application will be described. When the service user A reads the QR code 5 by the mobile phone 1 (S1), the read information is analyzed by the control circuit provided therein, and information for starting the function application is thereby included. Recognize that

  At this time, the mobile phone 1 checks whether or not there is a function application to be activated in the internal memory (S2), and if not exists (NO in S3), executes a download request to the server 4 (S4). Here, specifically, when there is no functional application to be activated, it is set to automatically request download, and the server 4 stored and stored in advance as the destination to request at that time is accessed. Is configured to do. Here, for example, the mobile phone 1 is configured to access the server 4 through the Internet 3, and performs processing for accessing the server 4 using the communication line function and the communication function of the Internet 3.

  Next, in the server 4, since the accessed mobile phone 1 is scheduled to request downloading of the function application, the server 4 shifts to a downloadable state without performing authentication processing. When a download instruction is issued from the mobile phone 1 side, the designated function application is downloaded (S5, S6). As a result, the mobile phone 1 is in a state where the downloaded function application can be executed, and is executed by performing the activation process (S7). Note that when the mobile phone 1 reads and analyzes the QR code and there is a function application to be activated in the memory, YES is obtained in S3 described above and S4 to S6 are not performed. In step S7, the function application is executed.

  Next, an example of downloading a function application that can execute a remote control function for the video deck 7 by the function setting system on the basis of the basic configuration described above will be described with reference to FIGS. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the service provider B described above is a video maker B1, and creates a function application that allows the mobile phone 1 to operate the video deck 7 manufactured and sold as a remote control. Provided. In addition, the video maker B1 provides a QR code 5 for downloading the function application attached to the video deck 7.

  FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing exchanges between the mobile phone 1, the server 4, and the terminal device 6. In the same manner as described above, the video maker B1 as a service provider creates a function application for the video remote controller (P1a), and registers it in the server 4 (P2, P3). Further, the video maker B1 generates a QR code for downloading the function application of the remote controller and issues it by attaching it to the video deck 7 (P4a).

  Next, when the QR code 5 attached to the surface of the front panel of the video deck 7 installed together with the television 8 is photographed with the camera of the mobile phone 1 (S1a), the mobile phone 1 reads the QR code 5 read. Is analyzed to determine whether the function application of the video remote controller is stored in the memory (S2a).

  If the function application exists, the function application is executed (S7). If the function application does not exist, a download request is transmitted to the server 4 (S4). The server 4 receives model information and the like that are independently transmitted from the mobile phone 1 side without causing the user to input the ID code, password, etc. of the mobile phone 1 that has received the download request. The download request is accepted with reference.

  Subsequently, the server 4 provides the cellular phone 1 with a function application including data for converting the requested model information transmitted from the cellular phone 1 into signal information as a remote controller such as the model and model number. (S5a). When the download is completed (S6), the mobile phone 1 executes the function application.

  When the function application for functioning as the remote control of the video deck 7 is executed, for example, it is displayed on the display screen of the mobile phone 1 as a screen similar to the actual remote control, and the corresponding button is operated by operating the keypad key. It can be operated as a remote control. In this case, transmission of a signal from the mobile phone 1 to the video deck 7 is output as an infrared signal using, for example, a previously incorporated infrared communication function.

  According to the present embodiment as described above, a function application for causing the mobile phone 1 to function as a remote controller for the video deck 7 can be easily and quickly performed without performing an input operation such as an ID code or a password. Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent an app that performs suspicious operation from being downloaded, and it can be used safely.

In the above embodiment, the QR code 5 is attached to the video deck 7 for use. However, in addition to this, a method of printing the instruction manual or a card on which the QR code 5 is separately printed are used. The QR code can be issued by a method such as providing such as.
The service provider of the function application that realizes the remote control function may be a service provider other than the video deck maker B1.

(Second Embodiment)
FIGS. 5 to 9 show a second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, parts different from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, as a functional application that can be executed by the mobile phone 1, a recording reservation of the video deck 7 can be set by reading the QR code 5 issued for reservation.

  That is, the basic configuration of the function setting system is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the function application to be downloaded is different. The QR code 5 for downloading will be described in the case where the QR code 5 is affixed to the video deck 7 as described above. In this case, however, the video maker B1 does not necessarily provide the recording reservation application. It is also possible to read a medium in which a QR code is written.

  Accordingly, the service provider who provides the functional application for video reservation creates the functional application (P1b), performs registration processing with the server 4, and issues the QR code 5 (P2, P3, P4). , P4b). When the service user performs an operation and reads the QR code 5 by the mobile phone 1 (S1b), the service user analyzes this to check whether or not the function application for video reservation is stored in the memory (S2b). If not (NO in S3), a download request to the server 4 is made (S4).

