Information terminal, control method, control program, information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information terminal, a control method, a control program, an information processing device, a method, and a program that allow switching of functions.SOLUTION: In an information processing system including one or more first user terminals and second user terminals which are connected to a server via a network, the second user terminal which is an information terminal includes: two or more pieces of hardware; a reception unit that receives software or a setting parameter; a storage unit that stores the software or setting parameter; a control unit that controls at least one of the two or more pieces of hardware, based on the software or setting parameter stored in the storage unit; and a change unit that changes the software or setting parameter stored in the storage unit to the software or setting parameter received by the reception unit, so as to make it available. The control unit makes at least one or more functions of the two or more pieces of hardware available or unavailable, according to the software or setting parameter which is made available by the change unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information terminal, a control method, and a control program capable of switching functions to be used. The present invention relates to a system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] When children reach a certain age, for example when they enter elementary school and start to act alone, Parents with children should be careful to check whether their children have arrived safely at school or cram school without getting into any accidents, and whether they are safe at home. They become worried about their children's behavior, such as when they are returning home. Therefore, as a mechanism to deal with the above problems, for example, smartphones It is possible to check the location information of children by using the GPS function installed in portable information terminals such as A service is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Re-tabled issue 2020 / 202449 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Nowadays, there are devices that can transmit not only location information but also voice data. Conventional information processing systems only use location information and only exchange voice data. There is still room for improvement in terms of convenience in terms of switching between using the two, or using both.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and provides an information device capable of switching functions. Terminal, control method, control program, information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the information terminal according to the present invention comprises two or more pieces of hardware and software. a receiving unit for receiving software or setting parameters; and a storing unit for storing the software or setting parameters. and a storage unit for storing the software or setting parameters stored in the storage unit, and A control unit that controls at least one of the hardware components, and software stored in a storage unit Or the setting parameters are changed to the software or setting parameters received by the receiver and used. and a control unit that controls the software or setting parameter that the change unit makes available. Depending on the parameters, at least one or more functions of two or more pieces of hardware can be used or used. Not permitted. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, an information terminal capable of switching functions, a control method, and a control program It is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server (information processing device) according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of timing of changing a billing amount in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a first user terminal (first terminal) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a first user terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a second user terminal (second terminal) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a second user terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of timing of changing a billing amount in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an information processing system according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The information processing system 1 according to the present invention is a so-called monitoring system, and For example, a second user terminal 4 carried by a person (e.g., a child) transmits a predetermined time interval, such as every 1.5 minutes. The location of the second user terminal 4 is determined from the information uploaded to the server 2 at the interval The determined location is transmitted from the server 2 to the mobile phone carried by the person who is watching over the person (e.g., a family member such as a parent or grandparent). In addition, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment is notified to the first user terminal 3 that uses the information processing system 1. In this case, the first user terminal 3 and the second user terminal 4 are equipped with a microphone and a speaker. By using this function, users can send and receive voice messages (hereinafter referred to as voice messages) to each other. In the following description, the watcher is also called the first user. The person being watched over is also called the second user. The software includes firmware, application software, operation software, This includes various software such as software.

[0010] [First embodiment] As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing system 1 includes a server 2 and a network 5 connected to the server 2. The system includes one or more first user terminals 3 and second user terminals 4 connected via a In the illustrated example, the information processing system 1 includes a server 2, a first user terminal 3, and a second user terminal 4. The information processing system 1 includes a server 2 and a first The number of user terminals 3 and the number of second user terminals 4 are arbitrary. The system is also connected to the servers of the Japan Meteorological Agency and local governments (not shown), and is used for emergency response by the Japan Meteorological Agency and local governments. The server 2 is configured to be able to receive such information.

[0011] (Server 2) 2 and 3 are configuration diagrams of the server 2. FIG. 2 shows the main hardware configuration of the server 2. The server 2 includes a communication IF 200A, a storage device 200B, a CPU 200C, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the server 2 may include an input device (e.g., a mouse, a keyboard, etc.). display devices (CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD display, etc.) , an organic EL display, etc.

[0012] The communication IF 200A communicates with other devices (for example, a first user terminal 3, a second user terminal 4, a weather It is an interface for communicating with servers (such as those at government offices or local governments) (not shown).

[0013] The storage device 200B is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor storage device (SSD ( The storage device 200B is a solid state drive (SD). Various data and information processing programs are stored in the storage device 200B. In addition, a part or all of the various data stored in the storage device 200B is External storage devices such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and external HDDs, and network The information may be stored in a storage device of another information processing device connected via the network 5. The server 2 refers to or retrieves data stored in an external storage device or a storage device of another information processing device. The data is then stored in an external storage device or in a storage device of another information processing device.

