JPH08212065A - Software distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To provide a software distribution system that can charge for each software and reduce the burden on the provider side. [Structure] A plurality of software is transmitted in a broadcast format from a broadcasting device 100, and a receiving device 1 is transmitted via a relay device 110.
20 is received. The software execution device 130 stores and executes the software received by the reception device 120. Each software is locked, and this lock can be unlocked only by sending a request to the key data transmitting device 150 and returning the key data.
It becomes possible to execute software by 30. Therefore, it is possible to provide one or a plurality of software in a broadcast format and to give permission to use the software only to the person who pays the software usage fee.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a software distribution system which provides various software.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method of supplying software to a personal computer, a method of storing the software in a storage medium such as a floppy disk or a compact disk (CD) and supplying the software has been generally used. there were. Recently, personal computer communication using various networks has been popular, and there is also a method of obtaining software through a telephone line or the like.

By the way, in the conventional system for storing and providing the software in the storage medium as described above, it is necessary to plan the sales number in advance and produce the storage medium in which the software is stored. Depending on the number, the software supply may not proceed smoothly due to lack of inventory or excessive supply, which placed a heavy burden on the supply side.

Further, the conventional system for obtaining software through a telephone line or the like occupies the communication line while the software is being supplied, so that the communication time depends on the data amount of the software. This will be the case. Therefore, when there are many people who want to receive the software supply, it becomes difficult to connect the line, which hinders the software supply.

On the other hand, recently, hygiene broadcasting utilizing static hygiene has been put into practical use, and pay TV programs are provided. In such a sanitary broadcast, a scrambled TV program is transmitted from a TV station to each home,
Only the person who pays the monthly fee can perform the descrambling process and can see the restored normal TV program. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide software using such a paid broadcasting system. However, in such a broadcasting system, it is a principle to collect charges for a fixed period, and it is possible to charge for each software. I could not use it to provide software.

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide the software providing side and the user side with a burden when providing various software in a broadcast format. It is to provide a software distribution system that can be reduced and can be charged for each software.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is necessary for a software transmitter for transmitting locked software and for unlocking the software. Key data transmitting device for transmitting key data, a receiving device for receiving the software, and a key data transmitting device connected via a line to unlock the received software using the key data. Software executing device for executing software, and a billing device for charging for unlocking the software, the software executing device being necessary for unlocking the received software. A key data request signal is configured to be transmitted to the key data transmitting device via a line, and the key data transmitting device is Upon receipt of the request signal, the key data is configured to be transmitted to the software execution device via a line, and the billing device charges the software for unlocking the software based on the transmission operation of the key data. It is characterized by being configured to do.

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the locked software in the broadcast format is provided, and the predetermined key data is transmitted from the key data transmission device through the line, so that the software is The execution device can execute this software. Therefore, it is only possible to execute the software after obtaining the key data, so even if the software is provided in a broadcast format, the software is only available to a specific person, for example, a person who pays the software usage fee. Can be permitted to be executed, and the usage fee can be collected for each software. In addition, since the software itself is provided in a broadcast format, it is possible to reduce the burden on the side providing the software without the trouble of preparing a storage medium such as a floppy disk for the number to be sold.

Further, since only the key data is transmitted / received via the line, the communication time is short and the line is not easily connected, and the software is not hindered.

Further, in the invention of claim 2, in claim 1, when the billing device transmits the key data to the software executing device by the key data transmitting device, the fee for using the corresponding software is charged. It is characterized in that it is configured as a software usage fee counting means for charging the fee, and calculates the usage fee for each software executed in the software execution device.

Further, the invention of claim 3 is based on claim 1, wherein the billing device is configured to perform the billing as a usage fee according to a connection time of the line used for transmitting and receiving the key data, The key data transmission device is characterized in that the transmission time of the key data is set according to the usage fee of software.

As described above, the invention of claim 2 or claim 3 specifically shows the method of charging the usage fee for each software described above. That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the usage fee is counted when transmitting the key data in the key data transmitting device, and different fee settings can be made depending on the software. It will be possible. According to the invention of claim 3,
When it is possible to set the usage charge according to the connection time of the line in addition to the line usage charge, by adjusting the length of the transmission time of the key data, different charge settings (use charge settings) depending on the software As a result, it is possible to collect charges appropriately and easily.

