Information management device

Abstract

To provide an information management device that enables value information to be used smoothly even when a mobile terminal is changed.SOLUTION: A server executes processing including steps of: determining, when the server is logged in by a registered user (YES in S200) and logged in with an unregistered mobile terminal (YES in S202), whether or not there is a request to use value information from the mobile terminal (S204); transmitting, when there is a request to use the value information (YES in S204), the utilization number of units is less than an upper limit (YES in S206), and an expiration date is not yet reached (YES in S208), the value information to the mobile terminal (S210); and increasing the utilization number of units (S212).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information management device. [Background technology]

[0002] For terminals (e.g., mobile terminals) that contain value information such as electronic money or electronic tickets, from the perspective of convenience, it is required that they be usable in both online states (states in which they can connect to a server) as well as offline states (states in which they cannot connect to a server).

[0003] For example, JP 2003-141457 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology for displaying value information in both online and offline environments on an information processing terminal (e.g., a mobile terminal) equipped with an IC card or IC chip that electronically stores value information of electronic money or electronic tickets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-141457 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a mobile terminal containing value information as described above is changed, it may be necessary to disassociate the identification information of the previous mobile terminal with the value information using the previous mobile terminal while online, and then associate the new mobile terminal with the value information.

[0006] However, when the user changes models at a store and leaves the user's possession by returning or selling the previous mobile device, it may not be possible to dissolve the above-mentioned association using the previous mobile device while online.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an information management device that allows value information to be used smoothly even when the mobile terminal is changed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information management device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication device capable of communicating with a plurality of portable terminals, and a control device configured to transmit value information to a first portable terminal when terminal identification information of a first portable terminal among the plurality of portable terminals is associated with user identification information identifying a user of the first portable terminal. When a second portable terminal different from the first portable terminal among the plurality of portable terminals is placed in a logged-in state in which the service is available, the control device transmits at least one of the value information and information indicating permission to use the value information to the second portable terminal using the user identification information.

[0009] In this way, even if the user cannot log in using the first portable terminal because the user changes the model from the first portable terminal to the second portable terminal, the value information can be transmitted to the second portable terminal by logging in using the second portable terminal, so that the value information can be used using the second portable terminal. Therefore, the value information can be used without any problems even when the portable terminal is changed.

[0010] In one embodiment, the control device limits the number of mobile terminals that can become the second mobile terminal to a predetermined number or less.

[0011] In this way, it is possible to prevent the value information from becoming unnecessarily available on other portable terminals.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, when the value information is within the expiration date, the control device transmits at least one of the value information and information indicating permission to use the value information to the second mobile terminal.

[0013] In this way, it is possible to prevent expired value information from being unnecessarily sent to other portable terminals.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, when there are multiple second mobile terminals that have received at least one of the value information and information indicating permission to use the value information, when the control device enters a logged-in state on a mobile terminal set as a target for erasing the value information, the control device erases at least one of the value information and information indicating permission to use the value information from the mobile terminal.

[0015] In this way, it is possible to prevent the value information from being used in parallel on a plurality of portable terminals. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information management device that allows value information to be used smoothly even when a mobile terminal is changed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a process executed by a server. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 illustrates another example of the process executed by the server. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process executed by a server in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and their description will not be repeated.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information management system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the information management system 1 includes a server 100, and a first mobile terminal 10 and a second mobile terminal 20 owned by a user. The server 100 manages, for example, user identification information and terminal identification information associated with the user identification information, which will be described later. The server 100 is an example of an "information management device" in the present disclosure.

[0020] The server 100 includes, for example, a processor 110, a memory 120, a communication unit 130, and a database 140.

[0021] The processor 110 is, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit). The memory 120 is a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor 110 loads a system program and a control program read from a storage (not shown) of the server 100 into the memory 120 and executes them to perform various control processes. The various control processes include communication processes using a communication unit 130, which will be described later.

[0022] The communication unit 130 includes a communication interface with a network such as the Internet. The communication unit 130 is configured to be capable of two-way communication with the first mobile terminal 10 and with the second mobile terminal 20, in addition to communication with the Internet. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the communication unit 130 is capable of communicating with each of the first mobile terminal 10 and the second mobile terminal 20, the communication unit 130 is configured to be capable of communicating with a plurality of mobile terminals including the first mobile terminal 10 and the second mobile terminal 20.

