JP2012252371A - Information processing system, server, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system capable of correctly determining whether a customer actually visits a specific place with as less burden on the customer as possible.SOLUTION: An installation device 11 uses inaudible sound to transmit identification information to portable terminals 21. When receiving the identification information, each portable terminal 21 transmits the identification information together with user identification information and the like for identifying a user of the portable terminal 21 to a management server 41. The inaudible sound (or ultrasound), which passes through walls or the like less than radio waves, can be easily set not to reach another area in the case of mutually adjacent specific places. On the other hand, proper adjustment of inaudible sound output facilitates expanding a range of the reach of the inaudible sound to a range within a store, for example. This enables more correct determination of whether the user of the portable terminal 21 actually visits a specific place than the case of using GPS radio waves or the like.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system that gives a privilege to a customer when the customer visits a specific place such as a store, a facility, or an event place.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system that gives a privilege (a discount coupon, a point of visit, a virtual currency, a virtual stamp, etc.) to a customer when the customer visits a specific place such as a store, a facility, or an event place is known. In such a system, as a method for determining whether or not a specific place is actually visited, for example, a method described in Patent Document 1 is known. That is, a method of using GPS radio waves captured by a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna provided in a mobile terminal owned by a customer is known. There is also known a method of using a wireless LAN radio wave supplemented by a wireless LAN antenna provided in a mobile terminal owned by a customer.
International Publication No. 2008/114643

  However, GPS radio waves cannot be used in places where GPS radio waves cannot be captured, such as the center of an underground store or building, and it cannot be determined whether or not a customer has visited a specific place. Also, when a plurality of specific places are adjacent in a plane or vertically adjacent (for example, the first specific place is at the southeast corner on the third floor of the building and the second specific place In the southeast corner of the fourth floor of the same building), it is often the case that a specific location cannot be accurately distinguished by a method using GPS radio waves or wireless LAN radio waves.

  On the other hand, a display device such as a liquid crystal display is installed in a specific location, and an identification code (for example, a two-dimensional barcode) is displayed on the display device. Thus, a method of determining whether or not the customer actually visited a specific place can be considered. In addition, a reading device such as an IC chip reader is installed in a specific location, and the customer actually locates the specific location by holding a mobile terminal that the customer has and that has a built-in IC chip. A method for determining whether or not a visit has been made is also conceivable. With these methods, the above-described problems are solved, but the customer needs to move to a place where the display device or the reading device is installed in a specific place, which causes a problem that the customer is burdened.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and provides an information processing system and the like that can determine whether or not a customer has actually visited a specific place more accurately and without placing a burden on the customer as much as possible. For the purpose.

  An information processing system according to a first invention made to solve the above problems includes an installation device installed at a specific location, a portable terminal that can be carried, and a server that can communicate with the portable terminal. The installation apparatus includes a speaker capable of outputting a non-audible sound and output control means for outputting a non-audible sound including unique identification information from the speaker. The portable terminal includes a microphone capable of inputting a non-audible sound, a terminal-side communication means for communicating with the server, and the identification information from the non-audible sound output from the installation apparatus and input to the microphone. First extraction means for extracting the first information (information relating to the identification information extracted by the first extraction means) and second information (terminal-specific information specific to the mobile terminal or the mobile terminal) Transmission control means for transmitting to the server via the terminal-side communication means, at least any one piece of user identification information that can identify the user. The server includes a server-side communication unit for communicating with the portable terminal, a storage unit for storing information, and the first and the first transmitted from the portable terminal via the server-side communication unit. Storage control means for storing the information of 2 in the storage means in association with each other.

  In general, non-audible sound (ie, ultrasonic waves) has a low ability to penetrate walls, etc., compared to radio waves, so that non-audible sounds do not reach each other's areas even if specific locations are adjacent to each other. Easy to do. On the other hand, by appropriately adjusting the output level of the non-audible sound, it is easy to expand the range in which the non-audible sound reaches to a range such as in a store. Therefore, if the information processing system described above is used, it is possible to determine whether or not the customer has actually visited a specific place more accurately than a method using GPS radio waves or a case using wireless LAN radio waves. In addition, the burden on the customer can be reduced as compared with a method of installing a display on which an identification code is displayed at a specific location and a method of installing a reading device such as an IC chip reader at a specific location (display device or No need to move within a specific location to where the reader is installed).

  In addition, it is better that there is a mechanism for the mobile terminal user to actively go to a specific place in the information processing system described above. For example, as in the information processing system according to the second invention, when the identification information is extracted by the first extraction unit, the portable terminal gives a privilege to the portable terminal or the user of the portable terminal. It is good to further have the 1st privilege grant means which performs processing.

With such an information processing system, the user of the mobile terminal works as an incentive to obtain a privilege, and the frequency of going to a specific place increases.
By the way, in such an information processing system, it is assumed that how many users will use it will be a big problem. For this purpose, for example, there is a mechanism that can exchange profile information and the like with other portable terminals, and it is preferable that a privilege is obtained when the profile information and the like are exchanged. That is, as in the information processing system according to the third invention, there are a plurality of the mobile terminals, and each of the mobile terminals has a speaker capable of outputting a non-audible sound, information on the mobile terminal, or information on the mobile terminal. Profile information output means for outputting a non-audible sound including profile information, which is at least one of information related to the user, from the speaker; and the profile information is extracted from the non-audible sound input to the microphone. When the information such as the profile is extracted by the second extraction unit and the second extraction unit, a second privilege grant unit that performs a process of granting a privilege to the mobile terminal or the user of the mobile terminal is further included. It is good to have.

  With such an information processing system, the user of the mobile terminal will want to actively exchange profile information and the like, and as a result, the user of the mobile terminal uses the information processing system. Encourage them to introduce programs to do so. That is, the number of users who use the information processing system is likely to increase.

  As described above, when a privilege is granted to a user, it is preferable that information on the granted privilege can be grasped on the server side. That is, as in the information processing system according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the transmission control means of the portable terminal also uses the terminal for the third information that is information related to the result of the processing performed by the privilege granting means. And the storage control means of the server associates the first, second and third information transmitted from the portable terminal via the server-side communication means. It is preferable that the data is stored in the storage means.

