The present invention relates to a terminal management system for managing a terminal capable of starting application software.
As a method for managing a terminal capable of starting application software, there has been known a method using a license code. In this method, for example, a terminal can start application software only when the terminal stores a license code of the application software. Therefore, in the case where it is desired to move one license code of application software to allow another terminal to start the same application software, it is necessary to delete the license code stored in a terminal of a movement origin and to store the license code in a terminal of a movement destination.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for moving a license code by registering a license code created based on hardware-specific information on a computer of a movement origin, deleting the license code of the computer of the movement origin at a time of movement of a license, and newly creating a license code based on hardware-specific information on a computer of a movement destination.
However, in the method disclosed by Patent Document 1, a user needs to perform both an operation of deleting a license code in the computer of the movement origin and an operation of registering a license code in the computer of the movement destination. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, the user needs to operate both the computer of the movement origin and the computer of the movement destination at a time of movement of a license code, and hence, the method is cumbersome.
The present invention has been achieved in view of the above-mentioned problem, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a terminal management system capable of easily realizing license movement between a plurality of terminals of application software owned by a user.
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a terminal management system disclosed below is a terminal management system including: a movement destination terminal to be a movement destination of a license of application software; and a management server capable of communicating with the movement destination terminal. The management server manages a terminal ID of each terminal including the movement destination terminal and a movement origin terminal to be a movement origin of the license, a group ID of a group to which each of the terminals belongs, and application software capable of being started in the each terminal so that the terminal ID, the group ID, and the application software are associated with each other. The management server includes a change target selecting section for selecting application software capable of being changed to a state that can be started in the movement destination terminal from application software that is currently capable of being started in the movement origin terminal belonging to the same group as that of the movement destination terminal based on the terminal ID and the group ID received from the movement destination terminal, and sending information on the selected application software to the movement destination terminal. The movement destination terminal includes: a terminal information sending section for sending the terminal ID and the group ID of the movement destination terminal to the management server; and a change target display section for displaying the information on the application software selected in the change target selecting section.
The disclosure of the present specification easily can realize license movement between a plurality of terminals of application software owned by a user.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention is described specifically with reference to the drawings.
An example of a terminal management system according to the present embodiment is described below. The terminal management system according to the present embodiment is described by way of an example in which various services are provided to a user using a TV device through use of a management server device and a TV receiver (hereinafter referred to as “TV device”) as a terminal. The services include, for example, the sale of application software (which may be abbreviated below as “application” or “app”) and the sale of articles.
[1-1. System Configuration]
The management server device 11 is, for example, a computer device to be set on a side of a provider of the above-mentioned services. The TV device 10a and the TV device 10b are respectively TV devices that can be used by the same user. For example, both the TV device 10a and the TV device 10b are stationary TV devices to be set at a user's home or the like. The TV device 10c is a TV device that can be used by a user different from the user of the TV device 10a and the TV device 10b. Any or all of the TV device 10a, the TV device 10b, and the TV device 10c may be portable TV devices, smartphones, mobile phones, or the like.
The TV device 10a, the TV device 10b, or the TV device 10c, and the management server device 11 are capable of communicating with each other through a network N such as the Internet. The network N may be a network such as a WAN, a LAN, or an intranet. In
Note that, in the present embodiment, the terminal management system 1 is described with the TV device 10a being a movement destination terminal and the TV device 10b being a movement origin terminal.
Further, the TV device 10b that is a movement origin terminal is not necessarily required to be connected to the network N. This is because the TV device 10b cannot be connected to the network N when the TV device 10b is out of order.
The management server device 11 can provide, for example, a menu display image and the like to be used for providing service, to the TV device 10a, the TV device 10b, and the TV device 10c. Note that providing a menu display image and the like by the management server device 11 includes displaying a menu display image formed by the management server device 11 on the TV device and sending data required for forming a menu display image on the TV device side.
[1-2. Functional Block]
Further, the TV device 10a includes a terminal information sending section 101, a startup target display section 102, a user information sending section 103, a change target display section 104, a license movement information sending section 106, and a terminal information holding section 100. Note that the TV device 10b and the TV device 10c shown in
[1-2-1. Management Server Device 11]
The startup management table 110 of the management server device 11 manages a terminal ID of each terminal including the TV device 10a serving as a movement destination terminal and the TV device 10b serving as a movement origin terminal, a group ID of a group to which each terminal belongs, and application software that can be started in each terminal so that the terminal ID, the group ID, and the application software are associated with each other.
