JP2002344630A - Information providing system, and method for providing information and program to execute this method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide desired information by means of voice or a facsimile or the both and also receive it when a customer using a phone or the like requests the system to provide information. SOLUTION: When a user uses a phone 1 or a fax 2 to make a phone call to a voice/fax server 4, the user receives guide information in voice and makes dialing according to the guide to hear information desired to know by the phone 1 or extract the information by the fax 2. Furthermore, the voice/fax server 4 can register the information from the user by the voice from the phone 1 and the fax 2. Moreover, the voice/fax server 4 can provide the utility state of the information providing system to the phone 1 and the fax 2 and also provide Web information of the Internet 7, and also provide the information to mobile phones. In addition, the voice/fax server 4 can provide various event guides to the phone 1 and the fax 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information providing system for providing various information from an information provider to information users such as organizations and individuals, and more particularly to an information providing system for providing voice information and fax information. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a customer wants to obtain information, he or she has obtained desired information from an information provider by telephone or facsimile. Alternatively, information on the Internet is acquired by a personal computer or the like. Also,
In the case of acquiring information by telephone, desired information can be selected and acquired by performing PB operation according to voice guidance. Such information can be easily obtained through a general public network.

[0003]

However, when a customer tries to obtain information by telephone, the time for receiving an inquiry is fixed, so that necessary information cannot be obtained when necessary. Also, for the information provider, the receptionist must respond individually to small questions that are frequently asked, which makes it difficult to connect other customers' telephones. As a result, the service to customers is reduced. Furthermore, since the information provider provides one-way information, it is not possible to improve the content of information based on the opinion of the customer because the response of the customer cannot be grasped even when performing, for example, gazette activities. . FAX
Acquisition of information via the Internet or the Internet is limited to information contents determined in advance by the information provider, and individual information corresponding to each customer cannot be acquired.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a purpose thereof is to provide desired information by voice, fax, or both when a customer requests information provision by telephone or the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information providing system capable of receiving a reply from a customer by voice, facsimile or both.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an information providing system according to the present invention is an information providing system for transmitting and receiving information to and from a terminal connected to a communication line. A voice / fax server capable of transmitting and receiving information and facsimile information is provided, and the voice / fax server transmits voice information and / or facsimile information to the terminal based on an instruction signal from the terminal. It is characterized by having been constituted as follows. That is, according to such an information providing system, the terminal performs the voice / FA
By requesting the X server to provide information using the same telephone number, it is possible to receive desired information in both voice information and FAX information. Also, when information is transmitted from the terminal to the voice / fax server, either voice information or fax information can be transmitted.

Further, the information providing system of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the voice information transmitted to the terminal is voice information by voice synthesis. That is, according to the information providing system of the present invention, if the terminal dials a service code for acquiring voice information by voice synthesis, voice information by voice synthesis provided to the general public is obtained.

Further, in the information providing system according to the present invention, in the above invention, the voice / fax server can record voice information from the terminal or receive fax information from the terminal based on an instruction signal from the terminal. It is characterized by having been constituted as follows. Further, the voice / fax server can transfer voice information received from the terminal.
That is, according to the information providing system of the present invention, voice /
Since not only the provision of information from the FAX server but also the collection of information from the terminal can be performed by voice or FAX, the information of the customer can be fed back to further improve the information.

[0008] Also, the information providing system of the present invention, in the above invention, comprises a Web server connected to the Internet, wherein the voice / FAX server transmits the Web information acquired from the Web server based on an instruction signal from the terminal. ,
It is characterized in that it is transmitted to a terminal by FAX information. That is, according to the information providing system of the present invention, information on the Internet can be provided to a customer who does not have a personal computer by facsimile or the like. it can.

Further, the information providing system according to the present invention, in the above invention, further comprises a Web server connected to the Internet, and when the terminal accesses the Internet, the FAX information provided by the voice / FAX server is W information.
It is provided on the browser of the terminal from the eb server. That is, according to the information providing system of the present invention, voice or fax
It is possible to provide desired information to the browser of the customer's personal computer without relying on this.

An information providing system according to the present invention is an information providing system for transmitting information to a mobile terminal located in a wireless communication area, wherein the audio / video can provide a mobile content that can be browsed to the mobile terminal. FA
An X server, wherein the voice / fax server transmits the mobile content to the mobile terminal based on an instruction signal from the mobile terminal. That is, according to the information providing system of the present invention, information can be provided not only to a fixed telephone or a facsimile but also to a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. Extremely effective.

Further, the information providing system of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the content of the voice information transmitted by the voice / fax server can be changed externally using a voice change code and a password. Also, voice / fax
The content of the FAX information transmitted by the server can be externally changed using a voice change code and a password. That is, according to the information providing system of the present invention, the operator of the system can appropriately change the voice information and the FAX information by using the voice change code and the password. In this case, the information can be easily corrected and the latest information can be provided to the customer.

