WO2007132595A1

WO2007132595A1 - Information providing system, information providing method, information providing device, information providing program, and computer-readable storage medium in which information providing program is stored

Info

Publication number: WO2007132595A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/056556
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masayuki Chatani
Original assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Priority date: 2006-05-17
Filing date: 2007-03-28
Publication date: 2007-11-22
Also published as: JP2007310578A

Abstract

An information providing system (SYM) comprises a client device (1), a plurality of IC tags (3) each built in a plurality of books (2), an IC tag reader (4), and an information providing server (5). The IC tag reader (4) reads each of identifiers stored in the IC tags (3) capable of communication and transmits them to the client device (1). The client device (1) transmits the identifiers transmitted from the IC tag reader (4) to the information providing server (5). The information providing server (5) reads each content information corresponding to the identifiers received from the client device (1) out of a database, analyzes the content information, generates information to be provided according to the result of the analysis, and transmits it to the client device (1).

Description

Specification

Information providing system, information providing method, information providing apparatus, information providing program, and computer-readable storage medium storing information providing program

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing technique for providing information using an IC tag.

Background art

[0002] With the spread of the Internet in recent years, the number of terminal devices that can be connected to the Internet has increased. For example, it is a terminal device such as a television, an amusement machine, or a portable terminal. These terminal devices can perform two-way communication with a server or other terminal devices via the Internet. Users can enjoy online shopping and video chat using these terminal devices.

[0003] On the other hand, IC tags have been actively developed! An IC tag is also called a wireless IC tag or RFID tag, and is a small IC chip used for object identification. The IC tag stores its own identification code and other information. _{An IC} tag reader can read information stored in an _IC tag using radio waves or electromagnetic waves. Currently, various types of IC tags have been proposed. For example, some have the following characteristics.

• Small size less than 1 square millimeter

• Non-contact type with built-in antenna

• Built-in non-volatile storage unit can store at least 64-bit information

• No power supply is required, and information can be sent to the IC tag reader using received radio waves or electromagnetic waves as operating power

'Embed as is in securities such as banknotes and gift certificates

And so on.

[0004] Patent applications relating to such IC tags include those shown in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3. For example, Patent Document 3 describes a technology that allows a user to acquire detailed information about a product via the Internet by using information on an IC tag attached to the product before purchasing the food or medicine. Is disclosed. Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-148878

Patent Document 2: JP-A-5-159161

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-86397

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] However, in this technology, the user needs to have the IC tag reader read the information of the IC tag attached to the product one by one for each product. In addition, the information that can be obtained via the Internet for the information power of IC tags attached to products is information for each product. Therefore, for example, when the user wants to obtain information on a plurality of products, the user must perform a task of searching for desired information from the information for each of the plurality of products together with the reading operation of the IC tag for each product. I must. This can be troublesome for the user.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a technique by which a user can easily acquire information using an IC tag attached to an object. The purpose is to do.

Means for solving the problem

[0008] According to the present invention, a plurality of portable storage media added to an object and each identifier is stored, and each identifier stored in the plurality of portable storage media are received and received by each portable storage medium. Corresponding to the object to which the identifier is stored and the portable storage medium to which the identifier is stored, the reading means for transmitting each identifier, the receiving means for receiving a plurality of identifiers transmitted by the reading means, Storage means for storing correspondence information associated with the identifier, correspondence information reading means for reading correspondence information corresponding to each of a plurality of identifiers received by the receiving means from the storage means, and correspondence information reading means, There is provided an information providing system comprising: output means for analyzing each read correspondence information and generating and outputting provided information based on the analysis result.

The invention's effect

[0009] In the present invention, it is possible to obtain information more easily by using an IC tag added to an object. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information providing system SYM according to a first example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of each device provided in the information providing system SYM according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a database 52a according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sequence chart illustrating an operation flow according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 15 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a database 52a according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a case 4 to which the IC tag reader 4 according to the embodiment is adhered.

FIG. 8 is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 15 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information providing system SYM according to a second example of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a database 52a according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a location table 52b according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of movement information according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow of the information providing server 5 according to the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

[0011] 1 · · · Client device

3... _IC tag

4 ... ic tag reader

5 · · · Information provision server

6 ... Network

7. User terminal device

10, 30, 40, 50 ... Control unit

11, 32, 52… Memory 12, 42 ... Communication Department

13… Operation section

14 ... Drawing processor

14a 'Frame memory

15 Display section

16, 51..Net communication department

31, 41 ··· Transceiver

52a '"Database

52b '··· Place table

SYM ... Information provision system

DM. "Direct Mail

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the common part in each figure. Further, these examples show one embodiment of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the present invention, which is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0013] [Example 1]

(1) Configuration

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the information providing system SYM according to the present embodiment. The information providing system SYM includes a client device 1, a plurality of IC tags 3 each incorporated in a plurality of books 2, an IC tag reader 4, and an information providing server 5.