The “terminal ID” refers to, for example, a code for identifying each terminal. The “group ID” refers to, for example, a code for identifying a group to which each terminal belongs. The “group to which each terminal belongs” refers to, for example, a group formed of terminals owned by the same user. The “user” also includes the case where a plurality of users (for example, a family) is collectively called “user”. Note that the present embodiment is described assuming that the TV device 10a and the TV device 10b belong to the same group.
The user management table 111 manages a user ID and password for identifying a user who uses the TV device (including the TV device 10a and the TV device 10b), information on application software purchased by the user in the past and currently owned by the user, and information on the TV device (including the TV device 10a and the TV device 10b) capable of starting the application software so that the user ID and password, the information on application software, and the information on the TV device are associated with each other. The term “own” means the ability to allow the application software to be available irrespective of whether it is on a chargeable basis or a non-chargeable basis.
Note that, besides the foregoing, the startup management table 110 and the user management table 111 may be configured as one table. Further, in the foregoing, although the case where the group ID and the user ID are provided separately is described, for example, the user ID may be used as the group ID.
The startup target selecting section 112 consults the startup management table 110 based on a terminal ID received from the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) and selects application software that can be started in the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a). Thus, the startup target selecting section 112 can select application software depending on the TV device 10a serving as a movement destination terminal.
The change target selecting section 113 consults the startup management table 110 based on a terminal ID and a group ID received from the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) serving as a movement destination terminal, and selects application software capable of being changed to a state that can be started in the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) serving as a movement destination terminal from application software that is currently capable of being started in the TV device (for example, the TV device 10b) serving as a movement origin terminal belonging to the same group as that of the movement destination terminal and sends information on the selected application software to the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) serving as a movement destination terminal. That is, the change target selecting section 113 selects application software whose license can be moved from the TV device (for example, the TV device 10b) serving as a movement origin terminal to the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) serving as a movement destination terminal and sends information on the selected application software to the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) serving as a movement destination terminal. Thus, the change target selecting section 113 can select application software depending on each terminal ID and group ID of the TV device 10a and the TV device 10b. Further, in the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) serving as a movement destination terminal, the selected application software can be displayed, and thus the license of the application software easily can be moved.
Further, the change target selecting section 113 is configured so as to select application software capable of being changed to a state that can be started in the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) serving as a movement destination terminal from independent application software not belonging to any of the terminals including the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) serving as a movement destination terminal and the TV device (for example, the TV device 10b) serving as a movement origin terminal (described later in detail).
The license movement information receiving section 115 receives license movement information containing information on application software to be changed to a state that can be started in the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) serving as a movement destination terminal, from the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) serving as a movement destination terminal. Thus, the license movement information receiving section 115 can receive information on application software whose license is moved from the TV device 10b serving as a movement origin terminal to the TV device 10a serving as a movement destination terminal, from the TV device 10a.
The terminal information update section 116 updates information on a terminal capable of starting application software in the startup management table 110 and the user management table 111 based on the license movement information received from the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) serving as a movement destination terminal. Thus, the terminal information update section 116 can update the information on the application software so that the license of the application software held in the startup management table 110 and the user management table 111 belongs to the TV device 10a serving as a movement destination terminal. Accordingly, the management server device 11 can exactly grasp the license movement of the application software.
Note that the following configuration also may be possible. The TV devices 10a and/or 10b inquire of the management server device 11 about the presence/absence of a license without fail at startup of the application software. If the TV devices 10a and/or 10b do not receive startup permission from the management server device 11, the TV devices 10a and/or 10b cannot start the application software.
In this case, for example, the management server device 11 receives a terminal ID and a request for starting application software from the TV device 10a and/or 10b, and can determine whether or not the TV device 10a and/or 10b of the terminal ID, which the management server device 11 has received, is capable of starting the application software, with reference to the startup management table 110. The management server device 11 sends determination results, that is, information indicating whether or not the application software can be started to the TV device 10a and/or the TV device 10b.
Thus, for example, even when a license is moved while the TV device 10b serving as a movement origin terminal is not connected to the network N, the TV device 10b serving as a movement origin terminal cannot start the application.
The product data holding section 117 holds product types, file names, and the like so that they are associated with product IDs.
