WO1993012491A1

WO1993012491A1 - Information selling system

Info

Publication number: WO1993012491A1
Application number: PCT/JP1992/001633
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masayoshi Son
Original assignee: Softbank Corporation
Priority date: 1991-12-16
Filing date: 1992-12-15
Publication date: 1993-06-24
Also published as: AU3096092A; JPH05165782A

Abstract

An information selling system, wherein chargeable and no-charge information stored in a CD-ROM is written in different logical formats, and the no-charge information of the CD-ROM mounted on a CD-ROM system (200) is readable by a personal computer (100), and further, the chargeable information of the CD-ROM is made readable by transmitting a password from a telephone reception operation center (300) after its sales contract.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an information sales terminal device, an information sales system, and a method capable of paying and providing information free of charge. . BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, when a user receives a sales service of information such as a software program or a database, there are two sales methods as follows.

(1) An information service company sells a portable storage medium that stores software program information, and the user purchases the portable storage medium. The user attaches the purchased portable storage medium to an information processing device such as a personal computer, and then reads information from the portable storage medium using the information processing device.

(2) Connect the host computer installed at the information service company and the terminal device installed at the user side via a communication line. The user uses the terminal device for the information service company Contact your host computer with the contents of the database you want to receive service for.

The host computer of the information service company performs a search based on the contacted database, transmits the information obtained as the search results to the user's communication terminal device, and sells the information service. User information necessary for billing and sales billing is stored inside the device. The information service company bills the user by mail or the like based on the sales price information and user information stored in the host computer.

In the first method, it is easy to add other information free of charge, for example, program price information, to the information sold for a fee. However, there is an advantage that the cost borne by the information service company is small. In addition, since the user receives the portable storage medium by mail or the like, there is a disadvantage in that it takes time from the purchase application to the receipt.

The second method has the advantage that the user can receive information promptly, but when the amount of information received by the user is large, information communication takes time. The drawback is that the communication line usage fee is high.

For this reason, the second method was not suitable for an information service company because the information service company could not provide information on the information provided free of charge. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an information sales terminal device, an information sales system, and a method capable of promptly selling information when necessary while providing free information to a user. To provide

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information reading means for mounting a storage medium in which pay information to be sold for a fee is stored in advance and reading the pay information from the mounted storage medium, A password receiving means for receiving, via a public line, a password provided for delivery of the pay information, and a password received by the password receiving means, and a predetermined password. A password matching means for matching with a registered password, and only when the password and the registered password match as a result of the password matching. And control means for permitting the information reading means to read the pay information for delivery of the pay information.

The second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to the first invention device, an order information transmitting means for transmitting the order information on the pay information through the public line is further provided. I do.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an order information receiving means for receiving order information on pay information via a public line; A password storage means for storing a password to be provided for the delivery of the information in association with the salable pay information, and a type of the pay information indicated by the order information received by the order information receiving means. Extracting means for extracting a password corresponding to the type of the pay information from the password storage means based on a search based on the password, and a partner who transmitted the order information to the extracted password. A host device having password transmitting means for transmitting to the station via the public line, and a storage medium in which the pay information to be sold for a fee is stored in advance, and the attached storage medium is used. An information reading means for reading the pay information; a password receiving means for receiving, via a public line, a pass code given for delivery of the pay information; Password matching means for matching a password received by the password receiving means with a predetermined registered password; and as a result of the password matching, the password and Control means for permitting the information reading means to read the pay information in order to deliver the pay information only when a match determination of the registered password is obtained. It is characterized by having a sales terminal device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a recording medium in which pay information to be sold for a fee is stored in advance is attached to an information reading means of an information sales terminal device, and a password provided for delivery of the pay information is provided. Received via a public line, and The received password is subjected to password matching with a predetermined registered password, and the password and the registered password are checked by the password matching. The pay information is read from the storage medium by the information reading means for delivery of the pay information only when a match determination is obtained.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a password provided for delivery of pay information is stored in a host device, order information is received via a public line, and the received order information is received. Based on the type of pay information indicated in the report, the host device extracts the password corresponding to the type of pay information by searching, and transmits the extracted buzzword to the order information. A recording medium, which transmits the pay information to the other party via the public line and pre-stores the pay information to be sold for a fee, is mounted on the information reading means of the information sales terminal device, and the pay information is referred to. Receiving the password given for delivery via the public line, and receiving the received password with a predetermined registration password. Execute the collation and Only when a match between the password and the registered password is obtained by password matching, the information reading means for delivery of the pay information. Reading the pay information from the storage medium and delivering the read pay information to an external device. .

