WO1997036233A1 - Method for providing information, method for preparing initial information, and device and recording medium used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for using 'seeds of information' used for appropriately acquiring, distributing, and updating information through a communication network, such as the Internet, etc., or a communication line. The 'seeds of information' are information used as leads to acquire and update information. A method for preparing and distributing seeds of information as necessary is also disclosed. When the two methods are combined, the acquisition, distribution, and updating of information are easier. The application of the invention includes (1) a business card information management system which rationally reports the change of the address of the user, (2) a computer program distribution management system which automatically fetches a program and performs version up, (3) a catalogue information management system which apparently updates commodity information distributed through a CD, (4) a news information system which only fetches desired news information in combination of the Internet with the CD, (5) a music video system by which the this-month messages from artists are obtained from a music CD, (6) a program installing system which always installs the latest program on the basis of the CD, (7) a game the scenario of which changes at times, and (8) an education system which can also be used in a CAI system dealing with many students and by which a teacher prepares and operates a special curriculum aiming at specific students.

Description

 Specification

 Method and apparatus for providing information and creating initial information and recording medium

 Technical field

 It can be said that the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for acquiring information via a communication line or a communication network, and a method and apparatus for distributing information. Since the purpose of information acquisition is to provide information to users, information acquisition and information distribution are collectively referred to as information provision. To accurately describe the technical field using this term, "The present invention describes an information providing method, an information providing apparatus, an initial information creating method set in the information providing apparatus, an initial information creating apparatus, and a special data structure used in these. A computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, or a computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program is recorded. "

 As specific examples of information to be handled in this specification, "information of contact information marked on business cards, magazines, advertisements, envelopes, Internet websites, etc." "information described in product catalogs such as mail order" "computer program" And "Various types of information such as images, sounds, games, education (CAI), article information, and navigation system map information recorded on media such as compact disks". Application examples include “business card information management system”, “computer program distribution management system”, “power catalog information management system”, “article information system”, “music and video system”, “program installation system”, “game”, and “education system”. Is shown. Background art

 Sections 1 and 2 briefly describe the background art. After clarifying the gist of the invention, Section 11 summarizes the comparison between the present invention and the prior art. Section 11 also compares the prior art with Japanese Patent Application Nos. 8-106054 and PCT / JP97 / 00142, which form the basis of the priority claim of the present application.

《Section 1 General Questions about Information Distribution and Update S》

Although information constantly changes, it is often difficult to distribute the latest information or update information once distributed. Specific examples are shown below. << Section 1.1 Contact Information >>

 《Section 1.1.1 Management of Business Card Information S》

 The business card contains the department, telephone number, FAX number, e-mail address, and e-mail address; this information changes due to changes within the company. At the time of the transfer greeting, I will give out a new business card or send a transfer greeting, but I feel very busy for that. 'In some cases, contact is lost.

 Conversely, those who have received business cards and greeting cards are also difficult to manage. When managing business cards as they are, it is necessary to destroy old business cards and replace them with new business cards. Inappropriate classification can lead to unmanageability. If business card information is entered in the computer database to facilitate searching, the database must be changed. It is also difficult to enter the information of a new business card into the database. Even if it is troublesome to input the information into the computer and the business card is managed as it is, it is difficult to write the address by hand at the stage of issuing the New Year's card, so in the end it is often input to the address book software. If a change notification of an address or the like is received, it is a complicated task to make sure that the information is associated with the New Year's card.

 There is a need for a method to efficiently manage business card information and accurately communicate changes in business card information.

《Section 1.1.2 Problems in Using Address Information》

 Dial information (general) as public-public connection (public communication network, dedicated line, connection of communication path via public communication network), Internet telephone, cable telephone (call using cable TV line) is realized. In other words, address information) is becoming more diverse and complex.

 There are a lot of dial information (such as various telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) that provide a means of contacting a certain person, and inexpensive and convenient communication means differ depending on conditions, making it difficult to use wisely. It is not easy to make full use of a plurality of pieces of dial information written on a business card.

 Not only can the types be changed, but also the address information of the people is becoming more complicated. Inexpensive communication is possible by selecting multiple communication networks and connecting the paths.However, a series of operations such as the need to input dialed information that is fragmented for each device that relays the path is required. It is complicated. Even if you manage to understand your own address information (that is, write it on your business card), it is still difficult to understand other people's addresses written on your business card.

It is necessary to use dial information wisely and to devise complicated dial operations. I have.

<< Section 1.1.3 Frequent updating of business card information >>

 It is not preferable to write constantly changing information or temporary contact information on business cards. For example, `` --If you work at home from time to time, you may want to provide your home phone number as a work contact only at that time; if you write that phone number on your business card, It is not possible to make detailed specifications such as "We will only accept e-mails from our clients when contacting us on holidays." In other words, business cards do not classify the other party and provide temporary contact information. Neither the intent of the receiver nor the intent of the sender (eg, "If you can talk directly on the phone, but let me know if you can email") cannot be reconciled.

 There is a need for a way to communicate temporary contact changes and a way to reconcile the receiver and the sender.

《Section 1.2 Catalog Information》

 Product guidance in various advertisements may be changed for reasons not initially anticipated. It is necessary to respond promptly to sold-out products, fluctuations in purchase prices, revision of prices in response to sales conditions, addition of new products, and so on. However, there is no way to properly communicate these changes to customers. In some cases, after receiving an order, the product may be sold out, or even if the purchase price of the product rises, it may continue at the price once stated in the advertisement. Notification of new products will be kept until the next issue of the catalog.

 There is a need for a method and apparatus for accurately notifying changes in catalog information.

<< Section 1.3 Computer Program >>

 Computer programs are frequently upgraded to address bugs and add functions. The upgrade fee is also a major source of revenue for software sales. In many cases, version updates are notified by direct mail, but it takes time and effort to obtain and reinstall a new version of the software, so many people do not upgrade.

It is possible to obtain the latest program using the communication network (eg, by FTP procedure), but Γ (ι) Check the version of the program currently in use. ”And“ (2) Change to the latest version Need to Check if there is "," (3) Get the program ", and" (4) ^ Install "the series of procedures is complicated.

 --In general, there are many types of programs installed on personal computers, and the rate at which the user of a personal computer actively upgrades the version is low. It is common to see some errors or warning messages during the execution of a program and upgrade it without help. At that time, they often have to work in a hurry, so the upgrade process feels more complicated.

《Section 2 Current status and ideals of information distribution by CD etc.》

 《Section 2.1 Various information recorded on media such as CD》

 In the past, CDs (compact discs) that recorded only audio were developed; CD-ROM. CD & ROM, CD-EXTRA, DVD-VIDEO, etc. In addition to audio, programs such as program, video, still images, etc. were added. It is a medium that carries multimedia information. In the present specification, for simplicity, these are collectively referred to simply as CD.

 In addition to CDs, there are other media that record and distribute information. Recording and distributing information on floppy disks (FDs) has been traditional practice. Information can be distributed on removable hard disks (Removable HD), and more and more PCs are sold with programs installed on the hard disk. In addition, information can be added (but information cannot be deleted or modified). CD-Rs, magnetic optical disks (M0), etc. have also appeared. There are drawbacks that cannot be corrected, but CDs are widely used because of their low price and large storage capacity.

《Section 2.2 Limitations of conventional CD》

 It is not possible to update information once distributed on a CD or to add information to a CD. Even when using media on which additional information can be recorded, such as CD-Rs, it is difficult to distribute additional information appropriately without the active cooperation of users. In addition, CD-Rs cannot modify or delete information, so old information cannot be replaced with new information. Distributing the CD again is time-consuming and expensive.

 From the standpoint of sales promotion, it is convenient if it is easy to change the CD information once distributed and distribute additional information based on the intentions of the seller. For example, it would be ideal if a music CD that recorded music could provide information such as monthly messages from artists, the latest concert information, and new CD releases. But this is not possible in reality, so television,

Come S correct J (Rule ⁹¹⁾ Expensive advertisements and direct mail for unspecified large numbers are used according to new questions, radio, and the like.

 It is common practice to distribute computer programs and games on CDs. The program is buggy, but reissuing the CD can be expensive. Careful bug fixes to avoid reissuing the CD will delay release.

《Section 2.3 Recent attempts to exceed the CD limit》

 Several attempts have been made to push the boundaries of the CD. One of them is the concept of a connected PC advocated by Intel Corporation, which proposes to use the contents of CDs and hard disk information in combination with information from the Internet (see section 11.5 for details). ). For example, you can open the Internet homepage by viewing the HTML file recorded in CI) with a browser and clicking the place where the hyperlink is set.

 This method requires a clear distinction between the information provided by the CD and the information provided by the Internet. The information distributed on the CD cannot be updated, and the information on the CD cannot be hyperlinked to the Internet.

《Section 2.4 Ideal for information withdrawal from CD etc.》

 When extracting information recorded on a medium such as a CD, hard disk, magnetic optical disk, or floppy disk, it is desirable that the extraction procedure be simple. Even when accessing multiple information sources to realize advanced functions, the procedure for extracting information is simple and clear as long as the interface accesses a single information source. Ideally, it should be “quickly pulling out information” and “information is up-to-date” while maintaining its simple usage and selfishness.

 To summarize the ideals from the user's point of view for information retrieval, "a: (From the user's perspective) the information retrieval procedure is simple because it looks like a single information source" "i: The information is up to date" "ゥ: Information "Easy withdrawal" "E: The price (of information recording and withdrawal) is low". For example, using a low-speed modem (for example, 2.4Kbps) to retrieve all information, including video, from the Internet homepage satisfies a and b, but does not satisfy b. It does not meet the requirements in consideration of the communication fee of the dial-up line. Setting up a high-speed (for example, 1.5Mbps) leased line between the homepage and the user's computer to extract information can be achieved by a key, key, or key, but does not satisfy key:

 CDs hold a large amount of information at low cost and can be stored in a PC with a CD drive.

Corrected Π¾ (91) The information retrieval speed is high, so a, ゥ, and を 満 た す are satisfied, but the request for “a: Information is up to date” cannot be answered. Information becomes obsolete as time elapses from the completion of the CD. In recent attempts to use CDs and the Internet in combination (Section 2.3), the information on CDs is clearly separated from the information on the Internet. Has not responded to the request of the latest. For information on the Internet, "ゥ: Information is extracted quickly" and "e:

The price is low (for recording and withdrawing information). In addition, if you disconnect from the Internet, you will only see the information originally written on the CD. Even for the most up-to-date information, for ordinary consumers, "always connected to the communication network is impractical, both in terms of communication charges and in terms of communication equipment." is there.

 There is a need for a method and apparatus that meets all of the above requirements. In other words, there is a need for a mechanism that allows the contents of the CD to be updated appropriately. Disclosure of the invention

 《Section 3 Tools to explain the invention》

 In the text of the specification, the following terms are used to describe the invention: "information user" 101, "information acquisition device" 102, "communication line" 103, "information distribution device" 104, "information original data provider" 105, Is used. Figure 1 shows the relationship.

[1. Information Users 101]

An information user 101 requests information from an information acquisition device 102. The information user 101 may be a device or a program in addition to a human.

 [2. Information acquisition device 102]

The information acquisition device 102 receives a request from the information user 101 and provides information on the request. The information acquisition device 102 requests and receives appropriate information (via the communication line 103) from the information distribution device 104 as needed. That is, it is a device for acquiring information.

[3. Communication line 103]

The information acquisition device 102 and the information distribution device 104 are connected. When a communication line (or communication path) is provided from a communication network such as the Internet, intranet, telephone network, or cable TV network, or a transmission medium such as an optical cable is used as the communication line. There are cases. When the information acquisition device 102 and the information distribution device 104 are function blocks in the same device, the communication line 103 corresponds to a connection circuit such as a bus. [4. Information Distribution Device 104]

 The information distributing apparatus 104 holds the information original 106 input from the information original provider 105 and sends a copy of the information original 106 to the information acquiring apparatus 102 according to a request from the information acquiring apparatus 102.

 [5. Original information provider 105]

 The original information provider 105 inputs the original information 106 into the information distribution apparatus 104. Person of the information distributing device 104 When inputting the original information 106 from the output device 107, when inputting the original information from a portable self-recording medium (such as a floppy disk), input the original information via a communication line There are cases.

 Applying the communication line part to the Internet and applying it to the general usage of the Internet, the information distribution device corresponds to the computer on which the homepage is located, and the information acquisition device reads the home page using a browser. Equivalent to a computer.

 The present invention relates to an information acquisition device that acquires information in response to a request from an information user, and an information distribution device that distributes an original information to the information acquisition device. The use of the terms "information user", "information acquisition device", "information distribution device", and "information original provider" to describe the invention does not limit the invention to these combinations. Rather, in this specification, the claims are mainly directed to the information acquisition device or the information distribution device alone. This is because "Even if one of the information acquisition device or the information distribution device is realized by the existing technology, if the structure and the program of the other device are realized based on the present invention, the effect which has not been realized until now is brought. This is from. Applying to the previous example of the Internet, "The function of a new browser (or server) will be described in terms of interaction with a server (or browser), but only with the novelty of the browser (or server) alone. The browser (or server) alone constitutes the claim, as it has a new effect. "

 In the text of the specification, the names of the information acquisition device 102 and the information distribution device 104 are used to clarify the difference between the device that distributes the original information and the device that acquires the original information. However, the information acquisition device is an “information providing device” from the viewpoint of an information user, and the information distribution device is an “information providing device” from the viewpoint of the information acquiring device. For simplicity of description, in the description of claims, both the information acquisition device 102 and the information distribution device 104 are referred to as “information providing devices”. Also, both the operation procedure of the information acquisition device 102 and the operation procedure (of the program) of the information distribution device 104 are referred to as “information providing method”.

《Section 4 Information storage and initial information》

FIG. 2 shows a configuration of the information acquisition device 102. The internal configuration of the information acquisition device (A) 201, information acquisition device (B) 202, information acquisition device (C) 203, and information acquisition device (D) 204 was differently corrected. However, the information distribution device 104 is placed at the position of the information acquisition device 102 in FIG. 1, that is, connected to the information user 101 and the communication line 103, and beyond the communication line 103. The accumulation of information and the initial information will be explained using these.

 (1) Information storage

 According to the present invention, even when the information acquisition device 102 is disconnected from the communication line 103 (that is, when the information acquisition device 102 is disconnected from the information distribution device 104), the information acquisition device 102 provides as much information as possible to the information user 101. The goal is to be able to do it. To realize this, the information acquired from the information distribution device 104 is stored in the information acquisition device 102 one by one (in response to a request from the user).

 In the case of the information acquisition device (Α) 201, information is stored inside the recording unit 205. This is the “additional information” 206 inside the recording unit 205. When the same information is requested again from the information user 101 to the information acquisition device (II) 201, the additional information 206 is provided to the information user 101. By this mechanism, even if the information acquisition device (II) 201 is disconnected from the communication line 103, it is possible to provide information to the information user 101 within the range accumulated up to that point.

 (2) Initial information

 If information is set in advance in the information acquisition device 102, the number of times of acquiring information from the information distribution device 104 via the communication line 103 can be reduced. In the initial information (Α) 201 in FIG. 2, the initial information 207 is recorded in the recording unit 205. The initial information 207 may be transferred collectively via the communication line 103 (from the information distribution device 104 or the like), or may be supplied to the information acquisition device 102 via a medium such as a CD.

 If the initial information 207 is sufficient, the information acquisition device (A) 201 can be requested by the information user 101 even when the information acquisition device (A) 201 is disconnected from the (information communication line 103 and) information distribution device 104. We can provide most of the information we do. In other words, it is possible to minimize the situation where communication with the information distribution apparatus 104 is required. Even if communication is performed with the information distribution apparatus 104 as needed, the number of times of communication is small, the operability of the information user 101 is good, and the communication cost can be reduced. The communication load of the information distribution apparatus 104 can be reduced.

If information is recorded in advance on a CD and the CD is mounted on the CD drive 208 of the information acquisition device (B) 202, the CD 209 is searched first in response to the information request of the information user 101, and there is no CD 209. In this case, the information is obtained from the information distribution device 104. The CD 209 corresponds to the recording unit 205 of the information acquisition device (A) 201. Since no information can be recorded on the CD 209, no additional information 206 (taken from the information distributing device S104) exists therein. Corrected; "n ^ (^^ si) As in the information acquisition device (C) 203, if the information distributed by the CD 214 is copied to the recording unit (hard disk) 210, there is no need to keep the CD 214 on the recording unit (hard disk). Information 212 power; It is a copy of the contents of CD214. Initial information can also be provided on media other than CDs (described in Section 2.1).

Even if there is no CD drive, the initial information 207 can be collectively obtained from the information distributing device via a communication network (for example, by FTP). This is called “collective reception of initial information”. The procedure for setting the initial information is shown in Fig. 3, which shows the procedure of the program that describes the operation of the information acquisition device. Figure 3 shows the event-driven program configuration. When it detects the "initial information setting" in the "program start event analysis" 310, and 311 "collectively receiving the initial information", the collective reception of _c initial information 207 to perform the "initial information written in the recording section" 312 procedure Usually, it takes a considerable amount of time, but it is only necessary for the operator to do other work. Therefore, the waiting time when the information user 101 actually retrieves the information (the information is distributed to the information distributing apparatus on demand) (Compared to receiving from 104).

