JP2002006974A - Rental and sales method, of program management method of trial, rental or sold software program, and the recording medium of program installed in terminal computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rental and sales method, and a management technique, etc., of a trial, short term rental or sold software program using communication network. SOLUTION: A CD-ROM 11 which the program supplier supplies in accordance with the application of use from a client is set to a client's terminal 1, and the plural number of application software for the specific business transactions are installed to the terminal 1. In the case that each application program is within the trial or rental period which is set individually or its was sold, the job name is indicated on the job selecting display, so that when the job is selected, the corresponding program is initiated and its jog is executed. In the that each program of a desired job is over due date of the trial or rental period, the utilization type (that is trial, rental or purchase), the period or the purchase date of each program can be set (or reset) by connecting the client's terminal 1 to the program management equipment 3 through communication network 2 and selecting each utilization type.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for renting and selling a program installed in a terminal and for managing a trial, rented or sold program using a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technology for transmitting a program to a terminal via a network such as the Internet in response to a request from the terminal, installing the program on the terminal, and executing the program on the terminal side. It is well known for providing and downloading (free software).

[0003] On the other hand, paid software has conventionally been available on CD-ROMs.
It was performed by renting or selling packaged software stored in a program recording medium such as a ROM. In recent years, along with the development of network systems, a user terminal has been connected to a server like a shareware and the program has been written. There is also a method of downloading a paid program licensed by the right holder.

There is also an application provider (APS) that sells application software (hereinafter, application software) developed for business purposes via a network. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-2690 discloses a method of selling application software by APS.
In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 78-78, "In a software distribution method in which a software provider provides designated software to a user via a network, a method for requesting the provision of designated software from a device on the user side is disclosed. Transmitting a software request to the software provider, and transmitting the installation information of a plurality of files corresponding to the software designated by the software request from the device on the software provider side to the user; A device on the user side selects a file to be requested by referring to the plurality of pieces of installation information, transmits a download request for requesting the selected file to the software provider, and The download information including the file indicated in the download request is transmitted from the device, and the device on the user side is transmitted. There, said the installation of the file "software distribution (selling) techniques have been disclosed in accordance with the download information.

[0005]

Conventional software lending is provided by a recording medium such as a CD-ROM as described above, but is not a lending method in accordance with the actual conditions of use but is a long-term paid use. Therefore, there is a problem that the user may be uneconomical in some cases. For example, application software groups for accounting processing are roughly divided into application software for daily journal data input and accounting data generation processing, application software for monthly processing that performs processing once a month, and as needed. There is an application software for creating management materials that outputs management materials, etc. by using it,
The entire application software group for accounting processing was collectively charged for long-term (one year or more) lending. However, as is apparent from this example, the monthly processing application software is used only once a month.
It is enough to be able to use for only a short period of about two to three days or one week even if the safety factor is taken into consideration, and the application software for settlement processing is once every fiscal period, including one week to two weeks including the safety coefficient. It is enough if it can be used for about a week. Also,
For application software for journal data entry and accounting data generation processing, entry processing may be performed intensively for a predetermined period every month depending on the business scale and administrative processing form of the user. In some cases, it can be used for about a week.

As in the above example, application software, that is, a business processing object program, often needs only to be usable in a short period of time depending on the contents of business processing. In such a case, it is economically desirable for the user to be able to perform paid use (for example, short-term lending (rental)) according to short-term use as necessary.

[0007] In this case, it is desirable for the user to be able to use the new application software for a fixed period of time (free use), and to decide whether or not to use this application (for example, short-term rental or purchase) based on the result.

For a short-term lender of application software (hereinafter referred to as a rental company), if the user decides to continue using the application software after the trial period (ie, a rental contract), the trial period is canceled and released. It is necessary to manage the rental fee thereafter, and if the user does not decide to continue using even after the trial period has elapsed, it is necessary to disable the trial application software. Further, when the user selects purchase of the rented application software, it is desirable that the application software can be automatically set so that the user can permanently use the application software.

[0009] Further, it is necessary for the rental company to smoothly perform user authentication, copy protection, measures for version upgrade, management of usage fees and the like for each application software, billing operations, and the like. In other words, it is necessary for the rental company to establish service technology and management technology for trial, short-term rental and sale of application software.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems and problems, and includes a software trial, short-term rental and sales method, a management technique using a trial, rental or sold software network, and It is intended to provide a recording medium for a program to be installed in a terminal.

[0011]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a program rental method according to a first aspect of the present invention relates to a plurality of application programs installed on a client terminal and corresponding to a plurality of jobs constituting a specific job. The client terminal selects whether or not the use period can be set for each application program, and the application program for which the use period is set can be used only within the set use period.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the program rental method according to the first aspect, the use period can be reserved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the program rental method according to the first or second aspect, the use period is a short-term rental period.

According to a fourth aspect, in the program rental method according to any one of the first to third aspects, the application program installed on the client terminal is recorded on a recording medium provided by the program supplier. The program is installed in the terminal together with the following files (a) and (b) stored in the recording medium and the following programs (c) to (e). A: Installed in a client terminal A program management file for storing program management information such as trial, rental, purchase and version upgrade of each program, b: a job management file for storing information relating to each application program installed in the client terminal, c: a program of a program supplier Net to management device A program management information transmission program for transmitting the recorded contents of the program management file of the above (a) via the network, d: each application of the following (e) based on the information stored in the job management file of the above (b) A job control program for storing program execution control and information on jobs executed by respective application programs in the job management file of (b) above; e: a program installer for installing a program downloaded from the program management device.

According to a fifth aspect, in the program rental method according to the fourth aspect, the client terminal comprises:
A plurality of application programs corresponding to a plurality of jobs constituting a specific task are all installed from a recording medium.

According to a sixth aspect, in the program rental method according to the fourth aspect, the client terminal comprises:
An application program that installs, from a recording medium, an application program that executes a specific job among a plurality of application programs corresponding to a plurality of jobs configuring a specific job, and is an application program other than the application program that executes the specific job among the plurality of application programs Is downloaded from the program management device and installed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the program rental method according to the fifth or sixth aspect, after the trial period of the application program for executing the specific job is completed, the client terminal can use the plurality of application programs for a period of time. On condition that the setting is made, the use restriction period of the application program that executes the specific job is released.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the program rental method according to the fifth or sixth aspect, after the trial period of the application program for executing the specific job is completed, the client terminal sets the use period for each of the plurality of application programs. It can be selected and set.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the method for renting a program according to any one of the fourth to eighth aspects, the job management program is provided each time the execution of the application program installed in the client terminal ends.
The execution end time generated based on the time signal from the timer is overwritten and stored in the program execution end time storage area provided in the system use area of the terminal, and when the next application program starts to be executed, based on the time signal from the timer. Comparing the generated execution start time with the time stored in the program execution end time storage area, and when the execution start time is within the usage period and later than the time stored in the program execution end time storage area The application program is activated only when the application program is activated.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for renting a program according to any one of the fourth to eighth aspects, the job management program is configured to execute a time from a timer every time the execution of the application program installed in the client terminal is completed. The execution end time generated based on the signal is overwritten and stored in the program execution end time storage area,
At the start of execution of the application program for executing the specific job according to the seventh or eighth invention, the execution start time generated based on the time signal from the timer is compared with the time stored in the program execution end time storage area. The application program is activated only when the execution start time is within the trial period and later than the time stored in the program execution end time storage area.

According to an eleventh aspect, the client terminal purchases a permanent use right of a desired application program among a plurality of application programs installed in the terminal by the program rental method according to the first or fourth aspect. Can be selected at an arbitrary timing by the terminal.

According to a twelfth aspect, in the method for selling a program according to the eleventh aspect, the client terminal comprises:
All of the plurality of application programs are installed from a recording medium provided by a program supplier.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in the method for selling a program according to the eleventh aspect, the client terminal comprises:
An application program for executing a specific job among a plurality of application programs is installed from a recording medium, and an application program other than the application program for executing the specific job among the plurality of application programs is downloaded from a program management device via a network. It is characterized by having been installed.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a method for managing a trial or rented program, which is a method for renting a program according to the first aspect of the present invention. Transmits a use period setting request of the application program to the program management device, and when the terminal receives the use period setting permission from the program management device, the terminal enables the application program only during the set use period. It is characterized by the following.

In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of managing a trial or rented program according to any one of the fourth to eighth aspects of the invention. The program management information transmission program transmits a use period setting request for the application program from the terminal to the program management device via the network, and the job management program transmits the job management file and the program The use period of the application program is registered in the management file, and the program management information transmission program transmits the recorded contents of the program management file in which the use period of the application program is registered to the program management device. And it features.

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the program rental method according to the sixth aspect, wherein the application program downloaded from the program management device is installed on the client terminal by a program installer, and When the program is installed, the job management program registers the identification information of the application program in the job management file and the program management file, and the program management information transmission program records the program management file in which the identification information of the application program is registered. The content is transmitted to the program management device.

A seventeenth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of managing a sampled program according to the seventh aspect of the invention, wherein the program rental method according to the seventh aspect of the present invention further comprises the step of: When the use period is set, the program management information transmission program transmits a use restriction period release request and a recorded content of the program management file from the client terminal to the program management device via the network to the program management device. When the job management program receives the use restriction period release permission from the program management device, it registers the use restriction period release information of the application program that executes the specific job in the job management file and the program management file. It is characterized in.

An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is a sales method of the eleventh aspect, wherein the terminal selects the purchase of a permanent use right of a desired application program among a plurality of application programs. A program management information transmission program for transmitting a permanent use right transfer request of the application program and a recorded content of a program management file from the client terminal to the program management device connected via a network; And receiving the permanent use right transfer permission information of the application program in the job management file and the program management file when receiving the permanent use right transfer permission of the application program.

The method for managing a trial, rented or sold program according to the nineteenth invention is a method for renting a program according to any one of the fourth to ninth inventions or a method for selling a program according to the tenth invention. When the terminal receives, from the program management device, the version upgrade program of the program installed in the terminal, the program management information transmission program selects the version upgrade of the program corresponding to the version upgrade program on the terminal. After transmitting the selection notification and the recorded content of the program management file in which the identification information of the application program is registered to the program management device, and transmitting the version upgrade selection notification by the program management information transmission program, the program installer The received version upgrade program rewrites a program corresponding to the version upgrade program, and the job management program registers version information of the application program rewritten by the program installer in the job management file and the program management file. .

Further, the twentieth invention is directed to the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects.
In the method for managing a trial, rented, or sold program according to any one of the inventions, the job management program is characterized in that information stored in a job management file is encrypted and stored.

The twenty-first invention is the same as the fourteenth to nineteenth aspects.
In the method for managing a trial, rented or sold program according to any one of the inventions, the program management device receives a use period setting request, a use restriction period release request, or a permanent use right transfer request of the application program from the client terminal. When the terminal is authenticated and the terminal is authenticated, a use period setting permission, a use restriction period release permission, or a permanent use right transfer permission is transmitted to the terminal.

The twenty-second invention is the same as the fourteenth to twentieth aspects.
In the method for managing a trial, rented, or sold program according to any one of the inventions, the program management device generates usage history data based on the recorded content of the program management file transmitted from the client terminal, and writes the generated usage history data in the program usage history file. It is characterized by the following.

A recording medium according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention is a program and a file to be installed in a terminal to execute a specific task, and includes the following files (a) and (b) and the following files (c) to (c): e) a program management file for storing program management information such as trial, rental, purchase and version upgrade of each program to be installed on the client terminal; b: installation on the client terminal A job management file for storing information on each of the application programs thus obtained; c: a program management information transmission program for transmitting the recorded contents of the program management file of (a) to a program management device of a program supplier via a network; d: Stored in the job management file of (b) above A job control program for controlling execution of each application program described in (e) below and storing information relating to a job executed by each application program in the job management file in (b) based on the received information; e: program management A program installer that installs programs downloaded from the device.

[0034]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a network system including a client terminal to which the present invention can be applied and a server machine of a program supplier. 1. 1. Client Terminal In FIG. 1, a client terminal 1 is a computer device having a communication control function and a display unit, and can be connected to a program management device 3 via a network 2 such as the Internet. In the following embodiment, a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer) having a communication control function is used as the client terminal 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The client terminal 1 has a network connection application (a WWW browser (for example, Internet Explorer) in the case of the Internet).

The client terminal 1 communicates with the client in a specific business (for example, financial accounting, inventory management, tax, salary,.
・) Regarding the processing application program, a plurality of jobs constituting a specific business provided by a business processing program supplier (hereinafter, a program supplier) such as a computer maker or software company for which a basic program use contract has been concluded. Application program corresponding to (journal entry, accounting master creation, trial balance creation,..., Settlement processing, settlement of accounts in financial accounting) (journal entry program in financial accounting) ,
Accounting master creation program, trial balance creation program,
..., Application programs, business processing control programs, management files, and the like from a recording medium (e.g., a CD-ROM) storing the settlement processing program and the settlement report creation program to the HD (hard disk) of the terminal 1. Installed.

Further, the client terminal 1 can select short-term rental or purchase for each installed program for each program, and when these are selected, a request for setting a use period or a permanent use right via the network 2 is made. When control data such as a transfer request is transmitted and control data such as a use period setting permission and a permanent use right transfer permission is received from the program management device 3, the use period setting information and the permanent use right transfer information are registered. The state of the target program at the time of registration of the use period setting information and permanent use right transfer information and the version upgrade described later, that is, the program management information indicating the latest state of the program in the client terminal 1 is managed through the network 2 by the program management. It is transmitted to the device 3.

The application program in which the usage period setting information is set can be executed only during that period. After the registered usage period has elapsed, it is not possible to execute a job corresponding to the application. The use period can be reset by performing the setting process (the client pays a rental fee (= program use fee) corresponding to the set use period). In addition, it is easy to purchase a rented program. If the necessary program is not stored in the recording medium provided by the program supplier, control data such as a use period setting request or a permanent use right transfer request is transmitted to the program management device 3 via the network. In addition, a desired program can be downloaded and installed from the program management device 3 together with the use period setting permission and the permanent use right transfer permission.

2. The program management device 3 comprises a computer device having a communication control function and a database 3 ′ operated by a program supplier or its consignor, and a network 2.
Can be connected to a plurality of client terminals 1 through
It has a Web server program.

The program management device 3 manages each client by using various management masters such as a customer management master and a merchandise management master stored in the database 3 ′ and trials, rents, or sells the client (permanent use right transfer). ) Manages the programs and manages the sales of the programs (management and billing of the rental fee and the transfer fee of the permanent use right), and manages the trial use of the various programs provided to each client by the use history file, and the management of the rented and sold programs. In addition, the program management device 3
Upon receiving control data such as a use period setting request and a permanent use right transfer request from the client terminal 1, the client terminal 1 performs authentication processing of the client and transmits control data such as use period setting permission and permanent use right transfer permission to the client terminal 1. The program management information transmitted from the client terminal 1 is stored in the database 3 '.

The program management device 3 stores the latest version of each program for specific business processing provided by the program supplier to the client in the database 3 ′, and based on the program management information transmitted from the client terminal 1. The version of the program installed on the client terminal is checked, the new version of the program is automatically transmitted to the client terminal together with the upgrade information by e-mail or the like, and the upgrade program can be downloaded and installed by selecting the client.

Further, the program management device 3 permits the use period setting permission or the permanent use of the program which is not stored in the recording medium provided to the client, based on the use period setting request or the permanent use right transfer request from the client terminal 1. It can be transmitted to the client terminal 1 together with the right transfer permission.

Further, the program management device 3 performs a billing process of the usage fee and the sales amount for each client in a predetermined period (usually one month) based on the records of the customer management master and the product management master. You can also. Note that the program management device 3 creates billing data of the usage fee and the sales amount at predetermined intervals, and connects to another device (for example, a bill issuing device) via the network 2 or an offline bill issuing device. May be issued to issue a bill.

3. 1. Program Recording Medium Provided by Program Supplier In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a recording medium provided by the program supplier. In this example, the recording medium is a CD-ROM, and the CD-ROM 11 is a CD of the terminal (personal computer) 1. −
When set in the ROM reader, the recorded contents are read out,
It is installed on the HD of the client terminal 1 in an executable format (that is, when compressed, decompressed, etc.). The CD-ROM 11 is provided only once by the program supplier, and the subsequent version upgrade is performed by installing a version upgrade program sent from the program management apparatus 3, and the upgrade version is not provided.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of files and programs recorded on the CD-ROM 11 provided by the program supplier. In FIG.
The CD-ROM 11 has a management file 110 for managing data files and programs (files: usually compressed files) stored in the CD-ROM 11, trial use, rental, purchase and version upgrade of each program installed in the client terminal. A program management file 111 that stores the program management information of each of the above, a job management file 112 that stores the start parameters of each application program installed in the client terminal and the management information of each application program,
A program management information transmission program 113 for transmitting various requests (control data) and recorded contents of the program management file 111 to the program management device 3 of the program supplier via the network 2;
2. A job control program 114 for controlling the execution of each of the application programs 116-1 to 116-n based on the start parameters stored in the job management file 112 and storing execution management information on a job executed by each application program in the job management file 112. , A program installer 115 for installing a program (including an upgrade program) downloaded from the program management device 3, and a series of application programs 116-1 to 116-n for specific business processing
Is stored.

Application programs 116-1 to 116-1
116-n is created corresponding to each job constituting a specific task, for example, "financial accounting", and is composed of one program or a plurality of program modules.
Each application program is a program file in an object format, and is stored in the CD-ROM 11 as a compressed file when provided. Note that these program files may be encrypted and stored.

4. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout of a hard disk of the client terminal 1. HD of client terminal 1
The (hard disk) includes a management file 15 for managing each file stored in the HD 15 as shown in FIG.
0, an OS 151 (for example, “WINDOWS 98” by Microsoft Corporation) for controlling the entire terminal (personal computer), a known communication connection program 152 such as a browser, various auxiliary programs 153 for the terminal 1, and a CD-ROM in FIG.
The program management file 161 (the program management file 111 in FIG. 2) and the job management file 162 (the job management file 11 in FIG.
2), a program management information transmission program 163 (FIG. 2)
The program management information transmission program 113), the job control program 164 (the job control program 11 in FIG. 2)
4), the program installer 165 (the program installer 115 in FIG. 2), the application programs 166-1 to 166-n (the application programs 116-1 to 116-n in FIG. 2), and the data area 17
1 and a system use area 172 inaccessible from the client.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a program management record 161 'forming the program management file 161. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a job management record 162' forming the job management file 162. .
Each piece of information recorded in the program management record is encrypted. In FIG. 4, the program management record 16
1 ′ is a client identification code column 1611 storing a client identification code (client ID) such as a client registration number, a model code column 1612 storing a terminal model and number, and a program storing a program identification code such as a program number. Identification code column 1613,
A use section column 1614 for entering a code indicating a use mode (trial, rental, purchase, prohibition of trial, usable), a set date field 1615 for storing a date in which one of the use modes of trial, rental, purchase is set, In the case of trial or rental, a set period storage column 1616, 1617 for storing a start period (date) and an end period, a version information column 1618 for storing a program version number, a version update date, and the like, and a password stored for storing a password. Column 1619 is provided. It should be noted that the program to be used (trial) is limited to a program that executes a specific job (an application program that executes a series of jobs related to journal entry processing in the case of financial accounting, for example). After the trial period elapses, the usable programs are prohibited from being used until a certain period elapses. After a certain period of time, a usable code is written. Furthermore, when the trial period is set, the trial code is written,
The trial period is set in the set period columns 1616 and 1617. In the set date column 1615, a trial prohibited, usable, or trial period set date is written. When the rental is selected, the rental code is written in the use section column 1614, and the usable period is set in the set periods 1616 and 1617. The set date of the usable period is written in the set date column 1615. Note that the rental date can be reserved (that is, the set date may be smaller than the start date).

When the purchase is selected, the use section 16
The purchase (permanent use right purchase) code is written in 14, and the set period columns 1616 and 1617 are spaces (or the end date column 1617 is the maximum date (September 99, 9999)).
The set date of the usable period is written in the set date column 1615.

In FIG. 5, the job management record 162 'includes a job number column 1621 for storing job numbers, and a set period column 1
622, 1623, a usage classification column 1624, and a program identification code column 1625 are provided.

The storage contents of the setting period columns 1622 and 1623, the use classification column 1624, and the program identification code column 1625 of the job management record 162 'are the setting period columns 1616 and 161 of the program management file 161'.
7, use section column 1614, program identification code section 16
Although the content is the same as that of the program management file 161 ', it is not necessary to encrypt the program management file 161' unlike the program management file 161 'because of the high use frequency. Also, by configuring the model identification code in the model code column 1612 and registering the model identification code in the database 3 ′ of the program management device 3 in the same manner, it is possible to use the program for each terminal, Rental or sales management can be performed, and trials due to unauthorized copying of programs can be prevented.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the database of the program management apparatus. In the database 3 ', stored files are systematically arranged so as to be searchable.
The database 3 ′ includes a management file 30 for managing the stored files, a management file such as a customer management master 31, a product management master 32, a sales management master 33, and a usage history file 34, and each program installed on the client ( (Including upgraded versions) and version upgrade programs (files)
35-1 to 35-n, and a data file storage area 36 such as an HTML file for screen generation.

The customer management master 31 includes a registration flag indicating whether the registration is formal registration or temporary registration, a client identification code (ID code), an authentication code such as a client name and a password, an address telephone number, a payment condition, a payment bank, and the like. The client management record (not shown) for each client, which is composed of the basic information of the client, is stored.

The product management master 32 is a file for managing application programs corresponding to a plurality of jobs constituting a specific business processing service provided to the customer by the program supplier, and includes a program identification code, a usable category, and a settable item. Product management record consisting of basic usage period, standard rental fee at the time of rental, counting and constants for addition and subtraction, selling price at the time of sale, price calculation basic information such as counting and constants for addition and subtraction, version upgrade information, etc. (Not shown) is stored for each program.

The sales management master 33 includes a client identification code, a program identification code of a rental setting or a purchase setting program, and in the case of rental, a period set as a trial period, a current billing amount, a billing history, a cumulative number of days of a use period, and the like. Sales management record (not shown)
Is stored for each client and each program. The program supplier calculates the billing amount by the program management device 3 or the invoicing issuance computer device for each client and each program based on the sales management master 33 for each predetermined period (usually one month). Separately, the total billing amount can be calculated, and billing data addressed to each client can be created using the customer management master 31.

As shown in FIG. 7, the usage history file 34 stores a usage history record 34 'composed of usage histories such as trial, re-trial, rental setting, purchase setting, and version upgrade selection for each client and each program. Do it. Note that the trial and re-trial are limited to a program for executing a specific job (for example, a journal entry processing program in the case of financial accounting). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a usage history record 34 'constituting the usage history file 34. In FIG. 7, the use history record 34 'stores a client identification code column 341 for storing a client identification code such as a client registration number, a model code column 342 for storing a terminal model and number, and a program identification code such as a program number. A program identification code column 343, a use classification column 34 for entering a code indicating a use mode (trial, rental, purchase, trial prohibited, usable)
4. In the case of trial or rental, set period storage columns 345 and 346 for storing a start period (date) and an end period thereof, a version information column 347 for storing a program version number and a version update date, and a sales amount column 34.
8 is provided. The usage history record 34 ′ is generated based on the recorded contents (all or part of the program management record 161 ′) of the program management file transmitted together with the control record (request or notification) from the client terminal 1. Is written to.
That is, the client identification code column 341, the model code column 342, the program identification code column 343, the usage classification column 344, and the setting period storage column 34 of the usage history record 34 '.
5, 346 and the contents of the version information column 347 are as follows:
4 are the same as the client identification code column 1611, the model code column 1612, the program identification code column 1613, the usage classification column 1614, the setting period storage columns 1616, 1617, and the version information column 1617 of the management record 161 'in FIG. Has been). By registering the model identification code in the model code column 342 and comparing it with the model identification code of the terminal 1 stored in the program management record transmitted from the client terminal 1, the program of the terminal unit can be stored. Trial use, rental or sales management can be performed, and trial use due to unauthorized copying of the program can be prevented.

[Process] Hereinafter, a method for renting and selling a program according to the present invention and a method for managing a trial, rented or sold program will be described with reference to an example in which the specific task is “financial accounting processing”. Figure 8 “Financial accounting processing”
1 shows an embodiment of the process according to the present invention. Further, the processes (P0-1 to P0-5) of FIG.
The process (b) is performed on a network 2 such as the Internet.
Trial, job selection and execution process (P1 to P3), trial, rental or sales, and its management process (P4 to P) performed between the client terminal 1 and the program management device (server) 3 of the program supplier via the PC
9) is shown.

1. Preparation Process P0-1: (Application for Use) In FIG. 8 (a), a person who wishes to use the program for financial accounting processing links to a homepage established by the program supplier from a terminal such as a personal computer via the Internet.
Apply for the use of a program package for financial accounting. The homepage is designed so that users who wish to use the product can enter necessary information such as name (name), address, telephone number, business type, business scale, etc. along with an overview of the package price and usage method. When the key is input, the flow shifts to P2. Note that the application method is not limited to the application method from the homepage, but may be, for example, a use application to a program supplier using communication means such as telephone and fax.

Process P0-2: (Temporary registration to customer management master, dispatch of CD-ROM, etc.) When a key is input from a homepage, server (program management device) 3 stores the key input in database 3 '. Is registered in the customer management master 31. At this time, the registration flag of the customer management record is set to a value indicating temporary registration. It should be noted that an application for using a telephone or a fax is entered by a person in charge of an operator of the server 3 (usually a program supplier).

Further, the provisionally registered use applicant (= use applicant) is provided with an installation recording medium (in the embodiment, a CD-ROM (see FIG. 2) in which an application program for financial accounting is recorded. )) Mail 11 and contract documents to the applicant.

Process P0-3: (Installation of CD-ROM and description of application form, etc.) When the CD-ROM sent by the user is installed, the program registered in the CD-ROM is managed by the customer of the program supplier. Master registration, ID,
It can be used under the condition of issuing a password. In order to complete this registration, applicants who wish to use the software for trial, rental, or purchase are required to fill out the necessary information in the mailed contract (for example, stamping the contract, stamping the account number of the paying bank) , Client device number, etc.)
Mail to the program supplier.

Process P0-4: (Registration and Issuance of ID and Password) The program supplier checks the contents of the contract documents and the like when the application applicant returns them. 'Customer management master 3
Key in 1. As a result, the registration flag of the customer management record is set to a value indicating the main registration, and the customer ID is registered.
(Client identification code) and a password are issued. The program supplier mails the issued customer ID, password, and installation guide to the client (= registered use applicant).

Process P0-5: (Trial, trial, rental, purchase, etc. of software on-line) The client, which has received the customer ID and password from the program supplier, performs trial, rental, and purchase of the software of the program supplier online. Can be. As a result, it is possible to receive the financial accounting processing service provided by the CD-ROM 11 and the program supplier by the process as shown in FIG. 8B (that is, it is possible to execute a series of financial processing operations). Note that a user who did not return contract documents and the like to the program supplier in the process P0-3 cannot receive the financial accounting processing service.

Specifically, the client activates the client terminal 1 and stores the CD-ROM 11 in the CD-R of the terminal 1.
When set in the OM reader, the program management file 111, the job management file 112, and the program management information transmission program 11 recorded on the CD-ROM 11
3. Job control program 114, program installer 115, and a series of application programs 116-1 to 116-n for financial accounting processing (that is, journal data input program, accounting file update program,.
A trial balance creation program,..., A settlement processing program, a settlement report creation program, a carry-over at the beginning of the year (creation of a new year accounting master) program, etc.) are written to the hard disk 15 (FIG. 3) of the client terminal 1. Also CD
When each program recorded in the ROM 11 is compressed or encrypted, each program is decompressed or decrypted and written to the hard disk in an executable format. The program management file 111 is written in an encrypted state. That is, the program management file 11
By encrypting 1 and controlling the activation of each application program by the job control program, unauthorized use is prevented.

The application program provided on the CD-ROM 11 may be a whole series of application programs for financial accounting as described above.
It is not limited to this. In other words, each job that constitutes the financial accounting process (entry data entry, accounting file update,... Trial balance creation,..., Settlement process, settlement report creation, carryover at the beginning of the period (creation of accounting master for new year), etc.) Of these, only the application program corresponding to a specific job (for example, entry of journal data, update of accounting file) is stored in a CD together with the program management file 111, the job management file 112, the program management information transmission program 113, the job control program 114, and the program installer 115.
-Application programs installed from the ROM 11 and corresponding to other jobs may be downloaded from the server 3 and installed.

2. Job selection and execution Process P1: (Terminal startup and business (financial processing) selection) In FIG. 8B, the client terminal is activated, and a financial accounting processing icon displayed on the screen is clicked with a mouse. Select financial accounting.

Process P2: (Menu Display on Job Selection Screen and Job Selection) When the financial accounting process is selected, the job control program 16
4 is loaded into the RAM from the hard disk 15 by the OS 151 and activated. At this time, the job control program 164 displays a menu on the job selection screen 90 to enable selection of a job. As will be described later, for a job for which a job cannot be selected on the job selection screen 90, and for a job not displayed, a job to be connected to the server 3 is selected, and a key input of an ID and a password is well known to the client. (For example, a message is displayed on the screen), and the key and the entered ID and password are compared with the ID (client identification code) and the password registered in the program management file 161. In the operations (S1 to S4) as shown in the flowchart example, the client connects to the server 3 to retry, rent, or purchase, thereby displaying a menu on the job selection screen 90 and selecting a job. Becomes

That is, in FIG. 9, the job control program 1
The terminal 64 obtains the timer information from the timer of the terminal 1 and obtains the date and time (step S1). Next, the program management record 161 ′ of the program management file 161 is sequentially decoded, and the usage classification column 1614 and the setting period column 161 are decoded.
6 and 1617 are taken out, and the validity / invalidity of the expiration date of the application program is determined (step S2). First, if the recorded content of the usage classification column 1614 means “trial”, the date acquired in step S1 is compared with the recorded content of the set periods 1616 and 1617,
If it is within the set period (trial period), it is determined to be valid and the process proceeds to step S6 (step S3). In addition, use category column 1
If the recorded content of 614 means “rental”, the date acquired in step S1 and the set periods 1616, 161
7 is compared, and if it is within the set period (rental), it is determined to be valid and the process proceeds to step S6 (step S6).
4). If the recorded content of the usage classification column 1614 means "purchased program", the process is determined to be valid and the process proceeds to step S6 (step S5).

The name of the job determined to be valid in steps S3 to S5 is displayed on the job selection screen 90 as a valid (ie, startable) job as shown in FIG. 10 (step S6). The job determined to be invalid in steps S3 to S5 is displayed as an unselectable job on the job selection screen 90 (step S3).
7). Further, a “job to connect to server” menu is displayed on the job selection screen 90 for selecting an invalid job or a job not displayed. In step S8, the above steps S2 to S6 and S7 are repeated until the expiration date determination processing is completed for the application programs of all the program management records stored in the program management file 161.

When the client clicks and selects a valid job name displayed on the job selection screen 90 in the process P1, the client shifts to P3 (transition to step S10 in the flowchart of FIG. 9). If the job to be activated is invalid or is not displayed on the job selection screen, that is, if the “job to connect to server” menu is selected, a known network connection application (for example, Internet Explorer Browser), connect to the server 3, and shift to P4.

The job selection screen 90 shown in FIG.
Jobs for which "Journal data entry" job 91, "Accounting master update" job 92, "Journal entry correction" job 93, and "Trial balance creation" job 94 are valid (= selectable jobs)
10B, the job selection screen 90 in FIG. 10B is displayed as a menu in which a “Journal data entry” job 91 and a “Journal entry correction” job 93 can be selected. The “account master update” job 92 and “trial balance creation” job 94 cannot be selected even if the corresponding accounting master update program and trial balance creation program have been installed in the terminal but have been expired and are displayed on the menu. A job cannot be selected unless the user selects the "job to connect to server" menu, connects to the server 3, and performs trial, rental, or purchase of the process P5 or lower. Note that programs that are not installed in the terminal 1, that is, programs other than the programs registered in the program management file 161 are not displayed on the job selection screen as is apparent from steps S6 and S7. Unless you select the "Job" menu, connect to the server 3 and try, rent or purchase the process P5 and below,
I cannot select a job.

In the above description, all the job names corresponding to the programs registered in the program management file 161 are displayed on the job selection screen 90, and when the desired job name is selected (clicked), the expiration date is displayed. Inside
Although the program of (or purchased) is shifted to P3, if not, the user selects a server connection job or automatically connects to the server 3 and shifts to P4. Only the job may be displayed on the job selection screen 90, and for a job not displayed, a known network connection application may be automatically started to connect to the server 3 and shift to P4.

Process P3: (Execution of Job) When a job is selected in the process P2, the terminal 1 checks the execution date, activates and executes the job.
That is, in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the job control program 164 is stored in the system usage area 17 of the hard disk 15.
2 and the date stored in the program execution time storage area and step S1 (process 2) in the flowchart of FIG.
9), and the date and time stored in the program execution time storage area are compared with those in FIG.
The job control program 164 is executed only after the date and time acquired in step S1 of the flowchart of FIG.
Overwrites the program execution time storage area of the system use area 172 of the hard disk 15 with the date and time obtained in step S1 and transitions to step S11. Otherwise, the process ends (S1).
0). By checking this date and time,
It is possible to prevent the trial period and the rental period from being extended without permission due to the date operation.

Next, when the date and time are correct, the job control program 164 executes an application program corresponding to the job selected from the hard disk 15 (for example, when the job “journal data input” is selected, the journal data input processing). The program is read into the RAM and activated (S11). Thus, the execution of the job is started.

3. Trial, rental or sales and management thereof Process P4: (Authentication of Client, etc.) In the job selection process (P2), if the desired job menu is not displayed on the job selection screen 90,
Alternatively, if the user wants to change the usage mode (for example, change from rental to purchase) even during the trial period or the rental period, and connects the client terminal to the server 3, the server 3 receives the request transmitted from the terminal 1 or I included in the notification
D and password (ID and password input by the client in the above process P2) and customer management master 31
Is transmitted to the terminal 1 as shown in FIG. 11 only when the IDs and passwords of the clients registered in the terminal 1 match (FIG. 11). The HTML file may be installed in the terminal 1.
In this case, when the client authentication is completed, the client terminal 1 reads the HTML file for use mode selection / setting screen generation and transmits a selection operation start permission notification (control data) for generating the use mode selection screen to the terminal 1. To do that).

Process P5: (Display of Usage Type Selection / Setting Screen, Selection Input of Usage Type, etc.) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a usage type selection / setting screen of a program, and FIG. FIGS. 11B to 11D are examples of the form selection screen, and FIGS. 11B to 11D are examples of the use form setting screen.

When the terminal 1 receives the HTML file for generating a use mode selection / setting screen from the server 3, the terminal 1 displays a use mode selection screen 110 as shown in FIG. On the use form selection screen 110, a list of job names and selectable use form buttons constituting the financial accounting processing operation is displayed. In the illustrated example, reference numeral 113
It is shown that the application program for the “journal entry correction” job can be selected from any of the three usage modes of trial, rental, and purchase. Reference numeral 11
4 shows that the application program for the “create trial balance” job can be selected from either rental or purchase use forms. In addition, the application program for the “Journal data entry” job indicated by reference numeral 111 is highlighted to indicate that the application is being trialled, and even during the trial, either rental or purchase can be selected (that is, trial to rental, or Switching from trial to purchase is possible). Also, the application program for the “account master update” job 112 is rented out is highlighted, and purchase can be selected even during rental (that is, switching from rental to purchase is possible). It is shown that there is. Although the purchased program is not shown in FIG. 11, “Purchased” is highlighted next to the corresponding job name.

When the "Trial" button is clicked on the job in which the "Trial" button is displayed as a use form selectable by the client, a trial setting screen 120 as shown in FIG. 11B is displayed. When the client key-inputs the trial start date and clicks the input confirmation button, the process shifts to process P6 while retaining the program identification code and the entered trial start date. The trial start date for key input may be the current date or may be after the current date (that is, reservation is possible), but the trial period is defined for each program. If there is a highlighting of "Trialing", the "Trial" button cannot be selected (a selection invalidation message is displayed), but "Rental" or "Purchase" can be selected.

When the “rental” button is clicked with a mouse on a job in which the “rental” button is displayed as a use form that can be selected by the client, FIG.
A rental setting screen 130 as shown in (c) is displayed. Client rental period (start and end dates)
Is entered and the "Rental" button 131 is clicked, and the program shifts to process P6 while retaining the program identification code and the input rental period. Note that the rental start date for key input may be the current date or may be after the current date (that is, reservation is possible). However, the rental period is specified for each program, and the rental period is set for the specified number of days. It can be done within the range (also, after the rental period ends, the rental can be selected again). For example,
In the example of the accounting master update program, the rental period that can be set once is less than 7 days, and the trial balance creation program is that the rental period that can be set once is less than 3 days (however, the rental period is limited to these limited periods) Is not.)
Even when "rental" is highlighted, "rental" can be further selected to make the next rental reservation or extend the current rental.

When the "purchase" button is clicked with a mouse on a job in which the "purchase" button is displayed as a use form selectable by the client, a purchase setting screen 140 as shown in FIG. 11D is displayed. You. When the client clicks the "purchase" button 141, the program shifts to process P6 while retaining the program identification code. Further, the planned purchase date may be calibrated so that the key can be input. In this case, when the "purchase" button 141 is clicked, the program shifts to process P6 while retaining the program identification code and the input expected purchase period. Note that “purchase” can be selected even when “under trial” or “under rental” is highlighted.

Process P6: (Request or Notification and Transmission of Program Management Information) The job control program 164 reads out the program management information transmission program 163 from the hard disk 15 to the RAM and starts it. The program management information transmission program 163 is connected to the server via the Internet 2, and when “rental” is selected in the process P5, a program management record storing the management information of the program is stored in the program management file 161 ′. And sends it to the server 3 together with a use period setting permission request (control data) and a set period (rental period).

Program management information transmission program 163
When “Trial” is selected in the process P5, the program management record storing the management information of the program is taken out from the program management file 161 ′, and the use restriction period release request (control data) and the use restriction It is transmitted to the server 3 together with the release start period (= the trial start date).

Program management information transmission program 163
When “purchase” is selected in the process P5, the program management record storing the management information of the program is extracted from the program management file 161 ′, and a permanent use right setting request (control data) and purchase ( It is transmitted to the server 3 together with the (scheduled) date.

Process P7: (Registration of Request or Notification Contents and Generation of Usage History Record) When the server 3 receives the program management record, the usage period setting request, and the setting period from the client terminal 1,
Client identification code column 341, model code column 34
2. Program identification code column 343, usage classification column 34
4. A use history record 34 'including a set period storage section 345, 346, a version information section 347, a sales amount section 348, and a spare section is generated, and a client identification code, a model code, a program identification code, The version upgrade information is extracted, and the client identification code column 341 and the model code column 34
2. Write a code indicating a usage class (that is, usage mode = rental) corresponding to the received usage period setting request written in the program identification code column 343 and the version information column 347 in the usage category column 344 and receive the received usage period. (That is, the rental period) is stored in the setting period storage field 34.
5, 346 are written. The usage history record 34 ′ is created by writing the price calculated by the predetermined calculation formula into the sales amount column 348, and is stored in the usage history file 34. It should be noted that the price calculation method is configured so that discounts can be made depending on the past usage status of the client.

When the server 3 receives the program management record, the use restriction period release request, and the use restriction release start period from the client terminal 1, the server 3 similarly generates a usage history record 34 ', and identifies the client identification from the received program management record. The code, the model code, the program identification code, and the version upgrade information are extracted, and the client identification code column 341, the model code column 342, the program identification code column 343, and the version information column 34 are extracted.
7, a code indicating a usage class (ie, usage form = trial) corresponding to the received usage restriction period release request is written into the usage classification column 344, and the received usage restriction release start period (ie, trial start time) is received. Is added to the number of trial days specified for each program, and a trial period is generated and written in the set period storage columns 345 and 346. The price (amount =
0) is written in the sales amount column 348 to create a usage history record 34 ′ and stored in the usage history file 34. Note that the number of trial days specified for each program can be extracted from the product management master 32.

When the server 3 receives the program management record, the permanent use right transfer request, and the purchase (scheduled) date from the client terminal 1, the server 3 similarly generates a use history record 34 ', and from the received program management record, The client identification code, the model code, the program identification code, and the version upgrade information are extracted and written into the client identification code column 341, the model code column 342, the program identification code column 343, and the version information column 347, and respond to the received permanent use right purchase request. Is written in the usage category column 344, and the received purchase (scheduled) period is written in the setting period storage column 345 (the setting period storage column 3).
46 is blank. Further, the sales price calculated by a predetermined calculation method is written in the sales amount column 348 to create a usage history record 34 ′, and stored in the usage history file 34.
The selling price can be discounted based on the version of the program, the past usage history of the client (for example, the total rental period and the total rental amount).

Process P8: (Response to request or notification, etc.) When the use history record 34 'is created in the process P7 for the client terminal 1 that has made the use period setting request in the process P5. A use period setting permission (= rental permission) notification (control data) and a use restriction release period (= trial period) are transmitted via the Internet 2. Similarly, when the use history record 34 'is created in the process P7 for the client terminal 1 that has issued the use limitation release request in the process P5, the server 3 sends a use limitation release permission notification via the Internet 2 and Send the set period. Similarly, the server 3 sends the usage history record 3 in the process P7 to the client terminal 1 that has issued the permanent use right setting request in the process P5.
When 4 'is created, a permanent use right setting permission notice and a purchase (scheduled) date are transmitted via the Internet 2.

Process P9: (Registration of Permission Contents) In the client terminal 1, the job control program 164
When the use period setting permission is received from the server 3 via the Internet 2, the server 3 in the process P6 is stored in the use column 1614 of the program management record 161 'of the corresponding program and the usage column 1624 of the job management record 162'. A code indicating a use category (that is, use form = rental) corresponding to the transmitted use period setting request is written, the received set period (ie, rental period) is written in the set period storage fields 1616, 1617, and the process P2 is executed. Return. Note that the job management record 1
The data written to 62 'is encrypted and written (the same applies hereinafter).

When the job control program 164 of the client terminal 1 receives the use restriction period release permission notification from the server 3, the job control program 164 of the program management record 161 ′ of the corresponding program stores the usage classification column 1614 and the job management record 162 ′. A code indicating a usage class (that is, usage form = trial) corresponding to the usage restriction period release request transmitted to the server 3 in the process P6 is written in the usage column 1624, and the received usage restriction release period (ie, trial period) is written. ) In the set period storage fields 1616 and 1617 and returns to the writing process P2. When the job control program 164 of the client terminal 1 receives the permanent use right setting permission notice from the server 3, the job control program 164 of the program management record 161 ′ of the corresponding program uses
14 and the use classification column 16 of the job management record 162 '
24, a code indicating a use category (that is, use form = purchase) corresponding to the permanent use right setting permission transmitted to the server 3 in the process P6 is written, and the received purchase (planned) date is written in the set date column 1615. , Clear the space in the setting period storage fields 1616 and 1617,
Return to 2.

If the desired job is not displayed on the job selection screen 90 on the client terminal 1 in the process P2 by the process of FIG. Then, after setting, the process returns to the process P2 via the processes P4 to P7 and displays the job selection screen 90, so that the client can execute a desired job by selecting the displayed job.

4. In the case of a version upgrade program or a new program In the process of FIG. 8B, the case of trial, rental, or purchase has been described. When the client terminal 1 receives the version upgrade program, the program management information transmission program, when selecting the version upgrade of the program corresponding to the version upgrade program in the terminal 1, notifies the upgrade selection notification and identifies the application program. The recorded contents of the program management file in which the information is registered are transmitted to the server 3, and after the program management information transmission program transmits the version upgrade selection notification, the program installation is started. Is configured to rewrite a program corresponding to the version upgrade program with the received version upgrade program, and the job management program is configured to register the version information of the application program rewritten by the program installer in the job management file and the program management file. Can be.

In this case, the server 3 is connected to the client terminal 1
When the program management record and the version upgrade selection notification are received from the
The client identification code, the model code, the program identification code, the use category, the setting period, and the upgrade information are extracted from the received program management record, and the client identification code column 341, the model code column 342,
Use a code written in the program identification code column 343, the usage classification column 345, the setting period columns 345, 346, and the version information column 347, and indicating a usage classification (that is, usage form = rental) corresponding to the received usage period setting request. By writing in the division column 344 and storing it in the usage history file 34, version management of the program installed in the client terminal can be performed. In the case where a fee is charged for upgrading the purchased program, the upgrade fee can be calculated and written in the sales amount column 348.

Note that, in the process P5 shown in FIG.
It may be configured to update to the latest version of the program when rental or purchase is selected.

As a result, even if all of the financial accounting processing programs installed in a certain client terminal or an application program corresponding to a certain job become unexecutable, the client refers to the usage history file 34, and The current state of the program installed in the terminal can be recovered via the Internet 2.

Further, the download and installation of the new program to the client terminal is performed by, for example, notifying each client of the provision information of the new program by e-mail transmission or the like, and applying the program usage mode selection 110 shown in the process P5. If the new program is displayed as a list together with other programs and is selectable, and if the new program is selected, the period and the like are set on the setting screens 120 to 140, so that the process P2 and the subsequent steps in FIG. The same applies.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made.

[0096]

As described above, according to the program rental methods of the first to tenth aspects, whether or not the use period can be set for each application program corresponding to a plurality of jobs constituting a specific job is selected. Since the program can be used only during the usage period, the program can be trialed or rented in a period suitable for the job for each job.
That is, the client can rent a necessary program at a necessary time, which is cheaper than a method of trially renting or renting one package for a specific business process.

In the method for selling a program according to the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, the program can be sold on a job basis in the same manner as in the above case, so that one package is sold collectively for specific business processing. It is easier for program suppliers to sell and more affordable for clients than in the case. Switching from rental to purchase is also easy. Short-term rental in job units is suitable for renting a package program for financial accounting or tax processing in which the execution time of each job is limited.

According to the program rental method of the present invention, a plurality of application programs for specific business processing recorded on a recording medium provided to a client terminal from a program supplier, and activation of those programs. Since the job control program and the control file for controlling the job control program are installed in the client terminal, even if the application program can be downloaded from the program management device on the terminal on which the job control program is not installed, the specific task cannot be executed. Therefore, unauthorized use can be prevented.

Also, a test sample of the invention according to claims 14 to 22 is provided.
According to the management method of the rented or sold program,
Since trial, rental, and sale of the program can be automated between the client terminal and the program management device via the network, labor and cost can be reduced for the program supplier. In addition, management of usage status of each installed program, such as trial, rental, or purchase, and usage fee (sales price) management, client management, program management, and version upgrade of installed programs are linked. It is easy to manage even if you try, rent, or sell for each job.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a network system including a client terminal to which the present invention can be applied and a server machine of a program supplier.

FIG. 2 CD-R provided by a program supplier
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout of a file and a program recorded in an OM.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a layout of a hard disk of a client terminal.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a program management record that configures a program management file.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a program management record that configures a job management file.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a database of the program management device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a use history record.

FIG. 8: How to rent and sell a program,
It is a block diagram showing a series of processes concerning a management method of a rented or sold program.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a job control program.