Further, in the information providing system according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the voice information synthesized by voice is voice / FA
It is created by inputting text to the X server. Further, the operation status of the voice / fax server is displayed on a browser of the voice / fax server. That is, according to the information providing system of the present invention, it is possible to easily perform voice synthesis by inputting text to a voice / fax server. Can be provided.

[0013] In the information providing system according to the present invention, in the above invention, the mobile content provided to the mobile terminal is created by inputting a text to a voice / fax server. That is, according to the information providing system of the present invention, it is possible to easily create mobile contents by inputting text into the voice / fax server, so that the latest mobile contents can always be provided to the mobile terminal. .

The present invention can also provide an invention of a method for providing information. That is, an information providing method in which a voice / fax server and a terminal are connected to a communication line to transmit and receive information, and the voice / fax server sends voice information or voice information to the terminal based on an instruction signal from the terminal. FA
X information, or both of them, and
Recording voice information from the terminal or receiving FAX information from the terminal based on an instruction signal from the terminal.

Further, the present invention can also provide a program for realizing the information providing method of the present invention. The program referred to here is information stored in a recording medium, read by a computer system, and transmitted to another computer system by a transmission medium or a transmission wave in the transmission medium. A transmission medium for transmitting a program is a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information providing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
That is, the information providing system of the present invention is a system in which the provision of voice information and the provision of FAX information can be performed by one personal computer. Further, the same information can be provided to all telephone lines connected to the information providing system. In addition, the functions of the service for providing voice information and fax information are subdivided and selected by the customer,
Select and acquire any information, voice information and fax
It can be obtained together with information. Further, the information request signal from the customer is transmitted by telephone or facsimile.
The PB signal can also be received by a dial pulse signal.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an information providing system according to the present invention. In this information providing system, a telephone 1 and a FAX 2 owned by an individual such as an organization such as a local government, a government or a company, or an ordinary household, and a voice / FAX server 4 for providing information are connected by a public network 3. Also, voice /
The FAX server 4 and the Web server 5 are connected by a LAN 6, and the Web server 5 is connected to the Internet 7 so that external information can be taken. Voice / F
The AX server 4 has a configuration in which a telephone line board is mounted on a personal computer, and various information providing services can be provided by application programs.

With such a system configuration, voice /
The FAX server 4 is capable of providing information providing services 24 hours a year. Also, voice / FA
The X server 4 can provide an information providing service not only to the telephone 1 and the FAX 2 owned by an organization such as a local government, an administration, and a company, but also to a dial line that is often used in the telephone 1 and the FAX 2 of a general home. . In addition, audio /
The FAX server 4 can distribute the information of the Internet 7 captured by the Web server 5 to the telephone 1 and the FAX 2.

According to such an information providing system, the user can use the telephone 1 or FAX 2 for voice / FAX.
When a call is made to the server 4, guidance information flows by voice, and by dialing according to the guidance, information desired to be heard can be heard by the telephone 1 or extracted by facsimile. Information from the user can be registered in the voice / fax server 4 by voice from the telephone 1 or facsimile 2. Further, the usage status of the information providing system is transmitted from the voice / fax server 4 to the telephone 1.
And FAX2, and also Web information of the Internet 7 can be provided. Further, the telephone 1 is not limited to a fixed telephone, and a mobile telephone capable of browsing and receiving mobile contents such as character information and image information from the Internet connected via a wireless network can be used. In addition, voice / fax
The server 4 includes a telephone 1 and a facsimile 2 owned by an organization or an individual.
In response, for example, product information guide, various event guides, facility use guide, various product descriptions, etc. of the company can be provided. Note that such an information providing system is also called an information guide system.

Next, a method of using such an information providing system will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of a method of using the information providing system according to the present invention. The user calls the desired time at any time 24 hours a day to access the voice / fax server 4 (step S1). Here, since the use by the telephone 1 and the use by the FAX 2 are separated, first, the flow of the use by the telephone 1 will be described. The user pushes “1” for selecting use by telephone according to the voice guidance (step S
2). Next, the service code (for example, three digits) of the information to be obtained is pushed by voice over the telephone (step S3). Then, voice information flows to the telephone 1, and the user can obtain desired voice information (step S4). If the user wants to hear further information, the process returns to step S3 and the service code of the information to be acquired may be pushed. When the voice information is acquired and the processing is ended, the telephone 1 is turned off (step S5).

Next, when voice information is to be acquired using FAX2, first, a call is made to the voice / FAX server 4 (step S1), and the FAX2 is read according to voice guidance.
Push "3" to select use in (Step S
6). Next, the service code (for example, 3 digits) of the information to be obtained by FAX 2 is pushed (step S).
7). As a result, reception by the FAX 2 is ready (step S8), and when the user pushes the start button of the FAX 2, desired information is acquired by the FAX 2 (step S9). Here, if it is desired to obtain further information, the process returns to step S7 and the service code of the information to be obtained may be pushed. In addition, when the voice information is acquired by the telephone 1 described above,
If you also want to obtain information by FAX2, go to step S
4, when the voice information is acquired, the code "7" indicating that the reception is desired by FAX2 is pushed (step S1).
0). As a result, the same information can be obtained by voice and fax.