[0014] The IC tag 3 incorporated in the book 2 has a coiled antenna pattern formed on the main body of the book 2 or a base material such as plastic bonded to the book 2, and is resonated by the coiled antenna pattern and the capacitive element. A circuit is formed so that radio waves of a certain frequency can be transmitted and received. Book 2 includes various printed materials such as various books, paperback books, magazines, newspapers, and free paper.

IC tag reader 4 is connected to client device 1 via a cable. IC tag reader 4 Reads out each identifier stored in the plurality of IC tags 3 that can communicate with the plurality of IC tags 3 in the communicable area and transmits them to the client apparatus 1.

The client device 1 performs data communication with the information providing server 5 via the network 6 based on the identifier read and transmitted from the IC tag 3 by the IC tag reader 4. Network 6 includes, for example, the Internet, analog public telephone lines and communication satellite lines, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), LAN (Local Area Network) ^ CATV (and ommunity Antenn a Television) network, ISDN (Integrated Digital Communication Network) Data exchange between the above devices is relayed by communication means.

Next, a main internal configuration of each apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main internal configuration of each apparatus according to the present invention.

[0018] <Configuration of IC tag 3>

The IC tag 3 includes a control unit 30, a transmission / reception unit 31, and a storage unit 32.

The control unit 30 controls each unit included in the IC tag 3. The storage unit 32 stores an identifier. This identifier may be a classification number or the like determined in advance so as to be identifiable for each type of book 2. Also, this identifier may be duplicated with that stored in other IC tags 3, or may be the only one that does not duplicate.

The transmission / reception unit 31 communicates with the IC tag reader 4 under the control of the control unit 30 and transmits the identifier stored in the storage unit 32 to the IC tag reader 4.

[0021] Such an IC tag 3 can be constituted by an IC tag as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-148878.

[0022] Configuration of IC Tag Reader 4>

The IC tag reader 4 includes a control unit 40, a transmission / reception unit 41, and a communication unit 42.

The control unit 40 controls each unit of the IC tag reader 4. The transmission / reception unit 41 communicates with the IC tag 3 under the control of the control unit 40 and receives the identifier stored in the IC tag 3. The transmission / reception unit 41 can communicate with the plurality of IC tags 3 and receives the identifiers stored in the plurality of IC tags 3 respectively. The communication unit 42 transmits the identifier received from the IC tag 3 to the client device 1 under the control of the control unit 40.

Such an IC tag reader 4 is, for example, an I tag as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-67479. It can be configured with a c tag reader.

The client device 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a communication unit 12, an operation unit 13, a drawing processing unit 14, a display unit 15, and a network communication unit 16.

The control unit 10 controls each unit included in the client device 1. The storage unit 11 stores various programs and various data for the control unit 10 to perform various controls. The communication unit 12 receives the identifier of the IC tag 3 transmitted from the IC tag reader 4 under the control of the control unit 10 and supplies it to the control unit 10. An instruction given by the user is input to the operation unit 13, and the operation unit 13 supplies an instruction signal corresponding to the instruction to the control unit 10. The drawing processing unit 14 has a frame memory 14a, and draws an image in the frame memory 14a under the control of the control unit 10. The display unit 15 displays the image drawn by the drawing processing unit 14 in the frame memory 14a under the control of the control unit 10. The network communication unit 16 transmits the identifier of the IC tag 3 received from the IC tag reader 4 to the information providing server 5 via the network 6 under the control of the control unit 10. In addition, the network communication unit 16 receives provided information described later transmitted from the information providing server 5 via the network 6 and supplies this to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 instructs the drawing processing unit 14 to draw an image based on the provision information received by the network communication unit 16.

[0027] Since the other configuration of the client device 1 is the same as that of a general computer, the description thereof is omitted.

[0028] <Configuration of information providing server 5>

The information providing server 5 includes a control unit 50, a network communication unit 51, and a storage unit 52. The control unit 50 controls each unit of the information providing server 5. The network communication unit 51 receives the identifier of the IC tag 3 transmitted from the client device 1 via the network 6 under the control of the control unit 50 and supplies it to the control unit 10.