If it is such an information processing system, the information of the privilege provided to the user can be grasped in the server.
Further, an administrator (for example, a store operator) at a specific place where the installation device is installed enjoys a value such as an increase in sales if more users of the mobile terminal visit the specific place. For this reason, it is assumed that the manager of the specific place may bear some money according to the number of users who have visited the specific place. On the other hand, it may be assumed that the source of privilege granted to the user or the like must be secured from somewhere. Furthermore, it is assumed that the user's incentive to visit a specific place changes according to the privilege amount given. Considering such circumstances, a configuration like the information processing system according to the fifth invention is appropriate. That is, the server further includes a totaling unit that calculates a privilege total amount for each installation device by totaling the third information using the first information stored in the storage unit as a totaling key, and the totaling unit. It is good to provide the claim means which performs the claim process for charging money with respect to the manager of the said specific place where the said installation apparatus was installed based on the total privilege amount classified by the said installation apparatus.

  With such an information processing system, the operator of the information processing system can charge money according to the privilege given to the user or the like to the manager (for example, the store operator) at a specific location. Therefore, it is possible to secure a source of privilege granted to the user or the like. That is, a privilege can be made more valuable by using the resources.

  By the way, if the noise level at the specific location where the installation device is installed is low, it is considered that the mobile terminal can extract the identification information with high accuracy, but in many cases, there are various sound sources at the specific location and the noise level is low. high. For this reason, like the information processing system according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the output control means of the installation apparatus repeatedly outputs a non-audible sound including the identification information from the speaker, and the first of the portable terminal. The extraction means may be configured such that the extraction of one piece of the identification information is completed when the same identification information is extracted a predetermined number of times. In addition, what is necessary is just to set suitably the frequency | count which can obtain the precision more than a fixed degree as a predetermined frequency according to the noise level of the specific place where an installation apparatus is installed.

With such an information processing system, it is possible to reduce the fact that incorrect identification information is extracted by a mobile terminal and used for subsequent processing.
Although the invention about the information processing system has been described so far, the invention may be considered as a server constituting the information processing system. That is, like a server according to the seventh invention, a server-side communication unit for communicating with a mobile terminal, a storage unit for storing information, and a storage for storing information to be described later in association with each other. You may comprise so that a control means may be provided. Information to be stored in the storage means relates to identification information (identification information that can specify the installation device) that is output from the installation device that outputs non-audible sound and is included in the non-audible sound input to the microphone of the portable terminal. First information that is information, and second information that is at least one of terminal-specific information unique to the mobile terminal or user-specific information that can specify a user of the mobile terminal, Information received via the side communication means.

By combining such a server with a corresponding installation device and portable terminal, the same effects as those of the information processing system according to the first invention described above can be obtained.
Further, the invention may be understood as a program that runs on a mobile terminal. That is, as in the program according to the eighth aspect of the invention, identification information included in the non-audible sound output from the installation device that outputs the non-audible sound to the portable computer and input to the microphone included in the computer (the above-mentioned An extraction step for extracting the identification information that can identify the installation device), first information that is information relating to the identification information extracted by the extraction step, terminal-specific information unique to the portable terminal, or information on the portable terminal Transmitting the second information, which is at least one of the user identification information that can identify the user, to the server via the terminal-side communication means for communicating with the server; It may be a program for.

  By causing the portable terminal to execute such a program and combining it with a corresponding installation apparatus and server, the same effects as those of the information processing system according to the first invention described above can be obtained.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of an information processing system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of an installation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a portable terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a management server. It is a table layout figure for demonstrating an example of the database which a management server memorize | stores. It is a flowchart for demonstrating starting processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a real check-in process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a stamp rally process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a profile transmission / reception process. It is a flow chart for explaining history storage processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a billing process. It is an example of a screen displayed on a portable terminal. It is an example of a screen displayed on a portable terminal. It is an example of a screen displayed on a portable terminal.

  Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can take various forms as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[Description of configuration]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an information processing system 5 according to the embodiment. The information processing system 5 includes an installation device 11, mobile terminals 21 (21 a and 21 b), an application server 31, and a management server 41. In FIG. 1, for convenience, one installation device 11 and two portable terminals 21 are depicted, but there are actually a large number of both. The mobile terminal 21 (21a, 21b) communicates with the application server 31 and the management server 41 via the Internet 51.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the installation apparatus 11. The installation apparatus 11 includes a speaker 12 and a control unit 13.
The speaker 12 can output at least a non-audible sound (for example, a sound in the range of about 18 kHz to 24 kHz) based on the signal input from the control unit 13. Of course, an audible sound may be output.

  The control unit 13 mainly includes a microcomputer and an amplifier, and repeatedly outputs a signal including preset identification information (installation apparatus ID, which will be described later, or installation apparatus ID and stamp ID) to the speaker 12. The included inaudible sound can be repeatedly output from the speaker 12. The identification information is information unique to each installation apparatus 11, and for example, information of about several bytes is assumed. Further, as a method of including identification information in a non-audible sound, for example, a method of using / applying DFMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) can be considered. That is, a method is conceivable in which the synthesis state of sounds having a plurality of (for example, four) frequencies determined in advance from the non-audible sound region is temporally changed according to a bit string of identification information. The information processing system 5 of the present embodiment will be described on the premise of a method using DTMF, but the method of including identification information in a non-audible sound is not limited to this method, and any method may be used.

The installation device 11 is installed in association with a specific place such as a store, facility, or event place.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal 21. The mobile terminal 21 includes a speaker 22, a microphone 23, an operation unit 24, a display unit 25, a network communication unit 26, a storage unit 27, and a control unit 28.

The speaker 22 can output an audible sound (for example, a sound in the range of about 20 Hz to 18 kHz) and a non-audible sound (for example, a sound in the range of about 18 kHz to 24 kHz).
The microphone 23 can input an audible sound and a non-audible sound and can extract them as an electric signal.

