JP5628112B2 - Social networking system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a social networking system in which mutual access restrictions between users are individually set on a communication network, and contents are shared between users based on the access restrictions.

  Conventionally, various communication systems have been developed for multiple users to communicate with each other via a communication network such as the Internet. As one of them, mutual access control between users is individually set, There is a social networking system (SNS) that shares content among users based on the access restriction (for example, Patent Document 1).

  By the way, in recent years, an icon for recommending a product, a so-called “like button” has been displayed on a homepage about the product or service, and when the user clicks this icon, other icons in the group are displayed. The fact that the user recommends a product or service is displayed on the user's My Page. With such services, products or services can be expanded as word of mouth.

JP 2006-198023 A

  However, in order for the user to click the “Like button”, the user has to browse the homepage of the product or service while logged in to the SNS, and there is a problem that the procedure is complicated. Therefore, for example, even if a customer visits a store and likes the product or service of the store, the user does not immediately click the “like button”. In addition, since interest may fade after a lapse of time, the product or service has not been recommended to other users.

  Therefore, the present invention solves the above-described problem, and in a service for sharing a virtual space constructed on a virtual space management server through a communication network such as the Internet among a plurality of users, An object of the present invention is to provide a social networking system that can immediately notify other users of goods or services recommended by the user.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a social networking system that sets mutual access restrictions between users on a communication network and shares contents between users based on the access restrictions, While restricting access in accordance with the access regulation associated with each content in the communication network and the content accumulation unit that accumulates the content distributed by the user in association with the information regarding the access regulation of the content and the user identifier that identifies the user, A content distribution server that shares content among users, a user terminal device that is arranged on a communication network, is used by a specific user, and shares each content through the content distribution server, and a communication network And an evaluation operation device that transmits evaluation operation data indicating the contents of the evaluation operation based on the evaluation operation of an unspecified user, and the evaluation operation data transmitted from the evaluation operation device An evaluation operation management unit that accumulates in the content accumulation unit according to the content , and the evaluation operation device is linked to an authentication unit that authenticates the user who performed the operation, an evaluation operation button that accepts the evaluation operation, and an evaluation operation button An authentication counter that counts the number of evaluations, and when the authentication is successful, the authentication unit adds authentication information for identifying the user to the evaluation operation data, and evaluates the evaluation operation data. If the authentication is not successful, the evaluation operation data is appended to the evaluation operation data, and the evaluation operation data is transmitted to the evaluation operation management unit. When the authentication is successful and the user can be identified, the operation management unit acquires the user identifier of the user based on the authentication information received from the authentication unit, associates the user identifier with the evaluation operation data, and When it is stored in the storage unit and authentication is not successful, it is stored in the content storage unit as evaluation operation data of an unspecified user .

In the present invention, for example, an evaluation operation device is installed in a store such as a restaurant or shop so that an unspecified number of users who visit the store can operate it. A user who visits the store operates the evaluation operation device as an evaluation of the product or service of the store, and the user's evaluation is stored as evaluation operation data in the content storage unit through the evaluation operation management unit. The evaluation operation data of each user stored in the content storage unit is distributed on the communication network through the content distribution server according to the access authority of each user, and can be shared by the user terminal device used by each user. In the present invention, a user who has performed an operation on the evaluation operation device can be identified, and the evaluation operation data and the user can be associated with each other. It is possible to know whether it has been evaluated, and to share information among specific users. On the other hand, even a user who has not been authenticated is counted up as an evaluation operation by an unspecified user, and therefore can be used as general evaluation information for a store where the evaluation operation device is installed.

In the above invention, the evaluation operation device further includes an evaluation operation display mechanism that indicates the content of the evaluation by the evaluation operation button, and the evaluation counter number is added in conjunction with the depression of the evaluation operation button. It is preferable that the operation is not accepted until a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation of the evaluation operation button .

  In the above invention, the authentication unit may acquire authentication information from another authentication system arranged outside the evaluation operation device. In this case, for example, by receiving the provision of the authentication information from another system that performs authentication at the time of settlement such as a credit card, the evaluation operation for the evaluation operation device can be performed without specially performing the authentication operation for the evaluation operation device. Users can be linked.

  As a result, for example, a POS register equipped with a function for managing the product purchased by the user and its time, a membership card of a rental video shop that manages movies and music watched by the user, a card for payment of transportation fare, etc. It is possible to integrate with other systems equipped with an authentication system. After identifying a user, the user's behavior, hobbies and preferences can be linked to the user's evaluation and shared on the SNS. it can.

  In the above invention, the evaluation operation management unit records the history of the evaluation operation for each evaluation operation device, calculates the total result of the evaluation operation, and the content distribution server determines the evaluation result associated with the evaluation operation device. It is preferable to distribute the content on the communication network. In this case, by collecting the evaluations for a specific evaluation operation device, information can be shared as an evaluation for a store where the device is installed. In this case, even if the user cannot be specified, the number of evaluation operations, time, and the like can be tabulated, so that it can be used as general evaluation information of the store.

  In the said invention, it is preferable that the evaluation operation management part is connected to the coupon issuing part which issues a coupon with respect to the user concerned with the total result according to the total result. In this case, an evaluation reward for the store where the evaluation operation device is installed can be given to the user, and the attention of other users can be collected. Thereby, an incentive to perform an evaluation operation can be given to the user. Note that this coupon issuance target user may be limited to the user who performed the evaluation operation, or may be limited to many users who have registered friendships with the user, and all accesses It can be freely set, such as opening to a person (user other than an SNS member). Moreover, this coupon issuing part may be provided with the function to deliver the information regarding issuance of a coupon, and you may make it deliver the condition of coupon issue, the present condition until condition achievement, etc. other than the content of a coupon. .