Next, various service functions of the information providing system will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a voice information providing service to a user. The arrows in the figure indicate the direction of information flow. First, user 1
1 makes a call to the voice / fax server 12 (step S11). Next, the user 11 dials a voice code according to voice guidance (step S12). Further, the user dials a service code indicating that information is desired to be obtained by voice (step S13). Then, voice / F
The AX server 12 reproduces the audio information and provides it to the user 11 (Step S14). Then, the user 11 hangs up after obtaining the voice information (step S15).
In this way, the user 11 can use the voice / fax server 12
By calling the telephone number and operating the dial according to the guidance, it is possible to hear information desired by voice.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of a facsimile information providing service to a user. First, the user 11 makes a call to the voice / fax server 12 (step S).
11a). Next, the user 11 faxes according to the voice guidance.
Dial the code (step S12a). further,
The user dials a service code indicating that information is desired to be obtained by facsimile (step S13a), and then presses a start button or a transmission button (step S14a). Then, the voice / fax server 12 sends the user 11
X information is transmitted (step S15a). In this way, the user 11 can make a call to the voice / fax server 12 and operate the dial according to the guidance to retrieve the desired information by facsimile.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of a voice registration service to a user. First, the user 11 receives voice / FA
Make a call to the X server 12 (step S11)
b). Next, the user 11 dials a voice code according to voice guidance (step S12b). Further, a service code for registering information is dialed by voice (step S13b). Then, the voice / FAX server 12 records the voice information of the user 11 (step S).
14b). When the recording of the voice information is completed, the user 11 hangs up the telephone (step S15b). In this way, the user 11 makes a call to the voice / fax server 12 and operates the dial according to the guidance,
The user can record his / her own voice information in the voice / fax server 12.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of a facsimile registration service to a user. First, the user 11 inputs voice / F
Make a call to the AX server 12 (step S11)
c). Next, the user 11 dials the FAX registration code according to the voice guidance (step S12c), and then presses the start button or the transmission button (step S13).
c). Then, the fax information from the user 11 is sent to the voice / F
The data is transmitted to the AX server 12 (Step S14c). In this way, the user 11 can use the voice / fax server 12
Phone and fill out the form filled out according to the guidance by voice / FA
By sending a dial to the X server 12, it is possible to register own information by facsimile.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of the operation of the voice information maintenance service performed by the operator. The maintenance of the voice information means changing the content of the voice information provided to the user by the operator. First, the information provider 13 calls the voice / fax server 12 (step S11).
d). Next, the information provider 13 dials a voice change code according to voice guidance (step S12d). Further, the user dials a password (step S13d), and subsequently dials a service code for providing information by voice (step S14d). Then, voice / F
The AX server 12 records the voice information from the information provider 13 (Step S15d). Then, the voice / FAX server 12 reproduces the recorded voice and plays it to the information provider 13 for confirmation (step S16d). The information provider 13 hangs up after confirming the voice information to be changed (step S).
17d).

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of the work of the FAX information maintenance service performed by the operator. The maintenance of the FAX information is to change the content of the FAX information provided to the user by the operator. First, the information provider 13
Makes a call to the voice / fax server 12 (step S
11e). Next, the information provider 13 follows F
Dial the AX change code (step S12e).
Further, the user dials the password (step S13).
e) Then, a service code for providing information by fax is dialed (step S14e). Then, the information provider 13 presses the start button or the communication button to fax the information to be changed to the voice / fax server 12 (step S15e).

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of a telephone transfer service to a user. Note that the telephone transfer is a function of transferring a call received from a user to another section such as a reception desk. First, the user 11 sends the voice / fax server 1
2 is called (step S11f). next,
The user 11 dials a voice code according to voice guidance (step S12f). Further, the user dials a service code for transmitting information to a desired department by voice (step S13f). Then, a call is made from the voice / fax server 12 to the transfer destination recipient 16, and the telephone is connected (step S14f). The user 11 hangs up after transmitting the desired voice information (step S15).
f).