In the first and fourth embodiments of the present invention, a password obtained for a user after a sales contract is concluded is transmitted from the host device to the information sales terminal device. By receiving the password, the information terminal device can read the pay information from the storage medium. For this reason, the storage medium can be distributed to the user before the sales contract, and the user can purchase the paid information on the storage medium as needed.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, order information can be transmitted over a public line, and the time required for a sales contract is reduced.

The third and fifth embodiments of the present invention can automate the procedure for selling paid information, shorten the time required for selling and purchasing paid information, and reduce the labor required for selling Z. Can be done.

According to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, free information and pay information can be provided to a user by using a single (portable) storage medium. In addition, pay information can be promptly provided after a sales contract is established. Can be provided to the user. In addition, the selling price of programs and data is not fixed, and the effect is obtained that the selling price can be changed according to the price of other distribution methods or the frequency of purchase by the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the telephone reception operation center 300 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the personal computer 100 and the CD-ROM system 200 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the storage area of the CD-ROM 205 in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the storage area of the CD-ROM 205 in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a purchase procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a purchase procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the CPU 101 in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the CPU 101 in FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a purchase procedure of the second embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a telephone reception operation center 300 of a software database sales company is connected to a public line 250, and a personal line via a CD-ROM system 250 is connected to the public line 250. Computer 100 and telephone 160 are connected.

The telephone reception operation center 300 is also connected to a plurality of communication terminal devices 400 and 410 via a communication line 350 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

The personal computer 100 and the CD-ROM system 200 constitute the information sales terminal of the present invention.

Prior to the description of the system operation, the circuit and operation of each component described above will be described.

FIG. 2 shows the circuit configuration of the telephone reception operation center 300 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, a host computer 301, first to third sub-computers 302 to 305, a keyboard 306, and a CRT (cathode ray tube) display device 307 are commonly connected to a bus.

The host computer 301 can use, for example, IBM3090, and user information for each user who distributes the CD-ROM, ie, name, address, credit card, and so on. The number and serial (identification) number are stored in an internal storage device. In addition, the storage device also stores database-related service information to be provided to the user.

The host computer 301 performs a matching process on the user information in the storage device and a search process on the service information.

The first sub-computer 302 is connected to an automatic voice response exchange 303 such as an answering machine, and the order information and the user (user) are connected via the automatic voice response exchange 303 (a modem is used in this embodiment). Related) Receives the information, instructs the host computer 301 to inquire the registered information with the user information, and judges whether the information can be sold based on the inquiry result. When it is determined that the product is available for sale, a reply is sent to the telephone 160 on the user side through the automatic voice response exchange 3 and 3 via the automatic voice response exchange 3 and 3.

In addition, the first sub-computer 302 reads information from a specific part of the CD-ROM after the contract for the information service between the user and the software 'database sales company is established. A password for calculation (to be described later) is transmitted to the CD-ROM system 200 on the user side via the automatic voice response exchange 303.

The second subcomputer 304 exchanges information with the first and second communication terminal devices 400 and 410 installed at the store. Perform receiving.

The third sub-computer 305 stores price information and system maintenance information of the provided service in its internal storage device, and exchanges the information with other computers. For the first to third sub-computers 302, 304, and 305, for example, IBM personal computers can be used.