[0023] The database 140 manages various data handled in the information management system 1. The data includes, for example, user identification information (user ID) for identifying a user who uses the value information, and personal information and terminal identification information associated with the user identification information. The user identification information is composed of, for example, character information indicating a user name set by the user or character information indicating an email address. The user identification information is used for authentication when the user logs in to the server 100 on application software (hereinafter simply referred to as "app") of the first mobile terminal 10. Once logged in, it becomes possible to use various services related to value information (viewing, purchasing, or using value information, etc.).

[0024] The user identification information is generated in association with personal information when the user is registered as a user who uses value information, and is registered in the database 140. The personal information is information input in the first mobile terminal 10 when the user is registered, and includes a name, an address, a telephone number, etc.

[0025] The terminal identification information includes, for example, unique information of a mobile terminal set by a user as a terminal to be used that uses value information. The unique information of a mobile terminal includes, for example, information on a serial number, a manufacturing number, or a MAC (Media Access Control) address of the mobile terminal. The terminal identification information is generated in association with the user identification information when the first mobile terminal 10 is set as a terminal to be used while logging in to the server 100 on an application of the first mobile terminal 10, and is registered in the database 140.

[0026] When the first mobile terminal 10 is set as a user terminal, various processes such as viewing, purchasing, or using value information can be executed when the first mobile terminal 10 is logged in (online) on the application. The available services may be different depending on whether the user terminal is set. The value information includes, for example, various electronic tickets such as digital tickets that can be used in various transportation facilities. Furthermore, the value information includes, for example, information regarding the expiration date.

[0027] The first mobile terminal 10 includes, for example, a processor 11, a memory 12, a communication unit 13, and a touch panel display 14.

[0028] Processor 11, memory 12, and communication unit 13 have similar configurations and functions to the above-mentioned processor 110, memory 120, and communication unit 130, respectively, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0029] The touch panel display 14 is made up of a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and an input unit such as a touch panel (neither of which is shown).

[0030] The second mobile terminal 20 has a similar configuration to the first mobile terminal 10, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated. In this embodiment, the first mobile terminal 10 corresponds to a mobile terminal before the user changes the model (the mobile terminal before the change). Also, in this embodiment, the second mobile terminal 20 corresponds to a mobile terminal after the user changes the model (the mobile terminal after the change).

[0031] An example of a process for registering or canceling a registration of terminal identification information, which is executed by server 100 during login, will be described below. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by server 100. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals.

[0032] In step (hereinafter, step will be abbreviated as S) 100, server 100 (specifically, processor 110) determines whether or not a user registered in database 140 is currently logged in. Server 100 determines that a user has logged in when, for example, the user identification information and password received from first mobile terminal 10 match the user identification information and password registered in database 140, and determines that the user is currently logged in when a predetermined time has not elapsed since the most recent communication was performed after login (when the logged-in state continues). If it is determined that the user is currently logged in (YES in S100), the process proceeds to S102.

[0033] In S102, the server 100 determines whether or not there is a request to register a mobile terminal. For example, when a user performs an operation to register the first mobile terminal 10 on an app of the first mobile terminal 10, information indicating that there is a request to register a mobile terminal is transmitted from the first mobile terminal 10 to the server 100. The server 100 determines that there is a request to register a mobile terminal when, for example, the information is received from the first mobile terminal 10 of a logged-in user. If it is determined that there is a request to register a mobile terminal (YES in S102), the process proceeds to S104.

[0034] In S104, server 100 executes a terminal identification information registration process for associating the user identification information with the terminal identification information of the mobile terminal and registering them in database 140. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S110. If it is determined that there is no request for registration (NO in S102), the process proceeds to S106.

[0035] In S106, the server 100 determines whether or not there is a request to cancel the registration of the mobile terminal. For example, when a user performs an operation to cancel the registration of the first mobile terminal 10 on the application of the first mobile terminal 10, information indicating that there is a request to cancel the registration of the mobile terminal is transmitted from the first mobile terminal 10 to the server 100. The server 100 determines that there is a request to cancel the registration of the mobile terminal when, for example, the information is received from the first mobile terminal 10 of the logged-in user. If it is determined that there is a request to cancel the registration of the mobile terminal (YES in S106), the process proceeds to S108.

[0036] In S108, server 100 cancels the association between the user identification information and the terminal identification information registered in database 140. Then, the process ends.

