JP2001331228A - Information processing method, information processing apparatus, recording medium, download method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To promote the development and spread of application software and realize the development of information processing systems and their business. In addition, it is assumed that the application software operates well in the information processing apparatus and is suitable for the user. SOLUTION: When application software having authentication information is started, the authentication information of the application software and the authentication information of the information processing apparatus are collated, and the application software is activated according to the collation result. To

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a recording medium, and a download method, and more particularly to a process for starting application software on an information processing apparatus and for downloading to an information processing apparatus. It is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A personal computer or a PDA (Pers
Information processing devices such as onal Digital Assistants (portable information devices) are widely used and used for various processes. The application software used in the information processing apparatus is provided by a medium such as a disk or a memory card, or provided by being downloaded via a communication line.

[0003]

By the way, a maker of an information processing apparatus such as a PDA (equipment maker) and a maker of application software (a software maker)
The provider (server, store, etc.) can cooperate in system development with each other, thereby realizing the development of application software useful to the user and the spread thereof.

[0004] For example, providing a general-purpose software capable of supporting various types of information processing apparatuses by a software maker contributes to the development and spread of the software. There is a situation where there is a good or a bad compatibility between the two, and in some cases, the function of software or hardware cannot be fully utilized.

[0005]

In view of such circumstances, the present invention promotes the development and spread of application software, and realizes the development of information processing systems and their business. It is another object of the present invention to allow application software to operate well in an information processing apparatus and to be suitable for a user.

Therefore, according to the information processing method of the present invention, when the application software having the authentication information is started on the information processing apparatus, the authentication information of the application software and the authentication information of the information processing apparatus are changed. The collation is performed, and the application software is started according to the collation result.

Further, the information processing apparatus of the present invention has a storage means for storing authentication information, a storage means for storing application software having authentication information, and the application software which is activated when the application software is started. A collation unit for collating the authentication information with the authentication information stored in the storage unit, and a control unit for controlling an activation operation of the application software according to a collation result of the collation unit.

[0008] The recording medium of the present invention has authentication information, and when activated, collates the authentication information with the authentication information of the information processing apparatus to be activated, and starts the activation operation according to the collation result. It is assumed that application software having an operation program to be controlled is recorded.

[0009] The download method of the present invention compares the authentication information of the application software with the authentication information of the information processing device when the information processing device requests download of the application software having the authentication information. The download of the application software is executed according to the collation result.

In the information processing method, the information processing apparatus, the recording medium, and the download method, it is assumed that the authentication information is an authentication code generated based on a unique number of the information processing apparatus. Alternatively, it is assumed that the authentication information is a maker code set unique to a manufacturer of the information processing apparatus.

That is, according to the present invention, when the application software is started in the information processing apparatus on the user side or when the application software is downloaded to the information processing apparatus, the application software and the information processing apparatus are used. A verification process of authentication information is performed between them, and activation or download is permitted according to the result, so that matching between the application software and the information processing device is achieved. In particular, since the authentication information is an authentication code generated based on the unique number of the information processing device, it is possible to perform matching between the application software and each information processing device. In addition, since the authentication information is a maker code, it is possible to perform matching between application software and an information processing device of a specific manufacturer.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in the following order. The information processing apparatus according to this embodiment is an information processing apparatus as a so-called PDA device. 1. 1. Appearance example of information processing device 2. Configuration of information processing device 3. OS structure and database structure 4. Memory card 4-1 Appearance 4-2 Terminals and internal structure of memory card 4-3 File system processing hierarchy 4-4 Directory structure 5. Interface between memory card and information processing device Provision of application software

1. Example of Appearance of Information Processing Apparatus FIG. 1 shows an example of the appearance of an information processing apparatus of this example. The information processing device 1 is a small and lightweight device suitable for being carried as a so-called PDA device. It is assumed that a memory card 70 to be described later is mounted as a recording medium, and recording and reproduction can be performed. Note that the present invention is not limited to a portable information processing apparatus, but can be applied to any type of information processing apparatus including a personal computer, and the recording medium on which the apparatus performs recording is not limited to a memory card. Other types of recording media such as an HDD, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a RAM or a flash memory fixedly arranged in the apparatus may be used.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are a plan view, a right side view, a left side view, and an external view of the information processing apparatus 1, respectively.
FIG. As shown in FIG. 1D, a memory slot 7 in which a memory card 70 to be described later can be inserted is formed on the upper surface side of the device. Various data (computer data, music data, audio data, moving image data, still image data, control data, and the like) can be recorded and reproduced. In the example of FIG. 1, since two memory slots 7 are formed,
One memory card 70 can be inserted at a time. Of course, the number of memory slots 7 to be formed is 1
Or three or more.

In the information processing apparatus 1, a display unit 2 formed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel is formed on a plane, and images and characters as data, data and images to be reproduced, sound and music to be reproduced upon activation of application software and various processes. , An operation guide message, a menu screen for reproduction and editing operations, and the like are displayed.