FIG. 10 is a display example of a selectable job menu on a job selection screen.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a program use mode selection / setting screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Client Terminal 2 Internet (Network) 3 Server (Program Management Device) 11 CD-ROM (Recording Medium) 111, 161 Program Management File 112, 162 Job Management File 113, 163 Program Management Information Transmission Program 114, 164 Job Control Program 115 165 Program installer 116-1 to 116-n, 161-1 to 166-n Application program 172 System use area

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G07F 17/00 G06F 9/06 610L

Claims (23)

[Claims] Claims 1. A client terminal installed on a client terminal,
For a plurality of application programs corresponding to a plurality of jobs constituting a specific task, the client terminal selects whether or not the use period can be set for each application program. A program rental method that can be used only within 2. The program rental method according to claim 1, wherein the use period can be reserved. 3. The program rental method according to claim 1, wherein the use period is a short-term rental period. 4. The application program installed on the client terminal is recorded on a recording medium provided by a program supplier, and the following files (a) and (b) stored on the recording medium and the following (c) 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the program is installed in the terminal together with the programs of (e) to (e).
A: a program management file that stores program management information such as trial use, rental, purchase and version upgrade of each program installed on the client terminal, b: each application installed on the client terminal A job management file for storing information relating to the program; c: a program management information transmission program for transmitting the recorded contents of the program management file of (a) to the program management device of the program supplier via a network; Based on the information stored in the job management file of (b), the execution control of each application program described in (e) below and information on the job executed by each application program are transferred to the job management file of (b) above. E: a program installer for installing a program downloaded from the program management device. 5. The program rental method according to claim 4, wherein the client terminal installs, from the recording medium, a plurality of application programs corresponding to a plurality of jobs constituting the specific task. . 6. The client terminal installs, from the recording medium, an application program for executing a specific job among a plurality of application programs corresponding to a plurality of jobs constituting the specific job, and 5. The program rental method according to claim 4, wherein an application program other than the application program for executing the specific job is downloaded from the program management device and installed. 7. An application program for executing the specific job, on condition that a use period of the plurality of application programs is set on the client terminal after a trial period of the application program for executing the specific job ends. 7. The method of renting a program according to claim 5, wherein the use restriction period is canceled. 8. The program according to claim 5, wherein the client terminal can select and set a use period for each of the plurality of application programs after a trial period of the application program for executing the specific job ends. Rental method. 9. The program according to claim 1, wherein each time the execution of the application program installed in the client terminal is completed, an execution end time generated based on a time signal from a timer is provided in a system use area of the terminal. Overwriting and storing in the execution end time storage area, and comparing the execution start time generated based on the time signal from the timer with the time stored in the program execution end time storage area at the start of the execution of the next application program, The execution start time is within the use period,
9. The program rental method according to claim 4, wherein the application program is started only when the time is later than a time stored in the program execution end time storage area. 10. The job management program overwrites an execution end time generated based on a time signal from a timer in the program execution end time storage area every time the execution of an application program installed in the client terminal ends. And comparing the execution start time generated based on the time signal from the timer with the time stored in the program execution end time storage area when the application program for executing the specific job according to claim 7 or 8 is started. The application program is activated only when the execution start time is within the trial period and later than the time stored in the program execution end time storage area. How to rent a program. 11. The client terminal according to claim 1, wherein the terminal can arbitrarily purchase a permanent use right of a desired application program among a plurality of application programs installed in the terminal by the terminal. A method of selling a program characterized by being selectable at the following timing. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the client terminal installs all of the plurality of application programs from a recording medium provided by a program supplier. 13. The client terminal, wherein an application program for executing a specific job among the plurality of application programs is installed from the recording medium, and the client terminal other than the application program for executing the specific job among the plurality of application programs. The method according to claim 11, wherein the application program is downloaded from the program management device via a network and installed. 14. In the method for renting a program according to claim 1, when a use period of the application program is set at the client terminal, a request for setting the use period of the application program is sent from the terminal to the program management device via a network. Transmitting a trial period or a rental period from the program management device, the terminal enables the use of the application program only within a set period of use. . 15. The method for renting a program according to claim 4, wherein when a use period of the application program is set in the client terminal, the program management information transmission program transmits the program management information from the terminal via the network. A use period setting request of the application program is transmitted to the program management device, and the job management program receives the use period setting permission from the program management device, and stores the use period of the application program in the job management file and the program management file. The program management information transmission program transmits the recorded content of the program management file in which the use period of the application program is registered to the program management device. How to manage programs. 16. The method according to claim 6, wherein the application program downloaded from the program management device is installed on the client terminal by the program installer, and when the application program is installed, the job management is performed. The program registers the identification information of the application program in the job management file and the program management file. The program management information transmission program stores the recorded contents of the program management file in which the identification information of the application program is registered in the program management device. A method of managing a rented program, which is transmitted to a rented program. 17. The method according to claim 7, wherein when a use period is set for any of the plurality of application programs after a trial period of the application program for executing the specific job ends. The management information transmission program transmits a use restriction period release request of an application program for executing the specific job and a recorded content of a program management file from the client terminal to the program management device via a network, and the job management program Registering the use restriction period release information of the application program that executes the specific job in the job management file and the program management file when receiving the use restriction period release permission from the program management device. Management method of trial the program which is characterized. 18. The program management information transmission program according to claim 11, wherein when the terminal selects the purchase of a permanent use right of a desired application program among a plurality of application programs, the program management information transmission program executes the client management program. A request for transferring the permanent use right of the application program and the recorded content of the program management file are transmitted from the terminal to the program management device connected via a network, and the job management program is transmitted from the program management device to the permanent use right of the application program. A method of managing a sold program, comprising: registering permanent use right transfer information of the application program in the job management file and the program management file when receiving a transfer permission. 19. The method for renting a program according to claim 4 or the method for selling a program according to claim 10, wherein the client terminal is installed in the terminal from the program management device. When receiving the version upgrade program, the program management information transmission program, when selecting a version upgrade of the program corresponding to the version upgrade program in the terminal, a version upgrade selection notification and identification information of the application program are registered After transmitting the recorded content of the program management file to the program management device, and transmitting the upgrade selection notification by the program management information transmission program, the program installer receives the received version upgrade program. Rewriting the program corresponding to the version-up program, the job management program registers the version information of the application program which is rewritten by the program installer to the job management file and program management file, and wherein the trial,
How to manage rented or sold programs. 20. The program according to claim 16, wherein the job management program encrypts and stores information stored in the job management file. Management method. 21. When the program management device receives a use period setting request, a use restriction period release request, or a permanent use right transfer request of an application program from the client terminal, the program management device performs an authentication process on the terminal, and the terminal performs authentication. If this is done, the terminal will be allowed to set the usage period,
The method for managing a trial, rented, or sold program according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the use restriction period release permission or the permanent use right transfer permission is transmitted. 22. The program management apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the program management device generates usage history data based on the recorded contents of the program management file transmitted from the client terminal, and writes the generated usage history data in the program usage history file.
21. The method for managing a trial, rented, or sold program according to any one of items 20 to 20. 23. A program and a file to be installed on a terminal for executing a specific task, wherein the following files (a) and (b) and the following programs (c) to (e) are recorded. Characteristic recording medium, a: a program management file for storing program management information such as trial, rental, purchase, and version upgrade of each program installed in the client terminal, b: related to each application program installed in the client terminal A job management file for storing information; c: a program management information transmission program for transmitting the recorded contents of the program management file of (a) to the program management device of the program supplier via a network; d: a job of (b) above Based on the information stored in the management file And (e) a job control program for storing the execution control of each application program and information relating to a job executed by each application program in the job management file of (b). E: Downloaded from the program management device Program installer that installs programs to be installed.