 (3) Storage and retrieval of additional information

 The information acquisition device (C) 203 records the additional information 211 and the initial information 212 in a recording unit (hard disk) 210. If the initial information becomes obsolete (Section 6), additional information 211 overwrites (part of) the initial information. If the recording unit is a medium that can be written, modified, and deleted like a hard disk, there is no need to separate the additional information 211 and the initial information 212. When searching for information based on the request of the information user 101, first, the inside of the storage unit 210 of the information acquisition device 203 is searched, and if any, the information is provided. If there is no information, the information is extracted from the information distribution device 104, recorded in the recording unit 210 as additional information 21], and provided to the information user 101.

 The procedure for extracting and storing information based on the request of the information user 101 will be described with reference to FIG. When “information request” is detected in “program start event analysis” 310, first, “request for information user 101 is specified. I 302.” Then “search inside recording unit 210” 303. If there is information, "retrieve information from recording unit 210" 305. Then, “the information is provided to the information user 101” 306, and the process ends. If there is no information inside the record 210, “request information from the information distribution apparatus 104” and “receive information” 308 are performed. The “record information in the recording unit 210” 309 is performed, and “the information is provided to the information user 101 1306”, and the process ends.

 When the information acquisition device (C) 203 does not copy the information of the CD 214 to the recording unit 210, there are two recording units. This is represented by the information acquisition device (D) 204. The second recording unit 217 corresponds to a CD and holds initial information 218. For the second recording unit 217, information deletion, correction and addition

用紙 Corrected paper (Rule 91) No additional information is recorded because it is not possible. The first recording unit 215 corresponds to a magnetic disk and records additional information 216.

 FIG. 4 shows the procedure for extracting and collecting information based on the request of the information user 101 (for the information acquisition device (D) 204). The processing in FIG. 4 is located in the “flow of information request processing” 313 in FIG. However, “flow of initial information setting processing” 314 has no direct relationship with the processing of FIG.

 In the process of FIG. 4, first, “identify the request of the information user 101” 402. And ΓSearching the first recording unit 215—I403. If there is information, "retrieve information from first recording unit 215" 408. Then, “information is provided to the information user 101” 412, and the process ends. If there is no information inside the first storage unit 215,

“Searching the Second Record 217” 405. If there is information, "retrieve information from second recording unit 217" 407. Then, “information is provided to the information user 101” 412, and the process ends. If there is no information in the second storage unit 217, “request information from the information distribution device 104” 409 and “receive information J 410.

The process ends by “recording information 411 in the first recording unit 215” and “providing information to the information user 101” 412.

 It is possible to add information on a CD-R, but it is not possible to delete old information. In other words, information cannot be updated. Therefore, when using a CD-R, the above procedure is applied using a magnetic disk as the first recording unit. In addition to magnetic disks, any medium that can delete, add, or modify information can be used as the first storage. The RAM can be used as the first recording unit if the power is supplied for a necessary period.

《Section 5 New Import of Information by Type of Information》

 《Section 5.1 Seeds of Information》

 In the present invention, a "type of information" has been devised to capture information. The “type of information” exists in the information acquisition device 102 from the stage where the information itself does not exist in the information acquisition device 102. When the information corresponding to the type of information (that is, managed by the type of information) does not exist (in the information acquisition device 102), the information is obtained from the information distribution device 10.

Figure 5 shows an example of the contents that make up the type of information. The "key" 501 for specifying the type of information, the "correspondence" 502 for specifying the information body corresponding to the type of information, and the "information original finger" 503 constitute the type of information. If the type of each information is an independent file, its file name (or file name with path designation) 504 is the key If the information is recorded in the file, the file name (with bus designation) is If the corresponding _c information is expanded in the main memory h, the correspondence can be indicated by the pointer-

Corrected form (Rule 91) The “designation of the information original” is composed of the designation of the information distribution device 104 and the designation of the information original 106 in the device. If the original information can be specified in a file, the Internet address of the file retains this one information (the specification of the information distribution device 104 and the specification of the information original 106 in the device). Becomes

 The kind of information is equivalent to “information management block J” of PCT7 JP97 / 00142, which is the basis of the priority claim of the present application. The name information management block only means managing information, Note that the technical idea is not accurately expressed.The reason for using the name "seed of information" as H is that f information itself exists in the information acquisition device from the stage where it does not exist in the information acquisition device. " Because he did.

 The type of information corresponds to the management information corresponding to the startup menu of Japanese Patent Application No. 8-106054, which is the basis of the priority claim of the present application. When a new program is installed on Windows95, the start menu of the program is added to the power of the “Start” menu of Task 1 and the power of the “Program”. Japanese Patent Application No. 8-106054 (Sections 4 and 5) proposes to incorporate a startup menu for a program (executable file) when the program (executable file) is not on the computer. When the program is started from the start menu, if it detects that there is no program (executable file), it starts the procedure to load the program and completes the installation. Start directly This is the same as the procedure in Fig. 3. The "mediation program" shown in section 7.3 of Japanese Patent Application No. 8-106054 has the same function as the start menu.

《Section 5.2 Procedure for Importing New Information》

 The details of the new information acquisition procedure are described in Section 7 along with the information update procedure. The outline of the new information acquisition procedure is as follows.

 The key 501 is extracted from the request from the information user 101, the type of information is specified, and if “correspondence” 502 is set for the type of information, the main body of the information ahead of the corresponding 502 is set to the information user 101. To provide. If the information body corresponding to the type of information is supplied as the initial information, the information is provided to the information user 101 without communicating with the information distribution apparatus 104.

 The key 501 is extracted from the request from the information user 101, the type of the information is specified, and if the "response" 502 is not set for the type of the information, the information is obtained from the information distribution apparatus 104 and the response 502 is obtained. Set to provide information to information user 101.

Corrected for ^ (¾ Rule 91) When the communication line 103 between the information acquisition device 102 and the information Sd cloth device 104 is set up in response to the information request, the communication line 103 is not disconnected immediately after the end of receiving new information / " Disconnect later It is possible to respond quickly when requesting information again from the same information distribution device 10.

 By accessing the group of information that is expected to be necessary beforehand (when free time) and starting the process to capture the information, it is possible to obtain information from the information distribution device 104 when the information becomes necessary. Can only be reduced.

《Section 5.3 Application Example》

 A car navigation system requires a map. It is difficult to obtain and prepare in advance all maps of Japan, from coarse maps to detailed maps. Therefore, first, prepare the kind of information corresponding to each map and define the relationship.

This is shown in FIG. Figure 6 (1) shows the relationship between maps. Eight maps are adjacent to the map M-5. _N Figure 6 to create a species corresponding information each map as information (2) shows the seeds 610 information corresponding to the map M-5. The key 601 for this information seed is M-5. “Correspondence” and “designation of original information” shown in FIG. 5 are omitted in FIG. 6, but exist. The information type 610 specifies the map M power as the upper map 602, and the list Y611 as the lower map 603. List Y611 contains maps M-5-1 to M-5-9. In the information type 610, a map adjacent to the map M-5 is designated from the map M-1 to the map M-9.

 If the interrelationships of the maps are expressed and prepared in the form of information seeds, when the car moves, when you want to see the details of the map, you can immediately handle the seeds of map information necessary for. Using the information (designation of the original information) recorded there, the information of the map is manually obtained from the map center by communication (mobile phone, etc.) In this way, the necessary map is obtained. If "Response" is set for the species, the map has already been obtained and the map is used immediately.

 Map relationships (upper map, lower map list, adjacent map) are regular. Figure 6 (1) shows an adjacent map centered on map M-5. The map below map M is M-1 to M-9 in the order of Fig. 6 (1) from the northwest, and the maps of the M-5 map are similarly M-5-1 to M-5-9. I do. The list Y611 is specified in the lower map 603 of the information source 610, in which M-5-1 and M-5-9 are arranged in order.

In this way, the names of the maps can be systematically created :, therefore, the relationship between the keys of the information seeds and the mutuals of the information seeds (upper map 602, lower ground 603, adjacent) in a program. It can be created automatically. If the designation of the original information and the designation of the computer that manages the original information are given,

Corrected form (Rule 91) It can be specified in combination with the HI name. The computer process that manages the original information is specified by the computer's Internet address (www.atele.com) and the port number, and the file name of the original information is automatically generated. 5- 1), it is possible to create the specification of the original information. As described above, information seeds can be (fully) automatically generated by a program. The above shows the case where the lower map corresponds to 9 (3x3) sheets, but when it corresponds to 25 (5x5), the contents of list Y611 are listed in order from M-5-1 to M-5-25. line up.

 In this way, the seeds of information can be automatically generated and the necessary maps can be automatically imported in a stream.

<< Section 6 Update of Information >>

 《Section 6.1 Obsolescence Determination Material》

 To control the updating of the information, you can use the flew of the information. In Section 5.1, as examples of the contents held by the "type of information", "key" 501 identifying the type of information, "correspondence" 502 identifying the body of information corresponding to the type of information, and "designation of the original information" 503. In addition, there is a need for clues to determine whether information becomes obsolete, which triggers information updates.

 This is hereinafter referred to as “obsolete judgment data” 701. Although it is possible to call it obsolete judgment information, it will be called "obsolete judgment material" to avoid confusion with the information managed by the type of information. Fig. 7 shows the type of information to which the obsolete judgment data 701 has been added. In FIG. 7, the version number 702 of the information is set as an example of the obsolescence determination material.

 If it is determined that the information is obsolete from the obsolete judgment material, the information updating process is started.

《Section 6.2 Setting and Correction of Information Type》

When there is a seed of information first and the information is taken in (to the information acquisition device 102) using the content, the information and the seed of the information already correspond. However, there is a case where the information is first and the seed of the information is associated later for updating the information. For example, FIG. 8 shows a case in which a program (which is a type of information) is already installed, and the type of information is associated with the program to be updated later. First, perform “Reception of information specification” 801 of the management target. Normally, specification of the file name of information is received. Next, create the keys "for example, using the file name of the information and type of the file name of the information. If the information in the file name is XX, and _c is the file name of the type of information and xx.sed" Creating Information Seeds ”803. For example, create a file named xx.sed

(Corrected rule 91) You. "Create correspondence" 804 uses the specified information as it is. For example, use the information file name XX as it is (or add a path). There are various methods for accepting the specification of the original information 805 and "Creating the specification of the original information 1 806". For example, the process of the computer that manages the original information is controlled by the Internet address of the computer (www.atele.com). com) and the boat number, and consider the case where the file name of the original information is the same as the file name (XX) of the information In this case, in “Accepting the specification of the original information” 806, the Internet address is used. (Www.atele.com) and the port number, and combine this with the file name of the information to create the specification of the original information. Finally, “Acceptance of Obsolescence Determination Data” 807 is performed, and “Designation of Obsolescence Determination Material” 808 is performed. For example, accept the version number of the information and write it as obsolete material in the information seed.

 As part of the procedure for importing information, there may be cases where an information seed is prepared for information update and associated with the information. For example, at the stage of installing the program, the “type of information” for updating the program is associated with the program.

 In some cases, the content of the kind of information that already exists is changed. If the information becomes obsolete and new information is obtained from the information distribution device 104 (to the information acquisition device 102), the correspondence 502 is changed. In some cases, the designation of the original information may be changed. When information update requests from many information acquisition devices 102 are concentrated on a specific information distribution device 104, the number of information distribution devices 102 specifying another information distribution device 104 having the same original information is increased. When the expiration date of information is specified as obsolete handouts, the information itself may not be updated even after the expiration date, and only the expiration date may be updated.

 The “information management block” in PCT / JP97 / 00142, which is the basis of the priority claim of the present application, corresponds to the “type of information” in this specification. It is also used for Also, in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-106054, which is the basis of the priority claim of the present application, the startup menu corresponds to “seed of information”, and the program (see section 11 of Japanese Patent Application No. 8-106054 and FIG. 3) is used. Used for upgrading.

《Section 6.3 Obsolete Judgment Procedure》

 [1. Judgment by correspondence]

 If the “correspondence” 502 of the information type is not set or if there is no information at the setting destination, it is determined as “obsolete”. This causes a shift to an update procedure, which is information acquisition. This judgment does not use obsolete judgment data.

[2. Judgment of Obsoleteness] Corrected Form (Rule 91) Obsolescence determination can be performed using both the obsolete determination data 701 held by the information acquisition device 102 and the obsolete determination data (corresponding to the original information) held by the information distribution device 104. For example, if the information is a program, the version of the program is used as the obsolescence judgment material. By comparing the version of the program inside the information acquisition device 102 with the version of the original program inside the information distribution device 104, it is possible to determine whether or not the program needs to be updated. If the information becomes obsolete and is determined to be updated, the process immediately updates the information using the communication path set for the staleness determination.

[3. Obsolescence confirmation only by information acquisition device 1

 By devising, the information obsolescence can be determined only by the information acquisition device 102.

 (a) “Expiration date is obsolete judgment data 701”: When the expiration date of the information is set as the obsolete judgment data 701, the obsolescence of the information is judged by comparing with the clock held by the information acquisition device 102. I can do things. That is, if the expiration date has expired, it is determined that the information has become obsolete.

 (b) “Date and time of distribution + validity period”: Record the date and time of distribution of the information as obsolete judgment material 701. The “expiration date” separately recorded in the information acquisition device 102 is added to the date R at the time of distributing this information, and it is determined whether the information expiration date has passed.

 (c) “Date and time of information creation / change + validity period”: Generally, when a file is created or changed on a computer, the date of creation or change is recorded in the file. When information is taken into the information acquisition device 102, the date is also taken. By adding the “expiration date” separately recorded in the information acquisition device 102 to the date, it is determined whether the information expiration date has passed

(d) “Order the latest obsolescence judgment information of the information distributing device 104 separately”: When the version number is used as the obsolescence judging material 701, the latest version of the original information held by the information distributing device If you do not know the number, it will not be possible to determine that the information is obsolete. Also, if the “date of change of information creation” is recorded and it is determined that the date of creation and change of the original information is obsolete, the information of the original information (date of change of creation) ) is necessary. In such a case, if the key for specifying the information (that is, the type of information) and the correspondence table of the obsolete information (of the original information) held by the information distribution apparatus 104 are obtained, the information becomes obsolete thereafter. There is no need to communicate every time the conversion is determined. This correspondence table fetches this correspondence table (from the information distribution apparatus 104) to the information acquisition apparatus 102 (at the beginning of a series of processes for determining the obsolescence of a plurality of pieces of information). Furthermore, this correspondence table is used as information to be managed. It is better to determine obsolescence by the above methods (a), (b), and (c), and if it has become obsolete, import it to the information acquisition device. Only the tables are imported by the above methods (a), (b), and (c), and updates of other information are managed using this management table. RCorrected R] (Rule 91) << Section 6.4 Expiration date operation >>

In (a) of [3. Confirmation of Obsolescence by Information Acquisition Device Only] in Section 6.3 “Obsolescence Confirmation Procedure”, the “expiration date” was used as the obsolescence material. It is necessary to keep in mind that it is not always necessary to update the information.In some cases, it is not necessary to update the information even after the originally anticipated deadline. Check again and update only the expiration date From the point of view of the information distributing device 104, until the information expiration date of the information acquiring device 102 expires, there is no communication for information update and no processing load is imposed. By setting different expiration dates for a plurality of information acquisition devices 102 with respect to the information, the communication can be smoothed for updating the information. From the viewpoint of the original information provider 105, Updating information in the near future If you anticipate the bug, you can set a shorter expiration date. For example, a bug is expected at the beginning of the program, so the expiration date should be set shorter, and once the bug calms down, the expiration date should be longer. may be set to (infinity by Tsutsumigo). Thus a manner, information that is updated periodically as unnecessary communication pressing the and _c weather permits updating of the necessary information forecasts For example, if the received weather forecast is 10:00 am (by the information acquisition device 102) and the next weather forecast is 11:00, the expiration date is Even if the information user 10] accesses many times until 11:00, the information received at [Morning] 0:00 above is displayed. Detected something and sent information from device 104 at 1 pm Receive forecasts The expiration date is 3:00 pm when the next weather forecast will be issued.

<< Section 6.5 Update Implementation >>

 When the information acquisition device 102 determines that the information is obsolete, the update process may be started immediately, or "final confirmation of obsoleteness" may be performed before that. For example, suppose that an expiration date has been set as the obsolescence determination material 701, and that the information is determined to be "obsolete" (by the information acquisition device 102) because the expiration date has expired. However, when the information acquiring device 102 communicates with the information distributing device 104 and compares and confirms the information with the original information 106, it may not be necessary to update information. The communication between the information acquisition device 102 and the information distribution device S 104 to confirm the necessity of updating the information original 106 is called “final confirmation of obsolescence”.

《Section 6.5.1 Update Implementation Procedure Including Final Obsolescence Confirmation》

Figure 9 shows an example in which `` final obsolescence judgment data '' is added to the type of information in preparation for the final obsolescence check. In some cases, such as when a version number is set as the obsolete judgment material 701, the obsolete judgment material 701 can be used as the final obsolete judgment material 901. Here, an example using both will be described.

 When determining the obsolescence of information only by the information capture device 102, the judgment is made based on the expiration date 902 of the obsolescence determination material 701. If the expiration date has expired, start the updater Wfi.

 FIG. 10 shows a procedure for performing the update in the information acquisition device 102 including the obsolete final confirmation. FIG. 11 shows the update execution procedure in the information distribution apparatus 104 corresponding to this.