[0014] The storage device 200B stores account information of the first user terminal 3, for example, 3 identification number, name, contact information (email address, phone number), second user (e.g., yourself The identification number of the second user terminal 4 possessed by the user (the child of the user) and the service use number of the information processing system 1 Your current contract plan for use (for example, the GPS Plan, GPS & Talk Plan, (GPS plan with talk function added) and the change history of the contract plan are recorded. The storage device 200B also stores account information of the second user terminal 4, e.g. For example, the identification number of the second user terminal 4, the name, and the name of the first user (e.g., the parent or grandparents of the second user) The identification number of the first user terminal 3 owned by the family member (such as the person in charge) is stored in the storage device. In 200B, a log including data transmitted and received by the first user terminal 3 and the second user terminal 4 is stored. These are stored in association with the account. The storage device 200B also contains software for switching the functions of the second user terminal 4. Or two or more setting parameters are stored. In the first embodiment, two or more contracts exist regarding the use of services of the information processing system 1. Software that corresponds to the plan (for example, the GPS plan, GPS & Talk plan, etc.) The software or setting parameters are stored in the storage device 200B, and the software is changed according to the contract plan. The software or setting parameters can be downloaded to the second user terminal 4 to be made available for use. The functions available on the second user terminal 4 are switched according to the plan. For example, in the case of a GPS plan, a software that enables the use of a GPS sensor of the second user terminal 4 is provided. The software or setting parameters can be downloaded to the second user terminal 4 for use, and G In the case of the PS & Talk plan, in addition to the GPS sensor of the second user terminal 4, a microphone and The software or setting parameters for enabling the speaker and the speaker are downloaded to the second user terminal 4. Download it and use it. The GPS plan is a contract for using the GPS sensor 400H included in the second user terminal 4. This is a contract plan that allows the location of the second user terminal 4 to be known. In addition, the GPS & Talk Plan utilizes the GPS sensor 400H provided in the second user terminal 4. In addition to the above, the microphone 400F and the speaker 400G are used to communicate with the first user terminal 3. This is a contract plan that allows for the exchange of voice data. The contract plan change history is stored in the storage device 300B of the first user terminal 3 or the storage device 300C of the second user terminal 3. Alternatively, the information may be stored in the storage device 400B of the terminal 4.

[0015] The CPU 200C controls the server 2 according to the first embodiment, and stores information about a ROM and a RA (not shown). Equipped with M etc.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the server 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 2 includes a receiving unit 2 01, transmission unit 202, storage device control unit 203, determination unit 204, recommendation unit 205, plan change The system includes a contract plan information changing unit 206 (contract plan information changing unit), a billing amount changing unit 207, and the like. The function shown in FIG. 3 is that the CPU 200C executes the information processing program stored in the storage device 200B. This is achieved by executing the ram.

[0017] The receiving unit 201 receives data, e.g., For example, it may receive voice data, location information, or instructions to change software or configuration parameters. The receiving unit 201 also receives emergency alerts from the Japan Meteorological Agency and local governments, for example.

[0018] The transmission unit 202 receives data from the first user terminal 3, such as voice data and change instructions. The transmission unit 202 transmits the indication to the second user terminal 4. The data, for example, position information and voice data, is transmitted to the first user terminal 3. 202 is a second user terminal 4 that is provided with a second The second user terminal is provided with software or setting parameters that enable the use of the above hardware. Based on the result of the determination in the determination unit 204, the transmission unit 202 transmits the signal to the second user 4. The terminal 4 is provided with software that enables the use of two or more pieces of hardware provided in the second user terminal 4. or setting parameters (GPS sensor, microphone and speaker of the second user terminal 4) The device transmits the software or configuration parameters that enable the device to be used.

[0019] The storage device control unit 203 controls the data transmitted and received by the first user terminal 3 and the second user terminal 4. (e.g. location information or voice data) to the account or user device that sent or received the data. The storage device control unit 203 stores the ID number in the storage device 200B in association with the ID number. 2. The download history (change history) of the software or setting parameters of the user terminal 4 is 2 and stores the user terminal identification number of user terminal 4 in storage device 200B in association with the user terminal identification number of user terminal 4.

[0020] The determination unit 204 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, when an emergency report from the Meteorological Agency or a local government is received, the determination unit 204 When an emergency alert or the like is received from a local government, the current location of the second user terminal 4 is It is determined whether the location is within the target range. If the location is within the target range of the emergency alert, the transmission unit 202 , software or setting parameters corresponding to the GPS & Talk Plan (second user terminal 4 Software or setting data that enables the use of the GPS sensor, microphone and speaker In addition to emergency alerts from the Meteorological Agency and local governments, For example, if a certain condition regarding time is met, a certain condition regarding location is met. When certain conditions are met, or when certain conditions are met from both of these perspectives, etc. can be obtained.

[0021] The recommendation unit 205 recommends a hardware device based on the usage history of two or more pieces of hardware stored in the storage device 200B. If necessary, a change in the software or setting parameters is recommended for each second user terminal 4.

[0022] The plan change unit 206 (contract plan information change unit) changes the software or In response to the change in the setting parameters, the subscriber of the second user terminal 4 (the The contract plan of the corresponding first user (first user) of the first user terminal 3 is changed.

[0023] The billing amount change unit 207 changes the first user's billing amount in response to the change in the contract plan made by the plan change unit 206. Change the amount charged to users. FIG. 4 shows an example of timing for changing the billing amount by the billing amount changing unit 207 in the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a predetermined period (for example, the minimum unit of charging) is The charge for the GPS plan (black band in Figure 4) for a period (such as one week or one month) is 400 yen, The charge for the PS & Talk Plan (white band in Figure 4) is assumed to be 500 yen. As shown in FIG. 4, the billing amount changing unit 207 changes the contract plan during a predetermined period. If the plan is changed, the charges (for example, monthly charges) for the contract plan before and after the change will be calculated. In comparison, if the billing amount for the changed contract plan is higher than the billing amount for the previous contract plan (e.g. For example, if the plan before the change was a GPS plan and the plan after the change was a GPS & Talk plan, including the time of the change The billing amount for a specified period (for example, one month) including the change will be the billing amount for the new contract plan. The billing amount changing unit 207 determines whether the billing amount of the contract plan before the change is greater than the billing amount of the contract plan after the change. is also high (for example, if the plan before the change was the GPS & Talk plan and the plan after the change is the GPS plan), The billing amount for the specified period including the time of the change will remain the same as the billing amount for the contract plan before the change, and the next specified At or after the end of the period, the amount charged will be the amount of the contract plan before the change. Note that the timing of the charge amount change shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and is not necessarily limited to the example shown in FIG. I can't.