On the information processing apparatus 1, various operators for user operation are provided. For example, operation key 3
a, a jog dial 3b, a push dial 3c, etc. are formed at required portions, respectively. These controls allow the user to perform, for example, a power supply operation, a menu operation, a selection operation, an input operation of characters and the like, and various other necessary operations. These controls are of course only examples. That is, the number, types, and positions of the deployed operators can be variously considered.

Further, a speaker 4, a microphone 5, and an imaging unit 6 are also formed on the information processing apparatus 1, so that sound output, input, image capturing by imaging, and the like can be executed.

Various terminals are formed for connection to various devices. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, a headphone terminal 10, a line output terminal 12, a line input terminal 11, and the like are formed, and as shown in FIG.
Four terminals 8, USB (universal serial bus) terminals 9, and the like are formed. It should be noted that other examples are also conceivable for the types, numbers, and arrangement positions of these terminals. For example, a digital input / output terminal corresponding to an optical cable is provided, or
A CSI connector, a serial port, an RS232C connector, or the like may be formed.

In the case of this information processing apparatus, it is assumed that information can be downloaded from a predetermined server or the Internet via a communication network such as a public line, and the antenna 13 is used as a base station of the communication network. An antenna for performing wireless communication between the mobile phone and the mobile phone is provided.

2. FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 1. As shown in the figure, in the information processing device 1, first, as a core portion,
System controller 21, CPU 22, Flash R
An OM 23 and a D-RAM 24 are provided. Operation unit 3 as a part for basic user interface
5, a display control unit 27 and a display unit 2 are formed.

The system controller 21 inputs operation information from the operation unit 35 and interrupts the CPU 22 accordingly. The operation unit 35 corresponds to the various operators 3a, 3b, and 3c shown in FIG. Although not described in FIG. 1, a touch panel operator may be formed by displaying operation keys and icons on the display unit 2 and providing a touch detection mechanism on the display unit 2. The touch panel operator is also included in the operation unit 35 shown in FIG.

The CPU 22 has basic software (OS: Operatin).
g System) and application programs. The CPU 22 executes a required process according to the operation information supplied via the system controller 21. The flash ROM 23 is an area for storing a basic operation program, various processing constants, setting information, and the like. D
A RAM 24 for storing information necessary for various processes, buffering data, expanding a work area of the CPU 22,
In addition, it is used variously according to the processing of the CPU 22.
The D-RAM 24 is provided with a storage area (non-volatile area).
And application software are installed. Then, the application software installed in the D-RAM 24 is started in response to an operation from the user, and is executed by the CPU 22. Also, the application software has a user interface screen, and based on the state transition by the user's instruction,
-Drawing is performed in the frame buffer secured in the RAM 24. The drawn image data is sent to the display control unit 27 and displayed on the display unit 2.

As described above, the memory slot 7 for the memory card 70 is formed, and the memory card 70 can be inserted. However, the CPU 22 writes or reads the memory card 70 via the memory card interface 28. Can be accessed. The interface operation between the memory card interface 28 and the memory card 70 will be described later. CPU2
2 can use the inserted memory card 70 as an expanded memory area. Further, if an application program is recorded on the memory card 70, it is of course installed in the D-RAM 24 or an application or data is stored in the D-RAM 24.
, The required processing can be executed. Also, based on a certain application, the CPU 22
However, the created document data, image data, audio data, spreadsheet data, and the like can be recorded on the memory card 70. By detecting that the memory card 70 is inserted into the memory slot 7, the operation for the memory card 70 can be performed for recording and reproduction, or the application or data recorded on the memory card 70 is automatically A so-called hot plug-in operation such as being developed in the D-RAM 24 is also possible. In addition, the memory card interface 28
It is also possible to perform an encryption process for data recorded in 0 and a decryption process for read data.

The image pickup section 6 is formed by, for example, a CCD image pickup device and an image pickup circuit system. The captured image data captured by the imaging unit 6 is transmitted to the imaging data interface 34.
Can be taken into the D-RAM 24 via
The PU 22 edits captured image data and operates the memory card 70 by operating based on a predetermined application program.
Can be executed.

The audio interface 29 includes the speaker 4, the microphone 5, and the headphone terminal 1 described above.
0, an interface part for audio data input / output from the line output terminal 12 and the line input terminal 11. For example, an analog audio signal input from the microphone 5 or the line input terminal 11 is subjected to predetermined amplification processing and filtering in the input audio processing unit 32, and is converted into digital audio data in the A / D converter 33, and is converted into the audio interface 29. Supplied to The audio interface 29 performs processing and output on the input digital audio data based on the control of the CPU 22. For example, after performing necessary compression encoding processing, the data can be supplied to the memory card interface 28 and recorded on the memory card 70. The audio interface 29 performs a predetermined decoding process on the digital audio data supplied by being read from the memory card 70, for example, and supplies the digital audio data to the D / A converter 30. The D / A converter 30 converts digital audio data into an analog audio signal. The output audio processing unit 31 performs predetermined amplification processing, impedance adjustment, and the like according to the output destination on the supplied analog audio signal, and outputs the analog audio signal to the speaker 4, the headphone terminal 10, and the line output terminal 12.