Further, the change target selecting section 113 can select application software capable of being changed to a state that can be started in the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) serving as a movement destination terminal, based on ability information received from the TV device (for example, the TV device 10a) serving as a movement destination terminal. Thus, the change target selecting section 113 determines whether or not terminal specifications of the TV device 10a satisfy requested specifications of application software, thereby selecting the application software. For example, the change target selecting section 113 determines whether or not the TV device 10a can display a 3D video if the application software displays a 3D video. Further, the change target selecting section 113 determines whether or not the TV device 10a has a browser function if the application software uses a browser. Further, the change target selecting section 113 determines whether or not the TV device 10a has a recording function if the application software requires a recording function.
[1-2-2. TV Device 10a]
The terminal information holding section 100 of the TV device 10a serving as a movement destination terminal includes a terminal ID and a group ID of the TV device 10a. For example, the terminal ID can be a Media Access Control (MAC) address uniquely assigned to the TV device 10a. Further, the terminal ID can be a hash value obtained by converting a MAC address by a predetermined hash function. Further, the terminal ID can be a unique ID assigned uniquely to the TV device 10a so as to identify the TV device 10a in the terminal management system 1. For example, the group ID can be a mail address of the user of the TV device 10a.
Note that the terminal information holding section 100 further may include ability information on the TV device 10a. For example, the ability information on the TV device 10a includes terminal specifications information on the TV device 10a. The “terminal specifications information” refers to information including image reproducing ability, application startup ability, image recording ability, and the like of the TV device. Specifically, the “terminal specifications information” refers to information indicating whether or not the TV device has a 3D video display function, a browser function, a recording function, or the like or information indicating the degrees of those functions.
The terminal information sending section 101 sends the terminal ID and the group ID of the TV device 10a serving as a movement destination terminal to the management server device 11. For example, the terminal information sending section 101 acquires the terminal ID and the group ID of the TV device 10a from the terminal information holding section 100 and sends them to the management server device 11.
The startup target display section 102 displays information on application software selected by the startup target selecting section 112 of the management server device 11, which can be started in the TV device 10a serving as a movement destination terminal, on the TV device 10a. For example, the startup target display section 102 displays an icon that is identification display information on application software associated with the terminal ID on the TV device 10a.
The user information sending section 103 sends a user ID and a password input by the user to the management server device 11, for example, in order to receive user authentication by the management server device 11.
The change target display section 104 receives information on the application software selected by the change target selecting section 113 of the management server device 11 and displays the information on the TV device 10a.
The license movement information sending section 106 sends license movement information generated when the user indicates information on the application software displayed on the change target display section 104 to the management server device 11.
[1-2-3. Another Configuration Example]
The TV device 10a includes a GUI control section 104a, a product management section 104b, a user management section 104c, a browser 104d, an identification information holding section 101a, a downloader 105, and a terminal ability management section 106a.
The control server device 11a includes a GUI control section 112a, a user management section 112b, a product management section 112c, a DB management section 112d, a user database (DB) 113a, a catalog database (DB) 114a, and a terminal ability determination section 112e.
The sales server device 12a includes a catalog/accounting database (DB) 122b, a product management section 121a, a user management section 121b, an HTML for user management 121c, and a user database (DB) 123b.
The download server device 13a includes an application software database (DB) 131a and a product management section 132a.
The functions of the startup management table 110 in the management server device 11 shown in
The functions of the terminal information holding section 100 in the TV device 10a shown in
[1-2-4. Others]
In the present embodiment, installing application software in the TV device 10a or the TV device 10b includes both installing download application software and installing hosted application software. For example, installing download application software includes setting a program downloaded from the management server device 11 so that the program can be run in the TV device 10a or the TV device 10b. For example, installing hosted application software includes setting data, which indicates the right (hereinafter, which may be referred to as “execution right”) to cause the management server device 11 to execute application software held in the management server device 11, in the TV device 10a or the TV device 10b.
Respective functional sections (startup target selecting section 112, change target selecting section 113, license movement information receiving section 115, terminal information update section 116) in the management server device 11 shown in
[1-3. Hardware Configuration]
[1-3-1. Configuration Example of TV Device 10a]
The display 31 can display a video signal output from a display control program 37a1. The video signal output from the display control program 37a1 contains a video signal for TV broadcasting output from the tuner circuit 38. The CPU 32 can execute processing based on an operating system (OS, not shown) and the display control program 37a1 through use of the RAM 33 and the like. The RAM 33 can provide an address space to the CPU 32 that runs the display control program 37a1.
The operation button 34 and the remote controller 36 can receive operation input from the user of the TV device 10a. The operation signal receiving circuit 35 can receive an operation signal output from the remote controller 36 that has received the operation input from the user. Note that the operation signal receiving circuit 35 may be configured so as to send a data signal to the remote controller 36.
