JP2002304509A - Stock information providing method, central unit, stock information providing system, computer program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stock information providing method capable of easily executing market investigation based on stock information without making it necessary to set any device for allowing a user who receives stock information to be used for consuming activity such as the exchange or purchase of merchandise or a duty, to use the stock information in a store at the destination of use and to provide a central unit, a stock information providing system, a computer program, and a recording medium. SOLUTION: Stock information for allowing a terminal equipment 20 to output a format for accepting the input of consumption information indicating that the stock information is used for consuming activity is generated in a central unit 10, and the generated stock information is transmitted to the terminal equipment 20. A user 200 who uses the terminal equipment 20 hands the terminal equipment 20 which outputs the format for accepting the input of the consumption information to the staff of a store 300, and the staff inputs the consumption information including a communication number such as the telephone number and postal code of the store 300 and specific information for specifying the target of consumption, and transmits it to the central unit 10, and the central unit 10 manages the consumption information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention uses a central device such as a web server computer and a terminal device such as a portable telephone which communicates with the central device, and exchanges and purchases goods and services, and consumes them at a discount. A valuable information providing method for providing valuable information having an economic value to be used for an activity, a central device to which the method is applied, a valuable information providing system using the device, a computer program for realizing the device, More particularly, the present invention relates to a valuable information providing method, a central device, a valuable information providing system, a computer program, and a recording medium capable of managing the use status of valuable information in a central device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the development of communication networks such as the Internet, valuable information having an economic value to be used for consumption activities such as exchange and purchase of goods or services and discounts of the price thereof is transferred to a web server computer or the like. Systems that can be used for consumption activities by transmitting valuable information output from a central device to a terminal device such as a mobile phone and presenting valuable information output from the terminal device at a store. Has begun.

As a further development of the system, consumption information indicating that valuable information has been used for consumption activities is input to a store terminal device managed in the store, and the central terminal is used by the store terminal device. The operation of a system that transmits consumption information to a central device and manages the consumption information in a central device and uses it for market research such as marketing and information management has also been started.

[0004]

However, in the conventional system, there is a problem that a terminal device for a store must be installed in order to conduct market research and information management. Also, a terminal device for a store is managed even in a central device. If you do not register information such as the area where the store is located in advance,
There is a problem that sufficient market research and information management cannot be performed.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and uses valuable information output from a terminal device using valuable information for outputting a format for receiving input of consumption information indicating that the information has been used for a consumption activity. By inputting the consumption information into the input fields output by the user and transmitting the information to the central device, and managing the consumption information in the central device, a valuable information providing method that does not require the installation of a terminal device for a store was applied. A main object is to provide a central device, a valuable information providing system using the device, a computer program for realizing the device, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

[0006] Further, by including the communication number such as a telephone number and a postal code in the consumption information, it is possible to confirm the area based on the communication number. Therefore, even if the area where the store is installed is not registered. Another object is to provide a central device capable of conducting market research and information management.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing valuable information, comprising a central device and a terminal device communicating with the central device, the valuable information having economic value and being used for consumption activities. In the valuable information providing method provided from the central device to the terminal device, the central device generates valuable information to be output to the terminal device in a format for receiving an input of consumption information indicating that the central device has been used for a consumption activity. Transmitting the generated valuable information to the terminal device, based on the received valuable information, the terminal device outputs a format for accepting consumption information input, accepts consumption information input, and accepts the received consumption information. It is characterized by transmitting to a central device.

In the valuable information providing method according to the first invention, valuable information having an economic value to be used for consumption activities such as exchange and purchase of goods or services and discount of the price thereof is received by the consumption activity. Comp so that the terminal device outputs a format for accepting the input of consumption information indicating that
A user who generates using a language such as act-HTML and Java and uses the terminal device hands over the terminal device to which the valuable information is output to an employee of a store to which the valuable information is used. A device for transmitting consumption information to a store by inputting communication information such as a telephone number and a postal code of a store and specific information for specifying an object to be consumed to a terminal device and transmitting the information to a central device. Need not be installed.

