JP2002245141A - Method and server for distributing merchandise information, automatic vending machine for the merchandise, merchandise code reader and merchandise information retrieving terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a means that easily notifies a user of a summary of a book when the user considers purchase of merchandise composed of the book and also to facilitate display effect assessment of a store where merchandise is displayed. SOLUTION: A communication terminal for reading a merchandise code such as a barcode printed on the surface of merchandise, generating a merchandise information retrieval request including the merchandise code and connecting to a merchandise information distribution server to transmit the merchandise information retrieval request to the merchandise information distribution server, and the merchandise information distribution server for retrieving and distributing the merchandise information in response to the merchandise information retrieval request are provided. A reader, etc., is arranged in the store where the merchandise is displayed and exhibited, and correlation between a merchandise retrieval request and the store can be accumulated by including identification information provided in a barcode reader in the merchandise retrieval request.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a product information distribution method for distributing information relating to products exhibited or displayed, a product vending machine, a product code reading device, a product information search terminal and a product information distribution server. Involved, in particular,
The present invention relates to an information distribution system technology for providing a search request issued from a communication terminal such as a mobile phone device from an information distribution server.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method of providing information to a user using a communication line, information is stored in a homepage or a FAX server (FAX box) of the Internet, and the information is stored in response to a connection / search request from the user. There is a way to provide. In particular, for the purpose of providing information by companies, etc., there are cases where profits are obtained by paying for the information itself and collecting fees, and cases where profits are obtained by providing product information free of charge and indirectly promoting product sales. is there. In either case, it is important to increase the number of connections and search requests from the user, and for that purpose, it is necessary to promote a user-friendly information system. For example, as a method for simplifying a user's search operation, a method has been proposed in which a search code is read by a barcode reading device and transmitted instead of key input (for example, JP-A-2000-35).
8105 publication).

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a conventional information distribution system. In a conventional information distribution method using this system, a user 1402 obtains a code reading device,
The barcode with the information identification code is read, and the read information identification code is transmitted to the information distribution server 1401 via the mobile phone. The information distribution server 1401 transmits the information to the user 1402 and charges a service usage fee. ing.

[0004]

The above prior art has the effect of reducing the number of key operations required for an information search operation. However, there is no indication of the provider of the device and collection of the fee, the provider of the information identification code (provider of the barcode), and the cost burden related to the provision,
In order to increase the number of connections and search requests from users, there is a problem that the provision of devices and the provision of information identification codes must be expanded. Also, the information distribution server 1401
Does not disclose how to pay for the owner of the information it distributes (the owner of the copyright, etc.). In order to increase the number of connections and search requests from users, it is also necessary to collect valuable information. There is a problem of distribution. In addition, in order to indirectly promote product sales and earn profits by providing product information free of charge, it is necessary to check the effect of providing information on product sales, but there is no indication on how to do so. Absent.

An object of the present invention is to solve the conventional problems,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a product information distribution technology capable of searching for and distributing product information by generating and transmitting a product information search request including a product code.

[0006]

A product information distribution method according to the present invention reads a product code such as a bar code printed or attached on the surface of a product, generates a product information search request including the product code, and generates a product information search request. A communication terminal connected to the information distribution server and transmitted, and a product information distribution server that searches and distributes product information in response to a product information search request, and performs a search request operation from a product code distributed with the product. To In addition, the product information distribution method of the present invention provides advertisement information, preview music, promotion video, and the like as information to be distributed. Furthermore, by providing identification information in a barcode reading device or the like and including the identification information in a product search request, a reading device or the like is provided in a store where products are displayed and displayed, and the correlation between the product search request and the store is totaled. .

In the first invention, when a communication terminal provided with a reading unit for reading a product code reads the product code, it generates a product information search request including the product code, connects to the product information distribution server, and transmits the request. The product information distribution server searches for product information stored in advance corresponding to the product code included in the product information search request, and distributes the product information to the communication terminal.

[0008] In the second invention, the commodity vending machine is a commodity vending machine for selling commodities, a commodity sample display place for displaying a commodity sample of the commodity, and a commodity for displaying a commodity code of the commodity. The product sample display location and the product code display location are arranged at a code display location and at a position where the correspondence between the product sample and the product code can be identified.

In a third aspect, a product code reading device comprises:
A communication unit between the reading unit for reading the product code and the communication terminal, an identification code for identifying the reading device, and server connection information for connecting to a product information distribution server via the communication terminal; When I read
A product information search request including the product code, the identification code, and the server connection information is generated and transmitted to the communication terminal.

[0010] In the fourth invention, the product information search terminal includes a reading unit for reading a product code, and a communication function, and stores an identification code for identifying the product information search terminal and server connection information to the product information distribution server. When storing and reading the product code, it generates a product information search request including the product code and the identification code, connects to the product information distribution server according to the server connection information, and transmits the product information search request. Receiving the product information from the product information distribution server and displaying the product information.

In the fifth invention, the commodity code reading device is
A communication unit between the reading unit for reading the product code and the communication terminal, an identification code for identifying the reading device, and server connection information for connecting to a product information distribution server via the communication terminal; When I read
A product information search request including the product code, the identification code, and the server connection information is generated and transmitted to the communication terminal.