 The information distribution apparatus 104 manages a plurality of information originals 106 and communicates with the plurality of information distribution apparatuses 104 for each information original. Therefore, the update execution procedure of the information distribution apparatus 104 is an event-activated type program that handles a plurality of messages simultaneously. Similarly, when the information acquisition device 102 communicates with a plurality of information distribution devices 104, the update execution procedure is an event-activated program. 10 and 11 illustrate a simple case in which the information acquisition device 102 and the information distribution device 104 communicate one-to-one.

 In the update execution procedure, first, the information acquisition device 102 performs “connection of a communication line with the information distribution device 104” 1002. In conjunction with this, the information distribution apparatus 104 performs "connection of a communication line with the information acquisition apparatus 102" 1102. Including this, in the following, the information acquisition device 102 takes the initiative and issues an instruction to the information distribution device 104 to proceed with each operation.

 Next, the information acquisition device 102 determines “is correspondence set?” 1014 for the type of information. If no response is set, proceed to “Requesting and Receiving Original Information” 1006. If the correspondence has been set, “request and receive final obsolescence determination data” 1003 held by information distribution apparatus 104 and “final obsolescence determination” # 004 are performed. For example, the version number of the information held by the information distribution apparatus 104 is transmitted to the information acquisition apparatus 102, and the version number is compared with the version number which is the final obsolescence determination fee for the type of information, and the information update is determined. In the information distributing apparatus 104, “transmit the final obsolescence determination material for the specified information” 1103 corresponds.

 If "information needs to be updated j 1005", "request and receive the original information fgj 1006" and perform "update of information type correspondence 502" 1007. In the information distributing apparatus 104, “instruction reception i” 1] 04 to “information original transmission” 1106 correspond.

If updating of the information is unnecessary or if "Correspondence of information type is updated 502" 1007, "Request and receive new obsolescence judgment data" 1008 "Update obsolete judgment data 701" 1009 . For example, a new expiration date is received and recorded as an obsolescence determination material 701 in the type of information. Also, perform “Request and Receive New Last Obsolete Judgment Material” 1010, and perform “Update Last Obsolete Judgment Material” 10] 1: For example, receive the version number of the newly received information original ^ And recorded as the value of the final obsolescence judgment data 901. In the information distribution device 104, “Instruction received” 1107 “Staleness judgment data transmission” 1109 〖Instruction received Corrected form (β rule 91) 1111 “Send final obsolescence judgment fee” 1112.

 Finally, “disconnect the communication line with the information distribution device 104” 1012 is performed. In conjunction with this, the information distribution apparatus 104 performs "disconnection of the communication line with the information acquisition apparatus 102" 1113.

《Section 6.5.2 Variation 1 of update execution procedure》

 (1) If it is expected that the request for connection of the communication line between the information acquisition device 102 and the information distribution device 104 is expected to be continuous, perform `` Disconnection of the communication line with the information distribution device 104 '' 1012 after 1K. First, disconnect after a certain period of time. " In this case, in the process of “connection of communication line with information distribution apparatus 104” 1002, if the communication line is already connected, that line is used.

 (2) The procedure in which the information acquisition device 102 and the information distribution device 104 communicate and determine information obsolescence without determining the obsolescence by the information acquisition device 102 alone (Section 6.3.I) is shown in Fig. 10. In addition, the final obsolescence judgment in the procedure of Fig. 11 can be regarded as the case where the normal obsolescence judgment processing is provided.

(3) If the final obsolescence judgment is not made, the final obsolescence judgment data in Fig. 9 is unnecessary. It is not necessary to describe the final obsolescence judgment materials in Figs. 10 and 11, and immediately after "Connecting the communication line to the information distribution device J 1002" in Fig. 11, "Receive the original information". Move to 1006.

 (4) In FIGS. 10 and 11, the final obsolescence determination is performed by the information acquisition device 102, but the contents of the information type are sent to the information distribution device 104, and the obsolescence determination and the information update process are performed by the information acquisition device 102. This can be done in Distribution Equipment E104.

 (5) "Need to update information?" Even if the result of 1005 does not need to be updated, obsolete judgment data 701 may be updated. For example, even if it expires, only the expiration date is modified if the original information is M.

(6) Generally, the information acquisition device 102 is considered to be a computer. When the information is a program, a program suitable for the type of the information acquisition device 102 and the operating system (OS) is required. Information acquisition device 102 conveys the model and OS information distribution So匱104, the information distribution device 104 transmits a program suitable for the _t

《Section 6.5.3 Variation of update execution procedure part 2》

In the procedure of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the final obsolescence determination is performed by the information acquisition apparatus 102. The procedure of performing this determination by the information distribution apparatus 104 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. This is suitable for the case where the program of the information acquisition device 102 is to be simplified as much as possible to reduce the processing load. It should be noted that the figure is a corrected version corresponding to Figure 8 of PCT / JP97 / 00142, which forms the basis of the priority claim of the present application (Rule 91). The information distribution apparatus 104 manages a plurality of information originals 106 and communicates information with the plurality of information distribution apparatuses 104 for each piece of information; FIG. 12 and FIG. The procedure will be described assuming a simple case in which the information distribution device 102 and the information distribution device 104 communicate one-to-one.

 First, the information acquisition device 102 performs “connection of a communication line with the information distribution device 104” 1202. In association with this, the information distribution apparatus 104 performs “connection of a communication line with the information acquisition apparatus 102” 1302.

 Next, the information acquisition device 102 transmits “the type of information corresponding to the information of the update candidate to the information distribution device fg” 1203, and in response, the information acquisition device 104 responds “the type of information held by the information acquisition device 102. Is received. " If the information acquisition device 102 has a policy of not performing a minor version upgrade (Section 6.6 [l.j]), the policy is transmitted to the information distribution device 104 together with the type of information.

 Thereafter, the information acquisition device 102 waits for an instruction from the information distribution device. Further, the information distribution apparatus 104 shifts to information update determination (final obsolescence determination) and update processing (including an instruction to the information acquisition apparatus 102). When other processes are started by the information acquisition device, the communication status and the monitoring program are started periodically to monitor instructions from the information distribution device.

 The information distributing apparatus 104 performs “extracting the management block 1611 of the original information 106” 1304 corresponding to the type of the received information 1304, and makes a determination of “need to update the information of the information acquiring apparatus 102” 1305. This corresponds to “final obsolescence judgment” 1004 in FIG. If an update is necessary, “transmission of an instruction to update the original information” 1306 is performed, and “transmission of the original information” 1307 is performed. In response to this, in the information acquisition apparatus 102, “reception of an instruction j 1204 from the information distribution apparatus 104” and “reception of information” 1207 are performed, and “information update | 1208” is performed.

 Next, the information distributing apparatus 104 makes a judgment of “Is it necessary to update the information type of the information acquiring apparatus 102?” 1308. If an update is required, perform “Transmit instruction of information seed update” 1309, and perform “Create updated version of information seed” 1310 and “Transmit updated version of information seed” 1311. In response, the information acquisition device 102

“Reception of an instruction from the information distribution apparatus 104 ί¾ 1209”, “Reception of content of information seed j 1212 is performed, and update of content of I information seed” 1213 is performed.

 Finally, the information distributing device 104 sends a “send end instruction” 1312 and “disconnects the communication line with the information acquiring device 102” 1313. 1215 "is performed, and the series of processing is completed.

《Section 6.6. Advanced version obsolescence judgment》

 The method of making the obsolescence judgment or final obsolescence judgment according to the version of the information is as follows.

Corrected form (Rule 91) It can be advanced by specifying such as. The following specification is accepted from the operator such as the information user 101, and the obsolescence determination is performed according to the specification.

 [1. Specification of major version upgrade j

Even if there is a difference in version, it is not judged as obsolete by a difference in minor version number. Only after detecting a major version number difference is it determined that it is stale and the information update process is started.

 [2. Designation of minor version up]

Even if the minor version is different, it is judged as obsolete and information update is started.

[3. Specification without upgrade]

Even if there is a difference between the versions, it is not determined to be stale and information update is not automatically started: Information update is started by direct instructions from the information user or the like.

《Section 6.7 —Summary Update》

 Based on the instruction of the information user who wants the information, the type of information inside the information acquisition device is analyzed, and it is determined that the information is out of date. The procedure is as follows. Therefore, the information to be updated can be listed in advance, and the information can be updated in a batch by accessing them. If the information acquisition device 102 is instructed to execute at an unexpected time, the number of cases of communication with the information distribution device 104 when actually using the information is reduced, and the response of the information acquisition device is improved.

 If there is enough time for updating the information, I will get the latest information even if the expiration date has not expired. " In this case, the obsolescence determination procedure (section 6.3) will unconditionally make a “obsolete” judgment. If the information is a program,-update is a process of updating the programs installed on the computer to the latest version.

《Section 7 Information acquisition device》

 《Section 7.1 Information Acquisition Device Disei》

 Fig. 14 shows the configuration of the information acquisition device. This describes the configuration of the information acquisition device (D) 204 of FIG. 2 in more detail. This corresponds to FIG. 4 of PCT / JP97 / 00142 on which the priority claim of the present application is based. It also corresponds to Figure 1 of Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 8-106054, which is the basis of the priority claim of the present application.

 When receiving the initial information from another device such as the information distribution device 104 via the line 1402, the “initial information setting unit” 1420 is connected to the recording unit (the first unit in FIG. 14) via the “communication unit” 1409. The recording section of 1411)

Corrected use ^ (rule 91) Write. When copying initial information from a medium such as a CD to a recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a “medium reader” 1421 writes information to the recording unit by an “initial information setting unit” 1420: a medium such as a CD May be a recording unit.

 (4) Analyze the command (menu start or command line input) from the input unit 1401 with the key information detection unit 1403 to identify the key 501 of the information type. The “information seed extraction unit 1404” searches for an information seed storage unit (a first information seed storage unit 1412 and a second information seed storage unit 1416) that stores an information seed.

 When the type of information and the information main body are supplied on a non-writable medium (for example, a CD, the “second recording unit” 1417 in FIG. 14), the information acquisition device 102 can record the update information on a medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium). The information is recorded on the disk, in Fig. 4, the “first recording unit” 1412). In this case, the “information seed extraction unit” 1404 first searches the “first information seed storage unit 1412” inside the “first recording unit 1411”. When there is no corresponding information seed, the information seed of the “second information seed storage unit 1416J” inside the “second recording unit 1417” is searched.

 When using multiple main memories of a computer, secondary memories such as magnetic disks, and external recording media such as CDs at the same time, a storage unit that holds the information seed storage unit and the information (main unit) storage unit is added. Thus, a first recording section, a second recording section, a third recording section, a fourth recording section,...

 When the contents of the CD are first transferred to the magnetic disk, or when the data is directly input to the magnetic disk of the information acquisition device 102 from the communication line 103, only one recording unit (the first recording unit 1412) is sufficient. It is. Also, when the type of information and the information main body are supplied on a writable medium and the information type and the information main body updated by the information acquisition device 102 are written, only one recording unit (the first recording unit 1412) is used. It is enough.

 In the search for the type of information, the key 501 specifies the type of the information. For example, the key to identify a person (for example, kunio) or the key to identify a company (for example, company name) is used to identify the type of the information. In the case of a catalog, the type of the information is specified using the product name or product number as a key.

 Analyze the contents of the extracted information with the “obsolete determination unit 1405” and determine the necessity of updating. If the information is not stale, that is, if there is no need for updating, directly activate the “information utilization unit 1410”. -Provide information (body) corresponding to the type of information to information users, or launch a program that is information (body). In the case of a process of updating information in advance for later use, the "information use unit" 1410 does not execute anything, and a series of processes ends.

 As a result of executing a program that is information, another program or another information is specified with a key

Corrected May be started. In the case of catalog information, a different information graph may be specified in the information retrieved with the key. In that case, the “key information detection unit 1403” is further activated.

 If there is any need to update the information itself, the “information requesting unit 1406” requests the information distribution and concealment 104 to update the information. The request is made via the “communication unit 1409” and the “communication line 103” outside the information acquisition device 102.

 “Information receiving unit” 1407; receives new information (main body) and information recorded in the information type from the information distribution apparatus 104. If the information is a computer program, it may receive the installation procedure (a script file for UNIX, a batch file for a personal computer, etc.).

 The “reception information setting unit 1408” writes the following reception information into the “first recording unit” 1411 of the information acquisition device 102. If writing to the recording unit is not turned off, the received information will be discarded after being used by the information use unit 1410 1 In this case, information needs to be manually handled frequently from the information fid cloth device, Inexpensive information acquisition device configuration that does not have a recording unit that can be embedded and stored, and has the advantage of being able to always obtain the latest information.

 In Fig. 14, the information storage unit and the information (main unit) storage unit are separated, but if the information (main unit) is recorded in the information seed storage unit, the information (main unit) storage unit is unnecessary.

<< Section 7.2 Processing procedure of information acquisition device >>

 Fig. 15 shows the processing procedure of the information acquisition device that combines the new information acquisition procedure (Fig. 4) with the type of information introduced and refined, and the information update procedure (Fig. 10). FIG. 15 corresponds to FIG. 7 of PCT / JP97 / 00142 on which the priority claim of the present application is based. It also corresponds to Fig. 3 of Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 8-106054, which is the basis of the priority claim of the present application. In Fig. 3 of Japanese Patent Application No. 8-106605, the client (information acquisition device 102) does not judge the obsolescence on its own, but communicates with the server (information distribution device 104) to determine the final obsolescence. Yes (see section 6.5.2 (2) of this document)

 First, “identify the key 50 from the request of the information user 101” 1502. Using this key 501 (extracting the seed of information from the first information seed storage unit 1412) 1503. If there is no information, further extracting the seed of information from the second information seed storage unit 1416 1505, , If not here, processing ends

If there is a kind of information corresponding to the key 501, perform the “obsolete judgment only by the information acquisition device IS 102” 1508 (This is described in section 6.3 [l.] | 3.j. If so, the process proceeds to “Retrieve information” 1511. If it is determined that the information is obsolete, “Execute the information update procedure I 1510 Corrected use; ¾ (Rule 91) I do. The details of this procedure were described in Figure 6.5 in section 6.5.

 Finally, the “information retrieval” 1511 process and the “information utilization process” 1512 are performed. The information use process is simply the provision of information to the information user, or the activation of the program if the information is a program. As a result, there is a case where the processing procedure of FIG. 15 is further activated (the program is assumed to be the information user 101).

《Section 8 Information distribution equipment》

 In response to a request for information specifying a key or the like from the information acquisition device 102, the information distribution device 104 sends (a copy of) the original information 106. It is also possible to always send the latest information original to the request. It is also possible to add a process for determining whether to send the latest information to the request. In some cases, the information acquisition device requests the latest information because the expiration date has expired, but the information is still the latest information. For example, if your department's information is initially set to expire in six months, it will remain valid if there is no change. If the validity period of the original information has been extended, only the validity period is updated (that is, only the management information) is sent. In cases where only the old information is registered as the original without extending the expiration date of the original information, a method that does not send anything can be adopted.

 Also, as a policy on the user side, “I make only major changes (major version upgrades) and do not make minor changes (minor version upgrades)”. If the information distribution device is notified, new Do not send information

<< Section 8.1 Configuration of Information Distributing Device # 1 >>

 Figure 16 shows the configuration of an information distribution device that focuses on information distribution. FIG. 11 shows the procedure of the information distributing apparatus 104 in the case where j is determined by the information acquiring apparatus 104 to make the final obsolescence determination, and FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the information distributing apparatus corresponding to this procedure. Figure 16 corresponds to Figure 6 of PCT / JP97 / 00142 on which the priority claim of the present application is based.

 The information seed of the update candidate information is sent from the information acquisition device 102 via the “communication line” 103. If the information is a program, a designation of a hard monitoring system (OS) of the information acquisition device 102 is also sent. The communication unit 1601 receives the data and the key detection unit 1602 extracts the information type key 501. The management block 1611 corresponding to the key 501 is taken out from the “management block storage unit” 1605 inside the “recording unit” 1604.

“Update determination unit” 1607 determines necessity of update. This is shown in Fig. 13 `` Information of information acquisition device 102 corrected 91) Need to update information? This corresponds to 1305. The content of the type of information sent from the information acquisition device 102 is first used here.

 If it is necessary to update, the “information transmission unit” 1608 extracts the corresponding “information original” 106 from the “information original storage unit” 1606 and transmits it. More than one original information may correspond to the management block. The original information group 1612 puts these together. For example, when the information is a program, a plurality of programs exist as original information corresponding to the hardware of the information acquisition device (computer) 102 and the operating system (OS). The appropriate information original 106 is selected and sent to the information acquisition device 102.The manner in which multiple information originals correspond to the management block is shown in the diagram of Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 8-106054, which is the basis of the priority claim of the present application. You can see in 2.

 In some cases, additional information is set in the original information. For example, if the information is a program, the installation procedure (such as a script file) is the additional information. Information (program) Additional information (installation procedure) is sent along with the original. The above corresponds to “transmission of original information” 1307 in FIG.

 The “management block transmitting unit” 1609 extracts the corresponding “management block” 1611 from the “management block accommodation unit” 1605 and sends it to the information acquisition device 102.

