JP2001350897A - On-line questionnaire with free e-mail transmission service - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently carry out questionnaire investigation on the Internet using an e-mail in a short period. SOLUTION: An Internet user 3 performs access to a web site for a questionnaire answerer on a research agent server 2. Moreover, the Internet user 3 receives a Web page 27 where a questionnaire setting form prepared by a client by using software provided by the research agent is placed. The user 3 can receive the Web page 29 where an e-mail transmission form is placed, and transmit the e-mail free by writing answers in the questionnaire setting form. At that time, the research agent pays charges for an Internet user 3a using a portable telephone according to the number of packets. The totalized results are recorded in a log file 19 as necessary, and a client 4 can confirm the totalized situations of the questionnaires in a real time by using the software.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for conducting a questionnaire survey, and more particularly to a method for conducting an online questionnaire survey using the Internet.
Further, claims 2 and 3 of the present invention relate to software used for the purpose of questionnaire surveys, and particularly to software used for conducting online questionnaire surveys. Claim 4 relates to a processing device for performing a questionnaire survey, and more particularly to a processing device for performing an online questionnaire survey using the Internet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the past, questionnaire surveys provided by research companies were very expensive and time-consuming. However, with the spread of the Internet, various forms of online questionnaires have emerged, which enable surveys to be conducted at a much lower cost and in a shorter period of time than conventional methods.

[0003] For example, by conducting a questionnaire survey on a company's own Web site, it has become possible for a company to carry out a questionnaire survey at a lower cost than in the case of requesting a research company.

[0004] On the other hand, research companies have been able to obtain answers from a large number of users by conducting questionnaire surveys on Web sites such as major search sites.

[0005] In addition, by recruiting monitor members, a research company can conduct a questionnaire survey in a shorter period of time.

[0006]

However, the respondents to these online questionnaire surveys are only a small part of all Internet users with more than 10 million.
In particular, in the method of paragraph 0003 described above, although the cost is not required, the respondents to the questionnaire are limited to those who browse the company's Web site. In paragraph 0004, although there are more users than in paragraph 0003,
After all, not all users of the Web site cooperate with the questionnaire, so there is still little for all Internet users. Further, paragraphs 0003, 0
In any of the methods 004, the result of the questionnaire is influenced by the preference of the user of the Web site.
It tends to be biased and lacks fairness.

[0007] In any of the methods, the survey requires a preparation period for creating and publishing a Web page, and after the survey is completed, it takes a certain period of time until the number of respondents reaches the required number. Need to wait for a considerable period of time before the results are available.

[0008] In contrast, in the method of paragraph 0005, the members can be positively invited to participate in the questionnaire survey, whereby the questionnaire can be counted quickly, but the respondents are limited to the members. As such, it is as unfair as any other method.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to solve the problems of the conventional methods and to provide a completely new type of online questionnaire survey method.

[0010] First, the present invention is not intended for some Web site viewers or a limited number of monitor members.
An object of the present invention is to provide a non-membership online survey method for all Internet users.

A second object of the present invention is to provide, as a means for solving the first problem, added value to many Internet users who voluntarily cooperate with a questionnaire survey. .

Third, the present invention automates most of the work involved in conducting a questionnaire, so that the moment a client requests a researcher to conduct a questionnaire survey, the questionnaire survey is performed and the results are obtained in real time. The task is to provide a solution that can be reported.

[0013]

Means for Solving the Problems As means for solving the above problems, means for implementing a business model of an online questionnaire survey in claim 1 will be described. First, the outline will be described with reference to simple figures. In FIG. 1, when A wants to send an e-mail to B, it first connects to the monitor network M using the Internet I. At that time, A informs M of age, gender, location, and the like. M selects a questionnaire from K based on the data and introduces it to A. A, who cooperated with the simple questionnaire, can send an e-mail to B for free. Client company K
Pays questionnaire and email line usage fees and M fees.

The above-mentioned monitor network, Inc.
Since it is a name used for explanation, it will be simply referred to as a research trader hereinafter. Now, the research company that implements the present invention establishes an online research center that is always connected to the Internet using a large-capacity dedicated line, and that is used by many Internet users and clients. Build an environment that can be connected to the terminal via the Internet.

When participating in the questionnaire survey, the Internet user logs in to a questionnaire answerer's website operated on the server of the online research center. The questionnaire respondent Web site delivers a new questionnaire question page to the Internet user every time.

