JP2002124971A - Method for circulating information and system therefor and method for converting data and device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a service for efficiently and generally and bi-directionally circulating information between an information provider and an information receiver (user) and a system capable of flexibly facilitating countermeasures to a future new technology. SOLUTION: The circulation of a data set constituted of information to be transmitted and received for specifying one transmitter and one or more receivers, authentication information, schedule information, contents scenario information, and a contents data file through a repeater system is requested from a plurality of transmission side terminal equipment to a center device. As for a plurality of data sets registered and spooled in the center device, the center device temporally disperses the schedule to be circulated among one or more reception side terminal equipment, and physically disperses the circulation of a plurality of data sets among a plurality of repeater devices. Thus, it is possible to bi-directionally circulate contents data through a network among the plurality of terminal equipment whose kinds are different from each other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information distribution method and an information distribution system, and more particularly, to an information distribution method and an information distribution method for distributing content data in a bidirectional manner between a plurality of terminal devices of different types via a network. Related to the distribution system. Further, the present invention relates to a data conversion method and apparatus suitable for the information distribution method and information distribution system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the progress of information communication technology in recent years and the worldwide spread of the Internet, users such as texts, sounds, graphics (still images, moving images) and the like or a combination of these can be used by a user at a remote terminal. Acquisition is performed by a device via a network. In addition, the content and services of information contents provided by information providers have been diversified, and, for example, an information distribution service for distributing specific information to a specific large number of users in a timely manner has also been provided.

On the other hand, CTI (Computer Telephony Integration) is known as a technique for integrating a computer and a telephone. As an application example, a unified message in which various messages such as an electronic mail, a voice mail, and a facsimile are integrated on a CTI server is known. Especially in the latter case, the user refers to a message from multiple media via a so-called unified message server,
And send messages seamlessly between different media. For example, the transmitted e-mail message can be referred to from a terminal device of a different type of media such as a telephone, a mobile phone, and a facsimile other than the personal computer. As described above, according to the unified message, a seamless communication environment between terminal devices of different types of media designed and manufactured for specific media is realized.

On the other hand, personal computers, telephones,
A terminal device of a different kind of media such as a mobile phone or a facsimile is connected to a transmission control device via a public line network or the like and a relay device,
By operating the transmitting-side terminal device connected to the transmission control device, when the sender transmits information to the terminal device such as the personal computer, the sender controls the information transmission according to a predetermined procedure preset by the sender. There is a system (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 11-025599 proposed by the present inventor).
issue). In this system, a unified message server, a CTI server, or the like can be used as the relay device.

[0005] However, the conventional information distribution system has the following disadvantages. (1) An information distribution system has been constructed mainly for providing a one-way service in which an information provider distributes information to a specific number of users. Therefore, in order to realize a service that allows information providers to freely obtain responses from a large number of specific users, considerable difficulties such as a significant change of the system and rebuilding of the entire system are necessary. there were.

(2) Relay device (or relay server)
Is designed and manufactured separately for a specific terminal device connected thereto, so that it is necessary to prepare a special transmission control device in which hardware and communication procedures are set exclusively for the relay device. In addition, the system including the relay server and the transmission control device is designed and operated depending on a terminal device to which information is transmitted and a data format that can be handled by the terminal device. Accordingly, if it is necessary to add or change the model of the terminal device, the data format of the media to be handled, and the communication procedure, the entire system must be rebuilt and lacks expandability.

(3) There is a case where a request is made to the system from one user to simultaneously deliver information to a very large number of specific users at a specific time or immediately. Since there is a certain limit on the message delivery capacity that the system can process simultaneously, if an excessive delivery request is made, the system will process not only the user's information delivery but also other users' information delivery as requested. And the reliability of the real-time or time-specified information distribution characteristics to be provided by the system may be impaired. In addition, despite the fact that the traffic volume of a network such as a public line network, which is an information transmission path, and the number of available lines between the relay device and the receiving terminal device change every moment, a user-friendly specification is performed. Distribution requests may be concentrated in a specific time zone or at a specific time, and the system will not be able to process information distribution as requested, and similarly, the reliability of real-time or time-specified information distribution characteristics will be impaired. May be

(4) In order to use a unified message server as a relay device and deliver information to terminal devices of different types of media, conversion to a plurality of predetermined data formats that can be used between the media is performed. It is necessary to prepare many data conversion modules. However, when the data format used in the medium is large or when a new data format is added, a module for converting data between any two data formats must be prepared. They have to be changed and lack versatility.
Further, the whole system becomes expensive.

(5) In a conventional system, a charging service required for paid information distribution is uniformly managed by an operator of the system. For this reason, there has been a problem that it is not possible to flexibly cope with the needs of information senders who want to provide various information contents to users under arbitrary charging conditions.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems and provides a service for efficiently and versatilely distributing information between information providers and receivers (between users). It is an object of the present invention to provide a new information distribution method and a new information distribution system that realizes a system that can flexibly cope with new technologies in the future. Another object of the present invention is to provide a data conversion method and apparatus suitable for the information distribution method.

The more specific main objects of the information distribution method, the information distribution system, and the data conversion method and apparatus suitable for the information distribution method of the present invention are as follows. (1) In addition to providing a service that allows an information provider to distribute information to a specified number of users, bidirectional information distribution that allows the information provider to freely obtain responses from the specified number of users To provide services.

(2) It does not largely depend on a specific relay device (or relay server) separately designed and manufactured and a specific terminal device connected thereto, and a model of a future terminal device,
To provide an information distribution service that can flexibly respond to the addition or change of the data format of the media handled and the communication procedure.

(3) When a user requests a large amount of distribution processing at one time or a real-time or time-specified distribution processing, the information distribution without reducing the load on the system and losing its reliability. To provide services.

(4) The necessity of preparing a large number of data conversion modules for distributing information to terminal devices of different media is greatly reduced, and even when a new data format is added, it is possible to flexibly cope with the case. To provide highly versatile information distribution services.

(5) To provide an information distribution service that can flexibly meet the needs of information senders who want to provide various information contents to users under arbitrary charging conditions.

The other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.

[0017]

In order to achieve the above object, an information distribution method according to the present invention according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a method for transmitting content data between a plurality of terminal devices of different types via a network. An information distribution method for bidirectional distribution, wherein transmission / reception target information for identifying one sender and one or more recipients, authentication information, schedule information, content scenario information, and content Making a request for distributing a data set consisting of data files via a relay device from a plurality of transmission-side terminal devices to a center device; and a process of registering and spooling the plurality of data sets registered in the center device. A step of temporally distributing a schedule to be distributed to the one or more receiving terminal devices; The distribution of Tasetto, characterized in that it comprises a step of physically distributed among a plurality of relay devices.

[0018] Information sent from a certain transmitting terminal to a specific receiving terminal is transmitted through a network.
It's just a chunk of data. Therefore, in this invention, first, from the viewpoint of what is necessary for information to be distributed bidirectionally over a network,
As an object to be distributed, one of a transmission / reception target information for identifying one sender and one or a plurality of receivers, authentication information, schedule information, content scenario information, and a content data file is used. Defined two data sets. Secondly, when controlling the distribution of the predetermined data set by the center device, the schedule for distribution to the plurality of receiving terminal devices is temporally dispersed, and the distribution of the plurality of data sets is distributed to the plurality of relay devices. Physically distributed between them.
This provides a general-purpose and reliable interactive information distribution platform that does not largely depend on a specific relay device (or relay server) separately designed and manufactured and a specific terminal device connected thereto. be able to.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information distribution method comprising:
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of temporally distributing the distribution schedules of the plurality of data sets registered and spooled in the center apparatus includes the steps of: It is characterized by being executed based on.