[0012] In a sixth aspect, the product information distribution server comprises:
A product information distribution server that distributes product information to the communication terminal in response to a product information search request issued from a communication terminal, wherein the product information search request is connection information to a server having a product code and the product information. When the product information search request is received from the communication terminal, a connection is made to the server according to the connection information, the product information search request is transmitted to the server, and the product information received from the server is Perform proxy distribution control to send to the communication terminal, and store the combination of the product information search request and the connection information and the product information as a search request response history, when the product information search request is received,
By referring to the search request response history, if there is a matching product information search request, proxy distribution control for acquiring the product information included in the search request response history and transmitting it to the communication terminal is performed.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings using some examples.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the overall configuration of a music viewing system according to the present invention. In the figure, a product 101 such as a music CD is displayed or sold in a store or the like. When the user examines the purchase of the product 101 and reads the barcode printed on the product 101 using the barcode reader 102, the barcode is automatically transmitted through the mobile phone device 103 connected to the barcode reader 102. It is connected to the product information distribution server 104 and transmits the read product code to the product information distribution server. The product information distribution server 104 stores trial information 105, which is product information associated with the product code, in a transmittable state, and searches for and obtains trial information from the product code received from the mobile phone device 103. To the mobile phone device 103. The mobile phone device 103 reproduces and outputs the received product information, for example, the preview music. A product 101 such as a music CD contains a plurality of songs. The product information distribution server 104 distributes trial listening information of the first song unless otherwise specified. When "" is specified, the trial listening information of the specified music is distributed.

Hereinafter, the detailed music viewing system of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to other drawings. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the music audition system shown in FIG. The product 101 is a product of a music CD containing a plurality of songs. A code 201 is provided. As the product code indicated by the barcode 201, the product code itself registered in advance at the distribution code center (organization that manages the common product code) is used. From this product 101, the trial listening information 105 for the music trial listening system is created in advance.

FIG. 3 is a table for explaining one embodiment of the viewing information. FIG. 3A is a table of an example of a product code, and FIG. 3B is a table of an example of an information file. As shown in FIG.
01 and an information file 302. The bar code type attached to the bar 101, the bar code, the bar name, and the information file name are recorded in the bar code table 301. FIG. 3 shows a product code table for two music CDs. In the figure, a product having a product name of “Four Seasons Song” has a 13-digit product code of “4901234500001” in “JAN” code which is one of barcode standards, and detailed information is “JAN4901234”.
500001. DAT "is recorded in the information file. The information file 30
Referring to FIG. 2, the product name "Four Seasons Song"
One song is recorded, and each song title, audio file for trial listening, and song order are known.

In FIG. 2, a bar code reader 102
Is connected to the mobile phone device 103, and when the user wants to preview the displayed product 101, the product 10
The first barcode 201 is read by the barcode reader 102. The barcode reading device 102 includes a barcode reading unit 211 including a light emitting unit, a light receiving unit, and the like for reading a barcode, a reading device control unit 212 for performing reading control, and reading device control information 213. For example, if the barcode 201 is a JAN standard 13-digit barcode “4901234500001”,
The barcode reading unit 211 transmits the read 13-digit data to the reading device control unit 212. Reader control unit 21
2 generates merchandise information search information from the barcode data received from the barcode reading unit 211 and information obtained by referring to the reading device control information 213,
Send to 3.

FIG. 4 is a table for explaining an embodiment of the reading device control information. As shown in the figure, there are four control items as contents of the reading device control information 213. "TrialSound" indicating a reading device type for a music listening system, a reading device ID
"BCR0001" indicating the identifier assigned to each reading device, and "123-4567-890" indicating the telephone number of the product information distribution server as the connection server.
0 ", the barcode standard" JAN, UPC, E
AN "is stored. Here, the JAN standard is an 8-digit or 13-digit bar code standard widely used in Japan,
The C standard is a 12-digit barcode standard that is popular in the United States,
The EAN standard is a 13-digit bar code standard that is widespread in Europe, and the bar code reader 102 is assumed to be capable of complying with each standard. Since a part relating to a method of complying with each standard is well known, description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 2, the reading device control section 212
As a result of referring to the received barcode and the reading device control information 213, “Trial Sou” is used as product information search information.
nd, BCR0001, 123-4567-8900,
JAN, 4901234500001 "is generated and transmitted to the mobile phone device 103. The mobile phone device 103 includes an external input control unit 221 that receives data from the barcode reading device 212 and a key operation control unit 222 that receives a key input from a key input unit 223 provided in the mobile phone device 103. . Telephone device control unit 2
25 is the external input control unit 221 or the key input control unit 2
22 and outputs it to a display unit 226 that displays characters, images and videos, and outputs it to an audio output unit 228 that outputs audio, and communicates with the outside world using communication means such as a telephone call or packet communication. It controls input and output with the communication control unit 227 that performs communication. For example, “TrialSound, BCR0001, 123-4” as product information search information via the external input control unit 221
567-8900, 4901234500001 ”, the telephone number“ 12 ”of the product information distribution server 104 is received.
3-4567-8900 ", transmits a connection request, and establishes a connection. At this time, the telephone device control information 22
4 to identify the connection-source mobile telephone device 103 and transmit a telephone number, an e-mail address, and the like used for receiving a search result response.

