JP2006216006A - Information output service providing system, and portable information terminal, output device, relay device constituting this system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable information held by a portable information terminal such as a cellular phone in an ubiquitous information environment to be processed by software by a fixed type or a large scale output device with high information processing performance and output performance, and output the information. <P>SOLUTION: Object information held by the portable information terminal is transmitted to other output devices (a display device, a loudspeaker device, and the like) by short distance wireless communication, this information is processed by the software running on the output device. The output content outputted by the output device, the software controlling the outputted content, or the object information transmitted to the output device is operated, inputted or processed via an operation input means equipped with the portable information terminal a user has at hand. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  Information output service providing system, and portable information terminal, output device, and relay device constituting the system

  The present invention relates to a system in which information held physically or substantially by a portable information terminal is transmitted to another output device by short-range wireless communication means, and the information is output at the output device.

  Display systems for displaying information handled by portable information terminals on other devices connected by short-range wireless communication means have been devised so far. For example, if the display system described in Patent Document 1 is used, it is possible to check the information such as an e-mail received by a portable information terminal on a wristwatch without having to take out the cellular phone. Is. However, in this system, a small device such as a wristwatch is assumed as the display device, and is not intended to extend the limit of the display capability of the portable information terminal. Further, it is not assumed that the contents of information displayed on the external display device are operated from the portable information terminal.

  As an example of a system for displaying information handled by a portable information terminal on another device connected by short-range wireless communication means, which is devised to overcome the limit of the display capability of the portable information terminal The thing described in patent document 2 is mentioned. This enables output information of the portable information terminal to be transmitted to the head set and viewed on the head set that can reproduce relatively accurate images and sounds. However, there is a demerit that the headset is troublesome to carry and cannot be used unless it is held when necessary. In addition, since the headset is a personal tool to the last, a special device is required to share the output information among a plurality of people, for example. Furthermore, as information to be handled, the main purpose is to reproduce images and sounds. For example, the information to be handled can be used for general purposes including editing while viewing a document held by a portable information terminal. It is not assumed.

  Another example is the display device described in Patent Document 3. This is because a mobile phone having a TV phone function transmits a TV phone signal received from the other party to an attached device having a display capability higher than that of the mobile phone connected by short-range wireless communication means, This is displayed on the attached device (the claim focuses on a method of maintaining a call even when communication quality is deteriorated). However, since the display device is positioned as an accessory of the portable information terminal and is not an installation type or a large-sized device, its display capability is limited. Further, the display device is assumed to be used for personal use, and does not lead to the idea of expanding social infrastructure for expanding the display capability of the portable information terminal. Further, like the above head set, carrying around is troublesome, and it is not assumed to be compatible with general-purpose applications.

  On the other hand, an external output device such as a wireless projector has been devised that includes means for receiving output information from a personal computer through short-range wireless communication means and outputting the information (for example, described in Patent Document 4). ) This is mainly because the output information handled by a personal computer is not limited extremely, and the output information handled by a personal computer is assumed to be enlarged and output on a large screen so that the output information can be shared. It has been done. This can also be used for the purpose of outputting information handled by a portable information terminal having a large output capability constraint. If this method is used, the display capability of the portable information terminal can be expanded and used for a fairly general purpose. However, in this method, an output signal for display must be transmitted from the portable information terminal to the output device using the short-range wireless communication means. Since a large amount of information has to be transmitted, the display capability cannot be fully utilized unless a communication means that can secure a sufficient communication speed suitable for the high display capability of the wireless projector is realized. Further, since it is necessary to process all information processing in the portable information terminal, the processing capability of the portable information terminal may become a bottleneck of the system.

  In addition, it is a system for displaying information handled by a portable information terminal on other devices connected by short-range wireless communication means, and intends to expand social infrastructure for extending the display capability of the portable information terminal. As an idea, those described in Patent Document 5 can be cited. In this system, information that cannot be output by the portable information terminal among information received from outside such as e-mail is automatically extracted based on the “display capability data” of the portable information terminal, and information related to this is extracted. The information is transmitted to other display devices having higher display capability through short-range wireless communication means, and information that cannot be displayed on the portable information terminal is displayed on the display device. In the display device, means for carrying out charging according to usage, means for receiving the request from the portable information terminal and receiving necessary information directly from the mail server, etc. have been devised. It can be seen that there is an idea to expand social infrastructure to expand the display capability of information terminals. However, this system aims at automatically extracting information that cannot be handled by the portable information terminal from information received from the outside such as e-mail, and confirming this on other display devices. Although it is possible to display information that the portable information terminal physically or substantially holds in advance or display it on the portable information terminal, it can be displayed on an external display device according to the needs to be displayed larger. It is not assumed that the user selects his / her own intention to view the information on an external display device, and there are restrictions on the use. Further, the use of the output device is assumed to be personal use, and for example, it is not assumed to be used for simultaneously outputting information received from a plurality of portable information terminals. Further, it is not assumed that the displayed information is edited by an operation on the portable information terminal. In addition, it is assumed that some operation is directly performed on the display device, and it is not assumed that information is displayed by operating only the portable information terminal, and the target information is referred to through the display device. You have to go through the steps.

  On the other hand, a system for displaying information handled by a portable information terminal on another device connected by short-range wireless communication means in order to overcome the limit of the display capability of the portable information terminal, As an example of a system devised for operating or editing the displayed information through an operation on a portable information terminal at hand, the system described in Patent Document 6 can be cited. The purpose of this is to solve the inconvenience of inputting information such as dialing numbers through the input means of a mobile phone that uses a small number of buttons to input alphabets and Japanese syllabary. A solution has been devised in which display information generated on a telephone is transmitted to an external display device such as a television and displayed on an external output device. However, in this system, since the solution of generating display information in a portable information terminal and transmitting it to a display device is adopted, for example, information transmission means using infrared rays displays very large information in real time. There is a possibility that it cannot be transmitted to the device, and eventually the display capability of the display device cannot be fully utilized. In addition, since the portable information terminal basically bears a load for generating display information, there remains a problem that an application with a very high load cannot be operated without stress.

JP 2003-79965 A JP 2002-57961 A JP 2001-333163 A JP2003-229865A JP2001-111607A JP-A-9-237145

  A portable information terminal such as a cellular phone is an excellent device that can be brought anywhere and can access necessary information in various situations. However, there is a drawback in that the greater the portability, the greater the restrictions on the output means. This is because in order to pursue portability, the size, weight, and power consumption of the device must be kept small. For example, a display for displaying mobile phone information is small, making it difficult to list a large amount of information. In addition, it has hindered the use of people who are not good at reading small letters and diagrams such as the elderly. In addition, with regard to speaker functions, although devices with excellent ones have been developed year by year, there are significant restrictions on the performance to generate high-quality sound and the ability to share sound in a large number of people or large spaces. . Furthermore, since the information processing performance in the portable information terminal is not so high, software with a very high load cannot be operated. Because of such a situation, it has been difficult to manipulate the output information and perform operations according to the contents of the output information.

  In contrast, the present invention solves the following problems. First, target information physically or substantially held by a portable information terminal such as a cellular phone is output through another output device (display, speaker, etc.), and the portable information terminal at hand is operated. By providing means for operating through the input means, the limitation of the display capability of the portable information terminal when the user refers to the target information is overcome. Second, the user can edit the target information using the operation input means of the portable information terminal at hand while referring to the output information output through the output device. Third, by using a large-sized output device installed at any place, both indoors and outdoors, as the output device, even if the user does not carry a special output device, living space and social infrastructure It is possible to receive the output service of the target information in various output devices scattered in the network. Fourth, the information processing capability of the portable information terminal can be obtained by processing, in the output device, main tasks related to software processing when referring to or editing information physically or substantially held by the portable information terminal. Is not a bottleneck in the above process. Fifth, in short-range wireless communication between the portable information terminal and the output device, the output signal (signal processed to be ready for immediate output), which is often relatively large, is relatively large By exchanging target information that is often small (digital data stored in a coded or compressed state), the communication speed of the short-range wireless communication is prevented from becoming a bottleneck of the process. Sixth, in some cases, a plurality of persons can simultaneously refer to target information physically or substantially held by the portable information terminal and share the information.

  Usually, in order to output the information held by the portable information terminal, output means provided in the portable information terminal includes output information obtained by performing software processing in the portable information terminal based on an operation in the portable information terminal. Output (FIG. 1). On the other hand, the conventional technology that has been devised to overcome the problem of the output performance of the portable information terminal is based on the operation in the portable information terminal, and the output information obtained by software processing in the portable information terminal is externally The output signal is transmitted to the output device, and the output signal is output by the output means included in the output device (FIG. 2). On the other hand, in the system described in the present invention, based on an operation on the portable information terminal, the target information held by the portable information terminal is transmitted to the external output device, and the target information is processed by the software in the external output device. The output information obtained by the above is output by output means provided in the output device (FIG. 3).

  The present invention provides means for outputting information held by a portable information terminal such as a cellular phone through another output device (display, speaker, etc.) and operating it through the operation input means of the portable information terminal at hand. This solves the above problem.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a system including a portable information terminal and an installation type or large output device, which are located in a range in which short-distance communication with each other is possible. Request for provision of information output service from the portable information terminal through the first short-range wireless communication means, first short-range wireless communication means for establishing short-range wireless communication with the information terminal, information output means for outputting information A request signal receiving process for receiving the request signal, and that the request signal received by the request signal receiving process is valid, or that the sender of the request signal is provided with the information output service. A request signal authentication process for confirming at least one of the permitted ones, and when the requirements for the request signal authentication process are satisfied, the portable information is transmitted through the first short-range wireless communication means. In a permission signal transmission process for transmitting a service provision permission signal permitting provision of an information output service to an information terminal, a provision mode start process for shifting to an information output service provision mode, and the information output service provision mode, the portable information terminal To receive information that is physically or substantially held by the portable information terminal (hereinafter referred to as “target information”) through the first short-range wireless communication means, and to output the target information Software processing for operating software; output processing for outputting output information obtained by software processing through the information output means; receiving operation input information from the portable information terminal through first short-range wireless communication means; Based on the operation input information, the output contents output to the output device, software for controlling the output contents, When it is determined that the information operation processing for operating, correcting, or processing at least one of the target information transmitted to the output device and the termination condition of the information output service providing mode are satisfied, the information First information processing means for executing an end process for ending the output service providing mode, and in the portable information terminal, second short-range wireless communication means for establishing short-range wireless communication with the output device, and the portable Information recording means for holding information handled by the information terminal, information reading means for reading information physically or substantially held by the portable information terminal, and operation input for accepting an operation or input by a user of the portable information terminal And a request signal transmission process for generating a request signal for requesting provision of the information output service and transmitting the request signal to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication means, In the two-distance wireless communication means, the permission signal receiving process for receiving the service provision permission signal, the subcontracting mode start process for shifting to the information output subcontracting mode, and the information output subcontracting mode, the information is physically transmitted through the information reading means. A target information reading process for reading information (subject information) held in or substantially, a target information transmission process for transmitting the target information to the output device through second short-range wireless communication means, and the operation input means through the operation input means. The operation input information generated by the operation or input of the user of the portable information terminal is transmitted to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication means, and the termination condition of the information output subcontracting mode is satisfied And a second information processing means for executing a subcontracting mode end process for ending the information output subcontracting mode when it is determined that And wherein the door.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first information processing means included in the output device does not execute the information operation processing, and the second information processing means included in the portable information terminal does not execute the operation input information transmission process. Features.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an installation-type or large-sized output device including a first short-range wireless communication unit, an information output unit, a first information processing unit, and a software recording unit; The portable information terminal includes a communication unit, an information recording unit, an information reading unit, an operation input unit, and a second information processing unit. A system located in a range in which communication is possible through communication means, and providing an information output service for outputting information physically or substantially held by the portable information terminal in the output device by the following procedure. Features. (A) In the portable information terminal, the second information processing unit generates a request signal for requesting provision of the information output service, and transmits the request signal to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication unit. (B) In the output device, the first information processing means receives the request signal through the first short-range wireless communication means. (C) In the output device, the first information processing means is whether the request signal is valid or the sender of the request signal is permitted to receive the information output service. Check if there is at least one of them. (D) In the output device, at least one of the request signal is verified and the portable information terminal is permitted to receive the information output service. If so, the first information processing means transmits a service provision permission signal permitting provision of the information output service to the portable information terminal through the first short-range wireless communication means, and the information output service provision mode Migrate to (E) In the portable information terminal, the second information processing means receives the service provision permission signal through the second short-range wireless communication means, and shifts to an output subcontracting mode for receiving provision of the information output service. (F) In the portable information terminal, the second information processing unit reads information (hereinafter, “target information”) that is physically or substantially held by the second information processing unit through the information reading unit, The data is transmitted to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication means. (G) In the output device, the first information processing means receives the target information through the first short-range wireless communication means. (H) In the output device, the first information processing means operates software used to output the target information, and outputs the target information through the information output means. (Ii) In the portable information terminal, the second information processing means is configured to obtain operation input information generated by a user of the portable information terminal operating the portable information terminal through the operation input means. The data is transmitted to the output device through wireless communication means. (Nu) In the output device, the first information processing means receives the operation input information through the first wireless communication means, and the output content output to the output device based on the operation input information, the output content Is operated, modified, or processed (information operation processing). (Le) When operation input information is newly generated by the user of the mobile information terminal operating the mobile information terminal through the operation input means, the information is changed as necessary from (i) to (nu). repeat. (W) In the portable information terminal, when the second information processing means newly transmits the target information to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication means, if necessary, (f) Repeat ~ (le). (W) At least one of the following (A) and (B) is processed. (A) In the output device, when the first information processing unit determines that the termination condition of the information output service provision mode is satisfied, the first information processing unit terminates the information display service provision mode, If necessary, through the first short-range wireless communication means, notifies the portable information terminal of an end signal for terminating the information output service, and in the notified portable information terminal, the second information processing means End information output subcontracting mode. (B) In the portable information terminal, when it is determined that the second information processing unit satisfies the termination condition of the information output subcontracting mode, the second information processing unit terminates the information output subcontracting mode and is necessary In response, the second short-range wireless communication means notifies the output device of an end signal for ending the information output service. In the notified output device, the first information processing means transmits the information display service. End offer mode.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the output content output to the output device based on the operation input information by the user of the mobile information terminal operating the mobile information terminal through the operation input means. It is characterized by not having a process for operating, correcting, or processing target information transmitted to the output device or software for controlling the output content.