Information to be distributed on the network includes information that needs to be transmitted to the other party immediately (for example, disaster information, emergency call, etc.) or information that needs to be transmitted to the other party at a predetermined time. On the other hand, information that only needs to be transmitted to the other party within a certain time zone or within a certain number of days in a day is actually included. According to the invention,
Based on the temporal priority set on the transmitting side, which is included in the data set, the center device preferentially registers information with a high temporal priority such as the former in the distribution schedule, and By allowing the information having relatively low temporal priority to delay the distribution schedule in time, the distribution schedule of the plurality of data sets registered and spooled in the center device can be dispersed in time. . As a result, it is possible to provide an information distribution service that reduces the load on the system and does not impair the reliability of the processing during the real-time or time-specified distribution processing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information distribution method comprising:
The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of registering the plurality of distributed data sets in the center device and spooling the data sets comprises:
The time priority to be distributed to the receiving terminal device set in advance on the transmission side, the number of available lines that fluctuates with the media type and time that can be distributed by each of the plurality of relay devices, and the transmission side preset in advance It is performed by controlling whether or not the data set can be registered, based on the number of receiving sides.

According to the present invention, when a large number of distribution processes are requested by the user at once, for example, when the number of reception sides set in advance on the transmission side is thousands or tens of thousands, such a request is made. In addition to simply rejecting registration as exceeding the processing limit of the system, it is possible to control registration availability in consideration of the time priority set by the sender and the current processing capacity of the relay device, and it A highly reliable information distribution service can be provided while maintaining a balance between the processing and the load of the entire system.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information distribution method comprising:
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of physically distributing the distribution of the plurality of data sets among a plurality of relay devices includes changing the media type and time that each of the plurality of relay devices can distribute by the relay device. It is executed by acquiring a predetermined number of data sets to be distributed to the receiving side from the center device according to the number of possible lines.

According to this invention, each of the plurality of relay devices voluntarily distributes the distribution by acquiring a predetermined number of data sets from the center device according to the distribution processing capability of the relay device. A so-called pull-type operation is performed. As a result, the load on the relay device can be automatically distributed as a result, so that the load on the system can be reduced and a highly reliable information distribution service can be provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information distribution method comprising:
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of physically distributing the distribution of the plurality of data sets among the plurality of relay apparatuses includes the step of notifying each center apparatus of the number of available lines at predetermined time intervals to the center apparatus. Requesting distribution of a number of data sets according to the number of available lines, and, if the center device has a data set to be distributed to the relay device, a number corresponding to the number of available lines. Or fewer data sets,
And a step in which the relay apparatus obtains the information in a substantially time-wise manner.

According to the present invention, the center apparatus is notified of the number of available lines each time at a predetermined time interval from each relay apparatus, so that the current load status of each relay apparatus can be grasped. When there is an available line number (generally a line that is not busy), the relay device requests the distribution of a number of data sets corresponding to the available line number, and at that time, the center device transmits the data set. If there is a data set to be distributed to the apparatus, the data set is acquired from the center apparatus in a timed manner at the same time, up to the number of available lines, so that the pull type of the invention of claim 3 can be obtained. Action can be taken.

[0027] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information distribution method comprising:
The data file according to claim 1, wherein the data file is set according to characteristics of the receiving terminal device set in advance on the transmitting side.
The method further includes performing a predetermined data conversion in the center device or the relay device.

According to the present invention, a predetermined data conversion is performed on the data file in the center device or the relay device during the data set distribution process. This allows
Seamless distribution of information between terminal devices of different media is guaranteed.

The information distribution method of the present invention according to claim 7 is
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of performing predetermined data conversion on the data file includes performing predetermined data conversion in accordance with content scenario information included in the data set.

[0030] The information distribution method of the present invention according to claim 8 comprises:
8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of performing predetermined data conversion on the data file includes the step of analyzing a media type and an individual data format type of the input data file, and a media type and an individual data format. A step of specifying a predetermined conversion route for converting to a target data type via one or a plurality of plain data formats according to the type; And converting the data into a target data file by controlling the conversion module.

According to the present invention, when performing a predetermined data conversion on a data file, the media type (for text, sound, graphic, etc.) and the individual data format type of the data file are analyzed, Then, a predetermined conversion route for conversion to a target data type via one or a plurality of plane data formats is specified. By controlling a plurality of necessary conversion modules according to the specified conversion route, it is possible to convert to a target data file. By doing so, conventionally, all conversion modules for bidirectional conversion between individual data formats had to be prepared. However, such a necessity is eliminated and a new individual data format is added. But one
By simply adding a bidirectional conversion module between one plain data format and the individual data format, data conversion between any two individual data formats is theoretically possible. Therefore, even if expansion of the data conversion function is required in the future, a versatile information distribution service capable of flexibly responding can be provided.

[0032] The information distribution method according to claim 9 is based on claim 8.
Wherein the step of identifying the predetermined conversion route comprises:
For the plane data format preset for each of the media types consisting of sound, text, and graphic layers, between the sound layer plane data format and the text layer plane data format, and A first data conversion unit for converting data between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer;
Conversion modules and plain data
A second conversion module group for data conversion between a format and an individual data format belonging to the layer is prepared in advance, and among the first conversion module group and the second conversion module group, It is characterized in that a plurality of conversion modules through which data must pass before conversion into a target data file is specified.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information distribution method according to the ninth aspect, wherein the plane data and
A conversion module for performing data conversion between a format and the plain data format of the text layer is a speech recognition module and a speech synthesis module, and the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer are converted. A conversion module for converting data between formats is a character image conversion module and an OCR module.

An information distribution method according to an eleventh aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the data set further includes charging policy information managed in the transmitting terminal device or the receiving terminal device.

According to the present invention, the transmitting side (information provider)
If it is desired, charging policy information can be specifically defined in a data set that is distributed bidirectionally on the network. As a result, it is possible to provide an information distribution service that can flexibly meet the needs of an information sender who wants to provide various information contents to a user under arbitrary charging conditions. Here, the charging policy refers to charging conditions such as charging when the receiving side uses data or charging based on the line connection time.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the information distribution method according to the first aspect, each of the plurality of relay devices is connected to a network such as a public line network, a dedicated line, a frame relay network, the Internet or an intranet. And an adapter device for controlling the server device, wherein the adapter device interprets a communication procedure generated by the center device and controls the server device.

According to the present invention, conventionally, the center device has to be individually designed to individually control the distribution corresponding to the server device (further, the terminal device), but the adapter device is provided. By absorbing the difference between a plurality of server devices, it is possible to eliminate the conventional complexity and construct a highly versatile system that does not depend on the difference between the server devices.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information distribution method according to the fourth aspect, the transmission-side terminal device or the reception-side terminal device is a personal computer, a facsimile, a telephone, a mobile phone, or a mobile terminal. Unified message device, voice response machine, UnP
BX device, Web server or mail server device.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, a unique ID generated by the center device is assigned to each data set to be distributed from the transmitting terminal device to the center device. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, a unique ID generated by the center device is assigned to each data set, so that the data set is distributed on the network (including the spooled state in the center device). Data set identification and distribution management can be performed reliably.

According to a fifteenth aspect, in the information distribution method according to the first aspect, after the data file included in the data set is registered in the center device and spooled, the data file is distributed with a delay from the distribution of the remaining data sets. It is characterized by that.

If the data file of the data set is audio, video, or the like, the data size tends to be relatively large. If such a large data set is constantly distributed, traffic on the network will increase. It may be heavy and the distribution speed may be slow. According to the present invention, only data files are independently handled,
A data set without a data file is distributed in advance from the center device to the relay device, and when the timing for distributing the data file from the relay device to the receiving side approaches, the data file is transferred to the relay device in time. It can be distributed from the device to the relay device with a delay. As a result, the load on the system can be reduced, and traffic on the network can be effectively used, such as by delaying the distribution of data files using a time zone with a small amount of data.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information distribution method according to the first aspect, regarding the first data set registered and spooled in the center device, the distribution of the first data set is canceled or the content is changed. And registering a second data set for performing the registration in the center device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to delete and change the spooled data set once registered in the center device. However, it is needless to say that the deletion or the change is the same as that of the transmission side which has previously requested the distribution of the data set, and that the distribution schedule is in time for the distribution set of the data set.