[0024] (First user terminal 3) The first user terminal 3 is a terminal owned by the first user, and is, for example, The first user is a first user terminal, such as a smartphone with installed software. The second user terminal 4 is used to transmit and receive voice data to and from the second user terminal 4 registered therein. A user can send and receive voice messages to a person (e.g., his / her child). The main hardware configuration of the user terminal 3 is shown in FIG. 1, which includes a communication IF 300A, a storage device 300B, and an input device 300C. 300C, a display device 300D, a CPU 300E, a microphone 300F, and a speaker 3 Equipped with 00G etc.

[0025] The communication IF 300A is an interface for communicating with another device (the server 2 in the first embodiment). It is a target interface.

[0026] The storage device 300B is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor storage device (SSD ( The storage device 300B is a solid state drive (SSD). The storage device 300B stores the terminal identification number and the information processing program. RAM (application software), a message (e.g. For example, a pre-set message or a message entered by the first user (if the first user enters The message includes a voice message recorded by the first user and a text message input by the first user. The text messages included in the message are downloaded from server 2. In addition, for example, the first user terminal 3 and the second user terminal 4 are stored in the storage device 300B. The terminal may store data (e.g., location information and voice data) transmitted between the terminal and the The identification number is a number for identifying the first user terminal 3. By adding the terminal identification number to the data to be received, the server 2 can determine which first It can be determined whether the message was sent from the user terminal 3. The number is the IP (Internet Protocol) address and the MAC (Media Access Control) address. Alternatively, the server 2 may assign the ID to the first user terminal 3. .

[0027] The input device 300C is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel. However, other devices or equipment may be used as long as they are capable of inputting voice. This is also possible.

[0028] The display device 300D may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display. However, other devices or equipment (e.g., CRT: Cathode ray tube) are also acceptable if they are capable of displaying images. Ray Tube).

[0029] The CPU 300E controls the first user terminal 3 according to the first embodiment, and includes a ROM (not shown). and RAM.

[0030] The microphone 300F is an acoustic device that converts sound into an electrical signal. The third user uses the microphone 300F to transmit voice (for example, The input voice is transmitted to the transmission unit 30. 2 is sent to server 2.

[0031] The speaker 300G is an acoustic device that converts electrical signals into sound. For example, the speaker 300G For example, the following is transmitted from the second user terminal 4 via the server 2 and stored in the storage device 300B: Plays audio data.

[0032] FIG. 6 shows a functional block diagram of the first user terminal 3. The first user terminal 3 receives A display unit 301, a transmission unit 302, a storage device control unit 303, an input reception unit 304 (reception unit), The functions shown in FIG. 6 are implemented by the CPU 300E. This is realized by executing an information processing program stored in device 300B.

[0033] The receiving unit 301 receives data transmitted from the server 2, for example.

[0034] The transmission unit 302 transmits data in response to an input operation received by the input reception unit 304, for example. Send the data to server 2.

[0035] The storage device control unit 303 controls the storage device 300B. For example, data transmitted and received by the first user terminal 3 and the second user terminal 4 (e.g., location information, voice data) is associated with the identification number of the account or user device that sent or received the data. Alternatively, the information may be stored in the storage device 300B.

[0036] The input receiving unit 304 receives an input operation from the input device 300C.

[0037] The display device control unit 305 controls the display device 300D and displays the screen, etc., of the display device 300D. Display.

[0038] (Second user terminal 4) The second user terminal 4 is a terminal used by a second user of the first information processing system 1. The second user uses the second user terminal 4 to register the first user terminal 3 and its location by GPS. By transmitting and receiving information or voice data, the first user (e.g., the family of the second user) can receive the second It can inform the user of his / her location and communicate with him / her by voice. The main hardware configuration of the second user terminal 4 is shown in FIG. device 400B, input device 400C, display device 400D (LED), CPU 400E, It is equipped with a Crophone 400F, a Speaker 400G, a GPS Sensor 400H, etc.

[0039] The communication IF 400A is an interface for communicating with other devices (the server 2 in the first embodiment). It is a target interface.

[0040] The storage device 400B is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor storage device (SSD ( The storage device 400B is a solid state drive (SSD). The storage device 400B stores the terminal identification number and the information processing program. The memory 4 stores the voice data transmitted from the first user terminal 3. 00B stores the software or setting parameters downloaded from Server 2. The terminal identification number is a number for identifying the second user terminal 4. By adding the terminal identification number to the data sent from the terminal 4, the server 2 can It is possible to determine which second user terminal 4 the data was sent from. The terminal identification number is the IP (Internet Protocol) address, MAC (Media Access Control l) An address or the like may be used, and the server 2 may assign it to the second user terminal 4. It can also be.

[0041] The input device 400C is, for example, an input device such as a button, a keyboard, or a touch panel. However, other devices or equipment may be used as long as they are capable of inputting voice. The second user may operate the input device 400C to input voice and transmit the voice to the first user terminal. The voice data transmitted from the first user terminal 3 can be played back. .

[0042] The display device 400D is, for example, an LED. The LEDs are controlled by the user and transmit voice data by lighting or blinking in a preset or predetermined pattern. The device notifies the user that a message has been received.

[0043] The CPU 400E controls the second user terminal 4 according to the first embodiment, and includes a ROM (not shown). and RAM.

[0044] The microphone 400F is an acoustic device that converts sound into an electrical signal. The user of the device 4 can input voice using the microphone 400F. The captured voice is transmitted to the server 2 by the transmitting unit 402 .

[0045] The speaker 400G is an acoustic device that converts electrical signals into sound. For example, the speaker 400G For example, the following is transmitted from the first user terminal 3 via the server 2 and stored in the storage device 400B: Plays audio data.

