JP2002132771A - Information distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information distribution system, with which locally close information such as a peripheral map with an exactly specified position as a reference can be acquired by simple operation. SOLUTION: This system is composed of transmitters 7, a web site 1 and a portable terminal 2 and each of transmitters 7 transmits a transmitting signal composed of a menu and the URL of a web page provided on the web site 1 corresponding to menu items. Then, the portable terminal 2 is provided with a receiving part 8 for receiving the transmitting signal from each of transmitters 7 and a transmitting/receiving part 4 for selecting a specified URL out of URLs received by this receiving part 8 and accessing the web page corresponding to that specified URL.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information distribution system for distributing a peripheral map, regional information, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A system shown in FIG. 12 has been known as a system for acquiring a map around a current location. FIG. 12 shows a conventional system for distributing area information. The mobile terminal 2 can be accessed on the website 1 via the communication network N. That is, the website 1 and the mobile terminal 2 are connected via the communication network N,
A communication network signal transmitting and receiving unit 3 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from each other;
4 are provided.

[0003] The above-mentioned website 1 stores map information of Japan as a whole at the town level, and stores UR for each of those units.
L is provided. This URL indicates the location of the information on the website 1. Further, the website 1 stores search web pages for searching map information, and these web pages also have individual URLs. In other words, the web page of the initial screen of the map information search includes the menus "Kanto, Koshinetsu", "Tohoku"
Items, and individual URLs for each item
It has.

[0004] Further, when the above "Kanto, Koshinetsu" is selected on the initial screen, the website 1 displays a URL of a web page having menu items such as "Tokyo" and "Chiba".
I try to link to. These items are also given individual URLs. When, for example, “Tokyo” is selected from the menu, the user accesses a web page having menu items such as “Chiyoda-ku” and “Shibuya-ku”.

As described above, the UR corresponding to the item to be selected is
The link to L is repeated so that the web page of the map information stored in the unit of the town level can be finally accessed. On the other hand, in addition to the communication network signal transmitting / receiving unit 4, the portable terminal 2
And a display unit 6 for displaying received information and the like.

[0006] In such a system, a procedure in which a user using the information of the website 1 obtains, for example, map information around the present location will be described with reference to FIG. For example, if the user is in "Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo"
In step 1, the user operates the mobile terminal 2 to access the web page of the map search initial screen of the web site 1. The display unit 6 of the mobile terminal 2 displays this initial screen. The menu on the initial screen includes "Kanto,
Items include Koshinetsu, Hokkaido, and Tohoku.

In step 2, the user performs an operation such as a click on the portable terminal 2 to select "Kanto, Koshinetsu". With this selection, the web page of the menu of items such as “Tokyo” and “Chiba” is displayed on the display unit 6 of the mobile terminal 2.
Will be displayed.

[0008] In step 3, when the user operates the portable terminal 2 and selects “Tokyo”, a screen for inputting the current address is displayed on the portable terminal 2.

In step 4, the user operates the portable terminal 2 to input “Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku” in the address input field of the display unit 6 by operating the portable terminal 2. With this input, the website 1 accesses a web page having map information of “Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku”. Thus, step 5
Then, the display unit 6 of the mobile terminal 2 displays a map of "Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo". In this way, the user who uses the map information of the website 1 can see the map of the place where he is currently.

[0010]

As described above, when the user operates the portable terminal 2 to look at a map of the place where the user is currently located, many times, from items representing wide areas to items representing small areas in order. I had to operate and get there. Besides, I had to input the address. When the number of operations is large as described above, there is a problem that it takes time to obtain a target map. Usually, the user pays the usage fee according to the number of packets connected to the website 1.
Therefore, if the number of operations is large, the number of times of connection to the website 1 is also increased, and the connection fee is accordingly increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an information distribution system capable of obtaining community-based information such as a peripheral map based on an accurately specified position with a simple operation.

[0012]

A first aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of transmitters, a website, and a portable terminal. The transmitter includes a menu and a web site provided on a website corresponding to the menu items. The mobile terminal transmits a transmission signal including a URL of the page, and the mobile terminal selects a specific URL from a reception unit that receives the transmission signal from the transmitter and the URL received by the reception unit, and specifies the specific URL. And a transmitting / receiving unit for accessing a web page corresponding to the URL.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a transmission signal from the transmitter includes a transmitter ID together with a menu and a URL corresponding to the menu item, and the portable terminal receiving the transmission signal inputs the transmitter ID to a web page. The feature is that it is configured.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the transmission signal from the transmitter includes latitude and longitude information for specifying the position of the transmitter together with the menu and the URL corresponding to the menu item. The feature is that the latitude and longitude for specifying the position of the transmitter are input to the web page.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the menu items include map information around the transmitter, local information such as shops around the transmitter, and the like.
It is provided with items of community-based information such as route guidance information from the transmitter to the nearest station, and the information corresponding to each item is displayed on the URL web page corresponding to each item. Having.

The fifth invention is characterized in that the menu items include questionnaire information items.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a vending machine is provided with a transmitter and a transmission / reception unit for accessing a web page. The menu items include electronic payment items, and a URL corresponding to the electronic payment items is provided. It is characterized in that it is configured to display information on products sold by the vending machine on a web page.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a transmitter and a purchase confirmation unit are provided in a vending machine, and the purchase confirmation unit transmits a purchase confirmation signal when the vending machine confirms that the commodity has been purchased in cash. And transmitting the transmission signal only when receiving the purchase confirmation signal.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a transmitter and a transmission / reception unit for accessing a web page are provided in a counting device such as a store register, and the menu items include electronic payment items. The present invention is characterized in that the purchased product and the billed amount at the store are displayed on the corresponding URL web page.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a transmitter is provided at a bus stop, and the menu items include items of a bus operation status, and a URL web page corresponding to the item of the bus operation status is displayed on a web page.
The feature is that the present location of the operating bus is displayed.