  FIG. 4 is an outline of a system including the portable information terminal and the output device in relation to the inventions described in claims 1 to 4 (however, for claims 2 and 4, “operation input” "Information transmission processing" and "information manipulation processing" are not executed). FIG. 5 is a state transition diagram of the portable information terminal. However, (a) shows a state transition diagram of the portable information terminal described in claims 1 and 3, and (b) shows a state transition diagram of the portable information terminal described in claims 2 and 4. FIG. 6 is a state transition diagram of the output device. However, (a) shows a state transition diagram of the output device according to claims 1 and 3, and (b) shows a state transition diagram of the output device according to claims 2 and 4. FIG. 7 shows an example of the interaction between the portable information terminal, the output device, and other related devices.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a virtual disk server on a network for recording information substantially held by the portable information terminal is further added as a system component, and the target information is the virtual disk. Remote target information managed by a server, the portable information terminal further comprising wireless communication means for wireless communication with a base station connected to the virtual disk server via a network, the information reading means comprising: Through the communication means, information (remote target information) substantially held by the portable information terminal is read from the virtual disk server, and the second information processing means reads the remote target information as the second short-range wireless communication means. Through the virtual disk server, and in the virtual disk server, the remote object Remote target information recording means for recording information and an access service for providing an access service for the remote target information to the information reading means of the portable information terminal in response to a request from the portable information terminal A third information processing means for executing a providing process, wherein in the output device, the first information processing means receives the target information from the portable information terminal through the first short-range wireless communication means. Instead, a process of receiving the remote target information is executed, and the received remote target information is handled in the same manner as the received target information (FIG. 9).

  In the invention described in claim 6, the portable information terminal designates information on the network that can be accessed by the portable information terminal, and transmits information necessary for accessing the information to the output device. The output device acquires the remote target information by directly referring to the remote target information on the network, and handles the same as the target information in the following. As a system component, a remote disk server on the network for recording information substantially held by the portable information terminal is further added, and the target information is managed by the virtual disk server. The portable information terminal further includes wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with a base station connected to the virtual disk server via a network, and the second information processing means passes through the second short-range wireless communication means, In place of the process of transmitting the target information to the output device, a process of transmitting the remote target information access information used for accessing the remote target information managed by the virtual disk server is executed. The output device further includes a network connection to the virtual disk server. The first information processing means receives the remote target information access information instead of the process of receiving the target information through the first short-range wireless communication means, and receives the remote target information access information. A process for transmitting transmission request information for requesting transmission of the remote target information to the virtual disk server through the network connection means, and from the virtual disk server through the network connection means, Remote target information for receiving the remote target information, and treating the received remote target information in the same manner as the received target information and recording the remote target information in the virtual disk server. Recording means, processing for receiving the transmission request information from the output device, and recording of the remote object information based on the transmission request information Comprising a process of reading the remote object information from the stage, and a process of transmitting the remote target information to the output device based on the transmission request information and the third information processing means (Fig. 10).

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the portable information terminal issues an instruction to another management server connected to the network so as to transmit information on the network accessible by the portable information terminal to the output device. It is characterized by that. As a component of the system, a remote disk server on the network for recording information substantially held by the portable information terminal is added, and the target information is managed by the virtual disk server. The portable information terminal further includes wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with a base station connected to the virtual disk server via a network, and the second information processing means outputs the output through the second short-range wireless communication means. In place of the process of transmitting the target information to the apparatus, the process of transmitting the transmission request information for requesting the virtual disk server to transmit the remote target information to the output apparatus through the wireless communication means is executed. In the virtual disk server, the remote target information recording for recording the remote target information is performed. Means for receiving the transmission request information from the portable information terminal, processing for reading the remote target information from the remote target information recording means based on the transmission request information, and the remote target for the output device A third information processing means for executing a process of transmitting information, and further comprising a network connection means for network connection with the virtual disk server in the output device, wherein the first information processing means comprises: Instead of the process of receiving the target information through the first short-range wireless communication means, the process of receiving the remote target information from the virtual disk server is executed through the network connection means. The remote target information is handled in the same manner as the received target information (FIG. 11).

  The invention described in claim 8 is characterized in that the output device is a display device having a function of visually presenting information.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the output device is a speaker device having a function of outputting audio information as a sound wave.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the output device is a printer device having a function of printing information on a medium such as paper.

  The invention according to claim 11 further includes an authentication server connected to the output device as a network component as a system component, and the request signal authentication processing executed by the first information processing means in the output device includes A request signal or authentication information included in the request signal is transmitted to the authentication server, and an authentication result or information related to the authentication result is received from the authentication server. Authentication server request signal receiving means for receiving the request signal or authentication information included in the request signal, and authenticating the request signal received by the authentication server request signal receiving means or the authentication information included in the request signal. Request signal authenticating means, and an authentication result obtained by the request signal authenticating means or an authentication result for transmitting information related to the authentication result to the output device Characterized in that a signal means.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the request signal provided from the portable information terminal to the output device includes service content specifying information for specifying the content of the service contracted by the portable information terminal or the user thereof. In the output device, the request signal authentication process executed by the first information processing means determines whether the service content specifying information is valid as necessary, and the output device An information output service according to the content of specific information is provided.

  The invention according to claim 13 is a usage situation relating to a usage situation of the output device by the portable information terminal each time the target information is output in response to the request signal received from the portable information terminal. It is characterized by comprising usage status record transmitting means for recording information in association with identification information that can identify the portable information terminal or its user, or transmitting the information to another device through a network.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the portable information terminal includes voice input means, and the operation input information transmitted from the portable information terminal to the output device is voice information input through the voice input means, or The voice information is obtained by subjecting the voice information to text or symbolization.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the user can check the information specifying the selection target by using a physical signal output from at least one of the output device or the portable information terminal, and By operating the information terminal, an output device that outputs target information is selected. There are a plurality of output devices in a range in which the portable information terminal can communicate by the second short-range wireless communication means, and the user specifies the output device in at least one of the output device and the portable information terminal. Output device specifying signal transmitting means for transmitting a physical signal capable of being recognized by the user in a state that can be recognized by the user, and in the portable information terminal, the physical is transmitted by the user by the output device specifying signal transmitting means. An output device designation information input means for inputting information designating an output device that outputs the target information in response to the signal, and the portable information terminal is connected to the output device designated by the output device designation information input means. The communication is established by the second short-range wireless communication means, and the information output service is provided from the designated output device.

  The invention according to claim 16 is obtained by encrypting at least one of the request signal, the target information or the remote target information, or the operation input information transmitted to the output device, The output device further includes decryption means for decrypting the encrypted information, and when the first information processing means executes a termination process for ending the information output service provision mode, the target information, the remote information Executes target information erasure processing for deleting at least one of target information or information obtained by operating, modifying, or processing the target information or the remote target information, or making the information unreadable. It is characterized by that.

  The invention according to claim 17 is the system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein in the output device, the first information processing means is operated, corrected, or processed by the information operation processing. Update information transmission processing for transmitting the update information obtained as a result to at least one of the portable information terminal and the virtual disk server (hereinafter referred to as “recording destination”), The recording destination comprises update information receiving means for receiving the update information transmitted from the output device, and update information recording means for recording the update information received by the update information receiving means. And

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there are a plurality of portable information terminals constituting the system, and any one of the portable information terminals satisfies the requirements of the portable information terminal according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects. Features (see FIG. 12A).

  The invention according to claim 19 is characterized in that there are a plurality of output devices constituting the system, and any of these output devices satisfies the requirements of the output device according to any one of claims 1 to 17. (Refer to FIG. 13A).

  In the invention described in claim 20, there are a plurality of portable information terminals and output devices constituting the system, and any portable information terminal satisfies the requirements of the portable information terminal described in any one of claims 1 to 17. Both of these output devices satisfy the requirements of the output device described in any one of claims 1 to 17 (see FIG. 14A).

  The invention described in claim 21 is the output device described in any one of claims 1-20.

  The relay apparatus according to claim 22 provides a solution for performing the function of the output device according to the present invention by using an external output device that does not sufficiently have the function of the output device according to the present invention. Is. Through connection to the output information input terminal, an output type and output information input terminal (VGA input terminal, RGB input terminal, video signal input terminal, audio signal input terminal, etc.) Output information transmitting means for transmitting output information, target information receiving means for receiving target information from the portable information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 20 through short-range wireless communication means, and processing the target information By providing software operation means for operating software for obtaining the output information, the output device according to claim 21 is realized in cooperation with the external output device. There may be only one installation-type or large-sized external output device, or a plurality of external output devices. When connecting to multiple installation-type or large-sized external output devices, equipped with multiple output information transmission means and implemented processing procedures for controlling information provided to multiple output information transmission means in the software etc. To do.

  The invention described in claim 23 is the portable information terminal described in any one of claims 1-20.

  The invention described in claim 24 is necessary for a portable information terminal having a function equivalent to that of the portable information terminal to fulfill its function except that it does not fall under the condition described in claim 23, It is characterized in that at least a part of the output means originally provided is not provided.

  The system described in claims 1 to 4 enables the following. First, target information physically or substantially held by a portable information terminal such as a cellular phone is output through another output device (display, speaker, etc.), and the portable information terminal at hand is operated. By providing means for operating or inputting through the input means, it is possible to overcome the limit of the output capability of the portable information terminal when the user refers to the target information. Secondly, as the output device, by using a large output device installed at any place, both indoors and outdoors, even if the user does not carry a special output device, living space and social infrastructure It is possible to receive the output service of the target information in various output devices scattered in the network. Third, the information processing capability of the portable information terminal is obtained by processing main tasks related to software processing when referring to or editing information physically or substantially held by the portable information terminal in the output device. Can be prevented from becoming a bottleneck of the process. Fourth, in short-range wireless communication between the portable information terminal and the output device, not an output signal (a signal that has been processed so that it can be output immediately), which has a relatively large capacity, but a relatively large capacity By exchanging target information that is often small (digital data stored in a coded or compressed state), the communication speed of the short-range wireless communication does not become a bottleneck of the above process. Is possible. Fifth, in some cases, a plurality of persons can simultaneously refer to and share information on target information physically or substantially held by the portable information terminal. Furthermore, the system described in claims 1 and 3 uses the operation input means of the portable information terminal at hand while referring to the output information output by the user through the output device. Allows editing of information.