From the keyboard 306, input the operation instructions and the above-mentioned information for each computer described above. The CRT display device 307 is used for displaying information input from the keyboard 306 and information output from each of the above-mentioned computers.

Next, the personal computer 100 and the GD-R0M system 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

For the personal computer 100, well-known ones, for example, those manufactured by IBM can be used, so that the explanation will be briefly omitted. In FIG. 2, a personal computer 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a read-only memory (ROM) 102, a random access memory (RAM) 103, and a key. It mainly consists of a board 104, a CRT display device 105, a floppy disk drive (FDD) 106, an expansion slot 107, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 108.

The CPU 101 executes system control of the entire apparatus in accordance with a system program stored in the ROM 102, and also executes a flow control. Reads the application program stored on the P-disk (FD) 206 or CD-ROM 205, and performs arithmetic processing.

The RAM 103 temporarily stores the application program and input / output information for the CPU 101. Information is input to the CPU 101 from the keyboard 104.

The CRT 105 displays input information from the keyboard 104 and calculation results of the CPU 101.

The FDD 106 reads and writes information from and to the mounted FD 206 according to instructions from the CPU 101.

The expansion slot 107 is equipped with an I / O interface for connecting to peripheral devices. In this embodiment, an interface board 201 dedicated to the CD-ROM system is mounted on the expansion slot 107.

The free information and the free information transferred from the CD-ROM 205 are stored in the HDD 108.

Next, the CD-ROM system 200 according to the present invention will be described.

The CD-ROM system 200 includes a dedicated interface board 201, a CD-ROM drive 202, a modem 203, a system password memory 204, a FD 206, and a CD-ROM 205. It is mainly composed of power, and also has a power adapter (not shown).

The CD-ROM drive 202, modem 203, and system nosword memory 204 are stored in one case. You.

On the dedicated interface board 201, a decryption IC (integrated circuit) 201A is mounted, and when an instruction of the CPU 101 of the personal computer 100 is given. Only the decryption process for the information read from the CD-R0M205 is performed by the decryption IC 201A.

The CD-ROM drive 202 reads and writes information from and to the CD-ROM 205 according to an instruction from the CPU 101 of the personal computer 100.

The modem 203 converts an information signal exchanged between the personal computer 100 and the public line into a digital analog signal. A telephone 160 can be connected to the modem 203, and the telephone 160 can be connected to a public line by manual switching of signal lines.

The system password memory 204 stores a system password and a registered registration password. The registered password for verification is used for password verification according to the present invention.

Next, the CD-ROM 205 in FIG. 3 will be described.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the storage area of the GD-ROM 205.

In FIG. 4, storage area A stores first information written in a standard logical format. The storage area B was written with a special dedicated logical format different from the standard logical format described above. The second information is stored.

In the present embodiment, a standard logical format is a logical format called a high-format format determined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization). Use.

As shown in FIG. 5, third information that has been subjected to encryption processing is written in a specific area in the storage area B in a dedicated logical format.

In the present embodiment, the first information stored in the storage area A is directory information and information indicating the contents and price of a sales program that can be viewed by a user free of charge. The directory information includes the identification names of a plurality of program information stored in the CD-ROM, the storage addresses of the respective programs, and the identification names of the storage areas A, B, and C. It consists of metadata and is referred to when information is read from the CD-ROM.

The second information stored in storage area B is a trial program that the user can execute on a personal computer free of charge. The third information stored in the storage area C is a paid program and data to be transferred to the personal computer after the sales contract is concluded. The third information is encrypted in advance.

Hereinafter, the operation of the system shown in FIG. 1 according to the present invention will be described.

(a) User registration processing

Users can use the CD-R0M205, FD206, NO, package software After purchasing the CD-ROM system (see Fig. 3), a registration card with user information is sent to the software / database sales company (see Fig. 6). Refer to the figure). When the software / database sales company receives the postcard for registration, the operator inputs the user information described in the postcard for registration from the keyboard 306 in FIG. To a storage device (not shown).

