JP2003122781A - Method for distributing merchandise information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a means for easily recognizing the outline of a literary work when it is considered whether a merchandise including the literary work is purchased or not and also to provide a means for easily designating the merchandise code of the work as a retrieval key. SOLUTION: A merchandise information distributing server is provided which generates the retrieval key including only numerals from the merchandise code printed on the front surface of the merchandise and having coexisting alphabetical and numerical codes, adopts the retrieval key as a merchandise information retrieval request and retrieves and distributes merchandise information in response to the merchandise information retrieval request. When the retrieval key constituted of only numerals is generated from the merchandise code with the coexisting alphabetical and numerical codes therein, the alphabetical and numerical codes printed on the numerical keys of a communication terminal are made into groups and the numerals are used as a representative character.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a product information distribution method and a product information distribution server for distributing information on products exhibited or displayed, and particularly to a search request issued from a communication terminal such as a mobile phone device. The present invention relates to an information distribution system technology for providing information from an information distribution server that has received the information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method of providing information to a user by using a communication line, the information is stored in a homepage of the Internet, a FAX server (FAX box), etc. There is a way to provide. In particular, for the purpose of providing information such as companies, there are cases where profits are obtained by collecting the fee itself for the information itself, or when product information is provided free of charge to indirectly promote product sales and earn profits. is there. In any case, it is important to increase the number of connections and search requests from users, and for that purpose, it is necessary to popularize easy-to-use information systems.

For example, as a method of simplifying a search operation by a user, a method has been proposed in which a search code is read by a bar code reading device and transmitted instead of key input (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-358105). ).

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a conventional information distribution system. In a conventional information distribution method using this system, a user 1002 obtains a code reader and a bar code with an information identification code. Read
The read information identification code is transmitted to the information distribution server 1001 via the mobile phone, and the information distribution server 1001 transmits the information to the user 1002 and charges the service usage fee.

[0005]

The above-mentioned prior art has the effect of reducing the key operations required for information retrieval operations. However, there is no indication about the provider of the device and the collection of the consideration, the provider of the information identification code (the provider of the bar code) and the cost burden related to the provision,
In order to increase the number of connection requests and search requests from users, it is necessary to expand the provision of devices and the provision of information identification codes.

The object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art,
An object of the present invention is to provide a product information distribution technique capable of searching and distributing product information by generating and transmitting a product information search request including a product code.

[0007]

The product information distribution method of the present invention responds to a product information search request including the above-mentioned search key by generating a search key composed of only numbers from a product code in which letters and numbers are mixed. A product information distribution server that searches and distributes product information is provided, and a search request operation is performed from a product code that is distributed together with the product.

Further, in the product information distribution method of the present invention, when a search key composed only of numbers is generated from a product code in which letters and numbers are mixed, the letters assigned to the number keys of the telephone terminal are used.

Further, the product information distribution method of the present invention provides advertisement information, preview music, promotional video, etc. as information to be distributed.

Further, according to the present invention, a communication terminal equipped with a plurality of input means such as buttons or switches provided with a mixture of two or more characters of alphabetic characters, numbers and symbols is operated by the input means. By transmitting the search key to the product information distribution server as a product information search request, the product information distribution server stores the product information in advance in association with the product code and the product information search request. Conversion means for generating, from the included search key, a product code of a combination of characters that can be taken from the characters given to the input means, and performing a search based on the product code generated by the conversion means. The product information distribution method is characterized in that the product information associated with each other is acquired from the storage means and distributed to the communication terminal.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned product information distribution method, the product information includes product advertisement information. Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned product information distribution method, a part of information about a product copyrighted product is included as the product information. Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned product information distribution method, information of music for trial listening is included as the product information. Further, the present invention is
In the above-described product information distribution method, which of a plurality of songs is to be distributed is specified as the product information search request. Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned product information distribution method, the product information includes information on a promotional video formed by editing a part of the video.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the product information distribution method, the communication terminal is a telephone device. Further, the present invention provides the above product information distribution method,
The product code is a distribution product code in which a country name, a product manufacturer, a product number, etc. are registered. Also,
The present invention is characterized in that, in the product information distribution method, the search key is a number and a symbol that can be transmitted by a push button tone of a telephone device.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings using some examples.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the overall configuration of a music listening system according to the present invention. In the figure,
A product 101 such as a music CD is displayed or sold in a store or the like. When the user considers purchasing the product 101, he / she operates the mobile phone device 102 to connect to the product information distribution server 103, confirms the product code printed on the product 101, and uses the numeric keys of the mobile phone. The confirmed product code is transmitted to the product information distribution server 103. The product information distribution server 103 stores the audition information 104, which is the product information associated with the product code, in a transmittable state, and searches and acquires the audition information from the product code received from the mobile phone device 102. And delivers it to the mobile phone device 102. The mobile phone device 102 reproduces and outputs the received product information, for example, trial music. The product 101 such as a music CD contains a plurality of songs, and the product information distribution server 103 distributes the preview information of the first music unless otherwise specified, and the user operates the key of the mobile phone device 102 to perform the music number. If is specified, the trial listening information of the specified music is delivered.