[0037] In S110, the server 100 determines whether or not there is a request to use the value information from the mobile terminal. For example, when a user purchases value information on an app on the first mobile terminal 10 and performs an operation to request the use of the value information, the first mobile terminal 10 transmits a request to use the value information to the server 100. When the server 100 receives the usage request, for example, it determines that there is a request to use the value information from the mobile terminal. When it is determined that there is a request to use the value information from the mobile terminal (YES in S110), the process proceeds to S112.

[0038] In S112, the server 100 transmits value information to the registered mobile terminal (registered terminal) which is the sender of the usage request. If the value information is, for example, a digital ticket for various means of transportation, the server 100 transmits, for example, a moving image corresponding to the value information and information on the expiration date to the registered terminal. The received moving image and text information indicating the expiration date are displayed in the registered terminal. The user can use various means of transportation by presenting the registered terminal before or after boarding the various means of transportation. The process then ends. Note that this process ends if it is determined that the user is not logged in (NO in S100), if it is determined that there is no request to use the value information for the mobile terminal (NO in S110), or if it is determined that there is no request to cancel the registration (NO in S106).

[0039] In this way, for example, when the user logs in to the app on the first mobile terminal 10 (YES in S100) and performs an operation to register the first mobile terminal 10, it is determined that there is a request for registration (S102), and the first mobile terminal 10 is registered in the database 140 as a terminal to be used (S104).

[0040] Therefore, when an operation to purchase the value information and an operation to request the start of use are subsequently performed (YES in S110), the value information is transmitted to the first mobile terminal 10 (S112). When a moving image corresponding to the value information and the expiration date are displayed on the touch panel display 14 of the first mobile terminal 10, the facility can be used by presenting the expiration date in advance or afterwards at the facility (including various means of transportation).

[0041] On the other hand, if the first mobile terminal 10 is in an environment with poor radio wave conditions, it will be unable to log in to the server 100 (offline state), but it will be possible to use it in offline state by making it possible to display a video image corresponding to the value information and the expiration date on the app of the first mobile terminal 10 without logging in.

[0042] As described above, when the user uses the value information using the first mobile terminal 10, the user may change the mobile terminal that uses the value information (change the model). For example, assume that the user changes the mobile terminal that uses the value information from the first mobile terminal 10 to the second mobile terminal 20.

[0043] In this case, the user is required to operate the pre-change mobile terminal and the post-change mobile terminal in order to cancel the registration of the pre-change mobile terminal and register the post-change mobile terminal as follows. That is, the user performs an operation to cancel the registration of the first mobile terminal 10, which has been set as the used terminal, on the application of the first mobile terminal 10 when the first mobile terminal 10 is connected to the server 100 and is in a logged-in state. The registration of the first mobile terminal 10 is cancelled by the registration cancellation operation. Thereafter, the user performs an operation to register the second mobile terminal 20 as the used terminal on the application of the second mobile terminal 20 after the change when the second mobile terminal 20 is connected to the server 100 and is in a logged-in state. The registration operation registers the second mobile terminal 20 in the database 140. In this way, it becomes possible to download value information to the second mobile terminal 20 and use it.

[0044] However, when the user changes the model without canceling the registration and the first mobile terminal 10 before the change is returned or sold, for example, and the first mobile terminal 10 before the change is no longer in the user's possession, there are cases where the operation to cancel the registration cannot be performed using the first mobile terminal 10 before the change. As a result, there are cases where it is difficult to register the second mobile terminal 20 after the change as the terminal to be used.

[0045] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the server 100 enters a logged-in state using a second mobile terminal 20 that is different from the first mobile terminal 10 associated with the user identification information, the server 100 transmits value information to the second mobile terminal 20.

[0046] In this way, when changing the model from the first mobile terminal 10 to the second mobile terminal 20, even if the first mobile terminal 10 cannot be logged in, the second mobile terminal 20 can be logged in and the value information can be transmitted from the server 100 to the second mobile terminal 20. Therefore, even when changing from the first mobile terminal 10 to the second mobile terminal 20, the value information can be used without delay.

[0047] Another example of the processing executed by the server 100 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing executed by the server 100. A series of processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals.

[0048] In S200, server 100 determines whether or not a user registered in database 140 is currently logged in. The method of determination is similar to the method of determination described in the processing of S100 in the flowchart of Fig. 2, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that the registered user is currently logged in (YES in S200), the process proceeds to S202.