The operation unit 24 includes a mechanical key or a touch panel, and can accept various instructions from the user of the mobile terminal 21.
The display unit 25 includes a liquid crystal display or an organic display, and can display various images, characters, and the like.

  The network communication unit 26 includes a communication controller and an antenna, and can connect to the Internet 51 and perform data communication with the application server 31, the management server 41, and the like. As a communication infrastructure to be used, for example, a 3G line, a WiMAX line, Wi-Fi communication, or the like is assumed.

  The storage unit 27 includes a nonvolatile storage device such as a flash memory, and can store various types of information. Note that the storage unit 27 stores an operating system and application programs executed by the control unit 28.

  The control unit 28 includes a microcomputer having a CPU, a RAM, various controllers, and the like, and executes various processes based on the operating system and application programs read from the storage unit 27. At that time, various commands are sent to each unit described above, and information is received from each unit.

Note that the mobile terminal 21 is owned by each user, and is brought when the user visits a specific place such as a store, a facility, or an event place.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the management server 41. The management server 41 includes an operation unit 42, a display unit 43, a network communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a control unit 46.

The operation unit 42 includes a keyboard and a mouse, and can receive various instructions from the operator of the management server 41.
The display unit 43 includes a liquid crystal display or an organic display, and can display various images, characters, and the like.

The network communication unit 44 includes a communication controller, is connected to the Internet 51 via a router (not shown), and can perform data communication with the mobile terminal 21 and the like.
The storage unit 45 includes a nonvolatile storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk, and can store various types of information. Note that the storage unit 45 stores an operating system and application programs executed by the control unit 46.

  The control unit 46 includes a CPU, a RAM, various controllers, and the like, and executes various processes based on the operating system and application programs read from the storage unit 45. At that time, various commands are sent to each unit described above, and information is received from each unit.

The management server 41 is installed in a data center or the like of a company that operates the information processing system 5.
FIG. 5 is a table layout diagram for explaining a table layout of a part of the database (history database, user database, and installation apparatus database) stored in the storage unit 45 of the management server 41.

  Among these, FIG. 5A is a table layout diagram of the history database. The history database (history table) includes, as items, “user ID”, “installation device ID”, “stamp ID”, “number of medals granted”, “reason for granting medals”, and “date and time”. “User ID” stores an ID for uniquely identifying the user of the mobile terminal 21. “Installation device ID” stores an ID for uniquely identifying the installation device 11. Note that data may not be stored in the “installation device ID”. Specifically, the record corresponding to the case where the profile is exchanged is that in which the “installation device ID” is NULL. “Stamp ID” stores an ID for specifying each stamp location used in stamp rally processing to be described later. Note that data may not be stored in the “stamp ID”. Specifically, a record corresponding to a case where the user visits a store or the like in which the installation device 11 that is not used for the stamp rally is installed, and profile exchange are performed. A record corresponding to the case where the “stamp ID” has been set to NULL is obtained. The “number of medals granted” stores the number of medals awarded as a privilege. The reason for the medal grant (real check-in, stamp rally (stamp acquisition), or profile exchange) is stored in the “medal grant reason”. “Date and time” stores the date and time when the real check-in, stamp rally (stamp acquisition), or profile exchange was performed.

  FIG. 5B is a table layout diagram of the user database. The user database (user data table) includes, as items, “user ID”, “nickname”, “birth date”, “sex”, “number of medals”, “number of real check-ins”, “registration date”, and “Update date and time” is provided. “User ID” stores an ID for uniquely identifying the user of the mobile terminal 21. In the “nickname”, a name arbitrarily set by the user of the mobile terminal 21 is stored. “Date of birth” stores the date of birth of the user of the mobile terminal 21. “Gender” stores the gender of the user of the mobile terminal 21. “Medal number” stores the number of medals currently owned by the user. The “number of real check-ins” stores the number of times the user has actually checked in so far. The “date and time of registration” stores the date and time when the user first registered as a user. “Update date / time” stores the date / time when the record was updated.

  FIG. 5C is a table layout diagram of the installation apparatus database. The installation device database (installation device table) includes “installation device ID”, “stamp ID”, “location name”, “company ID”, and “total number of medals” as items. “Installation device ID” stores an ID for uniquely identifying the installation device 11. “Stamp ID” stores an ID for specifying each stamp location used in stamp rally processing to be described later. The “place name” stores the name of the place where the installation apparatus is installed (a specific place such as a store, a facility, or an event place). The “company ID” stores the ID of the company that manages the store where the installation device 11 is installed. The “total number of medals” stores the total number of medals awarded by the installation apparatus.

  The application server 31 is a server for providing an application used in the mobile terminal 21 and is a server having a known configuration. Similar to the management server 41, the application server 31 is assumed to be installed in a data center or the like of a company that operates the information processing system 5, but may be installed in a company other than the company that operates the information processing system 5.

[Description of operation]
Next, the operation of the information processing system 5 will be described.
(1) Startup Process The startup process executed in the control unit 28 of the mobile terminal 21 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The activation process is started when the user of the portable terminal 21 operates the operation unit 24 to activate an application for the information processing system 5 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “application”). The application program is downloaded from the application server 31 in advance by a user operation and stored in the storage unit 27.

  When starting the execution of the startup process, the control unit 28 of the portable terminal 21 first determines whether or not user information has been registered (S105). The user information is a nickname, date of birth, sex, and the like. If the determination method is stored in the storage unit 27, it is determined that the user information has been registered.

  If the determination result in S105 is affirmative, that is, if user information has already been registered (S105: Yes), the control unit 28 proceeds to S145, while the determination result in S105 is negative, that is, user information is not registered. If not registered (S105: No), the process proceeds to S110.

  In S <b> 110 that proceeds when it is determined that the user information has not been registered, the control unit 28 determines whether or not communication with the management server 41 is possible via the network communication unit 26. In other words, it can be paraphrased as determining whether radio waves from a base station such as a 3G line can be captured and communication with the base station is possible.

  If the determination result in S110 is affirmative, that is, if the control unit 28 can communicate with the management server 41 via the network communication unit 26 (S110: Yes), the control unit 28 proceeds to S120, while the determination result in S110. Is negative, that is, when communication with the management server 41 is not possible via the network communication unit 26 (S110: No), the process proceeds to S115.