[0021]

1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the information distribution system according to the first embodiment. Website 1
The mobile terminal 2 includes communication network signal transmitting and receiving units 3 and 4 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from each other via the communication network N. Further, the mobile terminal 2 includes a short-range communication signal receiving unit 8 for receiving a signal of the short-range communication signal transmitter 7 and a dedicated button 9 for making the receiving unit 8 function. The narrow-area communication signal transmitter 7 is provided in a store such as a restaurant 10. Further, the mobile terminal 2 includes an operation unit 5 for operating the mobile terminal 2 and a display unit 6 for displaying received information and the like. Note that the short-range communication signal transmitter 7 is not limited to a store such as the restaurant 10 and may be provided anywhere such as a telephone pole or a signboard.

The website 1 stores map information around the transmitter 7 installed at the town level or in smaller units, and has a URL for each of those units. The website 1 also stores local information on restaurants, shops, public institutions, etc. around each transmitter 7.
Each area information is provided with an individual URL. Further, the website 1 stores the route guidance information from each transmitter 7 to the nearest station, and attaches individual URLs to these route guidance information. As described above, the website 1 stores community-based information such as community information. Note that this URL indicates the location of each piece of information on the website 1.

The short-range communication signal transmitter 7 includes a storage unit 11
And a short-range communication signal transmitting unit 12. The storage unit 11 stores the following information. The storage unit 11 stores only the URL of the information near the transmitter 7 among the information stored in the website 1. That is, the storage unit 11 stores the URL of the local contact information such as the URL of the peripheral map information near the transmitter 7, the URL of the local information, and the URL of the route guidance information. The storage unit 11 also stores a menu for selecting a URL such as the URL of the surrounding map information, the URL of the area information, and the URL of the guide information.

The transmitter 7 transmits the menu and the URL of the item stored in the storage unit 11 as a signal at all times.

The signal transmitted from the transmitter 7 is, for example, a microwave having a frequency in the gigahertz band. The transmission output of this signal is made to reach only a narrow range with a radius of about 2 to 3 m at the maximum. Then, the distance between the transmitters 7 is increased so that the signals of the transmitters 7 do not overlap,
A transmitter 7 is installed. Where the transmitters 7 are close to each other such that the signals overlap, the frequencies of the signals are made different so as not to cause interference in the above-mentioned band range.

In a region where two or more narrow-area communication signals overlap, portable terminal 2 determines a narrow-area communication signal to be received in the following manner. When the dedicated button 9 for the narrow-area communication signal of the mobile terminal 2 is pressed in an area where two or more narrow-area communication signals overlap, the narrow-area communication signal receiving unit 8 of the mobile terminal 2 causes the narrow-band communication signal receiving unit 8 of the mobile terminal 2 to change from the minimum frequency to the maximum in this frequency band. Scan to frequency.
Then, when two or more narrow-area communication signals are received at the same time, their strengths are compared and the signal having the highest strength is selected.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the means for transmitting a signal by radio waves as described above, but may be any other means as long as it corresponds to short-range communication such as infrared rays.

A procedure for a user using the information of the website 1 to obtain, for example, map information of a place where the user is currently located by using such a system configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
When the user is in front of the restaurant “2-16-15 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo”, first, in step 1, the terminal 2
The dedicated button 9 for making the narrow-area communication signal receiving section 8 function is pressed. By pressing this dedicated button 9, the restaurant 1
A short-range communication signal transmitted from the transmitter 7 installed at the entrance of the “0” is received. The received signal is a URL corresponding to the menu screen and the menu items. This URL relates to information around the transmitter 7. Then, on the display unit 6 of the terminal 2, items such as peripheral map information, regional information, and route guidance information to the nearest station are displayed as menus.

In step 2, when the user selects an item of peripheral map information from the menu, the user accesses a web page of a URL associated with the item. This allows
A map of “2-16-15 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo” is displayed on the display unit 6 of the terminal 2. That is, the position of the transmitter 7 is accurately specified as “2-16-15 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo”. Therefore, the transmitter 7 whose position is accurately specified
Is displayed on the basis of.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the user who uses the information on the website 1 operates the portable terminal 2 to receive the menu information, and then simply selects a menu item and receives the menu item. In this case, the user accesses the URL of the web page associated with. In other words, after receiving the menu information, it is possible to access the web page of the map information based on the transmitter 7 whose position has been accurately specified simply by selecting the item of the peripheral map information. Therefore, there is no need to operate the mobile terminal 2 to search for the surrounding map, and the operation is simplified, and the number of operations such as clicking until a map around the current location is acquired is reduced. That is, the operation of the mobile terminal 2 is simple, and the target information can be quickly acquired. Since the number of times of connection to the website 1 is reduced, the packet communication fee of the user is correspondingly reduced.

In the first embodiment, the case where the surrounding map information is selected has been described. However, the same applies to the case of obtaining regional information, route guidance information to the nearest station, and other local information. To For example, in step 2 of FIG. 2, when the item of the regional information is selected from the menu,
Local information on restaurants, shops, public institutions, and the like around the transmitter 7 is displayed on the terminal 2. Therefore, the user can easily and quickly know local information such as a restaurant near the current location. In step 2 of FIG. 2, when the guide information to the nearest station is selected from the menu, the guide information from the position of the transmitter 7 to the nearest station is displayed on the terminal 2. Therefore, the user can easily and quickly obtain the guidance information from the position of the transmitter 7 to the nearest station.

Further, in the first embodiment, the address information of the transmitter 7 may be stored in addition to the information of the storage unit 11. Thus, when the terminal 2 receives a signal from the transmitter 7, the current location is displayed on the display unit 6. Therefore, the person who receives this signal at the terminal 2 can easily know his / her current location.