[0046] The GPS Sensor 400H collects time data from the atomic clock on board the satellite, the satellite's celestial ephemeris ( The GPS satellite receives a signal containing data such as the satellite's orbit, and the time of transmission of the received signal and The distance from the satellite is calculated based on the difference in the reception time to determine the current position. The sensor 400H outputs the identified current position.

[0047] FIG. 8 shows a functional block diagram of the second user terminal 4. The second user terminal 4 receives A control unit 401, a transmission unit 402, a storage device control unit 403, an input reception unit 404, a change unit 405, and a control The functions shown in FIG. 8 are implemented by the CPU 400E, This is realized by executing an information processing program stored in 400B.

[0048] The receiving unit 401 receives, for example, data (for example, software or Receives configuration parameters, voice data, etc.

[0049] The transmission unit 402 transmits data, e.g., For example, the voice data is transmitted to the server 2 .

[0050] The storage device control unit 403 controls the storage device 400B. For example, the storage device control unit 40 The storage device control unit 3 controls the storage device 400B to write and read data. For example, the unit 403 stores the data received by the receiving unit 401 in the storage device 400B.

[0051] The input reception unit 404 receives an input operation from the input device 400C. 4, for example, accepts an operation to play back audio data stored in the storage device 400B.

[0052] The change unit 405 receives software or setting parameters stored in the storage device 200B. The receiving unit 401 can then change the received software or setting parameters to make them available for use. Then, the change unit 405 restarts the second user terminal 4 (information terminal) to update the reception unit 40 1 enables the received software or configuration parameters to be used.

[0053] The control unit 406 operates based on software or setting parameters stored in the storage device 400B. Based on this, the second user terminal 4 includes two or more pieces of hardware (for example, a GPS sensor, a microphone, The MIDI controller controls at least one of the following: The control unit 406 responds to the software or setting parameters that the change unit 405 has enabled. In accordance with the above, at least one function of two or more pieces of hardware included in the second user terminal 4 is used. For example, if the contract plan is a GPS plan, the second user terminal 4 The GPS sensor is enabled, but the microphone and speaker are disabled. In addition, when the contract plan is a GPS & Talk plan, the GPS sensor of the second user terminal 4, In this manner, in the first embodiment, both the microphone and the speaker can be used. The second user terminal downloads software or setting parameters according to the contract plan. At least one function of two or more pieces of hardware provided in the terminal 4 can be used or disabled. This allows the system to provide functions that correspond to the contract plan. In addition, the control unit 406 notifies the receiving unit 401 that the data has been received. 6, for example, lights up or blinks the display device 400D (LED), or produces a sound from a speaker. By generating this signal, the receiving unit 401 notifies the reception of data.

[0054] (Information Processing) 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing an example of information processing by the information processing system 1. Hereinafter, the information processing of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Figs. In addition, the same components as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be repeated. The explanation will be omitted.

[0055] (Contract plan change processing) FIG. 9 shows an example of a contract plan change process for service use of the information processing system 1. 9 is a flowchart showing the process of using the service of the information processing system 1. An example of a contract plan change process will be described.

[0056] (Step S101) The first user operates the first user terminal 3 to input a change to the contract plan. The input operation from the first user terminal 3 is accepted by the input acceptance unit 304. 302 transmits the input operation (change instruction) received by the input receiving unit 304 to the server 2. do.

[0057] (Step S102) The receiving unit 201 of the server 2 receives the change instruction transmitted from the first user terminal 3 .

[0058] (Step S103) The transmission unit 202 of the server 2 transmits the software corresponding to the contract plan instructed by the change instruction. Alternatively, the transmission unit 202 reads the setting parameters from the storage device 200B. B, the receiving unit 201 receives the change instruction and refers to the identification number assigned to the change instruction. The identification number of the second user terminal 4 is identified, and the identification number of the second user terminal 4 is transmitted from the storage device 200B to the identified second user terminal 4. The read software or setting parameters are transmitted.

[0059] (Step S104) The receiving unit 401 of the second user terminal 4 receives the software or setting data transmitted from the server 2. Receive the parameter.

[0060] (Step S105) The change unit 405 of the second user terminal 4 is software stored in the storage device 200B or The setting parameters are changed to the received software or setting parameters by the receiving unit 401 and used. In addition, the control unit 406 makes the software or In response to the setting parameters, at least one of the two or more pieces of hardware included in the second user terminal 4 is Enables or disables one or more features.

[0061] (Charge amount change processing) FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a charge amount change process for service usage in the information processing system 1. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of the information processing system 1. An example of the charge amount change process will be described.

[0062] (Step S201) The plan change unit 206 of the server 2 changes the software of the second user terminal 4 in response to a change in the contract plan. Determine whether the software or setting parameters have been changed according to changes in the contract plan. If the software or setting parameters of the second user terminal 4 are changed (YES), The second user terminal 4 executes the process of step S202. If the software or configuration parameters of Server 2 have not been changed (NO), Server 2 Finish.

[0063] (Step S202) The plan change unit 206 of the server 2 changes the contract plan. 206 changes the current contract plan stored in the storage device 200B. The device control unit 203 stores the change history of the contract plan in the storage device 200B.

[0064] (Step S203) The billing amount changing unit 207 of the server 2 changes the billing amount of the contract plan before the change and the billing amount of the contract plan after the change. (For example, monthly charges) and compare the charges for the new contract plan with those for the old contract plan. Determine whether the billing amount for the new contract plan is higher than the billing amount for the old contract plan. If it is higher than the amount (YES), the server 2 executes the process of step S204. If the billing amount for the new contract plan is not higher than the billing amount for the old contract plan (NO), The server 2 executes the process of step S205.

