JP3454225B2 - Content distribution system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for distributing map information contents.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the spread of personal computers, various services have been provided to provide and use map information using media such as the Internet. For example, a system for searching for and displaying a map via the Internet using a web browser running on a personal computer, a system for displaying a map on a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, and further, displaying the position of the user on a mobile terminal having GPS. A system for displaying a map according to is known.

[0003]

It is desirable that the map information provided to the user be easy for the user to see, and it is also desirable that the map information accurately describes a sufficient amount of what the user wants to know. However, in a service that distributes maps to personal computers, the amount of information in maps is large, so it is unavoidable that the operating speed of the computer will be slow when this is used as the user interface, and the amount of information will be as much as possible. It is considered to reduce it. In addition, if you do not service various clients, the number of users will not increase, so
It is necessary to make the service aware of low-resolution clients. Therefore, it is possible to show the whole by displaying a simple map in a limited display range, to show and use only the target area in an enlarged view, and to enable the user to select the scale of the map to be displayed. The method enables the amount of information as a map to be reduced.

From the user's point of view, a high-resolution map (map book) having a wide range that can be viewed at once has the highest utility value. However, in the conventional map distribution service, the resolution cannot be increased if the display range is widened, and if the resolution is increased, it is necessary to display many maps in a narrow range, and it is difficult to grasp the whole image. It is possible to distribute high-resolution map information exclusively for a large-screen personal computer, but such a large-screen computer is not effective because it cannot be carried around.

Further, in the service of distributing a map to a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, since the user can access the Internet while carrying it, it is possible to select contents while viewing the map. Further, the mobile phone has a small display screen but has a sufficient function for displaying contents such as text information, which is very useful for easily acquiring and displaying contents. However, since the display screen is very small, the contents that can be displayed as a map are limited, and it is only possible to display a very small range or a very rough map. Enlarging the display screen is against portability, so
It is difficult to solve this problem.

There are mobile terminals having a high map display function, such as a mobile terminal having a GPS, but since the display screen is large, it is not as portable as a mobile phone and it is difficult to carry it in a pocket of pants or the like. . further,
It is also difficult for a general user to carry around a terminal equipped with a special function in addition to a mobile phone at all times. It is possible to equip a mobile terminal with a high map display function with the function as a mobile phone, but there are problems such as double telephone line costs and the large size due to attaching the mobile phone function. . Therefore, as a mobile terminal capable of displaying contents, the mobile phone is currently the most compact and easy to use. Also, even though the map display performance is good, it is a mobile terminal, so there is a limit to the display screen, and it is impossible to provide the same resolution and display range as a conventional paper map.

Therefore, according to the present invention, map information that is as easy to see as a conventional paper map and can see a wide range can be obtained, and further, based on the map information, at a place where the user wants, the user wants it. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information distribution system that allows information to be acquired easily with sufficient accuracy and without time delay.

[0008]

Therefore, according to the present invention, a new map in which information serving as an index of the content desired by the user is pasted on the map, and the content in which the index is associated with the content or its location Lists can be created in response to requests from users, and they can be output not only to the same terminal but to different terminals.For example, a map can be output by a printer and carried as paper information, and a content list can be sent to a mobile phone. It is distributed so that the latest information can be obtained via the Internet whenever necessary.

That is, in the present invention, a means for cutting out map information covering the search range based on the search range related to the position designated from the first input destination, and the search range, in addition to the search range. Means for extracting the link information indicating the content or the location of the content related to the search target designated from the first input destination, and the extracted content or the table of contents information indicating the link information is superimposed on the cut out map information. And a second output means for outputting the extracted content or link information to the table of contents information.
And a second output means for outputting the content to the output destination. In this content distribution system, a step of cutting out map information covering a search range based on a search range related to a position designated from a first input destination, the search range, and the first range together with the search range. A step of extracting the link information indicating the content or the location of the content related to the search target specified from the input destination, and overlaying the extracted map information with the table of contents information indicating the extracted content or link information Information by a content delivery method including a first output step of outputting to a destination and a second output step of outputting a content list in which extracted content or link information is associated with table-of-contents information to a second destination. Is delivered to the user.

The content distribution system and the content distribution method of the present invention can be realized as a content distribution program having instructions capable of executing these steps, and can be provided by being recorded in an appropriate computer-readable recording medium. Further, the content distribution server can be constructed by installing the content distribution program in the server system and recording it on an appropriate recording medium of the disc. The function as the content distribution server may be realized as a single server system, or may be realized by a set of computers connected by an appropriate computer network such as the Internet or an intranet.