  In S <b> 115 that proceeds when it is determined that communication with the management server 41 is not possible via the network communication unit 26, the control unit 28 causes the display unit 25 to display a screen that prompts the user to move to a location where communication with the management server 41 is possible. An example of this screen is the screen of FIG. Subsequently, the control unit 28 receives the operation on the end button of the application and ends the present process (start-up process).

  On the other hand, the user information registration screen is displayed on the display unit 25 in S120 that is proceeded when it is determined that communication with the management server 41 is possible via the network communication unit 26. An example of the user information registration screen is the screen shown in FIG. As can be read from FIG. 12B, this user information registration screen is a screen with a content that allows the user to input a nickname, date of birth, and gender, and to press a registration button.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 determines whether or not the registration button has been pressed (S125). If the determination result is affirmative, that is, if the registration button is pressed (S125: Yes), the process proceeds to S130. On the other hand, if the determination result is negative, that is, the registration button is not pressed (S125: No), stays in this step (S125) until the registration button is pressed.

  In S <b> 130, which proceeds when the registration button is pressed, the control unit 28 transmits the user information input on the user information registration screen to the management server 41 via the network communication unit 26 and stores it in the storage unit 27. . As a result, a new record is created in the user database (see FIG. 5B) of the management server 41 based on the user information sent from the mobile terminal 21, and the user ID is assigned at that time. The numbered user ID is notified to the portable terminal 21. The nickname, date of birth, and gender are based on the user information sent from the mobile terminal 21, the medal number and the real check-in number are "0", the registration date is the current date, and the update date is NULL. A user database record is created. On the other hand, in addition to the user information input on the user information registration screen, the storage unit 27 of the portable terminal 21 includes the user ID notified from the management server 41 and is stored in the storage unit 27 as user information. Thus, when the activation process is executed next, it is determined in S105 described above that the user information has been registered.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 shifts the process to S <b> 135, starts the network communication unit 26, receives new arrival notification information from the management server 41, and stores it in the storage unit 27. The notification information here is information displayed on a main menu screen described later, and is information that the system administrator wants to notify the user of the mobile terminal 21.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 shifts the process to S140, displays the main menu screen on the display unit 25, and ends the present process (start-up process). An example of the main menu screen is the screen shown in FIG. As can be read from FIG. 12C, the main menu screen displays the number of medals held by the user of the portable terminal 21 and the number of real check-ins so far at the top. Below that, new notification information from the system administrator and the latest action history of the user of the portable terminal 21 are displayed. Below that, three types of game buttons are displayed. When one of these buttons is pressed, a corresponding game is started, and medals can be used within the game, up to the number of medals held by the user of the mobile terminal 21. In addition to these games, medals may be exchanged for merchandise or electronic money, for example. Below the three types of game buttons, a button that is pressed when performing a real check-in, a button that is pressed when exchanging profiles, a button that is pressed when performing a stamp rally, and others (for example, application And a button to be pressed when changing settings or displaying help.

  Returning to FIG. 6, if it is determined that the user information has not been registered (S <b> 105: Yes), in S <b> 145, the control unit 28 can communicate with the management server 41 via the network communication unit 26. Determine. In other words, it can be paraphrased as determining whether radio waves from a base station such as a 3G line can be captured and communication with the base station is possible.

  If the determination result in S145 is affirmative, that is, the control unit 28 can communicate with the management server 41 via the network communication unit 26 (S145: Yes), the control unit 28 proceeds to S150, while the determination result in S145. Is negative, that is, if communication with the management server 41 is not possible via the network communication unit 26 (S145: No), the process proceeds to S140 described above.

  In S150 that proceeds when it is determined that communication with the management server 41 is possible via the network communication unit 26, unsent history information (real check-in processing, stamp rally processing, and profile) stored in the storage unit 27 is stored. The history information generated in the transmission / reception process and stored in the storage unit 27) is transmitted to the management server 41 via the network communication unit 26. Then, the process proceeds to S135 described above.

(2) Real Check-In Process Next, the real check-in process executed in the control unit 28 of the mobile terminal 21 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The real check-in process is started when a button for performing a real check-in displayed on the main menu screen (see FIG. 12C) is pressed. This process is also executed based on a program stored in the storage unit 27.

  When starting the execution of the real check-in process, the control unit 28 of the portable terminal 21 first displays on the display unit 25 an identification information reception start screen indicating that reception of identification information from the installation device 11 has started ( S205). An example of the identification information reception start screen is the screen shown in FIG. In this identification information reception start screen, as can be read from FIG. 12D, a display indicating that the lower side of the mobile terminal 21 is directed toward the installation device 11 is displayed, and an arrow indicating a direction to be directed to the installation device 11 is displayed. It is displayed. Here, the reason why such a display is made is that the non-audible sound output from the installation apparatus 11 is more efficiently input to the microphone 23 of the mobile terminal 21. And if it says that it is "lower side" of the portable terminal 21, the portable terminal 21 with which the screen of FIG.12 (D) assumes is the lower side when facing the display part 25 (direction of an arrow). This is because the microphone 23 is provided. Therefore, if the microphone 23 is provided on the right side when facing the display unit 25, it is displayed that the right side of the portable terminal 21 is directed toward the installation device 11, and the arrow is also displayed with the right side directed. It is good that it is supposed to be done.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 starts extracting a predetermined DTMF sound from the sound input to the microphone 23 (S210). This extraction means that a predetermined DTMF sound is included in the sound input to the microphone 23 and the identification information is extracted by analyzing the DTMF sound.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 determines whether or not the same identification information has been extracted five times within a predetermined time (S215). Within the predetermined time, for example, a time of about 10 seconds to 20 seconds can be considered, and in consideration of the time that the user of the mobile terminal 21 seems to be able to wait and the necessary time that the same identification information can be extracted five times in succession. May be set as appropriate. Moreover, the condition may not necessarily be 5 consecutive. For example, the extraction may be completed when it has been extracted once, but from the viewpoint of improving the receiving accuracy, the extraction is completed when it has been continuously extracted a certain number of times. It is good to come to do.