[0065] (Step S204) The charge amount change unit 207 of the server 2 changes the charge amount for a predetermined period (for example, one month) including the time of the change. The amount will be changed to the amount charged for the new contract plan.

[0066] (Step S205) The charge amount changing unit 207 of the server 2 changes the charge amount for a predetermined period including the time of the change to the amount of the contract plan before the change. The amount charged for the plan will remain the same, and the amount will be charged according to the previous contract plan at or after the next specified period. Change to the amount.

[0067] (Emergency change processing) FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of emergency change processing in the information processing system 1. Hereinafter, an example of emergency change processing of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. .

[0068] (Step S301) The determination unit 204 of the server 2 receives, for example, an emergency report from the Meteorological Agency or a local government from the receiving unit 20. If an emergency alert or the like is received (YES), the server 2 The process of step S302 is executed. If no emergency alert or the like has been received (NO), the server Server 2 ends the process.

[0069] (Step S302) The determination unit 204 of the server 2 determines whether the current location of the second user terminal 4 is within the coverage area of ​​the emergency alert. If the location is within the range of the emergency alert (YES), the server 2 proceeds to step If the location is not within the range of the emergency alert (NO), the server 2 executes the process of step S303. End processing.

[0070] (Step S303) The transmission unit 202 of the server 2 transmits software or setting parameters for use in an emergency. In this case, the software or setting parameters corresponding to the GPS & Talk Plan (second user terminal) Software or settings that enable the use of the GPS sensor, microphone and speaker of the terminal 4 The information processing unit 10 transmits the information (the predetermined parameter) to a second user terminal 4 whose current location is within the coverage area of ​​the emergency alert. In addition, at this time, a voice message was sent to inform the user that the GPS & Talk Plan was temporarily released due to an emergency alert. The data is transmitted to the second user terminal 4 and the corresponding first user terminal 3. Good too.

[0071] (Step S304) The receiving unit 401 of the second user terminal 4 receives the software or setting data transmitted from the server 2. Receive the parameter.

[0072] (Step S305) The change unit 405 of the second user terminal 4 is software stored in the storage device 200B or The setting parameters are changed to the received software or setting parameters by the receiving unit 401 and used. In addition, the control unit 406 makes the software or In response to the setting parameters, at least one of the two or more pieces of hardware included in the second user terminal 4 is Enables or disables one or more features.

[0073] The determination unit 204 of the server 2 is software or A specified period (e.g., one week or one month) has passed since the setting parameters were sent, or an emergency It is determined whether the rapid warning has been lifted, and when a predetermined period has elapsed or it is determined that the rapid warning has been lifted, In this case, the transmission unit 202 transmits software corresponding to the GPS plan, which is the contract plan before the change. or setting parameters (software enabling the GPS sensor of the second user terminal 4 to be used a) or setting parameters) to the second user terminal 4 to make it available, and may be changed to correspond to the GPS plan.

[0074] In addition, in the description of FIG. 11, the determination unit 204 of the server 2 determines whether the current location of the second user terminal 4 is The first user terminal 3 (for example, the first The user terminal 3 may be provided with a GPS sensor, and the location information is also acquired from the 204 indicates that the current location of the first user terminal 3 or the second user terminal 4 is within the coverage area of ​​the emergency alert. and determines whether the current location of the first user terminal 3 or the second user terminal 4 is a target of the emergency alert. If the server 2 is within the target range, the transmission unit 202 of the server 2 transmits the software or setting for responding to an emergency. Setting parameters, in this case the software or setting parameters corresponding to the GPS & Talk Plan The GPS sensor, microphone and speaker of the second user terminal 4 can be used. software or setting parameters) to the first user whose current location is within the range of the emergency report. The second user terminal 4 associated with the identification number of the user terminal 3, or the current location of the user terminal 3 is a target of the emergency alert It may also be configured to transmit to a second user terminal 4 within range.

[0075] As described above, the second user terminal 4 includes two or more pieces of hardware (for example, a microphone 400F, speaker 400G, GPS sensor 400H, etc.) and software or setting A receiving unit 401 for receiving parameters, and a storage device for storing software or setting parameters. A storage device 400B (storage unit), and software or setting parameters stored in the storage device 400B. A control unit 406 that controls at least one of two or more pieces of hardware based on the data; The receiving unit 401 receives the software or setting parameters stored in the device 400B. and a modification unit 405 for modifying the software or setting parameters to make the software usable. The control unit 406 then changes the software or setting parameters that the change unit 405 has made available. In response, at least one function of two or more pieces of hardware is enabled or disabled. . In this way, the software or the setting parameters are downloaded to the second user terminal 4. By making it available, the second user terminal 4 can be made compatible with the contract plan. So it is very convenient.

[0076] In addition, the change unit 405 of the second user terminal 4 restarts the second user terminal 4 (information terminal). This allows the use of software or configuration parameters. In this way, by automatically rebooting the second user terminal 4, software or setting parameters can be This makes it highly convenient to use the

[0077] [Modification 1 of the first embodiment] In the first embodiment, the software or the setting parameters are transmitted from the server 2 to the second user terminal. Download to terminal 4 and switch software or setting parameters to change contract plan However, the memory device 400B of the second user terminal 4 does not support the change of the function of the second user terminal 4. Two or more software or setting parameters for switching functions are stored, and the contract plan is Two or more pieces of software or setting parameters stored in the storage device 400B in response to changes in the The software or setting parameters of one or more of the following items can be changed to make them usable. This may also be configured.

[0078] In this case, the receiving unit 201 of the server 2 receives the change instruction transmitted from the first user terminal 3. Then, the transmission unit 202 refers to the storage device 200B and updates the change instruction received by the reception unit 201. The identification number of the second user terminal 4 associated with the identification number assigned to the The change instruction received by the receiving unit 201 is transmitted to the second user terminal 4 .