After that, the second and subsequent CD-R0M205 will be distributed to users from the software / air data sales company free of charge.

(b) Display of sales guidance information on CD-ROM205

The user attaches the purchased CDR0M or the distributed CDR0M to the CD-ROM drive 202 of the CD-ROM system, and initially attaches the purchased FD206 to the FDDD 106 of the personal computer 100. You Next, the CPU 101 instructs the CPU 101 to activate a system program (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) for the CD-ROM on the FD 206 of the keyboard 104 of the personal computer 100. The CPU 101 reads out the control procedure shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 onto the HDD 108 and then starts the operation.

That is, the CPU 101 reads the processing menu information stored in the FD 206 and causes the CRT display device 105 to display the processing menu information (S10 in FIG. 8). In the present embodiment, the following processing is prepared.

(1) Display of sales program information on CD-ROM205 processing

(2) Transfer (install) the trial program on CD-R0M205 to a personal computer

(3) Processing of purchase procedures for sales programs on CD-R0M205 and transfer of sales programs to personal computer after sales contract is concluded. And input the instruction information for selecting the display processing of the sales program guide information from the keyboard 104 of the personal computer 100 (step S20 in FIG. 8). . Based on the instruction information, the CPU 101 of the personal computer 100 sets a standard logical format as a read format, and sets a professional logical format on the CD-R0M205. The program guidance information is read (steps S30 to S100 in FIG. 8).

More specifically, the CPU 101 refers to the directory information on the CD-ROM 205, detects the storage address of the program guide information, and then reads out the read address and the read address. Directs instructions to CD-ROM drive 202. The CD-ROM drive 202 reads the storage information (program guide information) of the read address specified in response to the read command, and transfers the read information to the CPU 101. The CPU 101 temporarily stores the sequentially transmitted program guide information in the HDD 108, and then displays the program guide information on the CRT display device 105 (steps S110 to S120 in FIG. 8). ) o

As a result, the user receives the program guide information on the display screen. You can find out which programs are available for sale and which are available for trial.

Thereafter, the CPUIOI ends this control procedure in response to an end instruction from the keyboard 104 (step S130 → end).

(c) Execution of trial program

After displaying the above-mentioned processing menu on the display screen of the CRT display device 105 (step S10 in FIG. 8), the user transfers the trial program in the processing menu. Instruct processing from keyboard 104 (step S20 in Fig. 8) o

The CPU 101 shifts to the program selection mode in response to the instruction, and subsequently, the user inputs the identification name of the trial program to be attempted from the keyboard 104 (FIG. 8). Step S20-S30 → S40 → S200) o

Thereafter, the CPU 101 sets a dedicated logical format, and in accordance with the dedicated logical format, executes the specified trial program on the CD-ROM drive 202. The data is read out from the CD-ROM 205 via the HDD and transferred to the HDD 108 (steps S210 to S220 in FIG. 8).

Hereinafter, the user can cause the CPU 101 to execute the trial program on the HDD 108 by inputting a program execution instruction from the keyboard 104. (d) Purchase of sales program

After displaying the above-mentioned processing menu on the display screen of the CRT display device 105 (step S10 in FIG. 8), the user performs the purchase procedure processing in the processing menu on the keyboard 104. (Step S20 in Fig. 8).

When the CPU 101 recognizes that the instruction for the purchase procedure processing has been input (step S50 in FIG. 8), the processing shifts to the execution procedure in FIG. That is, the CPU 101 reads out the message message about the sales procedure from the FD 206 and displays it on the display screen of the CRT display device 105 (step S300 in FIG. 9).

The CPU 101 controls the modem 203 to make a call to the software / database sales company's telephone reception operation center 300. At this time, the modem 203 performs message communication with the automatic voice response machine 303 of the telephone reception operation center 300 and transmits order information (step in FIG. 9). S315). The order information includes the credit number required for payment, an identification number indicating the will of the purchase, an identification number of the program or data to be purchased, and a system password. ing.