In the menu shown in the first embodiment, the item of the product advertisement may be put. When the item of the product advertisement is selected, connection to the information of the advertiser is made. At this time, if it is desired to specify which transmitter 7 the signal is transmitted from, the transmitter ID as well as the menu and the URL of the item May be transmitted as a signal. When the user selects the item of the advertisement from the menu, the user accesses the URL of the advertisement. At the time of this access, the transmitter ID is also input into the advertisement web page. By inputting the transmitter ID in the web page of the advertisement in this manner, the advertiser can know which transmitter 7 the accessor has used, and which area has the most access. be able to. Then, the advertiser may pay an advertisement fee to a person who has provided a place where the transmitter 7 is installed, according to the number of people accessing the advertiser.

Further, the store in which the transmitter 7 is installed may transmit a menu item for accessing the web page of the store and the URL of the item from the transmitter 7 as a signal. And if you put information such as "Today's specials" on the web page you visited the store, people who access the web page near the entrance of this store will
Information about the store will be provided, and the number of visitors can be increased.

Further, as in the first embodiment, since the transmission signal uses the menu and the URL corresponding to the menu item as information for each transmitter 7, the following can also be performed. For example, the transmitter 7 may be installed for each exhibit in an art museum. In this way, a transmitter is installed for each exhibit, and the menu items are items such as the creator of the exhibit, the feature of the work, the background of the period, and the like. In this way, the viewer
You can freely select the items you want to know for each exhibit and obtain information. In addition, if the transmitter 7 is provided for a luxury item or the like to be sold to a department store or the like, the shopper can freely obtain detailed information on the luxury item or the like for sale according to personal preference. Further, the transmitter 7 may be provided in an exhibition such as a poster of a new music guide of a CD shop. In this case, if the shopper receives a signal from this transmitter and selects an item of the new music guide, the new music CD
Access to web pages published by the CD company that sells This allows the shopper to know information about the new record.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an information distribution system according to the second embodiment. The website 1 and the mobile terminal 2 include communication network signal transmission / reception units 3 and 4 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from each other via the communication network N. Further, the mobile terminal 2 includes a short-range communication signal receiving unit 8 for receiving a signal of the short-range communication signal transmitter 7 and a dedicated button 9 for making the receiving unit 8 function. The short-range communication signal transmitter 7 is provided in the store 13. Further, the mobile terminal 2 includes an operation unit 5 for operating the mobile terminal 2,
A display unit 6 for displaying received information and the like.
Note that the short-range communication signal transmitter 7 is not limited to the store 13 and may be provided anywhere such as a telephone pole or a signboard.

The website 1 stores, for example, questionnaire information including a question and an answer column, and attaches a URL to the questionnaire information. Note that the URL indicates the location of the questionnaire information on the website 1.

The short-range communication signal transmitter 7 includes a storage unit 11
And a short-range communication signal transmitting unit 12. The storage unit 11 stores the following information. The storage unit 11 stores the URL of the questionnaire information among the information stored in the website 1. The storage unit 11 stores items for selecting the URL of the questionnaire information. Further, the storage unit 11 stores the transmitter 7
A unique transmitter ID assigned to each is stored. The storage unit 11 is not limited to one item, and may store a menu including a plurality of items. Therefore, the items of the questionnaire information are the menu items of the present invention.

The transmitter 7 converts the transmitter ID, the item and the URL of the item stored in the storage unit 11 into a signal,
We always send.

The signal transmitted from the transmitter 7 is, for example, a microwave having a frequency in the gigahertz band. The transmission output of this signal is made to reach only a narrow range with a radius of about 2 to 3 m at the maximum. Then, the distance between the transmitters 7 is increased so that the signals of the transmitters 7 do not overlap,
A transmitter 7 is installed. Where the transmitters 7 are close to each other such that the signals overlap, the frequencies of the signals are made different so as not to cause interference in the above-mentioned band range.

In a region where the shop 13 is adjacent and two or more narrow-area communication signals overlap, the portable terminal 2 determines a narrow-area communication signal to be received as follows. When the dedicated button 9 for the narrow-area communication signal of the mobile terminal 2 is pressed in an area where two or more narrow-area communication signals overlap, the narrow-area communication signal receiving unit 8 of the mobile terminal 2 causes the narrow-band communication signal receiving unit 8 of the mobile terminal 2 to change from the minimum frequency to the maximum in this frequency band. Scan to frequency. Then, when two or more narrow-area communication signals are received at the same time, their strengths are compared and the signal having the highest strength is selected.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the means for transmitting signals by radio waves as described above, but may be any other means as long as it corresponds to short-range communication such as infrared rays.

A procedure in which a visitor at the store 13 answers a questionnaire using the portable terminal 2 with such a system configuration will be described with reference to FIG. In step 1, the visitor presses a dedicated button 9 for operating the short-range communication signal receiving unit 8 of the terminal 2. By pressing the dedicated button 9, a short-range communication signal is received from the transmitter 7. The received signal includes, in addition to the transmitter ID, a menu screen and a U corresponding to the menu item.
RL. Then, on the display unit 6 of the terminal 2, items of the questionnaire information are displayed as menu items.

In step 2, when a visitor selects an item of questionnaire information, the user accesses a web page of a URL associated therewith. At the time of this access, the transmitter I
The information of D is input to the web page of this questionnaire. Then, a questionnaire having a question and an answer column is displayed on the display unit 6 of the terminal 2. When the visitor finishes answering the questionnaire, the answered questionnaire is stored in the website 1.