  In the above invention, the evaluation operation device is preferably a vending machine that sells products, and the evaluation operation is preferably an operation for purchasing products. In this case, since the operation itself for purchasing the product with the vending machine is an evaluation operation, the evaluation operation data can be transmitted with a simple operation. Note that the vending machine as the evaluation operation device may be provided with a normal purchase button and an evaluation operation button for one product as buttons for selecting the product. At this time, an incentive for the evaluation operation may be given by lowering the purchase amount of the evaluation operation button from the purchase amount of the normal purchase button. The difference with respect to the evaluation operation may be borne by the merchant of the product as advertising expenses.

  In the above invention, it is preferable that the evaluation operation device further includes a fund-raising unit that accumulates and stores cured and banknotes, and the amount of money inserted into the fund-raising unit is used as evaluation operation data. In this case, since the operation itself of inserting coins and banknotes at the time of donation becomes an evaluation operation, the evaluation operation data can be transmitted with a simple operation, and an incentive for donation can be given.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in an SNS service in which a virtual space constructed on a virtual space management server is shared among a plurality of users, actions in the real world can be easily and immediately uploaded to the SNS. It is possible to notify other users of a product or service recommended by the user in the real world through a communication network.

It is a key map showing the whole social network system composition concerning the 1st. It is a perspective view which shows the evaluation operating device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the evaluation operation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the content delivery server and content storage part which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the user terminal device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the window displayed on the display screen of the user terminal device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the social network system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the social network system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the evaluation operation apparatus and peripheral device which concern on 2nd Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the social network system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the vending machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the vending machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

[First embodiment]
(Outline of social network system)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a social network system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a social network system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an evaluation operation device according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the social network system according to the present invention is a system that sets mutual access restrictions between users on a communication network 5 and shares contents between users based on the access restrictions. The evaluation operation device 2 installed in the store 4 and arranged on the communication network, the user terminal device 1 (1a to 1c) arranged on the communication network, the content distribution server 3, and the content distribution server 3 is connected to the content storage unit 3a.

  The communication network 5 is an IP network using a communication protocol TCP / IP such as the Internet, and has various communication lines (public lines such as telephone lines, ISDN lines, ADSL lines, optical lines, private lines, wireless communication networks). It is a distributed communication network constructed by connecting to each other. The communication network 5 includes a LAN such as an intranet (in-house network) or a home network based on 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, or the like.

  The user terminal device 1 (1a to 1c) is an information processing terminal having an arithmetic processing function by a CPU and a communication processing function by a communication interface. For example, a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer in addition to a mobile phone terminal such as a smartphone. In addition, it can be realized by a dedicated device with a specialized function, a mobile computer, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance). In the example shown in FIG. 1, 1c is a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer, 1b is a mobile phone, and 1a is a mobile information terminal having functions of a mobile phone and a personal digital assistant (PDA).

  The user terminal devices 1a and 1b have a function of performing wireless communication with the wireless base station 6 and a function of executing an application. Examples of the mobile phone communication system include FDMA system, TDMA system, CDMA system, W-CDMA, PHS (Personal Handyphone System) system, and the like. In addition, as a wireless communication interface different from the communication method described above, a function corresponding to a communication method based on transmission / reception of IP packets in accordance with wireless LAN standards and the like is also provided. Further, the user terminal devices 1a and 1b are equipped with functions such as a digital camera function, an application software execution function, or a GPS function.

  The radio base station 6 is an apparatus that is connected to the communication network 5 through the relay apparatus 8, establishes a radio communication connection with the user terminal apparatuses 1a and 1b, and provides a call and data communication by the user terminal apparatuses 1a and 1b. is there. The relay device 8 is a node device such as a modem, a terminal adapter, or a gateway device for connecting to the communication network 5, and performs communication path selection and mutual conversion of data (signals) to communicate with the radio base station 6. Relay processing with the network 5 is performed. The wireless base station 6 and the relay device 8 include a wireless router and an access point device.

  The content distribution server 3 is a general communication server that is distributed on the communication network 5, and in a document system such as the World Wide Web (WWW), HTML (HyperText Markup Language) files, image files, music files, etc. A server computer that transmits information or software having the function thereof, stores information such as HTML documents and images, and responds to a request from an application such as a Web browser executed on the user terminal device 1 (Web page) is distributed.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the content distribution server 3 has a function of operating a server application for providing an SNS service. Through the SNS, the content is distributed to the user while restricting access according to access restrictions associated with each content. Providing services that can be shared between the two. The content distribution server 3 is connected to a content storage unit 3a. The content distribution server 3 stores the evaluation operation data transmitted from each evaluation operation device 2 according to the contents of the evaluation operation. It also has a function as an evaluation operation management unit stored in the unit.

  In the above embodiment, the function as the evaluation operation management unit records the history of the evaluation operation for each evaluation operation device, calculates the total result of the evaluation operation, and the content distribution server associates the total result with the evaluation operation device. It is distributed on a communication network as content (such as word-of-mouth information) related to the evaluated object (store or service). In this case, by collecting the evaluations for a specific evaluation operation device, it is possible to share information as an evaluation for a store where the device is installed. In this case, even if the user cannot be specified, the number of evaluation operations, time, and the like can be tabulated, so that it can be used as general evaluation information of the store.