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of a Web information facsimile providing service to a user. First, user 1
1 calls the voice / fax server 12 (step S11g). Next, the user 11 dials a FAX code according to the voice guidance (step S12g).
Further, the user dials a service code indicating that the user wishes to acquire Web information by facsimile (step S13g), and then presses a start button or a transmission button (step S14g). Then, the voice / fax server 12 sets the We /
b. Web information on the Internet 15 is acquired through the server b, and the Web information is
1 (step S15g). In this way,
The user 11 makes a call to the voice / fax server 12 and operates the dial according to the guidance to obtain the W to know.
The web information can be retrieved by facsimile.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of a FAX information Web providing service to a user. First, user 1
Reference numeral 1 denotes a URL (UnUn
iform Resource Locators) to connect to the Internet 15 (step S11h). Then, FAX information is transmitted between the Web server 14 connected to the Internet 15 and the voice / FAX server 12 (step S12h). At this time, the voice / FAX server 12 transmits the FAX information to the Web server 14 as image information. Then, the FAX information is transmitted as image information from the Web server 14 to the personal computer of the user 11 and displayed on the browser. In this way,
The user 11 can browse FAX information provided by the information providing system with a browser by accessing the Internet from a personal computer.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a work flow of the statistical information acquisition and display service performed by the operator. Note that the statistical information acquisition display means voice / F for each time zone or service code.
This is to output the operating status of the AX service to a Web browser. First, the voice / FAX server 12 selects statistical information on a Web browser via the Web server (step S11i). Further, a desired daily or weekly selection is made (step S12i). Subsequently, selection by service code, time zone, etc. is performed (step S1).
3i). As a result, a graph of the statistical table is displayed on the voice / fax server 12 in a screen image as shown in the figure (step S14i). Thus, voice / FA
The X server 12 transmits voice / FA on the Web browser.
Displays a statistics table of the operation status of X service, and furthermore Exc
It is possible to display a graph using e. At this time, the graph can be output daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. This information service is a service that can be used only by the operator.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of an information providing service by voice synthesis to a user. First, the user 11 makes a telephone call to the voice / fax server 12 (step S11j). Next, the user 11 dials a voice code according to voice guidance (step S12).
j). Further, the user dials a service code indicating that information is desired to be obtained by voice synthesis (step S13j).
Then, the voice / FAX server 12 reproduces the information by voice synthesis and provides the information to the user 11 (step S1).
4j). The user 11 hangs up after acquiring the information by the voice synthesis (step S15j). In this way, the user 11 can make a telephone call to the voice / fax server 12 and operate the dial according to the guidance to hear the desired information by voice synthesis. In general, such information by voice synthesis is generally described as “Today's number of visitors is XX.
People, the weather is fine ... ".

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of work of an information providing service by voice synthesis performed by an operator. The operator selects a speech synthesis item from the menu displayed on the voice / fax server 12 (step S11k). Next, a text of voice information is input (step S12).
k). Thereby, information by voice synthesis is created in the voice / FAX server 12 (step S13k). The information based on the speech synthesis at this time is, for example, information such as "Top 10 of this week is ..." while playing back music. In this manner, by inputting voice information to the voice / fax server as text, the operator can provide information by voice synthesis to the user.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a mobile content providing service to a user. Here, the mobile content is the i-mode content provided by the i-mode (registration information) service, and the mobile terminal is a mobile terminal corresponding to the i-mode service. First, the user 11 connects his or her own mobile terminal to the voice / fax server 12 via the Internet 15 (step S11m). Next, user 1
1 dials a service code from the mobile terminal according to the voice guidance (step S12m). Then, the voice / fax server 12 communicates via the Internet 15
The i-mode content is transmitted to the mobile terminal of the user 11 (step S13m). Thereby, the user 11
The corresponding service of the i-mode content is displayed on the mobile terminal (step S14m). And user 1
1 acquires the desired i-mode content and disconnects the mobile terminal (step S15m). In this way,
By connecting the mobile terminal to the voice / fax server 12 and operating the mobile terminal according to the guidance, the user 11 can view the desired i-mode content.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing the work flow of the i-mode content providing service performed by the operator. The operator selects i-mode content creation from the menu items displayed on the voice / fax server 12 (step S).
11n). Next, the text of the i-mode content is input (step S12n). By this, voice / FA
The i-mode content is created in the X server 12 (step S13n). The i-mode content at this time is
For example, general information such as "Recommended this week is ...". In this way, the operator can provide the i-mode content to the user from the voice / fax server 12 by inputting the text of the i-mode content to the voice / fax server 12.

Next, the information providing system of the present invention is connected to a telephone /
A specific embodiment when applied as a fax automatic response system will be described. First, the merits of the case where the information providing system of the present invention is "introduced to a P temporary staffing company" will be described. First, the conventional flow of job seeker registration is as follows: a job seeker contacts a temporary staffing company by telephone or e-mail to send a registration form, fills out the registration form with predetermined items and mails or brings it. The staffing company completes the registration of the job seeker. However, there are some problems in the conventional job applicant registration work as follows. First, it is impossible for job seekers to register by fax. Second, there is a difference in job offer information that can be provided between job seekers who have a personal computer and job seekers who do not have a personal computer. Thirdly, because the job registration time is fixed,
Job seekers cannot make phone calls during convenient nights or holidays. Fourth, it takes a considerable number of days from the reception of the registration form to the end of registration.