On the other hand, each of the answered questionnaires contains a transmitter ID. Therefore, the person who analyzes the questionnaire can specify not only the store 13 where the transmitter 7 is installed, etc., but also the position of the transmitter from the specified store 13 etc. based on the transmitter ID. Furthermore, the person who analyzes the questionnaire must input the transmitter ID.
If the questionnaire is divided into groups, the result of the questionnaire can be analyzed, for example, for each shop or for each region.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the visitor can easily access the questionnaire web page only by selecting the questionnaire item after receiving the menu information. Therefore, the operation of the portable terminal 2 is easy, and the target information can be quickly acquired. In addition, the transmitter ID is input to the web page associated with the menu item as described above. Therefore, from the transmitter ID input to this web page, the position of the transmitter 7 can be specified as described above.

In the second embodiment, instead of the transmitter ID, information on the latitude and longitude for specifying the position of the transmitter is stored in the storage section 11 and transmitted from the transmitter 7. You may make it. In this case, the visitor operates the terminal 2 to receive the menu item and the URL of the item, as well as the latitude and longitude information specifying the position of the transmitter. The received latitude and longitude information is stored on the website 1 together with the questionnaire result.
Therefore, the position of the transmitter 7 can be specified from the latitude and longitude information.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an information distribution system according to the third embodiment. The website 1 and the mobile terminal 2 include communication network signal transmission / reception units 3 and 4 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from each other via the communication network N. Further, the mobile terminal 2 includes a short-range communication signal receiving unit 8 for receiving a signal of the short-range communication signal transmitter 7 and a dedicated button 9 for making the receiving unit 8 function. And the above-mentioned short range communication signal transmitter 7 is provided in the vending machine 14. Further, the mobile terminal 2 includes an operation unit 5 for operating the mobile terminal 2 and a display unit 6 for displaying received information and the like. Note that the short-range communication signal transmitter 7 may be provided in a store or signboard near the vending machine 14.

The above-mentioned website 1 has the above-mentioned vending machine 1
In addition to displaying the menu of products to be sold in step 4 and the unit price of each product, a web page for electronic payment for payment is stored. A unique URL is attached to the electronic payment web page. Note that this URL is
This shows the location of the electronic payment web page on the website 1. Further, the website 1 includes a communication line signal transmission / reception unit 15 for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from the vending machine 14 via a communication line N2 different from the communication network N. And this communication line N2 is
Wire may be used, or a part of the line may be wireless like PHS.

The short-range communication signal transmitter 7 includes a storage unit 11
And a short-range communication signal transmitting unit 12. The storage unit 11 stores the following information. The storage unit 11 stores a URL relating to a vending machine having the transmitter 7 among the information stored in the website 1. That is, the URL of the web page of the electronic payment to be purchased by the vending machine provided with the transmitter 7 is stored. The storage unit 11 also stores items for selecting the URL of the electronic payment web page. Further, the storage unit 11 stores a unique transmitter ID assigned to each transmitter 7. The storage unit 11 is not limited to one item, and may store a menu including a plurality of items. Therefore, the item of the electronic settlement is a menu item of the present invention.

The transmitter 7 always transmits signals using the transmitter ID, the menu stored in the storage unit 11, and the URL of the menu item as signals.

The signal transmitted from the transmitter 7 is, for example, a microwave having a frequency in the gigahertz band. The transmission output of this signal is made to reach only a narrow range with a radius of about 2 to 3 m at the maximum. Then, the distance between the transmitters 7 is increased so that the signals of the transmitters 7 do not overlap,
A transmitter 7 is installed. Where the transmitters 7 are close to each other such that the signals overlap, the frequencies of the signals are made different so as not to cause interference in the above-mentioned band range.

In a region where two or more narrow-area communication signals overlap, portable terminal 2 determines a narrow-area communication signal to be received as follows. When the dedicated button 9 for the narrow-area communication signal of the mobile terminal 2 is pressed in an area where two or more narrow-area communication signals overlap, the narrow-area communication signal receiving unit 8 of the mobile terminal 2 causes the narrow-band communication signal receiving unit 8 of the mobile terminal 2 to change from the minimum frequency to the maximum in this frequency band. Scan to frequency.
Then, when two or more narrow-area communication signals are received at the same time, their strengths are compared and the signal having the highest strength is selected.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the means for transmitting signals by radio waves as described above, but may be any other means as long as it corresponds to short-range communication such as infrared rays.

On the other hand, the vending machine 14 is provided with a communication line signal transmitting / receiving section 16 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the website 1 via the communication line N2.

FIG. 6 illustrates a procedure in which a user using the information on the website 1 purchases a product of, for example, a vending machine 14 using the portable terminal 2 by using such a system configuration. In step 1, the user brings the terminal 2 close to the transmitter 7 of the vending machine 14 and presses the dedicated button 9 for operating the short-range communication signal receiving unit 8 of the terminal 2. When the dedicated button 9 is pressed, a short-range communication signal transmitted from the transmitter 7 is received. The received signal includes, in addition to the transmitter ID, a menu screen and a UR corresponding to the menu item.
L. Then, on the display unit 6 of the terminal 2, items of electronic payment are displayed as menu items.

In step 2, when the user selects an electronic payment item, the user accesses a web page of a URL associated with the item. This URL web page is an electronic payment screen for purchasing a product only for a vending machine in which a user is going to purchase a product. for that reason,
A menu of products sold by the vending machine 14 and a unit price of each product are displayed on the display unit 6. When accessing the electronic payment web page, information on the transmitter ID of the transmitter 7 is input from the terminal 2 to the electronic payment web page.

In step 3, the user operates the terminal 2 to select a product and input the number of products to be purchased while viewing the menu of the product. The information of this selection or input is input to the web page. Further, the input information is transmitted to the communication line signal transmission / reception unit 16 of the vending machine 14 of the transmitter ID via the communication line N2. This is because the website 1 has the transmitter I entered on the web page.
This is because D can recognize which vending machine 14 the signal should be sent to. Further, from the signal, the vending machine 9 outputs the number of purchases of the product selected by the user. As a result, the user can get the product.