《Section 8.2 Configuration of information distribution device # 2》

 FIG. 11 shows the procedure of the information distributing apparatus 104 in the case where "the final obsolescence determination and the transmission request of the original information are performed by the information acquiring apparatus 102". In this procedure, since the information update determination is performed by the information acquisition device 102, the I-key 501 detection unit 1602 “management block extraction unit” 1603 and “update determination unit” 1607 in FIG. The type of information and information are transmitted based on the instruction of the information acquisition device.

《Section 9 Maintenance of information dissemination equipment》

 《Section 9.1 Processing》

 Figure 17 shows the original information block and the maintenance process of the original information block. m 17 corresponds to FIG. 9 of PCT / JP97 / 00142 on which the priority of the present application is based

First, from outside the information distribution apparatus 104, “accept the contents of the management block” 1702 is performed, then “detection of key 501” is performed 1703, and the corresponding i management block is taken out 1705. If no key is detected, and if the corresponding management block does not exist, it is determined that information is to be newly added, and a "new key request and reception process" 1711, "management block addition process" 1712, "information reception" 1713 "The Original Information Corrected Use 規則 (Rule 91) Additional processing ”1714, and the processing ends. “New Key Request and Acceptance Process” 1711 describes a new key request and acceptance, and the validity of the accepted key (such as not overlapping with an existing key, meeting key creation conditions, etc.). Confirm and confirm if necessary.

 If the management block corresponding to the key 501 is found as a result of the “remove management block” 1705, the external instruction is interpreted as a “modification or deletion instruction” and the “management block correction and deletion process” 1707 is started. . Details of the process of confirming the right to modify information are omitted. The determination of correction or deletion is made by analyzing external instructions. Finally, as a result of the “acceptance of information” 1708, the “correction and deletion processing of the original information” 1710 is started. If there is no input of information only by modifying the contents of the management block, confirm that there is no input of information in “Is there information input?” 1709, and terminate the processing.

《Section 9.2 Configuration》

 Figure 18 shows the configuration of an information distribution device that focuses on the maintenance of the original information and management blocks. FIG. 18 corresponds to the diagram of PCT / JP97 / 00142 on which the priority claim of the present application is based,

 Instructions for adding, modifying, and deleting the original information may be input via the “communication network” 1810 and “communication unit” 1601 or may be input from the “input unit J 1801”. A key is detected by the key 501 detection section 1602.

 If the key 501 is not specified, the management key addition section J 1802 is started as new information. The request for the new key 501 is sent to the maintenance operator via the f communication section 1601 and the communication network 1810. Then, an instruction from the operator is taken out by the "key 501 detecting unit" 1602 and notified to the "management block adding unit" 1802. "As a result of searching the recording section J 1604, if the key 501 has already been used, inform the operator of the fact that the key 501 is already used and prompt the operator to enter a new key. When the maintenance operator is in front of the information distribution device 104 Displays a key input instruction on the display unit 1806 and receives a new key from the input unit. Finally, a new key 501 different from the already used key 501 is received, a “management block” 1611 is newly created and housed in the “management block housing unit” 1605. The “information originals” 106 are also stored in the “information originals storage unit” 1606.

If the key 501 is specified from the beginning, “Activate the management block extraction unit j 1603. If there is a corresponding management block, interpret it as an instruction to modify or delete it. Start In an actual system, a procedure for strictly verifying whether or not a person has the authority to manage the information is required, but the description is omitted in this specification. In addition, the determination of correction or deletion is made by analyzing the instruction of the “communication section” 1601 or the “input section” 1801. The detailed form (Rule 91) Detailed description is omitted. Finally, the “information original data correction and deletion unit” 1805 is started.

 If the “management block extraction unit” 1603 cannot detect the corresponding management block, it is determined that information is to be newly added, and the “management block addition unit” 1802 is started. 1611 is added, and the “information original data adding section” 1803 is activated, and the “information original data storing section” 1606 is newly added, and the “information original data” 106 is stored.

《Section 10 Variations of the type of information》

 《Section 10.1 Contents of Information Seed》

 In Section 5.1 (Fig. 5), as examples of the contents that make up the "type of information", "key" for specifying the type of information and "correspondence" for specifying the information body corresponding to the type of information "I gave the information source J.

 If each "type of information" is an independent file, the file name (or file name with bus designation) is the key. Furthermore, if the "information seed. I is accommodated as a member of a set such as a list or a binary tree, the name that identifies the member of that set-will be the key to the information seed. The network address can be designated as a network address, and that network address can be used as a key to identify the type of information. The key is to use a quad.

 If the information to be managed is in the main memory _h, “correspondence” can be represented by a pointer. If the information to be managed is a file on the disk, it can be represented by its file name (with path). In other words, the "correspondence" of the information type can be specified before ^ of the information file to be managed. If the information type is configured to hold the information to be managed inside it, there is no need to explicitly indicate the correspondence.

 In addition, if the body of the information is recorded as a member of the set, the name that identifies the body of the information is “correspondence”. If the information is stored in the-part of the type of information, the "response" is implicitly specified. In other words, if the seeds of information are loaded into the main memory, the information can be specified by pointer operation calculation (cast).

指定 Specification of information original ”503 is composed of the designation of the information distribution device 104 and information for specifying the information original in the device. The file's Internet address holds both of these information. If the original information for all information types of a certain information acquisition device 102 is the same computer, the address of the computer (for example, http: 〃www.atele.com) is separately stored and the information is stored in the computer. Of the original information It is sufficient to include the dress (eg / inf docOl.inf) in the type of information. The program using the address of the information original adds the address of the computer and uses it as a complete “designation of the information original” 503.

 In addition, Section 6.1 7) includes “obsolete judgment material” 701 as an example of the content that constitutes the “type of information”, and Section 6.5.1 (Figure 9) includes “I final obsolescence judgment material” 901. Indicated. Specific explanations are provided in sections 6.3 to 6.6.

《Section 10.2 Minimum Configuration of Information Seed》

 If the file name of the information seed is the key, there is no need to have the key in the file of the information seed.

If you record the species of seeds of information in the file of information "corresponding" is unnecessary _π It should be noted that the corresponding if to represent the correspondence with the pointer, but can be expressed by (usually) one word, information is usually] More than words.

 If the information source 106 for all “information seeds” of a certain information acquisition device 102 is a directory of the same information distribution device (computer) 104, the Internet address (domain name, for example, www. atele.com) and its directory (for example, / in £) in the information acquisition device 102 (as information common to the type of information) (for example, by adding a communication process to http://www.atele.com). If the file name of the original information 106 in the directory is the same as the file name of “information type”, it is possible to omit com / infi to enter the information type. You can omit the "designation of the original information 106" in the file.If the file name of the information type is kunio, http://www.atele.com//ηΰkunio force; That is, from the name of the kind of information, the program is You can create 106 designations.

 If the “correspondence” of the information type is specified by the name of the information file and the name is the same as the name of the information original, the program will also specify the information source even if the specification of the information original is omitted from the information type. Can be created. For example, if the information type "correspondence" is A: \ myin¾kamimura, and if the same information type is recorded as http: \ www.atele.com/inf/ (as in the previous example), Combine the two and make it http://www.atele.com/infi'kamimura power;

From the above, one of the minimum types of information when only “new import of information” is performed, that is, when information is not automatically updated, is “response” (pointer or file name) that specifies the information to be managed. ) Only. If the type of information is configured to hold the information to be managed, It is necessary to indicate the presence or absence of the target information. One way is to provide a flag (variable) to indicate the absence of information in the type of information. Another method is to set the beginning of the information recording area to Null to indicate that there is no information. It is not necessary to have a correspondence 502 if you do not perform “new import of information”, that is, if information always corresponds to information Zen and information is stored inside the seed of information. If only information is updated based on the type of information, at least “obsolete judgment material” 701 or “final obsolescence judgment material” 901 is required.

《Section 10.3 Set of Information Seeds》

 r seeds of information ”can be contained in a set. For example, the “seed of information” is stored in a set of structures such as a list, binary tree, and hash array (a set having the same number of members in the same list and the list in an array). If the type of information is in main memory, its address is made a member of the collection.

 Also, information of multiple “set species” can be collected into one tabular file. In this case, the key to the kind of information is the index.

《Section 1 1 Comparison with conventional technology》

 Conventional technologies often assume that computers are always connected to a communication network. However, in the present invention, it is pointed out that “there are sufficient functions even when disconnected”. This difference appears as a difference in the specific procedure and the configuration of the device. The following shows a comparison with the conventional technology.

 For ordinary consumers, it is impractical to keep a constant connection to the communication network, both in terms of communication fee efficiencies and in terms of communication equipment. It is important to perform functions that are sufficient.

<< Section ".1 Comparison with Classic Cash and Netscape"

 Cache is a technology that was created to speed up communication between computers and low-speed memory (for example, magnetic disks). The basic idea was to “temporarily store read data in high-speed memory (cache)”. Yes, read from cache when reading again Information that is read infrequently is evicted from cache.

When the information is in the cache, writing is also performed on the information in the cache. Information that has been modified in the cache is later copied (at an appropriate point) to slow memory. Retrieval of information and corrected form (Rule 91) If writing is managed centrally, measures to obsolescence of information are simple.

 The cache technology does not assume that "the use of information (such as CPU) is separated from the information source (such as magnetic disk)". If the two are separated, the information cannot be taken into the cache, and even if the information on the cache is modified, it cannot be written to the information source. The situation assumed is different from that of the present invention, which is based on the fact that "as much information as possible can be provided to information users even when the (information acquisition device) is disconnected from the information distribution device".

 Netscape, an Internet browser, also uses cache technology. Fetch the information read from the home page into the browser cache. When the same home page is read again, the information display speed is increased by reading the information in the cache. The difference from the conventional cache technology is that there is a case where the original information of the information distribution device (server) is modified (by the original information provider) without the knowledge of the information acquisition device (browser). It is.

 It is presumed that Netscape detects outdated information by using the file update date. When the browser reads the server information, it reads the file's modification date and associates it with the information in the cache. When the browser detects outdated information, it checks the update date on this cache against the update date of the original information (the file on the server). In other words, if information staleness is detected, communication between the information acquisition device (browser) and the information distribution device (server) is essential.

 In the present invention, the information to be stored is mainly information used in a state separated from the information source, such as a program that needs to be installed (for example, a word processing software). In addition, devices that do not communicate as much as possible (that is, devices that disconnect from the information source) and devices that are not inconvenient even without communication are important points of the present invention.

 On the other hand, there is no idea to select the information to be stored from the viewpoint of the cache. It is not possible to select and store information supplied on CDs and business card information. There is no idea to set "initial information". There is no “accumulation and retrieval of additional information” based on the initial information. There is no information. Only the “seed of information” is placed first. (Section 5) Ideas to judge the necessity of updating information without giving a notice (Section 6.3) also does not arise from Cache's thinking.

<< Section 11.2 Comparison with Java Ablet >>

 Java Ablet is a kind of program written in Java language, and is called from a home page written in HTML language. This is the idea of "call and use when needed" and "information

Corrected form (Rule 91) (Java ablet) is saved and reused. "The idea is not in the design concept of Java.

 However, if Netscape is used to load the homepage, the Java creator of the Netscape may save Java blogs temporarily and use them depending on the situation. In other words, if an ablet remains in the browser cache by accident, the ablet may be reused.

 Therefore, in the comparison with netscape in section 11.1, the information limited to the program is compared with Java. The Java applet is specified by the Internet address in the HTML file. Therefore, the same Java applet is treated as a different Java applet at different locations. This restriction is inevitable as long as the browser's cache function such as Netscape is used.

 However, in the present invention, since the "seed of information" corresponds to the program, it is possible to upgrade the version in response to the launched blog program. Using the ID that identifies the information (program) as the key to reporting, it is possible to determine that the information is the same wherever a copy of the information is placed on the Internet. Even when the information (program) itself does not exist and only the information seed exists in the information acquisition device, the information (program) capture destination is uniquely specified by the information seed key.

 When launching information (program) with another program, if you specify a key that is also an ID, you can-launch the imported (installed) program. If you want to launch a small program like a Java applet, you can import the Java applet for each home page from which it is launched. However, in the case of a large-scale program that realizes advanced functions, the program once imported (to the information acquisition device) must be continuously started from a different source.

 In addition, Java programs are updated depending on whether they are the same as the original information or not. If information (program) is specified by a unique ID (or key), the version can be upgraded. It communicates with the computer on the information distribution side, communicates with the computer on the distribution side, determines whether or not version upgrade is necessary, and performs version upgrade processing if necessary. For example, if the policy on the user side is “perform only major version upgrade”, the version upgrade process is performed only when a difference between major versions is detected. This procedure is also described in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-106054.

 Furthermore, although Java abbreviations are a type of program, they are sent based on the description in an HTML file, so the same program is sent regardless of the type of computer (information acquisition device) on which the browser runs and the OS. Can be Therefore, a Java interpreter that absorbs the differences between models and OSs is installed in advance, and the processing of the Java applet is entrusted to the interpreter.

Corrected form (Rule 91) When loading and updating information (programs) using the type of information, it is not necessary to rely on the browser function, and the model and OS are communicated by communication between the information acquisition device and the information distribution and concealment. Can take in (distribute) information (programs).

<< Section 11.3 Comparison with ActiveX >>

Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 8-106054, which is the basis of the priority claim of this application, was filed on March 22, 1996, and shows the mechanism of automatic loading and updating of programs. As an emerging technology at the same time, to organize more than Ί this the _r difference of the present invention and ActiveX there is a ActiveX of Microsoft Corporation.

 Searching using the search function of InfoWorld Electric (http://www.infoworld.com/), which publishes the contents of the US weekly magazine InfoWorld on the Internet, the first article on ActiveX was found by Smalley Bowen and Jim Balderston. "Internet development tools Microsoft to support ActiveX, Java applets" by Mar. Here, `` Microsoft explained last week the plan to extend the technology previously known as the OLE control to the Internet, and to name it AxtiveX with a policy of largely releasing it, '' last week. I have. Note that the original OLE was devised as a mechanism to import MS-Excel diagrams into MS-Word, for example, and the description of "Extend 0LE technology to the Internet" only Can not be estimated.

 Jim Balderston's InfoWorld article "Response waits for Microsoft to deliver ActiveX components" on March 25, 1996 states that "you have to wait months for the tools needed to create an ActiveX-based applet." It must be done. " "They show what they don't have right now (by Bob Crothers of SupportNet).

In February 1997, Japan Maikurosofu Bokusha of home support Bok Technical Information (http: 〃 www.microsoft.co.jp/ developer / library, htm) power ^1, et al., Japan έ Shingo has been of ActiveX translated into You can download some technical resources. Among them, Draft 4th Edition April 18, 1996 "From the description of the OLE control / COM object j on the Internet, it can be seen that the specifications are in flux at that time. Sections of this document 1.1 "Besides the requirements at the beginning of J" ... It is still in flux because there is currently no solid implementation to compare the feasibility.-.. This document is a proposal Only ... ". In addition, there are many other statements that "this section makes a proposal." In addition, "the final design is determined from now on", "the specifications for these. It is undetermined at present. Proposal will be only." From the above _r that description that, even as of April 18, 1996 That the specifications are not fixed

Corrected ^ (; ^ m) Understand.

The ActiveX technical material released by Microsoft describes only the method of using ActiveX (that is, interface:!; Source information). The technical content of how to execute is described. Not so _u. As of February 1997, downloaded from the homepage of Microsoft Corporation (http: //www.microsoft.co.jp/developer/library, htm), last revised date August 26, 1996 Microsoft ActiveX Control Pad Introduction.1 (pp 15--16, "Extending the Web page using third-party or self-made ActiveX controls") and February 1997 BA * Microsoft Internet Explorer From the results of accessing the Micorfoft-homepage (http: //www.microsoft. Com /) and observing how the Menu combo component was imported, we estimated the ActiveX processing as follows.

 (1) Access the home page and start the ActiveX control specified by the OBJECT tag in the HTML document A: \ Windows \ Temparary Internet Files, if it exists.

 (2) If not, add the ActiveX control specified by CodeBase in the OBJECT tag to A:

 Load it into \ Windows \ Temparary Internet Files and launch it

 If these assumptions are correct, ActiveX is a technology similar to Java applets. Regarding the disclosure of the processing contents, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 8-106054, which is a cornerstone of the priority claim of the present application, comes first.

《Section 11.4 Comparison with NetPC》

NetPC, whose concept was first announced on October 28, 1996, _t . The ability to reduce costs, including the cost of personal computer management, and the ability to automatically upgrade programs; The details are not publicized. InfoWorld's E. Schwartz and B. Trott's February 24, 1997 article "NetPC standard to allow for customization" states that "Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Compaq, and Dell have solidified their specifications two weeks ago. , the final forces in this article has been reported that stage der Ru ", which circulated the specifications are enumerated the hardware requirements of the personal computer for the sign ^';, automatic bar one Jon'atsufu workings of Furoguramu is --It hasn't been announced.

《Section 11.5 Comparison with Connected PC and WebCD》

Intel has proposed the concept of a connected PC, which uses information from a CD-ROM / hard disk in combination with information on the Internet. InfoWorld article by L. Hatlestad, August 5, 1996, "Tech Update Intel backs hybrid 'net apps Connected PC to attack In "Bandwidth problems with power", he introduces "Hybrid is a new application, but not a new technology" (by McCarron of Mercury Research Inc.).