  The content storage unit 3a is a database that stores content distributed by a user in association with information related to access control of the content and a user identifier that identifies the user. The data stored in the content storage unit 3a includes personal information and personal content (including evaluation operation data) related to users registered in the SNS service, access authority of each user, and content disclosure conditions (access range). In addition, information about users as organizations such as restaurants and shops and services is also accumulated. Further, the content storage unit 3a also records the association between the terminal identifier that identifies each evaluation operation device 2 and information regarding the store or service in which the evaluation operation device is installed. Each of these table data is mutually related by the relation, and various data can be aggregated and extracted.

  The evaluation operation device 2 is an information processing device that is installed in a store and receives a user's evaluation operation and transmits evaluation operation data indicating the content of the evaluation operation based on the evaluation operation of an unspecified user. This evaluation operation device 2 is installed at a store entrance, near a cash register, at a table, a counter, or the like so that an unspecified number of users who visit a store such as a restaurant or a shop can operate it. Etc., and is connected to the communication network 5.

  In this embodiment, the evaluation operation data includes data indicating the contents of the evaluation operation, and a terminal ID (IP address, GPS, location information (installed store name, installed store address, installed store ID, GPS information) for identifying the own device. Data including position information, etc.), the time when the operation was performed, and information acquired from the user terminal device 1 side. As information acquired from the user terminal device 1, for example, the IP address of the user terminal device 2, WiFi point information, base station information, location information, GPS information, time information, terminal information, authenticated application information (in SNS User attributes, etc.). In addition to “Like”, the data indicating the contents of the evaluation operation can be set freely. Arrange multiple evaluation buttons, select and operate multiple combinations, and text such as comments. Files such as data, sound, and images may be attached. In order to upload such an attached file, a device for inputting characters, photos, voices, etc. may be provided in the evaluation operation device 2, and data input by the input device on the user terminal device 1 side may be You may make it transfer to the evaluation operation apparatus 2 and the content delivery server 3. FIG.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the evaluation operation device 2 includes an evaluation operation button 21, an evaluation counter 22 that counts the number of evaluations, and an evaluation operation display mechanism 23 that indicates the content of the evaluation with a drive mechanism. I have. The evaluation operation button 21 is a button that is pressed when the user feels that the product or service of the store is “like”, and the evaluation operation data is transmitted to the content distribution server 3 by pressing this button.

  In the present embodiment, the evaluation operation device 2 adds the number of the evaluation counter 22 in conjunction with the pressing of the evaluation operation button 21 and operates the evaluation operation display mechanism 23 indicating good evaluation. As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the evaluation operation display mechanism 23 is driven by a plate shaped “sum-up”, which is a hand shape meaning recommendation, when the evaluation operation button 21 is pressed. It is a mechanism that rotates and rises with a sound (for example, a bell or a mechanical sound), and is automatically lowered after a predetermined time elapses after the button is pressed. The user who has visited the store presses the evaluation operation button 21 as an evaluation for the product or service of the store, and the user's evaluation is stored as evaluation operation data in the content storage unit 3a through the evaluation operation management unit 33. The content is stored in the content storage unit 3a.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, the evaluation operation button 21 is provided only with “Like” meaning good evaluation. For example, the evaluation operation button 21 is classified into “normal” and “bad”. May be provided. In this case, the numerical value of the evaluation counter 22 may be added with “Like”, subtracted with “Bad”, and not changed with “Normal”. Also, the operation of the evaluation operation display mechanism may be varied, for example, the operation mechanism rises with “Like” and descends with “Bad”.

Further, the evaluation operation device 2 includes an authentication unit that authenticates the user who performed the operation. This authentication unit is a module that adds authentication information for identifying a user to the evaluation operation data and transmits the evaluation operation data to the evaluation operation management unit of the content distribution server 3 when the authentication is successful. As this authentication method, communication is performed with a communication terminal or IC card possessed by the user by non-contact communication to acquire authentication information for specifying the user, or the user is specified by an imaging device such as a CCD camera. Examples include identifiers (user IDs, e-mail addresses, card numbers), barcodes encoded with them, user face recognition, imaging biometric information such as fingerprints and recognizing them by image analysis, etc., and authentication by voice .
Then, by authenticating and specifying the user who performed the operation on the evaluation operation device 2 in this way, the evaluation operation data and the user are linked and stored in the content storage unit 3a.

(Internal structure of each device)
Next, the internal structure of each device constituting the social network system described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the evaluation operation device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the content distribution server and the content storage unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the user terminal device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a window displayed on the display screen of the user terminal device according to the first embodiment. . The “module” used in the description refers to a functional unit that is configured by hardware such as an apparatus or a device, software having the function, or a combination thereof, and achieves a predetermined operation. .

(1) Configuration of Evaluation Operation Device 2 As shown in FIG. 3, the evaluation operation device 2 includes an evaluation counter 22, an evaluation operation button 21, a timer unit 25, an evaluation operation data generation unit 24, an authentication unit 28, The wireless interface 26 is provided.