Further, the communication line signal transmission / reception section 16 sends the signal indicating the product to the electronic settlement web page on the website 1. Then, the website 1 transmits the record of the electronic settlement to the settlement institution. The settlement institution charges the user for the product and pays the product to the product manufacturer. The settlement institution and the electronic settlement web page of the website 1 may be the same.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the user who uses the information on the website 1 simply selects the item of electronic payment after receiving the menu information, and purchases it at the vending machine in front of him. You can easily access electronic payment web pages. Therefore, the operation of the portable terminal 2 is easy, and the target information can be quickly acquired. Also, even if you do not have cash, you can quickly and easily purchase products from the vending machine 14.

In the third embodiment, the user may input an authentication ID for authenticating the user when accessing the electronic payment web page. As described above, by inputting the authentication ID, security related to electronic payment can be improved. In the third embodiment, a communication network signal transmission / reception unit may be used instead of the communication line signal transmission / reception unit 16 of the vending machine 14. In this case, vending machine 1
4 can transmit and receive signals to and from the communication network signal transmission / reception unit 3 of the website 1 via the communication network N. Therefore, in this case, the communication line signal transmitting / receiving unit 15 of the website 1 may not be provided. Further, in the third embodiment, latitude and longitude information for specifying the position of the transmitter may be used instead of the transmitter ID. Because the website 1 which received this latitude and longitude information,
This is because the vending machine 14 can be specified from the latitude and longitude information.

In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.
4 is an example in which a product purchaser purchases a product with cash. The vending machine 14 includes a purchase confirmation unit 17. A purchase confirmation unit 17 is provided instead of the communication line signal transmission / reception unit 16 of FIG. 5 of the third embodiment. Purchase confirmation section 17
Has a function of confirming the purchase of a commodity with cash and transmitting a confirmation signal to the transmitter 7. When a purchaser purchases a product with cash at the vending machine 14, the purchase confirmation unit 17 confirms that the product has been purchased with cash. Then, the purchase confirmation unit 17 transmits a confirmation signal to the transmitter 7. Upon receiving this confirmation signal, the transmitter 7 transmits a transmission signal. In this way, the signal can be transmitted from the transmitter 7 in conjunction with the cash purchase in the vending machine 14.

Further, for example, a service campaign item is provided as a menu item in the transmission signal. The product purchaser operates the terminal 2 to receive the signal,
Select the service campaign menu item.
Then, by selecting this menu item, the user accesses the web page. Further, by operating the terminal 2 while viewing this web page, the product purchaser can receive a service of distributing ringtones and new karaoke songs. In this way, a special service can be provided by specifying the person who purchased the product in cash. In addition,
In the fourth embodiment, the vending machine 14 is not provided with the communication line signal transmission / reception unit 16, but if the vending machine 14 is provided with the communication line signal transmission / reception unit 16, the vending machine 14 can perform either electronic settlement or cash settlement. But you can buy products.

In the third embodiment, the signal transmitted from the transmitter 7 at all times may be switched to another information signal by purchasing a commodity with cash. That is,
When the transmitter 7 receives the confirmation signal of the purchase in cash as in the fourth embodiment, a signal of information different from the signal transmitted before the confirmation signal may be transmitted. The different information here is, for example, a menu item different from a menu item included in a signal that is constantly transmitted. In that case, the URL corresponding to this menu item is also different. Further, according to the above, only the commodity purchaser in cash can receive a signal of information different from the signal constantly transmitted from the transmitter 7. For example, only the cash purchaser may receive the campaign item and the URL corresponding to the item on the terminal 2 and access the web page of the URL.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an information distribution system according to the fifth embodiment. The website 1 and the mobile terminal 2 include communication network signal transmission / reception units 3 and 4 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from each other via the communication network N. Further, the mobile terminal 2 includes a short-range communication signal receiving unit 8 for receiving a signal of the short-range communication signal transmitter 7 and a dedicated button 9 for making the receiving unit 8 function. Then, the short-range communication signal transmitter 7 is provided in a counting device such as a register 18 of a store. Further, the mobile terminal 2 includes an operation unit 5 for operating the mobile terminal 2 and a display unit 6 for displaying received information and the like.

The website 1 is registered with the register 1
In addition to displaying purchased items, unit prices, and billing amounts recorded in a tallying device such as No. 8, an electronic payment web page for payment is stored. A unique URL is attached to the electronic payment web page. Note that this U
The RL indicates the location of the electronic payment web page on the website 1. In addition, the above website 1
Via a communication line N2 different from the communication network N,
A communication line signal transmission / reception unit 15 for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the counting device such as the register 18 is provided. The communication line N2 may be wired or a part of the line may be wireless like PHS.

The short-range communication signal transmitter 7 includes a storage unit 11
And a short-range communication signal transmitting unit 12. The storage unit 11 stores the following information. The storage unit 11 stores the URL of the register 18 including the transmitter 7 among the information stored in the website 1. That is, the URL of the electronic settlement web page to be settled by the register 18 provided with the transmitter 7 is stored. The storage unit 11 also stores items for selecting the URL of the electronic payment web page. Further, the storage unit 11 stores a unique transmitter ID assigned to each transmitter 7. Note that this storage unit 1
The item 1 is not limited to one item, and may store a menu having a plurality of items. Therefore, the item of the electronic settlement is a menu item of the present invention.

Then, when the clerk presents the total purchase amount with a tallying device such as a register 18, the transmitter 7
However, the information in the storage unit 11 is converted into a signal and transmitted for a certain period of time. The information in the storage unit 11 here is a transmitter ID, a menu, and a URL of the menu item.