A method for providing valuable information according to a second aspect of the present invention uses a central device and a portable terminal device that communicates with the central device, and transfers valuable information having economic value and used for consumption activities to the central device. In the method for providing valuable information to the terminal device from the above, the central device indicates that the central device has been used for the consumption activity based on the score recorded in the database that records the score in association with the terminal device. A format for accepting input of information is generated as valuable information to be output to the terminal device, a score corresponding to the generated valuable information is subtracted from a database, and the generated valuable information is transmitted to the terminal device. Based on the received valuable information, a format for accepting the input of consumption information is output, and the input of the consumption information including the communication number and the specific information for specifying the consumption target is received. Attached, and transmits the consumption information received to the central unit.

[0010] In the method for providing valuable information according to the second aspect of the present invention, points given to a user for consumption activities such as online games, use of transportation such as airplanes, and purchase of commodities performed through a communication network. On the basis of the above, valuable information to be output to a terminal device such as a mobile phone in a format for receiving input of consumption information is generated, and a user using the terminal device outputs a terminal device in which the format for receiving input of consumption information is output. Handing the valuable information to the employee of the store where the valuable information is to be used, the employee inputs consumption information including the telephone number of the store and a communication number such as a postal code, and specific information for specifying an object to be consumed to the terminal device, By sending to the device,
It is not necessary to install a device for transmitting consumption information in the store, and market research such as marketing and information management can be easily performed.

A central device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a central device having economic value and transmitting valuable information used for a consumption activity to a terminal device. Generating means for generating valuable information to be output to the terminal device in an accepted format; means for transmitting the generated valuable information to the terminal device; and consumption information transmitted upon receiving an input based on the valuable information from the terminal device. Means for receiving the

The central device according to the third invention generates valuable information to be output to the terminal device and transmits the format to accept the input of the consumption information indicating that the consumption information has been used for the consumption activity to the terminal device. By using the consumption information received from the terminal device for market research such as marketing and information management, a device for transmitting the consumption information becomes unnecessary.

[0013] A central device according to a fourth invention is characterized in that, in the third invention, the consumption information includes at least one of a communication number and specific information for specifying an object to be consumed.

In the central device according to the fourth invention, the consumption information includes the communication number such as the telephone number and the postal code of the store, so that the user can use the area code and the local area number of the telephone number and the postal code. Location can be specified, so that consumption information can be used for market research and information management without having to manage all information related to the store in the central device. By including the information, it is possible to easily manage information on a plurality of types of valuable information in the central device.

[0015] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect, the generating means generates valuable information based on points recorded in a database that records points in association with the terminal device. It is characterized by further comprising means for generating, and subtracting a score corresponding to the generated valuable information from the database.

[0016] In the central device according to the fifth invention, the points given to the user for consumption activities such as online games, use of transportation such as airplanes, and purchase of commodities performed through the communication network are determined by: By linking with a system that exchanges points for receiving valuable information,
It is possible for the user to make effective use of the points given as points.

A valuable information providing system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention
A central device according to any of the third to fifth inventions,
A terminal device that communicates with the central device, the terminal device outputs a valuable information received from the central device, and a unit that receives input of consumption information based on the outputted valuable information; Means for transmitting consumption information to the central device.

In the valuable information providing system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, valuable information having an economic value to be used for consumption activities such as exchange and purchase of goods or services and discount of the price thereof is received by the consumption activity. To allow the terminal device to output a format for receiving input of consumption information indicating that
A user who uses a language such as Compact-HTML and Java, and uses the terminal device, hands over the terminal device on which the valuable information is output to an employee of a store where the valuable information is used. It is necessary to install a device for transmitting consumption information to the store by inputting consumption information such as the telephone number and postal code of the store and specific information specifying the consumption target to the terminal device and transmitting it to the central device. There is no.