The flash memory 37a can hold the display control program 37a1, a terminal information data 37a2, and the like. Note that the terminal information data 37a2 and the like held in the flash memory 37a may be present in an external device accessible through the communication circuit 39.
The external memory 37b can hold various data. For example, the external memory 37b can hold an application software program downloaded from the management server device 11. For example, an SD memory card (trade name) corresponds to the external memory 37b.
The ROM 37c can hold an OS, a MAC address, and the like. Note that a hard disk drive (HDD) may be provided in the TV device 10a, and the OS, the display control program 37a1, the terminal information data 37a2, and the like may be held in the hard disk.
The tuner circuit 38 can receive a TV broadcasting airwave in accordance with a setting country and a setting region through a receiving antenna (not shown). The communication circuit 39 can communicate with the management server device 11, for example, through the network N (
Respective functional sections (terminal information sending section 101, startup target display section 102, user information sending section 103, change target display section 104, license movement information sending section 106) in the TV device 10a shown in
The terminal specifications information 43 is information indicating terminal ability of the TV device 10a. For example, the terminal specifications information 43 can be bit string data that is expressed by assigning whether or not the TV device 10a has predetermined ability to each bit. Specifically, the terminal specifications information 43 is expressed by assigning the presence/absence of display ability of a 3D video, the presence/absence of a browser function, the presence/absence of a recording function, and the like to respective predetermined bits. Note that it is not necessarily required that the terminal specifications information 43 be contained in the terminal information data 37a2, and may be held independently from the terminal information data 37a2. Further, the terminal specifications information 43 can be sent to the management server device 11 at an arbitrary timing.
In
[1-3-2. Configuration Example of Management Server Device 11]
The display 51 can display various processing states of the management server device 11 on a screen. The CPU 52 can execute processing based on an operating system (OS, not shown) and a display screen control program 551 through use of a memory 53 and the like. The memory 53 can provide an address space to the CPU 52 that runs the display screen control program 551. The keyboard/mouse 54 can output an operation signal generated in response to the user's operation of the management server device 11 to the CPU 52. The hard disk 55 can hold the display screen control program 551, startup management table data 552, user management table data 553, product data 554, and the like in addition to the OS. The communication circuit 56 can communicate with the TV device 10a, the TV device 10b, or the TV device 10c through the network N (
Respective functional sections (startup target selecting section 112, change target selecting section 113, license movement information receiving section 115, terminal information update section 116) in the management server device 11 shown in
The terminal ID 61 is data for identifying the TV device 10a between the TV device 10a and the management server device 11 in the same way as in the terminal ID 41 (
The product ID (1) 63, the product ID (2) 64, the product ID (3) 65, . . . are respectively data indicating application software that can be started in the TV device 10a corresponding to the terminal ID 61. For example, a code system of data held by the product ID (1) 63, the product ID (2) 64, the product ID (3) 65, and the like is common to a code system of data held by a product ID 81 of product data (
Therefore, application software can be specified by referring to the product data (
In
Note that the terminal ID 61 “d001” corresponds to the TV device 10a serving as a movement destination terminal, and a terminal ID 61 “d003” corresponds to the TV device 10b serving as a movement origin terminal. Further, the group ID “g001” corresponds to a group to which the TV device 10a and the TV device 10b belong. Further, the product ID (1) 63 “001” corresponds to the product ID 81 “001” indicating a product name 83 “Game A” in
The user ID 71 is data for identifying a user who uses the TV device 10a between the TV device 10a and the management server device 11. For example, the user ID 71 is set in the case where the user who uses the TV device 10a performs user registration processing (not shown).
The purchase product ID (1) 73, the purchase product ID (2) 75, and the purchase product ID (3) 77, . . . are data for specifying application software purchased by the user in the past. The terminal capable of starting application software (1) 74, the terminal capable of starting application software (2) 76, and the terminal capable of starting application software (3) 78, . . . are data for specifying terminals capable of respectively starting the purchase product ID (1) 73, the purchase product ID (2) 75, and the purchase product ID (3) 77, . . . . For example, a purchase product ID (1) 73 “001” can be started in the TV device 10a specified as a terminal capable of starting application software (1) 74 “d001”.