The Web & CD magazine (limited offer from December 1, 1996 to February 28, 1997) provided by Intel's homepage (http: Wwww.intel.co.jp/) Files containing large amounts of data such as video and audio are distributed in advance on CDs, and the video and audio data are read from the CD and played back using information from the home page. There is estimated to be thought of and always _c function is not to update the contents of the CD can be transmitted from the home page if subjected Hisage the most up-to-date information. On the other hand, the present invention described the specific technology of the invention as to how to update the information recorded at hand to the latest information, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 8-106054. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

 Mi indicates "the interrelation of terms which describe the present invention".

 FIG. 2 is a “variation of the configuration of the information acquisition device 102”.

 Figure 3 shows an example of an operation program for an information acquisition device.

 Figure 4 shows the procedure for the information acquisition device to retrieve and store information based on the information user's request. Figure 5 shows an example of information type configuration (Part 1).

 Figure 6 (1) shows the “map interaction”.

 Figure 6 (2) is an example of information types using maps as information.

 Figure 7 shows “Example of information type configuration (Part 2)”.

 Figure 8 shows the procedure for setting and modifying the type of information.

 Figure 9 shows “Example of information type configuration (3)”.

 Figure 10 shows the “procedure for updating the information acquisition device including the final confirmation of obsolescence”.

 FIG. 11 shows “Procedure for Updating in Information Distribution Apparatus Corresponding to FIG. 10”.

 FIG. 12 shows the “update procedure performed by the distribution device of the information acquisition device corresponding to FIG. 13”.

 13 is “Procedure for updating information distribution device when final confirmation of obsolescence is performed by information distribution device”.

 Figure 14 shows the configuration of the information acquisition device.

 Figure 15 shows the “procedure of the information acquisition device that acquires new information and updates information using the type of information”.

 Figure 16 shows the configuration of an information distribution device focusing on information distribution.

Corrected (Rule 91) Figure 17 is a maintenance process 1 "information blocks original and information original _t

 Figure 18 shows “Configuration j of the information distribution device focusing on the maintenance of the original information and the management block.

 FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the business card information management system.

 (1 20 is "Example of a management block that manages public and private information."

 Figure 21 shows an example j of “^ selection finger and iff selection specification.

 Figure 22 shows the “procedure for reconciling the intentions of the calling and called parties”.

 Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram of the connection function of the information distribution device.

 Figure 24 is "Explanation I of the computer program distribution management system.

 Fig. 25 shows the explanation of the mediation program [¾1].

 Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram of the automatic self-update program.

 Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram of the catalog information management system.

 Figure 28 shows the “symbol explaining the expiration date”.

 FIG. 29 is “Example of the configuration of product information No. 2”.

 Figure 30 shows “Example 2 of product information configuration”.

 Figure 31 shows an “information configuration example of a music CD”.

 Figure 32 shows an example of the information structure of the program installation system.

 Figure 33 is an illustration of the educational system.

 Figure 34 shows the “initial information creation procedure”.

 Figure 35 shows the “configuration of the initial information creation device”. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

《Section 12 Business Card Information Management System》

 《Section 12.1 Operation》

 Business card information is managed by key information that specifies it. Figure 19 shows the configuration of the business card information management system: The original business card information is managed on the Internet homepage, and the address of the homepage is www.atele. com. The distribution device (eg, workstation) 1908 houses the home page. The “recording section (business card information original database)” 1910 contains the information original 1911 corresponding to the key. This original information 1911 also holds information as a management block.

Corrected ^ paper (rule ^ 91) You. In other words, it corresponds to a configuration (Section 10.1) in which the type of information holds the information to be managed inside. The recording unit 1910 in FIG. 19 is the same as the recording unit 1604 in FIG. In FIG. 19, the management block storage unit 1605 and the original information storage unit 1606 in FIG. 16 are integrated into a “recording unit (business card information original data base)” 1910.

 The original information 1911 in Fig. 19 is my "business card information", and the key information is kunio. At this time, my business card states, "My contact information is managed on the homepage http://www.atele.com/ and can be retrieved with the key kunio." The person who has obtained this business card inputs the information (http: @ www.atele.com / and kunio) into the "address book program. 1 1903" of the "information acquisition device (for example, personal computer)" 1902. If atele.com is specified as the default for the address book management program, you only need to enter kunio. At this time, the “recording unit (business card information database)” 1904 contains the key information kunio There are species. This type of information has a structure that is integrated with the information. In other words, this type of information is equivalent to the configuration (Section 10.1) in which the type of information holds the information to be managed. Further, only the first recording unit 1411 in FIG. 14 is configured, and the second recording unit 1417 in FIG. 14 does not exist in FIG.

 When the inquiry processing of the address book program 1903 of the information acquisition device 1902 is started, the key kunio is sent to the specified homepage (www.atele.com). From the “recording section (business card information original database)” 1910, the original information 1911 corresponding to Ki-kunio is taken out and sent back to the “information acquisition device” 1902. The “information acquisition device” 1902 “Recording part (business card information database) j 1904 to record.

 For business card users, the process of entering my contact address (phone number, email number, company address, affiliation, etc.) is greatly simplified. No input error occurs. Normally, referring to the information in the “recording unit (business card information database)” 1904 of the “information acquisition device” 1902, the mailing address label is printed and the telephone number of the contact is extracted.

 If I give my home phone number, write himitsu as a special password and hand it over to my business card. If this password is specified in addition to kunio, in addition to the usual information corresponding to the key kunio, the home phone number and mobile phone number will be sent to the user device. FIG. 20 shows the configuration of the management block integrated with the information β ?: book at this time. FIG. 20 (a) shows an example having two keys. The key (part 1) is kunio, the key (part 2) is himitsu, and when both keys are specified, the information of this management block in which the information of my home is recorded is sent to the information acquisition device. Can be When the key is 1- ^ 3 and kunio, the management block (of public information) in Figure 19 is identified and that information is sent to the information acquisition device 1902:

Corrected ^ FIG. 20 (b) shows an example in which public information and home information are managed by one management block. When this management block is identified by keykunio and the password of himitsu is further specified, both public information and home information are sent to the information acquisition device 1902.

 The business card information can be given an expiration date. For example, when manually sending the original information to www.atele.com on the distribution device, if it is expected that the information will not change for at least 6 months, the expiration date will be 6 months after the input of the original information As the expiration date 1912. With this expiration date 1912, my contact information is distributed to the subscriber device.

《Section 12.2 Incoming call guidance》

 The expiration date is assigned to the type of information representing the business card information in the information acquisition device 1902, but the designation can always be expired. One is that the time when the information is transferred from the information distribution device S 1908 to the information acquisition device 1902 is defined as the expiration date. Alternatively, the expiration date is not specified (zero) and the expiration date is displayed. In this case, the information acquisition device 1902 is required to always contact the information distribution device 1908 when using the information. This is an effective method if the called party changes contact specifications frequently. If you work temporarily in a park on a sunny day, rewrite the original management block held by the information distribution device so that your main contact is 携 帯 mobile phone. The caller retrieves the latest contact information before contacting him and obtains information that he or she needs to contact the mobile phone now.

 If the validity period is short (for example, 30 minutes), it is specified as "I will go out for a while (30 minutes), so please contact my mobile phone."

 It is possible for the caller to use outdated information, contrary to the intent of the callee, but the caller must be prepared for the wrong or inappropriate contact.

《Section 12.3 Reconciliation of intention of callee and callee》

 When the information on the business card is passed to the sender (information acquisition device 1902), the subsequent communication is led by the sender. Which media (telephone, fax, e-mail, etc.) and number (NTT telephone number, Cape Telephone number, etc.) to use is a matter for the caller to decide ,: K at the caller's discretion There are two people who call at midnight.

If only the contact that you want to be contacted at that time is shown to the caller using the method described in the previous section, the incoming call can be guided according to the intention of the callee. However, the intention of the sender is ignored. For example, some people think that "mobile phones sometimes have poor voice quality and do not want to talk intricately." The procedure for reconciling the intentions of the calling side and the called side will be described with reference to FIG. Information is recorded inside the management block corresponding to the key. The information specifies the number of contacts and the order of their selection (intention of the called party). FIG. 21 (a) shows an example of the contents set by the receiving side in the management block of the information distribution apparatus 1908. This is a part of the contents recorded in the management block related to the designation of the destination. “Voice 1” in the call destination order indicates that voice communication should be made first here. In the example of Fig. 21 (a), it is indicated that the user wants to contact the company phone first and then the mobile phone. "Document 1" indicates that contact with ill-believers should be made here first. In the example of Fig. 21 (a), if it is a document, it indicates that the user wants to contact the company fax first, and then to e-mail.

 On the other hand, the originating device has information that specifies the preferences of the originating side. Figure 21 (b) shows an example of outgoing call designation. The calling side expresses OK for a company phone, NG for a mobile phone, and 0 for FAX of a company, but NG for e-mail.

 FIG. 22 shows a procedure for matching the intentions (FIGS. 21 (a) and 21 (b)) of both the calling side and the called side in the coastal information distribution apparatus 1908. First, the device of the transmitting side (information acquisition device 1902) 2201 “receives a key designating the receiving side”. 2202 "Copy the incoming call selection specified part of the management block corresponding to the key and make it a work table." FIG. 21A shows an example of this work table. Next, “delete a row in the work table for which the display of availability is NG” 2203. In the case of the table shown in Fig. 21 (a), the row of contact 1 is deleted. Next, “receive transmission selection designation” is received 2204 from the transmission side (information acquisition device 1902). Figure 21 (b) shows an example of outgoing call selection designation. Then, “Delete the row of the work table set to NG in the transmission selection specification” 2205 is performed. In FIG. 21 (b), since the mobile phone and the e-mail are NG, the lines of the contact 2 and the contact 4 in FIG. 21 (a) are deleted. However, only the contact 3 remains in the worksheet. "Sort the rest of the work table and extract the contact with the lowest number of destinations" 2206 is performed. In the process of “transmitting the extracted contact information to the caller” 2207 processing, “no voice contact information, and the contact information of the society is F 会 社 X of the company” will be transmitted. In practice, the company's FAX phone number is also retrieved from the management block and transmitted to the caller (information acquisition device 1902).

 In the above, the example in which the “matching process” is performed by the information distribution device has been described. If you do not want to disclose the information on the called side, the information acquisition device on the calling side sends a call selection designation (Fig. 21 (b)) to the information distributing device, and the information distributing device 1908 returns the result of the matching process. Only to the information acquisition device 1902.

 If it is possible to provide the calling party with the incoming call designation (Fig. 21 (a)), which is the information on the called party (that is, if the called party permits the publication), the information distributing device 1908 sends the information to the calling party information acquiring device 1902. send. Then, the program in the transmitting side device matches the intention of the transmitting side. Select incoming call selection (Fig. 21 (a)).

Corrected form (Rule 91) It can be displayed on the screen of the information acquisition device, and the operator can see it and make a selection.

 The calling party's outgoing call order designation corresponding to the incoming call destination designation 2101 can be added to the outgoing iS side's selected designation. The operator specifies which of the destination order designation 2101 or outgoing order designation is to be applied to the note F1, and the subsequent matching process should be performed based on the above process. When using outgoing call ordering, refer to Figure 22 “Sorting the rest of the work table and picking out the contacts with the lowest incoming call order” 2206 and “Sorting the rest of the work table and calling Retrieve contacts with the lowest order number. " It is also possible to create a single order by weighting both orders and use that order.

 Regarding Internet telephone calls, calls from the Internet side are prohibited by law or administrative guidance in some countries. For this reason, a path connecting both parties cannot be set unless both parties have access to the Internet. Terminals that access the Internet via a dial line are not always connected to the Internet, so the parties with whom you can talk on the Internet are defined.

 By notifying (registering) the business card information distribution device 1908 in real time whether it is currently connected to the Internet and available for Internet calling, the other party can communicate with the Internet. Make sure your phone is ready and set up an internet phone pass. In other words, the chance of using an inexpensive Internet phone increases.

《Section 12.4 Protection of Private Information》

 Personal information such as business card information needs to be protected from the standpoint of privacy protection = key is provided only to the person who obtained the business card. A close person is given a special password. This information is transmitted via the communication line, and the corresponding information is returned via the communication line. Eavesdropping on communications is handled by encryption (such as a public key).

In order to counter attempts to extract information by accessing the helmet information distribution device 1908 with malicious intent, take measures to temporarily suspend the provision of information in the event of a series of errors and pass-word errors. Also contact the called party (: informant) and recommend changing the key and password. In addition, it is possible to search for the information extracted and stored in the information acquisition device 1902 by specifying the organization, address, etc. with the address book program 1903, but the information distribution device 1908 is accessed from outside to access the information. that the search was for all information can only be pulling out the information by specifying _t, that is, the key and Basuwado to ban lh.

Corrected form (rule 91) << Section 12.5 Connection Function of Information Acquisition Device >>

 Section 12.1 described the case where the contact information is displayed by specifying a key in the address book program 1903 of the information acquisition device 1902. Adding an automatic dial function to the address book program 1903 makes it even easier to use. When the automatic dial is started by specifying the key (kunio) and "voice communication", the selection of the voice communication dial number and the call to it are executed in succession. The choice between a home phone or a mobile phone is made according to the procedure in Section 12.3, “Reconciling the intentions of the calling and called parties”.

In the configuration of the information acquisition device in Fig. 14, when information is extracted by specifying a key, the information is eventually passed to the "information utilization unit" 1410 (in the description of section 7.1). In the case of automatic dialing, the information use unit J 1410 conveys the contact information of the communication partner to the transmission unit 1422 and sets the communication path to the communication partner _c

<< Section 12.6 Connection Function of Information Distribution Device >>

As described in Section 12.3, “Reconciliation of Calling Party Intention with Calling Party 1”, the information distributing device 1908 can reconcile the intentions of the receiving party and the calling party to select a destination. A simple procedure for selecting the head of the contact list can also select the destination.In addition to the function of selecting the destination, the relay function of the communication path enables the information distribution device 1908 Function greatly expands _c

 Information distribution device 1908 power; Set up a communication path to the selected destination and connect to the communication path from the originating side (information acquisition device 1902) to the information distribution device 1908. The path is completed. That is, the information acquisition device 1902 simply sends a key (kunio) to the information distribution device 1908, and the path to the communication partner is set.

 By setting the communication path in this way, even if the contact corresponding to the key further specifies another information distribution device and the key to be managed there, the communication path connecting the calling side and the called side is smooth. In the example in Figure 23, when calling Mr. Y (kunio kamimura) from Mr. X's telephone 2310, Mr. X uses the key kunio in Mr. X's "information acquisition device" 2301. specify.

 The “information acquisition device” 2301 obtains the address of the “first information distribution device” 2304 (which is the designation 503 of the original information) from the “information type (and information)” 2302 corresponding to the key and connects. At this time, the “information acquisition device” 2301 is connected to the “first information distribution device” 2304. The “first communication bus j 2312 is installed. From 2301 〖the first information distribution device 2 2 2304 No, the key is sent:

 “In the first information distribution device j 2304,“ A information management block ”corresponding to the key (kunio) 2305

Corrected form (Rule 91) To identify. The corresponding “A information” 2306 shows the key (kamimura) and the information distribution device address (CATV head office). Therefore, the “second communication β path” 2313 to the “second information distribution device” 2308 is set.

 The “second information distribution device” 2308 identifies the “IB information management block corresponding to the key (kamimura)” 2309, and establishes a “third communication path” 2314 to Mr. Y (kunio kamimua) according to the information. Set.

 The “second information distribution device” 2308 connects the “second communication path” 2314 and the “second communication path” 2313. Then, the “first information distribution device” 2304 connects the “first communication path” 2313 and the “first communication bus” 2312. In this way, a communication bus connecting Mr. X and Mr. Y is completed.

 The “information acquisition device” 2301 only sends the key kunio, but by providing the connection function of each information distribution device, the intended communication path to Mr. Y is provided. A similar communication path can be completed by repeating the procedure of sending a key from the information acquisition device j 2301 to the intermediate information distribution device and directly specifying the connection instruction (for each information distribution device) on the ί side. However, the procedure is complicated when viewed from the information acquisition device 2301.

 Generally, when the communication destination indicated by the specified key is an information distributing device (the first information distributing device 2304 or the second information distributing device 2308), these information distributing devices are referred to as “a communication path to itself. By connecting the communication path that extends further from the point ", the communication path is extended as described above. This connection is realized by the "information use unit" 1410, which has obtained the information of the next connection destination, issues an instruction to the "communication path connection unit" 1423 (and then issues detailed instructions to the "communication unit" 1409). You.

《Section 12.7 New Dial Sky 閱》

 The connection function of the information acquisition device (section 12.5) and the connection function of the information distribution device (section 12.6) allow the operator to use keys instead of dial numbers. Since the key only needs to be unique for each information distributing device S, a number space different from the actual number space of the communication network can be created.

 With the emergence of a large number of communication networks, routes connecting communication paths are becoming complicated, and address (dianore) information is becoming more complicated. As described in Section 12.6, it is convenient to be able to set up a communication path by tracing multiple independent dialing queries in succession. The address (number) space of the communication network is gradually narrowing, such as the lack of mobile phone numbers, so it is convenient to use the unique number space for each information distribution device.

Corrected form (leg IJ91) W

41

<< Section 13 Computer program distribution management system >>

 << Section 13.1 Start menu >>

 If a computer program (hereinafter simply a program) is used as information and the type of information that manages it is associated, the program can be imported and updated automatically. The operation is shown in FIG.

