JP2000358105A - Information retrieval system using mobile phone and its mobile phone - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify a key operation in the case that a mobile phone receives an information service. SOLUTION: The mobile phone is provided with an information read means such as a bar code scanner integrally or as a separate unit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of storing a server in a location remote from a server which provides information services through a communication line, by remote control using a portable telephone, and without performing cumbersome operations such as key operations. The present invention relates to an "information search system using a mobile phone" for automatically searching for desired information from information to be performed, and a mobile phone optimal for the information search system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, information service business by connecting a computer network such as the Internet to a public telephone line has been rapidly increasing in various fields such as within a company, between companies, and between companies. These information services include information retrieval processes more or less because they automatically search for and immediately provide information or data requested by a user from a large number of stored information or data.

[0003] Information retrieval is one of the most effective and wide fields of computer utilization, and there are various methods. Generally, information retrieval is performed as follows. First, a database composed of 2 ^N data is formed in a memory device of a computer. 2 for 2 ^N data in this database
N-digit identification numbers (or codes) are associated one-to-one. That is, a unique identification number is assigned to the memory register that stores each data in the database.

In order to search for information in a database provided with an identification number as described above, if the database is, for example, product data, an identification number (code) or a product name of a product for which information is desired is specified. The designation of the identification number is performed by operating the keyboard of the computer holding the database or another computer connected to the computer holding the database by a communication line.

The computer having the database compares the specified identification number with the identification number of each memory register in the database, and reads out the data stored in the memory register when they match. The read data will be displayed or transmitted to another computer that has requested the information.

If a user does not have a computer connected to a database and wants to search for information in the database immediately, conventionally, a person near the computer is requested to use a telephone or the like to perform the information search. Techniques for accessing the database directly using a mobile phone have recently been developed.

On the other hand, the miniaturization of mobile phones and the development of functions and performance have been remarkable, providing great convenience to users and causing drastic changes in social life. The mobile phone originally developed as a child device of the parent-child telephone, but rapidly spread as the portion corresponding to the parent device was commercialized. Recently, with the advent of mobile phones compatible with the Internet, it is becoming increasingly easier to access various information services using mobile phones.

[0008] However, the technical ability of the user who uses the mobile phone is not keeping up with the development of the function and performance of the mobile phone. In particular, complicated key operations of the mobile phone are burdened on the user. An example in which a bar code scanner is connected to a mobile phone in order to reduce the labor for key operation of the mobile phone is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-126480 "Mobile Phone". In this method, a bar code scanner is connected to a mobile phone, and setting of functions and memory registration of telephone numbers are performed by the bar code scanner instead of key operation.

It is well known that barcode scanners are widely and effectively used as data input means for inputting sales information of commodities into a computer immediately and easily in a supermarket or the like. The barcode expresses a number by various combinations of a plurality of thin lines and bold lines.
An AN code. The bar code scanner has a light emitting portion at its tip, scans a bar code with a light beam, receives reflected light from a thin line and a thick line, converts the light into an electric signal, and reads the digital signal. The digital signal read by the barcode scanner can be directly input to a computer and used.

Various types of bar code scanners are commercially available, and improvements have been made in miniaturization, improvement in performance, ease of handling, and the like. In addition to barcode scanners, various character and numeric readers have been developed and used. These alphanumeric readers will also be progressively smaller and available at lower cost.

[0011]

However, even if there is abundant service information on the Internet side and a mobile phone capable of accessing the Internet is developed on the user side, the user can use the mobile phone to access the service information. If the operation for taking out and extracting is complicated, it is difficult for ordinary users to use. The problem is that many individuals are almost ignorant of computer and communication technologies, and are often unfamiliar with the above operations, so it is difficult to use information services even if they know that there are. Had become.

Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems and provides an information retrieval system using a portable telephone which enables anyone to easily receive the information service, and a simple and convenient method for the information retrieval system. There is a problem in providing a mobile phone.

[0013]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an information retrieval system using a portable telephone according to the present invention comprises a portable telephone, a server for performing an information service, and a communication between the portable telephone and the server. The mobile phone comprises an information reading means for reading an information identification code, and automatically calls the server when the information reading code is read by the information reading means. Transmitting means for transmitting a code via the communication line, receiving means for receiving information from the server via the communication line, and output means for outputting the received information, the server comprising: An information storage unit for storing the information identification code in a one-to-one correspondence; a unit for receiving the information identification code transmitted from the mobile phone via the communication unit; Provided by the information identification code corresponding information to retrieve from the information storage means information retrieval means has a transmission means for transmitting to said mobile telephone via said communication line the retrieved information.

According to the information retrieval system having the above configuration, the user can read the information identification code for identifying desired information by the information reading means without performing key operation of the mobile phone. The read information identification code is transmitted to the server, and the server searches the information storage unit based on the received information identification code. The server transmits the searched information to the mobile phone, and the mobile phone outputs the received information. This series of processes is automatically executed except that the user applies the information reading means of the mobile phone to the information identification code. Therefore, the user can easily and immediately obtain desired information.

The information identification code may be formed by a bar code, and the information reading means may be a bar code scanner. The information in the information storage means of the server is given an identification number by a bar code. The user can input with a barcode scanner, which is extremely convenient.

The information stored by the information storage means is various, such as music data, product inventory management information or sales information, and entertainment information. The user can easily and immediately obtain the above information using a mobile phone.

[0017] The communication line may be the Internet. As a result, the range of information services used by the user is expanded, and various information services can be received.

A portable telephone according to the present invention is optimal for an information retrieval system using the portable telephone, and includes information reading means for reading data. Thereby, the user is released from the data input operation by the key operation.

The information reading means may be formed integrally with the portable telephone or separately. In the case of integrally forming, the user can input data while holding the mobile phone, which is convenient. Also, in the case of separate formation, the information reading means is detachable from the mobile phone and is usually placed in place, and the information reading means is attached only when it is desired to receive an information service. This makes it possible to reduce the weight of the mobile phone in a normal state.

The portable telephone has a transmitting means for automatically calling a predetermined telephone number when the data is read by the information reading means and transmitting the data to the telephone number.
Further, the mobile phone includes a receiving unit that receives information transmitted from a call partner, and an output unit that outputs the received information or data read by the information reading unit. The output means includes an audio output device and a display.

The transmission, reception, and output means automatically transmit, receive, and output data.

The information reading means is a bar code scanner, and the data to be read is bar code data.
As a result, the user can easily specify desired information and receive an information service without performing key operations.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an information retrieval system using a mobile phone according to the present invention and a mobile phone optimal for this system will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an embodiment of an information retrieval system using a portable telephone according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an information retrieval system). This information search system is a music information search system that allows a user to listen to desired music through the Internet. The mobile phone 1, a server 2 that provides music information, and packet communication between the mobile phone 1 and the server 2 And a communication line 3 which is connected by a communication line.

The mobile phone 1 has a normal telephone function,
An Internet-compatible mobile phone having a data transmission / reception function for receiving an information service from the Internet. Selection of these two functions is performed by operating function buttons provided on the surface.

The mobile phone 1 has a bar code scanner 4 as an input means of an information identification code when accessing an information service. The barcode scanner 4 is detachably connected to an input terminal 5 of the mobile phone 1 by a connection line 6.

The server 2 is an Internet i-mode compatible W
It is an eb server and includes a personal computer 8 connected to the Internet 7, a playback device 9 driven and controlled by the personal computer 8, and a music data storage device (database) 10.

The communication line 3 is a digital communication line formed between the mobile phone 1 and the server 2 for a fee by the mobile phone communication company 3a having a function of connecting the mobile phone 1 to the Internet 7. Data transmitted and received via the communication line 3 is in a packet format.

When the user wants to receive the information search service of the server 2, the information search system operates as follows. When the user presses a function button provided on the surface of the mobile phone 1 and selects the information service receiving function, the mobile phone 1 calls the mobile phone communication company 3a, and accordingly, the mobile phone communication company 3a. Connects the mobile phone 1 and the server 2 via the Internet, stores the telephone number of the mobile phone 1 and starts timekeeping for calculating the information fee.

After the user presses the function button, the user inputs a JAN code for identifying the music desired to be heard to the mobile phone 1 using the barcode scanner 4. The mobile phone 1 transmits the input JAN code to the server 2 through the communication line 3 by packet communication. When the personal computer 8 of the server 2 receives the JAN code transmitted from the mobile phone 1, the personal computer 8 executes a built-in information search program and executes a database 10
The music data corresponding to the JAN code is extracted from the music data stored in the storage device, and the reproducing device 9 is driven to start reproduction of the music data, and the reproduced sound is transmitted to the mobile phone via the communication line 3. Send to 1.

The mobile phone 1 receives the music transmitted from the server 2 and outputs the music from a speaker. This speaker may be the same as that used during normal conversation. This allows the user to listen to the desired music simply and instantly.

Hereinafter, a part related to the information service in the configuration of the mobile phone 1 will be described. Parts related to ordinary communication are well-known, and are excluded except common parts.

As shown in FIG. 2, the data-related portion of the mobile phone 1 includes an information reading section 11, a button operation section 12,
It comprises a data transmission unit 13, a called number detection unit 14, a data reception unit 15, an output unit 16, and a CPU 17.

The information reading section 11 includes a barcode scanner 4
, An input terminal 5, and a connection line 6, and is an embodiment of information reading means which forms the core of the present invention. The connection line 6 is detachable from the input terminal 5. Note that the information reading unit 11 is not limited to the above configuration, and a barcode scanner may be formed integrally with the mobile phone 1, and a scanning window of the barcode scanner may be provided at one end of the mobile phone 1.

The information reading unit 11 transfers the read JAN code to the data transmitting unit 13 and the output unit 16 under the control of the CPU 17.

The button operation unit 12 includes a plurality of function buttons and numeric keys provided on the surface of the mobile phone 1, and a group of switches operated by operating these buttons and keys. The state of each of these switches is CP
It is constantly monitored by U17.

The data transmitting section 13 has a calling function, a packet creating function, and a packet sending function. When the user operates the button operation unit 12 to select an information service, the data transmission unit 13 is automatically controlled by the CPU 17.
Originates a call to the telephone number of the server 2. Thereby, the communication line 3 between the mobile phone 1 and the server 2 is formed as described above.

The data transmitting section 13 converts the JAN code transferred from the information reading section 11 into a packet and transmits the packet to the communication line 3 through an antenna.

The incoming call number detecting section 14 has a function of detecting the destination telephone number when there is an incoming call through the communication line 3. Upon detecting that the destination telephone number is that of the server 2, the destination number detector 14 transfers the incoming data to the data receiver 15 under the control of the CPU 17.

The data receiving section 15 transfers the incoming data transferred from the incoming call number detecting section 14 to the output section 16 under the control of the CPU 17.

The output section 16 has a display and a speaker. The data read by the information reading unit 11 is displayed on a display of the output unit 16. Also, the data receiving unit 1
5 is transferred to the output unit 16.
Is output as music by the speaker.

The CPU 17 has a general computer configuration such as a program memory, a data memory, a timer, and a program counter, stores an information search program in the program memory, and executes the information search program to execute the information search program. The operation of each of the units 11 to 16 until the music specified by the user using the information reading unit 11 is retrieved by the server 2 and can be heard by the mobile phone 1 is controlled as appropriate.

Next, the configuration of the server 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 2 includes a called number detecting unit 21, a data receiving unit 22, an information searching unit 23, a transmitting unit 24,
The control unit 25, the playback device 9, and the database 1
0. Playback device 9 and database 10
Others are included in the personal computer 8.

The incoming call number detecting section 21 detects an incoming call from the mobile phone 1 to the server 2 via the communication line 3 and sends an incoming call detection signal and the telephone number of the mobile phone 1 to the control section 25.
The control unit 25 stores this telephone number.

The data receiving unit 22 receives the incoming data from the incoming call number detecting unit 21 under the control of the control unit 25, extracts the JAN code from the packet, and transfers it to the information searching unit 23.

The information retrieval unit 23 retrieves information from the database 10 under the control of the control unit 25, and sends an information retrieval end signal to the control unit 25 when music data corresponding to the JAN code is detected. The control unit 25 receives the information search end signal from the information search unit 23, starts driving the playback device 9, and transfers search data from the database 10 to the playback device 9.

The music data reproduced by the reproducing device 9 is transferred to the transmitting section 24. The transmitting unit 24 sequentially forms the music data into packets and sends the packets to the communication line 3. The operation of each unit is controlled by a program stored in the control unit 25.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the information retrieval system using the portable telephone according to the present invention will be described.
This information retrieval system comprises a conventional (non-Internet compatible) mobile phone 31, a non-Internet compatible server 32, and a communication line 33 connecting between the mobile phone 31 and the server 32.
1 is an information search system that can receive a music service using the Internet.

The mobile phone 31 is a bar code scanner 34
Is provided as an information reading means in the same manner as in the case of the above-mentioned mobile phone 1, except that a JAN code read by a bar code scanner is converted into a conventional DTMF signal (tone signal).
Is different from the mobile phone 1 in that the data is converted and transmitted to the communication line 33.

The server 32 comprises a personal computer 35 and a reproducing device 36
And the music database 37, which is different from the server 2 in that the music data reproduced by the reproducing device 36 is transmitted to the communication line 33 as a DTMF signal.

In this information retrieval system, the user of the portable telephone 31 first calls the telephone number of the server 32, and then inputs the JAN code, which is the identification code of the music to be heard, to the portable telephone 31 by the bar code scanner 34. .

The portable telephone 31 converts the input JAN code into a DTMF signal, and transmits the DTMF signal to the server 32 via the wireless communication line 33. The personal computer 35 of the server 32 transmits the DT transmitted from the mobile phone 31.
The MF signal is converted into a JAN code, and the music database 37 is searched for information based on the JAN code.

The music data whose information has been retrieved based on the JAN code is reproduced by the reproducing device 36 and transmitted to the portable telephone 31 via the communication line 33 as a DTMF signal, and the user transmits the data through a speaker in the same manner as in a normal conversation. Can hear.

As described above, the information search system using the mobile phone according to the present invention has been described with respect to the two embodiments in the case of music data information search. However, the information search target is not limited to music data. Information, literature information,
It can be widely applied to entertainment information.

In each of the above embodiments, the information reading means of the portable telephone is a bar code scanner. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this. Although the barcode scanner is provided separately from the mobile phone, the barcode scanner may be formed integrally with the mobile phone.

[0056]

As described above, the retrieval system equipped with the mobile phone according to the present invention can easily and easily access information services using the mobile phone without complicated key operations. Desired information can be obtained immediately.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an information search system using a mobile phone according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile phone used in the system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server used in the system.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of another embodiment of the information search system using the mobile phone according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ··· Mobile phone, 2 ··· Server, 3 ···
Communication line, 3a ··· mobile phone communication company, 4 ··· barcode scanner, 5 ··· input terminal, 6 ··· connection line, 7 ··· internet, 8 ··· Personal computer, 9 playback device, 10 database
11 information reading units 11, 12 button operation unit, 13 data transmission unit, 14 ... incoming number detection unit, 15 data reception unit, 16 ... ..Output unit, 17 ... CPU, 18 ... Data reception unit
19 ··· Information retrieval unit, 20 ··· Transmission unit, 21 ·
... Receiving number detecting unit, 22 ... Data receiving unit, 2
3 ··· Information retrieval unit, 24 ··· Transmission unit, 25 ···
··· Control unit, 31 ··· Mobile phone, 32 ··· Server, 33 ··· Communication line, 34 ··· Barcode scanner, 35 ··· PC, 36 ··· Reproduction Equipment, 37 ... Database

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Keisuke Horie 3-9-29 Hosoda, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo Corp. Room 201 F-term (Reference) 5K015 AA00 AB00 AF00 GA00 GA07 5K027 AA11 BB02 CC01 CC08 FF01 FF25 MM00 5K036 AA07 BB01 FF00 JJ15 KK00

Claims (15)

[Claims] An information reading means for reading an information identification code, comprising a mobile phone, a server for providing information service, and a communication line for performing bidirectional communication between the mobile phone and the server. Transmitting means for automatically calling the server when the information identification code is read by the information reading means and transmitting the information identification code via the communication line; and receiving information from the server via the communication line. Receiving means, and output means for outputting received information, the server stores information and information identification code in a one-to-one correspondence, and an information identification code transmitted from the mobile phone. Receiving information via the communication means, information retrieval means for extracting information corresponding to the received information identification code from the information storage means, Information retrieval system using mobile phones, characterized in that it comprises a transmitting means for transmitting to said mobile telephone via the communication line. 2. The information identification code is a bar code,
2. The information retrieval system according to claim 1, wherein the information reading unit is a barcode scanner. 3. The information storage means according to claim 1, further comprising a database for storing music data.
An information retrieval system using the mobile phone described in 1. 4. The information retrieval system according to claim 1, wherein said information storage means includes a database for storing inventory management information or sales information of a product. 5. The information retrieval system according to claim 1, wherein said information storage means includes a database for storing entertainment information. 6. The information retrieval system according to claim 1, wherein said communication line is the Internet. 7. A portable telephone comprising information reading means for reading predetermined data. 8. The portable telephone according to claim 7, wherein said information reading means is formed integrally with said portable telephone. 9. The portable telephone according to claim 7, wherein said information reading means is formed separately from said portable telephone. 10. The portable telephone according to claim 9, wherein said information reading means is detachable. 11. The mobile phone according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitting means for automatically calling a predetermined telephone number when the data is read by said information reading means and transmitting said data to said telephone number. 11. The mobile phone according to 7 to 10. 12. The mobile phone according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving unit for receiving information transmitted from a calling party, and an output unit for outputting the received information or data read by the information reading unit. The mobile phone according to claim 7. 13. The portable telephone according to claim 7, wherein said information reading means is a bar code scanner, and the data to be read is bar code data. 14. The portable telephone according to claim 7, wherein said output means comprises an audio output device. 15. The portable telephone according to claim 7, wherein said output means includes a display.