The automatic voice response exchange 303 transfers the received user-related information to the first sub-computer 302 every time the above-mentioned order information is received as the order information receiving means of the present invention.

The first sub-computer 302 stores the user information registered in the host computer 301 and the predetermined sales information. Based on the sale conditions, it is determined whether or not to permit sale. If sales are permitted, the first subcomputer 302 communicates to the automatic voice response exchange 303, and the computational password and sales fee corresponding to the sales program or sales data to the user's modem 203. Instructions.

In the memory in the first sub-computer 302, the identification number of the fee information and the password used for delivery of the fee information are stored in the form of a table. By searching the CPU of the computer 302, the password corresponding to the identification number of the paid information ordered is extracted by the search.

Therefore, the first sub-computer 302 operates as the host device of the present invention, and the automatic voice response exchange 303 operates as the password transmitting means of the present invention.

In response to this instruction, the search processing device in the automatic voice response exchange 303, from the voice information stored in the memory of the device in advance, outputs a voice indicating the specified computation password and sales price. The information is selected and extracted, and a response is transmitted to the telephone set 160 on the user side to end the sales contract.

If the first sub-computer 302 determines that the sale cannot be permitted, the automatic voice response exchange 303 responds with message information to that effect.

In this way, the modem 203 operates from the telephone reception operation center 300 for the delivery of paid information. When the password is received, the computation password is input to the CPU 101 (S320 in FIG. 9).

The CPU 101 reads the system password from the system path memory 204 in the CD-ROM system main body via the dedicated interface board 201. Next, the CPU 101 combines the input operation pass mode and the above-mentioned system pass mode to create a verification password (step S330 in FIG. 9).

The CPU 101 reads the registered password for collation from the system password memory 204, and compares the registered password with the created collation password (step in FIG. 9). S340—S350).

If the calculation password is known from the regular sales and acquisition, a match can be obtained for both of the above passwords, so the CPU 101 decrypts the data on the dedicated interface board 201. Up the IC201A (Step S350—S360)

The CPU 101 sets a dedicated logical format as a read format, reads the program instructed to be purchased from the CD-ROM 205, and reads the HDD108. (The outer β device of the present invention). At this time, the encrypted program information read out through the CD-ROM drive 202 is decrypted by the decryption IC 201A to form a general-purpose information processing code. Is converted.

After that, the server 101 stops the decryption 1201 and The information selling process according to the control procedure ends (steps S380 and S390 in FIG. 9). Fig. 7 shows the processing steps performed between the user and the information service company for the above information sales processing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, if the input calculation passcode does not partially match the registration passcode for collation, the processing does not shift to the paid information transfer processing in FIGS. 8 and 9. The sales program is not transferred to the personal computer in the evening. Accordingly, the CPU 101 of the personal computer 100 when executing the control procedures shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the FD 206 operates as the password matching means and control means of the present invention.

In addition, the calculation password is not transmitted to the CD-ROM system 200 unless a sales contract is concluded between the software 'database sales company and the user. For this reason, for example, even if the user holds the CD-ROM 205, it cannot be extracted from the sales program on the CD-R0M205 unless there is an input of the calculation passcode. Can not.

In addition, the sales program is encrypted and written to the GD-ROM 205 in a special format. For this reason, even if the storage information of the CD-ROM 205 is read using a CD-ROM system other than the CD-ROM 205 system of the present embodiment, the read information becomes meaningless data. This keeps the sales program on CD-R0205 confidential.

In addition, the user stored in the CD-ROM system 200 The system password, which cannot be known to the user, is used for the investigation of the user on the reception side of the telephone reception operation center, so the calculation password is set using a terminal device other than the CD-ROM system 200. Even if the user tries to know maliciously, the operation password cannot be known.