  If the determination result in S215 is affirmative, that is, if the same identification information can be extracted five consecutive times within a predetermined time (S215: Yes), the control unit 28 proceeds to S225, while the determination result in S215. Is negative, that is, if the same identification information cannot be extracted five times within a predetermined time (S215: No), the process proceeds to S220.

  In S220, where the same identification information cannot be extracted five consecutive times within a predetermined time, the control unit 28 causes the display unit 25 to display a real check-in failure screen indicating that real check-in has failed. . An example of the real check-in failure screen is the screen shown in FIG. In addition, while displaying this screen on the display part 25, it is good to output the sound effect which makes a failure guess from the speaker 22. FIG.

When the process of S220 is completed, the control unit 28 ends the present process (real check-in process).
On the other hand, in S225 that is shifted to when the same identification information can be extracted five times within a predetermined time, the control unit 28 sets the current medal possession number stored in the storage unit 27 to a predetermined number (for example, ten). The medal possession number after the increase is stored in the storage unit 27 as a new medal possession number. At this time, the user ID of the portable terminal 21, the installation device ID, the number of medals granted, information indicating that the reason for granting medals is real check-in, and the current date and time are associated with each other and stored as history information 27. This history information is transmitted to the management server 41 in S150 of the startup process described above.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 causes the display unit 25 to display a medal grant screen indicating that medals have increased (medals have been given) (S230). As an example of the medal grant screen, the screen of FIG. As can be read from FIG. 12F, the medal granting screen includes advertisement information such as a store corresponding to the installation device ID included in the extracted identification information, in addition to the number of medals granted that the medal has been granted. It is displayed. This advertisement information is received from the management server 41 in association with the installation apparatus ID together with the new arrival notification information received in S135 of the activation process described above, stored in the storage unit 27, and included in the extracted identification information. Advertisement information corresponding to the installation device ID may be selected and displayed on the display unit 25.

When the process of S230 is completed, the control unit 28 ends the present process (real check-in process).
(3) Stamp Rally Process Next, the stamp rally process executed in the control unit 28 of the portable terminal 21 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This stamp rally process is started when a button for performing the stamp rally displayed on the main menu screen (see FIG. 12C) is pressed. This process is also executed based on a program stored in the storage unit 27.

  When starting the execution of the stamp rally process, the control unit 28 of the portable terminal 21 first displays on the display unit 25 an identification information reception start screen indicating that reception of identification information from the installation device 11 is started (S305). ). An example of the identification information reception start screen is the screen shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 starts extracting a predetermined DTMF sound from the sound input to the microphone 23 (S310). This extraction means that a predetermined DTMF sound is included in the sound input to the microphone 23 and the identification information is extracted by analyzing the DTMF sound.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 determines whether or not the same identification information has been extracted five times within a predetermined time (S315). Within the predetermined time, for example, a time of about 10 seconds to 20 seconds can be considered, and in consideration of the time that the user of the mobile terminal 21 seems to be able to wait and the necessary time that the same identification information can be extracted five times in succession. May be set as appropriate. Moreover, the condition may not necessarily be 5 consecutive. For example, the extraction may be completed when it has been extracted once, but from the viewpoint of improving the receiving accuracy, the extraction is completed when it has been continuously extracted a certain number of times. It is good to come to do.

  If the determination result in S315 is affirmative, that is, if the same identification information can be extracted five consecutive times within a predetermined time (S315: Yes), the control unit 28 proceeds to S325, while the determination result in S315. Is negative, that is, if the same identification information cannot be extracted five times within a predetermined time (S315: No), the process proceeds to S320.

  In S320, where the same identification information cannot be extracted five consecutive times within a predetermined time, the control unit 28 causes the display unit 25 to display a stamp reception failure screen indicating that the stamp information could not be received. . An example of the stamp reception failure screen is the screen shown in FIG. In addition, while displaying this screen on the display part 25, it is good to output the sound effect which makes a failure guess from the speaker 22. FIG.

When the process of S320 is completed, the control unit 28 ends the present process (stamp rally process).
On the other hand, in S325 that is shifted to when the same identification information can be extracted five consecutive times within a predetermined time, the control unit 28 is stored in the storage unit 27 based on the stamp ID included in the extracted identification information. Stamp information (information including stamp ID, stamp sheet ID, stamp stamp presence / absence, etc.) is specified, and stamp sheet information stored in the storage unit 27 based on the stamp sheet ID included in the specified stamp information. (A stamp sheet ID, a stamp sheet name, and information including the number of medals given when the stamps are prepared) are specified. Then, the control unit 28 changes the stamp presence / absence information included in the stamp information to a stamped state and causes the storage unit 27 to store it.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 displays a stamp acquisition screen which means that the stamp has been acquired, and a stamp sheet screen (a screen showing the stamp acquisition status) based on the stamp information and the stamp sheet information specified in S325. 25. An example of the stamp acquisition screen is the screen shown in FIG. As can be read from FIG. 13B, this stamp acquisition screen is a screen that indicates that the stamp has been acquired and the number of remaining stamps that must be collected. An example of the stamp sheet screen is the screen shown in FIG. As can be read from FIG. 13C, this stamp sheet screen is a screen on which the name of the stamp rally, the total number of stamps that must be collected in this stamp rally, and the state of each stamp (whether or not stamped) can be grasped. It has become.

Subsequently, in S325, the control unit 28 determines whether or not the stamp sheet is completely filled by changing the stamp presence / absence information to a stamped state (S335).
If the determination result in S335 is affirmative, that is, if all stamp sheets are filled (S335: Yes), the control unit 28 proceeds to S340, while the determination result in S335 is negative, that is, the stamp sheet is If it is not completely filled (S335: No), this process (stamp rally process) is terminated.