According to the invention of claim 4, claim 1
In any one of 3 to 3, the software transmission device is configured to transmit an automatic dialing program for key data request together with the locked software, and the software execution device is configured to transmit the received software and the received automatic software. Software storing means for storing a dialing program, first line connecting means for opening a communication path between the key data transmitting device, and the first line connecting means by executing the automatic dialing program. And a software execution means for opening a communication path of the line and transmitting a request signal for key data to the key data transmission device, and unlocking and executing the software by using the received key data,
The key data transmitting device includes key data storage means for storing key data of the software, second line connection means for opening a communication path of a line between the first line connection means, and the request signal. By receiving key data from the key data storage means and transmitting the key data to the software execution apparatus via a line, the key data transmission means is included.

As described above, by including an automatic dial program for requesting key data in a part of the software provided in the broadcast format, the line is automatically transmitted when the user executes the received software. The connection is made. As a result, the key data can be received without the user being aware of the telephone number of the key data transmitting device, which is extremely convenient.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, a part of the software divided into a plurality of pieces of software is stored, and unlocked software to be executed first is stored. An external storage medium that is detachably attached to the software execution device, wherein the software execution device uses the external storage medium as a part of the software storage means in the software execution device or stores it in the storage medium. Transferred the software to the software storage means,
The software executing means is configured to execute the software.

As described above, one piece of software may be divided into a plurality of pieces, and the portion to be executed first may be stored in an external storage medium for sale without being locked. In this case, the other part is locked and provided in a broadcast format.

That is, according to the invention of claim 5, even if the software having a large amount of data as a whole is stored in the external storage medium, only a part thereof may be stored. Even a large amount of software can be provided regardless of the capacity of the external storage medium.

Further, the software provider can store only the first part in the external storage medium and sell it even if the entire software is not completed. On the other hand, the user can use the first part to judge whether or not the subsequent part is necessary, so that the risk of purchase is reduced.

According to the invention of claim 6, in any one of claims 1 to 5, the key data transmitting device is configured to store key data corresponding to a plurality of software, and the software transmitting device. Is configured to transmit, together with a plurality of software that is locked and selectable by a user, an automatic dialing program that requests key data corresponding to each software, and the software execution means is received by the receiving device. It is formed to select one or more from a plurality of software based on a user's instruction, and the software executing means is selected based on a user's instruction by executing the automatic dialing program. Transmit a key data request signal corresponding to software to the key data transmission device. Together, characterized in that to unlock the selected software using the key data received executed.

As described above, according to the sixth aspect of the invention, it is possible to arbitrarily select and execute only the software that the user wants to use from the plurality of software supplied in the broadcast format.

According to the invention of claim 7, claim 6
In the above, the software transmission device is configured to transmit a menu program for each software selection together with a plurality of software which is locked and can be selected by a user, and the software execution device is received by the reception device. It is characterized in that the user is caused to select one or a plurality of software out of a plurality of software by executing a menu program.

As described above, according to the invention of claim 7, when a plurality of software is provided in a broadcast format, a menu program for selecting each software is transmitted together with the plurality of software. .

Thus, in the software execution device, by executing the menu program, one or a plurality of software can be arbitrarily selected from a plurality of software without causing the user to feel bothered. be able to.

According to the invention of claim 8, in claim 6, which is dependent on claim 5, the external storage medium is a part of a plurality of software and is locked by a plurality of locks selectable by a user. It is characterized in that the software that is not included is stored.

As described above, according to the invention of claim 8, the head portions of a plurality of selectable software are stored in the external storage medium without being locked. Therefore, the user can execute the leading part of a plurality of software and select the one that the user wants to execute.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment to which the software distribution system of the present invention is applied will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a software distribution system according to an embodiment. The software distribution system shown in the figure is characterized in that locked software is supplied by sanitary broadcasting, and key data for unlocking the lock is obtained through a general telephone line. A predetermined fee is charged when data is acquired.

In the present embodiment, the software provided is provided with a protection function that can be executed normally only when a predetermined process is executed. This is called a "locked" or "locked" state. Further, data or programs necessary for canceling this protection function are collectively referred to as "key data". Therefore, for example, when this key data is a program for unlocking, the above-mentioned protection function can be released by executing this program itself, and this key data is for unlocking numerical data, etc. In such a case, the above-mentioned protection function can be released by inputting the numerical data or the like when executing the separately prepared program for unlocking.

In FIG. 1, a broadcasting device 100 is for transmitting software in a broadcasting format, and as an example, transmits a plurality of software using a predetermined channel of satellite broadcasting. Each piece of software broadcast in this way is locked, and it cannot be executed only by receiving these pieces of software.

The relay device 110 is provided at a communication tower or a relay tower installed on the ground, and the broadcasting device 100 is provided.
The radio wave transmitted from is received, amplified, and then transmitted again.

The receiving device 120 is for receiving locked software transmitted from the broadcasting device 100, extracts software data from a predetermined signal included in a carrier wave, and executes the software executing device 130. Output to.

The software execution unit 130 is the receiving unit 120.
This is for selecting and storing one of a plurality of locked software data output from the device, and for unlocking and executing the software.
Predetermined key data is required to unlock the software, and this key data can be obtained by sending a key data transmission request to the key data transmission device 150 via the telephone network 140. .

The key data transmitting device 150 is the broadcasting device 1.
The key data corresponding to each of the plurality of software transmitted from 00 is stored in the software execution device 13
In response to the key data transmission request from 0, the corresponding key data is selected and returned.

The transmission and reception of the key data between the software execution device 130 and the key data transmission device 150 is performed via the telephone network 140 as an example. However, other public switched networks such as a packet network and ISDN are used. A network or other dedicated line may be used.

The billing device 160 is set in advance with a usage fee for each software, and is configured to bill the software to be unlocked based on the transmission operation of the key data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of broadcast contents transmitted from the broadcasting apparatus 100. FIG. 5A shows the entire broadcast contents, and FIG. 5B shows a plurality of broadcast contents. Each content of the software data is shown.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the broadcasting device 100
The broadcast content transmitted from the mobile device and received by the receiving device 120 includes a plurality of software data 200-1, 20.
0-2 ... 200-5 (for example, "software 1" to "software 5" which are five pieces of software data) are included.
An attract program (demo program) 220 containing a part of the contents of each software is included in the head part thereof. Further, between each software data 200 and between the attract program 220 and the software data 200-1, the menu program 2 required for creating a menu screen for software selection by the player is provided.
10 is inserted. In this way, the fifth software data 200-5 from the attract program 220
Form a group of broadcast data, and this broadcast data is cyclically broadcast.

FIG. 5B shows a specific structure of the software data 200. The software data 200 of the embodiment is the automatic dial program 230.
And main data 240. Further, the main data 240 includes a game program 242 and game data 244 which are not locked, and a game program 248 and game data 250 which is locked by the lock program 246.

The automatic dialing program 230 located at the head portion is a game program 248 and data 25.
When unlocking 0, the line connection and the key data transmission request are automatically made, and since the player is not required to input a complicated instruction, the burden on the player can be reduced, and the player himself / herself can play the game. You can concentrate and do only. Further, even if a person who has no knowledge of communication or the like is a player, the game is automated so that the player can play the game without paying attention to the entire system.

First of all, the unlocked game program 242 and the data 244 are partly included in the unlocked game program 2
By executing the leading part of the game using 42, it is possible to judge whether the game is interesting or not. Therefore, when the player determines that this game is not interesting when executing this part, it is possible to stop the execution of the software without unlocking the software included next. Is no longer charged for software use.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the key data transmitting device 150. In the embodiment, the charging device 16
0 is configured integrally with the key data transmission device 150. As shown in the figure, the key data transmitting device 150 is
The line connection unit 10, the key data storage unit 12, the key data transmission unit 14, and the software usage fee counting unit 16 are included.

The line connection unit 10 is a software execution unit 130.
Upon receiving a call from the side, a predetermined line connection is established. The key data storage unit 12 includes a plurality of software programs 200-1, 200-2, ... 2 broadcast from the broadcasting device 100.
A plurality of key data necessary for unlocking each of 00-5 are stored. Therefore, when the software 200 broadcast from the broadcasting device 100 is changed or added, the content of the key data stored in the key data storage unit 12 is updated each time.

The key data transmission unit 14 is a key data transmission request from the plurality of key data stored in the key data storage unit 12 when the software execution device 130 requests the transmission of the key data. Is read, and the read key data is returned to the software execution device 130 via the line connection unit 10.

The software usage fee counting unit 16 functions as the charging device 160, and when the key data is transmitted from the key data transmitting device 150 to the software executing device 130, the lock is released by the key data. The usage fee for the software 200 is calculated. The usage fee of the software is set in consideration of various factors such as the sales quantity, the data amount, the difficulty of development, etc. In addition to this, in the software distribution system of the present embodiment, every time the software is used, Is configured to charge usage fees. That is, the software usage fee counting unit 16 determines the corresponding software 200 based on the key data selectively read by the key data transmission unit 14 and calculates the usage fee for each software usage. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the software execution device 130. As shown in the figure, the software execution device 1
Reference numeral 30 denotes a software selection unit 20, a software storage unit 22, a software execution unit 24, an operation unit 26, a display unit 28, a line connection unit 30.
It is configured to include. The operation unit 26 is used by a user of the software execution apparatus 130 (a player when playing a game using the software execution apparatus 130) to input an instruction, and the operation data of the user who has received the instruction input is software execution. It is input to the section 24. The operation unit 26 includes a keyboard or the like when a multimedia personal computer is used as the software execution device 130, and the software execution device 1
When a dedicated game device is used as 30, the simplest one is composed of a controller consisting of a few input keys and arrow keys, or a handle for a driving game, a shift lever, a brake, an accelerator, etc. It is configured to include.

The line connection section 30 connects a predetermined line by making a call. When the receiving device 120 receives the broadcast data shown in FIG. 5A, the software selection unit 20 selects the attract program 220 and the menu program 210 from the broadcast data,
Writing is performed in the software storage unit 22.

The software storage unit 22 stores the attract program 220, the menu program 210, the software data 200, etc. selected by the software selection unit 20. The soft storage unit 22 is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk device, or the like. If it is short (software with a small amount of data), it can be stored directly in the semiconductor memory.
In the case of large software with some bytes, it is stored in a floppy disk device, hard disk device, magneto-optical disk, or the like.

The software execution unit 24 executes these programs written in the software storage unit 22 to display the software data 200-1 and 200-2 on the display unit 28.
The menu screen for selection of 00-2 ... 200-5 is displayed.

While looking at this menu screen, the user
The operation unit 26 is operated to select any one of a plurality of software. The selection signal of the operation unit 26 is input to the software selection unit 20 via the software execution unit 24, and based on this selection signal, the software selection unit 20 selects the software data 200 selected from the broadcast data as software. It is written and stored in the storage unit 22.

Further, the software execution unit 24 is configured to selectively write the software data 2 in the software storage unit 22.
00 is read and executed. At this time, since the first game program 242 and the game data 244 are not locked, a predetermined game screen is displayed on the display unit 28 and the player operates the operation unit 26 to enjoy the game. it can.

However, when the game progresses to a certain level, the game is locked by the lock program 246, and the display 28 indicates, "A game fee will be charged to proceed further. Message is displayed. At this time, when the player operates the operation unit 26 and selects the continuation of the game, the software execution unit 24 executes the automatic dialing program 230 stored in the software storage unit 22 to request a request for key data described in detail below. To start.

That is, when the software execution unit 24 executes the automatic dial program 230, first, the line connection unit 3
0 via the communication path of the line key data transmitter 150
It opens with the line connection part 100. Then, a key data request signal corresponding to the selected software 200 is transmitted to the key data transmitting device 150. Then, in response to the request signal, the key data transmitted from the key data transmitting device 150 is transferred to the line connection unit 30.
Using the received key data, the lock by the lock program 246 is released, and execution of the subsequent game program 248 and game data 250 is started.

At this time, at the same time as the reception of the key data is completed, the software execution unit 24 controls the line connection unit 30 to close the communication path with the key data transmission device 150.

The software distribution system of this embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration, and its operation will be described in detail below.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation procedure of the software distribution system of this embodiment. The operation procedure shown in the figure mainly focuses on the operation on the software execution device 130 side, and the operation on the key data transmission device 150 side will be described each time in association with the operation of the software execution device 130. To do. Further, in the present embodiment whose operation procedure is shown in the same figure, a software distribution system for distributing game software in a broadcast format will be considered as an example.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are views showing an example of a screen displayed during the operation of the software distribution system of this embodiment, showing the contents of the display screen of the display unit 28 in the software execution device 130. Has been done.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

When the player turns on the power of the software execution device 130 and activates it, first, the software execution unit 24
Determines whether to execute the continuation of the previously executed software (step 400). For example, in this embodiment, each time the power of the software execution device 130 is turned off, the software storage unit 2
Although the software data stored in 2 is erased, only history data indicating up to which part is executed is retained. Therefore, when the continuation of the previously executed software is executed, an affirmative judgment is made in step 400, after the same software is received again, the software is executed from the desired execution position to enjoy the continuation of the game. You can

When a new game is to be enjoyed, a negative determination is made in step 400, and then the receiving device 1
By starting 20, the reception of the software broadcast is started (step 401). When the reception is started in this way, the data of the broadcast content shown in FIG. 5A is input from the receiving device 120 to the software selection unit 20, and the software selection unit 20 selects only the attract program and the menu program from the data. It is extracted and stored in the software storage unit 22. After that, the software execution unit 24 operates the software storage unit 22.
The attract program or the menu program stored in is read and a predetermined attract screen (demo screen) or menu screen is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 28 (step 402).

FIG. 6A shows an attract screen (demo screen) displayed when the software execution unit 24 executes the attract program and the subsequent menu program.
FIG. As shown in the figure, by executing the attract program and the subsequent menu program, a part of the game screen displayed when the five broadcast software is executed is divided and displayed together with the menu screen. Further, FIG. 3B shows an example of a menu screen displayed when only the menu program is executed.

In general, it is preferable to select the software while looking at the attract screen. However, as shown in FIG. 5A, the attract program is a part of the data that is circulated and broadcast. It may take some time before the attract program is broadcast. In this case, by receiving and executing the menu program broadcast between each software data, the menu screen as shown in FIG. 6B is displayed, and nothing is displayed on the screen (or Only demo screens that are unrelated to the software being broadcast are displayed.) Therefore, FIG.
When the attract program is received after the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 is received, the software executing unit 24 executes the attract program and switches to the attract screen display shown in FIG.

In this way, in parallel with the operation of displaying the attract screen or the menu screen, the software selecting section 2
The value 0 determines whether or not the software selection is performed by the player (step 403). If there is no input instruction from the player, a negative decision is made and this decision process is repeated.

If there is an input instruction for selecting the software from the player, an affirmative decision is made in step 403, and then the software selecting section 20 decides whether or not the selected software is in the receiving state. Is determined (step 404).

For example, while the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 (B) is displayed, the player presses any one of the ten keys "1" to "5" or the arrow keys or the like. Software is selected by moving a cursor displayed on the screen onto any software and then pressing a predetermined key. When the attract screen shown in FIG. 6 (A) is displayed, the player performs a predetermined operation to display the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 (B). Selection is possible.

If the selected software is not in the reception state, a negative determination is made in step 404, and the determination processing of step 404 is repeated until the reception state is established. Further, in parallel with this determination process, the software execution unit 24 displays a software reception waiting screen from the display unit 28. FIG. 6C shows an example of the software reception waiting screen. The time until the selected software is broadcast is displayed on the screen to notify the player of the waiting time.

When the selected software enters the reception state, an affirmative judgment is made in step 404, and then the software storage unit 22 stores the received software (step 405). In addition, in parallel with this receiving / storing operation, the display unit 28 displays a receiving screen as shown in FIG. 6D to notify the player that the software is being received.

When the software is received and the storage of the software is completed in this way (step 40)
6) Next, the software execution unit 24 starts execution of the stored software (step 407), and the predetermined game screen shown in FIG. 6 (E) is displayed from the display unit 28. Figure 5
As shown in (B), an unlocked game program 242 is included at the beginning of the software, and the software execution unit 24 executes the game program 2
While executing 42, the game proceeds normally. If the player gives an instruction to interrupt the game during this period, an affirmative decision is made in step 408, and the process proceeds to the game interrupt process described later.

If the player has not instructed to interrupt the game, a negative determination is made in step 408, and then the software execution unit 24 determines whether the software being executed is locked and unlocking is necessary. It is determined (step 409). As described above, a negative determination is made while the game program 242 at the beginning of the software is being executed, and the determination processing of step 409 is repeated.

When the execution of the game program 242 at the beginning of the software is completed, the software to be executed next is the lock program 246 as shown in FIG. 5B.
Since the game program 248 is protected by the above, an affirmative decision is made in step 409, where the game is temporarily interrupted.

Then, the software execution unit 24 displays an inquiry message as shown in FIG. 6F on the display unit 28 (step 430) and asks the player whether or not to continue the game. To do.

When the player inputs a "NO" instruction, a negative determination is made in step 432, and the game ends.

If the player inputs a "YES" instruction, an affirmative decision is made in step 432, and the software execution section 24 then determines whether the automatic dialing program stored in the software storage section 22 has been reached. 230 is executed and the line is automatically connected, and the line connection unit 30 and the telephone network 1 are connected.
A request signal for key data is transmitted to the key data transmitting device 150 via 40 (step 410). The request signal transmitted at this time includes player identification data (a number given to each player in advance by contract or the like). The player identification data may be input by displaying a player identification data input instruction message on the display unit 28 after a “YES” instruction has been input, and may be performed there. You may keep it.

The key data transmitting unit 14 in the key data transmitting device 150 receives the request signal of the key data via the line connecting unit 10, reads the corresponding key data from the key data storing unit 12, and then the line connecting unit 10 It is sent back to the software execution device 130 side via. At this time, the software usage fee counting unit 16 identifies the corresponding software based on the key data sent back by the key data transmitting unit 14, and counts the usage fee assigned to this software. Therefore, the usage fee determined for each software can be accurately calculated and counted, and the player specified later by the identification data can be requested to pay the valid usage fee.

The software execution unit 130 receives the key data thus returned from the key data transmission unit 150 via the line connection unit 30 (step 41).
1). The software execution unit 24 uses the received key data, that is, executes the lock release program when the key data is a lock release program, or the key data is data such as a personal identification number. If this is the case, this data is input when the predetermined lock release program is executed to unlock the game program 248 and the data 250 (step 412).

In this manner, the software execution unit 24 receives the key data from the software execution device 130 to the key data transmission device 150, receives the key data, and then actually releases the lock. The display unit 28 displays an unlock screen as shown in FIG. 6 (G) to notify the player of the remaining waiting time. If the telephone line is busy, a redial is automatically made after some time. In that case, a busy waiting screen as shown in FIG. 6 (H) is displayed. May be.

Next, the software execution unit 24 executes the unlocked game program 248 to continue the execution of the game software (step 413), and then, as shown in FIG.
The game screen as shown in (I) is displayed on the screen of the display unit 28, and it is determined whether the execution of the software is interrupted (step 414). When the player gives an instruction to interrupt the game, an affirmative determination is made in step 414, and the process proceeds to the game interrupt process described later.

If the player does not instruct the game to be interrupted, a negative determination is made in step 414, and then the software execution unit 24 determines whether or not the execution of the game program 248 is completed (step 415). When the game program 248 ends and the determination of the decision is made in step 415, the software execution unit 24 then determines whether or not the software (game) continues (step 41).
6). If there is no software to continue, a negative determination is made, and a series of software execution processing ends.

However, for example, a long game software such as a multi-story is divided into a plurality of pieces, and each divided software is broadcast as "software 1", "software 2", ... Shown in FIG. 5 (A). In such a case, since there is software that continues even after the execution of the software corresponding to the head part of the game is completed, the decision of making a decision is made in step 416, and then the software execution unit 24 executes the software. It is determined whether or not to continue the wear execution is selected (step 417).

When the player operates the operation unit 26 to instruct to continue the software execution, an affirmative judgment is made in step 417, and the process for receiving the next software is started (step 418). At this time, for example, the software execution unit 24 displays a reception waiting screen as shown in FIG. 7 (J) from the display unit 28, and thereafter, in order to store the corresponding software in the software storage unit 22, the above-described step 405 ( 7) to (L) are displayed on the display unit 28, and a series of processes are repeated.

Further, when there is software to be continued when the execution of the software is finished but it is desired to interrupt the game (in the case of negative determination in step 417), or when the player interrupts the game while executing one software. Is instructed (in the case of affirmative determination in step 408 or step 414), the following game interruption processing is performed.

That is, the software execution section 24 determines whether or not to store the game history data in the software storage section 22 or a dedicated storage section (not shown) (step 41).
9). The software execution unit 24 displays the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 7M on the display unit 28, and if there is no instruction to store history data from the player (when "NO" in the confirmation screen is instructed), a negative determination is made. Is performed, and a series of software execution processing ends. If the player has instructed to store history data (“YES” in the confirmation screen), an affirmative determination is made, and after a history data is stored in the software storage unit 22 or the like, a series of software is stored. The software execution process ends.

As described above, in the software distribution system of this embodiment, a plurality of software is provided in the broadcast format, and the software to be used on the receiving side is selected. Further, each software is locked, and the lock can be released and the game can be played only after the key data transmitting device 150 sends the key data to the software executing device 130. Therefore, on the software supply side, the software can be supplied regardless of the number of users of the software, and the burden of preparing products for the sales volume by forecasting the sales volume of the software is burdened. Disappear. Further, since the software usage fee can be calculated for each software when transmitting the key data from the key data transmitting device 150, appropriate fee setting and collection can be performed.