[0079] The receiving unit 401 of the second user terminal 4 receives the software or setting parameters transmitted from the server 2. When the change instruction for the meter is received, the change unit 405 performs the change based on the change instruction received by the receiving unit 401. Based on this, among two or more pieces of software or setting parameters stored in the storage device 400B, , or change and use one or more of the software or setting parameters specified in the change instruction. It will be possible to use.

[0080] The second user terminal 4 includes two or more pieces of hardware (for example, a microphone 400F, a speaker GPS Sensor 400G, GPS Sensor 400H, etc.) and software or setting parameter changes A receiving unit 401 for receiving instructions and a memory unit for storing two or more pieces of software or setting parameters. A storage device 400B (storage unit) and software or setting parameters stored in the storage device 400B A control unit 406 that controls at least one of two or more pieces of hardware based on the meter; Based on the change instruction received by the receiving unit 401, two or more Any one or more of the software or setting parameters The control unit 406 changes the data and makes it available. Depending on the software or configuration parameters made available by the department, two or more hardware At least one function is enabled or disabled. In this way, the two or more software programs stored in the storage device 400B of the second user terminal 4 Alternatively, the second user terminal 4 can be set to a contract plan by switching the setting parameters. This is highly convenient since it can be made to correspond to the above.

[0081] [Modification 2 of the First Embodiment] In the first embodiment and the first modification, the control unit 406 of the second user terminal 4 The second user terminal 402 may be changed according to the software or setting parameters that the change unit 405 has enabled. At least one or more functions of two or more pieces of hardware provided by the terminal 4 (usable or unusable) It is also possible to restrict the use of the

[0082] The second user terminal 4 includes two or more pieces of hardware (for example, a microphone 400F, a speaker Receive software or setting parameters) and a storage device 400B (storing device) that stores software or setting parameters. memory) and based on software or setting parameters stored in the storage device 400B. A control unit 406 that controls at least one of the above hardware, and a storage device 400B that stores The software or setting parameters stored in the receiving unit 401 are received by the receiving unit 401. The control unit 406 changes the parameter to a fixed parameter and makes the parameter usable. Depending on the software or setting parameters that the modification unit 405 makes available, Restrict the use of at least one feature of the hardware. In this way, depending on the software or setting parameters that the modification unit 405 makes available, The second user terminal is provided by restricting the use of at least one function of two or more pieces of hardware. The last 4 can be made to match the contract plan, making it very convenient.

[0083] [Third Modification of the First Embodiment] In the first embodiment and the first and second modifications, the change unit 405 of the second user terminal 4 The second user terminal 4 may select software according to the usage history of two or more pieces of hardware. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the setting parameters are changed. For example, the GPS & Talk Plan is supported. When the software or setting parameters are set, the second user terminal 4 The GPS sensor 400H is often used among the two or more hardware that the camera has, but When the phone 400F and the speaker 400G are hardly used, the change unit 405 changes the Change to software or setting parameters compatible with the PS plan. In addition, the change unit 405 of the second user terminal 4 (automatically) changes the software or setting parameters. Instead of changing the data, the second user terminal 4 uses the usage history of two or more pieces of hardware. A recommendation unit is provided to recommend changes to the software or setting parameters to the first user in response to the change. In this case, the first user terminal 3 of the first user transmits according to the recommendation. When the receiving unit 401 receives a change instruction to be changed, the change unit 405 changes the settings of two or more pieces of hardware. Change the software or setting parameters according to the usage history.

[0084] In addition, the server 2 may store the information according to the usage history of two or more pieces of hardware included in the second user terminal 4. and an instruction unit for instructing the second user terminal 4 to change the software or setting parameters, The change unit 405 of the second user terminal 4 receives the instruction transmitted from the server 2 by the receiving unit 401. In response to this, the software or the setting parameters may be changed. may be provided in the server 2.

[0085] The change unit 405 of the second user terminal 4 changes the number of pieces of hardware (e.g., a microphone, 400F, Speaker 400G, GPS Sensor 400H, etc.) depending on the usage history Change the software or configuration parameters. In this way, the software or setting parameters are changed according to the usage history. For example, among the two or more pieces of hardware included in the second user terminal 4, the GPS sensor 400H is preferably When using the microphone 400F and the speaker 400G, but not using them much The change unit 405 changes the software or setting parameters to correspond to the GPS plan. This makes it possible to do so, which is highly convenient.

[0086] As mentioned above, depending on the usage history of two or more pieces of hardware, software or A recommendation unit that recommends changing the setting parameters may be provided. This is highly convenient as the first user can check or decide whether or not to change the setting.

[0087] [Second embodiment] In addition, the processing routine of the software running on the second user terminal 4 can be changed to The server 2 may be configured to respond to changes in the contract plan. In response to the change, a change instruction for the processing routine of the software is transmitted to the second user terminal 4. When the receiving unit 401 receives an instruction to change the processing routine, the changing unit 405 Based on the received change instruction, the processing routine of the software stored in the storage device 400B is The control unit 406 changes the processing routine of the software changed by the change unit 405. At least one or more functions of two or more pieces of hardware included in the second user terminal 4 can be used. It may be possible or impossible to use.

[0088] [Modification 1 of the second embodiment] In the second embodiment, the control unit 406 of the second user terminal 4 changes the According to the processing routine of the software changed by the user, two or more hardware devices included in the second user terminal 4 are Use (rather than enable or disable) at least one feature of the hardware. The use of the information may be restricted.