Although it is possible to directly access the content distribution system of the present invention to input a search range or the like and obtain an output corresponding thereto, means for inputting data via a computer network such as the Internet By providing a means for outputting and also a means for outputting through a computer network,
A content distribution system that can be used by many users can be provided. The first output destination and the second output destination may be the same. For example, the function of transmitting information by downloading and printing the map information in which the table of contents information is combined at the output destination equipped with a printable function connected to the network and also by downloading and printing the content list are also provided. It is also possible to create a poster with it.

However, the service considered to be most effective is to specify a printer or a terminal capable of directly or indirectly printing information at high resolution as the first output destination, print the map information on paper, and at the same time, print the second information. It is desirable to specify a mobile phone or other portable mobile terminal that can directly or indirectly access the computer network as the output destination of. That is, the map information covering the search range is cut out based on the search range related to the position specified by the information terminal, and is added to the search range and is related to the search target specified from the first input destination together with the search range. The content or the link information indicating the location of the content is extracted, the table of contents information indicating the extracted content or the link information is superimposed on the cut out map information and is output to the information terminal, and the extracted content or the link information is output. Constructed by a content distribution server according to the present invention capable of outputting a content list related to table of contents information to a mobile terminal, and a mobile terminal capable of receiving the content list and acquiring the content based on link information via a computer network. Content distribution service system, users are printed on paper With reference to the table of contents information on FIG its map, via the mobile terminal can acquire the desired information in real time.

In this content distribution service system, since the map information can be output on paper, the advantage of a paper map can be obtained. That is, a high-resolution map that is easy to see can be obtained, and it becomes easy to look around the entire map. Further, when it is stored, it can be folded and easily put in a pocket or the like. On the other hand, the content list is sent to the mobile phone, so you can refer to the index (contents information) of the content displayed on the map and use the mobile phone to access the Internet easily and at low cost with the desired update. You can easily get the given content at any time. For this reason, even in a content distribution system that uses a mobile phone, which is not suitable for displaying a map and has a poor display capability, as a medium for acquiring the content, it is possible to display a high-resolution map and select the content. You can get the same effect.

As described above, in the content distribution service system of the present invention, the information printed on paper that is easy to see but the information cannot be easily updated, and the latest information can be obtained, but the screen is too small for high resolution display or By combining with a mobile terminal that is difficult to display in a wide range, it is possible to provide a content distribution service that utilizes the advantages of both and complements the drawbacks. Also, the map information can be selected by the user via the network in a desired range and conditions, and the user's unique one can be easily created at an appropriate timing.

Therefore, in the content delivery system of the present invention, the map information is output to the first output destination as a high-resolution image, and the content list is delivered to the second output destination without paying particular attention to the resolution. be able to. Furthermore, it is effective to deliver a low-resolution image in which map information and table-of-contents information are superimposed to the second output destination. For example, if the mobile terminal has a means for acquiring the current location by delivering a simple map that is reasonably visible even on the display screen to the mobile terminal, the current location can be displayed on the output of the simple map. The user can further easily select the content based on the table of contents information on the map. Further, if the mobile terminal has an orientation sensor, it is possible to display the simple map in association with directions.

Further, it is desirable to deliver data in a format dedicated to printing, not to a format that also serves as a display, to the first output destination. In consideration of displaying, it is desirable that the data has a resolution and a range that can be displayed by various terminals and browsers, and the data cannot have such high resolution. In contrast,
If it is dedicated to printing, it is possible to deliver high-resolution data specialized for an output destination printer and output map information with good print quality. Further, when the map information is delivered in a print-only form, image data for display, for example, summarized image data such as thumbnails, may be delivered at the same time so that the terminal can select or confirm the map information. desirable.

On the other hand, since the content list is rarely used at the same time when the map information is output, it need not be delivered to the second output destination in real time. Therefore, it is desirable that the information is stored and exchanged, such as electronic mail, which has a small network load.

The destination information and the area designation information can be cut out as the search range, and the map in the range desired by the user can be cut out flexibly. Further, as the area designation information, point information different from the destination information can be used. Further, it is possible to provide a means or process for inputting the departure point information and the destination point information as a search range and searching for a route based on the departure point information and the destination point information. Then, by extracting the map information covering this route and extracting the content or the link information of the content along this route, it is possible to distribute the highly valuable content along the route along which the user moves. it can. further,
It is also possible to input route point information as the search range and search for a route based on the route point information.

Further, by providing a means or process for charging in association with the output from at least one of the first output destination and the second output destination, the content can be distributed and the fee can be collected. In particular, by linking the output to the second output destination that targets the mobile phone terminal, it is possible to construct a system for collecting the fee for content distribution using the telephone fee system.