The signal transmitted from the transmitter 7 is, for example, a microwave having a frequency in the gigahertz band. The transmission output of this signal is made to reach only a narrow range with a radius of about 2 to 3 m at the maximum. Then, the distance between the transmitters 7 is increased so that the signals of the transmitters 7 do not overlap,
A transmitter 7 is installed. Where the transmitters 7 are close to each other such that the signals overlap, the frequencies of the signals are made different so as not to cause interference in the above-mentioned band range.

In a region where two or more narrow-area communication signals overlap, portable terminal 2 determines a narrow-area communication signal to be received as follows. When the mobile terminal 2 is brought close to the transmitter 7 of the register 18 and the dedicated button 9 for the narrow-area communication signal of the mobile terminal 2 is pressed in an area where two or more narrow-area communication signals overlap, the narrow-area communication of the mobile terminal 2 is performed. The signal receiving unit 8 scans from the minimum frequency to the maximum frequency in this frequency band. Then, when two or more narrow-area communication signals are received at the same time, their strengths are compared and the signal having the highest strength is selected.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the means for transmitting a signal by radio waves as described above, but may be any other means, such as an infrared ray, as long as it corresponds to a short range communication.

The counting device such as the register 18 includes a communication line signal transmitting / receiving unit 16 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the website 1 via the communication line N2.

FIG. 9 shows a procedure in which a user using the information of the above-described website 1 makes a payment for shopping at a store by using the portable terminal 2 with such a system configuration. First, when the clerk presents the total purchase price at the register 18, the communication line signal transmitting / receiving section 16 of the register 18
Accesses the electronic payment web page of the web site 1. Then, the purchase item, the total price, and the transmitter ID information are sent to the electronic payment web page. The transmitter ID is attached to the electronic payment web page.

As described above, when the clerk presents the total purchase amount at the register 18, at step 1, the user brings the terminal 2 close to the transmitter 7 of the register 18, and Dedicated button 9 for functioning 8
push. By pressing this dedicated button 9, the transmitter 7
To receive a short-range communication signal transmitted from. The received signal is a URL corresponding to a menu screen and menu items in addition to the transmitter ID. Then, on the display unit 6 of the terminal 2, items of electronic payment are displayed as menu items.

In step 2, when the user selects an electronic payment item, the user accesses a web page of a URL associated with the item. This URL web page is an electronic payment screen for the register 18 that has calculated the purchases of the user. Therefore, the purchased item, unit price, and billed amount in the register 14 are displayed on the display unit 6. When accessing the electronic payment web page,
Information on the transmitter ID of the transmitter 7 is input from the terminal 2 to a web page for electronic payment. Therefore, the website 1 can verify the transmitter ID, and make the terminal 2 surely access the electronic payment web page accessed from the register 18.

In step 3, the user confirms the purchased item and the total price on the display unit 6, operates the terminal 2, and approves the settlement. This payment approval information is input to the web page. Further, the input information is transmitted to the communication line signal transmitting / receiving unit 16 of the transmitter ID register 18 via the communication line N2. Because the website 1 is the transmitter ID entered in the web page
Therefore, it is possible to recognize to which register 18 the signal should be sent. Further, the register 18 is set in a payment completed state from the payment approval signal. as a result,
Users can receive purchases.

Further, the communication line signal transmission / reception section 16 sends a signal of the settlement completion to the electronic settlement web page on the website 1. Then, the website 1 transmits the record of the electronic settlement to the settlement institution. Then, the settlement institution requests the user for the price of the purchased item, and pays the price of the purchased item to the store provided with the register 18.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the user who uses the information on the website 1 only selects the item of electronic payment after receiving the menu information, and pays by the register which has calculated the purchased item. You can easily access the electronic payment web page. Therefore, the operation of the portable terminal 2 is easy, and the target information can be quickly acquired. In addition, it is possible to quickly and easily settle purchases at stores without using cash or cash cards.

In the fifth embodiment, when accessing the web page for electronic payment, the user may input an authentication ID for authenticating the user. As described above, by inputting the authentication ID, security related to electronic payment can be improved. In the fifth embodiment, a communication network signal transmission / reception unit may be used instead of the communication line signal transmission / reception unit 16 of the register 18. In this case, vending machine 1
4 can transmit and receive signals to and from the communication network signal transmission / reception unit 3 of the website 1 via the communication network N. Therefore, in this case, the communication line signal transmitting / receiving unit 15 of the website 1 may not be provided. Further, in the fifth embodiment, instead of the transmitter ID, latitude and longitude information for specifying the position of the transmitter may be used. Because the website 1 which received this latitude and longitude information,
This is because the register 18 can be specified from the latitude and longitude information.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an information distribution system according to the sixth embodiment. The website 1 and the mobile terminal 2 include communication network signal transmission / reception units 3 and 4 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from each other via the communication network N. In addition, the portable terminal 2 includes a short-range communication signal transmitter 7.
And a dedicated button 9 for making the receiving unit 8 function. Then, the short-range communication signal transmitter 7 is provided at the bus stop 19. Further, the mobile terminal 2 includes an operation unit 5 for operating the mobile terminal 2 and a display unit 6 for displaying received information and the like.

The web site 1 stores web pages indicating the bus operation status of each bus route, and assigns a URL to each of the web pages. Note that this URL
Indicates the location of the web page of the bus operation status on the website 1.

The web page showing the operation status of the bus is managed by a bus operating company. This bus operating company is equipped with a global positioning system, such as GPS, on the operating bus so that the current location of the bus can be monitored. In other words, the operating bus is configured to transmit GPS measurement data as a signal to the centralized management server of the bus operating company at predetermined time intervals. This centralized management server grasps the bus operation status based on these signals and publishes the bus operation status on the web page. Further, as a method of sending a signal indicating the current location of the bus to the central management server, a method in which a driver sends a predetermined signal every time a vehicle passes a bus stop, or another method may be used.