On the questionnaire question page, there are arranged some questions and forms such as check boxes, radio buttons, drop-down menus, etc. for the user to fill in the answers to the questions. When the Internet user presses the send button located at the bottom of the questionnaire question page, the information entered in the form is transmitted in real time to the client terminal connected online.

[0017] The questionnaire question page may include a questionnaire item in which a condition of a questionnaire target presented by a client matches a profile of the Internet user, such as age and gender, in a database on a server of the research center. Automatically generated by selecting from inside.

In automatically generating the questionnaire question page, every time the Internet user accesses the questionnaire respondent's Web site, the questionnaire question page is generated from a different questionnaire item, and the Internet user is generated. To avoid duplicate answers by the same user.

The Internet user answers the question on the questionnaire question page, so that an e-mail transmission page is distributed as a reward.

On the e-mail transmission page, forms such as a scroll text box for entering contents to be transmitted and a one-line text box for inputting a destination e-mail address are provided. When the Internet user presses the send button located at the bottom of the e-mail transmission page, an e-mail with the character string entered in the scroll text box type form to be transmitted is automatically generated, and is input to the one-line text box. Is sent to the given email address.

After the transmission of the e-mail is completed, the connection of the Internet user to the questionnaire respondent's Web site is terminated.

In the above-described connection to the questionnaire respondent's Web site, a user using a mobile phone such as i-mode (registered trademark) makes a request according to the number of packets required by a research company for communication between the user and the Web site. By paying a communication fee, the present invention can be used free of charge.

Also, a user using a dial-up connection can use the present invention free of charge by connecting via a toll-free number using the user-specific software described in claim 3.

[0024] The user of the constant connection service such as CATV or ADSL is paid a predetermined fee corresponding to the cost of sending and receiving e-mail using a dial-up connection. Encourage use for inventions.

According to the present invention, the Internet users who exchange e-mails on the Internet can be targeted for the questionnaire.

Next, a description will be given of a means for providing the client with an online questionnaire solution that can be implemented inexpensively, easily, and quickly, to the client.

The client prepares a questionnaire by using the client software provided by the research company. The questionnaire essentials are as if W
It is as easy as filling out a form on an eb page and can be easily created without any specialized knowledge.

Next, the client connects to the research center using the client software, and registers the questionnaire items in a questionnaire information database installed in the research center. From the moment the questionnaire essentials are registered, the questionnaire essentials are started as the questionnaire question page on the questionnaire respondent Web site.

[0029] The client, using the client software, connects in real time to the research center and receives the answer result passed from the questionnaire question page in real time and charts it on the client software. , Can be analyzed from multiple perspectives.

The result of the questionnaire is stored as a log file on the server of the research center.
The client can download the log file as needed and view the answer result offline.

In addition, in carrying out the above online questionnaire survey, the client pays only a communication charge of only several tens of yen for each respondent.

According to the present invention, a questionnaire survey is carried out from the moment when a client requests a research company to conduct a questionnaire survey, and the answers received from many Internet users are browsed in real time. To provide online survey solutions.

[0033]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to several figures. However, these figures only show an example, and software,
The scope of the present invention is not limited by the design of the Web page, the number of installed hardware, the number of data files described, the number of users, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing how an Internet user or a client connects to a server operated by a research company in the embodiment of the present invention. The server operated by each user, client, and research company will be described with reference to the drawings.

The Internet user 3a connected using the i-mode (registered trademark) -compatible mobile phone 9 can be connected to another Web site.
As in the case of browsing the site b, the user connects to the Internet 1 via the Internet connection center 5 and accesses the Web site for the questionnaire respondents on the HTTP server 8a installed in the research center 2 operated by the research company. I do. Alternatively, a research contractor establishes an i-mode site by contracting with a mobile phone carrier as an IP, and builds some or all of the functions of a research center in the site.

The dial-up Internet user 3b connects a personal computer on which the dedicated software 17 is installed to a telephone line. Dedicated software 17
Is a toll-free (registered trademark) service provided by the telephone office 6.
A survey respondent on the HTTP server 8a installed in the research center 2 by connecting to the Internet 1 via the telephone station 6 using an automatic incoming call accounting service and a first type packet switching service such as DDX-P. To access the web site.