Therefore, the job seeker registration operation when the information providing system of the present invention is introduced is as follows. That is, the job seeker calls the voice / fax server to obtain a registration form, fills out the registration form with predetermined items, and transmits the fax to the voice / fax server. Thus, the registration information is accumulated in the voice / fax server, and the registration is completed. Hereinafter, the flow of such a job applicant registration job will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 17 is an image diagram when the information providing system of the present invention is applied to the use of job seekers. The left part of the figure is a basic equipment part of the information providing system, and the right part of the figure is a customized equipment part to be equipped according to the contents desired by job seekers. First, when a job seeker calls the voice / fax server, for example, "This is a P human resource. F
"1" for AX use, "3" for telephone use
Please press ”on the voice guidance (step S21). If FAX is selected, a usage item is presented, and a guidance "Press the number you want to use" flows (step S2).
2). Then, when the job seeker presses “003” (registration vote), “I will send a registration vote. Please press the start button after the dial tone ”(step S
23). In this way, if the applicant seeks to fill out the registration form obtained and fills in the registration form,
When (Registration) is pressed, a guidance "Set the completed registration slip and press the start button after the dial tone" flows (step S24). Thereby, the registration slip is transmitted to the voice / fax server, and the registration is completed.

When the job seeker selects "006" (latest job information) during the guidance of the use number in step S22, the voice / FAX server presents the customized guidance item and displays "information Please specify the job you want to take "(step S25). Then, when the job seeker selects and presses “003” (software), “Send job information. Please press the start button after the dial tone.] Thus, the job seeker can obtain software-related job offer information. If a telephone is selected in step S21, a usage item is presented, and a guidance "Press the number you want to use" flows (step S21).
27). Then, when the job seeker presses "031" (human resource introduction system), a voice guidance saying "our company's introduction system is ..." flows (step S28).

Accordingly, the merits of introducing the information providing system of the present invention for use by job seekers include the following items. First, the same phone number can provide both candidates with the ability to retrieve and register registration slips. Second, the voice / fax server can manage the registration information in an electronic file.
Third, registration information can be sent to the recruiting company as an electronic file. Fourth, since it is an automatic voice response,
Requests from job seekers can be accepted for 24 hours.
Fifth, since the PB signal can be recognized even in the middle of the guidance and the next operation can be performed, the user is not irritated. Sixth, since it is possible to widely provide information to job seekers who do not have a personal computer, the number of registrants can be increased.

Next, the merits of the case where the information providing system of the present invention is "introduced into a D commercial facility" will be described. Advertising and sales activities to customers in commercial facilities
Conventionally, it is implemented by a flyer or in-store PR. Such conventional advertising and sales activities have the following problems. First, the operation efficiency is extremely low because a new advertisement is produced and distributed every time the period sale is made. In particular,
The higher the number of copies distributed, the higher the cost, but the period during which the advertising effect can be applied is short. Second, explanations about recommended products and information and suggestions on how to use them can be provided only at stores. Third, information is not transmitted to customers who do not have flyers. 4th
In order to listen to complaints and requests, special paper and space are prepared at stores, but they are not commonly used because they do not know where they are.

Therefore, when the information providing system of the present invention is introduced, the advertisement / sales activity for the customer is not only a conventional advertisement / sales activity but also a new means by which the customer can obtain information by himself / herself. providing. Hereinafter, the flow of such advertising and sales activities will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 18 is an image diagram in the case where the information providing system of the present invention is applied to use of a D commercial facility. The left part of the figure is a basic equipment part of the information providing system, and the right part of the figure is a customized equipment part to be equipped according to the contents desired by the customer.

First, when the customer calls the voice / fax server, for example, "This is the xx market. FA
Press "1" for use in X and "3" for use in telephone. "(Step S31). If FAX is selected, a usage item is presented, and a guidance "Press the number you want to use" flows (step S32).
So if the customer presses "003" (discount coupon)
"I will send you a discount coupon. Please press the start button after the dial tone ”(step S33). In addition, if the customer wants to register for a part-time job or part-time job at D commercial facility, and press "005" (part-time job), a message that "Please fill out the registration slip and press the start button after the dial tone" will be played. (Step S34). By this, registration slip is voice / FAX
Sent to server to complete registration.

If the customer selects "006" (event information) during the guidance of the use number in step S32, the voice / FAX server presents the customized guidance item and displays "I want to get information." Please specify an event "(step S35). Then, when the customer selects and presses “003” (brand), for example, event information on the brand can be acquired. It should be noted that the addition of such a service flow is all shown as customized items. If a telephone is selected in step S31, a use item is presented, and a guidance "Please press the number you want to use" flows (step S36). Then, when the customer presses "999"(customer's complaint), a voice guidance saying "Please speak your name, address, telephone number, and complaint after the dial tone" is played (step S37).

Therefore, the merits of introducing the information providing system of the present invention into the use of commercial facilities include the following items. First, even if sales information and the like are frequently released, only the information of the voice / fax server is changed, so that the cost and the operation rate can be minimized. Second, since it is an automatic voice response,
Acceptance for 4 hours is possible. Third, since the opinions and requests of customers can be registered by telephone or fax of each customer, it is easy to obtain information from customers. Fourth, by providing information such as discount coupons and special services, it is possible to further attract customers and differentiate from rival stores. Fifth, since statistics such as the number of accesses and popular information can be obtained, the reaction of customers can be utilized in sales activities at stores. Sixth, it is possible to automatically recruit and accept parts and alcohol.