Further, it is possible to add the advertisement information to the second output destination to which the content list for acquiring the content is distributed, and distribute the content list. In the content distribution service system of the present invention, since the search range or the search target is known, it is possible to select the advertisement information related to these and distribute it to the user, which is effective for the user and efficient. Good, it is possible to advertise with high utility value to advertisers.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be further described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an outline of a content distribution service system 8 according to the present invention. In this example, the Internet 1 which is spread all over the world as a computer network is used as a basic means or medium for distributing contents. A content distribution system 10, which is the core of the content distribution service system 8, is connected to the Internet 1. Further, an information terminal system 30 such as a personal computer that the user 90 can operate in the office or home is also connected to the Internet 1. A public telephone network 3 is connected to the Internet 1 via a gateway 2, and a mobile telephone 5 is connected to the Internet 1 via a base station 4. Therefore, the user 90 can access the Internet network 1 by the mobile phone 5 not only in the office or at home, but also access the content delivery system 10 and other various WWW servers 7 connected to the Internet 1. Information or content can be acquired.

The portable terminal that can access the Internet is not limited to the mobile phone 5, but may be a PHS terminal, a PHS.
Alternatively, it may be a mobile terminal such as a PDA having a mobile phone function. Therefore, although the mobile phone will be described below as a mobile terminal or a mobile terminal, the mobile type terminal usable in the present invention is not limited to the mobile phone. In addition, if the mobile phone is equipped with a system that can perform satellite positioning by receiving radio waves from GPS satellites, the current location of the mobile phone of the transmission source can be known very accurately from the satellite-positioned latitude and longitude information, and the PHS terminal can If so, the current location can be accurately known from the CSID indicating the base station. Furthermore, even with a mobile phone, the rough area can be found from the base station information. If it is a CDMA mobile phone, its accuracy will be very high. In either case, the mobile phone 5 will be described below, but the present invention is also applicable to a mobile terminal that has a GPS function and can display the current location of the mobile phone, or a mobile terminal that has a built-in azimuth sensor and can display the azimuth. The example system can be applied.

Content distribution service system 8 of this example
The outline of is explained. First, the user 90 accesses the content distribution system 10 by the information terminal system 30 in an office or the like. The information terminal system 30 is
Compared to desktop type mobile terminals, it is a large personal computer (P
C) It is mainly composed of 31 and firewall 3
It is connected to the Internet 1 via 3. Further, the terminal system 30 is equipped with a printer 32 so that a high resolution color image can be printed out.

Therefore, the user 90 first inputs the range to be printed as a map and the category of the content to be displayed on the map from the terminal system 30 to the content distribution system 10 via the Internet 1.
Then, the printer 32 outputs the map information 6 generated by the content distribution system 10. In this map information 6, table of contents information (index) indicating the content is displayed in an appropriate form so as to be superimposed on the map at a position related to the content such as the location of the content. Around this time, the content distribution system 10 distributes the content list in which the content described in the map information 6 and the index are associated with each other to the mobile phone 5 of the user 90 by e-mail. In the content list, the content itself or an address (URL) on the Internet where the content is stored is included as link information.

Therefore, the user 90 can leave the office with the printed paper map information 6 and the mobile phone 5 to which the content list is distributed, and the mobile phone 5 based on the index described in the map information 6. By selecting the link information of the desired content with, the latest content can be displayed on the mobile phone 5 from the WWW server 7 via the Internet 1. In this content distribution service system 8, the user 90 can obtain the map in which the position of the content is displayed as the information on the printed paper. Therefore, unlike a small, coarse and hard-to-see map that is displayed on the small screen 5a of the mobile phone 5, a map printed in high resolution in full color can be viewed, and the panoramic range is wide. Information about is also very easy to understand. Furthermore, even when compared with the screen of a terminal of a notebook type personal computer, the printed map information is easy to see and the amount of information can be increased. When the map information on the printed paper is unnecessary, it can be folded and easily stored in a pocket. In addition, it is possible to fold and see only the part you want to see, which enables extremely flexible handling.

On the other hand, although the mobile phone 5 is difficult to display a map, it is suitable for displaying contents including characters or simple images. It has the advantage that you can easily access the content that is open above. Therefore, the user 90
Can easily grasp the position of the content from the map 6 printed on paper, and can easily obtain the latest content by accessing the content with the mobile phone 5.

The content distribution service system 8 of this example will be described in more detail below. In Figure 2,
1 shows a schematic configuration of the content distribution system 10.
The content distribution system 10 includes a WWW server 11 that can be accessed by the user via the Internet 1, and an application such as the one below for selecting the map service section 11a on the home page provided by the server 11 is CGI or JAVA ( It can be operated by functions such as registered trademark) and can receive content distribution services. First, the distribution system 10 includes an authentication and billing server 12 so that only users who are registered with predetermined user information in advance can receive the content distribution service. Then, when the distribution service is received, the billing server operates at an appropriate stage.