In the information distribution method according to a seventeenth aspect, in the first aspect, the transmission / reception target information or the content scenario information included in the data set includes position information of a transmission side terminal device or a reception side terminal device, The method further comprising, when the data set bidirectionally circulates between a plurality of terminal devices, adding another information associated with the location information to the data set in at least one terminal device or a center device. Features.

According to the present invention, the position information of the transmitting terminal device or the receiving terminal device is included in the data set and distributed, for example, in the receiving terminal device, other information associated with the position information, for example, map data Is added to the data set as a new data file and sent back to the transmitting terminal device, thereby providing a high value-added information distribution service using location information.

Next, the above-mentioned object is also achieved by the following information distribution system.

[0048] The information distribution system according to claim 18 is an information distribution system for bidirectionally distributing content data between a plurality of terminal devices of different types via a network, wherein one sender and one Alternatively, a data set including transmission / reception target information for identifying a plurality of recipients, authentication information, schedule information, content scenario information, and a content data file is transferred to a specific one or more A plurality of transmitting-side terminal devices for requesting the center device via a relay device to distribute the data to the terminal device, and registering the data set based on requests from the plurality of transmitting-side terminal devices. , Spool and distribute the distribution schedule of the data set registered in the center device and spooled over time. And the center device for physically distributing the distribution of a plurality of data sets among a plurality of relay devices, and the distribution schedule is temporally distributed and physically distributed among the plurality of relay devices. One or a plurality of receiving-side terminal devices for receiving at least a data file of the content from the set data set via the relay device.

The information distribution system according to claim 19 is the information distribution system according to claim 18, wherein the center device is registered and spooled based on a temporal priority set to be distributed to the receiving terminal device set in advance on the transmitting side. The distribution schedule of the plurality of data sets is temporally dispersed.

In the information distribution system according to a twentieth aspect, in the eighteenth aspect, the center device sets a temporal priority to be distributed to a receiving terminal device set in advance on a transmitting side, and each of the plurality of relay devices The number of available lines that fluctuates with the media type and time that can be distributed according to
The distribution schedule of the plurality of data sets is temporally dispersed by controlling whether registration of the plurality of data sets to be distributed is performed based on the number of reception sides set in advance on the transmission side. .

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the information distribution system according to the eighteenth aspect, each of the plurality of relay devices is configured such that each of the plurality of relay devices has a receiving side in accordance with the type of media that can be distributed by the relay device and the number of available lines that fluctuates with time. The distribution of the plurality of data sets is physically distributed among the plurality of relay devices by acquiring a predetermined number of data sets to be distributed to the plurality of relay devices.

In the information distribution system according to claim 22, in claim 18, each relay device notifies the center device of the number of available lines each time at a predetermined time interval, and responds to the number of available lines. Requesting the distribution of a number of data sets, and when the center device has a data set to be distributed to the relay device, the number of data sets corresponding to the number of available lines or a lesser number is set to The distribution of the plurality of data sets is physically distributed among the plurality of relay devices by the relay devices acquiring the data sets substantially collectively.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the information distribution system according to any one of the eighteenth to twenty-second aspects, the center device or the relay device determines a predetermined value for the data file in accordance with characteristics of the receiving terminal device set in advance on the transmitting side. Data conversion means for performing the data conversion described above.

The information distribution system according to a twenty-fourth aspect is characterized in that, in the twenty-third aspect, the data conversion means performs predetermined data conversion in accordance with content scenario information included in the data set.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information distribution system according to the twenty-third aspect or the twenty-fourth aspect, the data converting means analyzes the media type of the input data file and the individual data format type; Depending on the type and individual data format type,
For converting to a target data type via one or more plain data format data formats,
It is characterized by comprising a conversion route specifying means for specifying a predetermined conversion route, and a control means for controlling a plurality of necessary conversion modules so as to convert to a target data file according to the specified conversion route.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information distribution system according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the plurality of conversion modules relate to a plain data format preset for each media type including sound, text, and graphic layers. Data conversion between the plain data format of the sound layer and the plain data format of the text layer, and between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer. Conversion module group for converting data between the plain data format of each layer and the individual data format belonging to the layer. Wherein the conversion route specifying means specifies, from the first conversion module group and the second conversion module group, a plurality of conversion modules through which data must pass before conversion to a target data file. And

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information distribution system according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the first conversion module group exchanges data between the plane data format of the sound layer and the plain data format of the text layer. A character image conversion module and an OCR for converting data between a plain data format of the text layer and a plain data format of the graphic layer.
It is a module.

In an information distribution system according to a twenty-eighth aspect, in the eighteenth aspect, the data set further includes charging policy information managed in the transmitting terminal device or the receiving terminal device.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the information distribution system according to the eighteenth aspect, each of the plurality of relay devices is connected to a network such as a public line network, a dedicated line, a frame relay network, the Internet or an intranet. And an adapter device for controlling the server device, wherein the adapter device interprets a communication procedure generated by the center device and controls the server device.

The information distribution system according to claim 30 is the information distribution system according to claim 21, wherein the transmitting terminal device or the receiving terminal device is a personal computer, a facsimile, a telephone,
A mobile phone or a mobile terminal, wherein the server device is a unified message device, an automatic voice response device, an UnPBX device, a Web server, or a mail server device.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the information distribution system according to the eighteenth aspect, each data set to be distributed from the transmitting terminal device to the center device is assigned a unique ID generated by the center device. It is characterized by.

[0062] In the information distribution system according to claim 32, in claim 18, after the data file included in the data set is registered in the center device and spooled, the data file is distributed with a delay from the distribution of the remaining data set. It is characterized by that.

According to a thirty-third aspect, in the information distribution system according to the eighteenth aspect, regarding the first data set registered in the center device and spooled, the distribution of the first data set is canceled or the content is changed. A second data set for performing the registration is registered in the center device from the transmitting terminal device.

[0064] In the information distribution system according to claim 34, in claim 18, the transmission / reception target information or the content scenario information included in the data set includes position information of a transmission-side terminal device or a reception-side terminal device,
When the data set circulates bidirectionally between a plurality of terminal devices, another information associated with the position information is added to the data set in at least one terminal device or center device.

Next, it is possible to greatly reduce the necessity of preparing a large number of data conversion modules for distributing information to terminal devices of different media, and to flexibly cope with a case where a new data format is added. A data conversion method and a data conversion device which are main parts of the above-described information distribution method and information distribution system to provide a highly versatile information distribution service are as follows.

The data conversion method according to claim 35 is a step of analyzing a media type and an individual data format type of an input data file, and one or more data types according to the media type and the individual data format type. A step of specifying a predetermined conversion route for converting to a target data type via a data format of a plain data format; and controlling a plurality of necessary conversion modules in accordance with the specified conversion route, Converting to a data file.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the data conversion method according to the thirty-fifth aspect, the step of specifying the predetermined conversion route includes a plane set in advance for each media type including sound, text, and graphic layers. Regarding the data format, between the plain data format of the sound layer and the plain data format of the text layer, and between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer A first conversion module group for performing data conversion, and a second conversion module for performing data conversion between a plane data format of each layer and an individual data format belonging to the layer. Is prepared and the group in advance, from among the first conversion module group and the second conversion module group,
It is characterized in that a plurality of conversion modules through which data must pass before conversion into a target data file is specified.

A data conversion method according to a thirty-seventh aspect is characterized in that, in the thirty-sixth aspect, the conversion module for performing data conversion between the sound layer plain data format and the text layer plain data format comprises a voice. A conversion module for performing data conversion between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer;
It is a module.