Next, the merits of the case where the information providing system of the present invention is "introduced to a manufacturer (K sales company)" will be described. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, manufacturers carry out publicity activities in newspapers, commercials, websites and the like. Such conventional public relations activities have the following problems. First, when a customer makes an inquiry by telephone, the reception time is fixed, so that a timely information service cannot be provided to the customer. Second, the costs of pamphlets and single campaigns for each product are too high. Third, receptionists must respond to frequently asked trivial questions. Fourth, there is no feedback information when conducting public relations activities, so the customer's response is not known. Fifth, even though detailed information can be shown on the homepage, it is difficult for people who do not have a personal computer to receive the information. Sixth
In addition, every time a gift campaign is conducted, application papers and postcards must be created and distributed throughout the country.

Therefore, the publicity activity to the customer when the information providing system of the present invention is introduced provides a new means for the customer to obtain the information by himself in addition to the conventional publicity activity. . Hereinafter, the flow of such publicity activities will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 19 is an image diagram when the information providing system of the present invention is applied to the use of a maker (K sales company). The left part of the figure is a basic equipment part of the information providing system, and the right part of the figure is a customized equipment part to be equipped according to the contents desired by the customer. First, when the customer calls the voice / fax server, for example, "This is xx corporation. Press "1" for FAX use or "3" for telephone use "(step S41). Then, when FAX is selected, a use item is presented, and a guidance "Press the number you want to use" flows (step S42). Then, when the customer presses "006" (present application), "We will send a present application form. Please press the start button after the dial tone "(step S43). In addition, customer is "009" (customer opinion)
When the button is pressed, a guidance "Please set the filled out opinion sheet and press the start button after the dial tone" flows (step S44). Thus, the opinion of the customer is transmitted to the voice / fax server.

If the customer selects "004" (our company's product) during the guidance of the use number in step S42, the voice / fax server presents the customized guidance item and displays "information Please press the number of the product you want to take "(step S45). Then, when the customer selects and presses, for example, “003” (product C), information on the product C can be acquired. still,
All such service flow additions are shown as customized items. If a telephone is selected in step S41, a use item is presented, and a guidance "Please press the number you want to use" flows (step S46). Then, when the customer presses "999"(customer's complaint), a voice guidance saying "Please speak your name, address, telephone number, and complaint after the dial tone" is played (step S47).

Therefore, the merits of introducing the information providing system of the present invention into the use of a maker include the following items. First, since it is a response by an automatic voice, it is possible to accept it for 24 hours. Second
In addition, since information for each product can be prepared, detailed information and the characteristics of the product can also be notified to the customer. Third, since complaints and requests from customers can be received, the cost required for market research can be reduced. Fourth, since the information can be obtained from the customer's home telephone or facsimile, the customer does not feel troubled in obtaining the information. Fifth, since the operation status of the system can be confirmed, attractive information can be created, for example, by enriching popular information or providing information in accordance with customer requests.

Next, the merits of the case where the information providing system of the present invention is "introduced to an S financial institution" will be described. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, financial institutions carry out publicity activities in newspapers, commercials, websites and the like. Such conventional public relations activities have the following problems. First, when a customer makes an inquiry by telephone, the reception time is fixed, so that a timely information service cannot be provided to the customer. Secondly, labor and distribution costs are required to provide store guidance and to produce printed materials whenever there is a change in the product menu or interest rate. Third, receptionists must respond to frequently asked trivial questions. Fourth, in order to hear the voices of customers, they have to recruit at the store or generate a research project. Fifth, even though detailed information can be shown on the homepage, it is difficult for people who do not have a personal computer to receive the information. Sixth, it is difficult to establish a means of differentiating itself from rival financial institutions.

Therefore, the advertisement / sales activities to the customer when the information providing system of the present invention is introduced include, in addition to the conventional advertisement / sales activities, a new means by which the customer can obtain information by himself / herself. providing. Hereinafter, using the drawings,
The flow of such advertising and sales activities will be described in more detail. FIG. 20 is an image diagram in the case where the information providing system of the present invention is applied to use of an S financial institution. The left part of the figure is a basic equipment part of the information providing system, and the right part of the figure is a customized equipment part to be equipped according to the contents desired by the customer. First, when the customer calls the voice / fax server, for example, "This is xx bank. Press "1" for use by FAX or "3" for use by telephone. "(Step S51). If FAX is selected, a usage item is presented, and a guidance "Please press the number you want to use" flows (step S52). Then, if the customer presses "003" (information for stores and ATMs), "We will send a map of stores and ATMs. Please press the start button after the dial tone ”(step S53). When the customer presses "999"(customer's opinion), a message that "Please set the written opinion sheet and press the start button after the dial tone" flows (step S54).