[0029] The storage unit 52 stores various programs and various data for the control unit 50 to perform various controls. The storage unit 52 includes a database 52a. In the database 52a, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, content information representing the content of the book corresponding to the identifier is stored. The content information includes information such as text information and image information. [0030] The control unit 50 refers to the database 52a, reads the content information corresponding to the plurality of identifiers received by the network communication unit 51, analyzes the content information, and based on the analysis result, Providing information to be provided to the client device 1 is generated. Details of the provided information will be described later. Then, the control unit 50 transmits the provided information to the client device 1 via the network communication unit 51.

[0031] Since the other configuration of the information providing Sano 5 is the same as that of a general computer, the description thereof is omitted.

[0032] (2) Operation

Next, operations according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the present invention.

[0033] The client device 1 is powered on, and various programs stored in the storage unit 11 are executed by the control unit 10, and various functions described in the above-described configuration column are realized. Similarly, the information providing server 5 is powered on, and various programs stored in the storage unit 52 are executed by the control unit 50, thereby realizing the various functions described in the above-described configuration column.

[0034] Then, when the user brings the plurality of books 2 with the IC tag 3 built therein close to the IC tag reader 4 so that the IC tag 3 and the IC tag reader 4 can communicate with each other, the IC tag reader 4 It communicates with a plurality of IC tags 3, receives the identifier stored in each IC tag 3 from each IC tag 3 (step S1), and transmits them to the client device 1 (step S2).

[0035] Upon receiving a plurality of identifiers transmitted from the IC tag reader 4 via the communication unit 12 (step S3), the control unit 10 of the client device 1 provides information about these identifiers via the network communication unit 16. Send to server 5 (step S4).

[0036] When the control unit 50 of the information providing server 5 receives a plurality of identifiers transmitted from the client device 1 via the network communication unit 51 (step S5), the control unit 50 refers to the database 52a and sets each of these identifiers. Each corresponding content information is read (step S6). Then, the control unit 50 analyzes the read content information (step S7), and generates provision information to be provided to the client device 1 based on the analysis result (step S8). Specifically, for example, when the content information includes text data, the control unit 50 performs language analysis of the text data. And common to the text data included in each content information Are extracted, and sentence information is generated based on the extracted words. When the image data is included in the content information, the control unit 50 performs image recognition and identifies an object included in the image. Then, for example, an object included in each image data is extracted, and image information including the extracted object is generated. When multiple types of information are generated, they may be combined. Also, for example, if each piece of content information is related to travel, and the content information includes image information or text information indicating a travel plan, the information is extracted and this information is presented in tabular form as information provided You may make it produce | generate as. For example, the control unit 50 transmits the information generated in this way as provided information to the client device 1 via the network communication unit 51 (step S9).

On the other hand, when the control unit 10 of the client device 1 receives the provision information transmitted from the information provision server 5 via the network communication unit 16 (step S10), the drawing processing of drawing an image based on the provision information is performed. Direct to Part 14. The drawing processing unit 14 draws an image in the frame memory 14a according to the instruction. Then, the image drawn in the frame memory 14a is displayed on the display unit 15 (step S11). For example, when the contents of the plurality of books 2 relate to a car, the display unit 15 displays an image as shown in FIG. In the figure, an image representing each car extracted as an object and a sentence representing an explanation for each car are displayed in combination.

[0038] As described above, the user can obtain information on the plurality of books 2 by bringing the plurality of books 2 in which the IC tag 3 is built close to the IC tag reader 4, and the desired information. Can be easily obtained.

In the above-described embodiment, the content information stored in the database 52a may be further associated with related information such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) related to the content information. Then, when the information providing server 5 reads the content information corresponding to the identifier in step S6, the information providing server 5 further reads related information associated with the content information, and uses the analysis result and the related information in step S7. Thus, the provided information may be generated. For example, the information providing server 5 extracts the image data force object. When issued, the URL associated with any one of the content information including the image of the object is linked to the image of each object. The provided information generated in this way is transmitted to the client device 1. The client device 1 receives the provided information, for example, links the URL to the image of each car in the same image as in FIG. 5, and causes the display unit 15 to display the image. Then, when the user instructs to select one of the car images via the operation unit 13, the client device 1 is linked to the selected image and accesses the URL via the network communication unit 16. Then, the information stored in the URL is acquired, and an image is displayed on the display unit 15 based on the information.