[0049] In S202, server 100 determines whether the user is currently logged in at a mobile terminal (hereinafter, may be referred to as an "unregistered mobile terminal") different from the mobile terminal registered as the user's terminal for which login is registered. For example, server 100 requests terminal identification information from the logged-in mobile terminal, and if the terminal identification information received from the mobile terminal is different from the terminal identification information registered as the user's terminal for use, determines that the user is currently logged in at an unregistered mobile terminal. If it is determined that the user is currently logged in at an unregistered mobile terminal (YES in S202), the process proceeds to S204.

[0050] In S204, the server 100 determines whether or not there is a request to use the value information from an unregistered portable terminal. For example, when a user purchases value information on an app on an unregistered portable terminal and performs an operation to request the use of the value information, a request to use the value information is transmitted from the unregistered portable terminal to the server 100. When the server 100 receives the usage request, for example, it determines that there is a request to use the value information from an unregistered portable terminal. When it is determined that there is a request to use the value information from an unregistered portable terminal (YES in S204), the process proceeds to S206.

[0051] In S206, server 100 determines whether the number of vehicles in use is less than the upper limit. Server 100 determines that the number of vehicles in use is less than the upper limit when the value indicating the number of vehicles in use stored in memory 120 or the like is smaller than the upper limit. If it is determined that the number of vehicles in use is less than the upper limit (YES in S206), the process proceeds to S208.

[0052] In S208, server 100 determines whether the requested license information is within the expiration date. If it is determined that the requested license information is within the expiration date (YES in S208), the process proceeds to S210.

[0053] In S210, the server 100 transmits value information to the unregistered portable terminal. If the value information is, for example, a digital ticket for various means of transport, the server 100 transmits, for example, a moving image corresponding to the value information and information on the expiration date to the unregistered portable terminal. The received moving image and text information indicating the expiration date are displayed on the unregistered portable terminal. The user can use various means of transport by presenting the unregistered portable terminal before or after boarding the various means of transport. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S210.

[0054] In S212, server 100 increases the value indicating the number of units used of the value information stored in database 140. The initial value of the value indicating the number of units used is, for example, zero. The process then ends. This process ends if it is determined that the user is not logged in (NO in S200), if it is determined that the user is not logged in with an unregistered mobile terminal (NO in S202), if it is determined that there is no request to use the value information from an unregistered mobile terminal (NO in S204), if it is determined that the number of units used is equal to or greater than the upper limit (NO in S206), or if it is determined that the requested value information is not within the expiration date (NO in S208).

[0055] An example of the operation of the server 100 based on the above-described structure and flowchart will now be described.

[0056] For example, assume that the user has registered the first mobile terminal 10 as the terminal to be used. When the user returns the first mobile terminal 10 and changes to the second mobile terminal 20, the user performs a login operation on the application of the second mobile terminal 20. When the user is in a logged-in state on the application of the second mobile terminal 20 (YES in S200), it is determined that the user is currently logged in with an unregistered mobile terminal (YES in S202), and it is determined whether or not there is a request for value information from the second mobile terminal 20 (S204). When the user performs an operation on the second mobile terminal 20 to purchase value information and to request the start of use, it is determined that there is a use request (YES in S204), and it is determined whether or not the number of devices in use is less than the upper limit (S206). When the number of devices in use is less than the upper limit (YES in S206) and within the validity period of the value information (YES in S208), the value information is transmitted to the second mobile terminal 20 (S210), and the number of devices in use is counted up (S212).

[0057] As described above, according to the server 100 which is an information management device according to the present embodiment, when the model is changed from the first mobile terminal 10 to the second mobile terminal 20, even if the first mobile terminal 10 registered as the terminal to be used cannot be used to log in, the value information can be downloaded from the server 100 to the second mobile terminal 20 by logging in using the second mobile terminal 20. Therefore, the value information can be used using the second mobile terminal 20. Therefore, it is possible to provide an information management device which allows the value information to be used smoothly even when the mobile terminal is changed.

[0058] Furthermore, by setting an upper limit (a predetermined number or less) on the number of devices that can be used (the number of mobile terminals that can be used), it is possible to prevent the value information from being unnecessarily used on other mobile terminals.

[0059] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent value information whose expiration date has passed from being unnecessarily sent to other portable terminals.