In
In the case where a product identified by the product ID 81 is hosted application software or download application software, the requested specifications information 84 is information indicating terminal ability requested with respect to each terminal (for example, the TV device 10a, etc.) for starting these application software programs. For example, the requested specifications information 84 can be bit string data expressed by assigning predetermined ability to each bit through use of the same format as that of the terminal specifications information 43 shown in
In the case where a product identified by the product ID 81 is hosted application software or download application software, the file name 85 is a name of each substantial file of these application software programs. Note that the file name 85 may include information on an absolute position or a relative position of a place where a substantial file is held.
In
[1-4. Example of Screen Processing]
The screen processing in the present embodiment refers to processing of causing the display 31 such as the TV device 10a to display a screen including various images other than a received video of TV broadcasting. The screen includes images such as an icon menu of executable application software (main menu), a mail-order service product menu (market menu), and various setting menus. For example, the CPU 32 of the TV device 10a accesses the management server device 11 in response to a user's operation and requests the “(0) Main menu screen”.
[1-4-1. Example of Main Menu Display Processing]
Note that the timing at which the CPU 32 of the TV device 10a sends the terminal information data 37a2 to the management server device 11 is arbitrary. For example, the CPU 32 of the TV device 10a can send the terminal information data 37a2 to the management server device 11 simultaneously with the request for the “(0) Main menu screen” or at any timing after the request.
When the CPU 52 of the management server device 11 receives the transmission of the terminal information data 37a2 from the TV device 10a, the CPU 52 selects application software that can be started in the TV device 10a serving as an access terminal (Step S911). For example, the CPU 52 refers to the startup management table data 552 (
Then, the CPU 52 selects application software corresponding to all the extracted product IDs as the application software that can be started in the TV device 10a, and acquires a product name (for example, the product name 83 “Game A”) corresponding to the selected application software with reference to the product data 554 (
The CPU 52 generates the “(0) Main menu screen” on which the selected application software can be started (Step S912). For example, the CPU 52 generates the “(0) Main menu screen” including a startup icon of the application software corresponding to the product ID (1) 63 “001”.
The CPU 52 sends the generated “(0) Main menu screen” to the TV device 10a (Step S913). The CPU 32 of the TV device 10a receives the transmission from the management server device 11, and displays, for example, the “(0) Main menu screen” shown in
The TV broadcasting screen 20 is a screen on which videos based on video signals output from the tuner circuit 38 of the TV device 10a having received a TV broadcasting airwave are displayed successively. The startup icon 21 of the “Game A (001)” is an icon for starting the “Game A” that is application software capable of being started in the TV device 10a. The market menu icon 22 is an icon for shifting to a “(1-1) Market menu screen” in a lower layer of the “(0) Main menu screen”.
[1-4-1-1. Example of Purchase Processing]
The startup icon 21 of the “Game A (001)” displayed on the “(0) Main menu screen” shown in
In the “(0) Main menu screen” shown in
Note that, in the foregoing, for example, the “Application 001” is a product name of application software held by the product name 83 of the product data 554 (
The “(1-1) Market menu screen” includes category-based icons 141a on a lower side of the “Application” icon 141. The category-based icons 141a are displayed, for example, as icons classified depending on kinds: “Special”, “Category A”, “Category B”, and “Category C”. When any one of the category-based icons 141a is selected, the TV device 10a narrows down target application software programs in accordance with the kind of the category-based icon 141a. After the TV device 10a narrows down the target application software programs, the TV device 10a appropriately changes the display and arrangement of the “Application 001” icon 146a, the “Application 002” icon 146b, the “Application 003” icon 146c, . . . etc. so that they correspond to the respective application software programs.
The “Application 001” icon 146a, the “Application 002” icon 146b, the “Application 003” icon 146c, . . . etc. are created based on each record held in the above-mentioned product data 554. For example, the “Application 001” icon 146a, the “Application 002” icon 146b, the “Application 003” icon 146c, . . . etc. are created based on records of product IDs in which the product type 82 is the “Hosted application software” and the “Download application software” in the product data 554.
For example, in the case of purchasing application software corresponding to the “Application 001”, for example, the user operates the direction key 24 of the remote controller 36 (
The “(1-2) Application screen” includes a detailed explanation screen 151 associated with the “Application (game A) 001” icon 146a selected in
The “(1-2) Application screen” shown in
When the “Purchase” button 152 is selected, the CPU 32 of the TV device 10a sends selection data containing “001” indicating the product ID of the “Application (game A) 001” associated with the “Purchase” button 152 to the management server device 11.
