JP2004355306A - Terminal device, service providing server, and RF tag sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

To easily install a service in a terminal device.
An RF tag reading unit that reads RF tag identification information, a communication unit that communicates with a server that manages a service, and an RF tag identification information read by the RF tag reading unit to the server using the communication unit. The transmission means for transmission, the reception means for receiving information about the service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag from the server, the service is installed in the terminal according to the service information received by the reception means, and the RF tag can be read In this case, a service corresponding to the RF tag is installed.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for providing a service to a terminal device and an apparatus provided with the service.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the advancement of terminal devices has progressed, and it is possible to incorporate functions required by users later. At present, functions can be added not only to personal computers but also to mobile phones and PDAs. As a result, after purchasing the device, a new service can be received.
On the other hand, there is a technology that uses a non-contact IC card for determining whether or not a user can receive a service. In this technology, as a portable certificate, a non-contact IC chip attached to a sheet-like medium can be used as a certificate (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2001-357377 [0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional technology as described above, when a user uses a new service, it is necessary for the user to install an application and set up to receive the service according to a predetermined procedure. It has become a high thing.
In addition, the technology using a non-contact IC card is sufficient to determine the legitimacy of the right to receive the service, but cannot provide an environment for receiving the service.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an environment in which a user can easily receive a legitimate service, improve user convenience, and facilitate service distribution.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the present invention, an IC for managing a communication means with a terminal device and identification information for identifying the RF tag (hereinafter referred to as an identification number) is managed in an IC with a communication device called an RF tag. Number management means is provided. The RF tag is arranged on a part of the adhesive sheet so as to be attached to the terminal device, and is arranged on a part of the card so that it can be inserted into the terminal device or the cover of the terminal device.
In the present invention, the terminal device is provided with RF tag reading means for reading the RF tag. When an RF tag is attached to the terminal device and a card with an RF tag attached is inserted, the RF tag reading means is used to read the identification number of the RF tag. Furthermore, in the present invention, the terminal device is provided with means for communicating with the server, and the read identification information of the RF tag is transmitted to the server.
[0006]
The server used in the present invention is provided with service management means for managing the correspondence between the identification number of the RF tag and the service. Furthermore, in the present invention, the server is provided with means for communicating with the terminal device so that the identification number of the RF tag can be received from the terminal device. When the server receives the RF tag identification number from the terminal device, the service management unit can search for a service corresponding to the received RF tag identification number. Furthermore, in the server, information (hereinafter referred to as service information) necessary for making the service specified as a result of the search usable in the terminal device is transmitted to the terminal device via the communication means.
[0007]
In the terminal device, when service information is received from the server by the communication means of the terminal device, an environment in which the service can be used in the terminal device is installed based on the service information. Introducing service management means for managing the correspondence between the installed service and the identification number of the RF tag is provided so that the correspondence between the installed service and the RF tag can be managed. Also, the introduction service management means manages information necessary for uninstalling the service.
[0008]
Also, the terminal device is provided with an uninstalling means for making the service unavailable. Then, when the RF tag is peeled off or pulled out from the terminal device, a service corresponding to the RF tag that has been peeled off or pulled out is searched using the introduction service management means, and the RF tag is stored in the RF tag. The corresponding service is deleted according to the uninstall information managed by the introduction service management means.
[0009]
By the above means, in the present invention, the RF tag is attached to, inserted into, or inserted into the cover in the terminal device, so that the terminal device can use the service corresponding to the RF tag. Then, the use of the service is terminated by removing or removing the RF tag.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
First, a terminal device used in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the figure, 100 is a terminal device. Examples of the terminal device 100 include a mobile phone, a personal computer, a set top box, a digital camera, a handy camcorder, and a VTR. In the figure, reference numeral 200 denotes an RF (Radio Frequency) tag. The RF tag is an IC having a wireless communication function. Reference numeral 300 denotes a server.
[0011]
The terminal device 100 includes 101 to 107. Reference numeral 101 denotes a CPU which executes various programs related to peripheral control, data processing and communication. An input control unit 102 includes a keyboard, a touch pad, a numeric keypad, various buttons, and the like. A storage unit 103 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, or the like. Then, various programs and data used in this embodiment are stored. An output control unit 104 is, for example, a driver for driving an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and the LCD. The output control unit 104 may be integrated with the terminal device 100 and may be separated. A communication control unit 105 is a part that controls communication with the server 300, and controls a protocol and a physical layer of communication. The communication control unit 105 may be wireless or wired. An RF tag reading control unit 106 communicates with the RF tag 200 and is used to acquire RF tag information.
[0012]
Next, the RF tag 200 will be described with reference to FIG.
The RF tag 200 includes a wireless communication control 201, an ID number management 202, and an antenna 203. The wireless communication control 201 controls communication with the terminal device 100. The ID number management 202 records and holds the identification number assigned to the RF tag 200. In general, a different identification number is assigned to each RF tag 200, but the same identification number may be used. The antenna 203 is connected to the communication control unit 201 and transmits or receives a radio signal.
[0013]
Next, usage examples of the RF tag 200 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 shows an example in which the RF tag 200 is sealed. In this example, the RF tag 200 is disposed on a sheet 210 having an adhesive portion so that the RF tag 200 can be attached to the terminal device 100. FIG. 3A illustrates an example in which a sheet 210 a including the RF tag 200 is attached to a mobile phone 100 a that is an example of the terminal device 100. FIG. 3B illustrates an example in which a sheet 210 b including the RF tag 200 is attached to a personal computer 100 b that is an example of the terminal device 100.
When it is better to specify a location where the RF tag 200 is pasted to the terminal device 100, the location where the RF tag is pasted can be specified in the terminal device 100. By doing in this way, there exists an effect of improving the sensitivity of communication.
[0014]
FIG. 4 is an example in which a location where the RF tag 200 is pasted is specified in the terminal device 100. FIG. 4A is an example in which a place 110 a where the RF tag 200 is pasted on a mobile phone 100 a which is an example of the terminal device 100 is indicated by a dotted line. FIG. 4B is an example in which a place 110b where the RF tag 200 is pasted on a personal computer 100b which is an example of the terminal device 100 is indicated by a dotted line. In this example, the location where the RF tag 200 is pasted is indicated by a dotted line, but the location where the RF tag 200 is pasted may be determined by another line or shape instead of the dotted line.
[0015]
Next, another usage example of the RF tag 200 is shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 5, the RF tag 200 is an example in which the RF tag 200 is not placed on the seal but is attached to the card 220 and the card is inserted into the card slot of the terminal device 100. The card slot may be built in the terminal device 100 or in the cover of the terminal device 100.
In the present invention, the terminal device 100 can receive a service corresponding to the RF tag 200 by attaching the seal 210 including the RF tag 200 described above or inserting the card 220. In the following, data and processing for realizing a service will be described.
[0016]
First, the service management table 400 for managing the correspondence between the identification number managed by the ID number management 202 of the RF tag 200 and the received service will be described with reference to FIGS. The service management table 400 is managed by the server 300.
The service management table 400 is composed of zero or more service management records 410. Each service management record 400 includes an ID 401, service information 402, and the remaining usage count 403. The ID 401 is an identification number managed by the ID number management 202 of the RF tag 200 and is information for specifying the RF tag 200. The service information 402 is information related to a service corresponding to the RF tag 200 specified by the ID 401. The remaining usage count 403 is the remaining count for receiving the service specified by the ID 401, and is, for example, a positive numerical value or a symbol indicating that there is no limit.
[0017]
FIG. 7 shows an example of service information 402.
In the figure, 402a is an example in the case where the service is an application such as a game. In this case, the service information 402 includes the name of the service (name line in the figure), the type of service (kind line in the figure), the application acquisition method (download line in the figure), and the number of times the application is used ( Information such as “Count” in the figure is described.
In the figure, 402b is an example when the service is a file sharing service. In this case, the service information 402 includes a service name (name line in the figure), a service type (kind line in the figure), and a file holder in which the shared file is stored (shared address line in the figure). ), An access right to the shared file (Access line in the figure), a key for accessing (AccessKey line in the figure), and the like are described. The access rights include read-only and read / write OK. As an access key, for example, there is a combination of a user ID and a password.
[0018]
In the figure, 402c is an example in the case where the service is a content providing service such as a movie. In this case, as service information 402, the name of the service (name line in the figure), the type of service (kind line in the figure), the content acquisition location (download line in the figure), the number of times of browsing the content (in the figure) Information such as “Count” is described.
The above is only an example of the service information 402, and it is not necessary to include all of the information. Moreover, there is no problem even if other information necessary for providing the service is added. In the example of FIG. 7, information related to services is described in units of lines, but it goes without saying that other description methods such as XML (extensible Markup Language) may be used.
[0019]
Next, the introduction service management table 450 for managing the introduced service in the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The introduction service management table 450 is stored in the storage unit 103 of the terminal device 100.
The introduction service management table 450 includes a plurality of introduction service records 460. Each introduction service record 460 includes an ID 451, uninstallation information 452, and the remaining number of times 453.
The ID 451 is an identification number managed by the ID number management 202 of the RF tag 200 and is information for specifying the RF tag 200. The uninstall information 452 is information necessary for uninstalling the service corresponding to the RF tag 200 specified by the ID 451. The remaining number of times is the remaining number of times that the service corresponding to the RF tag 200 specified by the ID 451 can be used.
[0020]
Next, a service installation process 500 and a service provision process 510 executed when the terminal apparatus 100 detects a new RF tag 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The service installation process 500 is executed by the terminal device 100, and the service providing process 510 is executed by the server 300.
In the service installation process 500, first, the identification number of the newly detected RF tag 200 is read from the RF tag 200 using the reading control unit 106 (step 501). Next, the identification number read in step 501 is set in the RF information data 700 and transmitted to the server (step 502).
[0021]
When the server 300 receives the RF information data 700, the server 300 executes a service providing process 510. In the service providing process 510, first, the identification number of the RF tag 200 is extracted from the received RF information data 700 (step 511). Next, from the service management table 400, the service management record 410 having the same identification number extracted in step 511 and the identification number of ID 401 is specified, and the service information 402 of the service management record 410 is read (step 512). Next, the service information 402 read out in step 512 is set in the service information data 710 and transmitted to the terminal device 100 (step 513). If the service management record 410 cannot be specified in step 512, or can be specified. However, when the remaining usage count 403 is 0, an error code indicating an error is set in the service information data 710 instead of the service information 402. Next, when the remaining use count 403 of the service management record 410 specified in step 512 is a positive numerical value, the value is decreased by 1 (step 514). If the remaining usage count becomes 0 in step 514, the service management record 410 may be deleted from the service management table 400.
[0022]
The terminal device 100 receives the service information 710 transmitted from the server 300 after step 502 (step 503). Then, it is checked whether the received service information 710 contains an error code (step 504). If no error code is included in the received service information 710, the service is installed according to the contents of the received service information 710. At this time, if the identification number of the newly detected RF tag 200 is described as ID451, the information for uninstalling the installed service is described as uninstall information 452, and the use service limit is described in the received service information 710. An introduction service record 460 is created in which the number of times is set as the remaining number of times 453. Then, the created introduction service record 460 is added to the introduction service management table 450 (step 505). In step 504, if an error code is included in the received service information 710, the user is notified of the error (step 506). An example of a screen to notify the user is shown in FIG. Note that there is no problem even if the processing in step 506 is omitted.
[0023]
If no processing is required for uninstalling the service, the uninstall information 452 is unnecessary. Further, when there is no limit on the number of times the service is used, the remaining number of times 453 is not necessary.
The remaining number of times 453 is reduced by 1 every time the user uses the service, and when the user becomes 0, the service cannot be used.
[0024]
Next, service deletion processing 550 executed when the RF tag 200 attached to the terminal device 100 is removed or the inserted RF tag is removed will be described with reference to FIG. The service deletion process 550 is executed by the terminal device 100.
In the service deletion process 550, first, the deleted RF tag 200 is specified (step 551). This can be detected, for example, by comparing the identification information of the ID 461 of the introduction service record 460 in the introduction service management table 450 with the identification information of the RF tag 200 that can be detected by the terminal device 100. Next, the introduction service record 460 corresponding to the RF tag specified in step 551 is specified, and the uninstall information 452 is read (step 552). Then, based on the read uninstall information 452, the service is uninstalled (step 553). Next, the introduction service record 460 corresponding to the RF tag specified in step 551 is deleted from the introduction service management table 450.
[0025]
It should be noted that detection of addition or deletion of the RF tag 200 can be performed periodically or when the power is turned on. Processing in that case will be described with reference to FIG.
In the figure, reference numeral 560 denotes a service addition / deletion process. In the service addition / deletion process 560, first, all the RF tags 200 that can be detected by the terminal device 100 are detected, and their identification numbers are read (step 561). Next, the identification information of ID 461 of the introduction service record 460 in the introduction service management table 450 is compared with the identification number read in step 561 to determine whether there is an added or deleted RF tag 200 (step). 562). If there is neither addition nor deletion of the RF tag, the process is terminated. When the RF tag 200 is added, the service installation process 500 is executed. If the RF tag 200 has been deleted, the service deletion process 550 is executed.
[0026]
Next, examples of services that can be realized by the above-described hardware, data, and processing will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 13 shows an example where the service corresponding to the RF tag 200 is a game. An example of a game list screen that can be used before the RF tag 200 is pasted on the terminal device 100 is shown in 801. When the service corresponding to the RF tag 200 to be pasted is the game 4, the game 4 can be used by pasting the RF tag 200 on the terminal device 100. An example of a list screen of available games after the RF tag 200 is pasted on the terminal device 100 is shown in 802. The game 4 can be played by selecting the game 4 on the screen 802. If the RF tag corresponding to the game 4 is removed, the game 4 is uninstalled from the terminal device. Therefore, it is also deleted from the list of available games as shown on the screen 801.
[0027]
FIG. 14 is an example when the service corresponding to the RF tag 200 is a file sharing service. An example of a holder list screen that can be used before the RF tag 200 is pasted is shown in 810. When the service corresponding to the RF tag 200 to be pasted is access to a holder named net 1 on a certain server, the net 1 can be accessed by pasting the RF tag 200. An example of a list screen of available holders after pasting the RF tag 200 is shown in 811. The user can access the net 1 holder on the server by selecting the net 1. An example of a screen when photos 1 to 3 are stored in the net 1 holder is shown in a screen 812. If the RF tag 200 corresponding to the net 1 is removed, the access service to the net 1 is deleted from the terminal device 100. Therefore, it is also deleted from the list of available holders as in the screen 810.
[0028]
FIG. 15 shows an example in which the service corresponding to the RF tag 200 is browsing content with a limited number of browsing such as movies. An example of a usable content list screen before pasting the RF tag 200 is shown in 820. When the service corresponding to the RF tag 200 is a single viewing of the movie 1, the movie 1 is added to the browseable content list by pasting the RF tag 200. An example of a content list screen after pasting the RF tag 200 is shown in a screen 821. Since the number of times movie 1 is viewed is limited to one, movie 1 is deleted from the list of contents that can be viewed as shown in screen 820 after the viewing is completed. Also, when the RF tag 200 corresponding to movie 1 is removed, movie 1 is deleted from the list of contents.
As described above, in the service example, the RF tag 200 is attached or peeled off. However, the card 220 type RF tag described above may be inserted or pulled out. Needless to say.
[0029]
As described above, in the present invention, services that can be used using the RF tag 200 are different. To make it easy for users to distinguish between services, users can easily distinguish between services that can be used by changing the color and shape of sheets, stickers, and cards that contain RF tags, and by entering characters. There is an effect of becoming. FIG. 16 shows an example of the seal 210 in which the color, shape, etc. are changed so that the services can be distinguished.
Needless to say, the same applies to the card 220.
[0030]
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily install a specific service in the terminal device and receive the specific service simply by attaching an RF tag to the terminal device. As a result, if the user wants to receive a specific service, the user can simply receive the service by simply attaching a specific RF tag to the terminal device. In addition, when the service becomes unnecessary, it is only necessary to remove the RF, and the convenience of the user can be improved.
[0031]
Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the service provider can provide the service simply by distributing the RF tag, the service provided to the user can be easily distributed.
[0032]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily receive a specific service at the terminal device, and the convenience for the user can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an RF tag in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an RF tag in an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a terminal device.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a location where an RF tag is pasted is known in the terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an RF tag on a card is inserted in the terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of a service management table in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of service information in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of an introduction service information management table in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing service installation processing and service provision processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an example of an error display screen in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing service deletion processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing service addition / deletion processing in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of counting sheets including an RF tag according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 terminal device 200 RF tag 300 server 400 service management table 450 introduction service management table 500 service installation processing 510 service provision processing 550 service deletion processing 560 service addition deletion processing

Claims (12)

A terminal device having RF tag reading means for reading identification information of an RF tag,
A communication means for communicating with a server that manages the service;
Transmitting means for transmitting identification information of the RF tag read by the RF tag reading means to the server using the communication means;
Receiving means for receiving information about the service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag from the server;
A terminal device comprising means for installing in itself a service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag according to the information about the service received by the receiving means. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein a service corresponding to the RF tag can be used when the identification information of the RF tag is placed at a distance that can be read by the terminal device. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein a service corresponding to the RF tag can be used by attaching the RF tag to the terminal device so that the identification information of the RF tag can be read by the terminal device. apparatus. The terminal device according to claim 3, wherein a position where the RF tag is attached is marked. A terminal device having RF tag reading means for reading identification information of an RF tag,
A communication means for communicating with a server that manages the service;
Transmitting means for transmitting identification information of the RF tag read by the RF tag reading means to the server using the communication means;
Receiving means for receiving information about the service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag from the server;
Means for installing in itself a service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag according to the information about the service received by the receiving means;
Service management means for managing the correspondence between the identification information of the RF tag and the installed service,
A terminal device characterized in that, when the identification information of an RF tag cannot be read, the service management unit cannot use a service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the service information is not installed when the error information is included in the service information received from the server that manages the service. 6. The service information received from a server that manages the service is configured so that the service cannot be used when the usage count is reached when the service usage count is limited. The terminal device in any one. A terminal device having RF tag reading means for reading identification information of an RF tag,
A communication means for communicating with a server that manages the service;
Transmitting means for transmitting identification information of the RF tag read by the RF tag reading means to the server using the communication means;
Receiving means for receiving information about the service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag from the server;
Means for installing in itself a service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag according to the information about the service received by the receiving means;
If an adhesive sheet including an RF tag is attached to a terminal device, a service corresponding to the RF tag can be used. If the adhesive sheet is removed, a service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag cannot be received. A terminal device characterized by that. A terminal device having RF tag reading means for reading identification information of an RF tag,
A communication means for communicating with a server that manages the service;
Transmitting means for transmitting identification information of the RF tag read by the RF tag reading means to the server using the communication means;
Receiving means for receiving information about the service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag from the server;
Means for installing in itself a service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag according to the information about the service received by the receiving means;
When the card including the RF tag is inserted into the terminal device or the cover of the terminal device, the service corresponding to the RF tag can be used. When the card is pulled out, the service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag can be received. A terminal device characterized by disappearance. Receiving means for receiving RF tag identification information from the terminal device;
Service management means for managing the correspondence between the identification information of the RF tag and the service;
A service providing server, comprising: means for transmitting information related to a service corresponding to the received identification information to the terminal device when receiving the identification information of the RF tag from the terminal device. Means for receiving identification information of the RF tag from the terminal device;
Service management means for managing the correspondence between the identification information of the RF tag and the service, and the number of times the service can be used with the identification information;
When the identification information of the RF tag is received from the terminal device, if there is no service corresponding to the received identification information in the service management means, or the number of times of use of the service that can be used with the identification information is 0, the terminal device A service providing server characterized in that specific information is transmitted to the server so that the service cannot be used. A sheet including an RF tag used in a terminal device capable of reading identification information of the RF tag,
The identification information of the RF tag included in the sheet is transmitted from the terminal device to a server that manages the service, the information related to the service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag is received from the server to the terminal device, and the received service The service corresponding to the identification information of the RF tag is installed in itself according to the information on the information, and the installed service can be distinguished by the color of the sheet, the shape of the sheet, the characters on the sheet, or a combination thereof An RF tag sheet characterized by

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