The short-range communication signal transmitter 7 includes a storage unit 11
And a short-range communication signal transmitting unit 12. The storage unit 11 stores the following information. The storage unit 11 stores the URL of the information on the bus stop where the transmitter 7 is installed among the information stored on the website 1.
I just remember. That is, the storage unit 11 stores the URL of the bus operation status of the bus route passing through the bus stop of the transmitter 7. The storage unit 11
Stores a menu for selecting the URL of the bus operation status. The storage unit 11 is not limited to one item, and may store a menu including a plurality of items. Therefore, this bus operation status item,
This is a menu item of the present invention.

The transmitter 7 always transmits signals using the transmitter ID, the menu and the URL of the menu item stored in the storage unit 11 as signals.

The signal transmitted from the transmitter 7 is, for example, a microwave having a frequency in the gigahertz band. The transmission output of this signal is made to reach only a narrow range with a radius of about 2 to 3 m at the maximum. Then, the distance between the transmitters 7 is increased so that the signals of the transmitters 7 do not overlap,
A transmitter 7 is installed. Where the transmitters 7 are close to each other such that the signals overlap, the frequencies of the signals are made different so as not to cause interference in the above-mentioned band range.

In the area where two or more narrow-area communication signals overlap, portable terminal 2 determines a narrow-area communication signal to be received as follows. When the dedicated button 9 for the narrow-area communication signal of the mobile terminal 2 is pressed in an area where two or more narrow-area communication signals overlap, the narrow-area communication signal receiving unit 8 of the mobile terminal 2 causes the narrow-band communication signal receiving unit 8 of the mobile terminal 2 to change from the minimum frequency to the maximum in this frequency band. Scan to frequency.
Then, when two or more narrow-area communication signals are received at the same time, their strengths are compared and the signal having the highest strength is selected.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the means for transmitting signals by radio waves as described above, but may be other means as long as the means is compatible with short-range communication such as infrared rays.

FIG. 11 shows a procedure in which a user using the information of the above-mentioned website 1 checks the operating status of the boarding bus using the portable terminal 2 by using such a system configuration.
Will be described. In step 1, the transmitter 7 of the bus stop 19
The terminal 2 is brought closer and the dedicated button 9 of the terminal 2 is pressed. When the dedicated button 9 is pressed, a short-range communication signal is received. The received signal is a URL corresponding to the menu screen and the menu items. This URL relates to the operation status of the bus passing through the bus stop. Then, on the display unit 6 of the terminal 2, items of the bus operation status are displayed as menu items.

In step 2, when the user selects the item of the bus operation status, the user accesses the URL of the web page of the bus operation status via the bus stop where the transmitter 7 is installed. As a result, the operating status of the bus passing through the bus stop is displayed on the display unit 6 of the terminal 2.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the user who uses the information on the website 1 receives the menu screen, and then simply selects the item of the bus operation status. Easy access to web pages showing operation status. Therefore, the operation of the portable terminal 2 is easy, and the target information can be quickly acquired. Furthermore, even when the bus is not running as scheduled, it is possible to quickly check the bus operation status, such as where the next bus is currently running.

In the sixth embodiment, if it is desired to specify which stop the transmitter 7 transmits a signal from, the transmitter ID is used as a signal in addition to the menu and the menu item URL. 7 may be transmitted. By accessing the web page of the bus operation status together with the transmitter ID in this way, the web site 1 can identify which stop the user accessed. Therefore, the current location of the next bus heading to the specified bus stop 19 can be displayed on the display unit 6 of the user's portable terminal. Instead of the transmitter ID, latitude and longitude information for specifying the position of the transmitter may be used. This is because the website 1 that has received the latitude and longitude information can specify the bus stop 19 from the latitude and longitude information.

Further, in the sixth embodiment, the narrow-area communication signal transmitter 7 is provided at the bus stop 19, but the narrow-area communication signal transmitter 7 may be provided in the bus. Then, in addition to the menu and the menu item URL, the transmitter ID is transmitted from the transmitter 7 as a signal. Further, the website 1 stores information on the estimated arrival time of the stop calculated from the bus operation status, and adds a URL to the information on the estimated arrival time.

With such a configuration, the user who gets on the bus selects, for example, information on the estimated arrival time as a menu item from the received short-range communication signal. With this selection, the user accesses the web page of the URL corresponding to the menu item. At the time of this access, the transmitter ID is input to the web page, so that the bus on which the user is boarding is specified. Therefore, the estimated arrival times of the stops that will pass from now on are displayed on the display unit of the terminal 2.

An example of a taxi instead of the bus of the sixth embodiment will be described. The taxi company can grasp the position of the operating taxi, like the bus of the sixth embodiment. Then, an item for calling a taxi is provided in a menu item of a signal transmitted from the transmitter 7 installed in a store or the like. That is, the signal to be transmitted is provided with an item for calling a taxi and a URL for accessing a web page corresponding to the item. Further, the transmission signal also includes latitude and longitude information for specifying the position of the transmitter 7. The web page is provided on the website 1 of the taxi company.

As described above, a person calling a taxi
The terminal 2 is operated to receive a signal from the transmitter 7. From the menu displayed on the display unit 6 of the terminal 2, an item for calling a taxi is selected. This selection accesses the taxi company web page. At this time, the latitude and longitude for specifying the position of the transmitter 7 are input to this web page. The website 1 of the taxi company searches for an empty taxi running closest to the transmitter 7 based on the latitude and longitude information. Then, the website 1 specifying such an empty taxi notifies the taxi of the latitude and longitude. Website 1
Displays the estimated time until the taxi arrives on the display unit 6 of the terminal 2 of the person who called the taxi. With the above, it is not necessary to look up the taxi company telephone number to call a taxi. You can also see at a glance how long a taxi will come.