A valuable information providing system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention comprises:
In a sixth aspect, the terminal device is a portable telephone.

In the valuable information providing system according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program, comprising: a computer having means for communicating with a terminal device;
In a computer program having economic value and transmitting valuable information used for a consumption activity to the terminal device, a form in which a computer receives input of consumption information indicating that the information is used for a consumption activity is output to the terminal device. The procedure for generating valuable information to be
Transmitting the generated valuable information to the terminal device.

In the computer program according to the eighth invention, the computer operates as a central device by being executed by a computer such as a web server computer.
By generating valuable information that causes the terminal device to output a format for accepting the input of consumption information and transmitting the valuable information to the terminal device, and using the consumption information received from the transmission destination terminal device for market research and information management such as marketing, the consumption is reduced. A device for transmitting information becomes unnecessary.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium having a computer having a means for communicating with a terminal device, transmitting valuable information having economic value and used for consumption activities to the terminal device. On a computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program to be recorded is recorded, generating valuable information for causing the terminal device to output a format in which the computer accepts input of consumption information indicating that the terminal device has been used for the consumption activity. A computer program is recorded which includes a procedure for causing the computer to transmit the generated valuable information to the terminal device.

In the computer-readable recording medium according to the ninth aspect, the computer program is executed by a computer such as a web server computer so that the computer operates as a central device and stores consumption information. By generating valuable information in the form of allowing the terminal device to accept the input and outputting it to the terminal device and transmitting it to the terminal device, by using the consumption information received from the destination terminal device for market research and information management such as marketing,
A device for transmitting consumption information is not required.

[0025]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view conceptually showing a valuable information providing system according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a central device of the present invention using a web server computer, and the central device 10 is a communication network NW such as the Internet.
And is managed by the business entity 100 that operates the system of the present invention. A user 200 using the system managed by the business entity 100 can connect to the communication network NW using the terminal device 20 such as a mobile phone and communicate with the central device 10. Business entity 10
0 is affiliated with the store 300 and uses valuable information having an economic value to be used for consumption activities such as exchange and purchase of goods or services sold at the store 300 and discounts of the price. To the customer 200 and store 30
0 collects information such as marketing using information collected by the business entity 100.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the valuable information providing system of the present invention. The central device 10 is a recording medium REC such as a CD-ROM in which information such as a computer program PG and data for the central device of the present invention is recorded.
Storage means 12 for reading information such as a computer program PG and data from a computer, and recording means 13 such as a hard disk for recording information such as the computer program PG and data read by the auxiliary storage means 12
It has. The server computer reads the computer program PG and information such as data from the recording means 13, stores the information in the RAM 14 for storing the information, and executes it by the CPU 11.
Works as

A part of the recording area of the recording means 13 records the terminal device database 10a in which the terminal device 20 and the score are recorded in association with each other, and the score and the consumption target provided in accordance with the score are recorded in association with each other. Consumption target database 1
0b as well as various databases such as a usage database 10c for recording the usage status of valuable information based on consumption information indicating that the user 200 has used valuable information for consumption activities, and various databases as necessary. , And an information reading process is performed. Instead of using a part of the recording area of the recording unit 13 as various databases, another device including the recording unit may be connected to the central device 10 and used as various databases.
Further, the central device 10 includes communication means 15 for connecting to the communication network NW.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the recorded contents of the terminal device database 10a provided in the central device 10 of the present invention. In the terminal device database 10a, information on the terminal device 20 includes identification information such as a terminal device ID and a password for identifying the terminal device 20, a name, a date of birth, gender, and occupation of the user 200 of the terminal device 20. Recorded as a record having data in each item such as personal information and points given for consumption activities such as online games, use of transportation such as airplanes, and purchase of goods, etc., performed via a communication network. I have. Note that the terminal device ID used for the identification information may be a user ID assigned to the user 200.

The terminal device 20 includes a CPU 21 for controlling various processes such as a communication process and a voice process, a recording unit 22 for recording information such as a computer program and data necessary for various processes, and a RAM 23. And CP
U21 controls a communication control unit 24 that controls input / output and transmission / reception of audio processing. The communication control unit 24 includes a transmission / reception unit 25 that transmits / receives information such as a digital audio signal via an antenna A, The audio processing unit 26 converts an audio signal into an analog audio signal, outputs the analog audio signal from the speaker S, and converts the analog audio signal input from the microphone M into a digital audio signal. Further, the CPU 21 receives an input from a key section K for performing key input of a telephone number and various instructions, and displays necessary information on a display section D for displaying various information such as key input information and information to be transmitted and received.

Next, the authentication process of the central device 10 and the terminal device 20 used in the valuable information providing system of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. A user 200 desiring to use the valuable information providing system connects to the communication network NW using the terminal device 20 and accesses a web page recorded in the central device 10 for using the valuable information providing system. The central device 10
After the terminal device 20 accesses the web page, the terminal device 20 sends a terminal device ID (user ID) for identifying the terminal device 20 (user 200) and an identification information transmission request for requesting transmission of identification information such as a password. (S10)
1).

The terminal device 20 receives the identification information transmission request (S102), and outputs the received identification information transmission request (S103). The user 200 confirms the identification information transmission request, and inputs identification information such as a terminal device ID (user ID) and a password into a predetermined column of the output identification information transmission request. The terminal device 20 receives the input of the identification information (S104), and transmits the received identification information to the central device 10 (S105).

The central unit 10 receives the identification information (S
106), the received identification information is stored in the terminal device database 1
By comparing with the identification information recorded in 0a,
Authentication is performed (S107). By performing the authentication process in this manner, the user 200 can use the valuable information providing system of the present invention.

Next, points exchange and valuable information utilization processing of the central unit 10 and the terminal device 20 used in the valuable information providing system of the present invention will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. After the authentication process, the user 200 receives the valuable information having an economic value to be used for consumption activities such as exchange and purchase for goods or services and discount of the price thereof according to the assigned points. A list information request for requesting a list of objects to be consumed, such as goods and services that can be exchanged for points, is input. Terminal device 2
0, the input of the list information request is accepted (S201),
The received list information request is transmitted to the central device 10 (S
202).

The central device 10 receives the list information request (S203) and, based on the identification information determined by the authentication process, calculates the score given to the user 200 of the terminal device 20 in the terminal device database 10a. From the consumption target database 10b (S204), the consumption target that can be provided with the extracted points, that is, the consumption target whose associated recorded score is equal to or less than the extracted score. It extracts (S205), and transmits the extracted list of consumption targets to the terminal device 20 as list information (S206). The terminal device 20 receives the list information (S207), and outputs the received list information from the display unit D (S208).

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an output screen of the terminal device 20 used in the valuable information providing system of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows the list information output in step S208, and the user checks the output list information,
In the example shown in FIG. 7, the user wants to exchange among the consumption targets indicated in the list information, "J-density ISDN router", "M burger xx burger", and "N ya xx bowl". In FIG. 7, the user inputs selection information for selecting "J-density ISDN router".

The terminal device 20 receives the input of the selection information (S 209), and transmits the received selection information to the central device 10.
(S210). The central device 10 receives the selection information (S211), generates valuable information having an economic value of being exchanged for the product indicated by the received selection information (S212), and calculates a score corresponding to the generated valuable information. The terminal device 20 in the terminal device database 10a.
Is subtracted from the score recorded in association with the identification information (S213), and the valuable information is transmitted to the terminal device 20 (S214). Note that the valuable information generated in step S212 is output to the terminal device 20 in a form (form) for accepting an input of consumption information indicating that the valuable information has been used for the consumption activity and an input of transmitting the consumption information. It is generated using a language such as Compact-HTML and Java, and a different serial number is assigned each time it is generated. The terminal device 20 receives the valuable information (S215), and outputs the received valuable information from the display unit D (S216).

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an output screen of the terminal device 20 used in the valuable information providing system of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows the valuable information output in step S216, in which exchangeable products, and “J Denki ISDN Router” are displayed in FIG. 8, and valuable information is used as consumption information. A column for inputting each of the specified phone number of the shop 300 and the specific information for specifying the object to be consumed, that is, the exchange of the corresponding product, is shown below the “transmission” for transmitting the input consumption information. Is displayed. Note that, as the specific information for specifying the consumption target, information indicating a product to be exchanged, a campaign to be exchanged, a business entity that provides the product, and the like are used. Further, the valuable information itself does not necessarily have to be in a format for accepting the input of the consumption information as shown in FIG. 8, but a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating a position on the communication network NW is displayed on the valuable information, and the displayed URL May be downloaded and output in a format that accepts input of consumption information.

The user 200 hands over the terminal device 20 to which the valuable information is output to the employee of the shop 300, and the employee confirms the output valuable information, and enters a communication number as consumption information in a predetermined column. After inputting a certain telephone number and specific information, an input for designating an image indicating transmission is performed. The terminal device 20 receives the input of the consumption information indicating the telephone number and the specific information (S217), further receives the input indicating the image indicating the transmission (S218), and transmits the received consumption information to the central device 10. (S219). The central device 10 receives the consumption information (S220), and verifies the validity of the received consumption information, for example, whether or not the assigned serial number has been used before (S22).
1) When it is determined that the consumption information is valid (S22)
2: Y), the usage status of the valuable information is recorded in the usage status database 10c (S223), and the usage permission information indicating that the use of the valuable information, for example, the provision of the product is permitted, is transmitted to the terminal device 20 (S224). .

The terminal device 20 receives the use permission information (S225), and outputs the received use permission information from the display unit D (S226). The employee checks the output usage permission information and hands over the product to be provided to the user 200.
If it is determined in step S221 that the consumption information is not valid (S222: N), the use of valuable information, that is, the use rejection information indicating that the provision of the product is not permitted is transmitted to the terminal device 20. Abnormal processing is performed.

The usage status recorded in the usage status database 10c can specify the area where the store 300 used is located based on the area code and the local code of the telephone number received as the consumption information. In addition, since the user 200 can be specified from the serial number, it is possible to conduct a detailed market research together with various types of personal information recorded in the terminal device database 10a, and to specify a region. Therefore, it is possible to provide valuable information limited to an area. Note that a postal code instead of a telephone number may be input as a communication number. Further, by providing a store database in advance and managing detailed information of the store 300, a more detailed investigation can be performed.

In the above-described embodiment, the points recorded in the terminal device database 10a are exchanged for valuable information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. And the user 200 may purchase valuable information for a fee. Further, instead of performing the point subtraction at the stage where the valuable information is generated, the subtraction may be performed at the stage where the validity of the consumption information is verified.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the form in which the telephone number is used as the consumption information has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and information such as the name of the store 300 and store identification information given to the store 300 in advance is used. May be used as consumption information.

[0043]

As described in detail above, in the method for providing valuable information, the central device, the valuable information providing system, the computer program, and the recording medium according to the present invention, exchange and purchase of goods or services at the central device, and The terminal device accepts input of consumption information indicating that the valuable information having an economic value to be used for the consumption activity such as the discount of the price of the product is used for the consumption activity in a language such as Compact-HTML or Java. The user who uses the terminal device generates the information in the format, sends it to the terminal device, and hands the terminal device with the valuable information output to the employee of the store where the valuable information is used. It is necessary to install a device for transmitting consumption information to the store by inputting the information in the input field and transmitting it to the central device, and managing the consumption information in the central device. There like, an excellent effect.

According to the present invention, the consumption information includes the communication number such as the telephone number and the postal code of the store, so that the user can use the valuable information from the area code and the city code of the telephone number and the postal code. Since the area where the store is located can be specified, it is possible to use the consumption information for market research and information management without managing all the information about the store in the central device. , The central device can easily manage information on a plurality of types of valuable information.

Further, according to the present invention, the points given to the user for consumption activities such as online games, use of transportation such as airplanes, and purchase of commodities performed through a communication network are provided as valuable information. By linking with a system for exchanging points for receiving points, it is possible to obtain excellent effects such that a user can effectively utilize points given as points.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a valuable information providing system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a valuable information providing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing recorded contents of a terminal device database provided in the central device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication process of a central device and a terminal device used in the valuable information providing system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing point exchange and valuable information use processing of a central device and a terminal device used in the valuable information providing system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of exchanging points and using valuable information of a central device and a terminal device used in the valuable information providing system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an output screen of a terminal device used in the valuable information providing system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an output screen of a terminal device used in the valuable information providing system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 central device 20 terminal device 40 communication device 100 business entity 200 user 300 store NW communication network PG computer program REC recording medium

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) G06F 17/60 502 G06F 17/60 502 506 506 ZEC ZEC

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A valuable information providing method for providing valuable information having economic value and used for consumption activities from said central device to said terminal device using a central device and a terminal device communicating with said central device. The central device generates valuable information to be output to the terminal device in a format for accepting an input of consumption information indicating that the terminal device has been used for consumption activity; and transmits the generated valuable information to the terminal device. A method for providing valuable information, wherein the apparatus outputs a format for accepting input of consumption information based on the received valuable information, accepts the input of consumption information, and transmits the received consumption information to the central device. 2. Valuable information that uses a central unit and a portable terminal device that communicates with the central unit, and provides valuable information that has economic value and is used for consumption activities from the central unit to the terminal unit. In the providing method, the central device is configured to receive input of consumption information indicating that it has been used for consumption activity, based on a score recorded in a database that records a score in association with the terminal device, Generating valuable information to be output to the terminal device, subtracting a score corresponding to the generated valuable information from the database, transmitting the generated valuable information to the terminal device, and the terminal device, based on the received valuable information, Outputs a format for accepting input of consumption information, accepts input of consumption information including a communication number and specific information for identifying a consumption target, and accepts the received consumption information. Valuable information providing method and transmitting to the serial central unit. 3. A central unit for transmitting valuable information having economic value and used for a consumption activity to a terminal device, wherein the terminal device has a format for receiving an input of consumption information indicating that the information has been used for a consumption activity. Generating means for generating valuable information to be output to the terminal; means for transmitting the generated valuable information to the terminal device; and means for receiving consumption information transmitted by receiving an input based on the valuable information from the terminal device. A central device, characterized in that: 4. The central apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the consumption information includes at least one of a communication number and specific information for specifying an object to be consumed. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the generating unit is configured to generate valuable information based on points recorded in a database that records points in association with the terminal device. The central unit according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising means for subtracting from a database. 6. The central device according to claim 3, further comprising: a terminal device that communicates with the central device, wherein the terminal device outputs valuable information received from the central device. A valuable information providing system, comprising: means, means for receiving input of consumption information based on the output valuable information, and means for transmitting the received consumption information to the central device. 7. The valuable information providing system according to claim 6, wherein said terminal device is a portable telephone. 8. A computer program for causing a computer having means for communicating with a terminal device to transmit valuable information used for consumption activities to the terminal device having economic value, the computer program comprising: Computer program, comprising: a step of generating valuable information for causing the terminal device to output a format for receiving input of consumption information indicating that the value information is input; and a step of causing a computer to transmit the generated valuable information to the terminal device. . 9. A computer having means for communicating with a terminal device, which has recorded thereon a computer program having economic value and transmitting valuable information used for consumption activities to the terminal device, wherein the computer program reads the valuable information. In a possible recording medium, a procedure for causing a computer to generate valuable information that causes the terminal device to output a format for accepting consumption information indicating that the information has been used for a consumption activity; and causing the computer to generate the valuable information. A computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program including a procedure for transmitting to a device.