JP2004145573A - Information system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem wherein since a virtual space in a motif of a general town is targeted at too wide a variety of users, users who find no webpages of advertisers to their tastes immediately leave the virtual space. <P>SOLUTION: A system creates a virtual space as an electronic mall surrounding a soccer stadium, for example, when the majority of users are a soccer fan. Users in the electronic mall go to the soccer stadium as a destination to necessarily see an icon or the like of an advertiser on their way, so that opportunities to access a webpage of the advertiser are increased. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a system for prompting a user to access information to be notified, there is a system in which an electronic character grows in a virtual space in accordance with the user's access to the notification information. Reference 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-56293
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there is a problem in that simply using a virtual space with a motif of a general town as a target is too wide to target users' individual tastes. In addition, since it is expected that a large number of users will visit a virtual space with a general town motif without any special purpose, if there is no advertiser icon that matches his / her preference, , Quickly get out of the virtual space.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a system in which the virtual space is an electronic mall that surrounds a soccer stadium, for example, when a majority of users are soccer fans. Since the user of the electronic mall heads for the soccer stadium, which is the destination, the user inevitably sees the icon of the advertiser on the way, and as a result, the opportunity to access the advertiser's web page increases.
[0006]
Further, a chat function for communicating between users is provided in the electronic mall. At this time, there are many portions where the attributes of the users are common, and when the activity is prosperous, users who visit the electronic mall for chat can be expected.
[0007]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments at all, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof.
[0008]
In the first embodiment, claims 1 and 6 will be mainly described.
[0009]
The second embodiment will mainly describe claim 2 and the like.
[0010]
The third embodiment will mainly describe claim 3 and the like.
[0011]
The fourth embodiment will mainly describe claim 4 and the like.
[0012]
The fifth embodiment will mainly describe claim 5 and the like.
<< First Embodiment >>
[0013]
<Embodiment 1: Overview>
[0014]
Embodiment 1 will be described.
[0015]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the concept of the present embodiment. The information system of this embodiment can be accessed via the Internet, and after logging in, can enter a virtual space field as shown in the figure. The user moves the character assigned to each person from the initial position, which is the start point, and reaches the target point, so that the target content can be viewed. Here, the target content is the homepage of the soccer team, and by reaching the target point indicated by the image item of the gate of the soccer stadium, the target content can be browsed. The virtual space field is a scene of an imaginary town up to a soccer stadium.
[0016]
Various facilities, such as shops and public facilities, are arranged on the passage route through which the user moves the character to the target point, forming a street. The user always sees the guidance information in the passage route to the destination, and if there is a desired facility, the user can enter the facility and browse information contents such as the homepage of the facility.
[0017]
Since the user inevitably sees guidance information by going to the target point as the destination, the possibility of browsing information contents such as a homepage of a desired facility increases.
[0018]
<Embodiment 1: Configuration>
[0019]
The present embodiment is an information system for notifying a user of information contents. FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional block according to the present embodiment.
[0020]
The “information system” (0200) of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a “login unit” (0201), a “character display unit” (0202), an “initial position arrangement unit” (0203), and a “character control”. (Information unit) (0204), "guidance information arranging unit" (0205), and "information content output unit" (0206).
[0021]
Each unit which is a component of the present invention is constituted by any of hardware, software, and both hardware and software. For example, when a computer is used as an example of realizing these, hardware including a CPU, a memory, a bus, an interface, peripheral devices, and the like, and software executable on these hardware are given. be able to.
[0022]
In particular, the “character display section” (0202), the “initial position arrangement section” (0203), and the “character control section” (0204) do not need to be distinctly independent sections. One unit having the functions of the units may be combined.
[0023]
Specifically, by sequentially executing the programs developed on the memory, the functions of the respective units are realized by processing, storing, outputting, and the like of the data on the memory and the data input via the interface. (Similar throughout this specification.)
[0024]
The “login unit” (0201) performs a process for logging in a user who intends to view the target content. “Target content” refers to image information and / or audio information intended to be viewed by a user. The target content corresponds to, for example, information that a soccer fan likes. “Login” means starting to use the information system through a predetermined procedure. At this time, it is assumed that a procedure such as prompting the user to input an ID or a password is imposed as the predetermined procedure. Only a specific member or a person who has made a charge can be logged in, and improper persons can be excluded. When a user name is input here, the user name can be used as a name for identifying a character assigned to each user after login.