An Internet user 3c who uses a constant connection service such as CATV or ADSL with a fixed fee is required to use a special software 1 installed on a personal computer connected to a line used for the constant connection service.
7. On the account setting screen shown in FIG. 8, the check of the item to be connected by toll free is released. The dedicated software 17 connects to the Internet 1 via a CATV station to which the Internet user 3a subscribes or an ADSL device installed at the telephone office and connects to the Internet 1, and an HTTP server 8a installed in the research center 2. Access the above survey respondent website

The client 4 connects to the Internet 1 via a relay point 14 indicating an ISP or the like to which the client subscribes, using client software provided by a research company installed on a personal computer connectable to the Internet. By connecting and accessing the FTP server 8b installed in the research center 2, it is possible to issue a questionnaire, check the implementation status, and the like.

Next, a means for making the Internet users 3a, 3b and 3c free of charge for connection to the questionnaire question Web site 15 in FIG. 5 will be described. First, the Internet user 3a using the i-mode mobile phone 9 will be described.

When starting a business, a research company obtains the following consent from a mobile phone carrier such as DoCoMo.

The mobile phone service provider may provide a mobile phone owner with a user ID, telephone number, or e-mail address designated by an information service provider or an operator of a website provided on the Internet other than the information service provider. Out of the monthly fee paid by the owner of the mobile phone to the mobile phone operator, the amount provided by the information service provider or a website operator provided by the Internet other than the information service provider, I accept that the information service provider or the operator of the website provided on the Internet other than the information service provider pays on behalf of the mobile phone owner.

The following is a description of a system configuration on the assumption that the above-mentioned consent has been obtained.

The user management program 31 on the HTTP server 8a stores the terminal of the user 3a and the HTTP server 8a of the research center 2 until the user 3a logs in to the questionnaire respondent's Web site 15 and then logs out. The number of transmitted bytes and the number of received bytes of the data exchanged between are extracted from the access log 23 of the HTTP server and recorded in the user log file 21 on the file server 8c. Thereafter, every time the user 3a accesses the questionnaire respondent's Web site 15, the number of transmitted packets and the number of received packets at that time are added to the user log file 21.

The number of transmission bytes and the number of reception bytes recorded in the user log file are converted into the number of transmission packets and the number of reception packets, respectively, by the charge totaling program 35 in the ATM server 8d installed in the research center 2. The packet communication charges are counted on a monthly basis in accordance with the monthly billing range of the packet communication charges determined by the mobile phone carrier 37 such as DoCoMo.

The billing management program 35 is used by the mobile telephone station 3
7, the user ID of the mobile phone of the user 3 a recorded in the user database 19 is presented to the mobile phone operator 37, and the corresponding mobile phone user pays a monthly packet communication fee to the mobile phone station. , User log file 2
The amount corresponding to the number of transmitted / received packets for the month recorded in 1 is transferred to the mobile telephone station 37 on behalf of the user 3a.

According to the above method, the Internet user 3a using the mobile phone is not charged for the communication fee during the connection to the HTTP server 8a, and as a result, the connection to the Web site 15 is free. To achieve.

In the case where the mobile phone service provider performs the incoming call charging service or the automatic incoming call charging service in the i-mode, it uses the service.

However, if the mobile phone carrier does not support any of the above methods, the charge management program
In the account of the bank etc. which Internet user 3a designates,
By transferring the amount corresponding to the communication charge during the direct connection to the Web server 2, the Web site 1
The same effect as in the case where the connection to No. 5 is connected for free may be realized. In that case, the user 3a arranges a text box on the Web page and asks the user to enter a transfer destination.

The Internet users 3b and 3 shown in FIG.
The case where c connects to the questionnaire question website using the user-dedicated software will be described.

The Internet user 3b obtains user software 17 for connecting to the questionnaire respondent Web site 15. The dedicated software 17
It is distributed free of charge through magazine appendix CD roms and electronics stores.

The dedicated software 17 is provided by Windows
It runs on a personal computer or mobile device on which an OS such as (Registered Trademark) is installed, manages multiple e-mail addresses, creates an e-mail, etc.
It has the same function as a general mailer such as Express (registered trademark), and shares the mail storage location with other mailers. In addition, an interface that is easy to operate for a user who is familiar with the general mailer is provided.

The difference of the dedicated software 17 from other mailers is that the dedicated software 17 is connected to the Internet for free using an automatic caller billing service such as toll-free telephone, and automatically logs in to the questionnaire question Web site. In the window frame 902 shown in FIG. 10 and the window frame 1002 shown in FIG. 10, contents on a site in which a script such as JAVA (registered trademark) or CGI is described can be displayed and used like a browser. It is. However, the user can browse only the designated pages of the website designated by the site administrator, and cannot freely browse various sites on the Internet like a general browser.