It is conceivable that a plurality of people access the web page at the same place. In that case,
The unique ID of the mobile terminal 2 is also input to the web page. The unique ID of the mobile terminal differs for each user who owns the mobile terminal. Therefore, even if a plurality of people access the web page, the taxi company can distinguish it by the unique ID of the mobile terminal 2. As a result, the taxi can be taken in order from the person who called the taxi first.

In all of the above embodiments, the number of websites 1 is not limited to one. A plurality of websites 1 may be provided to store information for each genre. In all the above embodiments, when a signal is received from the transmitter 7, not only the received information is displayed on the display unit 6 of the terminal 2, but also voice guidance for notifying the received information by voice may be provided. That is, the address and menu of the transmitter 7 are notified by voice. As described above, if information can be obtained by voice, operation can be performed without looking at the display unit 6. Further, in all of the above embodiments, the function of receiving the signal from the transmitter 7 is operated by operating one of the keys of the operation unit 5 instead of pressing the dedicated button 9. You may.

[0098]

According to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, after operating the portable terminal and receiving menu information, simply selecting a menu item accesses the URL of a web page associated with the item. I am trying to do it. Therefore, the operation of the mobile terminal is easy, and the target information can be quickly acquired.

In particular, according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, information on the position of the transmitter is input to a web page associated with a menu item. for that reason,
From the information on the position of the transmitter input to this web page, the position of the transmitter can be specified. According to the fourth aspect, since the URL relating to the community-based information based on the accurately specified position of the transmitter is received, the community-based information corresponding to the menu item can be obtained easily and quickly.

According to the fifth aspect, after receiving a signal such as menu information from the transmitter, simply selecting a questionnaire item enables easy access to the questionnaire web page. Also, if you enter information that identifies the location of the transmitter on the survey web page,
The results of the questionnaire can be analyzed, for example, for each store, and can also be expected to be analyzed for each region. According to the sixth invention, the electronic payment web page of the vending machine which is going to purchase a product can be easily accessed. Therefore, it is possible to purchase goods quickly and easily without cash.

According to the seventh aspect, the vending machine is provided with the transmitter and the purchase confirmation unit, and when the purchase confirmation unit confirms the purchase of the commodity in cash, the purchase confirmation unit sends the confirmation signal to the transmitter. I try to send. Therefore, the signal can be transmitted from the transmitter in conjunction with the purchase of the commodity by cash. Therefore, it is also possible to provide a special service by specifying a person who has purchased the product in cash.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a web page for electronic settlement, which is settled by a register calculated for purchases at a store, can be easily accessed. Therefore, without using cash or cash card, settlement of purchases quickly,
Can be easy. According to the ninth aspect, the user can easily access the web page indicating the operating status of the bus he or she wants to get on. Therefore, even when the bus is not running according to the schedule, the operation status of the bus can be quickly checked.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a procedure of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a procedure of a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a procedure of a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a system according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a procedure of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a system according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a procedure of a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a conventional system.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a procedure of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Website 2 Mobile terminal 4 Communication network signal transmission / reception part 7 Narrow-area communication signal transmitter 8 Narrow-area communication signal receiving part 14 Vending machine 17 Purchase confirmation part 18 Register 19 Bus stop

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G06F 17/60 310 G06F 17/60 310C 506 506 H04Q 7/38 H04B 7/26 109M

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A transmitter comprising: a plurality of transmitters; a website; and a mobile terminal, wherein the transmitter includes a menu and a U.S. web page provided on the website corresponding to the menu item.
The mobile terminal transmits a transmission signal consisting of an RL and the reception unit that receives the transmission signal from the transmitter, and selects a specific URL from the URLs received by the reception unit, and selects the specific URL. And a transmitting / receiving unit for accessing a web page corresponding to the information distribution system. 2. A transmission signal from a transmitter includes a transmitter ID together with a menu and a URL corresponding to a menu item, and the portable terminal receiving the transmission signal inputs the transmitter ID to a web page. Item 2. The information distribution system according to Item 1 . 3. A transmission signal from a transmitter includes latitude and longitude information specifying a position of the transmitter together with a URL corresponding to a menu and a menu item, and the portable terminal receiving the transmission signal transmits the position of the transmitter. 2. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein a latitude and a longitude for specifying the information are input to the web page. 4. The menu items include items such as map information around the transmitter, regional information such as shops around the transmitter, and community-based information such as route guidance information from the transmitter to the nearest station. , On the web page of the URL corresponding to each of these items,
The information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein information corresponding to each item is displayed. 5. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the menu items include questionnaire information items. 6. A vending machine is provided with a transmitter and a transmission / reception unit for accessing a web page. The menu item includes an electronic payment item, and a URL web page corresponding to the electronic payment item is displayed on the vending machine. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information on goods sold by the vending machine is displayed.
Information distribution system described in one. 7. A vending machine is provided with a transmitter and a purchase confirmation unit. The purchase confirmation unit transmits a purchase confirmation signal to the transmitter when the vending machine confirms that the commodity has been purchased in cash. The information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transmitter transmits a transmission signal only when the purchase confirmation signal is received. 8. A transmitter and a transmitting / receiving unit for accessing a web page are provided in a tallying device such as a register of a store, and the menu items include electronic payment items, and a URL corresponding to the electronic payment items is provided. Claim 1 wherein the web page displays the purchased items and the billed amount at the shop.
6. The information distribution system according to any one of items 1 to 5, 9. A configuration in which a transmitter is provided at a bus stop, menu items include items of bus operation status, and the current location of the operating bus is displayed on a web page of a URL corresponding to the item of bus operation status. The information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: