Terminal

Abstract

To provide a terminal that allows appropriate use of value information even in an offline state.SOLUTION: A server executes processing including: a step (S206) of permitting use of the value information when it is in a non-login state (YES in S200), value information is in use (YES in S202), and it is within an available period of the value information (YES in S204); a step (S208) of prohibiting the use of the value information when it is not within the available period (NO in S204); and step (S212) of acquiring use period information from the server when it becomes a login state thereafter (NO in S200).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a terminal.

Background Art

[0002] In a terminal (for example, a mobile terminal) that includes value information such as electronic money and electronic tickets, from the viewpoint of convenience, it is required to be used not only in an online state (a state where it can be connected to a server) but also in an offline state (a state where it cannot be connected to a server).

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-132436 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique of downloading an offline use expiration date file during online connection, checking the offline use expiration date at the start of offline use, and prompting an online connection when the expiration date has been exceeded.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, if the use of value information in the offline state is enabled as described above, there may be cases where it is not properly used, such as being in the offline state for a long time and using the value information beyond the expiration date.

[0006] This disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a terminal that enables appropriate use of value information even in an offline state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A terminal according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication device that receives information from an external server, a storage device that stores value information provided by the server, and a control device that executes processing for using the value information. The control device enables the use of the value information until the available period of the value information elapses after changing from a logged-in state in which the server can be connected and services regarding the value information can be used to a logged-out state, and prohibits the use of the value information when the available period elapses.

[0008] By doing so, until the available period elapses, the value information can be used without restriction even in the logged-out state, so that a decrease in the convenience of the value information can be suppressed. Further, after the available period has elapsed, the use of the value information is prohibited, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of disadvantages (for example, inappropriate use of the value information, etc.) when the logged-out state continues for a long time. Therefore, the value information can be appropriately used even in an offline state.

[0009] In one embodiment, the control device enables the use of the value information on other terminals until the available period elapses in the logged-out state.

[0010] By doing so, until the available period elapses, the value information can be used without restriction even in the logged-out state, so that a decrease in the convenience of the value information can be suppressed.

[0011] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the available period is set within a range that does not exceed the expiration period of the value information.

[0012] By doing so, since the use of the value information is prohibited when the expiration period is exceeded, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of disadvantages when the logged-out state continues for a long time.

[0013] Furthermore, in one embodiment, when the expiration period of the value information is a period equal to or longer than a predetermined number of days, one day is set as the available period.

[0014] By doing so, for example, assuming use for a day trip or the like and setting the available period to one day, it is possible to suppress a decrease in convenience and also suppress the occurrence of adverse effects when the non-login state continues for a long period of time.

Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a terminal that can appropriately utilize value information even in an offline state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] 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 denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information management system 1 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information management system 1 includes a server 100 and a mobile terminal 10 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. Note that the mobile terminal 10 is an example of the "terminal" in the present disclosure.

[0019] The server 100 includes, for example, a processor 110, a memory 120, a communication unit 130, and a database 140.

[0020] The processor 110 is 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 performs various control processes by expanding and executing a system program and a control program read from a storage (not shown) of the server 100 in the memory 120. The various control processes include communication processes using the communication unit 130 described later.

[0021] The communication unit 130 includes a communication interface with a network such as the Internet. In addition to communication with the Internet, the communication unit 130 is configured to enable two-way communication with the mobile terminal 10. FIG. 1 shows, as an example, a case where the communication unit 130 can communicate with the mobile terminal 10, but the communication unit 130 is configured to be able to communicate with a plurality of mobile terminals including the mobile terminal 10.

[0022] The database 140 manages various data handled in the information management system 1. The above data includes, for example, user identification information (user ID) for identifying a user who uses value information, personal information associated with the user identification information, terminal identification information, and the like. 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 the application software (hereinafter simply referred to as "app") of the mobile terminal 10. When the login state is established, various services regarding value information (such as viewing, purchasing, or using value information) can be used.

[0023] The user identification information is generated in association with personal information when registering the user as a user who uses value information, and is registered in the database 140. The personal information is information input in the mobile terminal 10 when registering the user, and includes a name, an address, a telephone number, and the like.

[0024] The terminal identification information includes, for example, the unique information of a mobile terminal set as a usage terminal for using value information by a user. The unique information of the mobile terminal includes, for example, information about the serial number, manufacturing number, or MAC (Media Access Control) address of the mobile terminal. The terminal identification information is generated in association with user identification information when the mobile terminal 10 is set as a usage terminal while logging in to the server 100 on the application of the mobile terminal 10, and is registered in the database 140.

[0025] When the mobile terminal 10 is set as a usage terminal, when it becomes in a logged-in state (online state) on the application of the mobile terminal 10, various processes such as browsing value information available to the user, purchasing value information, or starting the use of value information can be executed. Note that the available services may be made different depending on whether the usage terminal is set or not. The value information includes, for example, various electronic tickets such as digital tickets available for use in various transportation facilities. Further, the value information includes, for example, information about the expiration date.

[0026] The mobile terminal 10 includes, for example, a processor 11, a memory 12, a communication unit 13, and a touch panel display 14.

[0027] The processor 11, the memory 12, and the communication unit 13 have the same configurations and functions as the above-mentioned processor 110, memory 120, and communication unit 130 respectively, and their detailed descriptions will not be repeated.

[0028] The touch panel display 14 is composed of a display unit composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), etc., and an input unit (both not shown) composed of a touch panel, etc.

[0029] In the touch panel display 14, for example, a moving image (or a two-dimensional barcode or the like) received from the server 100 as value information and character information indicating an expiration date are displayed. The user can use the facility by presenting the display unit of the mobile terminal 10 before (before boarding) or after (after boarding) using the facility (including various transportation facilities).

[0030] On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 10 is in an environment with poor radio wave conditions, it may not be able to log in to the server 100 (hereinafter, may be described as an "offline state" or a "non-login state"). However, by enabling the display of the moving image corresponding to the value information and the expiration date without logging in on the application of the mobile terminal 10, it is possible to use it in the offline state.

[0031] However, if the value information as described above can be used in the offline state, it may not be used appropriately, such as being in the offline state for a long time and using the value information beyond the expiration date.

[0032] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 is allowed to use the value information until the available period of the value information elapses after changing from the logged-in state where it can connect to the server 100 and use the service for the value information to the non-logged-in state, and the use of the value information is prohibited when the available period elapses.

[0033] By doing so, until the available period elapses, the value information can be used without restriction even in the non-logged-in state, so that the deterioration of the convenience of the value information can be suppressed. Furthermore, after the available period has elapsed, since the use of the value information is prohibited, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of adverse effects (for example, inappropriate use of the value information, etc.) when the non-logged-in state continues for a long time. Therefore, the value information can be used appropriately even in the offline state.

[0034] An example of the processing executed by the server 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the server 100. A series of processes shown in this flowchart are repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals.

[0035] In step (hereinafter, steps are denoted as S) 100, the server 100 (specifically, the processor 110) determines whether the user registered in the database 140 is logged in. For example, the server 100 determines that the user has logged in when the user identification information and password received from the mobile terminal 10 match the user identification information and password registered in the database 140, respectively, and determines that the user is logged in when a predetermined time has not elapsed since the time when the most recent communication was performed after logging in (when the logged-in state continues). If it is determined that the registered user is logged in (YES in S100), the process proceeds to S102.

[0036] In S102, the server 100 determines whether there is value information being used on the logged-in mobile terminal. For example, the server 100 may obtain the history of granting value information to the mobile terminal and the usage history from the mobile terminal and determine whether there is value information being used. If it is determined that there is value information being used (YES in S102), the process proceeds to S104.

[0037] In S104, the server 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the time when the previous usage period information was transmitted. The predetermined time is a preset period. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S104), the process proceeds to S106.

[0038] In S106, the server 100 transmits usage period information to the mobile terminal that is currently logged in. The usage period information includes, for example, information indicating that the available period is until a predetermined period has elapsed since the non-logged-in state. The server 100, for example, sets "one day" as the predetermined period when the validity period is about several days (equal to or more than a predetermined number of days (for example, 2 days)). "One day" may be defined, for example, as the period until 12:00 PM on the same day when the usage period information is transmitted, or as the period with the end time 24 hours after the time when the usage period information is transmitted. Also, the server 100 sets the end time of the predetermined period so as not to exceed the validity period of the value information. Note that if it is determined that the user is not logged in (NO in S100), if it is determined that there is no value information in use (NO in S102), or if a predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S104), this process ends.

[0039] Next, an example of the process executed on the mobile terminal 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed on the mobile terminal 10. A series of processes shown in this flowchart are repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals.

[0040] In S200, the mobile terminal 10 (specifically, the processor 11) determines whether it is in a non-logged-in state with respect to the server 100. The mobile terminal 10 transmits user identification information and a password to the server 100, and when it is in a state where it has been authenticated to use value information with respect to the information registered in the database 140 and is logged in, and when it is not connected to the server 100 or has not been authenticated, it determines that it is in a non-logged-in state. If it is determined that the mobile terminal 10 is in a non-logged-in state with respect to the server 100 (YES in S200), the process proceeds to S202.

[0041] In S202, the mobile terminal 10 determines whether value information is being used. The mobile terminal 10 determines that value information is being used when the state where the value information can be displayed on the application continues. When it is determined that the value information is being used (YES in S202), the process proceeds to S204.

[0042] In S204, the mobile terminal 10 determines whether it is within the available period for using the value information. The mobile terminal 10 acquires the current date and time using an internally timed timer, and determines whether the acquired date and time is within the available period for the value information. When it is determined that it is within the available period for the value information (YES in S204), the process proceeds to S206.

[0043] In S206, the mobile terminal 10 permits the use of the value information. That is, when the user performs an operation to use the value information on the application, the mobile terminal 10 can display the moving image and the expiration date included as the value information on the display unit of the touch panel display 14 without logging in to the server 100, or move the value information to another mobile terminal. Then the process ends. If it is determined that it is not within the available period (NO in S204), the process proceeds to S208.

[0044] In S208, the mobile terminal 10 prohibits the use of the value information. That is, when the value information is being displayed on the application, the mobile terminal 10 stops the display of the value information, or when the user performs an operation to use the value information on the application, the mobile terminal 10 displays a message indicating that the value information cannot be used on the display unit of the touch panel display 14, or displays a message indicating that the transfer of the value information to another mobile terminal is restricted on the display unit of the touch panel display 14. Then this process ends. If it is determined that the non-login state is not (i.e., logged in) (NO in S200), the process proceeds to S210.

[0045] In S210, the mobile terminal 10 acquires usage period information from the server 100. The initial value of the available period is the period until the expiration date of the value information. The mobile terminal 10 updates the information on the available period stored in the memory 12 using the acquired usage period information. Then the process ends.

[0046] An example of the operations of the server 100 and the mobile terminal 10 based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

[0047] For example, assume a case where the server 100 assigns value information to the mobile terminal 10. When the mobile terminal 10 is in a logged-in state with respect to the server 100 (YES in S100), since value information is assigned to the mobile terminal 10 (YES in S102), every time a predetermined time elapses (YES in S104), the usage period information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 10 (S106).

[0048] In the mobile terminal 10, when it is in a non-logged-in state (YES in S200) and the value information is being used (YES in S202), it is determined whether the value information is within the available period (S204).

[0049] When it is determined that the value information is within the available period (YES in S204), the use of the value information is permitted (S206). Therefore, the user can continue to use the value information or move the value information assigned to the mobile terminal 10 to another mobile terminal.

[0050] On the other hand, when it is determined that the value information is not within the available period (NO in S204), the use of the value information is prohibited (S208). Therefore, it becomes impossible to display the value information on the display unit of the mobile terminal 10 or move the value information assigned to the mobile terminal 10 to another mobile terminal.

[0051] After that, when the user logs in to the server 100 using the mobile terminal 10 (NO in S200), the server 100 will obtain the usage period information (S210). As a result, the available period will be updated. Therefore, when the user subsequently becomes non-logged-in, the use of the value information is permitted until the available period elapses again.

[0052] As described above, according to the mobile terminal 10 which is the terminal according to the present embodiment, until the available period elapses, the value information can be used without restriction even in the non-logged-in state, so that the deterioration of the convenience of the value information can be suppressed. Furthermore, after the available period has elapsed, the use of the value information is prohibited, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of adverse effects (for example, inappropriate use of the value information, etc.) when the non-logged-in state continues for a long time. Therefore, the value information can be appropriately used even in the offline state. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a terminal that can appropriately use the value information even in the offline state.

[0053] Furthermore, in the non-logged-in state, the value information can be used on other terminals until the available period elapses, so that the deterioration of the convenience of the value information can be suppressed.

[0054] Furthermore, the available period is set so as not to exceed the expiration period. Therefore, when the expiration period of the value information is exceeded, the use of the value information is prohibited, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of adverse effects when the non-logged-in state continues for a long time.

[0055] Furthermore, by assuming the case of being used on a day trip or the like and setting the available period to one day, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of adverse effects when the non-logged-in state continues for a long time without deteriorating the convenience.

[0056] Hereinafter, modifications will be described.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, the case where value information is transmitted by causing the server 100 to download a moving image to the mobile terminal 10 has been described as an example. However, for example, a signal indicating permission to use the value information may be transmitted to the mobile terminal 10. The mobile terminal 10 may be configured to be able to display value information including a moving image or the like stored in the memory by receiving a signal indicating permission to use the value information.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the server 100 sets the available period and transmits it to the mobile terminal 10 as usage period information. However, for example, the mobile terminal 10 may set the available period. The mobile terminal 10 may set, for example, the end period of the available period (for example, the time point one day after the start period) within a range not exceeding the expiration date, starting from the time point when it becomes non-logged-in.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where value information including a moving image and information about the expiration date is downloaded to the mobile terminal 10 and the value information is used by displaying the moving image and the expiration date on the display unit of the touch panel display 14 has been described as an example. However, the method of using the value information is not particularly limited to the above-described method. For example, the value information may include information that enables short-range communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) with a device installed in the facility to be used. In this way, the user may be able to use the facility by communicating with and being authenticated by a device installed in the facility using the mobile terminal 10 that has downloaded the value information.

[0060] Note that the above-described modifications may be implemented by appropriately combining all or part of them.

[0061] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0062] 1 Information management system, 10 Mobile terminal, 11, 110 Processor, 12, 120 Memory, 13, 130 Communication unit, 14 Touch panel display, 100 Server, 140 Database.

Claims

1. A communication device that receives information from an external server, a storage device that stores the value information provided by the server, and a control device that executes processing for using the value information, wherein the control device enables use of the value information from a logged-in state in which the server is connected and services regarding the value information can be used until the available period of the value information elapses after becoming a non-logged-in state, and prohibits use of the value information when the available period elapses. The terminal.

2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the control device enables use of the value information on other terminals until the available period elapses in the non-logged-in state.

3. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the available period is set within a range that does not exceed the expiration period of the value information.

4. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein when the expiration period of the value information is a period of a predetermined number of days or more, one day is set as the available period.

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