  The system described in claims 5 to 7 can handle remote target information recorded in a virtual disk server that records information substantially held by the portable information terminal as an output target. To do. A portable information terminal cannot physically include a recording unit that holds a large amount of information in comparison with an installation type or a large-sized device having an information recording unit because of a demand for reduction in size and weight. At this time, the portable information terminal is information that is not physically held in the recording means provided in the portable information terminal by using a virtual disk server connected to the portable information terminal via a network. However, physically, the information recorded in the recording means provided in the virtual disk server can be substantially retained to overcome the above-mentioned limitation. In particular, with the spread of broadband communication using portable information terminals, an environment has been established in which the use of virtual disk servers by portable information terminals can be realized without stress. The system described in claims 5 to 7 handles a large amount of remote target information recorded in a virtual disk server that records information substantially held by the portable information terminal as an output target. Make it possible. In addition, with the development of information technology, the case where an individual uses a plurality of information terminals has become common. At this time, an individual has a need to share the same information among a plurality of information terminals used by himself / herself, but a powerful means for satisfying this need is to use a virtual disk server. As a result, the individual can use the information physically stored in the recording means of the virtual disk server in the personal computer used by the individual, in the portable information terminal, in other information terminals, The information can be held substantially, and can be used in exactly the same sense as the information physically held in the recording means included in these apparatuses. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 7 uses, as an output target, remote target information recorded in a virtual disk server that records information substantially held by a plurality of terminals including the portable information terminal. It can be handled.

  Furthermore, the system according to any one of claims 6 to 7 is configured such that remote target information recorded in a virtual disk server that records information substantially held by a plurality of terminals including the portable information terminal is stored in the virtual object. It is possible to transmit directly to the output device through a network connecting the disk server and the output device. The output device is an installation type (or large-sized) device, and is expected to have a wired network connection means such as an optical fiber, and the virtual disk server is also expected to be the same. The network connecting the virtual disk server and the output device is assumed to be capable of high-speed communication. On the other hand, the communication between the portable information terminal and the virtual disk server and the communication between the portable information terminal and the output device are realized wirelessly, However, it is assumed that the communication speed is low. In this case, using the system according to claim 5, the communication between the portable information terminal and the virtual disk server and the communication between the portable information terminal and the output device are performed. Rather than transmitting the remote object information held in the disk server to the output device, the remote object information held in the virtual disk server using the system according to claim 6-7. It is possible to process the necessary communication in a shorter time by using the mechanism for transmitting the information directly to the output device, and the remote target information held in the virtual disk server can be more comfortable. Expected to be able to output.

  According to the system described in claim 8, an external display device having a relatively high display capability is provided for information that cannot be handled by a display with a relatively low display capability or that is difficult to handle. By using and outputting, the user can view and operate comfortably.

  According to the system described in claim 9, the voice information that the portable information terminal has, which cannot be handled by a speaker having a relatively low voice output capability, voice information that is difficult to handle, or voice information that cannot maintain sound quality is compared. By using an external speaker device having a high voice output capability, the user can listen comfortably.

  According to the system described in claim 10, information that cannot be handled by printing with a display with a relatively low display capability of a portable information terminal or a simple printer with low printing performance or information that is difficult to handle is compared. By using an external printer device with high printing performance, the user can obtain a printed material that allows the user to comfortably browse the target information. Further, if an RFID printer having a function of printing RFID and a function of recording information on the RFID is used as the printer, the information held by the portable information terminal is referred to as digital information by the RFID reader in the RFID printer. It can be output to a medium such as paper in a state where it can be performed.

  The request signal authentication processing by the first information processing means included in the output device constituting the system according to claim 1 is a request signal transmitted from the portable information terminal or authentication information included in the request signal The information output service provided by the output device can be provided only to a previously registered member or a user who satisfies a specific condition by authenticating In particular, by using an authentication server different from the output device, the authentication system centrally manages authentication of information output services provided by a plurality of output devices installed at various locations in the authentication server. Is possible. Thereby, it is expected that business development of the information output service described in the present invention can be effectively advanced.

  The system according to claim 12, wherein the output device provides the portable information terminal with an information output service only within a range of contents of a service contracted by the portable information terminal or a user thereof. Is possible. In particular, even when the system does not include the authentication server according to claim 11 or when the network with the authentication server is disconnected for some reason, it is possible to specify the range of service contents. And

  The system described in claim 13 records the usage status information regarding the usage status of the output device by the mobile information terminal, thereby charging each mobile information terminal according to the usage status of the output device. Is possible.

  The system described in claim 14 is an input for operating, correcting, or processing output content output to the output device, software for controlling the output content, or target information transmitted to the output device. Can be input by voice through a microphone included in the portable information terminal. For operation and input in a portable information terminal such as a cellular phone, buttons installed on the portable information terminal are mainly used. However, the number of buttons that a portable information terminal can have is limited to some extent due to the nature of portable information terminals that place importance on portability, and many people are not good at button operations themselves. For this reason, it is often difficult for anyone to easily operate or input, or to perform complicated operations or inputs. On the other hand, by using the system described in claim 14, it is expected that anyone can easily operate or input or perform complicated operations or inputs through the microphone of the portable information terminal.

  In the system described in claim 15, in particular, when there are a plurality of output devices in a range where the portable information terminal can communicate by the second short-range wireless communication means, the target information is displayed on the output device designated by the user It is possible to output. Further, even when the portable information terminal has only one output device in a range that can be communicated by the second short-range wireless communication means (even in that case, the user has only one output device in the range. Since it is not always guaranteed that only the device exists, the user is aware that there may be multiple output devices in the range), so check the output device that outputs the target information After that, it is possible to output. When there are a plurality of output devices in a range in which the portable information terminal can communicate with the second short-range wireless communication means, and the output device that outputs the target information is not specified or confirmed, the following problem occurs. First, there is a possibility that a plurality of output devices may output the signals simultaneously although they are not necessary. Second, when one user occupies a plurality of output devices, there is a possibility that other users cannot use the output device. Third, target information may be output by an unintended output device, making it difficult to confirm the output information. Fourthly, output by an unintended output device may expose the target information to the eyes of an unintended other person, thereby threatening the secret of the user. By using the system according to claim 15, these problems can be avoided.

  The system described in claim 16 makes it possible to increase security when using the information output service according to the present invention. Specifically, the following two effects are expected. First, since the information transmitted to the output device is encrypted, even if the information transmitted to the output device is intercepted on the way, a third party or a third party When it is difficult to decrypt the intercepted information by any device used by, the risk that this interception directly leads to information leakage can be suppressed. Second, when the user ends the use of the output device, the output device deletes all information handled in the user's operation or makes the information unreadable. Even if a third party who uses the output device next to the user tries to refer to the information handled in the operation of the user, this information is not referred to, and the secret of the information of the user is third. The risk of leaking to a person can be suppressed.

  The system described in claim 17 is configured to update information obtained as a result of operating, correcting, or processing target information (or remote target information) in the output device through an operation on the portable information terminal. It is possible to save in a portable information terminal or a virtual disk server accessible by the portable information terminal.

  The effects of the system described in claim 18 include the following. First, for a user of a plurality of portable information terminals, an information output service for outputting the target information substantially held by each portable information terminal in the information output means provided in the output device is displayed in time, display area, display It can be provided at the same time or in the same system after dividing the angle or the like. Secondly, for the users of a plurality of portable information terminals, the target information substantially held by each portable information terminal is displayed in the same software operating on the output device, and the user of each portable information terminal Processing such as operation, processing, input, etc. for the output content output to the output device, software for controlling the output content, or target information transmitted to the output device through operation input information input at each portable information terminal And allows multiple users to share processes executed in the software. For example, as described in the fourth embodiment of the system described in claim 18, it is possible for a plurality of users to enjoy a game using the same software operating on the output device. .

  The system according to the nineteenth aspect is capable of outputting various information (for example, information with different properties and information with different types) simultaneously using a plurality of output devices. For example, when giving a lecture in front of the audience, multiple output devices (a large display to present to the audience, speakers to let the audience hear audio information, speakers provided on a table prepared for the audience) This makes it possible to carry out effective presentations. Second, when the user of the information output service receives the provision of the information output service while moving, the user continuously changes the output device that provides the information output service to the user. It is possible to receive an information output service. For example, when the output information is music information and the output device is a speaker that reproduces the music information, a user of the information output service walks while the user It is possible to continuously provide an audio output service through an optimum speaker for the user from among output devices. In addition, when using a projector equipped with an operation unit that controls the direction of information output and a control system for the operation unit as the output device, the user can walk down on his or her own walking path that can be looked down at a certain angle (or It is possible to provide a system that can move while constantly confirming the target information displayed on the wall near the wall.

  The system described in claim 20 enables a plurality of users using portable information terminals to share information or an information output service provided by information using a plurality of output devices. For example, the first embodiment of the system described in claim 20 uses a portable information terminal, and a plurality of users participating in a conference or discussion effectively share information using a plurality of output devices. It is possible to do. A second embodiment of the system described in claim 20 enables a plurality of users to participate in a game using a plurality of output devices at the same time and compete for scores.

  While the output device according to claim 21 is excellent in portable performance that can be carried anywhere and anytime, there is a restriction in information output performance, for example, it is difficult to list a large amount of information. The information held by the portable information terminal is output using a higher-performance output means that can be provided because it is a stationary or large output device, and the user is output to the output device. It is possible to perform processing such as operation, processing, and input on the output content, software for controlling the output content, or target information transmitted to the output device.

  The relay device described in claim 22 uses an external output device that does not include the first short-range wireless communication means or the first information processing means sufficient to realize the function of the output device described in the present invention. It is possible to realize a device that performs the function of the output device described in the present invention. Therefore, even when the system described in the present invention is realized, an existing installation type or large output device can be effectively used as a legacy system. In general, stationary or large output devices are more expensive to install than portable or small devices, and are often expected to be used for a long time. There are significant economic advantages in effectively utilizing the system. Further, when a plurality of installation type or large-sized external output devices are connected, it is expected that an effective information output service can be provided while synchronizing a plurality of output means.

  While the portable information terminal described in claim 23 has excellent portable performance that can be carried anywhere and anytime, there is a limitation in information output performance, for example, it is difficult to list a large amount of information. Output substantially the information held by the portable information terminal using the output means of the output device having a high output performance because it is an installation type or large-sized, and the output content output to the output device by the user, It is possible to operate, input, or process the target information transmitted to the software that controls the output content or the output device.

  The effects of the portable information terminal described in claim 24 are as follows. If it is assumed that a portable information terminal having some function uses an external output means in order to perform the function, the portable information terminal has the output means necessary for performing the function in the main body. The necessity to have everything is lost. According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, by adopting a design that does not have a part or all of the output means in the main body as the structure of the portable information terminal, the portable information terminal is further reduced in size, weight, and saving Electricity can be obtained, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Examples of the output device constituting the system according to claims 1 to 4 include an output device that outputs a physical signal by light or sound, and an output device that outputs an output product accompanied by an entity such as a printed matter. is assumed. Specifically, a variety of installation-type or large-size displays equipped with means for outputting target information by some physical method, such as a display, a speaker, a projector, a television, a printer, a light emitting diode, a vibrator, and a computer equipped with an output device. In the output device, a device necessary for configuring the system described in the present invention is added. Further, when an output device using a touch panel type display added with means necessary for configuring the system described in the present invention is used, the portable information terminal is used for the output information output from the output device. It is possible to perform operation input in the operation input means of both the touch panel and the touch panel. As an installation place of the output device, various places such as street corners and indoors are assumed.

  Examples of the portable information terminal constituting the system described in claims 1 to 4 include a mobile phone, a PDA, a notebook computer, a portable music player, a wristwatch, a portable radio, a portable television, and a body-mounted electronic device. Various portable information terminals such as appliances, body-incorporated electronic appliances, recording devices with operation input means (devices intended to be used in the system described in the present invention), etc. Mention may be made of the addition of means necessary to configure the described system.

  The target information handled in the system according to claim 1 includes target information held by the portable information terminal itself (when the portable information terminal physically holds the target information), and the portable information terminal. Includes information on a network that can be accessed through wireless communication means (remote target information) (when the portable information terminal substantially holds the target information). At this time, the embodiment in the case where the portable information terminal is remote target information on a network accessible through wireless communication means shall refer to the embodiments of claims 5-7. As the form of target information, document information, presentation information, table information, image information, audio information, video information, state holding information (used in games, etc.), schedule information, contact information, and a combination of these information It is possible to handle various forms of information including information such as information that can be reproduced, viewed, or edited as it is at least by software operating on the output device. However, since the form of the target information that can be handled must be output by the output device, it differs depending on what output device is applied.

  The short-range wireless communication means that enables communication between the portable information terminal and the output device is provided between the portable information terminal and the output device. Means for communicating without a cable connection, including communication means such as Bluetooth, infrared, wireless LAN, non-contact IC tag and the like. All operations such as operation, input, editing, etc. by the user of the portable information terminal to the output content output to the output device, software for controlling the output content, or target information transmitted to the output device are all It is possible to input through the operation input means provided in the portable information terminal. However, it does not preclude inputting part or all of these operations through the operation input means provided in the output device (for example, when a touch panel display is used for the output device, It is expected that an operation similar to the operation that can be input through the operation input means provided may be input through the operation input means provided in the touch panel display).