Further, in the software distribution system of this embodiment, since the software itself is provided in the broadcast format, the supply time and the like are the same even when there are a plurality of persons who are going to receive the software. Even if the data amount of the software is long, the broadcast time of this software only becomes longer by that much, and the inconvenience that one user occupies the communication line is eliminated.

In particular, key data can be transmitted and received only by transmitting and receiving a small amount of data, so that it can be completed in a shorter time than when the entire software is communicated via a line or the like. Therefore, the occupied time of the line can be shortened.

Furthermore, in the software distribution system of this embodiment, when the execution of the software is interrupted, the game history can be stored in the memory, but the game program itself is deleted from the software storage unit 22. There is. Therefore, as in the case of a game device at a game center, for example, even if the game content is the same, each time the player plays the game, the player can be charged a fee.

However, the structure may be such that the game program itself can be stored in the memory when the execution of the software is interrupted. In this case, if the locked software is unlocked once and the lock is not required to be unlocked from the next time, a system can be charged every time the software is supplied.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where all the software is transmitted from the broadcasting device 100 to the receiving device 120 has been described as an example, but the software is divided into a plurality of parts,
The part to be executed first may be stored as unlocked software in an external storage medium detachably attached to the software execution device 130 and sold.

At this time, the software execution unit 130 is not locked by using the external storage medium as a part of the software storage unit 22 or by transferring the software stored in the storage medium to the software storage unit 22. Run the software. Then, when the execution of the software of the portion stored in the external storage medium is completed, the software of the subsequent portion received by the receiving device 120 is received. In other words, with the long game software,
This is the case where only the first part, such as those divided into the third part, is stored in an external storage medium for sale, and the second and subsequent parts are distributed by transmission. By doing so, the player can receive the distribution only when he / she wants to continue, and the risk of purchase is reduced.

Further, the software stored in the external storage medium may be a plurality of unlocked software which is the head portion of the plurality of software and which can be selected by the user. In this case, the user can use the first part of the plurality of software and freely select the software desired to be continued to be distributed. Further, in this case, if the attract program 220 and the menu program 210 are also stored in the external storage medium, it is not necessary to transmit them from the broadcasting device 100.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, game software was considered as an example of software provided by a broadcast format, but various application software of a computer or other software may be used.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the game software to be provided includes the unlocked game program and data in the head portion so that the player can try it. As shown in C), the entire game program 248 and the data 250 constituting the main data 240 may be locked so that they cannot be executed at all unless the key data is obtained.

In the above embodiment, the broadcasting device 10
Although a case has been described as an example where the satellite broadcasting is performed from 0 to the receiving device 120, other methods may be used as long as software can be provided in a broadcasting format. For example, any method such as TV broadcasting using current terrestrial waves and cable TV (CATV) may be used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the software is provided in the broadcast format by using only one channel has been described. However, different software may be provided in parallel at a plurality of channels at the same time. Good. In this way, the cycle until the same software is re-broadcast is shortened, and the waiting time for receiving the software selected by the player is also reduced. Further, when a menu program is required, if this is assigned to one channel, it is not necessary to put the menu program between each software and broadcast, so that the waiting time can be shortened.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the key data transmitting device 150 calculates the software usage fee at the time of transmitting the key data. However, it is possible to make a charge according to the occupied time of the line. When the system is used, the time for transmitting the key data from the key data transmitting device 150 may be adjusted to collect the fee corresponding to the usage fee for each software.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a software distribution system in which the charge of software is collected using the NTT dial Q2 system, and a part of the above-described embodiment is modified. Is.

As shown in the figure, the key data transmitter 1
Reference numeral 50 includes a line connection unit 10, a key data storage unit 12, and a key data transmission unit 14, but does not include the software fee counting unit 16 as shown in FIG. However, the telephone network 140 uses the dial Q2 to connect the line, and counts the dial Q2 usage charge Q
The two-charge counting device 200 is connected as the charging device 160, and the dial Q2 usage charge according to the line connection time between the software executing device 130 and the key data transmitting device 150 is calculated. Therefore, the key data transmitter 1
No. 4 needs to set a long time for transmitting the key data from the key data transmitting unit 14 when collecting a relatively high amount of software usage fee, and conversely when collecting a relatively low amount of software usage fee. The time for transmitting the key data from the key data transmitting unit 14 may be set to be short.