The USB interface 25 is a communication interface with an external device connected to the USB connector 9. CPU 22 is USB interface 2
5, data communication can be performed with an external personal computer or a peripheral device. For example, transmission and reception of application software handled by the information processing apparatus 1 and image data and audio data as data files are executed. Similarly, IEEE
The 1394 interface 26 is a communication interface with an external device connected to the IEEE 1394 terminal 8. The CPU 22 can perform various data communications with external information devices via the IEEE1394 interface 26.

The communication section 36 is a section for executing information communication with an external server, an Internet homepage or the like via a transmission path such as a public communication network. In particular, in the case of the present example, application software and data files can be downloaded from an external server or the like via the communication unit 36. Here, the information processing apparatus 1 is described as an example in which the information processing apparatus 1 is a wireless communication terminal with respect to a communication network. Is also good.

The information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can be connected not only to a server or the like via a public line but also to a terminal or a terminal in a communication system constructed by a dedicated line, so as to download application software and data files. It may be a server system or the like.

The configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. That is, addition of various constituent parts generally used in personal computers and PDA devices or deletion of unnecessary parts as actual products is determined by design convenience.

3. OS Structure and Database Structure Subsequently, in FIG. 3, the OS installed in the information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is shown.
The structure will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the OS includes a manager layer including a kernel as a central part of the basic software, a hardware layer such as a standard library, and a hardware layer such as a control IC.
r). The application software operates on the basic operation based on the OS structure. For the HAL, a layer is added as one or a plurality of device drivers, and actual hardware (HW) is added.
Is driven.

Here, in particular, in the case of the information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, since the memory card 70 can be driven and the data of the memory card 70 is managed by the FAT as described later, the FAT library is added to the OS. Further, a library (MS library) for handling the memory card is added. The memory drive is configured to drive the memory card 70 based on the FAT library and the MS library.

In the information processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment having such an OS structure, the concept of "database" is further introduced as a concept equivalent to a "file" in a usual manner. The “database” here is not simply a storage of data as in a normal database, but is formatted as a structure that allows the database itself to manage data. In this sense, “database” corresponds to “file”.

FIG. 4 shows the database structure. That is, in the database, an area including a database name (DTB Name) and other information is formed as a header (DTB header), and a pointer table is arranged.
The actual data recorded in the data area is in a state where positional management is performed based on the point information recorded in the pointer table.

As a database having such a structure,
There are two types. For example, generally, one application software is composed of a plurality of files, among which are an execution file (***. Exe) and a data file (***. Data). .Exe), there is a "resource database (***. Prc)", and as a data file (***. Data), there is a "database database (***. Dtb)". .

The information processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment handles data based on the concept of such a "database". Therefore, files recorded and reproduced in the memory card 70 (files handled by FAT) also have the form of the database. In this specification, the term "file" is used according to a general concept, and in this embodiment, "file" means a database having the above structure. Becomes

4. Memory Card 4-1 Appearance Next, the memory card 70 will be described. First, FIG.
Shows the outer shape of the memory card 70. Memory card 7
No. 0 includes, for example, a memory element having a predetermined capacity inside a plate-shaped casing as shown in FIG. 5, for example. In this example, a flash memory is used as the memory element. The casing shown as a plan view, a front view, a side view, and a bottom view in FIG. 5 is formed by, for example, a plastic mold. As a specific example of the size, each of the widths W11, W12, and W13 shown in the drawing is W11 = 60.
mm, W12 = 20 mm, and W13 = 2.8 mm.

A terminal section 72 having, for example, ten electrodes is formed from the lower front side to the bottom side of the housing. From this terminal section 72, a read or write operation to an internal memory element is performed. The upper left part in the plane direction of the housing is a cutout 7
It is set to 3. The notch 73 is provided in the memory card 70
For example, when inserting the disk drive into the mounting / dismounting mechanism of the drive device main body, the insertion direction is prevented from being erroneously inserted. Also, from the top surface to the bottom surface of the housing, the label attaching surface 7
4 is formed so that the user can attach a label with the stored contents. Further, a slide switch 75 for preventing erroneous erasure of recorded contents is formed on the bottom side.

In such a memory card 70,
As the flash memory capacity, 4 MB (megabyte), 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128
It is defined as one of the MBs. A so-called FAT (File Allocation Table) system is used as a file system for recording / reproducing data.

The writing speed is from 1500 KByte / sec.
330KByte / sec, read speed 2.45MBy
te / sec, the write unit is 512 bytes, and the erase block size is 8 KB or 16 KB. The power supply voltage Vcc is 2.7 to 3.6 V and the serial clock SC
LK is set to a maximum of 20 MHz.

4-2 Terminals and Internal Structure of Memory Card FIG. 6 shows an electrode structure of the terminal section 72. As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal portion 72 has a structure in which ten planar electrodes are arranged in one row. As shown in FIG. 6, each of the electrodes (terminals T1 to T1)
0) is as follows.