  Accordingly, examples of the system described in claims 1 to 4 can include various combinations of these elements in an appropriate form.

  Also, the software used for outputting the target information can be implemented by selecting whether or not to select the software used for outputting the target information in the output device. The following forms are conceivable when selecting software. In the output device, software for outputting target information in an information format assumed to be received from the portable information terminal is installed in advance. The output device selects software necessary for outputting the target information according to the format of the received target information, and outputs the target information using the selected software. For example, when Microsoft word format target information is received, the Microsoft word is used, and when HTML format target information is received, a web browser is used. These software may be started up in advance before receiving a request signal from the portable information terminal, or may be started up each time. In actual operation, it is desirable to start up frequently used ones in advance and start up ones that are used infrequently.

  When no software is selected, the following four forms are possible. The first is to always use certain target information output software. For example, whatever information format target information is received, it is output using a dedicated browser, and when target information that cannot be output is received, a message indicating that it cannot be output is output. The second is to receive designation information for designating software used for outputting target information from the portable information terminal, and to output using the software designated in the designation information. The third is a case where the software used for outputting the target information is received from the portable information terminal or from another device capable of network communication upon receiving an instruction from the portable information terminal and used. . This is effective when the output device does not hold software that outputs target information received from the portable information terminal. Fourth, the target information is received in a state where no information processing using special software is required to display the target information. Specifically, display information is directly received and processed uniformly to display target information.

  Note that the fourth form described above is at least theoretically possible for the user to behave in the same manner as the system described in the present invention, and is listed here, but the main software processing is executed. Since it is the portable information terminal, it is not included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the wireless projector described in the prior art column corresponds to this. In implementation, there is a high possibility that the communication speed between the portable information terminal and the output device will be a bottleneck, and there is a high possibility that it will be subject to large restrictions compared to other forms. is there. When using other forms, that is, when outsourcing the processing of software used to control target information held by the portable information terminal to the output device, saving computing resources of the portable information terminal, There is an advantage that the processing speed can be increased. This is because installation-type output devices have significantly lower demands for miniaturization, weight reduction, and power saving compared to portable devices, so information processing resources with high processing capacity are arranged at low cost. Because it can.

  As described above, various implementation forms of software used for displaying the target information are conceivable. However, it is not necessarily one of these, and a combination of a plurality of mechanisms in the above forms is used. It is also possible to adopt. For example, the output device first attempts to select software for outputting target information. If software for outputting the target information is found, this is used. If not found, the target information is output. Flexible design is applied, such as receiving software from the portable information terminal or another device capable of network communication upon receiving an instruction from the portable information terminal and switching to a method using this Is expected to be.

  As specific examples of the termination condition of the information output service providing mode in the output device, the termination signal is received from the portable information terminal, the communication with the portable information terminal is interrupted for a certain time, the portable information terminal In addition, receiving a request signal from a high-priority portable information terminal, receiving a notification that an emergency has occurred, and the like can be considered. In addition, specific examples of the termination condition of the information output subcontracting mode in the portable information terminal include that the termination signal has been received from the output device, communication with the output device has been interrupted for a certain period of time, and the user of the portable information terminal It is conceivable that the input of operation input information for ending the information output subcontracting mode has been accepted.

  Here, as an example of using the information output service using the system described in the present invention, an MS word format document physically held in the portable information terminal is transmitted to the output device, Will be taken up through an output means provided in the output device, and an operation input will be made through an operation input means held in the portable information terminal.

  A user operates a mobile phone (the portable information terminal) used by the user, and an external display device in an area where short-distance communication is possible through the mobile phone and Bluetooth, which is a short-range communication means included in the mobile phone A request signal for requesting that the information provided in the mobile phone is output from the external display device is transmitted to the (output device) via the Bluetooth.

  The external display device receives the request signal via Bluetooth, which is a short-range communication means included in the external display device, and confirms whether the request signal is valid (for example, the request signal includes The mobile phone ID and password are included, and the ID and password are checked against an ID and password held in a database accessible by the external display device to check whether there is the same one. ). If it is confirmed that the request signal is valid, the external display device provides the mobile phone with an information output service to the mobile phone through the Bluetooth. A permission signal for permission is transmitted, and a transition is made to an information output service provision mode for the mobile phone. The mobile phone receives the permission signal from the external display device through the Bluetooth, and shifts to an information output subcontracting mode.

  Next, the user confirms the directory structure in the recording means displayed on the display provided in the mobile phone from the information held in the recording means provided in the mobile phone, while checking the directory structure in the mobile phone. The target MS word format document (target information) is selected by operating a button or dial (operation input means) provided, and this is transmitted to the external display device through the Bluetooth (at this time, the mobile phone). If the telephone does not have a display (or does not like the display on the mobile phone even if it is provided), information on the directory structure in the recording means is transmitted to the external display device through the Bluetooth, It is also possible to use a design that can be confirmed on an external display device In this case, information processing related to movement in the directory structure is processed by the mobile phone, and information related to the current directory and the like is specified by the mobile phone, and the processing result or specific result is specified in the external display device. And the external display device displays this information).

  The external display device receives the target information through the Bluetooth, launches an MS word as software suitable for opening the target information, opens the target information using the MS word, and opens the target information of the external display device. This is output through a display (the output means) provided. The user confirms this content.

  At that time, the user inputs operation input information related to the operation or input related to the target information or output contents through the operation input means provided in the mobile phone, and the mobile information terminal inputs the operation input through the Bluetooth. Information is transmitted to the external display device, the external display device receives the operation input information through the Bluetooth, and based on the operation input information, display contents displayed on a display included in the external display device, Operation, input, editing, etc. are executed on the software (MS word) for controlling display contents or target information transmitted to the external display device. At this time, specific examples of the contents of the operation, input, editing and the like include display area and cursor movement by operation of the up / down / left / right buttons, text input by operation of the character input button (or voice input through a microphone), Examples include deleting text and objects, adding objects, changing properties, changing styles, drawing shapes, cutting and pasting, copying, converting, inserting, saving, etc. by combining menu buttons and other buttons. , It is assumed that it is possible to perform one kind of processing assumed when the MS word is normally used. When specifying complicated processing, the processing contents can be specified while confirming the menu and guidance displayed on the display of the external display device as in the case of normal use of the MS word. .

  Even when the software for opening the target information is something other than the MS word, it is assumed that the processing originally assumed when the software is used can be performed. Therefore, it is desirable to share a unified operation input rule so that operation input can be performed intuitively regardless of which software is used. When the user completes the intended work in using the information output service, the user terminates the information output service through the operation input means provided in the portable information terminal. An instructing end signal is transmitted to the external display device through the Bluetooth. The external display device receives the end signal through the Bluetooth and ends the information output service providing mode based on the end signal.

  Further, when a karaoke deck equipped with means necessary for configuring the system described in the present invention is applied as the output device, the original music information held in the portable information terminal is transferred to the karaoke deck. And it becomes possible to reproduce | regenerate in this karaoke deck. Conventionally, a technique using a mobile phone as a remote controller for playing back on a karaoke deck has been devised (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-045495, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-162286, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-082679, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-006868, Open 2001-215977 etc., many). However, in these technologies, only the music ID that cannot be reproduced as it is is transmitted from the portable information terminal to the karaoke deck, and the music ID is used to reproduce the target music. Thus, it is necessary to search the database and download music information for reproduction, and there is a restriction that original music information held in the portable information terminal cannot be reproduced, for example.

  In the above, an example of a process for browsing and editing a simple document file has been described. However, the present invention can be used for various other purposes. When viewing presentation materials, the following uses are possible. For example, when introducing yourself to other people for the first time, if you want to convey detailed information about yourself that cannot be communicated only by exchanging business cards, hold a self-introduction slide in advance on your mobile phone and search for the nearest output device ( You can use this slide for self-introduction to show you who you are, in restaurants, dealers, companies, and streets). Or if you need to introduce a project suddenly on the go, but you cannot communicate well with your paper-based project guide (or if you do not want to provide it as record information for information management reasons) ) Even if you do not bring a laptop for presentation, you can search for the nearest output device and make presentations using presentation materials that you always have on your mobile phone. Also, when viewing and editing schedule data, monthly schedules that cannot be listed on the display provided on the mobile phone can be viewed and edited using the nearest output device with higher display capability. . Furthermore, when referring to map information, a low-resolution display provided in a mobile phone can display only a simplified version of a map with no details, whereas if the system described in the present invention is used, the display is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to refer to map information including fine characters and drawings that require high resolution using the nearest output device with higher display capability.

  An embodiment of a virtual disk server in the system described in claim 5 is a storage disk service providing service for a portable information terminal by an information service provider (FIG. 8), or a personal computer used by an individual. A function of reading information stored in the recording means of the virtual disk server in response to a request from the portable information terminal and supplying the information to the portable information terminal; and recording information received from the portable information terminal Having the function of recording in the means. In any case, in order to realize the system according to claim 5, the virtual disk server does not need to be provided with a special additional means, and it relates to access to the virtual disk server. All controls are processed in the portable information terminal.

  The first embodiment of the virtual disk server in the system described in claim 6 has the function of a normal virtual disk server that provides storage services for portable information terminals by an information service provider. is there. The virtual disk server issues an account name and password to a user who provides the storage service, and changes the password by a predetermined procedure in access from a terminal used by the user. I will provide a. Using this mechanism, the portable information terminal realizes a pseudo one-time password.

  When the user receives an output of remote target information held by the virtual disk server using the output service by the output device according to claim 6, the portable information terminal Information for accessing the virtual disk server held in the recording means provided in the terminal (address of the virtual disk server, account name of the user, password for the account name (hereinafter “original password”) ) To access the virtual disk server and change the password for the account name from the original password to a temporary password. The temporary password generated by the portable information terminal using a random number generator, information based on chance, information based on user operation, or the like is used.

  Next, the portable information terminal obtains information necessary for extracting the remote target information held in the virtual disk server (the address of the virtual disk server, the account name of the user, and the account name). A temporary password, a file name of the remote target information, etc.) are transmitted to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication means. The output device receives the information through the first short-range wireless communication means, uses the information to access the virtual disk server, and retrieves the remote target information. The output device notifies the portable information terminal that the reception of the remote target information has been completed from the virtual disk server. Upon receipt of the notification, the portable information terminal accesses the virtual disk server again, and uses the information for accessing the virtual disk server held in the recording means provided in the portable information terminal. The password for the account name is changed from the temporary password to the original password. As a result, the portable information terminal does not notify the output device of the original password for accessing the virtual disk server, and the output device can transmit the remote target information from the virtual disk server. It is possible to pull out. The intermediate process related to the password change in the above process is automatically performed in the program provided in the portable information terminal and the output device, and is not performed by the user.

  In the above embodiment, the process has been described in which the output device extracts the remote object information from the virtual disk server in response to a request from the portable information terminal. The process of recording the remote target information on the server can be realized through the same procedure. Further, in the above embodiment, the output device performs a pseudo process for each process of extracting (or recording) the remote target information from the virtual disk server in response to a request from the portable information terminal. It is assumed that a one-time password will be set, but the same temporary password shall be used until a series of output services by the output device based on a request from the portable information terminal is completed. You can also. In this case, for example, in the output service, when the termination process is executed, it can be realized by taking a procedure necessary to change the temporary password to the original password. In any case, if the output service is terminated unexpectedly due to a situation such as the communication between the portable information terminal and the output device being interrupted, the output device immediately The access to the disk server is terminated, and the portable information terminal accesses the virtual disk server, and takes a procedure for changing the password for the account name from the temporary password to the original password.

  The second embodiment of the virtual disk server in the system described in claim 6 uses a normal virtual disk server that provides a storage service in the above embodiment. The following can be realized in the case where the virtual disk server can have a different function. The virtual disk server issues a temporary password corresponding to the account name while maintaining the original password for the account name, or receives a temporary password corresponding to the account name by a request from the portable information terminal. A temporary temporary account name corresponding to the account name and a temporary password corresponding to the temporary account name are issued and notified to the portable information terminal. The portable information terminal sends information necessary for the output device to acquire the remote target information from the virtual disk server (the address of the virtual disk server, the account name (or the The temporary account name), the temporary password, the file name of the remote object information, etc.), and the output device uses the information to obtain the remote object information from the virtual disk server.

  The temporary password (and the temporary account name) is temporarily valid. Examples of the temporary range include a case where the password is valid only once, a case where the password is valid for a certain period of time, or a condition depending on the number of times. And a combination of conditions depending on time. In addition, the temporary password (and the temporary account name) is given a usage constraint such as being valid only when accessing the remote target information specified by the portable information terminal. It is also possible. Even when the output device acquires the temporary password (and the temporary account name), the output device cannot access the virtual disk server beyond the range of these conditions. Even when a malicious program is held in the output device, it is possible to minimize the influence given to the virtual disk server.

  The embodiment of the system described in claim 7 has a function of a normal virtual disk server that provides a storage service for a portable information terminal by an information service provider, with a special function added. The following example was used. However, description of parts common to the embodiments of other claims is omitted. When the portable information terminal refers to the information recorded in the virtual disk server, the portable information terminal normally has to transmit information (the ID or password of the portable information terminal, which is a reference target). In addition to information specifying information), information that can at least specify an output device that outputs information substantially held by the portable information terminal (including the address of the output device, if necessary, including the address) If not, it may be possible to cope with this by using a comparison table of the information and the address) and information issued from the output device (for example, temporarily issued by the output device A valid access key) or information issued by the portable information terminal (for example, temporary communication between the portable information terminal and the output device issued by the portable information terminal) , Temporarily valid access key) and, via wireless communication means, and transmits to the virtual disk server.

  The virtual disk server receives these pieces of information, and receives the remote target information (information to be referred to above), information issued from the output device, information issued by the portable information terminal, or At least one of information that can identify the portable information terminal (ID of the portable information terminal) is transmitted to the output device. The output device receives these pieces of information, and after confirming that the received information is legitimate by a request from the portable information terminal that provides the information output service, the portable information Provides information output services based on requests from terminals.

  Confirmation that this is legitimate is performed as follows. When the output device receives information issued from the output device, the output device is the same or contrasted with the information held as information issued in the near past by the output device to the portable information terminal. Check if it is possible. When the output device receives information issued by the portable information terminal, it is the same as or comparable to the information held as information issued in the near past by the portable information terminal. (Or the output device transmits this to the portable information terminal, and the portable information terminal is the same as the information held as information issued in the near past by the portable information terminal. Or confirms whether it can be compared and sends the result to the output device, which confirms its contents). When the output device receives information that can identify the portable information terminal, it confirms whether the output device matches the portable information terminal that provides the information output service. After clearing such confirmation, the output device provides an information output service based on a request from the portable information terminal. The subsequent procedures are the same as those described in the embodiments described in other claims.

  An embodiment of the display device in the system described in claim 8 comprises first short-range wireless communication means and first information processing means described in any one of claims 1 to 7, and information output means. As a personal computer provided with a display having a function of visually presenting information. As the display, any type of display such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, and a liquid crystal projector can be applied. In addition, the framework of a conventional personal computer, such as a television provided with the first short-range wireless communication means, the information output means, and the first information processing means, according to any one of claims 1 to 7. It is possible to apply various display devices.

  An embodiment of the speaker device in the system described in claim 9 includes the first short-range wireless communication means and the first information processing means described in any one of claims 1 to 7, and an information output means. And a personal computer including a speaker having a function of outputting voice information as sound waves. Further, another embodiment of the speaker device is a stereo player having a function of reproducing a CD, MD, music cassette, music record, MP3 music data, etc. as an original function. Examples include any one of the first short-range wireless communication means and the first information processing means described above, in which a speaker included in the stereo player is applied as the information output means. Further, as another embodiment of the speaker device, a radio having a function of reproducing audio information transmitted through radio waves, the first short-range wireless communication means according to any one of claims 1 to 7 And a first information processing means, and a speaker provided in the radio is applied as the information output means. Furthermore, in applications where the restriction that the output device is a stationary or large device is excluded, a portable information terminal (cell phone, MP3 player, etc.) carried by another user is used as the speaker device. For example, an example in which a head-mounted display is applied can be considered.

  An embodiment of the output device in the system described in claim 10 includes the first short-range wireless communication means, the information output means, and the first information processing means described in any one of claims 1 to 7. It is a printer equipped. Any type of printers such as monochrome printers, color printers, laser printers, ink jet printers, thermal paper printers, and printer multi-function printers may be used. In this embodiment, an example in which a printer functions as the output device by itself is shown. However, a personal computer including a first short-range wireless communication unit and a first information processing unit, the personal computer, A system constituted by a connected printer having information output means can be applied as the output device described in any one of claims 1 to 7. In addition, an RFID printer having a function of printing an RFID and a function of recording information on the RFID can be applied as a printer. In this case, information transmitted from the portable information terminal is converted into digital information by an RFID reader. Can be output to a medium such as paper in a state where it can be referred to as. It should be noted that the information output means in these embodiments is assumed to be printing means normally provided in each printer.

  According to a first embodiment of the system described in claim 11, the output device is configured to identify, from the portable information terminal, identification information that can identify the portable information terminal or the user and a password for the identification information ( (Hereinafter referred to as “identification information”) and transmits the identification information to the authentication server via the network, and the authentication server manages whether or not the identification information belongs to a legitimate user. Or by referring to an accessible database and, if the user is a valid user, transmits service content information indicating the content of the service contracted by the user to the output device, and the output device Based on the service content information received from the authentication server, it is determined whether to output the target information designated by the portable information terminal.

  According to a second embodiment of the system described in claim 11, when an output device transmits the identification information or the like to the authentication server, information specifying the output device, information indicating a classification to which the output device belongs Or at least one of information indicating services provided by the external output device, and the server permits the portable information terminal to use the output device as an output unit based on the information. Whether or not the content of the permitted service is determined by referring to a database managed or accessible by the user, and the permitted content information indicating the content of the determination is transmitted to the output device. The output device determines whether to output the target information designated by the portable information terminal based on the permission content information.

  An embodiment of the system according to claim 12 is a request in which the output device includes service content specifying information for specifying the content of a service contracted by the mobile information terminal or the user from the mobile information terminal. Receiving the signal, determining whether the service content specifying information is valid in the request signal authentication process executed by the first information processing means, and if the service content specifying information is valid, The output device provides an information output service to the portable information terminal within the range of the service content specifying information. However, it is expected that the service content specifying information is processed to be authenticable in the request signal authentication process.

  In an embodiment of the system according to claim 13, each time the output device receives a request from the portable information terminal and outputs the target information, the output device by the portable information terminal (or the user) The usage status information relating to the usage status is associated with identification information that can identify the corresponding portable information terminal or its user, and is transmitted to the accounting server through the network, and the accounting server receives the information received from the output device. It is recorded and regularly counted. Examples of usage status information regarding the usage status of the output device by the portable information terminal include the time, number of times under which control from the portable information terminal is provided (provided information output service to the portable information terminal), or The amount of information handled in the meantime, information indicating the characteristics of the information content, etc. This makes it possible to charge for each portable information terminal or each user according to the usage status of the output device.

  The first embodiment of the process related to voice input in the system according to claim 14 is that the portable information terminal operates the voice information input through the microphone included in the portable information terminal in the voice information format. This is transmitted to the output device as input information. In this case, the communication capacity between the portable information terminal and the output device is increased, but the installation type output device is in charge of processing such as text conversion and symbolization for the voice information, thereby reducing the processing speed. Improvements and higher performance are expected. The operation input information processed in the output device is used to manipulate, input, or process the output content output to the output device, software for controlling the output content, or target information transmitted to the output device. Used for.

  In a second embodiment of the process related to voice input in the system according to claim 14, the mobile information terminal converts voice information input through a microphone included in the mobile information terminal into text or symbolization, etc. In a state where the processing is performed, it is transmitted to the output device as operation input information. In this case, the calculation load on the portable information terminal increases, and there may be restrictions in terms of processing speed, performance, power consumption, etc., but compression of the communication capacity between the portable information terminal and the output device is expected. Is done. The operation input information received by the output device is used to operate, input, or process the output content output to the output device, software for controlling the output content, or target information transmitted to the output device. Used for.

  The first embodiment related to the process of selecting an output device in the system as set forth in claim 15 is for a plurality of output devices existing in a range in which the portable information terminal can communicate by the second short-range wireless communication means. Information on which the user can specify the output device is presented in a list form on the display provided in the portable information terminal, and the user is presented in the list form through the input means provided in the portable information terminal. One (or a plurality of) output devices are selected from the mobile information terminal, and the portable information terminal establishes communication with the selected output device and receives the information output service for outputting the target information. is there. The portable information terminal collects, through the second short-range wireless communication means, information necessary for identifying these output devices from all output devices that can communicate with the second short-range wireless communication means at that time. Present this list. However, it is expected that the identification information of these output devices is not presented to the user as it is, but is presented with a nickname or model name so that the user can easily understand. For this purpose, it is necessary for these output devices to hold information such as nicknames and model names together with their own identification information and provide them to the portable information terminal.

  In a second embodiment related to the process of selecting an output device in the system according to claim 15, a plurality of output devices existing in a range in which the portable information terminal can communicate by the second short-range wireless communication means, Information that allows the user to specify the output device is transmitted as a physical signal (audio information, visual information, etc.) that can be recognized by the user at the output device, and the user The information specifying the output device that outputs the target information is input through the input means provided, and the portable information terminal establishes communication with the selected output device and executes the output of the target information. is there. For example, the user desires to use the information output service in any of a plurality of output devices existing in a range in which the portable information terminal can communicate by the second short-range wireless communication means through an operation on the portable information terminal. When the information to be announced is transmitted, each output device is synchronized with each other in an appropriate order (for example, the order in which the usage frequency is high, the order in which the utility is evaluated to be high, the order in which the usage fee is low, In order that the stability of short-range communication is expected to be high, random order, etc. can be considered), light or voice that can be recognized by the user is transmitted, and the user outputs light from the target output device. Alternatively, when a selection operation is performed on the portable information terminal while voice is being transmitted, the output device is selected as an output device that outputs the target information.

  In an embodiment of the mechanism relating to encryption and decryption in the system according to claim 16, the request signal, the target information, and the operation input information transmitted from the portable information terminal to the output device are all encrypted. In the portable information terminal, the second information processing means executes an encryption process for encrypting the request signal, the target information, and the operation input information transmitted to the output device, In the output device, the first information processing means executes a decoding process for decoding the request signal, the target information, and the operation input information received from the portable information terminal.

  A public key encryption algorithm is used for the encryption process and the decryption process. In the output device, a unique secret key and a public key corresponding to the secret key are held, and when the communication with the portable information terminal is started, the public key is first transmitted to the portable information terminal. . In the portable information terminal, the public key is first received, and the request signal, the target information, and the operation input information transmitted to the output device are encrypted using the public key. The output device receives the request signal encrypted using the public key, the target information, and the operation input information from the portable information terminal, and decrypts the information using the secret key. To do. Thereby, even when communication between the portable information terminal and the output device is intercepted, it is possible to suppress a risk that the contents of the request signal, the target information, and the operation input information are leaked.

  In this embodiment, an example of an encryption and decryption mechanism in communication between the output device and the portable information terminal is shown. However, the output device and the virtual disk server A similar system using a public key encryption algorithm can also be applied to communication between the two.

  Similarly, in the process of recording information newly generated by operation, input, processing, or the like in the output device in the portable information terminal or the virtual disk server, the same encryption and decryption procedures are performed. (In this case, the portable information terminal or the virtual disk server which is the information receiving side holds a unique secret key and a public key corresponding to the secret key, and the output device The public key is received in advance, the information is encrypted using the public key, and the information is transmitted. The portable information terminal or the virtual disk server receives the public key, and receives the secret as necessary. Record after decrypting with key).

  In the embodiment of the target information deletion processing mechanism in the system according to claim 16, the target information is deleted when the first information processing means executes a termination process for ending the information output service providing mode in the output device. , And a target information erasure process for erasing all information obtained by operating, correcting, or processing the target information. Thus, even if a third party who uses the output device next to the user tries to refer to the information handled in the operation of the user, the information is not referred to, and the user information The risk of secrets leaking to third parties can be reduced.

  However, when the information output service providing mode is terminated, for example, when short-range communication between the portable information terminal and the output device is hindered by noise, the user can immediately use the information output service providing mode. If you want to resume. In this case, since it takes time if the output device newly receives the target information, the output device is required to restart the information output service providing mode immediately. It is also possible to use a specification that holds information for a certain period of time. In such a case, the target information and the like are deleted when the predetermined time has elapsed, and sufficient security is ensured such that the use of the output device by a third party is not permitted until the deletion is completed. It is expected to take measures to ensure it.

  In the system described in claim 16, a mechanism for enhancing security by encrypting information transmitted to the output device, and a mechanism for enhancing security by erasing information that is no longer used in the output device. And both have been implemented. Although it does not correspond to the system described in claim 16, it is naturally conceivable to adopt a system in which either one of the mechanisms is implemented. However, in order to ensure sufficient security, it is desirable that both of these mechanisms be implemented.

  An embodiment of a mechanism relating to storage of update information in the system according to claim 17, wherein the portable information terminal transmits the target information read from the information recording means of the portable information terminal to the output device, and the output The apparatus outputs the target information received from the portable information terminal in the information output means, and the user operates the target information through the operation input means of the portable information terminal while confirming the information output in the output apparatus. , Input operation input information intended to be corrected or processed, the portable information terminal transmits the operation input information to the output device, and the output device receives the operation input information received from the portable information terminal. The output device performs an operation, correction, or process on the target information based on the When a certain period of time has elapsed since the operation, correction, or processing was executed, and when an operation intended to store update information is performed on the portable information terminal, the operation, correction, Alternatively, the update information obtained as a result of processing is transmitted to the portable information terminal, and the portable information terminal records the update information transmitted from the output device in the recording means provided in the portable information terminal. .

  At this time, the information transmitted from the output device to the portable information terminal is stored in the same manner as the various information transmitted from the portable information terminal to the output device is encrypted by the mechanism described in claim 16. It is expected to be encrypted. In this case, the encryption mechanism can use the output device according to claim 16 and the portable information terminal interchanged, that is, the output device is held only by the portable information terminal. A public key corresponding to a unique secret key is received in advance from the portable information terminal, and the update information is encrypted with the public key and then transmitted to the portable information terminal. The portable information terminal receives this, The data is decrypted with the secret key and then recorded on the recording device.

  In this embodiment, the update information is recorded in the portable information terminal. However, the update information can also be stored in the virtual disk server. Further, in this embodiment, an example in which the update information is recorded at the reading source of the target information has been shown. Update information obtained by storing the update information obtained by processing in the virtual disk server, and operating, correcting, or processing remote target information transmitted from the virtual disk server It is also possible to construct a mechanism that can store the information in the portable information terminal.

  Furthermore, the unexpected termination process as a backup mechanism when the termination process for terminating the information output service provision mode is executed due to abrupt disconnection between the output device and the portable information terminal. Is executed, the update information obtained by operating, correcting, or processing the target information transmitted from the portable information terminal is automatically stored in the virtual disk server, Update information obtained by operating, modifying, or processing the target information transmitted from the information is retained for a certain period in a state encrypted using the public key acquired in advance from the portable information terminal. When communication with the portable information terminal becomes possible again, the portable information terminal receives the encrypted update information and decrypts it with the secret key. Above, it is possible to construct a mechanism that enables be provided with it and send to the information output service again output device that stores this.

  A first embodiment of the system described in claim 18 is a system in which one output device provides an information output service to a plurality of portable information terminals, and each time zone is divided into time zones. The information output service is provided only for one portable information terminal (see FIG. 12B). As a specific example, an output device that provides an information output service for still images to each portable information terminal, the output device being an output target in the information output service from each portable information terminal A still image and a request signal requesting output of the still image are received, and the request signals are arranged in a queue (column) on the memory in the output device in the order received, and the request signals are sequentially received from the request signal in order. Providing an information output service for outputting a still image requested to be output in the request signal, displaying a still screen requested to be output for a certain period of time, and then terminating the information output service based on the request signal; For example, the same processing is performed on the request signals in order, and the same processing is performed on the request signals in order.

  In the portable information terminal that has transmitted the request signal that has arrived in order, an alarm that informs that the order has arrived can also function. In that case, a method of transmitting information to that effect when the output device reaches the portable information terminal (or just before that), or the output device to the portable information terminal For example, a method of transmitting the waiting time in advance is possible.

  For example, in a space provided to support transactions of various types of financial products, each user wants to browse information on financial products, but this is a detailed information that cannot be viewed by the output means of the portable information terminal. While there is only one output device available for multiple users, there is a large amount of information on financial products, and there is a difference between what users are interested in. It is effective in cases where it is used as a solution. Also, in horse racing that handles a wide variety of winning horse voting tickets, it may be used as a solution to the situation where each user wants to check only a few odds (estimated refund rate) out of many combinations. It is the same.

  A second embodiment of the system described in claim 18 is a system in which one output device provides an information output service to a plurality of portable information terminals, and each display area is divided into display areas. The information output service is provided to each portable information terminal (see FIG. 12C). As a specific example, in the output device, the display area of the display part that is the output means of the output device is divided into a plurality of areas, and the output information is received from different portable information terminals in each divided display area. Accordingly, there is a large display device having a function of combining the output information into an output signal that can be displayed on one display and displaying the output signal on the display portion.

  The second embodiment of the system according to claim 18, in which the planar display area is simply cut and divided, whereas the third embodiment looks into the display according to the angle at which the display is looked into. In a display device that can change the information displayed to a person, the display area is divided according to the direction (angle) in which the information is output, and different output information is displayed for each direction.

  In this case, it is necessary to specify the position or angle of each portable information terminal that receives the information output service from the display device with respect to the display device with high accuracy. As a method for this, a method for identifying the position of an RFID that is integrated with a portable information terminal using an RFID sensor arranged in a space around the display device, or a signal transmitted from each portable information terminal by infrared rays A portable information terminal equipped with an information receiving means using an infrared sensor, which transmits a signal in which different information is embedded in each direction using an infrared module with high directivity. A method of confirming the direction in which the portable information terminal exists can be used by confirming which information has responded to the embedded signal.

  Furthermore, by providing a plurality of means for specifying the direction in which the portable information terminal exists at different positions, the position of the portable information terminal can be specified, so that information is provided according to the positional relationship. Can do. As information provision according to the positional relationship, for example, when presenting information for a user using a portable information terminal located far away, the information provision may be performed after the display of characters or the like is enlarged. Is possible.

  In the first, second, and third embodiments of the system described in claim 18, the target information transmitted from a plurality of portable information terminals is separated independently by separating the display area or the display time zone. In contrast to display, the fourth embodiment simultaneously displays target information transmitted from a plurality of portable information terminals using the same software in the same shared display area and the same time zone. That's it. As a specific example, target information transmitted from a plurality of portable information terminals is simultaneously displayed using the same game software in an output device provided with a display, and visual information output from the output device; Using the operation input means in each portable information terminal, it is possible to devise a mechanism that allows the user of each portable information terminal to participate in the same game. For example, a vehicle including an output device that outputs information about a game that can be simultaneously enjoyed by a plurality of individuals each having a portable information terminal in the train using the respective portable information terminals possessed by the portable information terminal is prepared.

  Here, consider a case where the game software is a card game (for example, a “nervation game of cards”, a karuta game, etc.). The first user who participates in the card game operates his / her portable information terminal, and the software of the card game and the corresponding software (player information for participating in the card game are displayed). The target information substantially held by the portable information terminal, which can be referred to or edited only by software for creating, editing, etc.) is transmitted to the output device. The output device receives the target information, activates the card game software used to refer to or edit the target information, and outputs the output information generated by the software based on the target information. The information is output through the information output means (display) included in the output device. The user inputs the operation input information through the operation input means included in the portable information terminal while viewing the information output through the display, and the portable information terminal transmits the operation input information to the output device, The output device is based on the operation input information received from the portable information terminal, the output content output to the output device, software for controlling the output content, or an operation on the target information transmitted to the output device, Through this process, the user enjoys the card game.

  A second user who participates in the card game can operate the portable information terminal owned by the second user and can refer to or edit only in the card game software and the corresponding software. Target information substantially held by the terminal (hereinafter referred to as “second target information”) is transmitted to the output device. The output device receives the second target information, and outputs, through the display, output information generated based on the second target information by the already activated card game software. The second user inputs the operation input information through the operation input means provided in the portable information terminal at hand while viewing the information output through the display, and the portable information terminal transmits the operation input information to the output device. The output device is configured to output the output content output to the output device based on the operation input information received from the portable information terminal, software for controlling the output content, or second target information transmitted to the output device. In this process, the second user enjoys the card game. Third, fourth, and other users enjoy the card game in the same manner as the second user.

  In the output device, the card game software receives target information from portable information terminals possessed by a plurality of users, outputs the target information, and performs operations, inputs, or processing on the target information. The target information includes, for example, information on the player's name and attributes, information that defines the player's own avatar to appear in the game, information that defines the amount of virtual currency that can be used as a wager in the game world, Information about the player's policy when participating in the game, information defining the state of the game, scores obtained in the game, and various other information. In the above description, “the card / game software or software corresponding thereto can be referred to or edited only”, but the same target information can be used by a plurality of game software. The target information in that case can include information shared between different game software and information not shared.

  When an arbitrary user ends the card game, the target information that has been subjected to processing such as operation, input, or processing in the output device through the process of playing the card game is transferred to the original mobile phone. It can also be recorded (saved) in recording means or the like provided in the information terminal (or virtual disk server).

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a card game is executed has been shown. However, other games such as puzzle games, shooting games, martial arts games, role playing games, simulation games, etc. are already known in the game industry. It is also possible to implement a variety of games that are used as the software.

  In addition, when the card game is a poker game, for example, when a condition that the card at hand is necessary to be turned down is given, the card is put out on the display of the output device. It is necessary to apply special measures such as applying a method of displaying information on a place and using it to display a card on hand on a display provided in each portable information terminal. For example, the output information that the software outputs to a plurality of output screens is controlled, and some of the output information is output by output means included in the output device, and the other output information is connected to the output device via a network. A method of transmitting to another device and outputting at the other device is conceivable. In this case, the other output device is each user's portable information terminal, and can be considered as a plurality of devices (short distance with limited communication speed between the output device and the portable information terminal) In wireless communication, even if there is a problem in communicating an output signal for output in the output device having high output performance, the output signal for output in the portable information terminal having low output performance is communicated. It is assumed that there is no obstacle to this). Other than the scope of the present invention, as a system that performs the same function, software for controlling the game is activated on each of the output device or a plurality of portable information terminals to communicate with each other. However, it is also possible to consider a model to which a model that operates in synchronization is applied. In that case, after having provided the necessary software in each portable information terminal or receiving each time delivery from the output device etc., these software must be operated in each portable information terminal, Each mobile information terminal requires a relatively large amount of resources.

  The first embodiment of the configuration related to the output device in the system described in claim 19 makes it possible to carry out an effective presentation by utilizing a plurality of output devices (FIG. 13). (See (c)). As the output device, a large display to be presented to the audience, a speaker for letting the audience hear audio information, a speaker display provided on a table prepared for the lecturer, and the like are used. The lecturer holds a file used for presentation in the portable information terminal, and transmits the file as target information to each output device at the time of the lecture. As the target information, it is assumed that slide materials, presentation manuscripts, video information, image information, audio information, or the like, or multimedia information that holds these information in combination is used.

  The speaker operates the portable information terminal to output the slide material and the image information on the large display, output the presentation manuscript on the speaker display, and output the audio information on the speaker. The video information is output using the output means of both the large display and the speaker. When the video information is output using the output means of both the large display and the speaker, the video information is transmitted as it is to the large display and the speaker, respectively. The video information is extracted from the video information and outputted, and the speaker extracts the audio information from the video information and outputs it, and the video information is separated into the video information and the audio information or separated Hold in a possible state, transmit the separated moving picture information to the large display, transmit the separated audio information to the speaker, and the large display and the speaker respectively receive It is assumed that the moving image information and the audio information are output.

  As a system configuration, a server installed in any one or a plurality of output devices receives target information in a batch, starts software for referring to the target information, and communicates with the portable information terminal. A configuration in which information to be output from other output devices is transmitted to each output device while processing communication collectively, and target information to be transmitted to each output device is held in advance as separate files (with audio information and When it is necessary to output while synchronizing with multiple output devices, such as video information, if necessary, a file describing the relationship between multiple files (information necessary for synchronization such as a video It is assumed that information such as how many milliseconds after the start of information reproduction is started) is prepared), and the portable information terminal is connected to each output device. It is assumed that each output device will send a file to be output. (Depending on the configuration of the system, it is possible to provide a similar service even if it is outside the scope of this claim.) can do).

  For an output device in charge of outputting voice information, voice information recorded in advance on the portable information terminal, voice information obtained from another device through the network, and voice input means provided in the portable information terminal are used. It is possible to request output of voice information such as voice information input on the spot. When inputting on the spot, the portable information terminal can serve as a microphone.

  When it is desired to provide audio and video simultaneously through the output device, such as when introducing a case example by video, the portable information terminal synchronizes playback on both output devices. In the unlikely event that the playback timing of the audio and the moving image is shifted, the user operates the portable information terminal and gives an instruction to delay the playback of the preceding output device for an appropriate time, thereby adjusting this timing. It is conceivable to have At this time, in the portable information terminal, an optimal video (for example, a rhythm in which video and audio are engraved is explicitly shown for adjusting timing of information output from both output devices. The video is used to facilitate the adjustment of the timing by matching the rhythm, and the output timing between the output devices is adjusted using the video. It is also possible to use a method of processing reproduction of the sound and the moving image.

  In a second embodiment of the configuration relating to the output device in the system according to claim 19, when the information output service user is provided with the information output service while moving, the information output is output to the user. The user can continuously receive the information output service while switching the output device that provides the service (see FIG. 13B).

  Here, the output information is music information, and the output device is a speaker that reproduces the music information. When the user of the information output service moves while walking, an output device that is optimal for the user is always selected from a plurality of output devices arranged in the walking route of the user, and if necessary, It is possible to consider providing an audio output service to the user while switching the output device.

  The system is installed in the area where the user walks a lot of information that is recorded on the IC tag integrated with the portable information terminal (for example, the means for identifying the position and movement of the user of the portable information terminal) The IC tag information reading device reads the means for specifying the position of the user (the output device and the IC tag information reading device may be the same device), or the GPS provided in the portable information terminal A means for specifying the position of the user using an antenna is conceivable, but since it can be easily designed by those skilled in the art, the detailed description is omitted) to specify the position of the user, An optimum output device is selected at any time from pre-registered output devices.

  When switching the output of audio information from the original output device to the new output device, the information output service from the original output device is always terminated and the information output service from the new output device is always started simultaneously. Instead, it is possible to devise the user so that the user does not need to be aware of the change of the output device, such as fading in the output from the new output device while fading out the output from the original output device.

  Also, instead of using two of the original output device and the new output device, using a plurality of output devices located around the user, adjusting the balance of the sound output from each output device, the It is also possible to reorganize the output device that participates in the information output service in accordance with the movement of the user and provide the user with the voice information output service in an optimal state. Even when the user does not move, the characteristics of each output device (for example, a speaker suitable for outputting a heavy bass or a high tone are output using a plurality of output devices located around the user. It is possible to construct a mechanism for outputting optimal sound after calculating the characteristics of speakers etc. suitable for output).

  When there are a plurality of users who receive the information output service, output information received from a plurality of users is combined and output. When these users pass each other, they can hear the output information used by others, but even in the presence of various voices, humans are conscious of the continuity of the voice and the voice they want. Since it has the ability to concentrate to a certain extent, it is not a fatal obstacle unless the voice is particularly uncomfortable. However, there are restrictions such as difficulty in use when the user density is higher than a certain level. At this time, the speaker includes a directional speaker that narrows down the output direction of audio information, and includes a plurality of the directional speakers or an operating unit that adjusts the direction of the directional speaker. In the case of using one satisfying at least one of the above, it is expected that it is possible to cope even if the density of users increases to some extent.

  The third embodiment of the configuration related to the output device in the system described in claim 19 is similar to the second embodiment in that the output device is provided when the user receives provision of the information output service while moving. Among those that enable the user to continuously receive the information output service while switching, a plurality of projectors are used as the output device.

  The operation of one projector is as follows. The projector includes an operation unit that adjusts an output direction of information and a control system for the operation unit, thereby moving the position where the output information is displayed in accordance with the movement speed of the user. For example, when using map information (information specifying the user's current location can be specified by adding a function) as the target information, the user always moves while checking the map. It becomes possible. At that time, after grasping the position and moving direction of the user, a function of displaying the output information on a walking region (or wall surface) at a position looking down at a certain angle in the moving direction, and an angle at which the output information is irradiated A function of correcting the display distortion of the output information in accordance with the change in brightness, and maintaining the brightness of the display constant by adjusting the amount of backlight light in accordance with the change in the distance from the projector to the irradiation position Function, a function to display after adjusting the direction so that the side closer to the user is always on the lower side in the display (in the case of map information, this function is not necessarily applied as it is, the actual direction and on the map For example, it is expected to be displayed after matching the directions).

  When the user passes the output available area of the projector, other available projectors (existing at a position where output information can be displayed to the user and exclusively used by other users) If the condition does not exist, the information output service by the original projector is terminated and the output service by the new projector is started at the same time. At that time, the original projector and the new projector communicate with each other so that the information output service starts and ends at the same time while synchronizing, and the position and size of the display by the original projector, It is expected to use a system design in which the new projector inherits the direction and the like, and the user does not have to be aware of the replacement of the projector that is provided with the information output service.

  According to a first embodiment of the system described in claim 20, a plurality of users who use a portable information terminal and participate in a meeting or discussion use a plurality of output devices to target information on various opinions and materials. Is effectively shared (see FIG. 14B). Here, three display devices are prepared as output devices, and fields for displaying “phenomenon”, “problem”, and “improvement plan” are provided on each display device. A conference participant freely transmits target information on various opinions and materials after designating respective fields, and each display device receives the target information and displays it through a display included in the display device.

  As the target information, target information prepared in advance in a portable information terminal, remote target information accessible from the portable information terminal via a network, and information input on the spot can be used. When inputting information on the spot, the operation input means for inputting the target information may be a button or a keyboard provided in the portable information terminal. It may be in the form of output in the form.

  The transmission of the target information to the output device may be in the form of each person proceeding in parallel. As in a normal meeting, each person presents information to the meeting place in sequence as the proceedings proceed. Each participant's portable information terminal may transmit the target information to the output device, and the output device may display it. In this case, if a speaker is added to the output device, the portable information terminal can be used as an alternative to the microphone used for speaking in the conference hall.

  A second embodiment of the system described in claim 20 enables a plurality of users to participate in a dragon dragging game using a plurality of output devices at the same time and compete for scores. In the fourth embodiment of claim 18, there is one output device, whereas in this embodiment, a plurality of output devices are used, but this embodiment also includes the fourth embodiment of claim 18. Part of the described system configuration can be applied. However, the description about this application item is omitted here.

  The progress of the game is as follows. Here, as the output device, a plurality of displays are prepared, nine holes that are identified are displayed on each display, and a picture of a clay dragon is displayed at random in each hole. The user of each portable information terminal participating in the game competes and inputs information for identifying the hole where the earth dragon is displayed, using the operation input means provided in the portable information terminal. The score of the player of the portable information terminal that has input information for identifying the hole where the earth dragon is displayed earliest is added to the display of each earth dragon. When the information specifying the hole of the earth dragon is input, the earth dragon is replaced with the earth dragon image indicating the state of “Yarareta”, and then returns to the original hole image after a while. Repeat this.

  As a system configuration, each dragon smashing game software is operated in each output device, each portable information terminal operated by each user communicates with each output device, and each software connects each output device. Each portable information terminal is configured to operate the software on a server (hereinafter referred to as “server” or the like) installed in one or the other of a plurality of output devices, It is assumed that communication is performed only with the server or the like instead of direct communication with each output device, and the game is advanced while output information is transmitted to the other output devices from the server or the like ( However, even if the same function can be achieved for the user, depending on the system configuration, it may not fall within the scope of the present invention). In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a dragon smashing game is implemented. Of course, other games can also be implemented.

In addition, if the system described in claim 20 is arranged a little, when information handled by a plurality of portable information terminals is output in a plurality of output devices, as a distributed form of information processing related to the operation of software The following can be considered. (B) When software is activated in each portable information terminal and each of them is operating while being synchronized, (b) one central portable information terminal operates the software, and other portable information terminals When communication is performed only with this central portable information terminal, and all information transmission to the output device is performed by one central portable information terminal (in this case, information transmission from the other portable information terminal to the output device is (C) Actually, information necessary for output is transmitted through one central portable information terminal) (c) Multiple portable information terminals distribute processing necessary for software operation (2) One central output device operates the software, and the central output device is in charge of communication with all portable information terminals, and the other output devices output. Information to be Sending to other output device from the consisting output device, (e) a plurality of output devices, to distribute processing necessary for the operation of the software can be considered like.
Of these, (i) to (c) are not included in the scope of the present invention. In the cases of (2) and (e), some are included in the scope of the present invention and some are not included. In addition to the operation input signal necessary for the operation of the software, the content information (target information) to be output is not transmitted from any portable information terminal through the short-range communication means, and all the information necessary for the operation of the software If the information is stored in the output device in advance or accessible from the output device, the portable information terminal functions only as a remote controller and is not included in the scope of the present invention. . However, the case where content information to be displayed (for example, conference material, player information, etc.) is transmitted from any portable information terminal to the output device through the short-range communication means is included in the scope of the present invention.

  Examples of the output device described in claim 21 include the output devices described in the embodiments of claims 1 to 20.

  A first embodiment of the relay apparatus described in claim 22 provides output information to a television equipped with a video signal input terminal (the output information input terminal). In this case, the relay apparatus receives the video data from the portable information terminal through the short-range wireless communication means, reproduces the video data using video data reproduction software provided in the relay apparatus, and Is transmitted to the video signal input terminal of the television through the video signal output terminal (the output information transmitting means) of the relay device, and the television outputs the video signal.

  The second embodiment of the relay apparatus according to claim 22 provides output information to a stereo speaker system (or a single speaker) having an audio signal input terminal (the output information input terminal). Is. In this case, the relay device receives audio data from the portable information terminal through the short-range wireless communication means, reproduces the audio data using the audio data reproduction software provided in the relay device, and is thereby obtained. The audio signal is transmitted to the audio signal input terminal of the stereo speaker system through the audio signal output terminal (the output information transmitting means) of the relay device, and the stereo speaker system Output a signal.

  A third embodiment of the relay apparatus described in claim 22 provides output information to a computer display equipped with a VGA input terminal, RGB input terminal, etc. (the output information input terminal). In this case, the relay device receives various data from the portable information terminal through the short-range wireless communication means, reproduces the various data using various software for reproducing the various data provided in the relay device, VGA signal, RGB signal, etc. obtained by the above-mentioned VGA output terminal, RGB output terminal, etc. (output information transmitting means) provided in the relay device, VGA input terminal, RGB input terminal, etc., provided in the computer display And the computer display outputs the VGA signal, RGB signal, and the like.

  Examples of the portable information terminal described in claim 23 include the portable information terminals described in the embodiments of claims 1 to 20.

  With regard to the portable information terminal described in claim 24, the output means that a portable information terminal having some function should originally have to fulfill the function is easily conceived by those skilled in the art. For example, if the portable information terminal is a mobile phone, there are a display, a speaker, a light emitting element, an earphone jack, etc. (however, in some cases, it is not necessary to have all of them). Therefore, as an embodiment of the portable information terminal described in claim 24, at least one of these output means is deleted, and all the information assumed to be output by the deleted output means are all A portable information terminal to which a processing procedure transmitted to an external output device is given can be given.

  Although not specifically cut out as a claim, if the portable information terminal functions as a part of the system described in the present invention and can use an external output device as its output means, By changing at least a part of the output means that the information terminal has in the main body to one that does not delete it but has the minimum performance, it is possible to reduce size, weight, power saving, control manufacturing cost, etc. Is expected to be possible.

  As described in the above embodiments, the system according to the present invention can be used in various situations. Commercially, it is possible to manufacture and sell output devices, portable information terminals, relay devices, and the like that constitute the system. In addition, an information output service using the output device can be provided to the user of the portable information terminal. Socially, an output device can be installed in various places, both indoors and outdoors, and by providing an information output service using this device, it is possible to refer to and edit the information carried by the user anytime, anywhere. It is possible to construct an information infrastructure suitable for a ubiquitous society.

Currently popular technology Conventional technology Invention technology Outline of system including portable information terminal and output device State transition diagram of portable information terminal (where (a) shows the state transition diagram of the portable information terminal described in claims 1 and 3, and (b) shows the state transition diagram of the portable information terminal described in claims 2 and 4. (Shows state transition diagram) State transition diagram of output device (where (a) shows the state transition diagram of the output device according to claims 1 and 3, and (b) shows the state of the output device according to claims 2 and 4.) (Show transition diagram) The figure which shows the example of interaction with a portable information terminal, an output device, and another related apparatus System diagram in the case where the portable information terminal substantially holds information managed in the virtual disk server 6. System configuration diagram according to claim 5 Configuration diagram of the system according to claim 6 System configuration diagram according to claim 7 System diagram for outputting information handled by multiple portable information terminals in one output device System diagram for outputting information handled by one portable information terminal in multiple output devices System diagram for outputting information handled by multiple portable information terminals in multiple output devices

Claims (24)

It is a system composed of a portable information terminal and an installation type or large output device, which are located in a range where short-range communication can be performed with each other,
In the output device, first short-range wireless communication means for establishing short-range wireless communication with the portable information terminal, information output means for outputting information,
A request signal receiving process for receiving a request signal for requesting provision of an information output service from the portable information terminal through the first short-range wireless communication means, and the request signal received by the request signal receiving process is valid Or a request signal authentication process for confirming at least one of the request signal sender and the request signal authentication process. When the requirement is satisfied, a permission signal transmission process for transmitting a service provision permission signal for permitting provision of an information output service to the portable information terminal through the first short-range wireless communication means, and an information output service provision mode. In the providing mode start process to be transferred and the information output service providing mode, the portable information terminal is connected from the portable information terminal through the first short-range wireless communication means. Obtained by the target information receiving process for receiving information that is physically or substantially held (hereinafter "target information"), the software process for operating the software used to output the target information, and the software process Output processing for outputting output information through the information output means, and operation input information received from the portable information terminal through the first short-range wireless communication means, and output output to the output device based on the operation input information Satisfying the information output processing mode and the information output service provision mode end condition, which manipulates, corrects or processes at least one of the content, the software for controlling the output content, or the target information transmitted to the output device A first information processing unit that executes a termination process for terminating the information output service provision mode when it is determined that Equipped with a door,
In the portable information terminal, second short-range wireless communication means for establishing short-range wireless communication with the output device, information recording means for holding information handled by the portable information terminal, and the portable information terminal physically or Information reading means for reading out information substantially held; operation input means for receiving an operation or input by a user of the portable information terminal;
A request signal for requesting provision of an information output service is generated, a request signal transmission process is transmitted to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication means, and the service provision permission signal is transmitted through the second short-range wireless communication means. In the information output subcontracting mode, the permission signal receiving process for receiving, the subcontracting mode starting process for shifting to the information output subcontracting mode, and the information (subject information) that is physically or substantially held by the information reading means are read out through the information reading means Object information reading process, object information transmitting process for transmitting the object information to the output device through second short-range wireless communication means, and an operation generated by an operation or input by a user of the portable information terminal through the operation input means The operation input information transmission process for transmitting the input information to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication means and the information output subcontracting mode end condition are satisfied. If it is has been determined, which is characterized by comprising a second information processing means for executing the subcontracting mode end processing for ending the information output subcontracting mode.   2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first information processing means provided in the output device does not execute information manipulation processing, and the second information processing means provided in the portable information terminal transmits operation input information. It is characterized by not performing processing. A first short-range wireless communication means, an information output means, a first information processing means, a software recording means, a stationary or large-sized output device, a second short-range wireless communication means, an information recording means, The portable information terminal includes an information reading unit, an operation input unit, and a second information processing unit, and the output device and the portable information terminal are located within a range where they can communicate with each other through the short-range wireless communication unit. And providing an information output service for outputting information physically or substantially held by the portable information terminal in the output device according to the following procedure. In the information terminal, the second information processing unit generates a request signal for requesting provision of the information output service, and transmits the request signal to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication unit. The first information processing unit receives the request signal through the first short-range wireless communication unit. (C) In the output device, the first information processing unit determines whether the request signal is valid. Or at least one of whether the sender of the request signal is authorized to receive the information output service. (D) In the output device, the request signal is valid. If at least one of the information processing apparatus and the portable information terminal is permitted to receive the information output service, the first information processing means A service provision permission signal for permitting provision of the information output service is transmitted to the portable information terminal through the short-range wireless communication means, and the mobile information terminal shifts to the information output service provision mode. In the terminal, the second information processing means receives the service provision permission signal through the second short-range wireless communication means, and shifts to an output subcontracting mode for receiving provision of the information output service. (F) In the portable information terminal The second information processing means reads information (hereinafter, “target information”) physically or substantially held by the second information processing means through the information reading means, and sends the target information to the second short-range wireless communication means. (G) In the output device, the first information processing means receives the target information through the first short-range wireless communication means. (H) In the output device, the first information processing means. Operates the software used to output the target information and outputs the target information through the information output means. (I) In the portable information terminal, the second information processing means is the portable information terminal. The user of the band information terminal transmits the operation input information generated by operating the portable information terminal through the operation input means to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication means. The first information processing means receives the operation input information through the first wireless communication means, and based on the operation input information, the output contents output to the output device, software for controlling the output contents, or Manipulate, modify, or process the target information transmitted to the output device (information manipulation processing)
(Le) When operation input information is newly generated by the user of the mobile information terminal operating the mobile information terminal through the operation input means, the information is changed as necessary from (i) to (nu). (W) In the portable information terminal, when the second information processing unit newly transmits the target information to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication unit, F) Repeat steps (a) to (c) (a) Process at least one of the following steps (A) and (B): (A) In the output device, the first information processing means is in the information output service provision mode. The first information processing means terminates the information display service provision mode and terminates the information output service through the first short-range wireless communication means, if necessary. End signal In the portable information terminal notified to the band information terminal, the second information processing means terminates the information output subcontracting mode. (B) In the portable information terminal, the second information processing means performs the information output subcontracting. If it is determined that the mode termination condition is satisfied, the second information processing unit terminates the information output subcontracting mode, and terminates the information output service through the second short-range wireless communication unit as necessary. An end signal to be notified is notified to the output device, and in the notified output device, the first information processing means ends the information display service providing mode.   The system according to claim 3, wherein the system does not have the procedures (i) to (l). A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
As a system component, a virtual disk server on the network for recording information substantially held by the portable information terminal is added,
The target information is remote target information managed in the virtual disk server;
The portable information terminal further includes wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with a base station connected to the virtual disk server via a network, and the information reading means is connected to the virtual disk server from the virtual disk server through the wireless communication means. The information (remote target information) substantially held by the portable information terminal is read, and the second information processing means executes processing for transmitting the remote target information to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication means. ,
In the virtual disk server, the remote target information recording means for recording the remote target information, and the remote target information to the information reading means of the mobile information terminal in response to a request from the mobile information terminal A third information processing means for executing an access service providing process for providing an access service to
In the output device, the first information processing unit performs a process of receiving the remote target information from the portable information terminal through the first short-range wireless communication unit, instead of the process of receiving the target information. Hereinafter, the received remote target information is handled in the same manner as the received target information. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
As a system component, a virtual disk server on the network for recording information substantially held by the portable information terminal is added,
The target information is remote target information managed in the virtual disk server;
The portable information terminal further comprises wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with a base station connected to the virtual disk server via a network, and the second information processing means is connected to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication means. In place of the process of transmitting the target information, the process of transmitting the remote target information access information used for accessing the remote target information managed by the virtual disk server is executed.
The output device further includes network connection means for network connection with the virtual disk server, and the first information processing means is configured to replace the processing for receiving the target information through the first short-range wireless communication means. Processing for receiving remote target information access information and transmitting transmission request information for requesting transmission of the remote target information to the virtual disk server through the network connection unit based on the remote target information access information And processing for receiving the remote target information from the virtual disk server through the network connection means, and treating the received remote target information in the same manner as the received target information,
In the virtual disk server, remote target information recording means for recording the remote target information, processing for receiving the transmission request information from the output device, and from the remote target information recording means based on the transmission request information And a third information processing unit for executing processing for reading remote target information and processing for transmitting the remote target information to the output device based on the transmission request information. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
As a system component, a virtual disk server on the network for recording information substantially held by the portable information terminal is added,
The target information is remote target information managed in the virtual disk server;
The portable information terminal further comprises wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with a base station connected to the virtual disk server via a network, and the second information processing means is connected to the output device through the second short-range wireless communication means. In place of the process of transmitting the target information, a process of transmitting transmission request information requesting the virtual disk server to transmit the remote target information to the output device is performed through the wireless communication means,
In the virtual disk server, remote target information recording means for recording the remote target information, processing for receiving the transmission request information from the portable information terminal, and the remote target information recording means based on the transmission request information A third information processing means for executing a process of reading the remote target information from the process and a process of transmitting the remote target information to the output device;
The output device further comprises network connection means for network connection with the virtual disk server, wherein the first information processing means is configured to replace the process of receiving the target information through the first short-range wireless communication means. , Executing processing for receiving the remote target information from the virtual disk server through the network connection means, and treating the received remote target information in the same manner as the received target information. thing.   The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the output device is a display device having a function of visually presenting information.   The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the output device is a speaker device having a function of outputting audio information as a sound wave.   The system according to claim 1, wherein the output device is a printer device having a function of printing information on a medium such as paper. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
As an element of the system, an authentication server connected to the output device via a network is added.
In the output device, the request signal authentication process executed by the first information processing means transmits the request signal or authentication information included in the request signal to the authentication server, and an authentication result or the authentication from the authentication server. Executed by receiving information related to the results,
In the authentication server, an authentication server request signal receiving means for receiving the request signal or authentication information included in the request signal from the output device, and the request signal or the request received by the authentication server request signal receiving means. Request signal authentication means for authenticating authentication information included in the signal, and authentication result transmission means for transmitting the authentication result obtained by the request signal authentication means or information related to the authentication result to the output device It is characterized by.   The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a request signal provided from the portable information terminal to the output device indicates contents of a service contracted by the portable information terminal or a user thereof. In the output device, the request signal authentication process executed by the first information processing means determines whether the service content specifying information is valid as necessary. The output device provides an information output service according to the content of the service content specifying information.   The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each time the target information is output in response to the request signal received from the mobile information terminal, the output by the mobile information terminal. Usage status record transmission means for recording usage status information related to the usage status of the output device in association with identification information that can identify the portable information terminal or its user, or transmitting the usage status information to other devices via a network is provided. It is characterized by being.   The system according to any one of claims 1, 3, or 5 to 12, wherein the portable information terminal includes voice input means, and is transmitted from the portable information terminal to the output device. The operation input information is voice information input through the voice input means, or the voice information subjected to a process such as text or symbolization.   15. The system according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of output devices in a range in which the portable information terminal can communicate with the second short-range wireless communication means, and the output device or the portable information. In at least one of the terminals, the portable information terminal includes output device specifying signal transmitting means for transmitting a physical signal that allows the user to specify the output device in a state that the user can recognize. The portable information is provided with output device designation information input means for a user to input information designating an output device that outputs the target information in response to a physical signal transmitted by the output device specific signal transmission means. The terminal establishes communication with the output device designated by the output device designation information input means by the second short-range wireless communication means, and the information output service from the designated output device. Those characterized by be provided with.   16. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the request signal, the target information or the remote target information, or the operation input information transmitted to the output device is encrypted. The output device further includes decryption means for decrypting the encrypted information, and the first information processing means includes the information output service. At least one of the target information, the remote target information, or information obtained by operating, modifying, or processing the target information or the remote target information when executing a termination process for terminating the provision mode The target information erasing process is executed to erase or make the information unreadable.   The system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein in the output device, the first information processing means is update information obtained as a result of being operated, corrected, or processed by the information operation processing. Is transmitted to at least one of the portable information terminal and the virtual disk server (hereinafter referred to as “recording destination”), and the output destination at the recording destination Update information receiving means for receiving the transmitted update information, and update information recording means for recording the update information received by the update information receiving means.   A system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein there are a plurality of portable information terminals constituting the system, and any one of these portable information terminals is also described in any one of claims 1 to 17. It meets the requirements for portable information terminals.   A system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein there are a plurality of output devices constituting the system, and any one of the output devices is an output according to any one of claims 1 to 17. It is characterized by meeting the requirements of the device.   A system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein there are a plurality of portable information terminals and output devices constituting the system, and any one of the portable information terminals is any one of claims 1 to 17. The requirements of the portable information terminal described in the above are satisfied, and any output device satisfies the requirements of the output device described in any one of claims 1 to 17.   The output device according to claim 1.   A device for realizing the output device according to claim 21, wherein the target information is received from the portable information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 20 through short-range wireless communication means. Means, software operating means for operating the software for processing the target information and obtaining output information, and an installation-type or large-sized external output device including the output means and the output information input terminal, to the output information input terminal A relay device for realizing the output device according to claim 21, comprising output information transmitting means for transmitting the output information through the connection, and in cooperation with the external output device.   The portable information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 20.   A portable information terminal according to claim 23, which is necessary for a portable information terminal having a function equivalent to that of the portable information terminal to fulfill its function, except that the portable information terminal does not correspond to the one described in claim 23 Among the output means originally provided in the main body, at least a part thereof is not provided.

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