Next, the data conversion apparatus according to claim 38, comprises: an analyzing means for analyzing the media type and the individual data format type of the input data file;
Conversion route specifying means for specifying a predetermined conversion route for converting to a target data type via one or a plurality of plain data format data formats, and converting to a target data file according to the specified conversion route Control means for controlling a plurality of necessary conversion modules.

The data conversion device according to claim 39 is the data conversion device according to claim 38, wherein the plurality of conversion modules are related to a plane data format preset for each of media types composed of sound, text, and graphic layers. Data conversion between the plain data format of the sound layer and the plain data format of the text layer, and between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer. Conversion module group for converting data between the plain data format of each layer and the individual data format belonging to the layer. The conversion route specifying means specifies a plurality of conversion modules through which data must pass before converting to a target data file from the first conversion module group and the second conversion module group. I do.

A data conversion device according to claim 40 is the data conversion device according to claim 39, wherein the first conversion module group performs data exchange between the plane data format of the sound layer and the plane data format of the text layer. A speech recognition module and a speech synthesis module for conversion, and a character image conversion module and an OCR module for data conversion between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer. It is characterized by the following.

[0072]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the information distribution method, information distribution system, data conversion method and data conversion device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows information according to an embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows the overall configuration of a distribution system. The information distribution system
A plurality of different types that are distributed in remote areas
Terminal device 1A₁... 1A_n, 1B₁... 1B_m, 1C₁... 1
C_k, Relay devices 2A, 2B, 2C and center device 4
Is provided. Among the plurality of terminal devices, the terminal device 1A ₁
... 1A_nAre relay devices via the network 5A.
2A. Similarly, the terminal device 1B₁…
1B_mAre connected to the relay device 2 via the network 5B.
B, while the terminal device 1C₁... 1C_kEach of
Is connected to the relay device 2C via the network 5C.
ing. Each of the relay devices 2A, 2B, 2C
Bar device 21A, 21B, 21C and adapter device 2
2A, 22B and 22C are provided. And the relay device
2A, 2B and 2C are connected to the center device 4.
You.

FIG. 2 shows the information distribution system shown in FIG.
2 shows a more detailed block configuration. As shown, terminal device
1A₁... 1A_n, 1B₁... 1B_m, 1C₁... 1C_kIs
Personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as "PC")
Facsimile, telephone, mobile phone (including PHS)
Or a terminal device such as a portable terminal (PDA), which will be described later.
At least the content data of a given data set
Data files via the relay devices 2A, 2B, and 2C.
A receiving terminal device for receiving from the center device 4
Function. In addition, these terminal devices 1A₁... 1A_n, 1
B₁... 1B_m, 1C ₁... 1C_kIs that the system
If it operates properly under the required operating environment,
A given data set to one or more specific receiving terminals
Relay devices 2A, 2B, 2
A transmitting end for requesting the center device 4 via C
Device (hereinafter, such a terminal is referred to as a "remote terminal").
Function). That is, appropriate
In a simple system configuration, the terminal device is a receiving terminal device.
Can also function as a sending terminal device.
Wear.

The relay device 2A includes a server device 21A such as a CTI having a unified message function and an adapter device 2 for controlling the server device 21A.
2A. The adapter device 22A interprets a predetermined communication procedure generated by the center device 4, and controls the server device 21A. The other relay devices 2B and 2C connected to the center device 4 are configured similarly to the relay device 2A, and include server devices 21B and 21C and adapter devices 22B and 22C, respectively.

Here, the adapter devices 22A, 22B,
Each of the communication devices 22C is for individually controlling each of the server devices 21A, 21B, 21C connected to the adapter device according to the characteristics of the server device. This control is performed by interpreting the procedure. That is, each of the adapter devices 22A, 22B, and 22C mediates communication between each of the different types of server devices 21A, 21B, and 21C whose communication procedures and various commands may be different from each other, and the server device. By providing an adapter device to absorb the differences between the server devices, it is possible to construct a highly versatile system that does not depend on the differences between the server devices.

As shown in FIG. 2, the center device 4
It has a data distribution control device 41, a storage device 42, and a data conversion device 43.

The data distribution control device 41
1, a data spool 52 for temporarily spooling data received at the time of accepting registration, and a distribution control unit 5
3 and an access log database 54 for storing a distribution status list to be described later. On the other hand, the storage device 42
Is a user master that stores information about users, such as authentication data consisting of user IDs and passwords.
The system includes a database 61, a data set spool 62 for storing a data set to be distributed according to a predetermined distribution schedule, and a distribution data log database 63 for storing a distribution status list described later.

FIG. 3 conceptually shows the structure of a data set to be distributed in the information distribution system of the present invention. The data set includes transmission / reception target information for identifying one sender and one or more recipients, authentication information, schedule information, content scenario information, and a content data file. As shown in the figure, one data set includes the transmission / reception target information, the authentication information, and the like in one data tray to which a unique JobID is assigned.
It is distributed on the network with the schedule information, the content scenario information, and the content data file.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the individual information included in one data set. The transmission / reception target information includes, for example, a telephone number, a FAX number, an e-mail address, or the like as information on the sender, and includes the same information as information on a plurality of configurable recipients. The authentication information includes a user ID and a password necessary for accessing the information distribution system. The schedule information includes a distribution time and a priority described later. The content scenario information includes detailed data conversion information (eg, media type, data format type, etc.). The charging policy information includes information on a charging policy managed in the transmitting terminal device or the receiving terminal device. Further, the content data file includes any one of text, voice, and image, or data obtained by combining these.

Next, an example of the operation of the information distribution system shown in FIG. 2 will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. In the following description, market information is circulated from one sending terminal device to a plurality of receiving terminal devices, and one receiving terminal device among the plurality of receiving terminal devices that received the information is further described. An example will be described in which information including response data to the market information is distributed to the transmitting-side terminal device and the data is acquired in the transmitting-side terminal device. Also, in FIG.
The remote terminal apparatus 1A ₁ consisting of C and the sending terminal apparatus assumes terminal 1C ₁ consisting phone and the receiving terminal apparatus.

First, the information provider operates the remote terminal 1
By operating the A _1, to generate a data set including a predetermined information (step S101). Remote terminal 1A
_The remote terminal device 1A includes an application that supports the information provider in generating a data set.
By operating input means, such as a keyboard and a mouse, provided in the device ₁ and inputting the individual information already described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 into a predetermined input field included in a predetermined template displayed on a display (not shown). Alternatively, a predetermined data file prepared in advance by an information provider can be inserted or attached.

In this example, the information provider designates and inputs the telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, e-mail addresses, and the like of a plurality of recipients (destinations) who receive market information in the column of information to be transmitted and received. . Also, the user's own user ID and password are entered in the authentication information fields. In the column of schedule information, enter the distribution time when the time is designated, and enter no time designation when the time is not designated, and specify either "high" or "low" as the priority of information distribution.
In the column of the content scenario information, the media type (PC, telephone, FA) of the terminal device of the information receiver (destination) is shown.
X), data conversion detailed information such as a media type and an individual data format is input. In the charging policy information field, input charging policy information that specifically defines charging conditions such as charging when the information provider uses the data, or charging by the line connection time if desired by the information provider. . Data file content, text or audio data file information provider describes the description and question regarding market information created in advance, by operating the remote terminal apparatus 1A _1, appended to the data set. In the column of the content scenario information, a procedure as to how data included in the data file of the content is read from the server device and transmitted to the receiving terminal device, Describe the processing to be added to the data file, such as the procedure for acquiring response data.