Further, the distribution system 10 includes a map database 1 as a source for cutting out map information in a designated range.
3 and a content database 15 from which content is extracted. Content database 15
In addition to the content itself, the link destination or address (URL) of the content is registered in addition to the content itself as well as the type and name of the content provided by another WWW server. Furthermore, the distribution system 10 includes an advertisement database 14, and according to the range of the cut out map or the category of the content selected by the user,
You can choose the most effective ads to deliver to your users.

A recording medium such as a disk of the content distribution server 16 stores some applications for realizing the function of the content distribution service system of this example. First, the map cutting engine 1
Reference numeral 7 cuts out map information of a predetermined range from the map database 13 according to the search range designated by the user. Further, as will be described later in detail, it also has a function of creating target map information such as a route map from the map database 13. The content extraction engine 18 extracts the content desired by the user or the link information of the content from the content database 15 based on the information indicating the type of the content according to the search range on the map directly or indirectly designated by the user. In the content delivery service system 8 of this example, the content itself can be put in the content list and delivered to the mobile phone 5, but the most effective one is to deliver the URL indicating the link destination of the content on the Internet. Is. By distributing the link destination in the content list, the user 90 can always obtain the newest content released to a predetermined address (link destination) on the Internet.

The corresponding map creation / delivery engine 19 is a first output means for delivering the map information to the first output destination, and the map information cut out by the map cutout engine 17 is extracted by the content extraction engine 19. The indexes of the content or the link information thereof (hereinafter, the content is not limited to the content itself but also the information of the link destination) are superimposed and combined. And
The map information with the index superimposed is delivered to the specified destination. Content distribution service system 8 of this example
Now we expect the map information to be printed on the printer. Therefore, the corresponding map creation and delivery engine 19
The map information can be converted into a code system specific to the printer designated by the user 90 and transmitted, and the map data that can be most effectively output by the printer designated by the user can be distributed.

The route search engine 20 has a function of, when a starting point and a destination are input as information for cutting out a map, searching a route connecting these points and outputting the route information. The map cutout engine 17 also has the ability to cut out a map in an appropriate range based on this route information.

The content list distribution engine 21 is the second output means for distributing the content list to the second output destination, and the content in which the content extracted above is associated with the index displayed in the map information. Create a list and send it by e-mail to a destination different from the map information. The content list includes effective advertisements extracted from the advertisement database 14.

The content distribution service system of this example will be further described with reference to the flowcharts showing the schematic processing of the content distribution system 10 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. First, in step 51, the user 90
From the information terminal 30 to the content distribution system 10. There are various connection modes, and if the content distribution system 10 connects to an access point provided as a provider via a public telephone network, a dial-up connection is used. Of course, it is also possible to connect via the Internet 1. In either case, the user is authenticated together with the connection, and only the user registered in advance can access.

When the user is authenticated, if the browser is started on the side of the information terminal system 30, more specifically, on the personal computer 31 of the information terminal system 30, in step 52, the home page provided by the WWW server 11 is output. Then, the map service section 11a can be selected from them. Note that, hereinafter, the systems that can be operated by the user as the information terminal 30 will be collectively referred to. If the map service section 11a is not selected, another service is selected in step 53.

In step 52, U of the map service unit 11a
When RL is selected, each application (engine) of the content distribution server 16 operates via CGI or the like and starts the content distribution service for the user. When the map service unit 11a is selected, whether or not the user is registered may be authenticated again by information such as a password.

When the content distribution service is started,
First, in step 54, it is inquired whether or not a route search should be performed. The route search will be described later in detail. When the route search is not performed, in step 55, the information for specifying the search range related to the position for cutting out the map and the information for specifying the search target for extracting the content are input. In this example, the destination is input as the information specifying the search range related to the position, and the point information such as the station name is input as the area information.
Input is performed by transmitting / receiving form data to / from each engine by CGI or the like.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the input form. FIG. 5A is a form 101 for inputting a destination, and the destination is specified by inputting any of the address, zip code, station name, spot name, and position on the map on the home page. it can. In the form 102 shown in FIG. 5B, the upper half is a form for inputting area information, and it is possible to input the name of the nearest point and the point information such as the nearest station. Furthermore, the range to cut out the map can be specified by specifying the scale to be displayed. Form 102 shown in FIG. 5 (b)
The lower half is a part where the search target for selecting the content is input by category. By inputting appropriate keywords alone or in combination, the corresponding category is automatically set, and the content classified therein is extracted.

Next, in step 56, the map cutout engine 17 cuts out a map of an appropriate size from the map database 13 based on the input destination and area information. Further, in step 57, the content extraction engine 18
Extracts the content included in the area corresponding to the cut out map from the content of the designated category. The extracted content needs to be associated with the position information (longitude / latitude information) because the related index will be attached to the cut map later. The content here is not limited to the content itself,
It may be the link information of the content, and as described above, the link information is preferable in the content distribution service of this example.