[0025]
The “character display unit” (0202) displays a character that can be controlled by the user logged in by the login unit (0201) on the virtual space field. The “character” refers to an image item of a character or the like (which is widely included such as a person, an animal, and an anthropomorphic object) that moves as an alter ego of the user according to an instruction of the user. The design of the character may be selectable by the user. When a name for identifying a character is required, a user name may be used, or the user may be freely assigned. The “virtual space field” refers to a virtual space in which the character can move. For example, a town, a country, a star, and the like correspond, and the range is not limited.
[0026]
The “initial position arranging unit” (0203) arranges the character at a predetermined initial position after login. The “predetermined initial position” refers to a start point at which the character starts moving, and includes guidance information in a route to the destination. The initial position may be fixed at a fixed location or may be changeable. When the initial position is changed, it is arranged at a position that includes guidance information for guiding to information content, which is information intended to notify the user during the route to the destination. It is assumed that the initial position is changed, for example, according to the information content to be notified or the attribute of the user.
[0027]
The “character control unit” (0204) performs processing for moving the character arranged in the initial position arrangement unit (0203) along the character passage on the virtual space field to reach the target point. "Target point" refers to a point at which the target content can be viewed. For example, by reaching the target point indicated by the image item of the gate of the soccer stadium, browsing of the homepage of the soccer team becomes possible. Further, the “character passage route” refers to an area on the virtual space field where the character can move. For example, the path provided from the initial position to the target point corresponds to the path, but the path is not limited to the path and the road. If the character is movable, a square or a pond may be included in the character passing path. Is also good. The control of the character is performed by a user's button operation, mouse operation, or the like.
[0028]
The “guidance information arranging unit” (0205) arranges guidance information on the character passage route from the initial position to the target point. “Guidance information” refers to information for guiding to information content. Specifically, there are icons such as stores and signboards, and image items such as clerks performing advertising activities. The guidance information is arranged in the character passage route, and the user heading to the target point inevitably sees the guidance information. "Information content" is information intended to notify the user. For example, the information content corresponds to the information that the store wants to notify (address / telephone number, notice of bargain, etc.) or the web page of the store.
[0029]
The “information content output unit” (0206) outputs information content in accordance with the guidance based on the guidance information. Guidance based on the guidance information corresponds to, for example, a process in which a user who has seen the guidance information controls the character to bring it closer to the entrance of the store. Also, the output is assumed to be such that a separate screen is displayed so that the information content can be browsed. Alternatively, exchange of electronic data such as recording of a telephone number of a store in a memory of a mobile phone connected to the information system of the present invention is also included. At this time, the user can immediately call and access the store from the telephone number in the memory, which is convenient.
[0030]
A specific example of the first embodiment will be described in detail in a second embodiment.
[0031]
<Embodiment 1: Process flow>
[0032]
The figure shows an example of the processing flow in the first embodiment. The information content output method according to the present embodiment includes the following steps.
[0033]
First, a process for logging in a user whose purpose is to view the target content is performed (login step S0301).
[0034]
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the login has been completed (login completion determination step S0302). If the login has not been completed, the process may be stopped.
[0035]
If it is determined that the login has been completed, a character that can be controlled by the user who has logged in in the login step (S0301) is displayed on the virtual space field (character display step S0303).
[0036]
Further, the character is arranged at a predetermined initial position after login (initial position arrangement step S0304).
[0037]
Guidance information for guiding information content, which is information intended to be notified to the user, is arranged on the character passage route from the initial position to the target point (guidance information arrangement step S0305).
[0038]
It is determined whether the character has been moved according to the guidance based on the guidance information (character guidance determination step S0306).
[0039]
If it is determined in the character guidance determination step (S0306) that the character has been moved, information content is output (information content output step S0307). If the character has not been moved, the process may return to the character guidance determination step (S0306), and may be repeated until the character is moved in accordance with the guidance.
[0040]
Although not necessarily essential for achieving the object of the invention, it is determined whether or not the character has reached a target point at which the target content can be viewed, and if it is determined that the character has reached the target point, the target content is determined. There may be a step in which you can watch.