At the time of providing the use number in step S52, the customer receives "006" (introduction of the handled product).
Is selected, the voice / fax server presents the customized guidance item and plays a guidance "Please press the number of the product for which you want to obtain information" (step S5).
5). Therefore, when the customer selects and presses, for example, “002” (period), it is possible to acquire information on the period. It should be noted that the addition of such a service flow is all shown as customized items. Step S5
If you select a phone in Step 1, you will be presented with usage items,
The guidance "Please press the number you want to use" flows (step S56). So the customer says "99
9 "(customer opinion), the message" Name after dial tone
Please tell us your address / telephone number / contents of your opinion "(step S57).

Therefore, the merits of introducing the information providing system of the present invention to the use of financial institutions include the following items. First, since it is a response by an automatic voice, it is possible to accept it for 24 hours. Second, by providing detailed information on product menus and providing advice on savings and investment by pattern, it is possible to further attract customers and differentiate from rival financial institutions. Third
In addition, since it is possible to receive complaints and requests from customers, it is possible to reduce costs required for market research. Fourth, since information can be obtained by telephone or fax of the customer, the customer does not feel troubled in obtaining the information. Fifth, since the operation status of the system can be checked, attractive information can be created, for example, by enriching popular information or providing information in accordance with customer requests.

Next, the merits of the case where the information providing system of the present invention is "introduced to T-Tour Association" will be described. Traditionally, tourist associations have been conducting publicity activities on pamphlets and websites. Such conventional public relations activities have the following problems.
First, there is no way to efficiently transmit various PR information to customers nationwide. Second, updating the information requires time and effort, such as creating a printed material each time there is a change in the timetable or the price of a tourist spot. Third, receptionists must respond to frequently asked trivial questions. Fourth, even though detailed information can be shown on the homepage, it is difficult for people who do not have a personal computer to receive the information. Fifth, the time for receiving inquiries by telephone is fixed, and customers who want to make inquiries at night or on holidays are missed. Sixth, they have no idea what local information customers want.

Therefore, the advertisement / sales activity to the customer when the information providing system of the present invention is introduced is not limited to the conventional advertisement / sales activity, but includes a new means for the customer to obtain information by himself / herself. providing. Hereinafter, using the drawings,
The flow of such advertising and sales activities will be described in more detail. FIG. 21 is an image diagram in the case where the information providing system of the present invention is applied to the use of the T Tourism Association. The left part of the figure is a basic equipment part of the information providing system, and the right part of the figure is a customized equipment part to be equipped according to the contents desired by the customer. First, when a customer calls the voice / fax server, for example, "This is T Tourism Association. FAX
Please press "1" if you use it, or "3" if you use it by telephone. "(Step S61). If FAX is selected, a usage item is presented, and a guidance "Press the number you want to use" flows (step S62).
Then, when the customer presses "003" (access to the T region), "The map of the T region will be sent. Please press the start button after the dial tone "(step S63). When the customer presses "999"(customer's opinion), a message that "Please set the filled-in opinion sheet and press the start button after the dial tone" flows (step S64).

At the time of providing the use number in step S62, the customer receives "006" (guidance for food in the T region).
Is selected, the voice / fax server presents the customized guidance item and issues a guidance "Please press the number you want to use" (step S65). Then, when the customer selects and presses, for example, “002” (Yama no Yoko), it is possible to acquire information on the mountain Yuki. still,
All such service flow additions are shown as customized items. If a telephone is selected in step S61, a use item is presented, and a guidance "Please press the number you want to use" flows (step S66). Then, when the customer presses "999"(customer's opinion), voice guidance saying "Please speak your name, address, telephone number, and opinions after the dial tone" is played (step S67).

Accordingly, the merits of introducing the information providing system of the present invention into the use of a tourist association include the following items. First, since it is a response by an automatic voice, it is possible to accept it for 24 hours. Second, by providing detailed information on sightseeing spots and providing advice on sightseeing model courses and stays, it is possible to attract more customers and differentiate from other sightseeing spots. Third, since it becomes possible to receive requests from customers and impressions after traveling, it is possible to reduce costs required for market research. Fourth, the customer's home phone or F
Since the information is obtained from the AX, the customer does not feel troublesome in obtaining the information. Fifth, since the operation status of the system can be confirmed, attractive sightseeing information can be provided, for example, by enriching popular information and providing information in accordance with customer requests.

The embodiment described above is an example for describing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. is there. For example, in addition to the above-described embodiments, the information providing system of the present invention can be applied to schools, hospitals, welfare facilities, and other infrastructures. For example, the information guide system can be widely used in today's information industry.

[0059]

As described above, according to the information providing system of the present invention, information can be provided to a customer through a telephone and a facsimile with one telephone number. In addition, since it is an automatic voice response, reception can be performed for 24 hours,
An information service can be provided at a time convenient for the customer, for example, at night. Further, in a company or the like, since information for each product can be prepared, it is possible to inform a customer of detailed information and features. Also,
Since the operation status of the system can be checked, information popular with customers can be enriched. In addition, labor for maintenance can be saved, and an operator is not required. Furthermore, since it has a voice information recording function and a FAX information receiving function, it is extremely convenient for soliciting opinions and requests of customers.