The terminals T1 and T10 are the detection voltage Vss terminals. The terminal T2 is an input terminal for the serial protocol bus state signal BS. Terminals T3 and T9 are power supply voltage Vcc terminals. The terminal T4 is a data terminal, that is, an input / output terminal for a serial protocol data signal. Terminals T5 and T7 are reserved. The terminal T6 is a detection terminal, and is used by the drive device (memory card interface of the information processing device 1) to detect the attachment of the memory card. The terminal T8 is connected to the serial clock S
CLK input terminal.

FIG. 6 also shows the internal configuration of the memory card 70. Inside the memory card 70, a control IC 80 and a flash memory 81 are provided.
The control IC 80 is a part for executing a write / read operation on the flash memory 81. As can be seen from the figure, the control IC 80 receives the serial protocol bus state signal BS from the terminal T2 and the terminal T8.
From the serial clock SCLK. During a write operation, the control IC 80 controls the serial protocol bus state signal BS and the serial clock S
In accordance with CLK, data supplied from terminal T4 is written to flash memory 81. At the time of reading, data is read from the flash memory 81 according to the serial protocol bus state signal BS and the serial clock SCLK, and is output from the terminal T4 to the drive device side.

The detection voltage Vss is supplied to the detection terminal T6. On the drive device side, the terminal voltage of the detection terminal T6 is detected by the resistor R as shown in FIG. It can be detected whether or not it is connected to the memory slot 7).

4-3 File System Processing Hierarchy Next, a format in a system using the memory card 70 as a recording medium will be described. FIG. 7 shows a file system processing hierarchy of a system using the memory card 70 as a recording medium. As shown in this figure, as a file system processing layer, a file management processing layer, a logical address layer, a physical address layer, and a flash memory access are sequentially arranged below the application processing layer. In this hierarchy, the file management processing layer is a so-called FAT (File Allocation Table).

4-4 Directory Structure FIG. 8 shows an example of a directory structure recorded on the memory card 70. The main data that can be handled by the memory card 70 includes computer data, moving image data, still image data, message data, audio data, control data, and the like. "VOICE" (message directory), "DCIM" (still image directory), "MOxxxxnn" (moving image directory), "CONTROL" (control directory),
"HIFI" (directory for audio), "PM"
(Directory for information processing device).

Although not shown, sub-directories, files (the above-described database), folders, and the like are arranged under each directory, and have a so-called tree structure. Note that such a directory structure is of course only an example, and a directory structure is actually formed according to the recording status of the information processing apparatus 1 or the like, the type of file to be recorded, and the like.

5. Interface between Memory Card and Information Processing Apparatus With reference to FIG. 9, a serial interface system configuration between the memory card 70 and the memory card interface 28 of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the control IC 80 in the memory card 70 has blocks as a flash memory controller 80a, a register 80b, a page buffer 80c, and a serial interface 80d.

The flash memory controller 80a
Data transfer is performed between the flash memory 81 and the page buffer 80c based on the parameters set in the register 80b. The data buffered in the page buffer 80c is stored in the serial interface 80d.
The data transferred to the memory card interface 28 of the information processing apparatus 1 via the data interface 1, and the data transferred from the memory card interface 28 of the information processing apparatus 1 are buffered to the page buffer 10c via the serial interface 80d.

The memory card interface 28 has a file manager 60, a transfer protocol interface 61, and a serial interface 62 as an interface structure for the memory card 70. The file manager 60 manages files in the memory card 70. For example, in the system of this example, a management file for managing the main data file is stored in the memory card 70, but the information processing apparatus 1 reads the management file from the loaded memory card 70 and
The PU 22 will form the file manager 60. Access to the memory card 70 is executed according to the file manager 60. The transfer protocol interface 61 includes a register 80b, a page buffer 80c.
Perform access to. Serial interface 6
2 is three signal lines to the memory card 70, that is, S
CLK (serial clock), BS (bus state),
In SDIO (serial data input / output), a protocol for performing arbitrary data transfer is defined.

The read / write access to the memory card 70 (flash memory 81) by the information processing apparatus 1 is performed by the operation of each unit in the above configuration.

6. Provision of Application Software In the information processing apparatus 1 described above, the user obtains and installs necessary application software in the same manner as a normal personal computer,
A desired information processing operation is executed. Here, in this example, the user who owns the information processing apparatus 1 is provided with application software that matches the information processing apparatus 1, and a description will be given of the application software providing mode for that purpose. I do.

In FIG. 10, the information processing apparatus 1 and the personal computer 10 are used as devices on the user side.
0 is illustrated. Also, some I / O devices 104 may be connected to the information processing apparatus 1.

The manufacturer 103 indicates a maker (including a sales company, a service company, etc.) of a manufacturer of the information processing apparatus 1. When manufacturing the information processing apparatus 1, the manufacturer 103 assigns a serial number as a unique number to each information processing apparatus 1.
Make a note of it. Further, the manufacturer 103 sets the own code as the manufacturer code, and
Record in 3 etc. As a result, the information processing apparatus 1 includes the serial number 1a and the maker code 1b as shown in the figure. Note that serial number 1a
Is also used as an authentication ID for generating an authentication code described later.

It is also assumed that the manufacturer 103 is also a manufacturer of the personal computer 100. That is, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1 and the personal computer 100 are products of the same manufacturer. In this case, the information processing apparatus 1 and the personal computer 100 can execute a cooperative operation in a state where the information processing apparatus 1 and the personal computer 100 are connected by, for example, a USB cable or an IEEE 1394 cable.
It is assumed that dedicated application software for expanding the functions of the above is installed. Further, when the information processing apparatus 1 is manufactured, the manufacturer 103 uses an API (Application Programming Interface) for supporting the I / O device 104 connected to the information processing apparatus 1.
e) is mounted on the information processing apparatus 1, but is not disclosed to other general hardware manufacturers and software manufacturers, and is mounted as a closed API.

The communication server 101 is a wireless or wired information processing device 1 via a general communication line or a dedicated communication line.
The server is connected so as to be able to perform data communication with the information processing apparatus 1 and can provide the application software in a form that allows the information processing apparatus 1 to download the developed application software for a fee or free of charge. The information processing device 1 uses, for example, the communication server
Can communicate with the Media server 10
2 stores the developed application software in a recording medium such as a disk or a memory card, and transfers the medium to the user of the information processing apparatus 1 for a fee or free of charge. That can be provided to As described above, the information processing apparatus 1 is provided with a drive function for the memory card 70, so that the media server 10
2 can be provided with application software.

In such a system, the user first purchases the information processing apparatus 1 manufactured by the manufacturer 103. At the time of purchase, the user registers with the manufacturer (service organization on the manufacturer side). I do. For example, the name and address of the user are written together with the serial number (package or postcard, serial number written on a label, or the like) of the information processing device 1 by using a registration postcard attached when the information processing device 1 is purchased. Manufacturer 10
Notify 3. By performing this user registration, the user of the information processing device 1 can receive application software suitable for the information processing device 1 from the communication server 101 or the media server 102 thereafter.

In order to provide application software suitable for the information processing apparatus 1, the manufacturer 103
Is provided to the communication server 101 and the media server 102 (or a provider or a developer (not shown) that provides application software developed to these servers).
The authentication code generation method, the maker code, and the method of obtaining the code are notified. The authentication code generation method is, for example, when the application software is started on the information processing device 1.
This is a processing program for performing an operation for generating an authentication code from the serial number of the information processing device 1. The maker code and the method of obtaining the maker code are a processing program for reading the value of the maker code stored in the information processing apparatus 1 and the maker code.

Each server 101, 102, etc.
By obtaining these pieces of information from the third information processing apparatus 3, for example, when preparing application software suitable for a specific information processing apparatus 1 owned by a specific user, or by a specific manufacturer (manufacturer 103). When preparing application software compatible with the information processing apparatus 1 provided, the user can be provided to the user without worrying that illegal copying is performed or that the software is installed in an incompatible information processing apparatus and causes a problem. It will be.

For example, the media server 102 includes application software stored on a recording medium and provided.
The application software is provided to the user in a state where an authentication code or a maker code for the authentication process is embedded and a program for executing the authentication process using the authentication code or the maker code is included. Note that the authentication code or the maker code may be recorded in a part of an execution file or a data file constituting the application software. The authentication code is a code obtained from the serial number of the information processing device 1 by a predetermined calculation method, that is, a calculation method notified by the manufacturer 103, and is authentication information for a specific information processing device 1. The maker code is a unique code of the manufacturer 103, and serves as authentication information for the information processing apparatus 1 manufactured by the manufacturer 103.

FIG. 11 shows a process executed at the time of startup by application software provided to the user from the media server 102 and installed in the information processing apparatus 1. This is a process executed by the CPU 22 based on the application software, that is, a process based on a startup program incorporated in the application software. For example, when the activation of the application software is requested by a user's operation, the process proceeds from step F101 to F102, and the information processing apparatus 1 executes, for example, the flash ROM 2
3 is read, that is, the serial number is read. Subsequently, in step F103, the authentication ID 1
A predetermined calculation process is performed on a to generate an authentication code.

In step F104, the generated authentication code is compared with the authentication code stored in the execution file or data file of the application software. Here, if a match of the authentication code is obtained, it means that the information processing apparatus 1 has been confirmed to be a correct information processing apparatus as a provision destination of the application software.
Then, the process proceeds to F106 to execute a normal startup process. Thereby, the processing function of the application software is realized on the information processing device 1.

However, if the authentication codes do not match, the information processing apparatus 1 is not the information processing apparatus that has been set as the destination of the application software. Therefore, Step F105
Then, the process proceeds to F107, and the process ends assuming that the startup process is not performed. Alternatively, in this step F107, the application software may be activated with limited functions, and may be used as so-called trial software.

When the application software performs the above processing at the time of startup, the application software is normally started and functions only in the intended information processing apparatus 1 at the time of provision. . That is, application software limited to a specific information processing apparatus 1 owned by a certain user can be provided. This is because the user registers with the manufacturer 103 together with the serial number of the information processing apparatus 1, the manufacturer 103 notifies the application software developer of the authentication code generation method, and the manufacturer 103 or the user This is realized by notifying the developer of the application software of the serial number (authentication ID) and embedding the authentication code and the program for performing the processing of FIG. 11 in the provided application software.

Thus, it is possible to prevent the application software from being installed and used in the information processing apparatus 1 other than the specific information processing apparatus 1. That is, it is possible to prevent copying of the application software, and to provide the application software only to, for example, only the user who has correctly paid for the application software. Alternatively, it is possible to provide or upgrade new application software only to a user who has correctly registered the user. Alternatively, an application limited to use in the specific information processing device 1 and adapted to the hardware specifications set in the specific information processing device 1, added software, peripheral devices, user requests, and the like. It also means that software can be developed and provided.

Next, another example of the processing that is similarly provided to the user from the media server 102 and executed at the time of startup by the application software installed in the information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This is also a process executed by the CPU 22 based on application software.

For example, when activation of the application software is requested by a user operation, the process proceeds from step F201 to F202, and the information processing apparatus 1
Reads the maker code 1b stored in the flash ROM 23, for example. Then, Step F20
In step 3, the read maker code is compared with the maker code stored in the execution file or data file of the application software. Here, if a match of the maker code is obtained, it is confirmed that the information processing apparatus 1 is an information processing apparatus manufactured by a specific manufacturer, which is assumed as a provision destination of the application software. Therefore, the process proceeds from step F204 to F205 to execute a normal startup process. Thereby, the processing function of the application software is realized on the information processing device 1.

However, if the maker code does not match, the information processing apparatus 1 is assumed to be the destination of the application software.
It is not an information processing device manufactured by a specific manufacturer. Therefore, the process proceeds from step F204 to F206, and the process ends assuming that the startup process is not executed. Alternatively, in this step F206, the application software may be activated with limited functions, and may be used as so-called trial software.

When the application software performs the above-described processing at the time of activation, the application software can be normally activated and function only in the information processing apparatus 1 assumed to be a provision destination at the time of provision. become. That is, in this case, application software limited to the information processing device 1 manufactured by a specific manufacturer can be provided. This is because the manufacturer 103 notifies the developer of the application software of the maker code stored in the information processing apparatus 1 and the method of reading the maker code, and the supplied application software executes the maker code and the processing of FIG. This is realized by embedding a program to be executed.

Thus, it is possible to prevent the application software from being installed and used in the information processing apparatus 1 other than the information processing apparatus 1 by the specific manufacturer. In other words, by developing application software specifically for an information processing device of a specific maker, the function can be guaranteed in the information processing device 1 of that manufacturer, and the function cannot be guaranteed in the information processing device of another manufacturer. Since it can be prevented from being activated and used as it is, the reliability of the system operation is improved.

In the processing shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the application software is stored from the media server 102 into, for example, the memory card 70 and provided to the user side, and the application software is installed in the information processing apparatus 1. The processing in the case where the application software start operation is performed has been described. As a modified example, the processing in FIGS.
It is conceivable that the process is performed by an installation program when the program is installed in the server. In other words, at the time of installation, verification of the authentication code or manufacturer code is performed, and if they match, installation is performed normally,
If they do not match, the process is such that the installation is not executed or only a part of the installation is executed so that the function can be used with limited functions.

The communication server 101 has been described as a part that allows the information processing apparatus 1 to download application software via a transmission line such as a public line. Regarding application software provided from the communication server 101 to the information processing apparatus 1,
For example, it is conceivable to perform the processing shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 when there is a start request after downloading and installing normally, but on the other hand, when there is a download request, The processing as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 may be performed.

The information processing apparatus 1 can access the communication server 101 via the communication unit 36 in response to a user's operation, and make a request to download application software. The communication server 101 prepares various types of application software that can be provided to the user side, similarly to the media server 102 described above.

When a request for downloading certain application software is made from the information processing apparatus 1, the communication server 101 performs the processing shown in FIG. That is, when a request for downloading certain application software is issued, the process proceeds from step F301 to F302,
The authentication ID 1a of the information processing apparatus 1, that is, the serial number is read. For example, when performing a download request operation, a method of requesting the user to input a serial number may be adopted, or the serial number may be embedded in a software application (browser) for downloading in the information processing apparatus 1. By doing
The communication server 101 can read the serial number of the information processing device 1.

Subsequently, in step F303, the authentication ID 1a
(Serial number) is subjected to predetermined arithmetic processing to generate an authentication code. Then, in step F304, a collation process is performed on the generated authentication code. The authentication code to be compared may be the authentication code stored in the execution file or data file of the requested application software, or the server system controller in the communication server 101 may not be embedded in the application software. If the authentication code is managed for the user, the managed authentication code may be used.

Here, if a match of the authentication code is obtained,
Since it is confirmed that the information processing apparatus 1 is a correct information processing apparatus as a provision destination of the application software, steps F305 to F3
Proceeding to 06, a download process is executed.

However, if the authentication codes do not match, it means that the information processing apparatus 1 is not the information processing apparatus that has been set as the provision destination of the application software. Therefore, step F305
Then, the process proceeds to F307, and the process ends assuming that the download is not executed. In this case, a part of the application software may be downloaded so that a trial operation with limited functions can be performed.

At the time of download request, the communication server 1
01 performs the above-mentioned processing, because the user registers with the manufacturer 103 together with the serial number of the information processing apparatus 1, and the manufacturer 103 notifies the application software developer of the authentication code generation method. To be realized. As a result, the application software is downloaded only to the specific information processing device 1 assumed to be the provision destination. Therefore, application software limited to a specific information processing apparatus 1 owned by a certain user can be provided or upgraded. In addition, this is limited to the use in the specific information processing device 1 which is adapted to the hardware specifications set in the specific information processing device 1 and the added software, peripheral devices, user requests, and the like. It also means that application software can be developed and provided.

Next, another example of the processing of the communication server 101 when there is a request for downloading certain application software from the information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

When a request for downloading certain application software is issued, the communication server 101 advances the process from step F401 to F402, and reads the maker code 1b of the information processing apparatus 1. For example, the communication server 101 can read the maker code of the information processing apparatus 1 by embedding the maker code 1b in software in an application (browser) for downloading in the information processing apparatus 1.

Subsequently, in step F403, a collation process is performed on the maker code. The maker code to be compared may be the code stored in the execution file or data file of the requested application software, or the server system controller in the communication server 101 may not be embedded in the application software. If the manufacturer code notified from 103 is managed, the managed manufacturer code may be used.

Here, if a match of the maker code is obtained, the information processing apparatus 1 may be an information processing apparatus manufactured by a specific manufacturer, which is assumed to be a provision destination of the application software. Since it has been confirmed, the process proceeds from step F404 to F405 to execute the download.

However, if the maker code does not match, the information processing apparatus 1 is assumed to be the destination of the application software.
It is not an information processing device manufactured by a specific manufacturer. For this reason, the process proceeds from step F404 to F406, where the download request is rejected and the process ends. In this case, a part of the application software may be downloaded so that a trial operation with limited functions can be performed.

When the communication server 101 performs the above-described processing at the time of a request for downloading the application software, the application software is downloaded only to the information processing apparatus 1 assumed to be the destination at the time of providing. That is, in this case, application software limited to the information processing device 1 manufactured by a specific manufacturer can be provided.
This is realized by the manufacturer 103 notifying the developer of the application software or the communication server 101 of the maker code stored in the information processing apparatus 1 and the method of reading the maker code.

Thus, it is possible to prevent the application software from being installed and used in the information processing apparatus 1 other than the information processing apparatus 1 by the specific manufacturer. In other words, by developing application software specifically for an information processing device of a specific maker, the function can be guaranteed in the information processing device 1 of that manufacturer, and the function cannot be guaranteed in the information processing device of another manufacturer. Since it can be prevented from being activated and used as it is, the reliability of the system operation is improved.

In FIG. 12, a description has been given of the processing for the application software provided from the media server 102 to the information processing apparatus 1. However, the same processing as that of the personal computer 1 shown in FIG.
It is also possible to execute by a dedicated application in 00. For example, the dedicated application software includes a program for executing the processing shown in FIG. 12 and a maker code. Then, when the dedicated application software is started when the information processing apparatus 1 is connected to the personal computer 100, the same processing as in FIG. 12 is performed. As a result, the information processing apparatus 1 can execute the function of the dedicated application software by being connected to the personal computer 100 manufactured by the same manufacturer 103. That is, the operation by the same manufacturer is guaranteed. A high-performance and highly reliable operation can be realized as a linked operation between the plurality of information processing devices.

Further, when connecting the I / O device 104 to the information processing apparatus 1, it is possible to prevent the hardware from operating unless the secret API 1c is used. In other words, an I / O device whose operation is guaranteed and related software can be developed by a developer who has published the non-public API 1c. Therefore, the operation of the connected I / O device 104 whose operation is guaranteed is guaranteed. Only those that can be used. Thereby, the system reliability can be improved.

The above operation is performed, for example, by the manufacturer 103 in the system shown in FIG.
102 and a software developer, etc.). That is, the above-described operation is realized when the software developer / provider knows the authentication code generation method, the maker code and its acquisition method, or the secret API.
By doing so, the above-mentioned effects can be obtained. However, by providing such information to the server or the like by the manufacturer 103 based on a license contract, the effects described below can also be obtained.

First, the manufacturer 103 provides a software developer with an application development environment and an operation environment in which security is guaranteed based on a license contract.
Also, for example, in cooperation with a software developer, a manufacturer certifies application software. Then, according to the sales of the certified application software, a financial back is given to the software developer.

As a result, the software developer has the following advantages by creating the certified application software. First, FIG. 11 to FIG.
Since security is assured by such processing, it is not necessary to take measures against piracy, etc., and the software development burden is reduced. Also, by being certified by the manufacturer 103, the image as a software developer is improved. In addition, regarding the provision of certified application software to users, the payment of
If the process is executed by the third party, the collection of the fee is guaranteed for the software developer, and the burden can be reduced by having the software developer substitute for the fee.

Also, the merits of the manufacturer 103 include:
Because of the merits of the software developer described above, the software developer supports and promotes the development of attractive products (products such as the information processing apparatus 1) even by other vendors using the same system. Therefore, a kind of community for application development can be created, and it is expected that application development will be advanced and the number of people will be reduced. In addition, it is possible to break away from the hardware sales type. In addition, the above security method to be realized can be licensed to another hardware manufacturer to obtain a license fee.

As an advantage on the user side, an attractive information processing apparatus 1 including application software having reliability and specialty can be obtained. Choosing certified application software from the general flood of application software will ensure complete operation and future upgrades.

[0092] As described above, the information processing apparatus 1 can be greatly advantageous for hardware manufacturers, software developers / providers, and users.

Although the configuration of the information processing apparatus and processing examples related to application software have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and various modifications are possible. The devices to which the present invention can be applied are not only portable information processing devices but also various types.

[0094]

As will be understood from the above description, according to the present invention, when the application software is started in the information processing device on the user side, or the application software is downloaded to the information processing device. In this case, the authentication information is collated between the application software (or the server that executes the download) and the information processing apparatus, and activation or download is permitted according to the result. Thus, a state in which the application software and the information processing device are appropriately matched can always be realized.

In particular, since the authentication information is an authentication code generated based on the unique number of the information processing apparatus, it is possible to perform matching between the application software and each information processing apparatus. This can prevent application software from being used in an information processing device other than the specific information processing device, and can prevent illegal copying. Alternatively, it is possible to provide or upgrade new application software only to authorized users. Or,
Developed application software limited to use with a specific information processing device, adapted to the hardware specifications set for the specific information processing device, added software, peripheral devices, user requests, etc. It also means that it can be provided.

Further, since the authentication information is a maker code, it is possible to perform matching between the application software and the information processing apparatus of a specific maker. This can prevent the application software from being installed and used in an information processing device other than the information processing device by a specific manufacturer, that is, developing the application software specifically for the information processing device of a specific manufacturer. Is no problem. Therefore, the function can be guaranteed in the information processing device of the manufacturer, and the information processing device of another manufacturer can be prevented from being activated and used without guaranteeing the function, thereby improving the reliability of the system operation. be able to.

Further, in order to realize such operation processing, a hardware manufacturer and a software developer / provider make a licensing contract, thereby developing a system centering on an information processing apparatus. And user convenience can be promoted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
It is a right side view, a left side view, and a top view.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an OS structure of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a database structure handled by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a plan view, a front view, a side view, and a bottom view showing the external shape of the memory card according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an internal structure of the memory card according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a file system processing hierarchy according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a directory structure of the memory card according to the embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an interface configuration between the information processing apparatus and the memory card according to the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a provision mode of application software according to the embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process when starting application software according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process when starting application software according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a process when downloading application software according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a process when downloading application software according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 information processing device, 2 display unit, 3a, 3b, 3c operator, 4 speakers, 5 microphones, 6 imaging unit,
7 memory slots, 8 IEEE1394 terminals, 9
USB terminal, 10 headphone terminal, 11 line input terminal, 12 line output terminal, 21 system controller, 22 CPU, 23 flash ROM, 24
D-RAM, 25 USB interface, 26 I
EEE1394 interface, 27 display control unit,
28 memory card interface, 29 audio interface, 70 memory card, 100 personal computer, 101 communication server, 102
Media server, 103 manufacturer, 104 I / O device

Claims (12)

[Claims] When an application software having authentication information is activated on an information processing apparatus, authentication information of the application software and authentication information of the information processing apparatus are collated, and according to the collation result, An information processing method, wherein the application software is activated. 2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the authentication information is an authentication code generated based on a unique number of the information processing device. 3. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the authentication information is a maker code set unique to a manufacturer of the information processing apparatus. 4. A storage unit for storing authentication information, a storage unit for storing application software having authentication information, and a storage unit for storing the authentication information of the application software and the storage unit when starting up the application software. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a verification unit that performs verification of stored authentication information; and a control unit that controls an activation operation of the application software in accordance with a verification result of the verification unit. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the authentication information is an authentication code generated based on a unique number uniquely assigned to each information processing apparatus. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the authentication information is a maker code set unique to a manufacturer of the information processing apparatus. 7. An operation program that has authentication information, performs a collation between the authentication information and the authentication information of an information processing apparatus to be activated when activated, and controls an activation operation according to the collation result. A recording medium on which application software is recorded. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the authentication information is an authentication code generated based on a unique number uniquely assigned to an information processing apparatus that reads application software from a recording medium. recoding media. 9. The recording medium according to claim 7, wherein the authentication information is a maker code set uniquely for a manufacturer of the information processing apparatus that reads application software from the recording medium. 10. Upon receiving a download request from an information processing device for application software having authentication information, the authentication information of the application software is compared with the authentication information of the information processing device. A download method for downloading the application software by using the software. 11. The download method according to claim 10, wherein the authentication information is an authentication code generated based on a unique number of the information processing device. 12. The download method according to claim 10, wherein the authentication information is a maker code set unique to a manufacturer of the information processing apparatus.