[0041]
The above processing can be executed by a program to be executed by a computer, and this program can be recorded on a recording medium readable by the computer. (Similar throughout this specification.)
[0042]
<Embodiment 1: Effect>
[0043]
The character controlled by the user moves in the virtual space field until reaching the target point. At that time, since the guidance information is arranged on the character passage route, the user inevitably sees the guidance information while moving to the target point. This increases the possibility that the information content is output in accordance with the guidance of the guidance information. In addition, if the opportunity to output information contents increases, it can be expected that the effect of the advertisement of the information to be notified is enhanced.
<< Embodiment 2 >>
[0044]
<Embodiment 2: Overview>
[0045]
Embodiment 2 will be described. The present embodiment is characterized in that the virtual space field is a field indicating a virtual street, and the guidance information is a shop image item forming a part of the street.
[0046]
<Embodiment 2: Configuration>
[0047]
An example of a functional block in the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.
[0048]
The “information system” (0200) of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a “login unit” (0201), a “character display unit” (0202), an “initial position arrangement unit” (0203), and a “character control”. (Information unit) (0204), "guidance information arranging unit" (0205), and "information content output unit" (0206).
[0049]
The “character display unit” (0202) displays a character on a virtual space field, which is a virtual space field. The “virtual townscape” refers to a temporarily assumed scenery of a town, but may be a real town.
[0050]
The “guidance information arranging unit” (0205) arranges shop image items that constitute a part of the townscape as the guidance information. “Shop image item” refers to an icon imitating a store image. By performing processing such as bringing a character close to a shop image item or designating the shop image item with a mouse or the like, information content about the shop is output.
[0051]
The processing of the other units is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0052]
<Embodiment 2: Specific example>
[0053]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the present embodiment. This is a scene in which information content is output according to guidance based on guidance information that is a shop image item. Now, a character controlled by the user moves in a virtual street and comes near a store image item. Here, if the user looks at the store image item and desires to know more about the × hotel, the user can approach the store image item of the × hotel and the store image item is selected. Another window is opened by further button operation, and information content is output. The information content is a web page of an XX hotel, which can be browsed to a lower hierarchy by operating a separately displayed window.
[0054]
<Embodiment 2: Effect>
[0055]
As described above, since the virtual space field in which the character controlled by the user moves is a virtual street, and the guidance information is the shop image item constituting the street, the information content provided by the guidance information at a glance There is an advantage that the outline of the information can be grasped. If the outline can be recognized, it can be easily determined whether the content is the desired content, and if necessary, the access can be made immediately.
[0056]
In addition, the user can have a simulated experience as if he / she is actually walking in the virtual townscape, and can attract the user's interest. Furthermore, even with the same guidance information and the same character passage route, by changing the virtual townscape, a visual change can be provided, and the user's interest can be maintained.
<< Embodiment 3 >>
[0057]
<Embodiment 3: Overview>
[0058]
Embodiment 3 will be described. This embodiment is characterized in that only members of a specific fan club are allowed to log in, and the target content is also information on a specific target.
[0059]
<Embodiment 3: Configuration>
[0060]
FIG. 5 shows an example of a functional block according to the present embodiment.
[0061]
The “information system” (0500) of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes a “login unit” (0501), a “character display unit” (0502), an “initial position arrangement unit” (0503), and a “character control”. "Login section" (0501), "guidance information arranging section" (0505), and "information content output section" (0506). The "login section" (0501) further includes "login permission means" (0507). Have.
[0062]
The "login permitting means" (0507) permits only a fan club member composed of a specific target fan to log in. The specific object may be a television program, a game, a facility such as a store or an amusement park, or the like, in addition to a person or an organization such as a sports team, an entertainer, or a writer. The target content is information on the specific target. In this case, the target content corresponds to a web page or the like from which information on each target can be obtained. "Fan" is an enthusiastic enthusiast of a particular object, or a person with a sense of community. The latter also aims at the exchange between fans. For example, when the fan is composed of mothers who are raising children, in addition to viewing the web page of the parenting support circle that is the target content, the mothers can exchange information using chat means described below, It is useful because it can deepen the exchange.