Further, the number of extracted contents can be set to a fixed number such as 10 and conditions such as a range or type of categories for dynamically selecting contents can be automatically set until the number is reached. You may do it. The condition for selecting the content may be input each time a map is created, or information such as the user's age, occupation, taste, hobbies, etc. may be set in advance as the user's registration information, and the content extraction engine 18 The side may automatically set.

In step 58, the corresponding map creation / distribution engine 19 combines the cut-out map information with the index (table of contents information) indicating the extracted content to generate data to be distributed to the information terminal 30. It Then, in step 60, the combined map information is distributed to the information terminal 30 to which the user has input data. On the other hand, in step 70, the content list delivery engine 21 creates a content list in which the index and the content are associated with each other, and delivers the content list to the mobile phone by e-mail.

FIG. 4 shows a step 60 for distributing map information.
(First output step) and step 70 (second output step) of distributing the content list are shown in more detail. First, in step 61, the corresponding map creation / distribution engine 19 distributes to the information terminal 30 a simplified version of the map in which the index is superimposed on the cut out map. The simple map is set so that the display of the personal computer can be displayed so that it is not difficult to see at any time, and the size of the map displayed is also limited. You can see it.

When the user does not want the map information displayed on the information terminal 30 or the user wants to correct the map information, the process returns to the step of inputting the search range and the search condition and the map is extracted again to extract the content. Can be repeated. If the displayed simple map information is good, the data format for outputting the map to the printer 32 is designated in step 62. As the data format, the file type, size, color, printer manufacturer and model to be output are designated. Then, the map data for printing is generated in accordance with the format designated in step 63, and distributed to the information terminal 30 in step 64. The map data for printing sent from the content distribution system 10 to the information terminal 30 may be directly sent to the printer 32 to print the map, or it may be downloaded to the storage area of the personal computer 31 once and then be appropriately downloaded. Printing may be performed from the printer 32 at various timings.

Next, in step 65, it is requested to confirm whether or not to distribute the content list. When the process proceeds to step 70 for distributing the content list, first, step 7
With 1, the distribution destination of the content list can be input. By default, the telephone number of the mobile phone 5 of the user 90 or the mail address accessible by the mobile phone may be set. In this step 71, it is of course possible to specify the information terminal 30, and download the content list to the information terminal 30 and launch it with the printer 32 to create a poster with a map, or use the downloaded content list on a mobile terminal that has it. It is also possible to transfer to.

When the distribution destination is input, a content list is created in step 72. Of course, it is possible to change the order of these steps within a range that does not affect the processing. Next, in step 73, it is confirmed whether or not to create a simple map that can be output to the mobile phone 5. If there is a request, in step 74, the resolution is reduced to such an extent that it can be displayed on the display 5a of the mobile phone 5 so that it can be distributed in the form of an attached file of an electronic mail together with the content list. Further, in step 75, it is confirmed whether or not the route search is being performed. When the route search is being performed, the transfer information is created in step 76. For these,
This will be explained in more detail later.

Further, in step 77, the content list distribution engine 21 selects an appropriate advertisement from the advertisement database 14 using the information such as the search range and the search target and includes it in the content list. Then, in step 78, the content list is distributed.

Returning to FIG. 3, in the content distribution system 10 of the present example, a charge is made in step 81 when the content list is distributed. Usually, the content list is set so as to be delivered to the mobile phone, the telephone number of the mobile phone can be used as the billing information, and the usage fee of the content delivery service can be collected in the telephone fee. In this case, it can be realized by providing a service window in the management server of the telephone company or transmitting billing information for billing the telephone number of the transfer destination to each telephone company. Also, the content list is stored in the service section of the WWW server of the telephone company or the map service WWW by e-mail or HTTP transfer, and only the information that the content list has been stored is a message service of the telephone company such as a short message service. Alternatively, the service fee may be acquired when the user acquires the content list according to the message.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the map information 6 printed out from the printer 32 of the information terminal 30.
In this example, a building near the Yokohama station (Japan Building (pseudonym)) is designated as the destination 105, and Yokohama station 106 is designated as the area information. As a result, the destination 10
Map 107 of the area including Yokohama Station 106, centering on 5
Is cut out. Furthermore, the restaurant is input as a keyword (category) for extracting the content, and the numbers 1 to 4 are used as the index 108 in the map 1.
It is output overlaid on 07.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the content list distributed to the mobile phone 5. When the content list distributed by mail from the mobile phone 5 is opened, the menu screen 110 shown in FIG. 7A is displayed. This screen has a button 111 for selecting a content list and an advertisement 112.
Further, a button 113 for selecting a simple map is displayed. When the button 111 for selecting the content list is operated, the content list 114 shown in FIG.
Is displayed on the screen 5a. In this list 114, the index 108 described in the map information 6 and the restaurant name 115 are displayed side by side and associated with each other. Therefore, the user 90 can link the position and name of the restaurant by comparing the list 114 with the map 6 and looking.