 The type of information that manages the program is managed as part of the boot menu. The information seeds are incorporated in a part of the “startup menu” 2404 of the “information acquisition device (for example, personal computer)” 2401. In the expression shown in FIG. 24, the information type 2405 of the key ProgOOl and the information type 2406 of the key Prog002 are connected in a list structure from the “start menu” 2404. Specifically, the information type 2405 corresponds to the start menu item for starting ProgOOl, and the information type 2406 corresponds to the start menu item for starting Prog002.

 The information type includes a key that identifies the information, that is, the program (information type key 501), the version number of the program (obsolete judgment data 701), and the directory path specification that is the address information of the installation destination. (Correspondence 502) is recorded. The (Internet) address of the information distributing device 2410 is held as “information distributing device address record” 2416 inside the information acquiring device 2401. The combination of the key and the key of the information type can create the specification 503 of the original information. Therefore, there is no specification 503 of the information original in the information type.

 When the program is started by specifying the program Prog002, that is, when the start menu item corresponding to the key Prog002 is clicked, the information type of the key Prog002 is extracted. The obsolescence judgment procedure (section 6.3) is executed using the version number recorded in the obsolescence judgment material 701 and the latest version number held in the latest version list 2402. As a result, if it is confirmed that the program is not obsolete, that is, the latest version of the program, the program is started on the bus A: \ P \ 002.exe designated as the "response" of the information type.

 When the program is started by specifying the program ProgOOl, the seed of the key ProgOOl information is extracted. Since no response has been set there, it is determined to be obsolete as a result of the obsolescence determination procedure (Section 6.3 [1.]). The information distribution device 2410 requests a program by designating a key to the information distribution device. The information distribution device 2410 refers to the management block 2413 corresponding to the key ProgOOl, specifies the corresponding opening program 2414 from the program path, and obtains the information. Send to acquisition device 2401. Also send an installation script 2415 describing the installation procedure.

 The distribution of multiple installation scripts / programs according to the hardware type and OS of the information acquisition device 2401 is described in Section 6.5.2 (1) and Section 8.1.

Corrected (¾ 91) Therefore, the description is omitted.

 The information acquisition device 2401 installs the program according to the specified installation procedure. As a result, the version number and path are entered in the key ProgOOl information seed: Finally, launch the program. If the version-up process is simply started, the process ends when the installation-version upgrade ends.

 In Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 8-106054 (sections 4 and 5), which is the basis of the priority claim of the present application, the program (executable file) itself is not in the computer, and only the start menu of the program is stored in the computer. Incorporate. This startup menu is equivalent to "type of information".

It should be noted that, when you install a new program in Windows95, Some of the "program" among the menu of the "start" of the taskbar one, _c ie start-up menu of the program is incorporated, the presence of this start-up menu blog ram body It is created at the stage where it is not done. The type of information required to capture the program is recorded before going from the start menu or the start menu. The “mediation program” shown in Section 7.3 of Japanese Patent Application No. 8-106054 also corresponds to the seed of information because it has the same function as the start-up menu.

《Section 13.2 Brokerage Program》

 Figure 25 shows a device for starting another program from one program. When the B program 2504 is started directly from the A program 2501, the execution of the program stops if there is no B program. Therefore, the mediation program 2502 is started from the A program 2501. The mediation program 2502 starts the B program 2504 with reference to the “response” 502 of the content of the corresponding information type 2503. At this time, the staleness determination process is activated, and the version upgrade process is performed if necessary. If "Action" 502 is not set, perform B program import processing.

<< Section 13.3 Dynamic Link Program >>

 If the program obsolete judgment procedure and update execution procedure are activated every time the dynamic link program is activated, the execution speed of the program will be reduced. To solve this, make the following preparations-

(1) The dynamic link program is stored in a directory (X directory) for each library. This is the same as the conventional library library.

(2) The intermediary program with the same name as the dynamic link program is stored in a different directory (Υ directory) for each library. Corrected use ¾ (Rule 91) When importing a new dynamic link program or when starting the update process of the dynamic link program, specify the directory of the intermediary program (Y directory <small directory) in the environment variable. The intermediary program in the Y directory performs new import, version upgrade, and startup for the dynamic link program in the X directory. To start a dynamic link program at high speed, specify the X directory as an environment variable.

 If the program is to be updated significantly due to major version upgrades, etc., specify that the program be imported to another directory (Ζ directory <directory), and switch between the old version and the new version of the program. Can be used. After confirming the operation of the new version of the program, you can delete the old version of the program

<< Section 13.4 Automatic Self Update Program >>

 Figure 26 shows the block diagram of a program that automatically updates (including new fetches) every time the program is started. Even if it is an application, it divides the program into two. One is the “main program” 2603 and the other is the “version control program” 2601. When the application is started, the version control program 2601 is first started. The version control program 2601 refers to the corresponding information type 2602, executes the obsolescence judgment procedure (Section 6.3) and the update execution procedure (Section 6.5) of the main unit program, and newly imports and upgrades the program. Finally, start the main program.

《Section 14 Catalog Information Management System》

 《Section 14.1 Initial Information》

 It is realistic (at present) to provide the initial catalog information on a CD. When the CD is set in the CD drive, the computer at hand has an information acquisition device having both a first recording unit 1411 and a second recording unit 1417 equipped with a CD, that is, an information acquisition device (C) 203. Is equivalent to

 It is also possible to obtain initial catalog information using the FTP procedure on the Internet: It takes time to communicate, but if the operator is doing another job during the communication, the communication time is not a concern. V Once the catalog processing information has been imported to your computer, you will not have to wait for the operation to turn over the catalog, and there may be problems with communication charges and hard disk consumption: FTP When the information is imported, the computer at hand corresponds to the information acquisition device (A) 201 having only the first recording unit 1411 (there is no second recording unit 1417).

Revised Rule 91) If the initial information of the catalog is recorded on a CD and distributed, the above problems will be eliminated. If you insert a CD into a CD drive and access information when it is needed, the original computer will have both a first recording unit 141] and a second recording unit 1417 with a CD installed. Of the information acquisition device 102 of FIG.

《Section 14.2 Operation》

 The operation of the catalog information management system will be described with reference to FIG. 27, taking an example of an information utilizing device (for example, a personal computer) 2701 in which a CD 2706 in which initial information is set is mounted on a CD drive 2705. The information user 101 first activates “CD View II (Program) I 2703”.

 This CD view 2703 power; includes many functions of the information acquisition device shown in FIG. In other words, "key detector" 1403 "information seed extraction unit" 1404 "obsolete determination unit" 1405 "information request unit" 1406 "information reception unit" 1407 "reception information setting unit" 1408 I information utilization unit j 1410 , Included in CD View ヮ 2703. Since the “communication unit” 1409 exists in a normal computer, it is not explicitly shown in FIG. CD View II displays the table of contents and specified pages in the “display section” 2716.

 When using a CD for the first time, create a new “Latest Information Database” 2704 for that CD. This corresponds to the “first recording unit” 1411 in FIG. In the “latest information database” 2704, the latest updated information of the catalog information is recorded, but no information is recorded at this time. Therefore, CD View II first searches the “latest information database” 2704, confirms that there is no information, extracts the information from the inside of the CD, and displays the catalog information on the “display” 2716. That is, the CD corresponds to the “second recording unit” 1417 in FIG.

 First, the type of product information to be displayed is specified from the configuration of “1 page” 2707. The expiration date of the information seed whose key is “first product” is compared with the “current time” 2715 inside the information acquisition device 2701 to detect the expiration date. Therefore, the information distribution device (for example, a workstation) j 2711 requests an update of the information. The information distribution device 2711 searches the “CD information original data base No. 2713” and finds that the key is “the first product”. Find “Management block” 2714 and send the details to “Information acquisition device” 2701. Here, the “CD information original database” 2713 corresponds to the recording unit 1604 in FIG. The “management block” 2714 in FIG. 27 is obtained by incorporating the “information original” 106 into the “management block” 1611 in FIG.

The “information acquisition device” 2701 records the contents of the “management block” 2714 in the “latest information database” 2704. When searching for information, first search from the “latest information database” 2704, and if there is no information, search for “CD contents” 2717, so the latest information will always be used.

 If communication with the information distribution device 2711 is not possible even if the information type 2709 has expired,

Corrected ¾¾ (rule 91) Use the old information as the next dance plan. If the catalog information is distributed on a floppy disk or other media that can be harmed (deleted and modified), the information on that tape must be replaced with K * and the "Latest Information Database" 2704 The configuration may be omitted.

 It is natural to set a “management block” for each product, but it is also possible to combine multiple products into a “management block”. The decision on how to update information should be made from the viewpoint of the catalog creator.

 The playback of music CDs and video clips, etc., differs only in that they reproduce sound and images instead of displaying information on the screen, and the processing, device configuration, and data structure are the same.

<< Section 14.3 Addition of Information and Explanation of Specific Example 1 >>

 According to the idea of "seed of information", information cannot be captured without the seed of information. For example, it seems impossible to add a new product as far as the operation of Section 2 is concerned. Information can be added by means of ingenuity, skill, and ingenuity. In the following, we will use the example of catalog information, but the same method can be applied to any kind of information, that is, it can be applied to distribution of programs.

 Figure 28 shows the symbols explaining the expiration date. Let A be the CD release date. Information is updated every〗 months. One month after A is ml, two months after A is m2, and three months after A is m3. One year after A, B is set, and the next CD will be released at this time. Ability to perform maintenance (update information every month) of CD issued in A after B; and C as 6 months after B, and end maintenance at C. In FIG. 29, the product group table 2903 is specified as information in correspondence with the “type of information” 2901 of the key “product management information 1”. Table 2903 shows “Product number G001 information” 2904. It specifies the “type of information” 2906 of key “image 001” and the “type of information” 2908 of key “video 001”. "When the expiration date exceeds the mlj 2902, the table 2903 is updated. In the table 2903 newly transmitted from the information distributing apparatus 104," information of the product number G005. I 2905 is added. Indicates the key "Image 005". At the same time as Table 2903, the key "Information Species" 2907 in Image 005J has been sent. In the additional information 1615 attached to the original information 106 (corresponding to Table 2903) in Fig. 16, the related "type of information" is specified, and according to the information, the "type of information" of the key "image 005" is displayed. Has been sent.

 In this way, the management table of information seeds is introduced, and when updating the management table, the information seeds are simultaneously loaded into the information acquisition device. It is not possible to access the type of information simply by capturing the type of information. _ When updating information managed from other types of information (for example, a management table), add a reference to the type of information.

Corrected ^ paper (* ^ 91) You.

 Now, update the information every month from A when the first CD was released. If the information acquisition device does not access expired information, the information is not updated. Ability to update information every month after B, when the next CD is released. Also, after C, six months later, do not support updating information. In the update of information after the passage of C, all the product numbers have been deleted from the contents of Table 2903 managed by “Rare information” 2901 of “Product management information 1”. As a result, product information is not displayed. Even if the key "Information 001J has a seed 2906 remaining, it is not displayed in the normal procedure. If only the information (of virtual goods) recorded in Table 2901 is displayed, the latest catalog CD is displayed. Please ask YYY for "." Is displayed.

《Section 14.4 Explanation of Specific Example 2》

 Figure 30 shows a specific example of managing the table of contents of the catalog and the layout of each page. In FIG. 30, ¾ 3002 of the product group is managed by “i-i product management information 2”. From there, the key "Image 002" and "Information Seed" 3005 and the key "Movie 003J" Information Seed "3006 are specified. With this alone, there is no specific specification of how to display the product.

 The information type 3007 of the key “H-order information” is a type that holds information internally, and specifies the design and the table of contents. Design information 3008 specifies the character size (12 points) and background (Page.jpg). [= 1Order 3010 holds the titles of chapters 1 to 10. As described above, the table of contents can be displayed on the display unit 2716 of the information acquisition device 2701. If you specify Chapter 1, "Rough Goods" 3011 will be displayed. The size of the character (12 points) and the background (bak0.jpg) are specified as the layout 3012 of the ppl. The product number G001 is specified as the product 3013 on the page, and (010,020) of the Χ and Υ coordinates is specified as the base position in the page. Using the product number G001 as a clue and referring to Table 3002, key “Access to the information type, etc. of both images 002J 3005. Key” “Information of the next information j: Information type 3007 manages (corresponds) The information is “design information” 3008, “next composition” 3010, “Sunday miscellaneous” 3011, “ppl layout” 3012, and ippl products 3013. The information in Chapters 2 to 10 is omitted.

 If communication with the information distribution apparatus 104 is not possible, the information held by the information distribution apparatus 102 is used as a next best measure. If the price or stock is not confirmed, the number display is shaded so that it can be confirmed.

Corrected form (S Rule 91) 《Section 15 Other Systems》

 << Section 15.1 Article Information System >>

 An article information system based on CDs, etc., is built using the same mechanism as the catalog information system in Section 14. Article information is searched by table of contents or classification. Set the type of information for each article. In addition, a kind of information that uses the B-order and classification tables as information will be introduced and updated at regular intervals (daily, weekly, monthly). Along with the officer, the seeds of information for additional articles are sent to the information acquisition device. At the request of the information user 101, the information type of the specific article is accessed, and if there is no article, the article is fetched from the information distribution device 104. It is a mechanism that distributes a large amount of article information at low cost on CDs, and distributes only the latest H-order and index, and information on articles selected from the table of contents and index via the Internet.

<< Section 15.2 Music Video System >>

 Music and image information can be obtained using the same mechanism as the catalog information management system. Instead of displaying product information and images in the form of a click, it plays sounds or plays videos.

 Figure 31 shows the data structure when the message of the artist is added to the music CD-ROM. Key 1 The information seed 3102 of the “first song” and the key 3103 of the information seed of the “second song” have obsolete judgment data (expiration date), so these songs are infinite even if they are not connected to the communication network. , You can play it anytime. Key “Message of the Month” Information Type 3101 Obsolete Judgment Material (Expiration Date) 3104 expires every month. Each time a music file and a video file are received from the information distribution device 104, the iS is received.

 You can keep people from listening to music updates of this month's message. While playing a song, access this month's message to determine staleness and update information as needed. If the information is updated before the music is over, the message of the month will be played immediately. For example, a message calling for participation in a concert that starts immediately will be played along with the video.

 You can see the number of access to information updates recorded in the information distribution device 104. You can get information on how many people are asking this month, and you can see the change over time, so it can be used as an important source of sales strategy.

<< Section 15.3 Program Install! ^ One Lucium

 Programs are often distributed on CDs. When the CD is set in the computer and the installation program is started, the program recorded on the CD is copied to the computer, environment variables are set, and the program is started.

Revised Rule 91) Add a menu item to the action menu. In some cases, program bugs may be discovered between the time the CD is created and the time the installation is performed, but the conventional method involves distributing and installing the latest program. Could not.

Using the type of information, the program can be updated or a new program can be fetched and installed. In FIG. 32, the key “Information type J 3201” of the key “Installation program management” manages “one response per one, one script” 3204 with “correspondence” 3203. The obsolescence judgment data (expiration date) is seven days after the sales outlet (A). When the _u installation process is started, the key is the first type of I information in the key installation program management I. Is checked, and if it expires, a new installation script is imported and started.

 Now, you can change the updated installation script to refer to the new program. Initially, only the information seed 3205 for the key "Progl01" is referenced,

The installation script can be updated to refer to information type 3206 in “Progl55”. When updating the installation program, the information seed 3206 and the “Prog 5.exe” 3208 of the key “Progl55” are also sent from the information distribution device.

 Updates to programs other than the installation script (Progl01.exe and Progl55.exe) are performed in the information type obsolescence determination procedure (section 6.3) and the update implementation procedure (section 6.5).

 If it cannot communicate with the information gd cloth lining 10, the installation process is executed assuming that all programs distributed on the CD are correct. In this situation, it works the same as a traditional CD. Also, if the new installation script and all the programs of the new program and the program to be updated cannot be obtained, the new installation program cannot be started. If so, run the old but complete installation script.

《Section 15.4 Game》

 Game programs may be installed on CDs. In the case of games, images and music are installed in addition to the programs. With more variations in the content of the information u, you can install the latest programs, image files, and music files using the methods in section 15.3.

 Regarding game execution (without installing it), new effects can be guided. Each month, you can change the game scenario and change the ending or opening. This updates the information file (or program) specifying the scenario, ending, and opening.

Corrected form (rule 91) It is realized by doing. The effect is great if advertisements and announcements from game sales companies are updated and displayed (daily and monthly) at the ending and opening. These are realized by updating the data of programs, music and images, as well as the data files that regulate the progress of the program.

《Section 15.5 Education System》

 Educational systems using computers are called CAI, but information is often distributed on media such as CDs. Since CAI is technically similar to a game, it can be enhanced in the manner described in section .4.

 The difference from the game is that there is a wide range of human judgment involved in changing the curriculum (equivalent to a game scenario) based on test scoring and results. If a student has various understandings and makes various mistakes, it is impossible to handle all with the curriculum planned in advance. A special curriculum needs to be set up for exceptional students and sent to the student's computer: The operation of the educational system will be described with reference to FIG. In the information acquisition device 3301, a student number 3305 is introduced as information for identifying a student. When updating the information and the type of information in the information acquisition device 3301, the student number is sent to the information distribution device 3303 in addition to the key. For example, if the information seed 3306 of the key “curriculum” becomes obsolete, the key “curriculum” and the student number are sent to the information distribution device 3303. The information distribution device 3303 specifies a management block of the key “curriculum”. Search special list 3312 for specified student number. Send “Curriculum for kunio” 3318 corresponding to the student number to the information acquisition device 3301. If there is no special list, send "General Curriculum" 3311. There are a number of ways to search for a specific student number in the special list, but the contents of the special list are stored in a binary tree or hashed array (a list containing the same hash number) in the main memory. If you move the data to an array of objects, and search there, you can search at high speed.