The received fax information can be automatically transferred to the designated fax number at the designated time.
Furthermore, it can also be used as a bulletin board for information exchange between users. In addition, audio information and FA
Registration and change of X information can be easily performed from a place remote from the system server by using a telephone or a facsimile. Furthermore, this information providing system can handle not only a push line but also a dial line that is common in ordinary homes. Also, the system voice can support multiple languages. Further, the usage history information can be acquired by a Web browser.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an information providing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of a method of using the information providing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a voice information providing service to a user.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of a FAX information providing service to a user.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a voice registration service to a user.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a facsimile registration service to a user.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of work of a voice information maintenance service performed by an operator.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a fax information maintenance service operation performed by an operator.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a telephone transfer service to a user.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a Web information facsimile providing service to a user.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a FAX information Web providing service to a user.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a work flow of a statistical information acquisition and display service performed by an operator.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of an information providing service by voice synthesis to a user.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of work of an information providing service by voice synthesis performed by an operator.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of an i-mode content providing service to a user.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of an i-mode content providing service operation performed by an operator.

FIG. 17 is an image diagram when the information providing system of the present invention is applied to the use of a job seeker.

FIG. 18 is an image diagram in a case where the information providing system of the present invention is applied to use of a D commercial facility.

FIG. 19 is an image diagram when the information providing system of the present invention is applied to use by a manufacturer (K sales company).

FIG. 20 is an image diagram when the information providing system of the present invention is applied to use of an S financial institution.

FIG. 21 is an image diagram in a case where the information providing system of the present invention is applied to use of a T tourism association.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Telephone (terminal) 2 FAX (terminal) 3 Public network (communication line) 4, 12 Voice / FAX server 5, 14 Web server 7, 15 Internet

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat テ ー マ (Reference) H04N 1/32 H04N 1/32 Z 5K101 H04Q 7/38 H04Q 7/04 D H04B 7/26 109M (72) Inventor Katsumi Kikutani 2-1-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo NTT Advanced Technology Corporation (72) Inventor Tatsuo Ushiki 2-1-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo・ F-term in TTI Advance Technology Co., Ltd. (reference) 5K067 DD52 DD54 FF26 FF40 GG01 GG11 HH05 HH23 KK13 KK15 5K101 KK01 KK16 KK18 LL12 MM07 NN18

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An information providing system for transmitting / receiving information to / from a terminal connected to a communication line, comprising: a voice / fax server capable of transmitting / receiving voice information and facsimile information; An information providing system, wherein a facsimile server is configured to transmit voice information, facsimile information, or both information to the terminal based on an instruction signal from the terminal. 2. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the voice information transmitted to the terminal is voice information obtained by voice synthesis. 3. The voice / fax server is configured to record voice information from the terminal or receive fax information from the terminal based on an instruction signal from the terminal. Claim 1 or Claim 2
Information providing system described in. 4. The information providing system according to claim 3, wherein the voice / fax server can transfer voice information received from the terminal. 5. A web server connected to the Internet, wherein the voice / fax server transmits web information obtained from the web server to the terminal as facsimile information based on an instruction signal from the terminal. The information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 6. A web server connected to the Internet, wherein the terminal accesses the Internet,
5. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the fax information provided by the voice / fax server is provided from the web server to a browser of the terminal. 7. An information providing system for transmitting information to a mobile terminal within a wireless communication area, comprising: a voice / fax server capable of providing mobile content that can be browsed to the mobile terminal; An information providing system, wherein a FAX server transmits the mobile content to the mobile terminal based on an instruction signal from the mobile terminal. 8. The content of the voice information transmitted by the voice / fax server can be externally changed using a voice change code and a password, while the content of the facsimile information transmitted by the voice / fax server is facsimile. 7. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the information can be externally changed using a change code and a password. 9. The speech information synthesized by speech, the speech /
The information providing system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the information providing system is created by inputting a text to a facsimile server. 10. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the operation status of the voice / fax server is displayed on a browser of the voice / fax server. 11. The information providing system according to claim 7, wherein the mobile content provided to the mobile terminal is created by inputting a text to the voice / fax server. 12. A method for providing information, wherein a voice / fax server and a terminal are connected to a communication line to transmit and receive information, wherein the voice / fax server is configured to perform a communication based on an instruction signal from the terminal. Transmits voice information and / or fax information to the terminal, and records voice information from the terminal or receives fax information from the terminal based on an instruction signal from the terminal. A method of providing information, characterized in that: 13. A program for causing a computer to execute an information providing method in which a voice / FAX server and a terminal are connected to a communication line to transmit and receive information, wherein the voice / FAX server transmits an instruction signal from the terminal. And voice information and / or facsimile information to the terminal, and recording of voice information from the terminal or facsimile information from the terminal based on an instruction signal from the terminal. A program for executing an information providing method for receiving information.