Further, in the content list 114, link information (URL) to a page showing restaurant information in association with the restaurant name 115 is embedded. Therefore, when the name of the restaurant is selected, the latest information (content) 116 of the corresponding restaurant can be acquired from the specified address by accessing the Internet 1, and the screen 5a as shown in FIG. 7C is displayed.
Can be displayed on. The content of the restaurant includes, for example, opening hours, the degree of congestion, the type and price of the food, and may include a simple map of the surroundings and a detailed spot-like map.

When the button 113 indicating the simple map is selected, the simple map 117 distributed from the content distribution system 10 together with the content list 114 can be displayed on the screen 5a of the mobile phone. In the present invention, if you get an overview on a printed map and actually go to that place,
Since the contents of the contents are accessed by the mobile phone via the network, even if a detailed map is displayed on the mobile phone with a small screen, it can be practically used. If you try to grasp the outline of a map displayed on a mobile phone, it is not realistic because it cannot be put to practical use without displaying a wide-range map in small pieces or changing the scale flexibly.

If the mobile phone 5 has a system for grasping its own current location, this simple map 117
It is possible to display the present position 118 of the user on top of.
The printed-out map 6 has high resolution and is clear and covers a wide range. Therefore, it is easy to see and is suitable for grasping the whole situation. However, since the current location cannot be shown, the resolution is low but the mobile phone 5
By displaying a map including simple information that can be easily associated with the map information 6 and displaying the current location, the current location of the user can be clearly shown. Therefore, the user 90 can very easily grasp his / her current position by supplementing the map 6 with the information of the simple map 117.

Instead of showing the current location, if the mobile phone has a built-in azimuth sensor, the azimuth can be displayed as a simple map 1.
It is also possible to superimpose and display it on 17, which makes it easy to grasp the current location of the user.

Next, returning to FIG. 3, the processing when the route search is selected in step 54 will be described. When the route search is selected, in step 82, a format for inputting the starting point and the destination as the search range is shown. Specifically, the same format as that for inputting the destination shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the information terminal 30 as the format for inputting the departure point, and is again displayed as the format for inputting the destination. It Further, when there is a waypoint, the same format as that of FIG. 5A is displayed in order to input the waypoint. Then, a screen for entering a category for selecting the content is also displayed.

In step 83, the route search engine 20 performs route search based on the starting point, the destination, and the transit point, if any, and in step 84, the route information is created. In step 56, the map cutting engine 17 cuts out the route map, the map of the waypoints, and the map around the destination based on the route information. Also, step 5
At 7, the content extraction engine extracts content with associated location information along the route based on the route information and the category. Then, in step 58, an index indicating the extracted content is combined with the cut out map information, and in step 60, the information terminal or printer 32 is printed with printable data.
Sent to.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, in step 70, a content list in which the index and the extracted content are associated with each other is generated. At the same time, in step 76, based on the route information, JR, bus, private railway, etc. Transfer information is created and distributed with the content list. The transfer information created here is link information that enables acquisition of a transfer timetable and the like, and is not the timetable itself. Therefore, when the user views the transfer information on the mobile phone 5, the user can always obtain the latest information from the link destination via the Internet.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the printed route map 120. In this route map 120, Hirooka in Nagano Prefecture is selected as the departure point 121, the building near Yokohama Station is selected as the destination 105, and Hachioji is selected as the transit point 122. As a result, a route using the JR Chuo Main Line is searched from Hirooka, and the information of the route map 120 is distributed to the information terminal 30 based on the route. Therefore, the route map 120 can be printed out on the printer 32.

FIG. 9 is an example of a map 125 in which the area around the Hachioji station 122, which is a transit point, is cut out and the distributed map information is printed out. An appropriate area covering the periphery is cut out around the Hachioji station 122, and an index 108 indicating the position of the content is indicated by a number therein. Therefore, it is convenient when you get off at Hachioji and search around the area, such as when traveling by train.

Further, FIG. 10 is an example in which a map 126 in which an area including a route from the Yokohama station 106 to the destination building 105 is cut out is printed out. A route 127 from the Yokohama station 106 to the destination 105 is displayed on the map 126. Since the map is printed out using the color printer 32, it is easy to show the route in a color or form different from that of a normal map display, and it is possible to provide a user-friendly map for guidance. it can. Further, an index 108 indicating the position of the content is displayed along the route. In this way, when the route search is designated, the content distribution system 10 of the present example cuts out a map along the searched route and further prints it out with an index indicating the position of the desired content such as a restaurant. It is delivered to the information terminal 30. Therefore, the user can carry a custom-made map with the printed user, and the content corresponding to the index can be freely obtained from the mobile phone 5 at any time.