[0040] <Modification 2>

Based on the provision information received from the information provision server 5, for example, the client device 1 virtually generates a three-dimensional space, generates an image representing each piece of information included in the provision information as an object, and The image representing the three-dimensional space may be combined and displayed on the display unit 15. For example, an image representing a cityscape is generated as a three-dimensional space, an image representing a car is generated based on the word “car” included in the provided information, and these images are combined to create a car in the city. Generate an image of how you are running. Information such as basic graphic data and textures for generating these images may be stored in advance in the frame memory 14a or the storage unit 11.

[0041] <Modification 3>

The content information is not limited to that described above, and may be various information. Further, the analysis of the content information is not limited to the above-described processing, and various processing may be performed. Further, the provided information generated as a result of the analysis is not limited to the above-mentioned information, but may be various information.

[Example 2]

In the first embodiment described above, the IC tag 3 is built in the book 2. In this example, an information provision system will be described in which an IC tag 3 is incorporated in a direct mail that is delivered by mail to promote sales of goods and services, and information is provided using the IC tag 3. . In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Description of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted or will be described using the same reference numerals. [0043] (1) Configuration

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, sales information corresponding to each identifier stored in the IC tag 3 is stored in the database 52a. Sales information includes, for example, information indicating the contents and prices of products and services, and information indicating URLs of merchants of products and services.

The IC tag reader 4 is bonded to, for example, a box-shaped case 43 as shown in FIG. 7, and communicates with the IC tag 3 built in the direct mail DM accommodated in the case 43. The other configuration of the information providing system SYM is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0045] (2) Operation

Since the flow of operation in this embodiment is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 4, its illustration is omitted.

[0046] Each identifier stored in the IC tag 3 incorporated in the plurality of direct mails DM accommodated in the case 43 is transmitted to the information providing server 5 via the IC tag reader 4 and the client device 1 ( Steps S1 to S4 in Fig. 4). Upon receiving these identifiers (step S5), the information providing server 5 reads the sales information corresponding to these identifiers and analyzes the sales information in step S6 in this embodiment with reference to the database 52a. (Step S7), the provision information is generated (Step S8), and the provision information is transmitted to the client device 1 (Step S9). The provided information in this variation is, for example, information that classifies and lists products and services included in multiple sales information, and URLs of the sellers of the products and services for images representing each product and service. For example, linked information. The information stored in this URL may be information for purchasing a product or service.

[0047] Upon receiving the provision information transmitted by the information provision Sano 5 (step S10), the client device 1 performs the same processing as step S11 described above. As a result, for example, an image as shown in FIG. In such an image, when the user further operates the operation unit 13 to select and indicate an image representing a desired product or service, the client device 1 accesses a URL linked to the image. Stored in the URL Information is acquired, and an image is displayed on the display unit 15 using the acquired information. At this time, for example, a purchase procedure for a product or service may be performed on this image.

[0048] With such a configuration, the user can visually recognize the contents of a plurality of direct mails without opening them, and can easily obtain desired information. In addition, the merchandise / service distributor can provide the user with timely sales information by appropriately updating the sales information stored in the database 52a.

[0049] <Modification 1>

The storage unit 11 of the client device 1 may store various pieces of reference information such as user personal information and preference information, or purchase history information and reference history information. The personal information is, for example, information such as the user's telephone number and residence, and the preference information is, for example, information indicating the user's preference, and is information indicating the user's favorite items and their degree. . The purchase history information is information indicating a history of purchasing a product or service, and the reference history information is information indicating a history of acquiring information about the product or service.

[0050] When the client device 1 generates an image to be displayed on the display unit 15 based on the provided information received in step S10, the client device 1 refers to the reference information stored in the storage unit 11, and Of the provided information, an image for preferentially displaying information highly relevant to the information indicated in the reference information is generated. For example, if the provided information includes information about a merchandise store, an image representing information about a store close to the user's place of residence indicated by personal information is enlarged or displayed by preference information. If the provided information includes an image representing what the user likes, the image may be blinked. In addition, such reference information is configured to be stored in the storage unit 52 of the information providing server 5 so that the information providing server 5 generates the providing information using the reference information together with the sales information described above. It may be configured to.

[0051] With such a configuration, it is possible to provide information reflecting the actual or potential demand of the user.

[0052] <Modification 2>

In the above-described embodiment, it is configured to generate sales information to be provided to the user. Made. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be configured to generate information to be provided to a seller who provides goods and services. For example, the information providing system SYM includes a second information processing device (not shown) owned by the seller, and the information providing server 5 analyzes the plurality of identifiers received in step S5 described above. It may be configured to generate provision information to be provided to the seller and to transmit this to the second information processing apparatus. The provided information in such a configuration is, for example, by determining the identifiers of a plurality of IC tags 3, respectively, determining combinations of a plurality of direct mail DMs in which the IC tags 3 are built, and calculating statistics on these combinations. This is the result of performing processing to analyze the user's preferences, processing to take, and the combination power of sales information corresponding to each identifier.

[0053] [Example 3]

In this example, for example, when an IC tag 3 is adhered to a clothes worn by a child and a plurality of children move together on an excursion, information is based on the IC tag 3 adhered to the clothes. A system for providing information will be described. In the following, differences from the above embodiments will be mainly described. Descriptions of parts common to the above-described embodiments will be omitted or will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0054] (1) Configuration

The information providing system SYM includes a plurality of client devices 1 and IC tag readers 4 as shown in FIG. Each client device 1 and IC tag reader 4 are installed at different predetermined locations. In the client device 1, device identification information capable of uniquely identifying the client device 1 is set in advance. This device identification information is stored in advance in the storage unit 11. In addition, the client device 1 includes a timing unit (not shown). The timing unit counts the time when information is received from the IC tag reader 4 and supplies the time to the control unit 10.

[0055] The identifier stored in the IC tag 3 adhered to the clothes is configured to uniquely identify each child, for example. Also, the same group number is assigned to the identifier corresponding to multiple children at the same place on the same date and time.

[0056] Further, the information providing system SYM includes a user terminal device 7 such as a guardian of a child, for example. There may be one or more user terminal devices 7. [0057] The database 52a (shown in Fig. 13) stored in the storage unit 52 of the information providing server 5 stores schedule information associated with an identifier for each group to which the child belongs and the user terminal device 7. The address assigned to you is memorized. As shown in FIG. 10, the schedule information includes a group number, an identifier corresponding to each child, a scheduled time, and visited location information indicating the planned location. In addition, the schedule information is associated with a check flag used in processing described later. The check flag value is set to "0" as an initial value. The storage unit 52 stores a location table 52b (shown in FIG. 13). In the location table 52b, as shown in FIG. 11, the device identification information set for each client device 1 and the installation location information indicating the installation location of each client device 1 are stored in association with each other. Has been.

[0058] (2) Operation

Next, an operation flow according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the information providing server 5 among the operations according to the present embodiment.

[0059] When a plurality of children wearing clothes to which the IC tag 3 is bonded approach the IC tag reader 4 installed in a predetermined place, the IC tag reader 4 communicates with the plurality of IC tags 3, The identifiers stored in each IC tag 3 are received from the IC tag 3 and transmitted to the client device 1. When the client device 1 receives each identifier transmitted by the IC tag reader 4 as well, it counts the reception time, and as shown in FIG. 12, the reception time, each identifier, and the device identification of the client device 1 These information (hereinafter referred to as movement information) is transmitted to the information providing server 5 in association with the information.

When the information providing server 5 receives the movement information transmitted from the client device 1 (step S50 in FIG. 13), the information providing server 5 stores the schedule information matching the identifier for each identifier included in the movement information in the database. The movement information is analyzed by reading from 52a and comparing the schedule information with the movement information (step S51). For example, if schedule information including the time before and after the reception time included in the movement information as the scheduled time is stored in the database 52a, it is read out. Further, installation location information corresponding to the device identification information included in the movement information is read from the location table 52b. Next V, the visit location information included in the schedule information read from the database 52a and Then, the installation location information read from the location table 52b is compared, and it is determined whether or not they match (whether or not the setting location information force S matches the schedule information) (step S52). If the determination result in step S52 is negative (step S52: NO), a warning message indicating that is generated. Then, the information providing server 5 transmits the warning message to the user terminal device 7 to which an address stored in advance in the database 52a corresponding to the identifier is assigned (step S57). If the determination result in step S52 is affirmative (step S52: YES), “1” is written to the check flag (step S53). The information providing server 5 performs such processing for all identifiers included in the movement information. After completing the above analysis processing for all identifiers (step S54: YES), check flag power '1' among schedule information having the same scheduled time, the same visited place information, and the same group number. (Step S55) If there is such schedule information (Step S55: YES), the information providing server 5 plans to visit the child corresponding to the identifier of the schedule information. A warning message indicating that it has arrived at the place of! / ヽ is generated and transmitted to the user terminal device 7 to which the address corresponding to the identifier is assigned (step S56).

[0061] With such a configuration, for example, it is possible to easily grasp the movement of a plurality of children while being remote. In addition, the user terminal device 7 may be a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone. In this case, the user who leads the child carries the user terminal device 7 to easily grasp the movement of a plurality of children. It is also possible to do.

[0062] [Modification]

The form of the client device 1 described in the above embodiment is not limited, and may be a personal computer, a television with a built-in computer, an amusement machine, or a portable terminal. Further, although the IC tag reader 4 is connected to the client device 1, the connection form may be wired, wireless, or network connection. Further, the IC tag reader 4 may be built in the client device 1. Also, in the embodiment described above, the IC tag reader 4 is configured to receive the identifier stored in the IC tag 3 from the IC tag 3 and transmit it to the client device 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the IC tag reader 4 may be configured to transmit the identifier to the information providing server 5 without going through the client device 1.

[0064] In the information providing system SYM described above, the IC tag reader 4 connected to the client device 1 can receive the identifiers stored in the plurality of IC tags 3 in the communicable area. Configured to be. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the IC tag reader 4 is configured so as to be able to receive an identifier stored in one IC tag 3 in the communicable area, and this is applied to one client device 1. A plurality of smart tag readers 4 may be connected.

[0065] Further, the IC tag 3 is not limited to the above-described one, and may be various kinds.

[0066] Further, the IC tag 3 may be a contact type or a non-contact type, and the distance range in which communication with the IC tag reader 4 is possible is not limited in the present invention. For example, the IC tag reader 4 may be able to communicate with the IC tag 3 within a distance range of several meters. In such a configuration, for example, processing may be performed according to the distance between the IC tag reader 4 and the IC tag 3, that is, according to the signal strength between the IC tag reader 4 and the IC tag 3. . Specifically, for example, the IC tag reader 4 detects the signal strength in communication with the IC tag 3 and transmits the signal strength together with the identifier stored in the IC tag 3 to the client device 1. Upon receiving the identifier and signal strength, the client device 1 stores the identifier and signal strength in the storage unit 11 and determines whether or not to perform the process of step S4 described above according to the signal strength. . For example, if the distance between the IC tag reader 4 and the IC tag 3 is several centimeters or more and the signal strength is a predetermined value or less, the process of step S4 is not performed and the distance between the IC tag reader 4 and the IC tag 3 If the signal intensity is less than a few centimeters and greater than the predetermined value, the processing from step S4 is performed.

[0067] Further, the identifier stored in the IC tag 3 is associated with the object identification information for identifying the object in which the IC tag 3 is incorporated, and is stored in the storage unit 11 of the client device 1 so that the client The device 1 reads the object identification information corresponding to each identifier received and transmitted from the plurality of IC tags 3 by the IC tag reader 4 from the storage unit 11, and displays the object identification information in a list form 1 You may comprise so that it may display on 5. The object identification information is, for example, character information indicating “book” if the object with the built-in IC tag 3 is a book. It is assumed that the client device 1 has an identifier whose signal strength at the time of transmission / reception of the identifier changes among the plurality of identifiers. In other words, it is assumed that the state force in which the IC tag 3 in which the identifier is stored is separated from the IC tag reader 4 is approaching. The object identification information corresponding to such an identifier is displayed in a different display form from the object identification information corresponding to other identifiers. Then, when the user gives an instruction to start processing via the operation unit 13, the client device 1 may be configured to perform the processing in step S4 described above. With such a configuration, the user brings a desired object in which the IC tag 3 is built close to the IC tag reader 4, and while looking at the object identification information displayed on the display unit 15, the user performs the above-described step S4. It is possible to determine whether or not it is necessary to perform the subsequent processing.

In the above-described embodiment, the process after step S1 described above is performed when the user brings a plurality of objects incorporating the IC tag 3 close to the IC tag reader 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the processing after step S1, the processing after step S2, and the processing after step S4 are started in response to a predetermined operation by the user at the operation unit 13. May be configured!

[0069] <Modification 3>

In the embodiment described above, the information providing server 1 is provided, and the client device 1 transmits the identifier transmitted from the four IC tag readers to the information providing server 5 and receives the provided information from the information providing server 5. Configured. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the client device 1 may be configured to include the database 52a so as to realize the function of the information providing server 1 described above. In this configuration, the information providing system SYM further includes a database server for appropriately updating the database 52a, and the client device 1 performs data communication with the database server to thereby store information stored in the database 52a. May be configured to update as appropriate.

The above description of each embodiment is an example of the present invention. For this reason, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and is within a scope that does not depart from the technical idea according to the present invention. Of course, various modifications other than those described above are possible.

Industrial applicability

The present invention is suitable for information providing technology that provides information using an IC tag attached to an object.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a plurality of portable storage media attached to the object and each storing an identifier;

Reading means for receiving each identifier stored in the plurality of portable storage media from each portable storage medium and transmitting each received identifier;

Receiving means for receiving a plurality of identifiers transmitted by the reading means;

Storage means for storing correspondence information corresponding to the object to which the portable storage medium storing the identifier is added in association with the identifier;

Correspondence information reading means for reading correspondence information corresponding to each of a plurality of identifiers received by the reception means from the storage means;

An output unit that analyzes each piece of correspondence information read by the correspondence information reading unit, and generates and outputs provided information based on the analysis result;

An information providing system characterized by that.

[2] Second storage means for storing second correspondence information representing information related to the correspondence information is provided. The output means reads the second correspondence information corresponding to the correspondence information from the second storage means, and Generate and output the provided information based on the second correspondence information and the analysis result

The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein:

[3] Display control means for causing the display means to display an image representing the provided information output by the output means.

The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein:

[4] comprising an information providing device and an information processing device,

The information providing apparatus includes the storage unit, the correspondence information reading unit, the output unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the provision information output by the output unit to the information processing apparatus,

The information processing apparatus includes: the receiving unit; a communication unit that transmits a plurality of identifiers received by the receiving unit to the information providing device; and a provision information receiving unit that receives the provision information transmitted by the transmitting unit. The provided information received by the provided information receiving means Display control means for displaying an image to be displayed on the display means,

The correspondence information reading means receives a plurality of identifiers received by the receiving means via the communication means, and reads correspondence information corresponding to the plurality of identifiers from the storage means, respectively.

The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein:

[5] comprises a reading device, an information providing device and an information processing device,

The reading device comprises the reading means,

The information providing apparatus includes the receiving unit, the storage unit, the correspondence information reading unit, the output unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the provision information output by the output unit to the information processing device. Comprising

The information processing apparatus causes a display unit to display a provision information receiving unit that receives the provision information transmitted by the transmission unit via a predetermined network, and an image representing the provision information received by the provision information receiving unit. Display control means

The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein:

[6] The display control means generates a virtual space based on the provided information and causes the display means to display an image representing the virtual space.

6. The information providing system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that:

[7] The reading means includes

A discriminating means for detecting a signal strength when receiving the identifier stored in the portable storage medium and discriminating whether or not the identifier stored in the portable storage medium is to be processed according to the strength; In addition,

Corresponding information corresponding to the identifier determined by the determining means as the processing target is read out from the storage means.

The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein:

[8] The output unit generates the provision information according to a combination of a plurality of identifiers transmitted by the reading unit.

The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein:

[9] The portable storage medium is an IC tag,

The reading means is an IC tag reader

The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein:

[10] receiving identifiers respectively stored in a plurality of portable storage media attached to a plurality of objects,

Corresponding information corresponding to the object to which the portable storage medium is added is stored in correspondence with the identifier, and the corresponding information corresponding to each of the plurality of received identifiers is read from the storage means.

Analyzes each read correspondence information, generates and outputs provided information based on the analysis result

An information providing method characterized by the above.

[11] receiving means for receiving each identifier stored in each of a plurality of portable storage media attached to each of a plurality of objects;

An information providing apparatus characterized by that.

[12] A receiving step of receiving each identifier stored in each of a plurality of portable storage media attached to each of a plurality of objects;

Corresponding information reading for reading each corresponding information corresponding to each of the plurality of received identifiers from the storage means storing the corresponding information corresponding to the object to which the portable storage medium is added in correspondence with the identifier. Steps,

An output step of analyzing each correspondence information read in the correspondence information reading step, and generating and outputting provided information based on the analysis result;

Information providing program for causing computer to execute [13] A computer-readable storage medium storing the information providing program according to claim 12.