 The information distributing apparatus 3303 includes “general Step 5” 3316 for general use and “Step 5 for kunioj 3319” corresponding to a specific student number as information managed by the management block 3315 of the key “Step 5”. If the student number is sent from the special list 3317, the corresponding “Step 5 for kunio” 3319 is sent.

(Corrected i¾: US rule 91) 《Section 16 Creating Initial Information》

 《Section 16.1 Creation Procedure》

 Figure 34 shows the procedure for creating the initial information. Here, a case is described in which the type of file information and the file information are created on a CD or the like. In addition, there are cases where initial information is set in the main memory, but the procedure is almost the same.

 First, perform {ΓCreating a work of information seeds »3402. The following describes the procedure for creating a work memory on the main memory and writing the data to the CD in a batch for each file. For this work, “set the key” 3403, “set the specification of the original information” 3404 “set the obsolete judgment material” 3405, and “set the final obsolete judgment material” j 3406. When writing, perform “Write information” 3408, and set “Correspondence to the type of information (work)” 3409. Finally, write the contents of the information type to a file such as a CD,>

《Section 16.2 Creation device》

 Figure 35 shows the configuration of the initial information creation device. The type of information and the content of the information as initial information may be passed from the input unit 3501 to the input control unit 3502, or may be passed from the communication network 3504 to the communication control unit 3503 and further to the human power control unit 3502. Next, a signal is transmitted from the “information seed content detection unit” 3505 to the “information seed creation unit” 3507, and the information seed is created in the recording unit 3513. In addition, the key, obsolescence judgment material, and the original information are stored in the “information type content detection unit” 3505 to the “key setting unit” 3508 “obsolete judgment material setting unit” 3509 “designation setting unit of information original”, respectively. Designated, is sent. This is written in the information seed of the recording unit 3513. Information other than the type of information is sent to the “information detecting unit” 3506 and is recorded in the recording unit 3513 by the information setting unit 3512. The result information is sent from the “information setting unit” 3512 to the “correspondence setting unit” 3511, and the correspondence is set according to the type of information in the recording unit 3513.

《Section 16.3 Effective Setting of Expiration Date》

When the expiration date is set as the obsolete judgment material, the information acquisition device 102 does not access the information distribution device 104 until the expiration date expires. However, if the validity period is set for the type of information of the plurality of information acquisition devices 102, accesses for updating information concentrate on the information distribution device 104 at that time. To shift access, set the expiration date to be different for each information acquisition device (for each CD to be distributed) _f '

 It is also good to set the expiration time to a time zone when access is low.'However, the actual access to the information distribution apparatus 104 is made when the information user 101 accesses the type of information.

Corrected use ¾ (Rule 91) Access is distributed in the time after the expiration. 《Section 17 Effect》

 《Section 17.1 Effect of New Information Acquisition by Information Type》

 The effect of one injection of information capture using information seeds is shown below.

 (Effect)

 The present invention aims to enable the information acquisition device 102 to provide as much information as possible to the information user 101 even when disconnected from the information distribution device 104. If the information corresponds to the type of information, the information can be provided to the information user 101 without communicating with the information distribution apparatus 104.

 (Effect 2)

 By introducing the type of information, the information acquisition device 102 can present a list of information to the information user 101 regardless of the presence or absence of the information. This is something that could not be realized with the conventional cache. For example, if catalog information of mail order is used, the table of contents can be shown. When the page specified in the table of contents is opened, if the corresponding information exists (without communication), the information is provided. If the information does not exist, the information is obtained from the information distribution apparatus 104, recorded, and provided. The next time the information is requested, it will be recorded (provided a response has been set) and provided.

 In the present invention, the program (execution file) main body is not included in the computer, and the startup menu and the type of information of the program are incorporated in the computer. In other words, when the main body of the program does not exist, the startup menu is presented.

 When the program is started from the start menu, if it is detected that there is no program (executable file), the program is imported. If it is restarted, launch the already installed program.

 (Effect 3)

 For information that is expected to be used infrequently, or for which the latest information has been provided as much as possible, only the type of information should be set as initial information. When the information user accesses such information at the request of the information user, the information acquisition device detects that there is no such information and accesses the information distribution device to retrieve the information. In this way, by devising the setting of the initial information, it is possible to naturally suppress the acquisition of information.

Assuming that communication is not possible, it is possible to provide as initial information enough information that can be tolerated without information. For example, a CD of product catalog information usually contains full product information (rare information and its corrected form (Rule 91)). Of the information to be managed). For bargain information, only the type of information is recorded on the CD. In the catalog menu, regular items and special items are lined up. When the bargain information page is opened, the information of the page is displayed if communication is possible, but the information of the page is not displayed if communication is not possible.

 As another example, the price of the product, the image of the product, and are fully recorded (the type of information and the information to be managed). For the stock information, record only the type of information on the CD. When communication is possible, the number of people in each item is displayed in the information display of each product. When communication is not possible, information such as price and image is normally shown, but only the stock quantity is displayed as "unconfirmed".

 (Effect 4)

As described in section 14.3, a new type of information can be sent from the information distribution device g104 to the information acquisition device 102 .. This allows an increase in the number of items H to capture information as needed.

<< Section 17.2 Effect of Information Update by Information Type >>

 By adding the obsolescence determination data to the type of information, the information acquisition device 102 can determine the obsolescence of the information only by the information acquisition device 102 without communicating with the information gd cloth device 104.

 If the “correspondence” 502 of the information type is not set or if there is no information at the setting destination, it is immediately determined to be “obsolete” and the process proceeds to the information fetching process. In addition, even if “Response” 502 is set, “obsolete” can be determined if the expiration date is set as the obsolescence determination data 701. In addition, it is possible to determine “obsolete” by adding a “expiration date specified in advance to the date of distribution or the date of distribution”. If the information version number is set as the information obsolete judgment material 701, it is possible to judge "obsolete" by comparing with the latest information version number ^ separately obtained.

 In this way, the situation in which the information acquisition device 102 and the information distribution device 104 communicate with each other can be reduced as much as possible. If the initial setting of the information of the information acquisition device 102 is appropriate, the latest information can be provided to the information user 101 without performing any communication with the information distributing device (S10). Updates are performed automatically (when information is needed), and the latest information can be provided to information users again until the next update.

As an ideal way to distribute information on CDs, etc., in Section 2.4, “A: (From the user's point of view) The procedure for extracting information is simpler with a single information source.” “A: Latest information.” “ゥ: Information extraction. "The price is low (for recording and withdrawing information)". CDs hold a large amount of information at low cost, and if you insert the CD into a personal computer with a CD drive, the speed at which the information can be extracted is corrected. (Rule 91) Therefore, it meets the requirements of a, b, and c, but has the drawback that it cannot respond to the request of "a: Information is up to date."

 However, by updating the information according to the present invention, the latest information can be used whenever information is used. It is convenient for users to be able to retrieve the latest information inexpensively, quickly, and with simple procedures, but it is also effective and cost-effective for providers because there is little need to create and distribute new CDs. Sales can be held down. In addition, the advertisement effect is great because it can provide timely notifications and advertisements without giving extra time to information users such as CDs.

《Section 17.3 Effect of Device for Creating Initial Information》

 As an effective setting method of the expiration date, it has been shown that the expiration date of each of the plurality of information acquisition devices 102 is shifted and set. As a result, it is possible to alleviate the concentration of information update access to the information distribution device. In addition, by setting the expiration date to be at midnight, etc., it is possible to guide access to update information during times of low traffic.

《Section 18 Summary of Claims》

 《Section 18.1 Description》

 In the text of the specification, the difference between the device that distributes the original information and the device that acquires the original is shown using the terms of the information distribution device 104 and the information acquisition device 102. Since both are devices for providing information as shown at the end of Section 3, both claims are referred to as "information providing devices" in the claims. The operation procedure of the program of the information acquisition apparatus 102 and the operation procedure of the program of the information distribution apparatus 104 are both referred to as “information providing method”. Information providing device (information obtaining device 102 or information distributing device; S104) In the description of the information providing method claims, if the information providing device indicates a cooperatively operating device, the information obtaining device 102 or information distributing device The name of the distribution device 104 is used.

The information providing method and the initial information creating method can be realized by a program. These programs are recorded on computer-readable media, such as floppy disks (FDs), CDs, optical disks, and hard disks, and distributed. In some cases, the program is distributed via a communication network. In many cases, the program is ultimately recorded on a secondary recording medium such as a disk and the installation is completed. There is also a form in which the program is installed on a secondary recording medium such as a computer hard disk and sold as a computer including software. Corrected form (Rule 91) In some cases, programs fetched from the communication network are directly expanded into main memory and executed.

A program written in Java 3 is the equivalent. Note that the main memory is also a computer-readable medium ("Computer-Readable Media"), which can be said to be the same as the program installed on this cased disk.

<< Section 18.2 Claims for Information Acquisition Device g >>

 Claims 1 to 7 are claims relating to the basics of information storage and retrieval.

 Claim 1 is the gist of the procedure for information storage and initial information setting described in Section 4 with reference to FIG.

 In claim 1, M claim 2 emphasizes that information is taken in through a communication line. Note that after "information request" after "program start event analysis" 310 in FIG. In other words, from "processing to identify the information user's request" 302 to "providing information to the information user" 306 and "requesting information from the dissemination information distribution device" 307, the information is recorded in the recording unit. Fig. 15 explains the details up to 309. If the information does not exist in Fig. 3, it is judged as "obsolete" in Fig. 15 "Determining Obsolescence by Information Acquisition Device Only" 1508 (Section 6.3 {lp 1510 is activated. Details of this are shown in FIG. 13, and the transmission and reception of information with the information acquisition device are described in detail.

 Claim 1 is expressed as a device in claim 3, which cites the configuration shown in Fig. 14 in section 7.1 “Configuration of information acquisition device S”. As described in section 6.3 [1.1, the presence or absence of information is also included in the determination of obsolescence.

 Claim 4 shows the essentials of the retrieval procedure in the order of storing and retrieving information described in section 4 with reference to FIG. Claim 4 expresses claim 4 by a device, and quotes the configuration of FIG. 14 (section 7.1). Since the presence or absence of information and the obsolescence of information are determined by the “information seed extraction unit” 1404 and the “obsolete determination unit” 1405 (Section 6.3), both are collectively referred to as the “information determination unit” 1424.

 Claims 6 and 5 have added information storage to Claims 4 and 5.

Claims for capturing information based on the type of information are Claims 8 and 9. The procedure for capturing information using the type of information present in the information acquisition device is described in Section 5.1. Claim 8 describes the procedure with reference to Figure 15 (Section 7.2). In the obsolescence judgment, if the response is not set or if there is no information ahead of the response, it is determined to be obsolete (see Section 6.3 [lp. Corrected form is determined Corrected form (Rule 91) The details of the “execution of information update procedure” 1510 are shown in FIG. Note that “connection of communication line with information distribution apparatus” 1002 uses “designation of original information of information type” 503. Part of the specification of the information source is the specification of the information distribution device (Section 5.1).

 Claim 9 adds a procedure for setting the correspondence of newly received information to the type of information.

 Claims for obsolete judgments using only the information acquisition device that uses the type of information are claims 10 to 15.

 Claim 10 if the information is obsolete and display the information differently than the non-obsolete information (section 14.3, last four paragraphs, and section 14.4, last paragraph) Claim 12 additionally specifies.

 Claim 13 sets the obsolete judgment information as the expiration date in claim 10.

 Claim 14 determines that the obsolescence determination information is the date at the time of distribution or the date H of the information creation change, and the validity period is added to the obsolescence determination information.

 Claim 15 is that the obsolescence determination information is the version number in claim # 10.

 Claims 16 to 18 are claims for updating information.

 Claims 19 to 20 are claims for additional correction of the type of information.

 Claim 19 describes the procedure for creating a new type of information and associating it with information with reference to FIG.

 Claim 20 describes the procedure for rewriting the type of information with reference to FIG.

 Claims 21 to 28 are claims that combine the above claims.

 Claim 21 combines claim 19 "addition of information type" and claim 16 "information update".

 Claim 22 is a combination of Claim 9 "Importing information based on the type of information" and Claim 16 "Update procedure".

 Claims 23 and 24 combine the "basic of information storage and retrieval" in claim 6 or claim 7 with the "information update" in claim 16 or claim 17.

 Claims 25 and 26 combine "Basics of Information Storage and Retrieval" in Claim 1 or Claim 3 with "Information Update" in Claim 16 or Claim 17.

Claims 27 and 28 correspond to Claims 25 and 26 which exclude the designation of the initial information in Claim 1 or Claim 3. Corrected form (thigh IJ91) 《Section 18.3 Initial information creation procedure to be provided to the information acquisition device and claims on the device and the recording medium》

 Claim 29 shows the initial information creation method based on FIG. 34. If there is no other procedure, the information does not correspond, that is, only the information type is created.

 Claim 30 shows an initial information creation device corresponding to claim 29 based on FIG. Claim 31 is a computer-readable medium that records the type of information created in claim 29 or claim 30.

 Claims 32, 33 and 34 correspond to the initial information of the type of information with information. In order to cope with the situation where the created information type and information are once recorded on a CD or the like, and the information type correspondence 502 is set when the information is installed on a computer (information acquisition device). , Claim No. 32, Iff Request No. 33, and Claim 34 do not mention the correspondence 502.

<< Section 18.4 Claims to be given to information distribution equipment >>

 Figure 13 shows the procedure for making the final obsolescence determination in the information distribution device S10 (section 6.5.3). Claim 35 sets out the key to this procedure.

 FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the information distribution apparatus 104 when the final obsolescence determination is performed by the information distribution apparatus 104 (section 8.1). Claim 36 illustrates the point of this configuration.

《Section 18.5 Claims for Application Examples》

 Claims 37 to 42 are claims relating to the business card information management system.

 Claim 38 is a device corresponding to the information acquisition device 2301 in FIG. 23, and Claim 37 is equivalent to the program procedure of the device.

 Claim 39 corresponds to the connection function of the information acquisition device (section 12.5) and the connection function of the information distribution device (section 12.6).

Claim 40 corresponds to the connection function (section 12.6) of the information distribution device of the information acquisition device. ”Claims 41 and 42 are the reconciliation of the intentions of the caller and the callee (section 12.3), Claim 43 and Claim 4 are claims relating to the computer program distribution management system. Claim 44 is a device corresponding to the information acquisition device H 2401 in FIG. 24, and Claim 43 is a device corresponding to the program procedure of the device. In addition, the intermediary program (section 13.2), the dynamic link program (section corrected form (employment IJ91) Yon 13.3) and the automatic update program (Section 13.4) also correspond to claims 43 and 44. Claim 46 is a device corresponding to the information acquisition device 2701 in FIG. 27, and Claim 45 is equivalent to the program procedure of the device.

 Claims 45 and 46 are claims closed to the CD catalog system.

 The ideals for distributing information on CDs and other sources are summarized in Section 2.4. Section 17.2 confirmed that this ideal can be achieved by "updating information by type of information". This is obtained by solving for 47 and ^

See Figure 48.

 As shown in Section 14.3, the list of products shown in Figure 29 and Figure 30 can be used to distribute seeds of information in a form that can be used by information acquisition devices. This is the same for listings for computer programs, game programs, game images, videos, music, documents, etc. as well as products. A list in which these are mixed may be used. Claim 49 is a computer-readable medium recording this Table II.

 Claims 50 and 51 are claims relating to the CD catalog system.

Claims 52 and 53 are Claim ¹ regarding the music video system.

 Claims 54 and 55 are claims relating to the program installation system.

 Claims 56 and 57 are claims relating to the game system.

 Claims 58 and 59 relate to the education system. In FIG. 33, “Step5” 3316 or “Step5 for KunioJ 3319” in the information distribution device 3303 and “Step5 for KunioJ 3307” in the information acquisition device 3301 are the contents of the lecture. Student number 3305 is called "Student identification?"

 Claims 60 and 61 are the related claims that described their application to the navigation system in Section 5.3.

<< Section 18.6 Claim of a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded >>

 Some of the claims of the above method are claims of a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded. Claim 1 is Claim 62, Claim 4 is Claim 63, ^ Claim 8 is Claim 64, Claim 10 is Claim 65, Claim 16 is Claim 66, and Claim 19 is Claim Claim 67 corresponds to Claim 68, Claim 27 corresponds to Claim 69, and Claim 27 corresponds to Claim 69.

Corrected form (Rule 91) Industrial applicability

 As described above, according to the present invention, information can be appropriately acquired, distributed, and updated via a communication network or a communication line. The effects of A's physical relaxation are shown below.

 (1) Business card information management system

 As the person who receives the business card and manages the information, the business card is used. Can be updated to the latest information. Also, by simply specifying the key, it is possible to set the communication path with the communication partner via multiple information distribution devices. In other words, communication via a plurality of independent dial spaces can be realized by operating the dial space on the transmitting side. From the side of distributing business cards, correction of business card information only needs to be registered on the home page that manages it. It can also be used to shorten the ft expiration date of information and frequently notify changes in contact information. This was not possible with conventional business cards.