[0084] The information provider operates the remote terminal apparatus 1A _1, the registration of the data set to be circulated through the repeater 2A, requests the center apparatus 4 (step S
102). In the center device 4, the registration receiving unit 51
Refers to the user master database 61 and authenticates whether the user is a legitimate user based on the authentication information included in the data set. After the completion of the authentication, the data set is temporarily stored in the data spool 52, and the registration permission control of the data set and the temporal distribution of the distribution schedule are executed as follows (steps S103 and S10).
4).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the registration permission / inhibition control and the temporal distribution of the distribution schedule. First, the registration receiving unit 51 acquires the number of recipients (the number of distribution destinations) and the priority (step S201). These pieces of information are included in the transmission / reception target information and the schedule information of the data set when the information provider requests registration.

Next, referring to the distribution status list stored in the access log 54, a plurality of relay devices 2A, 2B,
The type of media that can be distributed and the number of available lines that fluctuate with time are obtained by each of the 2Cs, and the distribution capacity is calculated (step S202).

FIG. 9 shows an example of the distribution status list. This list includes, for each relay device, the number of owned lines (MAX), the number of currently used lines and the number of calls that can be received,
The number of FAX outputs and the like are recorded, and such information is sequentially updated according to the operation status of the relay device (essentially, the server device). For this purpose, each relay device 2
Each of A, 2B, and 2C notifies the center device 4 of the current number of available lines at predetermined time intervals (for example, at one-second intervals). Distribution control unit 5 provided in center device 4
No. 3 updates the above-mentioned distribution status list based on this information, and stores the latest list of the number of available lines that fluctuates with time in the access log database 54.

Returning to FIG. 7, by referring to the distribution reservation status list stored in the distribution data log database 63 in the storage device 42, the load expected at the distribution time requested by the information provider is calculated. (Step S20)
3).

FIG. 8 shows an example of the distribution reservation status list. This list contains the data set spool 62
Corresponds to a schedule (distribution schedule) for distributing the data set stored in the. In this example, the number of distribution reservations classified by date and time (the number of data sets to be distributed at that date and time, especially when distributing the same information to a plurality of different
Corresponds to the number of the other party. ). In addition,
Although not shown, the distribution reservation status list includes not only the number of reservations but also information on the temporal priority of distribution set by the information provider for each subject.

Returning to FIG. 7, the registration receiving unit 51 determines whether the distribution capability calculated in step S202 is equal to the distribution capability calculated in step S202.
A predetermined time zone (within a predetermined time) at the distribution time requested by the information provider based on the load calculated in 203
Is determined (step S204). The allowable number of distributions corresponds to the number of data sets in which the information distribution system can perform the distribution processing stably.

Next, the number of recipients (number of distribution destinations) requested by the information provider is compared with the allowable number of distributions (step S205). If the number of distribution destinations does not exceed the allowable distribution number, the data set is immediately registered (step S20).
6). That is, a data set temporarily stored in the data spool 52 is read out, spooled as a reserved data set in the data set spool 62, and
The distribution time and the priority are recorded in the distribution reservation status list stored in the distribution data log (step S10 in FIG. 5).
4).

On the other hand, if the number of distribution destinations exceeds the allowable distribution number, the priority set by the information provider is checked in the schedule information of the data set (step S20).
7). When the priority is “high”, the distribution reservation status list is referred to, and it is checked whether there is a schedule with a priority “low” (movable) that can delay the distribution time among the registered schedules (step). S208). If there are such registered schedules, they are moved temporally (step S209), and the schedule required for the vacant schedule is newly registered (step S210). It should be noted that the time limit in the case of permitting the movement of the schedule can be appropriately set according to the type of distribution service to be provided, the fee system, and the like.

In step S207, the priority is “low”
Or in step S208, if there is no schedule with a low priority (movable) among the registered schedules whose distribution time can be delayed (movable), the registration is rejected (step S211), and the information provider is rejected. thereof notices of the remote terminal apparatus (transmission side terminal apparatus) 1A ₁ (step S212).

Referring again to FIG. 5, as described above,
The registration permission / inhibition control in step S103 and the temporal distribution processing of the distribution schedule are performed. If a registration request can be made from the information provider, the data set is spooled on the data set spool 62 to register and spool the data set. Complete (step S105).

Next, it is checked whether or not it is necessary to convert the data file of the content included in the data set into another data format type (step S106). This is because, when there are a plurality of media types of the receiving terminal device and a plurality of data format types that the terminal device can handle, it is necessary to perform data conversion before distribution to the terminal device. If data conversion is necessary, the data file is read from the data set spool 62 and input to the data conversion device 43, where data conversion is performed by a data conversion method described later (step S107). Then, the data conversion device 43
Outputs the converted data file to the dataset spool 62, and spools the data to the dataset spool (step S108). The data conversion process in the center device 4 is optional, and may be performed separately in the server device of the relay device as described later.

Next, the distribution of a plurality of data sets registered and spooled in the center apparatus 4 is physically distributed among the plurality of relay apparatuses (step S109).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the processing for physically distributing the data between the relay apparatuses. As already described, each relay device 2A, 2B, 2C
Notifies the center device 4 of the current number of available lines at predetermined time intervals (for example, at one second intervals) (step S301). The distribution control unit 53 included in the center device 4 updates the distribution status list based on this information, and stores the latest list of the number of available lines that fluctuates with time in the access log database 54. .

Each of the relay devices 2A, 2B, and 2C checks at predetermined time intervals whether or not there is an available line (that is, an empty line) (step S302). This check is performed by notifying the number of available lines (step S30).
It is preferable to perform the synchronization in synchronization with 1), but it may be asynchronous. In any case, if there is an available line (vacant line), the relay device requests the center device 4 to distribute a number of data sets according to the number of available lines (step S303). The center device 4 that has received this request checks whether it has a data set to be distributed to the relay device that made the request (step S304). This check is performed by the distribution control unit 53 by referring to the distribution reservation status list stored in the distribution data log database 63. If the center device 4 does not have a data set to be distributed to the relay device that has made the request, the center device 4 replies to that relay device (step S305). On the other hand, when the center device 4 has a data set to be distributed to the relay device that has made the request, the relay device immediately sets the number of data sets corresponding to its own available line number or less. Is read from the data set spool 62 of the center device 4 and acquired (step S306). In this way, the distribution of the plurality of data sets registered and spooled in the center device 4 is physically distributed among the plurality of relay devices, but the distribution is performed to the relay devices 2A, 2B, and 2C necessary for the purpose. Communication between each of the provided server devices 21A, 21B, 21C and the flow control unit 53 provided in the data flow control device 41 of the center device 4 is performed by the adapter devices 22A, 2A.
2B and 22C. Also, the server device 21
Each of A, 21B, and 21C has a storage device (not shown), and spools the data set acquired as described above in this storage device.

Here, when the data set is distributed from the center device to the relay device, it is not always necessary to distribute all the data (see FIGS. 3 and 4) included in the data set at the same time. The data file may be distributed with a delay from the distribution of the remaining data sets. This is because, in the latter case, the load on the system can be reduced, and traffic on the network can be effectively used, such as by delaying the distribution of data files using a time zone with a small amount of data.

Referring again to FIG. 5, after the process of physically distributing the distribution of the plurality of data sets among the plurality of relay devices in step S109, the data conversion is performed in relay devices 2A, 2B, and 2C. It is checked whether it is necessary (step S110). If necessary, the data file is subjected to predetermined data conversion described later (step S111), and the storage devices (not shown) provided in the server devices 21A, 21B, 21C provided in the relay devices 2A, 2B, 2C, respectively. Then, the data is spooled (step S112). It should be noted that the data conversion processing here can be omitted when the same processing has already been performed in the center device 4.

Next, the relay devices 2A, 2B, and 2C transmit the telephone number of the other party (reception terminal device) included in the transmission / reception target information of the data set acquired from the center device 4,
With reference to the FAX number, the e-mail address, and the like, a line connecting the receiving-side terminal device is established, and data is provided (step S113). Then, the receiving-side terminal device receives the data (step S114).