In the present embodiment, the notification of the calculation pass mode is semi-automated. After ending the sales contract, a part of the paid information to be sold (information obtained from the software program or database) is transferred from the telephone reception center 300 to the CD-ROM system 200. Next, a second embodiment in which transmission is performed will be described.

In the second embodiment, the decryption IC 201A on the dedicated interface board 201 shown in FIG. 3 also has an encryption function. In addition, the storage area C of the CD-ROM 205 is partially a blank area in advance. Fig. 10 shows the purchase procedure in the second embodiment.

In this purchase procedure, as in the first embodiment, after making a purchase contract between the modem 203 and the telephone reception operation center 300, the computation password is transmitted to the modem 203 (see FIG. 10). Processing 500).

When the CPU 101 receives the calculation pass mode from the modem 203, it temporarily stores it in the RAM 103.

Subsequently, the CPU 101 instructs the decryption IC 201A in the encryption mode, sets a dedicated logical format, and sets up a software reception operation center 300 software. Appro Wait for the program to be sent.

In the telephone reception operation center 300, the software program for sale stored in the host computer 301 is stored in the first sub-computer 302 → the second CD-ROM 200 through the automatic voice response exchange 303. And sends it to the modem 203 (processing 510 in FIG. 10).

The CPU 101 temporarily stores the deleted software program received by the modem 203 in the RAM 103. The CPU 101 sequentially transfers the information on the CD-R0M205 to the HDD 108, and when this software program reaches just before the portion where it should have been recorded, the portion from the RAM 103 is transferred to the HDD 108. Transcribe. After that, the remaining part is transferred from the CD-ROM 205 to the HDD 108. Also, during this processing, the encrypted information is decrypted by the decryption IC 201A. Finally, the CPU 101 displays the calculation password temporarily stored in the RAM 103 on the CRT display device 105, stops the decryption IC 201A, and ends the control processing.

The user sees the calculation password displayed on the CRT display device 105 and inputs the calculation password from the keyboard 104. The CPU 101 performs password matching processing for the input operation password, and the CPU 101 determines the password match and complements the missing data (software program) by the write processing described above. All paid information is transferred to HDD-108 of CD-R0M205.

In addition to the embodiment described above, the following example is implemented. I can do it.

(1) The decryption IC 201A is not limited to the dedicated interface board 201, but may be used on the CD-ROM system itself, for example, on the CD-ROM drive 202 or on a personal computer. It may be mounted on the Naruto computer 100 side. If the decryption process is to be executed by software, the decryption program must be stored in the FD 206.

(2) In the first embodiment, the sales program is stored on the CD-ROM. However, another portable storage medium, for example, a floppy disk is used. You can also. In this case, a floppy disk drive will be used as a reading device in place of the CD-ROM drive 202.

(3) When there are a plurality of types of dedicated logical format, if there are a plurality of types of storage programs, the confidentiality of the programs is increased if a plurality of types are used instead of only one type.

(4) In the first embodiment, the information in the plan is stored in the CD-ROM 205 in a standardized logical format, and the trial program and the sales program are stored in a special format. For programs that are memorized in a low-priority program, a free trial program is a standardized logical format, and a paid sales program is used. The system may be stored in a special logical format without encryption processing. In this case, the CD-ROM system 200 does not require a decryption IC

(5) In the first embodiment, the system password The system password and the collation (registration) password are stored, but if the collation registration password is stored on the CD-R0M205, the collation registration password must be stored every time the CD-R0M205 is distributed. Can be changed, further enhancing the confidentiality of the sales program.

To simplify the password matching process, there is no need to provide a system password, and only the registered password needs to be checked.

(6) In the first embodiment, the password matching process is executed on the personal computer side.However, when confidentiality is not considered important or when the FD 206 is not provided, the password matching process is performed. Can be omitted. In such a system, the contents of the logical format of the information to be provided free of charge are notified to the user in the form of a printed matter in advance, and after the sales contract is established over the telephone, the dedicated logical system for the charge is provided. Notify the user of the contents of the format by telephone or facsimile.

(7) In the first embodiment, the calculation password is not known to the user, and is simply transferred from the pay-to-clearing power s CD-ROM 205 to the HDD 108. Therefore, if the information in the HDD 108 is damaged, the user has to perform the purchase process again. In consideration of such a case, the calculation password is displayed on the CRT display device 105 after the completion of the purchase procedure, and the calculation password is input from the CD-ROM 205 by inputting the calculation password of the user. Read paid information for free The control procedure shown in Figs. 8 and 9 may be configured. '

(8) In this embodiment, software programs whose transmission is insufficient from the software / database sales company may or may not be encrypted, and there are several places. You can do it.

(9) The encryption method uses encryption by code processing such as an exclusive OR by a program and an encryption key code, and the encryption key code at this time is used as a password. There is also a method used as a code.

In this case, the password input means and the password verification means of the present invention are provided not in the personal computer but in the CD-ROM system main body.

(10) In addition to a modem, well-known communication means such as an NCU may be installed as the communication means in this embodiment for transmitting order information and receiving a password. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, free information and pay information can be provided to a user by using a single (portable) storage medium, and a sales contract is established for pay information. It can be promptly provided to the user later. In addition, the selling price of programs and data is not fixed, and the effect is obtained that the selling price can be changed according to the price of another distribution method or the frequency of purchase by the user.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A storage medium pre-stored with pay information to be sold for a fee, and information reading means for reading the pay information from the mounted storage medium;

A passcode receiving means for receiving, via a public line, a passcode given for delivery of the pay information,

Password collating means for collating the password received by the password receiving means with a predetermined registered password;

Only when a match between the password and the registered password is obtained as a result of the password collation, the information reading means for transferring the pay information by the information reading means. Control means for permitting the reading of pay information; and

An information sales terminal device characterized by having:

2. The information sales terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising an order information transmitting unit that transmits order information on the pay information via the public line.

3. Order information receiving means for receiving order information about pay information via a public line, and pay information that can be sold A password storage means for storing a password to be provided for the delivery of the information, and a charge information indicated by the order information received by the order information receiving means. Extracting means for extracting a password corresponding to the type of the pay information from the password storage means by searching based on the type, and transmitting the extracted password to a partner station that has transmitted the order information. A host device having password transmitting means for transmitting via the public line,

An information reading means for mounting a storage medium preliminarily storing the pay information to be sold for a fee, reading the pay information from the mounted storage medium, and delivering the pay information; Password receiving means for receiving a password given to the user via a public line, and collating the password received by the password receiving means with a predetermined registered password. The password verification means to be performed and the delivery of the pay information only when the password and the registered password match as a result of the password verification are obtained. And a control means for permitting the information reading means to read the pay information.

An information sales system that features:

4. Attach a recording medium preliminarily storing paid information to be sold for a fee to the information reading means of the information selling terminal device, Receiving, via a public line, a passcode given for delivery of the pay information,

The received password is subjected to password matching with a predetermined registration password, and

Only when a match between the password and the registered password is obtained by the password collation, the information readout unit transfers the pay information from the storage medium by the information reading unit. Information sales method of information sales terminal device characterized by reading paid information ά

5. Store the password given for delivery of the paid information in the host device,

Receiving order information via the public line,

On the basis of the type of the pay information indicated by the received order information, the host device extracts the password corresponding to the type of the pay information by searching, and extracts the password.

Transmitting the extracted password to the partner station that transmitted the order information via the public line;

A recording medium in which the pay information to be sold for a fee is stored in advance is attached to the information reading means of the information selling terminal device,

Receiving the password given for the delivery of the pay information via the public line, For the received password, perform password matching with a predetermined registration password, and

Only when a match between the password and the registered password is obtained by the password collation, the information readout unit transfers the pay information by the information reading unit. Reading the pay information from the storage medium,

Deliver the read pay information to an external device

An information selling method characterized by this.