[0060] Modifications will be described below.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the value information is transmitted by downloading a moving image, but a signal indicating permission to use the value information may be transmitted to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may receive the signal indicating permission to use the value information and thereby display the value information including the moving image stored in the memory.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it has been described that the value indicating the number of units in use is counted up each time value information is sent to a second mobile terminal 20 that is different from the registered first mobile terminal 10. However, for example, when value information is sent to the same mobile terminal as the mobile terminal that most recently sent value information, the value indicating the number of units in use may not be counted up.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the value information is described as being transmitted in response to a request from a mobile terminal other than the registered mobile terminal, but if there are multiple different mobile terminals, the value information may be erased from any of the mobile terminals other than one of them.

[0064] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the server 100 in the modified example. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals.

[0065] In S300, server 100 determines whether or not a user registered in database 140 is currently logged in. The method of determination is similar to the method of determination described in the processing of S100 in the flowchart of Fig. 2, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that a user is currently logged in (YES in S300), the processing proceeds to S302.

[0066] In S302, the server 100 determines whether or not value information has been assigned to the portable terminal used for login. For example, the server 100 may request information indicating whether or not value information has been assigned to the portable terminal used for login, and may determine whether or not value information has been assigned to the portable terminal using the information received from the portable terminal, or may determine that value information has been assigned when the terminal identification information of the portable terminal in the transmission history of the value information matches the terminal identification information of the portable terminal used for login. When it is determined that value information has been assigned to the portable terminal used for login (YES in S302), the process proceeds to S304.

[0067] In S304, the server 100 judges whether or not the portable terminal used for login is a target for erasing value information. For example, the server 100 may judge that the portable terminal used for login is a target for erasing value information when it is not a portable terminal that has most recently transmitted value information. Alternatively, the server 100 may judge that the portable terminal used for login is a target for erasing value information when it is a portable terminal that has been set by a user as a target for erasure. If it is judged that the portable terminal used for login is a target for erasing value information (YES in S304), the process proceeds to S306.

[0068] In S306, the server 100 erases the value information assigned to the portable terminal used for login. For example, the server 100 requests the portable terminal used for login to erase the value information. When the portable terminal receives the request for erasure from the server 100, it erases the value information including the video and the information on the expiration date from the memory. When erasing the value information from the memory, the portable terminal may display a screen on a display screen or the like that allows the user to select whether or not to allow the erasure, and have the user select whether or not to erase the value information. The process then ends. When it is determined that the user is not logged in (NO in S300), when it is determined that the portable terminal is not assigned with value information (NO in S302), or when it is determined that the portable terminal is not a target for erasure of value information (NO in S304), this process ends.

[0069] In this way, for example, assume that the second portable terminal 20 is assigned with value information and is set as a target for erasing the value information. When a login operation is performed on the app of the second portable terminal 20 and the second portable terminal 20 enters a logged-in state (YES in S300), the second portable terminal 20 is assigned with value information (YES in S302) and is a target for erasing the value information (YES in S304), so the value information is erased from the second portable terminal 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the value information from being used in parallel on a plurality of portable terminals.

[0070] The above-described modified examples may be implemented in whole or in part in appropriate combination.

[0071] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 information management system, 10 first mobile terminal, 11,110 processor, 12,120 memory, 13,130 communication unit, 14 touch panel display, 20 second mobile terminal, 100 server, 140 database.

Claims

1. A communication device capable of communicating with a plurality of mobile terminals; a control device that transmits value information to a first portable terminal when terminal identification information of a first portable terminal among the plurality of portable terminals is associated with user identification information that identifies a user of the first portable terminal; The control device is an information management device that, when a second mobile terminal among the plurality of mobile terminals, which is different from the first mobile terminal, is in a logged-in state in which the service is available, uses the user identification information to transmit at least one of the value information and information indicating permission to use the value information to the second mobile terminal.

2. The information management device according to claim 1 , wherein the control device limits the number of mobile terminals that become the second mobile terminal to a predetermined number or less.

3. The information management device according to claim 1 , wherein the control device transmits at least one of the value information and information indicating permission to use the value information to the second portable terminal when the value information is within its expiration date.

4. The information management device of claim 1, wherein when there are multiple second portable terminals that have received at least one of the value information and information indicating permission to use the value information, when a portable terminal set as a target for erasing the value information enters the logged-in state, the control device erases at least one of the value information and information indicating permission to use the value information from the portable terminal.

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