[0063]
The processing of the other units is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0064]
<Embodiment 3: Specific example>
[0065]
Now, specifically, it is assumed that the specific target is the soccer team A and the target content is the web page of the soccer team A. You must be a member of this football team's fan club to log in to the information system. Therefore, it is first determined that the soccer team A joins the fan club. When joining the fan club, the member number (identification number), password, and the like of the fan club are given to the user.
[0066]
The user inputs these pieces of information to a predetermined place in order to log in to the information system. If the entered information is appropriate, login is permitted. The target content as the destination is the web page of the soccer team A. The user controls the character and moves the character to a target point where the target content can be viewed. In the meantime, outputting the information content according to the guidance based on the guidance information is not prevented. That is, for example, while traveling to the stadium of the soccer team A, which is the target point, in the virtual townscape, for example, information contents of a drugstore or a restaurant may be output and viewed. Further, at this time, the information content can be limited to, for example, those related to a sports goods maker or a soccer watching goods maker, by using the attribute that the user is interested in the soccer team A.
[0067]
<Embodiment 3: Effect>
[0068]
In this way, by limiting the users who can log in to only members of the fan club, the user has a great deal of interest in the target content related to the target of the fan club. It is assumed that the probability of reaching the target point is very high. Therefore, it can be said that there are many opportunities to output information contents in response to guidance based on guidance information. If a large amount of information content is output, the effect of the advertisement / advertising activity of the information content provider can be expected.
[0069]
Furthermore, since the user's preference can be easily inferred from the contents of the fan club to which the user belongs, the guidance information can be arranged after narrowing down the information contents to those which are likely to interest the user. As a result, more effective advertising / advertising activities can be performed for the user. The availability of this information system will also add value to joining a fan club.
<< Embodiment 4 >>
[0070]
<Embodiment 4: Overview>
[0071]
Embodiment 4 will be described. The present embodiment is characterized by a means for chatting with another user.
[0072]
<Embodiment 4: Configuration>
[0073]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a functional block according to the present embodiment.
[0074]
The “information system” (0600) of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 6 includes a “login unit” (0601), a “character display unit” (0602), an “initial position arrangement unit” (0603), and a “character control”. "Character unit" (0604), "guidance information arranging unit" (0605), and "information content output unit" (0606). The "character control unit" (0604) further includes "chat means" (0607). Have.
[0075]
The “character display unit” (0602) simultaneously arranges characters controlled by other users who are logged in at the same time in the virtual space field.
[0076]
The “chat means” (0607) performs a process for chatting with the other user through another character simultaneously arranged in the virtual space. "Chat" is a conversation on a computer network using a keyboard or monitor. Chatting with another user is not limited to between two parties, and may be performed by multiple persons.
[0077]
<Embodiment 4: Specific example>
[0078]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the present embodiment. When a character (Taro) controlled by a user is moving in a virtual street, he meets a character (Hanako) controlled by another user. At this time, the users chat with each other through the characters by keyboard input or the like. A list of users and conversation logs may be displayed at the bottom of the screen or the like, so that the user can confirm them.
[0079]
Although there is no particular limitation on the contents of the chat here, it is assumed that the user of the same information system will be a topic of target content and information content. As an example, in response to the call of character Taro, character Hanako presented information that a discount coupon can be obtained by visiting the homepage of OO department store, which is one of the information contents. Such word-of-mouth information is expected to increase the use of information contents.
[0080]
<Embodiment 4: Effect>
[0081]
As described above, if the users can chat with each other via the character, communication between the users can be achieved, and promotion of use of the information content can be expected. Further, when the user is a fan club member for a specific object, the tendency to promote the use of information content through communication can be remarkable.
[0082]
In addition, by exchanging word-of-mouth information between users, it is expected that the usage of information contents will be further increased, and that the publicity / advertising effect will be improved.
<< Embodiment 5 >>
[0083]
<Embodiment 5: Overview>
[0084]
Embodiment 5 will be described. This embodiment is characterized in that information contents to be output are selected according to the control history of the character.
[0085]
<Embodiment 5: Configuration>
[0086]
FIG. 8 shows an example of a functional block according to the present embodiment.