  When the server 4 receives a request from the mobile phone 1, it confirms that it is a pre-registered mobile phone 1 manufacturer or model, and does not perform an authentication process that requires input by the service user. A function application corresponding to the selected model is provided (S5b, S6). As a result, the functional application for video reservation can be downloaded to the mobile phone 1. The downloaded function application is stored in the memory, and thereafter, when the QR code 5 for recording reservation is read, the function application is automatically activated.

  Next, the operation for making a recording reservation will be described. FIG. 5 shows such a state. FIG. 5A shows a QR code 5 printed on a poster of a program to be recorded, a magazine, etc., for example, and is read by the mobile phone 1. It shows the state. In QR Code 5, general reservation data such as program name, provided station, and broadcast time are recorded as operation parameters as information necessary for recording, and a function application for recording reservation is started. Information to be recorded. Here, the QR code 5 does not include information related to individual information such as the model and model number of the video deck 7.

  When the service user reads the QR code 5 using the mobile phone 1, the control circuit of the mobile phone 1 activates the function application for recording reservation based on the information contained therein. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the function application at that time. The control circuit of the cellular phone 1 first acquires reservation data of the QR code 5 for reservation (T1), and based on the reservation data as an operation parameter, a reservation code corresponding to the model and model number of the target video deck 7 is obtained. Create (T2).

  The control circuit of the mobile phone 1 determines whether or not the created reservation code is transmitted by the remote control function in accordance with an instruction from the service user (T3). When transmitting directly to the video deck 7 using the remote control function (YES at T3), the reservation function application may have a remote control function or a separately acquired remote control function application. It is a necessary condition. Here, description will be made on the assumption that a remote control function is provided.

  The control circuit of the mobile phone 1 converts the acquired reservation code into a signal corresponding to the remote controller of the video deck 7 (T4), and transmits it using an infrared communication function or the like as shown in FIG. 5B. (T5). Thereby, the recording reservation of the desired program can be made easily and quickly. This infrared communication function is the same as that used in a remote control such as a general video deck, and is assumed to be provided in the mobile phone 1.

  Next, transmission in the case where the QR code 5 is read while away from the office and the video deck 7 is not within the range that can be transmitted by the remote control function will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the video deck 7 is connected to the Internet 3 via the gateway 10 or the like. With this configuration, the mobile phone 1 can be connected to the Internet 3 via the base station 2, and the home video deck 7 can be accessed from the gateway 10 via the Internet 3.

  When remote transmission is selected (YES at T6), the control circuit of the cellular phone 1 creates a reservation code signal for transmission via the Internet 3 (T7), and then connects to the Internet 3 (T8), the video deck 7 is accessed and a reservation code signal is transmitted (T9). This makes it possible to make a video recording reservation by the mobile phone 1 even in a remote place.

  Further, in the case where transmission is performed directly after returning to the home without making a recording reservation via the Internet 3 as described above (NO in T6), the control circuit of the mobile phone 1 stores the generated reservation code data in the memory. (T10) to finish the operation of the function application. Then, after returning home, as shown in FIG. 9, when the user manually activates the recording reservation function application, the control circuit of the mobile phone 1 determines whether or not the reservation code is stored in the memory. Judgment is made (T11), if any, this is read out and jumped to T3 in the flowchart shown in FIG. When the control circuit of the cellular phone 1 is instructed to transmit a signal by the remote controller, it converts the reservation code into a remote control signal and transmits it to the video deck 7 as shown in FIG. Thus, the recording reservation process for the video deck 7 is completed.

  According to the second embodiment, if a recording reservation QR code is read by downloading a function application for recording reservation of the video deck 7, this automatically corresponds to the recording reservation code. Since it can be converted into a signal and transmitted to the video deck 7 directly or via the Internet 3, recording reservation can be performed easily and quickly. Even in this case, it is not necessary to perform a troublesome input process such as inputting an ID code or inputting a password as the authentication process, so that the usability is improved.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment is the form of providing the service. Although the basic configuration of the system is the same, a functional application for presenting a membership card used in a store or the like is provided as a functional application to be downloaded.

  In general, when presenting and presenting a membership card for use in a store through the Internet 3 or the like, the store reads the QR code posted next to the cash register of the store by the mobile phone 1 and the store uses the decrypted data. It is set to perform necessary key operations such as accessing an operated home page, inputting an ID code such as a membership number and a password, and requesting downloading of a membership card. Therefore, it is necessary to perform input processing of an ID code and a password every time to present a membership card, which is troublesome.

  On the other hand, in this system, as shown in FIG. 10A, a posting section 12 is provided beside the tempo cash register 11, and a QR code 5 for presenting a membership card is displayed here. When the service user reads the QR code 5 by the mobile phone 1, the function user download request is made in the same manner as described above. Since the functional application is registered in advance in the server 4 and the QR code 5 for starting it is presented (issued) to the presentation unit 12 by the store side, the functional application is transmitted from the server 4 in response to the download request. You can download and get it.