FIG. 11 shows an example of information distributed to the mobile phone 5. FIG. 11A shows a content list menu 110 sent by mail. By selecting the content list 111, the content list 114 is displayed as shown in FIG. 7 and corresponds to the map index 108. Content such as restaurant information can be acquired. In this example,
A button 119 showing transfer information is prepared in the menu 110. When selected, the latest transfer information 131 is acquired from the Internet by the embedded link information, and the transfer information is displayed as shown in FIG. 11 (b). You can Furthermore, by selecting the link 135 such as JR displayed on the transfer information 131, the JR
Corresponding timetable data 132 from websites of
Can be obtained and the timetable 132 can be displayed as shown in FIG. The transfer information and the timetable are information acquired by the mobile phone 5 via the Internet 1 by the embedded link information (URL), and the latest updated information is always displayed.

As described above, in the content distribution service system 8 of this example, a map showing the index of the desired content selected by the user is printed in the area selected by the user, and the map is held with it in hand. While confirming the content number and the like, the detailed information of the desired content can be obtained by the mobile phone. Therefore, the positional relationship of the contents can be confirmed on a paper map that is easy to see and has a wide view, and the contents of the contents can be acquired at any time in real time via the network. Therefore, it is possible to check holiday information, congestion, special menu, etc. without leaking. The process of delivering the map information and the content list is built inside the content delivery server 16 of the content delivery system 10, and is executed as a program including instructions capable of executing the steps outlined in the above flowchart. It can be provided by being recorded in an appropriate recording medium readable by a computer (server) such as a magnetic disk or a CD-ROM. Further, in the server system 10, it can be stored in a storage device together with other programs and the like, and can be downloaded to an appropriate machine and executed.

In the above example, the destination is specified, but the content distribution system and the content distribution service of the present invention can be applied to the case of entering from the content. For example, if you want to go to the restaurant etc. when you know or check the detailed contents of the contents with digital town information etc. like magazines on the web, you can use the map distribution service as above. Can receive.

In this case, if the content delivery system is linked to the home page of the content, and the user enters the desired starting point (eg station), the destination is
The location of the corresponding restaurant is automatically set because it is linked to the shop inquiry of the town information. Then, a route search is performed, and the obtained map printing file is sent to the client (user's information terminal), and at the same time, the content list (in this case, simplified content information) may be sent to the user's mobile phone. In addition, it is desirable to send information about restaurants in the vicinity that are usually posted at the same time. The user has to go to the restaurant before
By receiving the contents on the mobile phone side and selecting the contents list, you can know detailed information as well as real-time information (business hours, today's business hours, whether it is crowded, etc.), so you can visit the restaurant with confidence. it can.

Further, in the content distribution system 10,
Since the route used by the user and the extraction condition of the content can be acquired and stored, the information is used to match the selection condition of the content and to select the advertisement suitable for the user to provide a high quality service to the user. it can.

In the above, the present invention is an example in which an index or the like of contents such as store information is pasted on a map and printed, and the contents or address of the contents is sent to a mobile phone by e-mail or the like. Explained in. In addition to these, the present invention can also be applied to a service for printing a map in a size such as B0 size for posters as described below. The printed map may be printed on a personal or corporate printer, or may be printed on a large format printer for posters in a larger size. In the latter case, it is possible to develop a service in which a printed map is pasted on a place such as a station so that an unspecified number of people can browse the contents on the map. The present invention is also effective when such a large-format printer is used, and HP is an address indicating the location of contents and contents on the net by the printer.
Print by adding the URL address of (home page).

Such a map can be created and distributed by a corresponding map creation and distribution engine 19 of the content distribution server 16 in the part where the map is cut out and combined, for example, in the above example. Then, instead of delivering the list of contents extracted under appropriate conditions to a terminal such as a mobile phone by e-mail or the like, the content is saved in an appropriate area inside the server 16 and the URL address indicating the save destination is displayed on a map. It can be combined and printed. Alternatively, the URL address of the content itself can be combined with the map and printed.

A map including such a URL address,
Alternatively, by posting a printed matter including the map at a station or the like, the content of the content shown on the map can be viewed at any time from a terminal such as a mobile phone that can be connected to the Internet. Also in this case,
The contents can be changed in real time at any time, and it becomes possible to browse the opening hours and the menu of the day.