The Internet user 3b in FIG. 3 first installs the dedicated software 17 on a terminal such as a personal computer which can be connected to the Internet via dial-up. When the software is started for the first time, the account setting window shown in FIG. 8 is automatically opened.

In the account setting window, the user 3b inputs the user's own name or nickname to be notified to the e-mail recipient in the text box 801. The entered character string is used only for notifying the e-mail recipient, and is not used for any other purpose. If no notification is given, it is not necessary to fill in the information.

In the text box 802, the user's own mail address to be notified of the reception of the e-mail is entered. However, when notifying, notification is not required.

In the text boxes 803 and 804, the names of mail servers, such as ISPs, to which the user contracts are entered. In 805 and 806, a mail account and a password are entered. As a result, the mail can be downloaded from a mail server such as an ISP to which the user contracts by using the user-specific software 17.

The drop-down menu 807 following the figure is
Select the name of the prefecture where the user resides. Radio buttons 808 and 809 are used to input the gender of the user. In the following text box 810, the user's age is input. As described above, the data entered in the items 807, 808, 809, and 810 are recorded in the user database, and are recorded in the questionnaire log file together with the responses to the questionnaire when the questionnaire is answered.

Text boxes 811, 812, 813
When the user's own date of birth is entered in each of the fields, the age entered in the text box 810 is automatically increased every year when the date of birth comes.

When the button 819 at the bottom of the frame is pressed,
The settings are saved and the software closes. When the button 820 is pressed, the settings are saved, and the user can immediately connect to the questionnaire question Web site. Further, all items can be returned to the initial state by the button 821.

After the setting is completed, the user 3b connects to the questionnaire respondent's Web site 15 free of charge at any time without paying any fee, and answers the questionnaire.
You can send and receive e-mails. When the user software 17 accesses the questionnaire question Web site for the first time, a unique ID is issued from the access management program shown in FIG. Thereafter, every time the user accesses the software, the user software presents the ID and manages the user information.

Next, a case where the Internet user uses the fixed-rate constant connection service will be described.

User 3 who uses fixed-rate constant connection service
In the case of c, similarly to the dial-up user described above, after filling in each item, the radio button 814 is released. Thus, text boxes 816 and 81 below the ruled line 815
7 and 818 are displayed, and the user 3c writes the financial institution number, branch number, and account number of the transfer destination of the reward, respectively.

Thereafter, the Internet user 3c uses the dedicated software 17 to execute the questionnaire answerer's Web site 1
5 is stored in the user log file 21 by the user management program 32 shown in FIG.
The number of times of connection to the questionnaire question Web site 15c is recorded. Charge management program 35 in ATM server
Transfers the number of times of connection per month × 10 yen of the user 3c to the account of the financial institution 38 such as a bank designated by the user 3c and recorded in the user information database as a reward to the user 3c. The amount of the award is an example, and does not limit the specification of the present invention.

With the above method, it is possible to encourage the user 3c to participate in the questionnaire survey.

Further, by using these software and means, various contents other than the questionnaire survey can be distributed free of charge. Particularly for i-mode, it is possible to construct a completely free site without any i-mode information charges or packet charges.

Next, an embodiment of a system in which the client uses the software for the client to realize from the issuance of the questionnaire to the browsing of the result in a short time will be described with reference to the drawings.

The client 4 shown in FIG. 3 includes client software 16 provided by a research company,
It is installed on a terminal 12 such as a personal computer that can connect to the Internet. The software 16 has a look and feel common to general Windows (registered trademark) applications, and any user of Windows can easily use the software 16.
The client 4 first has the client software 1
6, the questionnaire creation form is edited.

FIG. 6 shows the client software 16.
This is a browsing and editing screen for editing the questionnaire creation form and browsing the results.

The title bar 601 displays the name of this form. The name can be freely assigned by the client using a file menu displayed by clicking a button 603 on the menu bar 602. The address bar 604 displays the path of the storage destination of the questionnaire creation form currently being edited. When the user is connected online, the URL of the connection destination is displayed.

When a new questionnaire creation form is to be edited, a new creation is selected from the file menu displayed when the button 603 on the menu bar 602 is clicked. Then, on each frame of the client software, a default form in which nothing has been entered is displayed.

First, a description will be given of the setting of a chart reflecting the result of the questionnaire. The client selects a chart type from the radio buttons in the chart selection frame 605. When the radio button is checked, the frame 60
In 6, the form of the selected chart is displayed. Each time the check of the radio button is changed, the display of the chart in the frame 606 is switched. The client selects a chart suitable for displaying the contents of the survey.