  The evaluation counter 22 is a module that displays the total result of the evaluation operation history for each evaluation operation device as a counter value. In the present embodiment, the counter display device is mechanically operated in order to create a retro atmosphere, and the counter value is changed with the force of pressing the evaluation operation button 21 as a driving force. In the present embodiment, the numerical value of the evaluation counter 22 is increased or decreased by a mechanical drive mechanism. However, the evaluation counter 22 may be a digital display such as a liquid crystal panel or an electric display. The count value displayed by the evaluation counter 22 may be a value counted in the evaluation operation device, or may be a count result by the content distribution server 3 obtained by inquiring of the content distribution server 3.

  The evaluation operation button 21 is a device that accepts a user's evaluation operation. By pressing this button, an evaluation for a store or the like in which the evaluation operation device is installed is input. In the example shown in FIG. 2, “Like” is written so that the user presses the store when the user feels that the product or service of the store is good. Data will be uploaded. In this embodiment, this operation button is mechanically linked to the evaluation counter 22 and the evaluation operation display mechanism 23, and the number of the evaluation counter 22 is added in conjunction with the depression of the evaluation operation button 21. At the same time, the plate shaped “sum-up”, which is a hand shape meaning good evaluation, is a mechanism that rises with driving sound (for example, bell, mechanical sound, etc.).

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an identification information acquisition unit 21 a connected to the authentication unit 28 is embedded in the evaluation operation button 21. The identification information acquisition unit 21a is a reader / writer device that acquires a user identifier by non-contact communication. For example, an IC card 100a such as a credit card or a cash card, and a user terminal device 1a having a function such as “Osaifu-Keitai”. This is a device that reads authentication information for identifying a user through non-contact communication with. As the identification information acquisition unit 21a, in a non-contact type device, an insertion type device for inserting a card or magnetic card mounted with an IC chip or the like into a slot, or a function of reading a magnetic part by sliding the card Non-contact type devices include a reader / writer device that has an antenna for short-range communication inside a card equipped with an IC chip and transmits / receives data using weak radio waves. It is. The identification information includes a character string optically readable by an OCR (Optical Character Reader), a code such as a barcode 100b and a QR code, and identification information built in the IC chip, which can be identified without contact. There may be.

  The time measuring unit 25 is a module that acquires the current time at any time. In the present embodiment, the time measuring unit 25 acquires the time of the authentication process executed by the authentication unit 28 and transmits it to the acquired current time evaluation operation data generation unit 24. To do. The evaluation operation data generation unit 24 is a module that generates evaluation operation data indicating the content of the evaluation operation acquired from the operation button, and transmits the evaluation operation data to the content distribution server 3 via the wireless interface 26. The evaluation operation data is data generated based on authentication information, time information, and the like and indicating which user performed what evaluation operation when, where.

  Note that the evaluation operation data generation unit 24 according to the present embodiment includes a filtering function that prevents unauthorized evaluation operations. For example, an evaluation operation is permitted only once every 30 seconds, or a continuous operation with the same user ID is not accepted until a predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the evaluation operation from being performed illegally continuously. At this time, when an unauthorized evaluation operation is detected, mechanical operation restriction such as locking the operation of the evaluation operation button 21, the evaluation counter 22, and the evaluation operation display mechanism 23 may be performed.

  The authentication unit 28 is a module for authenticating the user who performed the operation. When the authentication is successful, authentication information for identifying the user is added to the evaluation operation data, and the evaluation operation data is generated as the evaluation operation data. To the unit 24. If the authentication unit 28 does not succeed in the authentication, the fact that the user cannot be specified is transmitted to the evaluation operation data generation unit 24, and the evaluation operation data generation unit 24 indicates that the user is unknown. It is added to. If the authentication unit 28 succeeds in authentication, the evaluation operation device 2 can acquire various information from the user terminal device 1. As this information, for example, the IP address of the user terminal device 2, WiFi point information, base station information, location information, GPS information, time information, terminal information, authenticated application information (including user attributes in SNS, etc.) Is included.

  The wireless interface 26 has a wireless communication function based on a mobile communication protocol for performing a call or data communication, and a wireless communication function based on a data communication protocol such as a wireless LAN. This wireless interface can be realized by a wireless LAN adapter or the like in a mobile computer or PDA. The wireless interface 26 includes a short-distance communication interface such as infrared communication or Bluetooth in addition to the wireless LAN. Further, a remote operation from an external information processing terminal may be accepted through these wireless communication interfaces, and maintenance, transmission / reception of data, etc. may be remotely controlled.

  In this embodiment, the evaluation operation device 2 has a fund-raising function, and has a fund-raising unit 27 as a module for the fund-raising function. The donation unit 27 is a module for accumulating the input hardening and calculating the amount of money, and sends the amount of money input to the donation unit 27 to the evaluation operation data generation unit 24. The evaluation operation data generation unit 24 has a function of adding money amount information donated by the fund raising unit 27 to the evaluation operation data.

  In the present embodiment, the case where a dedicated device is used as the evaluation operation device 2 has been described as an example. However, for example, the evaluation operation data is received on the smartphone, the mobile PC, or another information processing terminal by receiving the evaluation operation. It is also possible to install an application that realizes the function of transmitting the message to the content distribution server 3 and use a general information processing terminal as the evaluation operation device 2.

(2) Configuration of Content Distribution Server 3 and Content Storage Unit 3a The content distribution server 3 includes a communication interface 31, a data reception unit 32, a data transmission unit 35, an evaluation operation management unit 33, and a coupon issue unit 34. I have.