[0087]
The “information system” (0800) of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a “login unit” (0801), a “character display unit” (0802), an “initial position arrangement unit” (0803), and a “character control”. A section (0804), a guidance information arrangement section (0805), an information content output section (0806), and a character activity history storage section (0807). In addition, the “information content output unit” (0806) further includes “information selection means” (0808).
[0088]
The “character activity history storage unit” (0807) stores the control history of the character in association with the user. The control history of the character includes the title, date and time, and number of times of the output information content. Recording this may help to grasp the user's preference.
[0089]
The "information selection means" (0808) selects information content to be output according to the control history of the character by the user stored in the character activity history storage unit. The user selects information contents different from those previously viewed by the user, or gradually selects detailed information contents according to the number of output times so far.
[0090]
<Embodiment 5: Specific example>
[0091]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a specific example of the control history of the character stored in the character activity history storage unit of the present embodiment. The user name on the left and the control history of the character on the right are stored in association with each other. Δ △ The number of accesses to sportswear is three for user yamada and two for user yoshida. Due to this difference, the user yoshida can only output the content in which the information on the sales start time of the new work is described, whereas the user yamada has the content in which the information on the design and the price of the new work can be known. It may be possible to output.
[0092]
<Embodiment 5: Effect>
[0093]
As described above, if the information content can be selected based on the character control history for each user, the user can access the same information content a plurality of times with new information content, so that the user is not bored. This has the effect. As a result, it is expected that the use of information contents will increase, and that the publicity / advertising effect will increase.
【The invention's effect】
The character controlled by the user moves in the virtual space field until reaching the target point. At that time, since the guidance information is arranged on the character passage route, the user inevitably sees the guidance information while moving to the target point. As a result, the number of opportunities for outputting the information content in accordance with the guidance of the guidance information increases. In addition, if the opportunity to output information contents increases, it can be expected that the effect of the advertisement of the information to be notified is enhanced.
[0094]
Furthermore, based on the user's preference, the guidance information can be arranged after narrowing down the information content that is likely to interest the user. As a result, more effective advertising / advertising activities can be performed for the user.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the first embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the flow of processing according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram for explaining a third embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment;
FIG. 7 illustrates a specific example of the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram for explaining a fifth embodiment;
FIG. 9 illustrates a specific example of the fifth embodiment.

Claims (6)

A login unit for logging in a user whose purpose is to view the target content,
A character display unit that displays a character that can be controlled by a user logged in by the login unit on a virtual space field,
An initial position arranging unit for arranging the character at a predetermined initial position after login;
A character control unit for causing the character arranged in the initial position arrangement unit to reach a target point at which the target content can be viewed by moving a character passage on the virtual space field,
A guidance information arranging unit for arranging guidance information for guiding information content, which is information for notifying the user on a character passage route from the initial position to the target point,
An information content output unit that outputs information content in accordance with the guidance based on the guidance information,
Information system consisting of: The information system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual space field is a field indicating a virtual street, and the guidance information is a shop image item forming a part of the street. The login unit includes:
It has a login permission unit that allows only members of the fan club composed of specific target fans to log in,
The information system according to claim 1, wherein the target content is information on the specific target. The character display unit simultaneously arranges a character controlled by another user who is logged in to the virtual space field,
The information system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the character control unit has a chat unit for chatting with the other user through another character simultaneously arranged in the virtual space. A character activity history accumulating unit that accumulates the control history of the character in association with the user,
5. The information content output unit according to claim 1, further comprising an information selection unit configured to select information content to be output according to a control history of the character by the user stored in the character activity history storage unit. Information system described. A login step of performing a process for logging in a user for the purpose of viewing the target content,
A character display step of displaying a character controllable by the user logged in at the login step on a virtual space field;
An initial position arranging step of arranging the character at a predetermined initial position after login;
A character control step of performing a process for moving the character arranged in the initial position arrangement step to a target point at which the target content can be viewed by moving a character passage on the virtual space field,
A guidance information arranging step of arranging guidance information for guiding information content, which is information for notifying the user, on the character passage route from the initial position to the target point;
An information content output step of outputting information content in accordance with the guidance based on the guidance information,
Information content output method having:

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