FIG. 6 illustrates a case where a radar chart is selected from radio buttons in a frame 605 as an example. Even if you select another chart, the basic specifications are the same, and the contents described for each text box and drop-down menu described below are
The same applies to all other charts.

In the frame 606, the name 609 of the selected chart and the selected chart 610 are displayed. The text box 613 displays the current state, such as "Connecting online" or "Editing offline". The text box 611 displays the number of respondents up to the present, and the text box 612 displays the cost of the survey so far. In addition, the data displayed on the chart and the text boxes 611 and 622
Is updated in real time while the software is online and connected to the research center.

The drop-down menus 607a to 607
In 7e, the number of the questionnaire item corresponding to A to E in the chart 610, a selection candidate in the questionnaire item, a target area, and the like can be designated. It is also possible to specify that respondents be sorted by generation or age within the set target age range, such as A in their teens and B in their 20s. In FIG. 6, the numbers of the questionnaire items are designated as examples.

The drop-down menus 608a to 608a
8e, a questionnaire item number corresponding to the line type displayed in the chart 610, a selection candidate in the questionnaire item,
The target area can be specified. It is also possible to specify that respondents be sorted by generation or age within the set target age range, such as a teenager in the solid line and a teenager in the white line. In FIG. 6, as an example, the contents of the selection candidates in the questionnaire items are designated.

Next, the questionnaire item edit frame 6
15 will be described. To select a questionnaire item to be edited in the editing frame 615, a questionnaire item to be edited is selected from the radio buttons of the questionnaire item selection frame 614. When the radio button is checked, the selected questionnaire item is displayed in the frame 615. Each time you change the radio button check,
The questionnaire items in frame 615 are switched. FIG.
In the example, Q1 is selected, but the other Q2, Q3, Q4,
Q5 has exactly the same specifications displayed in the edit frame 615.

Each part of the questionnaire item editing frame 615 will be described. In the scroll text box 616, a text to be displayed for each question is input. By selecting one of the radio buttons 617, 618, and 619, the question format can be selected from a check box, a radio button, and a drop-down menu. Text boxes 620a to 6
In a case where there are a plurality of selection items in the answer, a text to be displayed in each selection item is input to 20e. The reset button 621 can return all items in the frame 615 to blank during editing of a new file.
When an existing file is being edited, by pressing the reset button 621, the written items in the frame 615 can be returned to the state before the editing.

By switching the radio buttons of the questionnaire item selection frame 614 for the required number of questionnaire items, the questionnaire items are sequentially selected and input in the same manner as in Q1. At this time, it is not necessary to enter all the questionnaire items, and unnecessary questionnaire items need not be entered. The questionnaire items that are not entered are regarded as canceled and are not displayed on the questionnaire question page shown in FIG. 7 or FIG.

Next, the frame 622 will be described. A frame 622 is a form for inputting a questionnaire target setting. Reference numerals 623 and 624 in the frame are check boxes for specifying a target gender, and either one or both can be selected. 625, 6
Reference numeral 26 denotes a text box for inputting a two-digit numerical value specifying a range of the target age. 627 and 628 are radio buttons for designating a target area, and can designate either the whole country or a specific area. 629a, 629b, 62
9c, 629d, and 629e are drop-down menus for specifying a target area when a specific area is selected when specifying an area. If you want to reduce the number of areas to be specified, select from the items in each drop-down menu the number of items marked as not to be specified for the number of areas to be reduced.

The frame 630 is for setting a questionnaire implementation period. Text boxes 631, 632, 633
Input the start year, month, and day, respectively. Text boxes 634, 635, and 636 contain the end year, month,
Enter the day. Also, text boxes 634 and 63
The maximum number of respondents who will end the survey when the number of respondents reaches a certain number, even if the date set in 5,636 is not reached,
Fill in the text box 637. Of these items, the text box 634, 635, 636 group or the text box 638 can be omitted from inputting to either one.

As described above, when all necessary contents have been entered, the registration button 638 at the bottom of the frame is pressed, and the data input in the questionnaire form can be transmitted to the research center. If the description is incomplete, a pop-up window indicating that fact is displayed and the transmission is not performed.

The created questionnaire form can be saved under a desired name by selecting an item described as “Save as name” in the file menu.

The contents of the file include the data part input to the form in each frame and the log file part. The created file has a special extension associated with the client-specific software and can be opened at any time with the client-specific software.