  In S340, which is performed when all the stamp sheets are filled, the control unit 28 increases the current medal possession number stored in the storage unit 27 by a predetermined number (the number specified from the stamp sheet information), and increases the number. After that, the medal possession number is stored in the storage unit 27 as a new medal possession number. At this time, the user ID of the mobile terminal 21, the installation device ID, the number of medals granted, information indicating that the reason for the medals was stamp rally, and the current date and time are associated with each other and stored as history information 27. This history information is transmitted to the management server 41 in S150 of the startup process described above.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 causes the display unit 25 to display a medal grant screen indicating that medals have increased (medals have been given) (S345). As an example of the medal grant screen, the screen of FIG.

When the process of S345 is completed, the control unit 28 ends the present process (stamp rally process).
(4) Profile Transmission / Reception Processing Next, profile transmission / reception processing executed in the control unit 28 of the mobile terminal 21 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This profile transmission / reception process is started when a button for exchanging profiles displayed on the main menu screen (see FIG. 12C) is pressed. This process is also executed based on a program stored in the storage unit 27.

  When starting the execution of the profile process, the control unit 28 of the portable terminal 21 first displays on the display unit 25 a selection screen for allowing the user to select whether to transmit or receive a profile (S405). An example of this selection screen is the screen shown in FIG. As can be read from FIG. 13D, this selection screen displays at least a button to be pressed when the user selects transmission, a button to be pressed when to select reception, and profile information transmitted at the time of transmission. It is a screen. The profile information is generated from user information or the like stored in the storage unit 27.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 determines whether transmission of profile information is selected by the user (S410). If the determination result in S410 is affirmative, that is, if transmission is selected by the user (S410: Yes), the control unit 28 proceeds to S415, while the determination result in S410 is negative, that is, the user If reception is selected by (S410: No), the process proceeds to S435.

  In step S415 that is performed when profile transmission is selected by the user, the control unit 28 causes the display unit 25 to display a profile transmission start screen indicating that transmission of profile information has started. An example of the profile transmission start screen is the screen shown in FIG. In this profile transmission start screen, as shown in FIG. 13 (E), a display indicating that the speaker of the mobile terminal 21 is directed to the microphone of the mobile terminal 21 is displayed. A direction arrow is displayed. Here, the reason why such a display is made is that the non-audible sound output from its own mobile terminal 21 is input to the microphone 23 of the other mobile terminal 21 more efficiently. And if it says that the arrow has shown the lower side of a screen, the portable terminal 21 with which the screen of FIG.13 (E) assumes is the lower side when facing the display part 25 (direction of an arrow). This is because the speaker 22 is provided. Therefore, if the speaker 22 is provided on the upper side when facing the display unit 25, it is displayed that the upper side of its own mobile terminal 21 is directed toward the other party's mobile terminal 21, and the arrow also indicates the upward direction. It is good to be displayed.

Subsequently, the control unit 28 prepares profile information to be transmitted (S420). This profile information is generated from user information or the like stored in the storage unit 27.
Subsequently, the control unit 28 outputs a non-audible sound including the profile information from the speaker 22 for a predetermined time (S425). In addition, as a method of including profile information in a non-audible sound, the method similar to the method in case the installation apparatus 11 demonstrated in [Description of structure] outputs a non-audible sound can be considered. Further, a time of about 10 seconds to 20 seconds is appropriate as the predetermined time.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 causes the display unit 25 to display a profile transmission end screen (S430). An example of the profile transmission end screen is the screen shown in FIG. In this profile transmission end screen, it can be seen from FIG. 13F that the profile transmission has been completed.

When the process of S430 is completed, the control unit 28 ends the present process (profile transmission / reception process).
On the other hand, in S435 which proceeds to the case where the user selects to receive a profile (S410: No), the control unit 28 causes the display unit 25 to display a profile reception start screen. An example of the profile reception start screen is the screen shown in FIG. In this profile transmission start screen, as shown in FIG. 14A, a display indicating that the microphone of the mobile terminal 21 is directed to the speaker of the mobile terminal 21 is displayed. A direction arrow is displayed. Here, the reason why such a display is made is that the non-audible sound output from the partner portable terminal 21 is more efficiently input to the microphone 23 of the own portable terminal 21. And if it says that the arrow has shown the lower side of the screen, the portable terminal 21 which the screen of FIG. 14 (A) assumes is the lower side when facing the display unit 25 (the direction of the arrow). This is because the microphone 23 is provided. Therefore, if the microphone 23 is provided on the right side when facing the display unit 25, it is displayed that the right side of the mobile terminal 21 is directed toward the partner mobile terminal 21, and the arrow is also in the right direction. It is good to be displayed.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 starts extracting a predetermined DTMF sound from the sound input to the microphone 23 (S440). This extraction means that a predetermined DTMF sound is included in the sound input to the microphone 23 and the identification information is extracted by analyzing the DTMF sound.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 determines whether or not the profile information has been extracted within a predetermined time (S445). For example, a time of about 10 to 20 seconds can be considered within the predetermined time. Note that the extraction of profile information may be completed when the same profile information has been continuously extracted a predetermined number of times.

  If the determination result in S445 is affirmative, that is, if profile information can be extracted within a predetermined time (S445: Yes), the control unit 28 proceeds to S455, while the determination result in S445 is negative, that is, If the profile information cannot be extracted within the predetermined time (S445: No), the process proceeds to S450.

  In S450, which is performed when profile information cannot be extracted (received) within a predetermined time, the control unit 28 causes the display unit 25 to display a profile reception end screen. An example of the profile reception end screen is the screen shown in FIG. In addition, while displaying this screen on the display part 25, it is good to output the sound effect which makes a failure guess from the speaker 22. FIG.

When the process of S450 is completed, the control unit 28 ends the present process (profile transmission / reception process).
On the other hand, in S455, which is performed when profile information can be extracted (received) within a predetermined time, the control unit 28 causes the display unit 25 to display a profile information screen indicating the extracted profile information. An example of the profile information screen is the screen shown in FIG. In this profile information screen, as shown in FIG. 14 (C), registering the profile information, the fact that the profile information has been successfully received, the profile information, the button to be pressed when registering the profile information, and the profile information. A step for pressing when discarding is displayed.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 stores the profile information in the storage unit 27 based on an operation instruction for registering the profile information input from the user through the operation unit 24 (S460). Then, the control unit 28 increases the current medal possession number stored in the storage unit 27 by a predetermined number (for example, 10), and stores the increased medal possession number in the storage unit 27 as a new medal possession number. Store (S465). At this time, the user ID of the mobile terminal 21, the number of medals granted, information indicating that the reason for granting medals was profile exchange, and the current date and time are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 27 as history information. The This history information is transmitted to the management server 41 in S150 of the startup process described above.