When the TV device 10a sends the selection data, the CPU 52 of the management server device 11 performs installation processing of the “Application (game A) 001” after predetermined user registration processing (not shown), login processing (not shown), and settlement processing (not shown). Thus, the TV device 10a can execute the selected application software.
For example, in the installation processing of the “Application (game A) 001”, as shown in the record 60 of the startup management table data 552 shown in
Further, as shown in the record 70 of the user management table data 553 shown in
On the other hand, in the case where the “Cancel” button 153 is selected in the “(1-2) Application screen” shown in
Note that, as described above, the application software includes the “Hosted application software” or the “Download application software”. In the case of installing the “Hosted application software” for purchasing an execution right of application software on a remote server, the CPU 52 of the management server device 11 performs various settings so that the TV device 10a can execute the “Hosted application software” on the management server device 11.
On the other hand, in the case of installing the “Download application software”, the CPU 52 of the management server device 11 causes the TV device 10a to download the “Download application software” and performs processing so that the “Download application software” can be executed on the TV device 10a. For example, the CPU 52 causes the TV device 10a to download application software and allows the downloaded application software to be recorded on the external memory 37b (
Note that, the user can purchase a product (for example, an article that is a thing) other than application software through use of the market menu shown in
When the user selects an icon 148 of a “Product 203 3D eyeglasses” in the “(1-1) Market menu screen” shown in
Note that, as shown in a record 70a of the user management table data 553 shown in
[1-4-2. Example of Possessed Application List Screen Display Processing]
In the “(1-1) Market menu screen” shown in
When the user inputs a predetermined user ID and password to a user ID input section 161 and a password input section 162 and presses a submit button 163 through use of the remote controller 36 in the “(2-9) Login screen” 160 shown in
The CPU 52 of the management server device 11 performs user authentication based on the user ID and the password sent from the TV device 10a (Step S1511). For example, in the case where a combination of the user ID and the password is present in the user management table data 553 (
Note that, in the case where the user authentication of a target user is successful even once, the subsequent “(2-9) Login screen” 160 can be omitted. For example, the CPU 52 of the management server device 11 holds the terminal ID in which the user authentication (Step S1511) has been successful in the memory 53 or the hard disk 55, and in the case where a terminal ID contained in the terminal information data 37a2 (
[1-4-2-1. Example of Own-Terminal Application Software Support Processing]
The CPU 52 of the management server device 11 acquires all product IDs of application software that can be started in the TV device 10a from the startup management table data 552 (
Note that, the CPU 52 also can acquire product IDs of application software that can be started in the TV device 10a by reading each data on a purchase product ID of the user management table data 553 (
The CPU 52 further acquires product information associated with the product ID acquired in Step S1701 with reference to the product data 554 shown in
The CPU 52 determines whether or not there is download application software that can be started in the TV device 10a serving as an access terminal (own-terminal) in the acquired product information (Step S1703). For example, the CPU 52 determines that there is download application software that can be started in the TV device 10a in the product information acquired in Step S1702 when the product of the product ID 81 “001” is the product type 82 “Download application software” (YES in Step S1703).
Further, when the download application software is within a downloadable period (YES in Step S1704), the CPU 52 adds identification information on application software and information indicating that download application software can be downloaded to screen data for forming a possessed application list screen described later (Step S1705).