In FIG. 3, the client 4 is connected to the F installed in the research center 2 via the Internet 1.
Connects to the TP server and sets the client management program
Send the questionnaire data created in the questionnaire form to. The received questionnaire data is registered in the questionnaire database 20 in the file server 8c.

From the moment when the data is registered, the questionnaire questioning program 33 is used by the questionnaire program 33 to give a questionnaire page to users who are connected to the research center via the Internet 1 and whose conditions match those of the questionnaire. Delivery takes place. When the data is registered, if the Internet users 3a, 3b, 3c that match the questionnaire target access the site, and if there is no other data of the same target, the questionnaire questioning program will immediately start the Internet user 3
A questionnaire question page is distributed to a, 3b, and 3c.

The responses to the questionnaire from the users 3a, 3b, 3c are passed to the questionnaire totalizing program 34, and the latest response result is transmitted as needed while the client software is online and connected to the research center. Then, it can be reflected on the chart 610 on the client software in real time.

The number of respondents at that time and the survey fee are also displayed in the text boxes 611 and 612 in real time. Also, the number of respondents to the survey
Recorded in the client database and billed to the client after completing the questionnaire.

In transmitting the research center 2 data, if an existing file is edited and transmitted, and a completed questionnaire is re-executed as a new questionnaire. In the case of a questionnaire that is currently being implemented, the content of the data recorded in the database is updated and reflected in the questionnaire questionnaire that follows. At that time, the previous questionnaire survey automatically ends. When the implementation period is changed, the period can be extended or shortened. Further, the client can attach a GIF image or the like arranged on the information page 28a shown in FIG. 7 when transmitting the questionnaire data.

The client 4 is again in the research center 2
Is connected, the client information management program searches the questionnaire database 20 on the file server 8c. As a result of the search, the client 4 from the database
If there is a questionnaire currently being implemented, the client information management program extracts the record of the questionnaire from the questionnaire log file 22 on the file server and sends it to the terminal 12 of the client 4.

Since the answer to the questionnaire is always recorded in the questionnaire log file 21 on the file server installed in the research center during the execution of the questionnaire, the questionnaire survey is not hindered even when the client is offline. Continue without. The contents recorded in the questionnaire log file are transmitted when the client connects to the research center again, and the client can always know the latest survey status.

The client software 16 reflects the data in the chart 610 of the frame 606 upon receiving the data.

The chart used when browsing the questionnaire results can be freely changed by switching radio buttons in the chart selection frame 605. For each item in the selected chart, the questionnaire item number,
Selection candidates in the questionnaire items, target areas, and the like can be specified. It is also possible to specify that respondents be sorted by generation or age within the set target age range, such as A in their teens and B in their 20s. However, if the information necessary for charting is not recorded in the questionnaire log file currently under construction, the chart cannot be displayed.

Even if the setting of each item is changed on the screen, it does not affect the questionnaire survey currently under construction unless the transmission button is pressed.

The questionnaire survey determines whether the implementation period indicated by the data recorded in the questionnaire information database is over,
The process automatically ends when the number of respondents to the questionnaire reaches a predetermined number. When the questionnaire is completed, an e-mail describing the result of the questionnaire is automatically transmitted to the client terminal. At that time, the completed log file is attached to the e-mail.

The Internet user uses the questionnaire question Web site 15 built in the server 8a of the research center 2 via the Internet in each method.
, Answer a questionnaire, send an e-mail, and explain the process from closing the connection.

[0096] When connecting to the Internet, the user 3 in FIG.
It connects to the Internet via 401 representing an ATV station or the like and accesses the HTTP server 8a of the research center 2.

The access management program 32 on the Web server 8a acquires a USER AGENT value presented by software such as a browser of an Internet user. The access management program 32 is described by a technique of performing some processing on an HTML document on the server side when a user such as an SSI connects to the server, and then transmitting the processed document to the user.

If the acquired USER AGENT value is obtained from the browser incorporated in the mobile phone 9 having the i-mode function used by the Internet user 3a in FIG. 2, the access management shown in FIG. Program 32
Determines that, and automatically distributes the top page 25 described in C-HTML for i-mode.

If the obtained USER AGENT value is from the user software 17 installed in the terminals 10 and 11 such as personal computers used by the Internet users 3b and 3c in FIG. 4
The access management program 32 of this system determines this and automatically distributes the top page 26 for the software 17 for Internet users.

Alternatively, the obtained USER AGEN
If the T value is that of another user, for example, a user who accessed using a general Web browser such as Internet Explorer (registered trademark),
The access management program provides the user with a Web page 405
And informs that the user was not connected to the questionnaire question Web site. The Web page 405 may indicate to the user how to access the questionnaire question Web site, and may include a link to download the user-specific software.