[0089] [Third embodiment] In the first and second embodiments and their modifications, the second user terminal 4 includes a hardware Changes in contract plans can be accommodated by enabling or disabling software or restricting its use However, in the server 2, depending on the change of the contract plan, the second user terminal 4 is equipped with Restrict the sending and receiving of information about two or more pieces of hardware (e.g., location information or voice data) In this case, the server 2 may be configured to respond to changes in the contract plan by updating the In response to a change in the contract plan (a change instruction for software or setting parameters), the second user terminal Hardware other than the hardware that is permitted to be used among the two or more hardware devices provided in the last item 4 A restriction unit is provided for restricting transmission and reception of information related to software or unusable hardware. This may be done.

[0090] [Fourth embodiment] In the first embodiment, the billing amount change when the cost (billing amount) of the contract plan is paid in advance is performed. An example of the timing has been described (see FIG. 4). In this fourth embodiment, Please refer to Figure 12 for an example of the timing of the charge amount change when the charge amount is paid in advance. This will be explained in light of the above. FIG. 12 shows the timing of billing amount change by the billing amount change unit 207 in the fourth embodiment. FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12, a predetermined period (for example, a period that is the minimum unit of charging (one week or The GPS plan (black band in Figure 12) costs 400 yen for one month, and GPS & Talk The charge for the plan (indicated by the white band in FIG. 12) is assumed to be 500 yen. As shown in FIG. 12, in the case of prepayment, the billing amount changing unit 207 changes the contract plan in a predetermined manner. If the change is made during the period, the billing amount for the contract plan before and after the change (for example (monthly charges) and the charges for the new contract plan are compared to the charges for the previous contract plan. (For example, if the plan before the change was a GPS plan and the plan after the change is a GPS & Talk plan) The amount of the shortfall between the time of the change in the contract plan and the start of the next specified period (example in Figure 12) In this case, the user will be charged 100 yen. If the user continues to use the contract plan multiple times until the start of the next specified period, Even if you change the plan, the 100 yen charge will not be refunded and no new charges will be made. . On the other hand, the billing amount changing unit 207 changes the billing amount of the contract plan before the change to the billing amount of the contract plan after the change. If the amount is higher than the amount (for example, if the plan before the change is a GPS & Talk plan and the plan after the change is a GPS plan) In this case, no charges will be made from the time of the change to the contract plan until the start of the next specified period. In other words, in the fourth embodiment, if you pay the charge amount corresponding to the GPS & Talk Plan in advance, No additional charges will be incurred even if you change your contract plan multiple times during the prepaid period. During the contract period, the contract plan was changed to the GPS & Talk Plan, and the shortfall in the amount was paid (in the example in Figure 12) If you pay the fee (100 yen), you can change your contract plan as many times as you like during the specified period. No charge is made. Note that the timing of the charge amount change shown in FIG. 12 is an example, and the timing does not necessarily correspond to the example shown in FIG. Not limited.

[0091] In addition, the above-described embodiments and modifications of the embodiments are all applicable to the implementation of the present invention. The above is merely an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by this. In other words, the present invention should not be interpreted as being different from the gist or main features of the present invention. For example, the above contract plan may be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the contract plan. The first user terminal 4 only had the GPS plan and the GPS & Talk plan. GPS sensor 400H is not used, microphone 400F and speaker 400G are used. The contract plan is a "talk only plan" that allows the user to exchange voice data with the first user terminal 3. In addition, the second user terminal 4 may be provided with a hardware Hardware failure or software or parameter errors that cause the hardware to be unavailable The system is equipped with a detection unit that detects the state of the equipment, and detects hardware failures, software failures, or errors in the setting parameters. If a hardware malfunction occurs, the contract plan will be changed. For example, the GPS sensor 400H of the second user terminal 4 may be broken. The GPS Sensor 400H is not available due to a software or parameter setting error. If the above condition is detected, the contract plan will be switched to the "talk only plan" and the second user device 4 will be A malfunction of at least one of the microphone 400F and the speaker 400G or a software malfunction Or the microphone 400F and the speaker 400G are not available due to a malfunction of the setting parameters. If it is detected that the device cannot be used, the contract plan will be switched to the "GPS Plan." It is considered that the microphone 400F and the speaker 400 G or one of the following: Even if the speaker 400F and speaker 400G are detected as unavailable, The software may be switched to the "GPS plan." In response to an instruction to change the software or setting parameters, the second user terminal 4 changes two or more pieces of hardware. Hardware other than the hardware that is made available for use or hardware that is made unavailable for use We have shown a form of restricting the transmission and reception of information about the hardware, but Instead of instructing users to change the data, the firmware (software) built into the hardware is ) in response to a change instruction, similar control may be performed. [Industrial Applicability]

[0092] It can be applied to devices equipped with two or more pieces of hardware. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1: Information processing system 2: Server (information processing device) 3: First user terminal (first terminal) 4: Second user terminal (second terminal) 5: Network 200A: Communication IF 200B: Storage device 200C: CPU 201: Receiving unit 202: Transmission department 203: Storage device control unit 204: Judgment section 205: Recommendation section 206: Plan Change Department 207: Charge amount change section 300A: Communication IF 300B: Storage device 300C: Input device 300D:Display device 300E: CPU 300F: Microphone 300G: Speaker 301: Receiving unit 302: Transmission department 303: Storage device control unit 304: Input reception section 305: Display device control unit 400A: Communication IF 400B: Storage device 400C: Input device 400D:Display device 400E: CPU 400F: Microphone 400G: Speaker 400H: GPS sensor 401: Receiving unit 402: Sending department 403: Storage device control unit 404: Input reception section 405: Changes 406: Control section

Claims

1. A server in a monitoring system that transmits location information of the monitored device to the monitoring device, The aforementioned terminal for the person being monitored is A positioning means for acquiring location information of the terminal for the person being monitored, Equipped with a speaker and / or microphone, The aforementioned server, When information indicating that a first plan utilizing the positioning means, the speaker, and / or the microphone has been selected is received from the caregiver terminal, means for transmitting first software or first setting parameters for utilizing the positioning means, the speaker, and / or the microphone to the person being cared for terminal, When information is received from the caregiver terminal indicating that a second plan has been selected, which utilizes the positioning means but does not utilize the speaker and / or microphone, means for transmitting second software or second setting parameters to the person being cared for, which utilizes the positioning means but does not utilize the speaker and / or microphone, A server comprising means for determining the fee for each predetermined period based on the selected plan.