As described above, when a line is used which can be charged according to the line connection time (setting of an additional usage charge different from the line usage charge), the line occupation time is adjusted. Appropriate software usage fees can be set and collected.

[0097]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to execute the software only after obtaining the key data. Therefore, even when the software is provided in the broadcast format, a specific person, for example, Only the person who pays the software usage fee can be allowed to execute the software, and the usage fee can be collected for each software. In addition, since the software is provided in a broadcast format, the burden on the software providing side can be saved without the trouble and risk of preparing a storage medium such as a floppy disk storing the entire software in advance for the planned number of sales. It can be reduced. Also, since only the key data is transmitted and received via the line, the communication time can be shortened.

[0098]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a software distribution system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a key data transmission device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a software execution device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation procedure of the software distribution system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of broadcast contents transmitted from a broadcasting device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed during operation of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed during the operation of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a modified example in which another charge can be set according to a call time.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 30 line connection unit 12 key data storage unit 14 key data transmission unit 16 software usage fee counting unit 20 software reception unit 22 software storage unit 24 software execution unit 26 operation unit 28 display unit 100 broadcasting device 110 relay device 120 receiving device 130 Software execution device 140 Telephone network 150 Key data transmission device 160 Billing device

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A software transmission device for transmitting locked software, a key data transmission device for transmitting key data required to unlock the software, and a reception device for receiving the software. A device, a software execution device that is connected to the key data transmission device via a line, and unlocks the received software using the key data to execute software, and charges for unlocking the software. And a billing device for performing the above, wherein the software execution device transmits a received key data request signal necessary for unlocking the software to the key data transmission device via a line. The key data transmitting device receives the request signal to transmit the key data to the source data. Software distribution via a line to the software execution device, and the charging device is configured to charge for unlocking the software based on the transmission operation of the key data. system. 2. The software usage fee according to claim 1, wherein when the key data transmission device transmits the key data to the software execution device, the billing device charges a usage fee of the corresponding software. A software distribution system which is configured as a counting means and calculates a usage fee for each software executed in the software execution device. 3. The billing device according to claim 1, wherein the billing device is formed to perform the billing as a usage fee according to a connection time of the line used for transmitting and receiving key data, and the key data transmitting device, A software distribution system characterized in that the transmission time of the key data is set according to the usage fee of the software. 4. The software transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the software transmission device is configured to transmit an automatic dialing program for key data request together with locked software, and the software execution device is Software storage means for storing the received software and automatic dial program, first line connection means for opening a communication path between the key data transmitting device, and the automatic dial program A software execution means for opening a communication path of the line using the first line connection means, transmitting a request signal for key data to the key data transmitting device, and unlocking and executing the software using the received key data. And the key data transmitting device, Key data storing means for storing the key data of the above, a second line connecting means for opening a communication path of a line between the first line connecting means, and the key data by receiving the request signal. A software distribution system configured to include key data transmission means for reading from key data storage means and transmitting the data to the software execution device via a line. 5. The software according to claim 1, wherein unlocked software to be executed first, which is a part of a plurality of pieces of software, is stored and attached to the software execution device. The software execution device includes an external storage medium that is freely mounted, the software execution device uses the external storage medium as a part of the software storage means in the software execution device, or the software stored in the storage medium. Is transferred to the software storage means, and the software execution means is configured to execute the software. 6. The key data transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the key data transmission device is configured to store key data corresponding to a plurality of software, and the software transmission device is locked by a user. A plurality of selectable software is formed to transmit an automatic dialing program requesting key data corresponding to each software, and the software execution device is configured to select from among the plurality of software received by the receiving device. And a means for selecting one or a plurality of software based on a user's instruction, wherein the software executing means executes the automatic dialing program to correspond to the software selected based on a user's instruction. The request signal of the key data is transmitted to the key data transmission device. , Software distribution system, characterized in that to unlock the selected software using the key data received executed. 7. The software transmission device according to claim 6, wherein the software transmission device is formed to transmit a menu program for selecting each software together with a plurality of software items that are locked and selectable by a user. A software distribution system, characterized in that a user selects one or a plurality of softwares from a plurality of softwares by executing a menu program received by the receiving device. 8. The method according to claim 6, which is dependent on claim 5, wherein the external storage medium stores a plurality of unlocked software that is part of a plurality of software and that can be selected by a user. A software distribution system characterized by being provided.