The access management program 32 stores the user ID of the user 3a notified from the i-mode center.
Alternatively, the user ID presented by the Internet user software 17 is acquired and passed to the user database 19.

The top page 25 is provided with three items for inputting user information. The user 3 uses the radio buttons 401, 4 arranged on the top page 25 of FIG.
By selecting any of 02, the user's own gender is input. Next, the user's own age is entered in the text box 403, and the region where the user lives is selected from the names of prefectures displayed in the pull-down menu 404.

After filling in all of the information, the user selects the link 405 displayed next and determines, and the user proceeds to the next information page 28a.
You can proceed to The information input on the top page 25 is passed to the user information management program 31 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the DBMS that manages the user database 19 searches for data in which a user ID that matches the user ID of the user 3a passed from the access management program is recorded. One piece of data is recorded as a set of fields such as a specific user ID and its associated age, gender, and location. As a result of the search, if the corresponding data exists, the corresponding data is delivered to the user information management program 31. If there is no corresponding data, based on the user information passed from the user information management program 31,
Create new data.

The user information management program 31 collates the information presented by the user 3 passed from the top page with the contents of the data passed from the user database 19,
If there is no particular problem, the user information is transferred to the questionnaire question program 33.

However, if the information presented by the user is significantly different from the content of the data registered in the user database 19, the user information management program 31 allows the service to be used only by the user. Is issued, the user is warned, and the questionnaire question Web site 15 is logged out. If the same warning is frequently issued, the fact that the data is not permitted is recorded in the field of user data access permission in the user database 19, and thereafter access to the questionnaire question Web site 15 is prohibited.

The questionnaire questioning program 33 is based on the SSI
The program is a program described by technology such as, for example, from among a large number of questionnaire data registered in the questionnaire database 20, the age, gender, location, etc. presented by the Internet user passed from the user information management program 31 are determined by the questionnaire. Select questionnaire data that matches the conditions of the questionnaire target recorded in the data.

The questionnaire questioning program 33 selects questionnaire data to be distributed as the questionnaire questioning page 27 from the selected questionnaire data.

First, the questionnaire question program 33 refers to the user's response history recorded in the user log file 21. The user log file 21 records an answer history for each user, and in each answer history, a registration number of data already answered by the user is recorded.

[0110] The questionnaire questioning program 33 uses the user history as a filter to exclude data to which the user 3 has already answered. Next, in principle, data with an older registration date is given priority, and one questionnaire data is finally selected.

Then, based on the selected questionnaire data,
A questionnaire question page 27 is automatically generated and distributed to the user 3 who has accessed the website 15. Furthermore, the questionnaire questioning program adds the registration number of the questionnaire data to be questioned this time to the answer history of the user log file 21 so that the same questionnaire will not be questioned for the same user next time.

The questionnaire question page is indicated by i in FIG.
The questionnaire question page 27 shown in FIG. 7 is generated and distributed to the user 3a of the mobile phone 9 with a mode. Also, terminals 10 and 11 such as personal computers in FIG.
A questionnaire question page 27 shown in FIG. 11 is generated and distributed to the users 3b and 3c.

The user answers each questionnaire item set on the questionnaire question page 27 of FIG. For questions marked Q1, radio buttons 408, 409
Select one of For the question marked Q2, one of the radio buttons 410, 411, 412, and 413 is selected. With regard to the question marked Q3, all of the check boxes 414, 415, 416, and 417 are checked. Then, for an item in which "I would like to ask you if you like," enter an arbitrary character string in the text box 408. The input to the text box 408 can be omitted.

After filling in all, by selecting and determining the link 419 displayed next, the user can proceed to the next information page 28b,
By further selecting and determining link 420, e
The user can proceed to the mail transmission page 29. At this time, the information input on the questionnaire page 27 is transferred to the questionnaire log file 22 shown in FIG. 4 and the client information management program.

The user 3 sends the e-mail transmission page 2 in FIG.
Fill in each item set in 9. Text box 4
In 21, the user's own mail address to be notified to the mail receiver 404 shown in FIG. 4 is entered. However, when notifying, notification is not required.

The text box 422 shown in FIG.
The user inputs his / her name or nickname to be notified to the mail receiver 404 shown in FIG. The input character string is used only for notifying the mail recipient 404, and is not used for any other purpose. If no notification is given, it is not necessary to fill in the information.