The URL address may be a number or a symbol. In that case, a map browsing menu or the like that can be accessed from a mobile phone is prepared in the WWW server, and the number or symbol written on the map is input therein. By doing so, the corresponding content list can be made visible. In this example, it can be said that the part that was delivered to the mobile phone or the like in the above-described embodiment is replaced with the corresponding part of the WWW server, and the content corresponding to the printed map is transmitted to the mobile phone or the like. The effect of the present invention can be obtained by making it viewable from any terminal.

[0068]

As described above, in the content distribution system of the present invention, since the map information can be output from the printer to the paper, the advantage as a paper map can be obtained. That is, a high-resolution map that is easy to see can be obtained, and it becomes easy to look around the entire map. Further, when it is stored, it can be folded and easily put in a pocket or the like. Then, the content list is sent to mobile terminals such as mobile phones, and based on the multi-index displayed on the map, it is easy to use, and you can easily and inexpensively access the desired updated content from your mobile phone at any time. Easy to get.

As described above, in the content distribution service system of the present invention, the information printed on paper that is easy to see but the information is not easily updated and the latest information can be obtained, but the screen is too small to display at high resolution or By combining with a mobile terminal that is difficult to display in a wide range, it is possible to provide a content distribution service that utilizes the advantages of both and complements the drawbacks. Also, the map information can be selected by the user via the network in a desired range and conditions, and the user's unique one can be easily created at an appropriate timing.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a content distribution service system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content distribution system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing in the content distribution system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of a process of distributing map information and a process of distributing a content list.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an input format.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of map information printed out.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a content list distributed to a mobile phone.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a route map.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a map of waypoints.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a map displaying routes.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a content list including transfer information.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Internet 3 public telephone network 5 mobile phones 6 Printed map 7 WWW server 8 Content distribution service system 10 Content distribution system 12 Authentication and billing server 13 map database 14 Advertising database 15 content database 16 Content distribution server 17 Map cutting engine 18 Content extraction engine 19 Compatible map creation and delivery engine 20 Route Search Engine 21 Content List Delivery Engine

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI G06F 17/60 326 G06F 17/60 326 506 506 506 ZEC ZEC G06T 11/60 300 G06T 11/60 300 (56) References 5-205003 (JP, A) JP 10-222527 (JP, A) JP 11-66051 (JP, A) JP 11-203303 (JP, A) JP 7-270171 (JP, A) A) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-306869 (JP, A) Utility model registration 3037308 (JP, U) Toshiaki Uemu and others, WWW browsing method using mobile phone in remote display environment, Research Report of Information Processing Society of Japan, Japan , Information Processing Society of Japan, November 26, 1999, Vol 99, No 97, pages 51 to 56, Makoto Niimi and others, limited time, place and users Network Access Mechanism, Information Processing Society Research Report, Japan, Information Processing Society of Japan, May 26, 1995, Vol 95, No 53, pp.147-152, Motohiro Machida, et al. Study on Displaying Pedestrian Navigation Information by IPSJ, IPSJ Research Report, Japan, IPSJ, November 26, 1999, Vol 99, No 97, pp. 57-62 (58) ) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 17/30 G06F 17/60 G06F 13/00 G09B 29/00 JISST file (JOIS)

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. The map information covering the search range is cut out based on the search range related to the position designated by the information terminal, and the map information is added to the search range, and firstly together with the search range.
The link information indicating the content or the location of the content related to the specified search target is extracted from the input destination of, and the extracted content or the table of contents information indicating the link information is overlaid on the cut out map information and the information. A content distribution server capable of outputting to the terminal a content list in which the extracted content or the link information is associated with the table of contents information to a mobile terminal, and receiving the content list and transmitting the content list via a computer network. A content distribution service system having the mobile terminal capable of acquiring content based on link information. 2. The content distribution server according to claim 1, wherein the map information is simple map information that can be displayed on the mobile terminal, and the table of contents information can be superimposed on the simple map information and output to the mobile terminal. A content distribution service system. 3. The content distribution service system according to claim 2, wherein the mobile terminal has means for acquiring a current location, and the current location can be displayed in an overlapping manner on the output of the simple map information. 4. The content distribution service system according to claim 2, wherein the mobile terminal has a direction sensor and can display the output of the simple map information in association with a direction. 5. The content distribution service system according to claim 1, wherein the content distribution server can output, to the information terminal, the output in which the table of contents information is superimposed on the map information as printer-dedicated data. 6. The content distribution according to claim 5, wherein the content distribution server can output to the information terminal, in addition to the data dedicated to the printer, data for displaying the map information on the information terminal. Service system. 7. The content distribution service system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal has a function as a mobile phone, and the content distribution server charges a fee when the content list is sent to the mobile terminal. 8. The content distribution service system according to claim 1, wherein the content distribution server outputs advertisement information together with the content list.