2. A server in a monitoring system that transmits location information of the monitored device to the monitoring device, The aforementioned terminal for the person being monitored is A positioning means for acquiring location information of the terminal for the person being monitored, Equipped with a speaker and / or microphone, The aforementioned server, In addition to a positioning function that transmits location information of the monitored terminal to the monitor terminal using the positioning means, if the monitor terminal receives information from the monitor terminal indicating that a first plan has been selected that utilizes a talk function that uses the speaker and / or microphone to exchange voice data between the monitored terminal and the monitor terminal, the means transmits first software or first setting parameters to the monitored terminal to enable the positioning function and the talk function. When information is received from the caregiver's terminal indicating that a second plan has been selected, which utilizes the positioning function but does not utilize the talk function, means for transmitting second software or second setting parameters to the person being cared for, which enables the positioning function but disables the talk function, A server comprising means for determining the fee for each predetermined period based on the selected plan.

3. The aforementioned terminal for the person being monitored is equipped with the speaker and the microphone, The first plan is the server according to claim 1 or 2, which utilizes the speaker and the microphone.

4. The server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioning means is a GPS sensor.

5. The server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned fee is payable in arrears, and the first fee associated with the first plan is higher than the second fee associated with the second plan.

6. Means for obtaining instructions from the monitoring terminal to change from the first plan to the second plan, and / or instructions to change from the second plan to the first plan, The server according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising means for identifying the charges associated with the modified plan as charges for each predetermined period based on the instructions to modify.

7. The server according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined period is the predetermined period to which the time when the instruction to change is obtained belongs.

8. The server according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined period is the period following the predetermined period to which the time of obtaining the instruction to change belongs.

9. The server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal for the person being monitored is carried by the person being monitored.

10. A server in a monitoring system that transmits location information of a monitored terminal to a monitoring terminal, comprising a positioning means for acquiring location information of the monitored terminal and a speaker and / or microphone, When information indicating that a first plan utilizing the positioning means, the speaker, and / or the microphone has been selected is received from the monitor terminal, means for transmitting first software or first setting parameters for utilizing the positioning means, the speaker, and / or the microphone to the monitored person's terminal, If information is received from the caregiver terminal indicating that a second plan has been selected, which utilizes the positioning means but does not utilize the speaker and / or microphone, means for transmitting second software or second setting parameters to the person being cared for, which utilizes the positioning means but does not utilize the speaker and / or microphone. A program that functions as a means of determining the fees for each predetermined period based on the selected plan.

11. A server in a monitoring system that transmits location information of a monitored terminal to a monitoring terminal, comprising a positioning means for acquiring location information of the monitored terminal and a speaker and / or microphone, When information is received from the monitoring terminal indicating that a first plan has been selected, which includes a positioning function that transmits location information of the monitored terminal to the monitoring terminal using the positioning means, and a talk function that uses the speaker and / or microphone to exchange voice data between the monitored terminal and the monitoring terminal, means for transmitting first software or first setting parameters to the monitored terminal to enable the positioning function and the talk function, If information is received from the caregiver's terminal indicating that a second plan has been selected, which utilizes the positioning function but does not utilize the talk function, means for transmitting a second software or second setting parameter to the person being cared for, which enables the positioning function but disables the talk function. A program that functions as a means of determining the fees for each predetermined period based on the selected plan.

12. In a monitoring system that transmits location information of a monitored terminal to a monitor terminal, the monitor terminal is provided with positioning means for acquiring location information of the monitored terminal and a speaker and / or microphone. A means for receiving a selection from a caregiver for one of the following plans: a first plan associated with a first fee, which utilizes the positioning means, the speaker and / or the microphone; and a second plan associated with a second fee, which utilizes the positioning means but does not utilize the speaker and / or the microphone. It functions as a means of sending information indicating the selected plan to the server. When information indicating that the first plan has been selected is transmitted to the server, first software or first setting parameters for using the positioning means, the speaker and / or the microphone are transmitted to the monitored person's terminal. A program in which, when information indicating that the second plan has been selected is transmitted to the server, second software or second setting parameters for using the positioning means but not using the speaker and / or microphone are transmitted to the monitored person's terminal.

13. In a monitoring system that transmits location information of a monitored terminal to a monitor terminal, the monitor terminal is provided with positioning means for acquiring location information of the monitored terminal and a speaker and / or microphone. A means for receiving a selection from the caregiver of one of two plans: a first plan with a first fee that allows the use of a positioning function that transmits the location information of the monitored terminal to the caregiver terminal using the positioning means, as well as a talk function that allows the exchange of voice data between the monitored terminal and the caregiver terminal using the speaker and / or the microphone; and a second plan with a second fee that allows the use of the positioning function but does not allow the use of the talk function. It functions as a means of sending information indicating the selected plan to the server. When information indicating that the first plan has been selected is transmitted to the server, the first software or first setting parameters for enabling the positioning function and the talk function are transmitted to the monitored person's terminal, and the talk function becomes available. A program that enables the positioning function when information indicating that the second plan has been selected is sent to the server, but enables the talk function when a second software or second setting parameter is sent to the monitored person's terminal to disable the talk function.

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