  Thereby, in the mobile phone 1, the control circuit activates the function application to create the membership card information as a QR code and displays it on the display unit 1b of the mobile phone 1 as shown in FIG. Become. As shown in FIG. 10C, the service user reads the QR code corresponding to the membership card number information displayed on the display unit 1b by holding it over the dedicated reader 13 provided in the store. Will be able to.

  In addition, once the functional application for presenting the membership card corresponding to the store is downloaded in this way, when the membership card is presented at the store after the next time, the QR code 5 shown beside the cash register 11 is displayed. When the is read, the function application can be automatically activated, so that the membership card can be displayed and presented quickly and easily without performing the authentication process.

  According to the third embodiment, the presenting of the membership card used for shopping at a store can be performed easily and quickly by adopting this system, and an ID code or password Therefore, it is not necessary to perform a cumbersome operation such as input, so that convenience can be improved.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified or expanded as follows.
In addition to the function application described above, a function application that realizes the following functions on the mobile phone 1 can also be provided. For example, by displaying a QR code that downloads or activates a function application for calling a taxi at various places such as a taxi stand or a guide board, the mobile phone 1 automatically sets the QR code by simply reading the QR code. You can get in touch with a taxi company to get you a car. In this case, if the mobile phone 1 can transmit the current position information, it is possible to provide a service such as quickly arranging a taxi that can be handled by transmitting the position information. Also, when dispatching a car, the service can be surely provided by contacting the taxi company by telephone or e-mail.

  In addition, by displaying a QR code for starting a function application for checking the bus operation status at a bus stop, etc., if this is read with a mobile phone, the bus company will present the current bus operation status It is possible to acquire information about the service and provide it to the service user.

  Furthermore, when the mobile phone 1 equipped with a wireless LAN is used, it is possible to connect to the Internet 3 through a wireless access point (hot spot) installed in the city. In this case, when a QR code for downloading or starting a function application for connection is displayed in the hot spot and read by the mobile phone 1, the function application for changing the wireless setting is downloaded, and the parameter (Parameters necessary for connection such as SSID and encryption key) are automatically set and can be connected to an access point.

In the above embodiment, the case where the cellular phone 1 is used as the portable information terminal has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance) such as an electronic notebook having a wireless communication function, a notebook computer, It can also be applied to other mobile devices.
Although the case where a QR code is used as the function program identification information recording medium has been described, a bar code can be used, or an RFID tag or the like can also be used. In this case, it is a precondition that the portable information terminal has a function capable of reading.

1 is a basic configuration diagram of a system showing a first embodiment of the present invention. Sequence diagram showing the basic operation of the system System configuration diagram when downloading a function app for the video deck remote control function 2 equivalent diagram System configuration diagram in the case of downloading a video recording reservation function application according to the second embodiment of the present invention Configuration diagram for remote video recording reservation 2 equivalent diagram Flow chart of recording reservation application (part 1) Flow chart of recording reservation application (part 2) Configuration and operation explanatory diagram showing the third embodiment of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

In the drawings, 1 is a mobile phone (mobile information terminal, automatic recognition means, wireless communication means, storage means, function program acquisition means, function program execution means), 2 is a base station, 3 is the Internet, 4 is a server (providing function programs) equipment), 5 QR code (function program identification information recording medium), 6 the terminal device (information medium issuing device, function program management apparatus), 7 is a VCR.

Claims (3)

Auto-recognition means that reads information recorded on information recording media that can be automatically recognized by camera shooting and reading by wireless communication, and wireless communication that can receive function programs by connecting to a wide-area communication network such as the Internet or telephone line by wireless A function setting system for setting a function executable by a portable information terminal comprising means,
An information medium issuing device that issues a function program identification information recording medium that records function program identification information for starting a predetermined function program in the portable information terminal;
A function program providing device for providing a requested function program when a function program download request is received from the portable information terminal;
A function program management device that creates a function program that can be executed by the portable information terminal,
The portable information terminal
Storage means for storing the functional program;
Function program obtaining means for connecting to the function program providing apparatus designated in advance using the wireless communication means, and obtaining the function program;
When the function program identification information is read by the automatic recognition means, it is searched whether the specified function program is stored in the storage means, and if the function program exists, the searched function program is executed. A function program executing means for activating the function program obtaining means so as to obtain the designated function program when the function program does not exist;
The functional program management device includes:
When a new function program is registered in the function program providing apparatus, function program identification information for identifying the function program is generated and transmitted to the information medium issuing apparatus, and the function program is transmitted to the function program providing apparatus. A function setting system characterized by: In the function setting system according to claim 1,
The function program can set an operation mode according to an operation parameter,
The function program identification information recording medium records an operation parameter for determining an operation mode of the function program together with the function program identification information. In the function setting system according to claim 1 or 2,
The function program identification information recording medium is recorded or attached to an object that is set in the portable information terminal and executed by executing the function program.

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