The text box 423 shown in FIG.
Of the e-mail to be transmitted to the e-mail recipient 404 shown in FIG. The text box 424 describes the content of the e-mail sent to the e-mail recipient 404 shown in FIG.

After filling in all, by selecting and determining the link 405 displayed next, the e-mail to be transmitted to the e-mail recipient 404 shown in FIG.
The mail receiver 40 is automatically generated by the mail generation program 406 on the server 8a and passes through a POP / SMTP server such as an ISP to which the mail receiver 404 subscribes.
4 is transmitted.

The mail address entered in the text box 425 is recorded in the user log file, and can be selected from a pop-up menu at the next use.

In the case of a software user for a user, a form displayed in a frame 1002 shown in FIG. 10 or an e-mail created by another mailer can be transmitted after answering a questionnaire. At that time, it is also possible to access a mail server such as an ISP contracted by the user and receive an e-mail addressed to the user.

A message indicating that the e-mail has been transmitted is transmitted to the user, and the connection to the Web site is terminated. In the case of a dedicated software user, the dedicated software automatically terminates the connection.

[0122]

According to the present invention, Internet users can send and receive e-mails free of charge. In addition, Internet users can participate in the questionnaire survey with a sense of game while having fun. With these added values, tens of millions of Internet users can be expected to actively participate in questionnaire surveys.

In addition, the operation cost of the present invention is only a communication charge of only several tens of yen per response.

Further, according to the present invention, the client company can browse the answers gathered instantaneously in real time at the same time as the start of the questionnaire survey, and use it for business on the same day.

For example, a manufacturer can plan and develop a product whenever he or she likes, while incorporating the latest trends and the opinions of consumers.

Further, it is possible to respond to a request of a client such as a magazine editor or a television program creator who needs a survey result immediately within a limited budget within 24 hours.

As an effect described above, it is possible to carry out a questionnaire survey over a wider range in a short period of time and at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a questionnaire survey in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a questionnaire question form according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a form of fee payment according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a basic screen of the client software of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a Web page for a mobile phone user of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an account setting screen of software for Internet users of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a top page in the software for Internet users of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an e-mail transmission page in the software for Internet users of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a questionnaire question page of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 Internet 2 Research Center 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d Internet User 4 Client 5 i-mode Center 6 Telephone Station 7 Fixed-Rate Constant Service 8a HTTP Server 8b FTP Server 8c File Server 8d ATM Server 9 Mobile Phone with i-mode 10 Personal computer for dial-up connection 11 Personal computer for fixed-rate service subscribers 12 Personal computer for client 13 Dedicated line 14 ISP, etc. 15 Questionnaire question website 16 Client software 17 Internet user software 18 Client database 19 User database 20 Questionnaire database 21 User log file 22 Questionnaire log file 23 Access log file 24 Questionnaire creation form file 25 Top page 26 Top page 27 27a, 27b, 27c Questionnaire question page 28 Information page 29 E-mail transmission page 30 Client information management program 31 User information management program 32 Access management program 33 Questionnaire question program 34 Questionnaire totalization program 35 Billing management program 36 NTT 37 Mobile phone carrier 38 Financial institution 501 Use of toll-free line 502 Billing line 503 Payment line b 504 Payment line a 505 Payment line c

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An online questionnaire survey conducted by a researcher for an Internet user who uses the Internet using a mobile phone such as i-mode (registered trademark) or a terminal such as a personal computer that can connect to the Internet, When the Internet user sends an e-mail to another Internet user, the Internet user is provided with a service capable of sending an e-mail free of charge by answering a questionnaire. , Non-membership online survey system 2. The online questionnaire survey system according to claim 1, wherein the client has a function of connecting the client to a server managed by a research company and issuing a questionnaire. In addition, a real-time online questionnaire using software running on the client terminal, which has a function of charting the aggregated data under various conditions while displaying the implementation status of the questionnaire in real time on the client terminal, system. 3. Automatically connecting to a Web site on the Internet via toll-free (registered trademark),
A questionnaire question page on an e-site or a content such as a result browsing page is displayed on the terminal of the Internet user, and when the Internet user answers the questionnaire, the Internet user is Internet system using software that runs on an Internet terminal such as a personal computer, which has the functions of a mailer and a browser, providing a function of sending and receiving e-mails for free. 4. In the business model of the online questionnaire survey shown in the above claim 1, question items of the questionnaire sent from the client are instantaneously processed, and questions are given to a large number of Internet users, and the answer result is obtained. An online research center built by a WWW server, which reports to clients in real time