  Subsequently, the control unit 28 causes the display unit 25 to display a medal grant screen indicating that medals have increased (medals have been given) (S470). As an example of the medal grant screen, a screen in which advertisement information is deleted from the screen of FIG.

When the process of S470 is completed, the control unit 28 ends the present process (profile transmission / reception process).
(5) History Storage Processing Next, history storage processing executed in the control unit 46 of the management server 41 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. The history storage process is executed when the mobile terminal 21 executes the start process S150 and the history information is received from the mobile terminal 21 by the control unit 46 of the management server 41 via the network communication unit 44. . This process is executed based on a program stored in the storage unit 45.

  When starting the execution of the history storage process, the control unit 46 of the management server 41 first inserts a new record into the history database stored in the storage unit 45 based on the received history information (S505). The history information transmitted from the mobile terminal 21 is generated in S225, S340, and S465. Further, among the items constituting the record of the history database, items not included in the history information transmitted from the mobile terminal 21 (for example, stamp ID not included in the history information generated in S225, or generated in S465) For the installation device ID not included in the recorded history information), a record is configured with NULL.

  Subsequently, the control unit 46 updates the user database stored in the storage unit 45 based on the received update information (S510). Specifically, the record of the user database is specified using the user ID included in the update information as a key, and the number of medals included in the specified record is updated by adding the number of medals included in the update information. . In addition, when the update information includes information indicating that the reason for granting a medal is real check-in, the number of real check-ins included in the specified record is increased by one and updated. Also, the update date / time of the identified record is updated with the current date / time.

  Subsequently, the control unit 46 updates the installation apparatus database stored in the storage unit 45 based on the received update information (S515). Specifically, when information indicating that the reason for the medal grant is real check-in or stamp rally included in the update information is included, the installation device is set using the installation device ID included in the update information as a key. A record in the database is specified, and the total number of granted medals included in the specified record is updated by increasing the number of granted medals included in the update information.

When the process of S515 is completed, the control unit 46 ends this process (history storage process).
(6) Billing Processing Next, billing processing executed in the control unit 46 of the management server 41 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This billing process starts when an administrator of the management server 41 gives an execution instruction via the operation unit 42 (specifically, it is assumed that the billing process is executed as a monthly process). . This process is also executed based on a program stored in the storage unit 45.

  When starting the execution of the billing process, the control unit 46 first collects billing information for each billing destination based on the installation device database stored in the storage unit 45 (S605). Specifically, the total number of medals granted is totaled for each company ID in the installation apparatus database, and the amount charged is calculated by, for example, multiplying the total value by a certain coefficient (for example, 0.5).

  Subsequently, an instruction to print a bill based on the billing information compiled in S605 is issued to a printing apparatus (not shown in FIG. 1 and the like) connected to the management server 41 (S610). Specifically, the official name of each billing party compiled in S605 is acquired from a company database (not shown), and an invoice containing the company's formal name, the total number of medals, and the amount charged is listed for each billing party (company ID). Every).

When the process of S610 is completed, the control unit 46 ends the present process (billing process).
[Effect of the embodiment]
The configuration and operation of the information processing system 5 have been described so far. According to the information processing system 5 described above, identification information is transmitted from the installation device 11 to the mobile terminal 21 using non-audible sound (S210). , S310). Therefore, non-audible sound (that is, ultrasonic waves) has a low ability to transmit through a wall or the like compared to radio waves, so that non-audible sounds do not reach each other's areas even if specific locations are adjacent to each other. Is easy. On the other hand, by appropriately adjusting the output level of the non-audible sound, it is easy to expand the range in which the non-audible sound reaches to a range such as in a store. Therefore, according to the information processing system 5 described above, the user of the mobile terminal 21 can actually more accurately set up the specific location (installation device 11 is installed) as compared with a method of using GPS radio waves or a case of using wireless LAN radio waves. It is possible to determine whether or not the visited place has been visited. Further, the burden on the user of the portable terminal 21 can be reduced as compared with a method of installing a display on which an identification code is displayed at a specific location and a method of installing a reading device such as an IC chip reader at a specific location. (There is no need to move to the place where the display or reading device is installed).

  In the information processing system 5 described above, when the identification information is successfully received (S215: Yes), a medal is awarded (S225). If the stamp sheet is obtained as a result of the successful reception of the identification information (S335: Yes), a medal is awarded (S340). And the user of the portable terminal 21 can play a game using this medal. For this reason, the user of the portable terminal 21 has an incentive to obtain a medal, and the frequency of going to a specific place such as a store where the installation device 11 is installed increases.

  In the information processing system 5 described above, when profile information is received from another portable terminal 21 (S445: Yes), a medal is awarded (S465). For this reason, the user of the portable terminal 21 comes to want to actively exchange profile information. As a result, a program for using the information processing system 5 for the user of the other portable terminal 21 and the like. Encourage them to introduce. That is, the number of users who use the information processing system 5 tends to increase.

  The history information in which a medal is given to the user is transmitted to the management server 41 when the application is started next (S150). Therefore, the management server 41 can grasp the medal information given to the user.

  In addition, the management server 41 sums up the number of medals granted for each installation device 11 (S605), and an invoice is issued to the administrator (for example, store operator) of the installation device 11 according to the total amount. (S610). That is, the operator of the information processing system 5 can charge money according to the given medal to the manager (for example, store manager) at a specific place. As a result, it is possible to secure the funds for the medals given to the user. For example, the medals can be exchanged for electronic money.

  Further, the installation device 11 repeatedly outputs inaudible sounds including identification information, and the mobile terminal 21 extracts identification information when the same identification information has been extracted five times within a predetermined time. Is completed (S215, S315). For this reason, even when the noise level of the place where the installation apparatus 11 is installed is high, it is possible to reduce the fact that erroneous identification information is extracted by the installation apparatus 11 and used for subsequent processing.

[Other Embodiments]
(1) In the above embodiment, the management server 41 assigns a user ID, and the assigned user ID is transmitted to the mobile terminal 21 and used for history information, etc., and history information of the other mobile terminals 21 However, information unique to the mobile terminal 21, for example, a manufacturing number of the mobile terminal 21 or an identification number of a communication card (such as a SIM card) may be used instead of the user ID. Good. In that case, the medal grant may be performed on the mobile terminal 21. Even in such a case, the same effects as those of the information processing system 5 of the above-described embodiment are obtained. Needless to say, information unique to the portable terminal 21 and a user ID may be combined and used for history information or the like.

  (2) The user database and the installation apparatus database are updated based on the update information received in the history storage process, but the update method of the user database and the installation apparatus database is not limited to this method. For example, an unreflected record may be extracted from the history database at a timing such as daily, weekly, or monthly, and the user database and the installation apparatus database may be updated based on the extracted record.

[Correspondence with Claims]
The correspondence between the terms used in the description of the embodiment and the terms described in the claims is shown.
The control unit 13 of the installation apparatus 11 is an example of output control means of the installation apparatus. The network communication unit 26 of the mobile terminal 21 is an example of a terminal-side communication unit of the mobile terminal. The control unit 28 of the portable terminal 21 includes a first extraction unit, a transmission control unit, a first privilege grant unit, a profile information output unit, a second extraction unit, and a second privilege grant unit of the portable terminal. It is an example.

  The network communication unit 44 of the management server 41 is an example of server-side communication means of the server. The storage unit 45 of the management server 41 is an example of a storage unit of the server. The control unit 46 of the management server 41 is an example of a storage control unit, a totaling unit, and a billing unit.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 ... Information processing system, 11 ... Installation apparatus, 12 ... Speaker, 13 ... Control part, 21, 21a, 21b ... Portable terminal, 22 ... Speaker, 23 ... Microphone, 24 ... Operation part, 25 ... Display part, 26 ... Network Communication unit 27... Storage unit 28. Control unit 31 Application server 41. Management server 42 Operation unit 43 Display unit 44 Network communication unit 45 Storage unit 46 Control unit 51 …the Internet.

Claims (8)

An information processing system comprising a portable terminal that can be carried, an installation device installed at a specific location, and a server that can communicate with the portable terminal,
The installation device is:
A speaker capable of outputting non-audible sounds;
Output control means for outputting a non-audible sound including unique identification information from the speaker;
With
The portable terminal is
A microphone that can input non-audible sounds;
A terminal-side communication means for communicating with the server;
First extraction means for extracting the identification information from a non-audible sound output from the installation device and input to the microphone;
At least one of first information, which is information related to the identification information extracted by the first extraction unit, and terminal specific information specific to the mobile terminal or user specifying information that can specify a user of the mobile terminal Transmission control means for transmitting second information as one information to the server via the terminal-side communication means;
With
The server
Server-side communication means for communicating with the portable terminal;
Storage means for storing information;
Storage control means for storing the first and second information transmitted from the portable terminal via the server-side communication means in association with each other in the storage means;
An information processing system comprising: The information processing system according to claim 1,
The portable terminal further includes first privilege granting means for performing a process of granting a privilege to the portable terminal or a user of the portable terminal when the identification information is extracted by the first extraction means;
An information processing system characterized by In the information processing system according to claim 1 or 2,
There are a plurality of the mobile terminals, and each of the mobile terminals is
A speaker capable of outputting non-audible sounds;
A non-audible sound including information such as a profile that is at least one of information related to the mobile terminal or information related to a user of the mobile terminal, and a profile information output means that outputs the information from the speaker;
Second extraction means for extracting information such as the profile from the non-audible sound input to the microphone;
When the information such as the profile is extracted by the second extraction unit, a second privilege grant unit that performs a process of granting a privilege to the mobile terminal or the user of the mobile terminal;
An information processing system further comprising: In the information processing system according to claim 2 or claim 3,
The transmission control means of the portable terminal also transmits third information that is information related to the result of the processing performed by the privilege granting means to the server via the terminal-side communication means,
The storage control means of the server stores the first, second and third information transmitted from the portable terminal via the server side communication means in association with each other in the storage means;
An information processing system characterized by In the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
There are a plurality of the installation devices,
The server further includes:
Aggregation means for obtaining the privilege aggregation amount for each installation device by aggregating the third information using the first information stored in the storage means as an aggregation key;
Claim means for executing a billing process for claiming money to an administrator of the specific place where the installation device is installed based on the privilege total amount by installation device totaled by the aggregation means;
An information processing system comprising: In the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The output control means of the installation apparatus repeatedly outputs a non-audible sound including the identification information from the speaker.
The first extraction means of the portable terminal has completed extraction of one of the identification information when the same identification information has been extracted a predetermined number of times;
An information processing system characterized by Server-side communication means for communicating with the mobile terminal;
Storage means for storing information;
1st information which is the information regarding the identification information (identification information which can specify the said installation apparatus) output from the installation apparatus which outputs a non-audible sound, and is contained in the non-audible sound input into the microphone which the said portable terminal has And receiving the second information, which is at least one of the terminal-specific information unique to the mobile terminal or the user specifying information that can specify the user of the mobile terminal, via the server-side communication means. Storage control means for associating and storing these pieces of information in the storage means,
A server comprising: To a portable computer,
An extraction step of extracting identification information (identification information that can identify the installation device) included in the non-audible sound that is output from the installation device that outputs the non-audible sound and input to the microphone included in the computer;
Information of at least one of first information that is information related to the identification information extracted in the extraction step, terminal specific information specific to the mobile terminal, or user specifying information that can specify a user of the mobile terminal And transmitting the second information to the server via terminal side communication means for communicating with the server;
A program for running

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