Note that the CPU 52 can determine whether or not the download application software is within the downloadable period, based on a “Downloadable period” (not shown) held so as to be associated with a purchase product ID (n) in the user management table data shown in
A display area 2002 of
On the other hand, when the download application software is not within the downloadable period (NO in Step S1704), the CPU 52 adds the identification information on the application software and the information indicating that the download application software cannot be downloaded to the screen data for forming the possessed application list screen (Step S1706). For example, the CPU 52 can cause the above-mentioned “Redownload” button 2012 not to be displayed, as the information indicating that the download application software cannot be downloaded. Further, the CPU 52 can directly display the information indicating that the download application software cannot be downloaded (for example, “Impossible to download”). Further, the CPU 52 can cause all the information shown in the display area 2002 of
[1-4-2-2. Example of Another-Terminal Application Software Support Processing]
The CPU 52 of the management server device 11 acquires all product IDs of application software that can be started in each TV device in a group to which the TV device 10a belongs, from the startup management table data 552 (
Note that, the CPU 52 also can acquire a product ID of application software that can be started in each TV device of a group to which the TV device 10a belongs, by reading each data on the purchase product ID of the user management table data 553 (
The CPU 52 acquires product information corresponding to each extracted product ID with reference to the product data 554 shown in
The CPU 52 determines whether or not there is application software that can be started in a terminal (another terminal) other than the TV device 10a serving as an access terminal (own terminal) in the application software related to the product IDs acquired in Step S1801 (Step S1803). For example, the CPU 52 determines that there is application software that can be started in a terminal (another terminal) other than the TV device 10a because the terminal ID “d003” held so as to be associated with the group ID “g001” in the record 60a of the startup management table data 552 shown in
Further, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the terminal (own terminal) to be a movement destination satisfies requested specifications of each of the above-mentioned application software (Step S1804). For example, the CPU 52 can determine whether or not the TV device 10a satisfies the requested specifications by comparing the terminal specifications information on the TV device 10a serving as a terminal to be a movement destination with the requested specifications information on the above-mentioned application software. Specifically, the CPU 52 can determine whether or not the TV device 10a satisfies the requested specifications by comparing the terminal specifications information 43 (
In the case where the CPU 52 determines that the terminal of a movement destination satisfies the requested specifications of the above-mentioned application software (YES in Step S1804), the CPU 52 determines whether or not the above-mentioned application software is download application software (Step S1805). For example, the CPU 52 determines that the above-mentioned application software is download application software (YES in Step S1805) because the product type 82 of a product of the product ID 81 “003” in the record 80b (
Further, if the download application software is within the downloadable period (YES in Step S1806), the CPU 52 adds identification information on the application software and information indicating that a license can be moved (for example, “Possible to move”) to the screen data for forming the possessed application list screen (Step S1807). Note that the CPU 52 can determine whether or not the download application software is within the downloadable period, based on a “Downloadable period” (not shown) held so as to be associated with the purchase product ID (n) in the user management table data shown in
A display area 2003 of
On the other hand, if the download application software is not within the downloadable period (NO in Step S1806), the CPU 52 adds identification information on application software and information indicating that a license cannot be moved to screen data for forming the possessed application list screen (Step S1808). For example, the CPU 52 can cause the “Possible to move” button 2013 not to be displayed as the information indicating that a license cannot be moved. Further, the information indicating that a license cannot be moved (for example, “A license cannot be moved because a downloadable period has already expired”) may be displayed directly. Further, the CPU 52 may cause all the information shown in the display area 2003 of
In the case where the CPU 52 determines that the above-mentioned application software is not download application software in Step S1805 (No in Step S1805), the CPU 52 adds identification information on the application software and information indicating that a license can be moved (for example, “Possible to move”) to screen data for forming the possessed application list screen (Step S1807). Examples of the screen data to be added in this case are similar to those of the display area 2003 (
On the other hand, in the case where the CPU 52 determines that the terminal of a movement destination does not satisfy the requested specifications of the application software (NO in Step S1804), the CPU 52 adds identification information on the application software and information indicating that a license cannot be moved to screen data for forming the possessed application list screen (Step S1808). For example, the CPU 52 can cause the “Possible to move” button 2013 not to be displayed as the information indicating that a license cannot be moved. Further, the information indicating that a license cannot be moved (for example, “A license cannot be moved because the terminal does not satisfy the requested specifications) may be displayed directly. Further, the CPU 52 may cause all the information shown in the display area 2003 of
[1-4-2-3. Example of Independent Application Software Support Processing]
The CPU 52 of the management server device 11 acquires all the respective data on the purchase product ID of the user management table data 553 (
The CPU 52 of the management server device 11 determines whether or not there is (independent) application software not belonging to any terminal in purchase history information (Step S1903). For example, the CPU 52 determines that there is application software not belonging to any terminal when the purchase product ID of the user management table data 553 shown in
As described above, the management server device 11 can manage independent application software not belonging to any terminal by recording the user ID (by extension, group ID) and the independent application software so that they are associated with each other.