 (2) Computer program distribution management system

 By setting only the boot menu in the computer and activating the boot menu item, the program is imported and installed, and the version of the pro program is upgraded. It is convenient for computer users because only necessary programs are automatically installed when needed.

 In addition, new sales forms of computer hardware and software will be possible. At present, various programs including OS are installed and sold on computers. In contrast, the program

—There is a method of installing and selling a program of the present invention for managing John, inexpensive OS and communication software. In addition to this, the computer is also provided with the interface for launching the program and the type of information corresponding to the interface. If you don't like the menu you have installed, go to the Internet homepage, which provides a template for the program menu: for sales businesses, for housewives, for elementary school students, and the Faculty of Engineering. There are recommended menus for various purposes, such as for students, so select it. Add the startup menu of your favorite software to this and download it to your computer.

 The first time one of the items in this menu is activated, the program of the present invention that manages the version of the program will determine the absence of the program by referring to the contents of the corresponding information type. Obtain the required program from the specified information distribution device, install and install it. After the second time, if there is no need for version-up, the program is started directly. In addition, take the program

Corrected form (; 5HIJ91) If you make a judgment based on whether there is a program or not, after installing--degrees, it is exactly the same as launching a program. Versioning can be performed automatically.

 As a side selling hardware, there are few software bundled with hardware, so the selling price can be reduced. As a side who sells software, you can get a sales opportunity by registering it on the menu. In addition, it is expected that the user service will be improved and the revenue will be increased by having all the appropriate version upgrades executed. The side that uses hardware and software has the advantage that only the necessary software can be installed. Appropriate version upgrade can also be performed. When calling another program from a program, the intermediary program (section 13.2 fe [25]) should be linked, and the intermediary program will take care of loading and upgrading the program. In other words, necessary software related to a certain software is automatically installed. Also, even if you intend to use it and register it in the menu, you do not need to install it until you actually use it, so you can use the magnetic disk effectively —

 It is convenient to record the information (eg, license number etc.) that proves the purchase of the software (software use license) as the type of information. When the hard disk of the information acquisition device is not used, delete programs that are not frequently used. When the program is restarted, it will be reinstalled according to the procedure of the present invention. However, proof of software purchase is sent to the information distribution device, and the license is confirmed (without purchasing a new one). You can get the software.

 Summarizing the above, "When a hardware maker provides a computer, the price can be kept down by bundling a low-cost version of software with limited functions. If software is imported, it will be transformed into a computer that suits the user's preference, and the software-to-air maker will have more opportunities to sell its own software, that is, hardware manufacturers, software manufacturers, and users. This creates a situation that is convenient for the elderly. "

 (3) Catalog information management system

 In the conventional catalog, there was an inconvenience that information could not be updated after the issuance. However, by applying the present invention to the catalog information management system, the obsolete information can be automatically updated when the user accesses the information. You can also add new products, change the layout of next and next pages, and change the number of stocks and prices. Become a big sales force,

 (4) Article information system

 If the present invention was applied to an article information system that provides information on articles in magazines and newspapers on CDs and the Internet, a vast amount of information was provided on CDs, and new articles with differences required users in next and index. Only articles can be dynamically imported from the Internet.

Corrected form (rule 91) (5) Music video system

 You can add an artist's message of the month to a music or image CD. When the expiration date of this month's message has expired, import a new message while listening to the song. At the end of the song, this month's message will be played along with the video asking for participation in the upcoming concert.

 Information such as monthly messages from artists, the latest concert information, the release of new CDs, etc. can be extracted from media such as CDs, which is useful for sales promotion. Also, important information on sales strategy can be obtained from the number of access to update information recorded on the distribution device,

(6) Program installation system

 When installing a program distributed on a CD, you can obtain and install the latest program that addresses any bugs. In addition, the program added later can be installed. If communication with the information distribution device is not possible, the ability to install using the information recorded on the .CD is the same as the conventional installation.

 (7) Games

 When installing a game program, the latest programs, image files, and music files can be obtained from the Internet and installed.

 Regarding the game execution, you can change the game scenario and the ending game every month. Advertising and announcements from game distributors can be updated and displayed periodically.

 (8) Education system

 Even in an educational system with a computer, it is now possible to distribute individual student curriculum and class content. Even in a CAI system with a large number of students, teachers can create and operate special force curricula tailored to special students. High educational effects can be expected with few teachers.

Corrected paper (brain

Claims

The scope of the claims  1. A method of providing information in response to a request for information, comprising the steps of: "determining whether the requested information is in a recording unit, and fetching the information from the information distribution device if the requested information is not there; An information providing method characterized by * having a "procedure for setting initial information in a recording unit" in addition to a "procedure for recording newly acquired information in a recording unit".  2. A method for providing information in response to an information request, comprising: "determining whether the requested information is present in a recording unit"; and, if the requested information is not present, information via a communication line. An information providing method characterized by having a procedure of fetching information from a distribution device and recording newly fetched information in a recording section and a procedure of setting initial information in a recording section.  3. A device that provides information in response to an information request, and determines whether the requested information is in the recording unit. A recording unit in addition to the “information requesting unit” that requests information, the “information receiving unit” that receives information from the information distribution device, and the “reception information setting unit” that records newly received information in the recording unit An information providing device characterized by having an “initial information setting unit” for setting initial information in a device.  4. A method of providing information in response to a request for information, in which a request for the requested information is first made by “procedure j for searching for the first recording unit, and An information providing method characterized by having a "procedure for searching" and a "procedure for fetching information from an information distributing apparatus" when there is no more  5. An apparatus for providing information in response to an information request, comprising: a first recording unit, a second recording unit, a first recording unit, and a second recording unit J; Information from the information distribution unit, which determines whether there is requested information inside, an information requesting unit that requests information from the information distribution unit S when there is no information, An information providing device having an "information receiving unit" for receiving.  6. The information providing method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of: "recording newly captured information in the first recording unit".  7. The information providing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a "reception information setting unit" for recording newly received information in the first recording unit. 8. A method of providing information in response to a request for information, the "procedure for identifying the type of information corresponding to the key of the requested information" and the "information corresponding to the identified information type. If the information does not correspond to the specified information type, the procedure J to provide the information, and the information distribution device using the information source specified in the information fi A method of communicating and receiving information ". Corrected form (brain!) 91 9. A method for providing information in response to a request for information, the "procedure for identifying the type of information corresponding to the key of the requested information" and the "information corresponding to the identified information type". If the information does not correspond to the specified type of information, it will communicate with the information distribution device using the information source specified in the type of information. Receiving the information, recording the information, and setting the correspondence to the type of the identified information ”.  10. A method for providing information in response to an information request, comprising "a procedure for extracting information type obsolescence determination information and referring to information inside the information acquisition device to determine information obsolescence". A method of providing information characterized by things.  11. A device for providing information in response to an information request, characterized by having a “information seed extraction unit” for extracting information seeds and an “obsolete determination unit” for judging information obsolete. Information providing device. 12. The information providing method according to claim 10, characterized by having a "procedure for making the display of the information obsolete when the information becomes obsolete and displaying it differently from the display of the information which is not used".  13. A method of providing information in response to an information request, which includes the "procedure for comparing information expiration dates with the current time inside the information acquisition device to determine staleness of information". An information provision method characterized by  14. A method of providing information in response to an information request, wherein the type of information is to add the expiration date held inside the information acquisition device to the time information, and determine the current time inside the information acquisition device. A procedure for comparing information to determine whether it is obsolete. "  15. A method of providing information in response to an information request, comprising the steps of comparing the version number of the information seed with the version number stored inside the information acquisition device to determine whether the information is obsolete. An information providing method characterized by having a “performing procedure”.  16. The information providing method according to claim 10, further comprising "a procedure for acquiring information from an information distribution device when the information is out of date".  17. An information requesting unit for requesting information from an information distributing device and an information receiving unit for receiving information from the information distributing device when the information is out of date. Information providing device described 18. The information providing method according to claim 16, characterized by: "a procedure for determining final obsolescence by communicating with an information distributing device".  19. A method for providing information in response to an information request, characterized by having a procedure for creating a seed of information including a key and obsolete judgment materials and a procedure for setting correspondence to the information for the seed of information. Information provision method 20. A method of providing information in response to an information request, rewriting the obsolete judgment information of the information Revised paper oa rule 91) An information providing method, comprising: a procedure; and a procedure for setting correspondence to information of an information type. 21. The information providing method according to claim 16, further comprising a step of creating a type of information including a key and an obsolescence determination material, and a step of setting correspondence to the information in the type of information.  22. “Procedure for specifying the type of information corresponding to the requested information key”, “Procedure for providing information if the information corresponds to the specified information type”, and “ When the information does not correspond to the type of information, it communicates with the information distributing device using the specification of the original information specified in the type of information, receives the information, records the information, and records the specified type of information. A procedure for setting a response to a request m The information provision method described in 16.  23. “Procedure for extracting the obsolescence determination information of the type of information and determining the obsolescence of the information by referring to the information inside the information acquisition device” and “When the information is outdated, the information is transmitted from the information distribution device. 7. The information providing method according to claim 6, further comprising:  24. A device for providing information in response to an information request, comprising: a “first recording unit”, a “second recording unit”, and a “first recording unit” and a “second recording unit”; "Information Judgment Unit" that determines whether there is requested information inside, "Information Request Unit" that requests information from the information distribution device when there is no information, and receives information from the information distribution device 18. The information providing apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: an "information receiving unit"; and a "received information setting unit" that records newly received information in the first recording unit.  25. A method of providing information in response to an information request, comprising the steps of "determining whether the requested information is in a recording unit, and distributing the information via a communication line if the requested information is not there. Procedure for importing information from the device and recording the newly acquired information in the recording unit ”and“ Setting initial information in the recording unit ” 17. The information providing method according to claim 16, further comprising "a procedure for setting initial information in a recording unit". 26. A device that provides information in response to an information request, and is a device that extracts the seed of information, an “information seed extraction unit”, and a “obsolete determination unit that determines whether or not the information is in the recording unit. An "information requesting unit I" for requesting information from the information distributing device when there is no requested information or when the information is obsolete, and an "information receiving unit" for receiving information from the information distributing device. An information providing apparatus characterized by having a “reception information setting section” for recording newly received information in a recording section and an “initial information setting section j” for setting initial information in the recording section. 27. A method for providing information in response to an information request, comprising the steps of: "determining whether the requested information is in a recording unit, and distributing the information via a communication line if the requested information is not there. 18. The information providing method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of: fetching information from a device and recording newly fetched information in a recording unit. Corrected form (Rule 91) 28. A device that provides information in response to an information request, the “information seed extraction unit” that extracts the seed of information, and the “obsolete determination unit” that determines whether or not the information is in the recording unit and determines whether the information is obsolete. An "information requesting unit" that requests information from an information distributing device when there is no requested information and when the information is obsolete, and an "information receiving unit" that receives information from the information distributing device. An information providing apparatus comprising: a “reception information setting unit” that records newly received information in a recording unit.  29. A method for creating initial information for an information providing device, comprising the steps of creating a type of information, a procedure for setting a key, and a procedure for setting designation of an information original. How to make.  30. A device that creates initial information for an information providing device and creates a seed of information. “Information seed creation unit” Sets the key. “Key setting unit” sets the designation of the original information. An initial information creation device, comprising:  31. A computer-readable recording medium that records “a key to specify the type of information and a type of information that holds the specification of the original information”.  32. A method for creating initial information for an information providing device, the method comprising the steps of creating a seed of information, setting a key, and setting obsolete judgment data. .  33. A device that creates initial information for an information providing device and creates a seed of information. “Information seed creation unit”, sets key. “Key setting unit”, sets obsolescence judgment data. An initial information creation device characterized by having an “obsolete judgment material setting section”.  34. A “computer-readable recording medium” that records “a key for identifying the type of information and the type of information holding the obsolescence judgment data” and the information to be managed.  35. A method for providing information in response to an information request from an information acquisition device, comprising: a procedure for receiving the content of an information seed and comparing it with the content of a corresponding management block; An information providing method, comprising: a procedure for instructing the information acquisition device to change the type of information; and a procedure for instructing the information acquisition device to change information.  36. A device that provides information in response to an information request from an information acquisition device, receives the contents of the information type, and retrieves the corresponding management block from the “recording unit”. An information providing apparatus, comprising: a “management block transmitting unit” for instructing the information acquisition device ^ to change the type of information; and a blue report transmitting unit for instructing the information acquisition / concealment to change information. .  37. The information providing method according to claim 27, wherein business card information is used as target information.  38. The information providing device according to claim 28, wherein the business card information is used as target information.  39. Set the communication path to the selected business card information destination ^ Set the "sending unit"-w * 37 featuring $ ' Corrected form (Rule 91) Information provision method described.  40. The information providing apparatus according to claim 38, further comprising: a communication bus connecting unit for connecting a communication path.  41. A method for providing business card information, comprising the steps of taking out an incoming fg-selection designation of a management block corresponding to a key for designating a called party, excluding unusable recipients, and notifying the remaining recipients. An information providing method characterized by having the following.  42. This is a method of providing business card information. I. A management block corresponding to the key for designating the called party is received. Ίΐ The selection specification is taken out, the unusable destination media is excluded, and the calling party is disabled. A method for providing information, characterized by having a procedure of excluding media, specifying the order of the remaining media, and notifying the destination.  43. The information providing method according to claim 27, wherein the computer program is used as the target information.  44. The information providing device S according to claim 28, wherein the computer program is used as the target information.  45. The information providing method according to claim 23, wherein the catalog information is targeted.  46. The information providing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the catalog information is targeted.  47. The information providing method according to claim 23, wherein the second recording unit is a CD.  48. The information providing device according to claim 24, wherein the second recording unit is a CD.  49. A computer-readable recording medium that records “types of information for which a list of various information is managed information”.  50. A method for providing information as described in Claim ¾23, in which article information is targeted.  51. The information providing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein article information is set as target information.  52. The information providing method according to claim 23, wherein information on music or video is used as target information.  53. The information providing device according to claim 24, wherein the information of music or video is used as target information.  54. A method for providing information as set forth in claim I 员 23, in which a program to be installed or an installation script is targeted.  55. The information providing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the information to be installed is a program or an installation script.  56. The information providing method according to claim 23, wherein game program, data file, music, or video information is set as the target information. 57. The information providing device according to claim 24, wherein the information provided is information on a game program, a data file, music, or a video. 58. The information providing method according to claim 23, wherein curriculum / learning contents information is targeted information, and a student identifier is specified when requesting information to the information distribution apparatus.  59. The information providing device according to claim 24, wherein the information on the curriculum and the contents of the lecture is the target information, and the request for information to the information distributing device i includes a cow: student identifier.  60. The information providing method according to claim 23, wherein map information is used as target information.  61. The information providing device according to claim 24, wherein the map information is used as target information.  62. A computer program that provides information in response to a request for information. “Determines whether the requested information is in the storage unit, and if the requested information is not there, fetches the information from the information distribution device, A computer-readable recording medium that records a computer program characterized by performing a “procedure for setting initial information in a recording unit” in addition to a “procedure for recording information captured in a recording unit”.  63. A computer program that provides information in response to a request for information without first seeking the requested information. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded therein a computer program characterized by having a "procedure for searching" and a "procedure for fetching information from an information distribution apparatus" when there is no further information.  64. A computer program that provides information in response to a request for information. The "procedure for identifying the type of information corresponding to the key of the requested information" and "the information corresponds to the identified information type." If the information does not correspond to the specified information type, the information is communicated with the information distributing device using the information original specified by the information type. And a computer-readable recording medium recording the program.  65. A computer program that provides information in response to an information request, and has a procedure for extracting information type obsolescence determination information and determining information obsolescence by referring to information inside the information acquisition device. A computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program is recorded.  66. A computer program that provides information in response to an information request. The procedure is to extract the information type obsolescence determination information and determine the information obsolescence by referring to the information acquired by the information acquisition device. Computer readable recording medium, characterized by having a procedure for acquiring information from an information distributing device when the server is obsolete. 67. A computer program that provides information in response to an information request, including the steps to create a birch of information, including keys and obsolescence determination materials, and to set the correspondence to information in the type of information. A computer-readable recording medium that records the feature program. Corrected form (rule 91) 68. A computer program that provides information in response to a request for information. First, the procedure for searching for the first recording unit is searched for. "Search procedure", if there is no more information, "Procedure to fetch information from the information distribution device", "Procedure to record newly fetched information in the first recording unit", and A procedure for extracting information from the information acquisition apparatus and determining whether or not the information is degenerated by referring to the internal information of the information acquisition apparatus, and a procedure for fetching information from the information distribution apparatus when the information is degenerated. A computer-readable recording medium that records a computer program.  69. A computer program that provides coasting information in response to an information request. “Procedure for extracting! ^-Judging judgment information for the type of information and referring to the information inside the information acquisition device to judge whether the information has been transformed.” Procedure for importing information from information distribution device when information becomes obsolete '' Judgment as to whether requested information is in recording unit, and distribution of information via communication line if requested information is not there Computer readable recording medium, comprising: a procedure for fetching information from a device and recording newly fetched information in a recording unit. Corrected form (Rule 91)