Through the above steps, the distribution of information from the information provider (transmitting terminal device) to the other party (receiving terminal device) is completed. In the present invention, the information distribution from the other party to the information provider is further completed. Can be distributed. As a specific example, as described above,
A case will be described in which information including response data to market information is distributed from one receiving terminal device to a transmitting terminal device, and the data is acquired by the transmitting terminal device. Here, listen to audio data in the relay apparatus 2C connected to the telephone (receiving terminal apparatus) 1C ₁ shown in FIG. 2, distribution data set including the response data to the transmission-side terminal (remote terminal device) 1A ₁ Let's take an example.

First, the server device 21C (see FIG. 1) provided in the relay device 2C has an automatic voice response device (not shown), and the storage device (not shown) provided in the server device 21C It is assumed that an explanation data and an audio data file concerning a question sentence created in advance by the information provider are spooled.

[0104] Server device 21C, first reading the description relating to market information, communicated to the recipients speech by telephone 1C _1. Subsequently, the user reads the question message and prompts the receiver to input response data to the question message. An automatic voice response device (not shown) of the server device 21C controls reproduction of the question text and acquisition of response data input by the telephone. The input of the response data is performed, for example, by operating a button on the telephone (step S115). In response to the input of the response data, the data file of the data set spooled in the storage device (not shown) of the server device 21C is updated (step S116). When all the explanations and the question sentence included in the data file are read out and the input of the response data by the receiver is completed, the server 2
1C disconnects the line connecting the phone 1C ₁ (step S117). Next, the updated data set is distributed from the relay device 2C to the center device 4 (Step S
118). Center apparatus 4, the data set that is distributed from the relay device 2C, circulating in via the relay device 2A information provider (remote terminal device) 1A ₁ addressed (step S119). Information provider (remote terminal device) 1A
_{In step 1} , the response data input by the other party is received (step S120).

As described above, the information provider can distribute the market information to a specified number of counterparts and obtain response data from the specified number of counterparts. Therefore, the information provider can utilize the information distribution system of the present invention. Market research can be conducted.

Next, a specific example of a data conversion method and a data conversion apparatus employed in the information distribution system will be described. As described above, this data conversion may be performed by any of the center device 4 and the relay devices 2A, 2B, and 2C.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the data conversion method, and FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a data conversion device for implementing the data conversion method.

Referring to FIG. 12, data conversion device 43
Goes through analysis means 71 for analyzing the media type and the individual data format type of the input data file, and via one or more plain data format data formats according to the media type and the individual data format type Conversion route specifying means 7 for specifying a predetermined conversion route for converting to a target data type
2, a control unit 73 for controlling a plurality of necessary conversion modules so as to convert to a target data file according to the specified conversion route, and a conversion module unit 74 including two types of conversion modules described below. Consists of

The conversion module section 74 relates to a plane data format set in advance for each media type composed of sound, text, and graphic layers, and relates to the plane data format of the sound layer and the plain data format of the text layer. A first conversion module group 75 for performing data conversion between formats and between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer, respectively, and plain data of each layer A second conversion module group 76 for converting data between the format and an individual data format belonging to the layer; Then, the conversion route specifying means 72 specifies a plurality of conversion modules through which data must pass before converting to a target data file from the first conversion module group 75 and the second conversion module group 76. .

Referring to FIG. 11, in the data conversion method of the present invention, the media type of a data file is classified into three types: a sound layer, a text layer, and a graphic layer. For each media type,
At least one plane data format is set in advance. Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the plane data format of each layer is S, T,
G is defined.

According to the data conversion method of the present invention, the first conversion module group includes the sound layer plain data
A speech recognition module and a speech synthesis module for converting data between the format and the plain data format of the text layer, and data between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer. Character image conversion module for conversion and OC
It consists of an R module. Each of these first conversion module groups is indicated by a thick arrow in FIG.

On the other hand, the second conversion module group includes a plurality of conversion module groups for individually converting data between the plain data format and the individual data format. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the plane data format S of the sound layer and the individual data format WAV related to the sound file.
E, RealAudio, MP3, TVQ (TwinV
A conversion module for individually performing data conversion between Q and the like is prepared in advance. Similarly, the plain data format T of the text layer and the individual data formats WORD, HT related to the text file
A conversion module for individually converting data between ML, SGML, XML, RTF, etc., a plane data format G of a graphic layer, and an individual data format BM for a graphic file
A conversion module for individually converting data between P, GIF, TIFF, JPEG and the like is prepared in advance. Each of these second conversion modules is illustrated by a thin arrow in FIG.

As is apparent from FIG. 11, the data conversion method of the present invention does not require a conversion module for converting data between individual data formats belonging to different layers (media types). In addition,
In order to perform data conversion between individual data formats belonging to the same layer, a bypass conversion module group for performing data conversion between specific individual data formats besides the plain data format is illustrated. May be provided as follows. As a result, it is possible to improve the quality degradation that can occur with the conversion via the plane data format, and to increase the conversion speed.

Next, the operation of the data converter according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Here, an example of the operation of the data conversion device 43 provided in the center device 4 in FIG. 2 will be described.

First, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the data set spool 62 spools a plurality of data sets to be distributed by the center device 4 according to a predetermined distribution schedule. Check whether it is necessary to convert the data file into a predetermined individual data format.
This check can be executed by the analysis unit 71 checking information included in the content scenario information of each data set. When data conversion is necessary, the data is read from the data set spool 62 and the information of the media type and the data format type is analyzed by the analyzing unit 71.
To the data conversion device 4
3 to the conversion module unit 74.

The analyzing means 71 specifies the plane data format and the individual data format required for the data conversion from the input media type and data format type, and outputs the information to the conversion route specifying means 72.

The conversion route specifying means 72 specifies a predetermined conversion route for converting to a target data type via one or a plurality of plane data formats and outputs it to the control means 73. For example, it is assumed that the individual data format of the data file attached to or inserted into the data set in the transmitting terminal device is WORD. Then, this data file is stored in TIF
When receiving data in the F format by a receiving-side terminal device (FAX) that can receive F format data, a conversion route of WORD → plane data format T → plane data format G → TIFF is specified. In this way, the conversion route specifying unit 72 specifies a conversion route through which data must pass before conversion into a target data file, and outputs the conversion route to the control unit 73. The control unit 73 controls the first conversion module group 75 and the second conversion module group 76 in the conversion module unit 74 based on the conversion route information, and causes the conversion of the data file. In the above example, one module for converting the WORD to the plain data format T, a character image conversion module for converting the plain data format T to the plain data format G, and a conversion from the plain data format G to the TIFF. One module is selectively and chronologically operated, and is controlled so as to convert to a target data format.

Thus, the data file converted into the target data format is converted into the conversion module 74.
Output from Further, the conversion history is output from the control unit 73, and the conversion history information is added to the content scenario information of the data set.

As is apparent from the above description, according to the data conversion method and data conversion apparatus of the present invention, when performing predetermined data conversion on a data file, the media type (text, voice, Analyze the data format type) and individual data format types, and specify a predetermined conversion route for converting to the target data type via one or more plane data format data formats accordingly. In addition, since a plurality of necessary conversion modules are controlled in accordance with the specified conversion route, it is necessary to prepare all conversion modules for bidirectional conversion between individual data formats in the past. And one new individual data format is added, even if one And only adds bidirectional conversion module between its individual data format, the data can be converted between theory any two individual data format. Therefore, even if expansion of the data conversion function is required in the future, a versatile information distribution service capable of flexibly responding can be provided.

[0120] The information distribution method and information distribution system of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various additions and changes are possible. For example,
The distribution of the first data set is canceled or the content is changed so that the first data set once registered and spooled in the center device 4 by operating the transmission side terminal device can be subsequently deleted and changed. The method may further include a step of registering a second data set to be performed in the center device 4. However, it is needless to say that the deletion or the change is the same as that of the transmission side which has previously requested the distribution of the data set, and that the distribution schedule is in time for the distribution set of the data set.

Further, the transmission / reception target information or the content scenario information included in the data set includes the position information of the transmitting terminal device or the receiving terminal device, and the data set is distributed bidirectionally among a plurality of terminal devices. In doing so, the method may further include adding another information associated with the location information to the data set in at least one terminal device or the center device. By doing so, the position information of the transmitting terminal device or the receiving terminal device is included in the data set and distributed, and for example, in the receiving terminal device, another information associated with the position information, such as map data, is newly added. It is possible to provide a high value-added information distribution service using location information, such as adding a data file to a data set and sending it back to the transmitting terminal device.

The system configuration diagram of the information distribution system of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is merely an example, and may include a larger number of relay devices and a plurality of terminal devices connected to the relay devices. Of course it is good. Also, due to the system configuration, the number of center devices is not limited to one,
A large-scale distribution system in which a plurality of center devices are dispersedly arranged and the center devices are interconnected may be constructed. Further, the server device included in the relay device may be a CTI server having a predetermined unified message function, a unified message device, an automatic voice response device, an UnPBX device, a Web server, or a mail server device. Good.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which market information is interactively distributed between an information provider and a counterpart. However, the information distribution method and system of the present invention may be applied to, for example, a staffing company (information provision ) To the registrant (the other party) to obtain the answer, request a survey of the questionnaire and get the answer, provide information on futures and securities transactions and get the answer,
When providing account debit information and obtaining an answer, when providing medical treatment appointment information at a medical institution and obtaining the answer, when providing event ticket reservation information and obtaining the answer, It can be used for various interactive information distribution, such as when providing and obtaining the answer.

Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

[0125]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A service that efficiently and versatilely distributes information between information providers and receivers (between users) can be realized, and a system that can flexibly cope with future new technologies can be realized. More specifically, it has the following useful effects.

(1) In addition to providing a service for distributing information to a specified number of users, an information provider can freely obtain a response from a specified number of users. Information distribution service can be provided.

(2) It does not largely depend on a specific relay device (or relay server) separately designed and manufactured and a specific terminal device connected thereto, and a model of a future terminal device,
It is possible to provide an information distribution service that can flexibly cope with additions and changes to the data format of the media handled and the communication procedure.

(3) When a user requests a large amount of distribution processing at one time or a real-time or time-specific distribution processing, the information distribution that reduces the load on the system and does not impair its reliability Service can be provided.

(4) The necessity of preparing a large number of data conversion modules for distributing information to terminal devices of different media can be greatly reduced, and it is possible to flexibly cope with the case where a new data format is added. A highly versatile information distribution service can be provided.

(5) It is possible to provide an information distribution service that can flexibly meet the needs of information senders who want to provide various information contents to users under arbitrary charging conditions.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the information distribution system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a structure of a data set distributed on a network according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of individual information included in the data set shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of distributing information bidirectionally in the information distribution system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a continuation of the flowchart showing an example of distributing information bidirectionally in the information distribution system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a specific example of registration permission / inhibition control and a distribution schedule temporal distribution process included in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a distribution reservation status list held by the center device.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a distribution status list similarly held by the center device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a step of physically distributing between the relay devices included in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a data conversion method according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a data conversion device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1A ₁ ... 1A _n , 1B ₁ ... 1B _m , 1C ₁ ... 1C _k
Terminal device 2A, 2B, 2C Relay device 4 Center device 5A, 5B, 5C Network 21A, 21B, 21C Server device 22A, 22B, 22C Adapter device 41 Data distribution control device 42 Storage device 43 Data conversion device 51 Registration receiving unit 52 Data Spool 53 Distribution control unit 54 Access log database 61 User master database 62 Data set spool 63 Distribution data log database 71 Analysis unit 72 Conversion route specifying unit 73 Control unit 74 Conversion module unit 75 First conversion module group 76 Second Conversion modules

Claims (40)

[Claims] 1. An information distribution method for bidirectionally distributing content data between a plurality of terminal devices of different types via a network, comprising:
Or, transmission / reception target information for identifying a plurality of recipients, authentication information, schedule information, content /
Making a request for distributing a data set including scenario information and a content data file via a relay device from a plurality of transmission-side terminal devices to a center device; and registering and spooling in the center device. A step of temporally distributing a schedule to be distributed to the one or more receiving terminal devices with respect to the plurality of data sets, and a step of physically distributing the distribution of the plurality of data sets among a plurality of relay apparatuses. Causing the information to be distributed. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of temporally distributing a distribution schedule of the plurality of data sets registered and spooled in the center device should be distributed to a receiving terminal device preset on a transmitting side. An information distribution method which is executed based on temporal priority. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of temporally distributing the distribution schedule of the plurality of data sets registered and spooled in the center device should be distributed to a receiving terminal device set in advance on a transmitting side. Based on the time priority, the number of available lines that fluctuates with the media type and time that can be distributed by each of the plurality of relay devices, and the number of receivers set in advance on the transmitter,
An information distribution method, which is executed by controlling whether or not the data set can be registered. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of physically distributing the distribution of the plurality of data sets among the plurality of relay apparatuses includes the steps of: An information distribution method, which is performed by acquiring a predetermined number of data sets to be distributed to a receiving side from the center device according to the number of available lines that fluctuates with time. 5. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the step of physically distributing the distribution of the plurality of data sets among the plurality of relay apparatuses includes the steps of: Requesting the distribution of a number of data sets according to the number of available lines, and, if the center device has a data set to be distributed to the relay device, the available lines An information distribution method, comprising: a step in which the relay device acquires a number of data sets corresponding to the number or a number smaller than the number in a time-wise batch. 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of performing predetermined data conversion on the data file in the center device or the relay device according to characteristics of the receiving terminal device preset on the transmitting side. An information distribution method characterized by including: 7. The information according to claim 6, wherein the step of performing predetermined data conversion on the data file includes performing predetermined data conversion in accordance with content scenario information included in the data set. Distribution method. 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of performing predetermined data conversion on the data file includes the step of analyzing a media type and an individual data format type of the input data file; And 1 according to the individual data format type.
Specifying a predetermined conversion route for converting to a target data type via one or more plane data formats, and controlling a plurality of necessary conversion modules according to the specified conversion route Converting the data into a desired data file,
An information distribution method, comprising: 9. The sound layer according to claim 8, wherein the step of specifying the predetermined conversion route relates to a plain data format preset for each of media types including sound, text, and graphic layers. For converting data between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the text layer, and between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer, respectively. And a second conversion module group for converting data between the plain data format of each layer and the individual data format belonging to the layer are prepared in advance, and the first conversion module An information distribution method comprising: identifying a plurality of conversion modules through which data must pass before converting to a target data file from a module group and a second conversion module group. 10. The conversion module according to claim 9, wherein the conversion module for converting data between the sound layer plain data format and the text layer plain data format is a speech recognition module and a speech synthesis module. And a conversion module for converting data between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer is a character image conversion module and an OCR module. 11. The information distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the data set further includes charging policy information managed in the transmitting terminal device or the receiving terminal device. 12. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of relay devices is a public line network, a dedicated line, a frame relay network,
A server device connected to a network such as the Internet or an intranet; and an adapter device for controlling the server device. The adapter device interprets a communication procedure generated by the center device and controls the server device. An information distribution method, characterized in that: 13. The terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the transmitting terminal device or the receiving terminal device is a personal computer,
An information distribution method, wherein the server device is a facsimile, a telephone, a mobile phone, or a mobile terminal, and the server device is a unified message device, an automatic voice response device, an UnPBX device, a Web server, or a mail server device. 14. The information distribution method according to claim 1, wherein a unique ID generated by the center device is assigned to each data set to be distributed from the transmitting terminal device to the center device. 15. The information distribution according to claim 1, wherein the data files included in the data set are registered in a center device, spooled, and distributed with a delay from the distribution of the remaining data sets. Method. 16. The first data set registered in the center device and spooled according to claim 1,
An information distribution method, further comprising a step of registering a second data set for canceling distribution of the first data set or changing the content of the first data set in the center device. 17. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the transmission / reception target information or the content scenario information included in the data set includes position information of a transmitting terminal device or a receiving terminal device, and the data set includes a plurality of terminal devices. An information distribution method, further comprising the step of adding another information associated with the location information to the data set in at least one terminal device or a center device when bidirectionally circulating between the data sets. 18. An information distribution system for bidirectionally distributing content data between a plurality of terminal devices of different types via a network, wherein one sender and one or more recipients are specified. A data set including transmission / reception target information, authentication information, schedule information, content scenario information, and a data file of the content for distribution to one or more specific receiving terminal devices. Registering the data set based on requests from the plurality of transmitting terminal devices and the plurality of transmitting terminal devices to request the center device via the relay device, spooling the data set, and spooling the center device. The distribution schedule of the data set registered and spooled in the server is distributed in time, and The center device for physically distributing the distribution of the plurality of data sets, and the distribution schedule is temporally distributed, and at least the content An information distribution system, comprising: one or a plurality of receiving-side terminal devices for receiving a data file via a relay device. 19. The distribution schedule of the plurality of data sets to be registered and spooled according to claim 18, wherein the center apparatus sets a transmission side in advance based on a temporal priority to be distributed to the reception side terminal apparatus. An information distribution system characterized in that the information is distributed in time. 20. The center device according to claim 18, wherein the center device sets a temporal priority to be distributed to a receiving terminal device set in advance on a transmitting side, and a media type and a time that can be distributed by each of the plurality of relay devices. The distribution schedule of the plurality of data sets is controlled by controlling whether or not registration of the plurality of data sets to be distributed is controlled based on the number of available lines that fluctuates along with the number of reception sides set in advance by the transmission side. An information distribution system characterized in that the information is distributed. 21. The method according to claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of relay devices is configured to perform the following depending on the type of media that can be distributed by the relay device and the number of available lines that fluctuates with time.
An information distribution system, wherein the distribution of the plurality of data sets is physically distributed among a plurality of relay devices by acquiring a predetermined number of data sets to be distributed to a receiving side from the center device. 22. The relay apparatus according to claim 18, wherein each relay device notifies the center device of the number of available lines each time at a predetermined time interval, and requests distribution of a number of data sets corresponding to the number of available lines. When the center device has a data set to be distributed to the relay device, the number of data sets corresponding to the number of available lines or a number smaller than the number of the available data lines are substantially batched in time. An information distribution system, wherein distribution of the plurality of data sets is physically distributed among a plurality of relay devices by acquiring the information. 23. The data conversion means according to claim 18, wherein the center device or the relay device performs a predetermined data conversion on the data file in accordance with characteristics of the receiving terminal device preset on the transmitting side. An information distribution system comprising: 24. An information distribution system according to claim 23, wherein said data conversion means performs predetermined data conversion in accordance with content scenario information included in said data set. 25. The data conversion means according to claim 23, wherein the data conversion means analyzes the media type and the individual data format type of the input data file, and converts the media type and the individual data format type. Accordingly, conversion route specifying means for specifying a predetermined conversion route for converting to a target data type via one or a plurality of plain data format data formats, Control means for controlling a plurality of necessary conversion modules so as to convert the data file into a data file. 26. The sound data processing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the plurality of conversion modules are related to a plane data format preset for each of media types including sound, text, and graphic layers. First conversion modules for performing data conversion between a format and a plain data format of the text layer, and between a plain data format of the text layer and a plain data format of the graphic layer, respectively; And a second group of conversion modules for performing data conversion between a plain data format of each layer and an individual data format belonging to the layer. An information distribution system, wherein a plurality of conversion modules through which data must pass before conversion into a target data file is specified from the first conversion module group and the second conversion module group. 27. The speech recognition module according to claim 26, wherein the first conversion module group includes a voice recognition module for performing data conversion between the sound layer plain data format and the text layer plain data format. An information distribution system, comprising: a speech synthesis module; a character image conversion module and an OCR module for performing data conversion between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer. . 28. The information distribution system according to claim 18, wherein the data set further includes charging policy information managed in the transmitting terminal device or the receiving terminal device. 29. The server according to claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of relay devices controls a server device connected to a network such as a public line network, a dedicated line, a frame relay network, the Internet or an intranet, and the server device. An information distribution system comprising an adapter device for controlling the server device by interpreting a communication procedure generated by the center device. 30. The terminal device according to claim 21, wherein the transmitting terminal device or the receiving terminal device is a personal computer, a facsimile, a telephone, a mobile phone, or a mobile terminal, and the server device is a unified message device, a voice automatic device. An information distribution system, which is a response device, an UnPBX device, a Web server, or a mail server device. 31. The information distribution system according to claim 18, wherein a unique ID generated by the center device is assigned to each data set distributed from the transmitting terminal device to the center device. 32. The information distribution according to claim 18, wherein the data files included in the data set are registered in the center device and spooled, and then distributed with a delay from the distribution of the remaining data sets. system. 33. The second data set according to claim 18, wherein the first data set registered in the center device and spooled is used for canceling the distribution of the first data set or changing its contents. Information from the transmitting terminal device to the center device. 34. The transmission / reception target information or the content scenario information included in the data set includes position information of a transmission terminal device or a reception terminal device, and the data set includes a plurality of terminal devices. An information distribution system, characterized in that at least one terminal device or center device adds another information associated with the position information to the data set when the data is bidirectionally distributed. 35. A step of analyzing a media type and an individual data format type of an input data file, and converting one or a plurality of plain data formats according to the media type and the individual data format type. A step of specifying a predetermined conversion route for converting to a target data type via a step of converting to a target data file by controlling a plurality of necessary conversion modules according to the specified conversion route, A data conversion method comprising: 36. The sound layer according to claim 35, wherein the step of specifying the predetermined conversion route relates to a plane data format preset for each of media types including sound, text, and graphic layers. The plain data format of the text layer and the plain data
A first conversion module group for performing data conversion between formats and between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer, respectively;
A second conversion module group for performing data conversion between a plane data format of each layer and an individual data format belonging to the layer is prepared in advance, and the first conversion module group and the second conversion module are provided. A data conversion method characterized by specifying, from a group of modules, a plurality of conversion modules through which data must pass before converting to a target data file. 37. The conversion module according to claim 36, wherein the conversion module for converting data between the sound layer plain data format and the text layer plain data format is a speech recognition module and a speech synthesis module. And a conversion module for converting data between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer is a character image conversion module and an OCR module. 38. An analyzing means for analyzing a media type and an individual data format type of an input data file, and a data format of one or more plain data formats according to the media type and the individual data format type. A conversion route specifying means for specifying a predetermined conversion route for converting to a target data type via a, and converting to a target data file by controlling a plurality of necessary conversion modules according to the specified conversion route And a control means for performing the data conversion. 39. The plane data format of the sound layer according to claim 38, wherein the plurality of conversion modules relate to a plane data format preset for each of media types including sound, text, and graphic layers. First conversion modules for performing data conversion between a format and a plain data format of the text layer, and between a plain data format of the text layer and a plain data format of the graphic layer, respectively; And a second group of conversion modules for performing data conversion between a plain data format of each layer and an individual data format belonging to the layer. A data conversion apparatus characterized in that a plurality of conversion modules through which data must pass before conversion into a target data file is specified from a first conversion module group and a second conversion module group. 40. The speech recognition module according to claim 39, wherein the first conversion module group includes a voice recognition module for performing data conversion between the sound layer plain data format and the text layer plain data format. A data conversion device, comprising: a voice synthesis module, a character image conversion module and an OCR module for converting data between the plain data format of the text layer and the plain data format of the graphic layer. .