Further, when the CPU 52 determines whether or not there is application software not belonging to any terminal (YES in Step S1903), the CPU 52 determines whether or not a terminal (own-terminal) to be a movement destination can satisfy requested specifications of the application software (Step S1904). For example, the CPU 52 compares the terminal specifications information on the TV device 10a serving as a terminal to be a movement destination with the requested specifications information on the above-mentioned application software, thereby determining whether or not the TV device 10a satisfies the requested specifications. Specifically, the CPU 52 compares the terminal specifications information 43 (
In the case where the CPU 52 determines that the terminal to be a movement destination satisfies the requested specifications of the application software not belonging to any terminal (YES in Step S1904), the CPU 52 performs processings in Steps S1905 to S1907. Note that each processing in Steps S1905 to S1906 is similar to that in Steps S1805 to S1806 of
In a display area 2004 of
Note that, when the download application software is not within the downloadable period (NO in Step S1906), the CPU 52 adds identification information on the application software and information indicating that the application software cannot be installed to the screen data for forming the above-mentioned possessed application list screen (Step S1908). For example, the CPU 52 can cause the “Install” button 2014 not to be displayed as the information indicating that the application software cannot be installed. Further, the CPU 52 can also directly display the information indicating that the application software cannot be installed (for example, “The application software cannot be installed because the downloadable period has expired”). Further, the CPU 52 also can cause all the information shown in the display area 2004 of
On the other hand, in the case where the CPU 52 determines that the terminal to be a movement destination does not satisfy the requested specifications of the application software not belonging to any terminal (NO in Step S1904), the CPU 52 adds the identification information on the application software and the information indicating that the application software cannot be installed to the screen data for forming the above-mentioned possessed application list screen (Step S1908). For example, the CPU 52 can cause the “Install” button 2014 not to be displayed as the information indicating that the application software cannot be installed. Further, the CPU 52 can also directly display the information indicating that the application software cannot be installed (for example, “The application software cannot be installed because the terminal does not satisfy the requested specifications”). Further, the CPU 52 also can cause all the information shown in the display area 2004 of
[1-4-2-4. Example of Display Processing of Possessed Application List Screen]
The CPU 52 creates a possessed application list screen displayed on a frame screen 2000 on the right side of
The CPU 52 sends the created possessed application list screen to the TV device 10a (Step S1516). For example, the CPU 52 sends “(3-1) My account screen” shown in
In the display area 2000 of
For example, the CPU 52 may display the download application software, the another-terminal application software, or the independent application software so that they are switched in response to the pressing of any of the color buttons 26 in the remote controller 36 shown in
[1-4-3. Example of License Movement Processing]
When the CPU 52 of the management server device 11 receives the license movement information from the TV device 10a, the CPU 52 sends, for example, a confirmation screen 220 shown in
When the CPU 52 of the management server device 11 receives the confirmation information from the TV device 10a (Step S2112), the CPU 52 updates information on a terminal capable of starting target application software (Step S2113). For example, the CPU 52 updates the data on the product ID (2) 64 in the record 60 (
Further, for example, the CPU 52 updates the data on the product ID (1) 63 in the record 60a (
Further, for example, the CPU 52 updates the data on the terminal capable of starting application software (2) 76 corresponding to the purchase product ID (2) 75 in the record 70 (
Further, in the case where the target application software is download application software, the CPU 52 sends the application software read from the product data 554 to the TV device 10a serving as a movement destination terminal and causes the TV device 10a to install the sent application software (Steps S2114 to S2115, S2103). Thus, even in the case where there is no application software in the TV device 10a serving as a movement destination terminal, the application software can be set to be started in the TV device 10a.
[1-5. Summary]
As described above, the terminal management system 1 can easily realize the license movement of application software in a plurality of terminals. In particular, by managing application software that can be started in each terminal (TV device) (referred to as a terminal bind or a device bind) through use of the startup management table data 552, and managing application software available to each user and a terminal (TV device) capable of executing application software (referred to as a user bind) through use of the group ID of the startup management table data 552 or the user management table data 553, a right of executing each application software can be managed flexibly. By flexibly managing an execution right of each application software, a license of application software can be moved easily, and the convenience obtained when the user uses application software among a plurality of terminals can be enhanced.
In this embodiment, the startup target selecting section 112 in the management server includes a processing function in S911 of
Further, the terminal information sending section 101 in a movement destination terminal includes a processing function in S901 of
[1-6. Others]
In the above-mentioned embodiment, each functional block shown in the figures is realized by CPU processing that executes software. However, a part or all of the functional blocks may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit. Note that partial processing of a program may be executed by an OS.
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, regarding the effects described in the embodiment of the present invention, the most preferred effects obtained by the present invention are merely illustrated, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiment of the present invention.
The terminal management system according to the present invention can be used in a system including at least one management server device and at least one terminal device. As the terminal device, various devices such as a TV, a recorder, a mobile phone, and a mobile terminal can be used.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2012-050709 | Mar 2012 | JP | national |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/JP2013/001317 | Mar 2013 | US |
Child | 14068850 | US |