Here, an example of the telephone device control information 224 is shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a table for explaining one embodiment of the telephone device control information. As shown in the figure, the contents of the telephone device control information 224 include two control items of the own telephone number and the own mail address. A telephone number "111-2345-678" that can receive a call as its own telephone number
9 ", and an e-mail address" mail@abc.xyz "that can be received as its own mail address.

In FIG. 2, the telephone device control unit 225 transmits, for example, its own telephone number “111-2345-6789” when calling the product information distribution server 104. After the connection is established, for example, "T
real Sound "," BCR0001 "," 49
01234500001 ”. The product information distribution server 104 communicates with the mobile phone device 103, product information 232 in which the trial listening information 105 is stored in a searchable and transmittable state in advance, and communication with the mobile phone device 103. Communication control information 2 to be referred to when performing
34. The server control unit 233 receives the connection request transmitted from the mobile phone device 103 via the communication control unit 231. The server control unit 233 identifies the mobile phone device 103 that has issued the connection request, sets connection conditions and the like with reference to the communication control information 234, and establishes a connection.

Next, an example of the communication control information 234 is shown in FIG. 6A and 6B are tables for explaining an embodiment of the communication control information. FIG. 6A is a table of control information by telephone number, and FIG. 6B is a table of control information by reader ID. is there. The telephone number-specific control information 601 which is one of the communication control information 234 is the mobile phone device 1 of the connection request source.
03 is information for determining whether or not to permit connection. In the example shown in the figure, the telephone number “111-2345”
6789 "indicates that" connection is permitted ". However, the effective connection time after connection is "60 minutes"
And also has restrictions. The server control unit 233 monitors the connection time and updates the effective connection time, thereby limiting the use time of the music listening system. Conversely, if the extension of the usage time is permitted (the extension permission method is not shown),
The valid connection time of the telephone number-specific control information 601 is updated.
This is effective when, for example, the prepaid method is used, the valid time is determined, and if there is still a charge, the valid connection time is extended. The control information 60 for each reader ID which is one of the communication control information 234
Reference numeral 2 denotes information for identifying the barcode reading device 102 connected to the mobile phone device 234 as the connection request source and determining whether to permit the product search. In the example of FIG. 6, a search request from the reading device ID “BCR0001” of the barcode reading device indicates that “search is permitted”. However, the searchable expiration date is also limited to "until June 30, 2001". The server control unit 233 updates the content of the reading device ID that has exceeded the expiration date and sets “search not permitted”.
To Conversely, if the extension of the expiration date is permitted (the extension permitting method is not shown), the control information 602 for each reader is provided.
Update the expiration date of. The case where “search not permitted” is issued is effective, for example, when renting the barcode reader 102 to a store and the store rents the barcode reader 102 to the user. That is, the barcode reader 1
When the 02 is lost, a search rejection is issued by a report from the store. Also, when setting an expiration date, for example,
It can be used when the barcode reader 102 is rented to a store after the expiration date.

In FIG. 2, when the server control unit 233 receives the product search information transmitted from the portable telephone device 103 after establishing the connection, the server control unit 233 searches the product information 232 for product information having a corresponding product code, get. For example, bar code standard "JAN", product code "4901"
In response to the search request of “2344500001”, referring to the product code table 301, the corresponding product name is “Four Seasons Song” and the information file name is “JAN490123450,000”.
1. It can be seen that the listening information is stored in “DAT”. Referring to the information file 302, this product has 4
One song is recorded, and each song title is "Spring song", "Summer song", "Autumn song", and "Winter song", and four corresponding audition file names can be obtained. The server control unit 233 transmits the obtained product name, the song title, and the preview file, which are the search results, to the mobile phone device 103 via the communication control unit 231. Also, the product information 232 referring to the product search information (search request), the communication control information 23
4. The history is stored in association with the time information and the like (a specific storage method is not shown).

FIG. 7 shows an example of search result transmission data and search result display.

FIG. 7 is a table showing one embodiment of search result transmission data and search result display. FIG. 7 (a) shows a transmission data table of search results, and FIG. 7 (b) shows a search result portable telephone. 3 shows a data table to be displayed on the device.
When the mobile phone device 103 and the product information distribution server 104 are connected by packet communication, a product name and a music title are transmitted from the search results, and the number of the music to be sampled is specified from the mobile phone device 103. You can wait for In FIG. 7, the search result transmission data 701 surrounds each music title with tags <a> to </a> in addition to a product name and a music title so that a preview can be instructed. As a parameter of this tag,
The part “href =“ file name ”” indicates the actual sample file name, and the part “key =“ key number ”” corresponds to the key number input by the key input unit 223 of the portable telephone device 103. This indicates that the file is to be reproduced. The search result display 702 is displayed on the display unit 2 by the mobile phone device 103 that has received the search result transmission data 701.
26 shows an example displayed. Song titles that you can listen to,
The number including the number for giving a preview instruction is underlined.
For example, when the user inputs a key of “1”, the telephone device control unit 225 transmits “1” via the key operation control unit 222.
Is received, and the product information distribution server 104 receives the preview file “JAN49012” via the communication control unit 227.
34500001. DAT "is requested. The server control unit of the product information distribution server 104 transmits the preview file according to the received distribution request. Mobile phone device 10
Numeral 3 converts the received preview file into audio, and outputs the audio to the audio output unit 228 to reproduce the audition music.

If the portable telephone device 103 and the product information distribution server 104 are connected as a telephone call instead of a packet communication, the server control unit 233 converts the preview file of the first music into a telephone call voice, and performs communication control. The data is output to the mobile phone device 102 via the unit 231. Mobile phone device 102
The telephone device control unit 225 outputs the call voice input via the communication control unit 227 to the voice output unit 228 to reproduce the listening music. In this case, the user has
You will listen to the tunes. When the user inputs a number key or a left / right cursor key of the key input unit 223, the mobile phone device 103 transmits the product information distribution server 104
The product information distribution server 104 outputs a preview file in the order of songs corresponding to the numeric keys, or outputs a preview file in the order of songs before and after in response to the left and right keys.

As described above, in the system shown in FIG. 2, the barcode 201 of the displayed product 101 is used not only as a search key for music audition but also at the time of purchase.
Since it can be used for liquidation in the system, the user can check the contents of the goods on the spot and then proceed with the purchase.

A method for changing the setting of the bar code reader 102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a setting change example of the barcode reading device.
FIG. 8A is a barcode showing a setting change command of the barcode reader, and FIG. 8B is a barcode showing barcode reader setting change data. When reading the barcode, the barcode reader 102 usually recognizes the barcode as a product code, generates product search information, and transmits the generated product search information to the mobile phone device 103. The barcode shown in FIG. 8 is a barcode for changing the setting of the barcode reader 102, and a barcode reader setting change command 801 is used.
And bar code reading device setting change data 802. In the figure, a barcode reading device setting change command 801 is an example of a command for changing the telephone number of the connection server in the storage contents of the reading device control information 213. As a method of distinguishing whether a barcode is a product code or a setting change command, the first is “0099”.
The barcode starting with "9999" is recognized as a setting change command, and the following "00001" indicates that the setting change item is "connection server". The barcode reading device setting change data 802 has the telephone number of the product information distribution server 104 as “123-4567-” as a specific setting value.
8999 ". Here, unnecessary bar code digits are set to “0”. When the barcode reader 102 reads the barcode on which the barcode reader setting change command 801 is printed, the reader controller 2
12 recognizes this as a setting change command, and then waits for input of setting change data. Subsequently, when reading the barcode on which the barcode reading device setting change data 802 is printed, the reading device control unit 212 changes the corresponding control item of the reading device control information 213 as the setting change data.
This can be used, for example, as follows. A barcode indicating the barcode reading device setting change command 801 and a barcode indicating the barcode reading device setting change data 802 are printed on a sheet, and the telephone number of the product information distribution server 104 is sent to the barcode reading device 102 at the time of shipment. If you enter, distribute this sheet to the store,
First, the product information distribution server 104 is provided to the barcode reader.
Is used to input or change or add the telephone number of the product information distribution server 104.

An example of encrypting and transmitting product search information will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing one embodiment in the case where the product search information is encrypted and transmitted. The barcode reader 102 reads the read barcode information (Barcode in the figure) and the reader control information 213.
When generating the product search information from the connection server (S in the figure)
Encrypt information other than (Ever)
a)). The key used for encryption is the product information distribution server 1
04 is the key that can be decrypted. As such a key, a common key may be used, or the product information distribution server 10
4 public keys may be used. Barcode reader 102
Upon receiving the product search information from the mobile phone device 103, the mobile phone device 103 connects to the designated connection server, and encrypts the product search information, own phone number, and e-mail address (Phone in the figure).
To the product information distribution server 104. The product information distribution server 104 that has received the product search information decrypts the code, obtains a product code, and performs search and distribution of the product information. For example, when a signal conversion device or the like is inserted between the barcode reading device 102 and the mobile phone device 103 and the telephone number of the connection server is falsified immediately, the product provider is connected to a product information distribution server not intended by the product provider. May be delivered unofficial product information. Even in this case, since the read product code or the like is encrypted and transmitted, it is possible to prevent unofficial information distribution corresponding to each product.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining one embodiment of the business model of the music audition system according to the present invention. As the configuration of the music preview system, for example, the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 is used. The record company 1001 that provides music products is, for example, an A record store 1
In step 002, the merchandise is provided, and the merchandise price is received. A record store 1002 displays and displays products, and user 100
Sell to 4. In general, as a commodity trading method between the record company 1001 and the A record store 1002, a method of immediately liquidating the commodity price by purchasing the commodity, a method of liquidating only the price of the sold commodity by commodity consignment sales, and There are ways to accept returns. In any merchandise transaction, the A record store 1002 is not profitable unless sales to the user 1004 increase. B record store 1003 is also A record store 10
02 sells music products. B-code store 10
03 borrows a device such as a barcode reading device 102 and a mobile phone device 103 from a product information distribution service provider 1005. The B record store 1003 lends a device to the user 1004 who has visited the store, and has the user freely read the barcode of the displayed or displayed music product and have the user listen to the music. If the user 1004 determines that the content is sufficient for purchase as a result of the trial listening, the user 1004 can immediately purchase the content at the B record store 1003. Upon receiving the product information search request, the product information distribution service provider 1005 analyzes the content of the search request, totals the request from which device, and stores the search request totaling 1006.
The reading device ID recorded in the reading device control information 213 is used as the information for specifying the device.

As described above, for the B-code dealer 1003, it is possible to increase sales opportunities by introducing a device compatible with the music audition system. A fee is paid to the product information distribution service provider 1005. In addition, since the record company 1001 can increase the sales opportunity of the music product by using the music preview system, the distribution of the trial listening information is entrusted to a product information distribution service provider. As a result of the trial listening at the B record store 1003, the user 1004 may purchase the same product at the A record store 1002 without purchasing the product on the spot.
Even in this case, the B record dealer 1003 is considered to be cooperating with the sale of the merchandise. Therefore, the merchandise information distribution service provider 1005 pays the sales cooperation fee to the B record dealer 1003. When determining the amount of the sales cooperation remuneration, reference is made to the search request aggregation 1006, and the calculation is made based on the trial listening use result for each device, that is, the music trial listening system use result for each store.

It is conceivable that the user 1004 can take out the equipment rented from the B record store 1003 to the user 1004 and use it at the A record store 1002. In this case, the B record store 1
If a revocation request is issued to the merchandise information distribution service provider 1005 from 003, the content of the control information 602 for each reading device ID can be updated and a merchandise search request from the requested device can be rejected. Motivation to take out can be suppressed.

Next, a method of transmitting position information in the bar code reader 102 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a barcode reader capable of transmitting position information. In FIG. 11, the barcode reading unit 211, the reading device control unit 212, and the reading device control information 213 are as described in FIG.
The position detection unit 1101 is a part that detects the position of the barcode reading device 102, and is, for example, a GPS (Global).
A position detecting device corresponding to the Positioning System is provided. When generating the product search information, the reading device control unit 212 receives the position information from the position detection unit 1101 and uses it as a part of the product search information. The product information distribution server 104 is provided with store position information (not shown) for referring to the position information of each store in advance, extracts the position information of the barcode reader 102 from the received product search information, It is determined whether the request is a search request from a store.

Hereinafter, a method for transmitting the position information of the portable telephone device 103 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a system for transmitting position information of a mobile phone. In the figure, the mobile phone device 103 and the product information distribution server 104 are as described in FIG. As a communication route, product search information and product information are transmitted and received via the telephone station 1201. Actually, a plurality of telephone offices 1201 may be connected.
In FIG. 2, only a telephone station located closest to the mobile phone device 103 is shown. The telephone office 1201 transmits a telephone office ID for identifying the telephone office or positional information of the telephone office to the product information distribution server 104. The product information distribution server 104 is provided with telephone station position information (not shown) for referring to position information of each telephone station in advance, and determines which telephone station the received product search information has passed. I do. The location information of the telephone office is, for example, for knowing the location where the mobile phone is used from the location information of the telephone office, specifying an area of interest in the music information, and issuing a public notice to the area. Document.

Next, another embodiment of the business model of the music listening system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram for explaining another embodiment of the business model of the music audition system according to the present invention. As the configuration of the music preview system, for example, the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 and FIGS. 11 and 12 is used. A record company 1301 that provides music products provides the products to, for example, a record store 1302, and receives the price for the products. The record store 1302 displays and displays products and sells them to the user 1303. The user 1303 sends the barcode reading device 1
02 or, if necessary, a device such as the mobile phone device 103 is rented (it may be purchased). When the user 1303 visits the record store 1302, he or she can freely read the barcodes of the displayed and displayed music products and listen to the music. The user 1303 immediately listens to the record store 1 if it determines that the content is sufficient for the purchase as a result of the audition.
At 302, a product can be purchased. Also, when the product information distribution service provider 1304 receives the product information search request,
The contents of the search request are analyzed, and information as to which device the request is from, the position information of the barcode reader 102, and the position information of the telephone station via communication are totaled, and the search request totaling 1 is performed.
305 is stored. As the information for specifying the device, the reader ID recorded in the reader control information 213 is used, and as the position information of the barcode reader 102, FIG.
The reader device position information described in 1 is used, and the telephone station ID or the telephone station position information described in FIG. 12 is used as the telephone station position information.

The record company 1301 entrusts the distribution of the trial listening information to the commodity information distribution service provider 1304 because the use of the music trial listening system can increase the sales opportunity of the music commodity. Further, the merchandise information distribution service provider 1304 provides the search request tally 1305 to the record company 1301 and can indicate the location, time, and merchandise code used by the user 1304 using the music audition system. By checking the sales history (where the location, time, and product code are recorded), it is possible to confirm the correlation between the use of the music listening system and the sale of the product.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a vending machine suitable for the music viewing system according to the present invention.
4A is a perspective view of the vending machine, and FIG. 14B is a partially enlarged side view of the vending machine. Vending machine 150
Reference numeral 1 denotes a product sample display space 1502 for displaying a product sample 1506, and a product selection button 1 corresponding to each product sample.
503, a price insertion slot 1504 for inserting a purchase price,
A product outlet 1505 for taking out purchased products is provided. Near the front panel 1508 made of glass or the like on the front side of the product sample display space 1502,
A place for displaying a product code 1507 represented by a bar code or the like is provided (see FIG. 14B). The place where the product code 1507 is displayed is on the front panel 1508.
Product code 1507 at a position where it can be read even when passing through
It has a function to fix.

For example, when displaying a music product package as a product sample, the barcode printed on the product is printed on the back surface of the product and may not be visible from the front, or may be printed on the front. Even in this case, the distance from the front panel 1508 may be long, and it is difficult to read the barcode. Front panel 1508
Since the commodity code 1507 arranged in the vicinity can be read even after passing through the front panel, the retrieval operation of the commodity information can be easily performed. Note that the product code 1507 may be placed inside or outside the front panel 1508 as long as the location corresponding to the product sample 1506 can be identified, or attached to the product selection button 1503. May be.

Hereinafter, a method for changing the setting of the bar code reader 102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining an example of setting change of the barcode reading device. FIG. 15A is a barcode showing a setting change command of the barcode reading device, and FIG. It is a barcode indicating device setting change data. When reading the barcode, the barcode reader 102 usually recognizes the barcode as a product code, generates product search information, and transmits the generated product search information to the mobile phone device 103. The barcode shown in FIG. 15 is a barcode for changing the setting of the barcode reader 102, and includes a barcode reader setting change command 1601 and barcode reader setting change data 1602. Also, the barcode reader 1
02 has an encryption key for performing encryption as described in FIG. 9, and the reading device control information 213 has an area for storing the encryption key (not shown).

In FIG. 15, a bar code reading device setting change command 1601 is an example of a bar code indicating a command for changing an encryption key in the storage contents of the reading device control information 213. 1
Reference numeral 602 denotes that the encryption key is “111222” as a specific setting value.
3333445 ". The setting change method using the setting change command and the setting change data is the same as the method described with reference to FIG. If the encryption key is broken,
Product information distribution server 104 and barcode reader 102
It is necessary to change the encryption key possessed by, but the setting can be easily changed as described above. Note that the encryption key should be handled confidentially, and the product information distribution server 104 has a secret key of a public key encryption method, and the encryption key specified by the barcode reading device setting change data 1602 corresponds to the secret key. Public key to be used. When the number of digits of the encryption key becomes large, the reading device setting change data 1602 includes a plurality of bar codes.

Hereinafter, a method of performing a product information search request and a product information distribution as a proxy will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the product information distribution server. The mobile phone device 102 is a product information proxy distribution server 1701
To the product information distribution server 104 via the server to obtain the product information. In FIG. 16, a product information proxy distribution server 1701 is installed in or near a store where products are displayed or displayed, and a premises communication control unit 1702 performs wireless communication with the mobile phone device 102. Private communication control section 170
2 receives the server connection request and the product information search request from the mobile phone device 102, the proxy distribution control unit 1704 connects to the product information distribution server of the server connection request destination via the public communication control unit 1705, and performs the product information search. Submit the request. Upon receiving the product information from the product information distribution server, the proxy reception control unit 1704 causes the local communication control unit 1702
The merchandise information is transmitted to the mobile phone device 102 via the.

The proxy reception control unit 1704 stores a combination of the server connection request, the product information search request, and the product information in the search request response history 1703. If the server connection request and the product information search request from the mobile phone device 102 match the combination stored in the search request response history 1703, product information is extracted from the combination, and the mobile phone device 102 Send. In the case of a search request issued in the same store, product information can be immediately distributed without connecting to a server at a remote place, so that user convenience is improved. Further, the POS register arranged in the store may have a product information proxy distribution server function. In this case, it is possible to total the history of the product information search and the product sales for each product code, and it is easy to evaluate the effect of the product information distribution.

In each embodiment of the present invention described above,
Examples of product codes are JAN standard, UPC standard, EAN
Although the description is made using the barcode of the standard or the like, other one-dimensional barcodes, two-dimensional barcodes, or complicated patterns may be used in the present invention as long as they can be read. Further, the product code is not limited to one printed on the product, and may be one provided with a magnetic medium or one provided with an electromagnetic induction medium. Similarly, the bar code reading unit may be in any form as long as it has a function of reading a product code, and may be a method of recognizing a pattern captured by a camera, a method of reading a magnetic code, or a method of reading by electromagnetic induction communication. You may. Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the barcode reading device 102 and the mobile phone device 103 are functionally separated from each other.
In the present invention, both may be integrally formed or may be formed in a separable form.
When the mobile phone device 103 is formed in a separable form, some of the functions of the barcode reader 102 may be provided in the mobile phone device 103, or conversely, some of the functions of the mobile phone device 103 may be provided as bar codes. The code reader 102 may be provided.

In each of the above embodiments, the connection server indicated in the reading device control information 213 provided in the bar code reading device 102 is described using the telephone number of the product information distribution server 104. Then, if the information specifies the server, the URL (Uniform R)
(source locator) format, or a server that matches the server class at the time of connection by using only the server class name of the product information distribution server having the same function to specify the connection server. It is good as a method. Further, in each of the above embodiments, the description is made using the mobile phone device 103. However, in the present invention, if the terminal is provided with a communication function and has a function of displaying and reproducing product information, the As a route, a general subscriber telephone or wireless communication may be used, and as a terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), a POS register, or a PDA (Personal Data) may be used.
Assistant) and other portable data processing devices,
A vending machine or the like may be used.

In each of the embodiments described above, music products are used as commodities, and trial music is used as merchandise information to be distributed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be any product such as a video product, a text product, or a food product, and the product information may be any information such as information on the product or related product information. In particular, for products mainly composed of copyrighted products such as music products and video products, by introducing product content introduction that includes a part of the copyrighted product as product information,
When the user decides to purchase, an appropriate content description can be given.

In the method of distributing product information, the content of the product is described in the form of music. However, it may be a video or a promotion video formed by editing a part of the video.

[0047]

As described above, the product information distribution method according to the present invention reads a product code such as a bar code printed or attached on the surface of a product and a product code, and issues a product information search request including the product code. It consists of a communication terminal that generates and connects to the product information distribution server and transmits it, and a product information distribution server that searches and distributes product information in response to a product information search request. For this reason, since the product code is distributed with the product, it is possible to easily provide the user with a search operation opportunity. Also, the product information distribution method of the present invention provides advertisement information, preview music, promotion video, and the like as information to be distributed, further includes identification information in a barcode reading device, and includes identification information in a product search request. Accordingly, a reading device or the like is provided at a store where products are displayed or displayed, and the correlation between the product search request and the store is totaled. As a result, the information to be distributed leads to product sales promotion, and it is easy to evaluate how much the store cooperated in product sales promotion.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of the overall configuration of a music viewing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the music preview system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a table for explaining an embodiment of viewing information;

FIG. 4 is a table for explaining an embodiment of reading device control information.

FIG. 5 is a table for explaining one embodiment of telephone device control information;

FIG. 6 is a table for explaining one embodiment of communication control information;

FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of search result transmission data and search result display.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing an example of changing settings of a barcode reading device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment in a case where the product search information is encrypted and transmitted.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram for explaining an embodiment of a business model of a music audition system according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a bar code reader capable of transmitting position information.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a system for transmitting location information of a mobile phone.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram for explaining another embodiment of the business model of the music audition system according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a vending machine suitable for a music viewing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing an example of changing settings of a barcode reading device.

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of a product information distribution server.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a conventional information distribution system.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 ... commodity, 102 ... barcode reader, 103 ...
Cellular phone device, 104… Product information distribution server, 105…
Sample information, 201: barcode, 202: product information, 2
03: product body, 211: bar code reading unit, 212 ...
Reading device control unit, 213 ... reading device control information, 221 ...
External input control unit, 222: Key operation control unit, 223: Key input unit, 224: Telephone device control information, 225: Telephone device control unit, 226: Display unit, 227: Communication control unit, 22
8 audio output unit, 231 communication control unit, 232 product information, 233 server control unit, 234 communication control information, 3
01 ... product code table, 302 ... information file, 601 ...
Control information by telephone number, 602 ... Control information by reading device, 7
01: search result transmission data, 702: search result display, 8
01 ... Barcode reading device setting change command, 802 ...
Bar code reading device setting change data, 1001 ... record company, 1002 ... A record store, 1003 ... B record store, 1004 ... user, 1005 ... product information distribution service company, 1006 ... search request totaling, 1101
... Position information detecting unit, 1201 Telephone office, 1301 ... Record company, 1302 ... Record dealer, 1303 ... User, 1304 ... Product information distribution service provider, 1305 ...
Total search request, 1401 ... Information distribution server, 1402 ...
User, 1501 ... Vending machine, 1502 ... Product sample display space, 1503 ... Product selection button, 1504 ... Price insertion slot, 1505 ... Product exit, 1506 ... Product sample, 1507 ... Product code, 1508 ... Front panel, 1601 ... Bar code reader setting change command,
1602 ... Barcode reading device setting change data, 170
1. Product information proxy distribution server, 1702 local communication control unit, 1703 search request response history, 1704 proxy distribution control unit, 1705 public communication control unit

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G07F 17/00 G07F 17/00 B G07G 1/00 311 G07G 1/00 311E 1/14 1/14 G10K 15/02 G10K 15/02 H04N 7/173 640 H04N 7/173 640Z

Claims (33)

[Claims] When a communication terminal having a reading unit for reading a product code reads a product code, the communication terminal generates a product information search request including the product code, connects to a product information distribution server, and transmits the request. A product information distribution method, wherein a distribution server searches for product information stored in advance corresponding to the product code included in the product information search request and distributes the product information to the communication terminal. 2. The product information distribution method according to claim 1, wherein said product code is printed or attached on a surface of a product body and distributed. 3. The product information distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the content of the product information includes advertisement information of the product. 4. The product information distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the content of the product includes a work, and the content of the product information includes a part of the work of the product. Delivery method. 5. The product information distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the content of the product is music, and the content of the product information includes a preview music of the music. Information distribution method. 6. The product information distribution method according to claim 5, wherein the content of the product is music composed of a plurality of music pieces,
A product information distribution method, characterized in that it is possible to designate which of the plurality of songs is to be distributed as the product information search request. 7. The product information distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the content of the product is a video, and a promotion configured by editing a part of the video as the content of the product information. A product information distribution method characterized by including a video. 8. The product information distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the communication terminal having the reading unit has server connection information for connecting to the product information distribution server in advance. Product information distribution method to be. 9. The product information distribution method according to claim 8, wherein an instruction code for changing said server connection information is read, and said server connection information is changed. 10. The product information distribution method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said read product code is encrypted to be said product information search request, and said product information distribution server is configured to encrypt said product code included in said product information search request. A product information distribution method, wherein the product code is decoded to obtain the product code. 11. The product information distribution method according to claim 8, wherein the communication terminal having the reading unit has an identification number, and generates the product information search request including the identification number. The product information distribution method, wherein the product information distribution server determines whether or not distribution is possible in accordance with the identification number included in the product information search request. 12. The product information distribution method according to claim 8, wherein the communication terminal including the reading unit includes a position information detecting unit and generates the product information search request including the position information. Product information distribution method characterized by performing. 13. The merchandise information distribution method according to claim 8, wherein the merchandise information distribution server receives a merchandise information search request and relays the merchandise information on a communication path with the communication terminal. A product information distribution method characterized by acquiring relay station identification information or relay station position information of a station. 14. The product information distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the communication terminal having the reading unit is a portable telephone device having a reading unit. . 15. The product information distribution method according to claim 14, wherein the reading unit is configured to be separable from the portable telephone device. 16. The product information distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the product code is a distribution product code in which a country name, a product manufacturer, and a product number are registered. Delivery method. 17. The product information distribution method according to claim 1, wherein said reading unit is a bar code reader. 18. The product information distribution method according to claim 16, wherein the product code is a JAN code, a UPC code,
A product information distribution method characterized by being represented by one of EAN codes. 19. The commodity information distribution method according to claim 11, wherein the reading unit provided with the identification number is provided in a store where the commodity is displayed or displayed, and the commodity information distribution server is included in the commodity information search request. Tally the above identification numbers,
A product information distribution method, wherein the number of product information search requests at each store is calculated, and the information distribution cooperation price to be distributed to each store is calculated. 20. The product information distribution method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the product information distribution server counts the position information included in the product information search request and determines the location information of the store where the product is displayed or displayed. A product information distribution method comprising calculating a correlation and calculating an information distribution cooperation price to be distributed to each store. 21. The product information distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the product code and a product corresponding to the product code are separately displayed in such a manner that their correspondence can be identified. A method for distributing product information, wherein the product and the product code are displayed on a product vending machine having a place. 22. A vending machine for selling goods, wherein a goods sample display place for displaying a goods sample of the goods, a goods code display place for displaying a goods code of the goods, A product vending machine wherein the product sample display place and the product code display place are arranged at positions where correspondence with a product code can be identified. 23. A vending machine according to claim 22, wherein said product code is represented by a bar code. 24. The product vending machine according to claim 22, wherein the product code display location is included in the product sample display location. 25. A vending machine according to claim 22, wherein said merchandise code display place is located near said merchandise sample display place. 26. An apparatus comprising: a reading unit for reading a product code; and a communication function, and stores an identification code for identifying the product information search terminal and server connection information to a product information distribution server.
When reading the product code, a product information search request including the product code and the identification code is generated, the product information distribution server is connected according to the server connection information, and the product information search request is transmitted. A product information search terminal for receiving product information from an information distribution server and displaying the product information. 27. A product information search terminal according to claim 26, wherein a bar code reader is used as said product code reading section. 28. The product information search terminal according to claim 26, wherein the product code included in the product information search request is obtained by encrypting the product code. . 29. Communication means between a reading unit for reading a product code and a communication terminal, an identification code for identifying the reading device, and server connection information for connecting to a product information distribution server via the communication terminal. A merchandise code reading device that generates a merchandise information search request including the merchandise code, the identification code, and the server connection information when reading the merchandise code, and transmits the request to the communication terminal. 30. A product code reading device according to claim 29, wherein a bar code reading device is used as said product code reading section. 31. A product code reading device according to claim 29, wherein said product code included in said product information search request is obtained by encrypting said product code. . 32. A product information distribution server that distributes product information to said communication terminal in response to a product information search request issued from a communication terminal, wherein said product information search request has a product code and said product information. Including connection information to the server, when receiving the product information search request from the communication terminal, to connect to the server according to the connection information,
Sending the product information search request to the server, performing proxy distribution control of transmitting the product information received from the server to the communication terminal, and searching for the product information search request and the combination of the connection information and the product information When the product information search request is received and the product information search request is received, the search request response history is referred to, and if there is a matching product information search request, the product information included in the search request response history is stored. A product information distribution server for performing proxy distribution control of acquiring the information and transmitting the acquired information to the communication terminal. 33. A product information distribution server according to claim 31, wherein said proxy distribution control is performed in a POS register.