  The communication interface 31 is a communication interface that receives various data such as authentication information and transmits various data such as content data. Each data received by the communication interface 31 is input to the data receiving unit 32.

  The evaluation operation management unit 33 is a module that accumulates the evaluation operation data transmitted from the evaluation operation device 2 in the content accumulation unit 3a according to the contents of the evaluation operation. The evaluation operation management unit 33 acquires the user identifier of the user based on the authentication information received from the authentication unit 28, and stores the evaluation operation data in the content storage unit 3a. The evaluation operation management unit 33 includes an operation history totaling unit 33a. The operation history totaling unit 33a is a module that records a history of evaluation operations for each evaluation operation device and calculates a totaling result of the evaluation operations, and transmits the totaling result to the content storage unit 3a and the coupon issuing unit 34. .

  The coupon issuing unit 34 is a module that issues coupons to users who are involved in the counting result according to the counting result, and is connected to the evaluation operation managing unit 33. For example, this coupon may be issued preferentially to a user who has performed an evaluation operation or a group member who has a friendship with the user. Further, when the number of evaluation operations and the number of people are set as the coupon issue condition, the remaining number until the condition is cleared may be notified through SNS.

  The coupon issuing unit 34 has a function of writing a message set by a coupon issuer or a user when issuing a coupon. In this case, the message can be switched according to the user attributes (user name, whether or not the user is a member user, group to which the user belongs, etc.). For example, if the user is not specified, the customer said, “I like you at the XX Hotel in Shibuya, Tokyo! Thank you for staying. We will issue a coupon to you on your favor.” When adding a message or identifying a user, “I like the member user XXX at the XX hotel in Shibuya, Tokyo! Thank you for the stay. We will add a message saying "We will issue a coupon to you."

  The data receiving unit 32 is a module that accepts authentication information, an operation signal from the user, and the like. The authentication information is transmitted to the evaluation operation management unit 33, and the operation signal for requesting content is transmitted to the data distribution unit 35. . The data distribution unit 35 is a module that distributes content, coupons, and the like to the user terminal device 1, and distributes the aggregation results as content related to the evaluation target associated with the evaluation operation device 2.

  On the other hand, the content storage unit 3a is a relational database in which various table data are related by relation as described above, and specifically includes a user information DB 36 and a content DB 37. The content DB 37 is a storage memory that stores a large amount of content such as video and music, and the user information DB 36 stores user information such as ID, password, and destination address, personal information, authentication information, and settlement information about each user. A storage device for storing. The user information DB 36 and the content DB 37 store the contents to be distributed to the user in association with information related to access control of the contents and a user identifier that identifies the user.

(3) Configuration of User Terminal Device 1a The configuration of the user terminal device 1a includes a communication interface 11, a content acquisition unit 12, an application execution unit 13, an output interface 15, an input interface 16, and a position information acquisition unit 19. And a display unit 17.

  The communication interface 11 is a communication interface for performing data communication, and has a function of performing contact (wired) communication by wireless or the like, or by a cable, an adapter unit, or the like. In the present embodiment, the communication interface 11 transmits a content request to the content distribution server 3 through the communication network 5 and receives content data from the content distribution server 3.

  The content acquisition unit 12 accumulates the content data received by the communication interface 11 in the received content accumulation unit 3a, and if the content data includes evaluation operation data (added), the evaluation operation This is a module for sending data to the evaluation operation management unit 33.

  The application execution unit 13 is a module that executes applications such as general OS, browser software, office software such as word processor software, and image display software, and is usually realized by a CPU or the like. By executing an application with the application execution unit 13, a browser unit 13a and a communication link establishment unit 13b are configured.

  The browser unit 13a is a module for browsing web pages that is constructed by executing browser software. It downloads HTML (HyperText Markup Language) files and image files from the Internet, analyzes the layout, displays them, Reproduce. The browser unit 13a is provided with a GUI control unit 13c. The GUI control unit 13c is a module that prompts a user operation in an interactive manner with the user, and accepts a screen display for the user, a click operation on the screen, a character input, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a graphic user interface, which is a user-specific My Page, is constructed in the window 18 of the display unit 17 by the browser unit 13a. An item 18a indicating that an evaluation operation has been performed is displayed. In addition, a My Bar Code 18 in which an identifier unique to the user is encoded is displayed on the My Page, and this My Bar Code 18 is printed or displayed on the screen of the terminal, which is displayed on the imaging unit of the evaluation operation device 2. The user can be authenticated by capturing and recognizing the image.

  The communication link establishment unit 13b is an application that is residently executed on the user terminal device 1a. When the evaluation operation device 2 is detected by constantly searching for weak radio waves transmitted from the evaluation operation device 2, the communication link establishment unit 13b A communication link is established with the evaluation operation device 2, and user identification information is transmitted and received at any time. With this communication link establishment unit 13b, it is not necessary to perform an authentication operation every time an evaluation operation is performed, and the evaluation operation can be performed easily and immediately.

  The input interface 16 is a device that inputs user operations such as operation buttons, a touch panel, and a jog dial, and the output interface 15 is a device that outputs video and sound, such as a display and a speaker. In particular, the output interface 15 includes a display unit 17 such as a liquid crystal display, and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) constructed by an application is displayed on the display unit 17.

(Operation method of social networking system)
By operating the social networking system having the above configuration, the operation method of the social networking system according to the present embodiment can be implemented. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the content distribution system according to this embodiment.

  First, when the user presses the evaluation operation button 21 of the evaluation operation device 2 (S201), the evaluation operation device 2 increases the value of the evaluation counter 22 and drives the evaluation operation display mechanism 23. At the same time, the evaluation operation device 2 searches whether or not the user terminal is within the communication area (S202). When the user terminal is detected ("Y" in S203), the user terminal device 1a A communication link is formed and authentication processing is executed (S102 and S204).

  As the authentication processing, if the user terminal device 1a has a non-contact communication function, authentication may be performed through the function, and when the user terminal device 1a has a communication function such as a wireless LAN. Estimates that the user terminal device 1a having the highest radio field intensity belongs to the user who is performing the evaluation operation. At this time, by preliminarily executing the communication link establishment unit 13b on the user terminal device 1a in advance (S101), the user terminal device 1a, the evaluation operation device 2, It is also possible to establish authentication between the two and promptly authenticate the evaluation operation.

  When the evaluation operation button 21 is pressed, the evaluation operation device 2 generates evaluation operation data and transmits it to the content distribution server 3 (S205 and S206). More specifically, if the terminal cannot be detected or the authentication is not successful (“N” in S203), an evaluation operation data is generated with the fact that it is an unspecified user (S205), and the server 3 is accessed. Transmit (S206). That is, even a customer who does not participate in the SNS can press the evaluation operation button 21 and the evaluation is transmitted to the content distribution server 3 as that of an unspecified user. On the other hand, when the user terminal is detected and the authentication is successful, the authentication information and the information on the operation button being pressed are transmitted to the evaluation operation data generation unit 24, and the evaluation operation data generation unit 24 generates the evaluation operation data. (S205). The evaluation operation data is transmitted to the content distribution server 3 through the wireless interface 26 (S206).

  When the content distribution server 3 receives this data (S301), the evaluation operation management unit 33 acquires a user identifier based on the authentication information added to the evaluation operation data, and converts the evaluation operation data into the content of the evaluation operation. In response, the contents are stored in the content DB 37 (S302). That is, when the authentication is successful and the user can be identified, the identifier of the user and the evaluation operation data are stored in association with each other, and when the authentication is not successful, the evaluation data of the unspecified user is stored. .

  The content distribution server 3 stores the evaluation operation data in the content storage unit 3a as a history in chronological order, and sequentially performs aggregation. This aggregation is performed for each store or service in which the evaluation operation device 2 is installed, and can be shared on the communication network as information for evaluating the store or service.

  Thereafter, when there is a connection request from another user terminal device (S401), the content distribution server 3 receives an operation signal related to the connection request (S303) and performs authentication from, for example, an ID or a password. If the authentication is not correct, access restriction is performed as an unspecified user other than a member who does not participate in SNS (S304). For this unspecified user, only general information is provided according to the access restrictions (S305), and when browsing (S402 and S403), information that is open to SNS members only cannot be accessed. It becomes.

  On the other hand, if the authentication is correct, the content of the user who is allowed to share the content based on the access regulation is extracted from the content DB 36 based on the access side user information, and the access side user is evaluated. The content of the operation data is transmitted (S305).

  On the display screen of the user who has been successfully authenticated, as shown in FIG. 6, the item 18a for which the evaluation operation has been performed is displayed (S402 and S403). For example, when a certain user permits an evaluation operation performed by a user to be disclosed only to members registered as friends, only the friend member can view the information, and the information is not presented to other users. Thereby, the evaluation operation regarding the personal action can be presented only to a specific member. In addition, when the user sets the public conditions (publication range) of his evaluation operation as all users, the information is disclosed regardless of whether the user authentication is successful.

(Action / Effect)
According to the present embodiment, for example, by installing the evaluation operation device 2 in a store such as a restaurant or a shop so that an unspecified number of users who have visited the store can operate it, By operating the evaluation operation device as an evaluation for a product or service, the user's evaluation is stored as evaluation operation data in the content storage unit 3a through the evaluation operation management unit 33. The evaluation operation data of each user stored in the content storage unit 3a is distributed on the communication network 5 through the content distribution server 3 according to the access authority of each user, and can be shared by the user terminal device 1 used by each user. It becomes. This shared information has an advertising effect as word-of-mouth information.

  When the user who performed the evaluation operation is identified, the evaluation operation data and the user can be associated with each other, and other users can know who evaluated what through the SNS. Useful information can be shared among users. On the other hand, even a user who has not been authenticated is counted up as an evaluation operation by an unspecified user, and thus can be used as general evaluation information for a store where the evaluation operation device 2 is installed.

  Furthermore, since the evaluation operation device 2 includes the donation unit 27 that accumulates the cured and banknotes inserted therein, the amount of money inserted into the donation unit 27 is used as the evaluation operation data. Thereby, since the operation | movement itself which throws in the coin and banknote at the time of donation becomes evaluation operation, evaluation operation data can be transmitted by simple operation and the incentive with respect to donation can be provided.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, since the evaluation operation management part 33 issues a coupon with respect to the user who was concerned with the total result according to the total result, the reward of evaluation with respect to the store where the evaluation operation apparatus 2 was installed Can be given to users and attract the attention of other users. As a result, an incentive to perform an evaluation operation can be given to the user.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment is characterized in that authentication information is acquired from another authentication system, such as a POS system, disposed outside the evaluation operation device 2. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the social network system according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the evaluation operation device and peripheral devices according to the second embodiment. In the following embodiments, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the functions and the like thereof are the same unless otherwise specified, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the social networking system according to the second embodiment, the authentication device 7b provided in the POS cash register device 7a provided in the store 4 is used, and based on the authentication information acquired from the authentication device 7b. , Generate evaluation operation data.

  The authentication device 7b is a reader / writer device including an identification information acquisition unit 71. For example, a contact-type or non-contact-type device that reads authentication information from a card such as a credit card or a cash card or an information terminal device is used. be able to. The authentication device 7b transmits this identification information to the POS cash register device 7a via the input / output interface 74.

  The POS cash register apparatus 7 a includes a control unit 78, an authentication unit 78 b, a product information storage unit 76, and a product code acquisition unit 77.

  The product code acquisition unit 77 is a module that acquires the product code acquired from the scanner 73 that reads a product barcode and transmits various information stored in the product information storage unit 76 to the control unit 78. The product information storage unit 76 is a memory device that records the product code in association with the product name and price.

  The control unit 78 is an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU that performs product settlement or controls the entire apparatus. In the present embodiment, the control unit 78 performs settlement processing based on the product information acquired from the product code acquisition unit 77. . The control unit 78 includes an authentication unit 78b and a transmission data generation unit 78a.

  The authentication unit 78b is a module that executes an authentication process from authentication information including the user identifier transmitted from the authentication device 7b, and transmits an authentication result to the evaluation operation device 2a via the input / output interface 74. In the evaluation operation device 2a according to the authentication result, the evaluation operation button 21 is valid, and when the operation button is pressed, the evaluation operation data generation unit 24 generates evaluation operation data. The evaluation operation data is returned to the content distribution server 3 via the input / output interface 28.

  On the POS register device side, product information is added to the evaluation operation data by the transmission data generation unit 78 a of the control unit 78, and the product information is transmitted to the content distribution server 3 through the communication interface 79.

  According to this embodiment, for example, by receiving the provision of the authentication information from another system that performs authentication at the time of settlement such as a credit card, the authentication operation for the evaluation operation device 2 is performed without special execution. The evaluation operation for the operation device 2 can be associated with the user.

  As a result, for example, a POS cash register equipped with a function for managing the product purchased by the user and its time, a membership card of a rental video shop that manages movies and music watched by the user, a card for payment of transportation fare, etc. It becomes possible to fuse with other systems equipped with an authentication system, and after identifying the user, the user's behavior, hobbies, and preferences are linked to the user's evaluation, and the evaluation is performed on the SNS. Can be shared.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the social network system according to the third embodiment, FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the vending machine according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 12 is the third embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the vending machine which concerns on a form. As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the evaluation operation device is a vending machine 2 b that sells products, and evaluation operation data is transmitted from the vending machine 2 b to the content distribution server 3.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the vending machine 2 b includes an exhibition unit 206 that displays products, a purchase button 204 that selects each product, and an evaluation operation button 205 that performs an evaluation operation on the product. .

  That is, in this embodiment, the vending machine 2b is provided with a normal purchase button 204 and an evaluation operation button 205 for evaluation operation for one product as buttons for selecting the product. Then, an incentive for the evaluation operation is given by, for example, lowering the purchase amount of the evaluation operation button 205 from the purchase amount of the normal purchase button 204. The difference with respect to the evaluation operation may be borne by the merchant of the product as advertising expenses.

  In addition, the vending machine 2b includes a curing insertion port 201 into which curing is input, a product provision port 203 that is an outlet for a user to take out a provided product, and an identification information acquisition unit 202 that reads identification information. It has. The identification information acquisition unit 202 is, for example, a contact or non-contact type reader / writer that reads identification information in which personal information such as an ID and a password for identifying a user is recorded on a card or an IC chip. Here, as the identification information, a character string optically readable with an OCR (Optical Character Reader), a code such as a barcode, a QR code, or the like, and identification information is built into the IC chip, and can be identified without contact. There may be.

  The control unit 210 controls the vending machine 2b to provide products. The control unit 210 is an arithmetic operation configured by a processor such as a CPU or DSP (Digital Signal Processor), memory, hardware such as other electronic circuits, software such as a program having the function, or a combination thereof. This is a module, and each function module performs various processes for operation control of each part and user operation.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 210 includes a product selection unit 215, an operation control unit 216, an operation signal acquisition unit 212, an authentication unit 213, and an evaluation operation data generation unit 214.

  The payment amount confirmation unit 211 is a module for identifying the amount of money value input from the hardening input port 201. Specifically, the payment amount confirmation unit 211 recognizes the input coin and money, or reads the value read by the reader / writer. By recognizing the amount of information, the amount of money input is calculated. Further, the payment amount confirmation unit 105 subtracts the monetary value of the selected product from the amount of monetary value paid, and calculates the monetary value to be paid out as change.

  The operation signal acquisition unit 212 is a module that acquires an operation signal of each button when the purchase button 204 and the evaluation operation button 205 are pressed, and transmits information about the product selection button to the product selection unit 215. Information about the evaluation operation button 205 is transmitted to the evaluation operation data generation unit 214.

  The authentication unit 213 is a module for authenticating the user who performed the operation. When the authentication is successful, the authentication information for identifying the user is added to the evaluation operation data, and the evaluation operation data is generated as the evaluation operation data. To the unit 214.

  The product selection unit 215 is a module that provides the selected product, transmits a signal related to the selected product to the operation control unit 216, and the operation control unit 216 sends the corresponding product to the product providing port. It controls the operation of the commodity providing means for transporting up to 203.

  The evaluation operation data generation unit 214 is a module that generates evaluation operation data indicating the content of the evaluation operation acquired from the evaluation operation button 205. In the present embodiment, the authentication operation data and product selection unit 215 acquired from the authentication unit 213 as well. Is added to the evaluation operation data with respect to the product acquired from, and is transmitted to the content distribution server 3 through the communication interface 217.

  According to such a vending machine 2b, since the operation itself for purchasing a product with the vending machine 2b is an evaluation operation, the evaluation operation data can be transmitted with a simple operation, and the purchase using the evaluation operation button 205 is performed. By setting the price depending on time to be lower than the normal price, it is possible to increase the incentive of the evaluation operation and improve the advertising effect.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... User terminal device 1a ... User terminal device 1a, 1b ... User terminal device 2 ... Evaluation operation device 2b ... Vending machine 3 ... Content distribution server 3a ... Content storage part 4 ... Store 5 ... Communication network 6 ... Wireless base station 7a ... POS register device 7b ... Authentication device 8 ... Relay device 11 ... Communication interface 12 ... Content acquisition unit 13 ... Application execution unit 13a ... Browser unit 13c ... GUI control unit 13b ... Communication link establishment unit 15 ... Output interface 16 ... Input interface 17 Display unit 18 Window 18a Item 19 Position information acquisition unit 21 Evaluation operation button 21a Identification information acquisition unit 22 Evaluation counter 23 Evaluation operation display mechanism 24 Evaluation operation data generation unit 25 Timing unit 26 Wireless Interface 27 ... Recruitment Unit 28 ... Authentication unit 31 ... Communication interface 32 ... Data receiving unit 33 ... Evaluation operation management unit 33a ... Operation history counting unit 34 ... Coupon issuing unit 35 ... Data transmission unit 35 ... Data distribution unit 72 ... Output interface 71 ... Acquisition of identification information Unit 73 ... Scanner 74 ... Input / output interface 76 ... Product information storage unit 77 ... Product code acquisition unit 78 ... Control unit 78a ... Transmission data generation unit 78b ... Authentication unit 79 ... Communication interface 100a ... IC card 100b ... Bar code 105 ... Payment Forehead confirmation unit 201: Curing input port 202 ... Identification information acquisition unit 203 ... Product provision port 204 ... Purchase button 205 ... Evaluation operation button 206 ... Exhibition unit 210 ... Control unit 211 ... Payment amount confirmation unit 212 ... Operation signal acquisition unit 213 ... Authentication unit 214 ... Evaluation operation data generation unit 215 ... Product selection unit 216 ... Operation control unit

Claims (7)

A social networking system that individually sets mutual access restrictions between users on a communication network and shares content between users based on the access restrictions,
A content storage unit that stores the content distributed by the user in association with information related to access control of the content and a user identifier that identifies the user;
A content distribution server for sharing the content among users while restricting access in accordance with the access restriction associated with each content in the communication network;
A user terminal device disposed on the communication network and used by each specific user and sharing each content through the content distribution server;
An evaluation operation device that is arranged on the communication network and transmits evaluation operation data indicating the content of the evaluation operation based on an evaluation operation of an unspecified user;
An evaluation operation management unit that stores the evaluation operation data transmitted from the evaluation operation device in the content storage unit according to the content of the evaluation operation ,
The evaluation operation device includes:
An authentication unit for authenticating the user who performed the operation;
An evaluation operation button for receiving the evaluation operation;
In conjunction with the evaluation operation button, an evaluation counter that counts the number of evaluations;
With
When the authentication is successful, the authentication unit adds authentication information for specifying the user to the evaluation operation data, and transmits the evaluation operation data to the evaluation operation management unit. Adds to the evaluation operation data that the user is an unspecified user, transmits the evaluation operation data to the evaluation operation management unit,
When the authentication is successful and the user can be identified, the evaluation operation management unit acquires the user identifier of the user based on the authentication information received from the authentication unit, and the user identifier and the evaluation operation data Is stored in the content storage unit, and when the authentication is not successful, it is stored in the content storage unit as evaluation operation data of an unspecified user. . The evaluation operation device includes:
Further comprising an evaluation operation display mechanism showing the content of evaluation by the evaluation operation button,
In conjunction with the pressing of the evaluation operation button, the number of the evaluation counter is added, and the evaluation operation display mechanism does not accept an operation until a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation of the evaluation operation button < The social networking system according to claim 1, wherein: Wherein the authentication unit, the social networking system of claim 1 in which the other authentication system located outside of the evaluation operation device, and obtains the authentication information. The evaluation operation management unit records a history of evaluation operations for each evaluation operation device, calculates a total result of the evaluation operations,
The social networking according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the content distribution server distributes the aggregation result as content related to an evaluation target associated with the evaluation operation device on the communication network. system.   The social networking system according to claim 4, wherein the evaluation operation management unit is connected to a coupon issuing unit that issues a coupon to a user involved in the totaling result according to the totaling result. . The evaluation operation device is a vending machine that sells products,
The social networking system according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation operation is an operation of purchasing the product.   7. The evaluation operation device further includes a donation unit that accumulates money stored and banknotes inserted therein, and the amount of money inserted into the donation unit is used as the evaluation operation data. The social networking system described in.