The detailed music listening system shown in FIG. 2 will be described below with reference to other drawings. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the music audition system shown in FIG.
The product 101 is a music CD product containing a plurality of songs, and includes a product main body 203 (music CD main body), product information 202 such as a package that describes the content of the product, and a product code 201 used when ordering the product. It is printed. From this product 101, the listening information 104 for the music listening system is created in advance.

FIG. 3 is a table for explaining an example of the trial listening information, FIG. 3 (a) is a table of product code examples, and FIG. 3 (b) is a table of information file examples. As shown in the figure, the trial listening information 104 includes a product code table 301 and an information file 302. The product code table 301 stores the product code, product name, and information file name given to the product 101. In FIG. 3, 2
The product code table regarding one music CD is shown. In the figure, the product name "Shiki no Uta" is "SCD
It has a product code "A0001" and detailed information is "S
CDA0001. It is recorded in the information file "DAT". Furthermore, this information file 3
With reference to 02, four songs are recorded in the product named “Shiki no Uta”, and each song title, audio file for trial listening, and song order are known.

In Japan, the method of assigning the product code 201 of a music CD is generally as follows.
That is, the first two digits are the manufacturer identifier, followed by two.
The English letters of the digits are the product series identifiers specified by the manufacturer, and the subsequent 4 or 5 digits are the product number specified by the manufacturer. The product code configured as described above is widely used for making a pre-order before the sale and a replenishment order after the sale.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the key arrangement of the mobile phone unit 102. The key arrangement 401 is an example of a key arrangement generally used in a mobile phone device in Japan, and one number and a plurality of alphabetic characters are assigned to each key. In this embodiment, this key layout is defined as "key layout = type 1 (Japanese standard)". When inputting an alphabet (alphabet), after switching to the alphabet input mode by a special key operation (not shown), the desired alphabet is displayed by pressing the number keys several times in succession, and a special alphabet (not shown) is displayed. Input is confirmed by key operation. For example, to input the character "C", the character input mode is set, the "2" key is pressed three times, and the input is confirmed when the display changes from "A" to "B" to "C".

The key arrangement 402 is an example of a key arrangement mainly used in Europe and the United States. Like the key arrangement 401, each key is assigned one numeral and a plurality of letters, but the letters are assigned. Are partly different. In this embodiment, this key layout is defined as "key layout = type 2".

In FIG. 2, the mobile phone device 102 includes a key operation control unit 212 that receives a key input from a key input unit 211 mounted on the mobile phone device 102. The telephone device control unit 214 receives a message input from the key input control unit 212, outputs it to the display unit 215 that displays characters, images, and videos, and outputs it to the voice output unit 217 that outputs voice, as well as calls or Control such as input / output with a communication control unit 216 that communicates with the outside using a communication means such as packet communication is performed. When the user performs the connection operation by inputting the address or telephone number of the product information connection server, the telephone device control unit 214 establishes the connection to the product information distribution server 103 via the communication control unit 216. At this time, the telephone device control information 213 is referred to, the mobile telephone device 102 of the connection source is identified, and the telephone number, e-mail address, and the like used for receiving the search result response are transmitted.

When retrieving product information, the user can refer to the product code 201 consisting of alphanumeric characters and appropriately input alphabetic characters and numbers while observing the key layout. However, as described above, in order to input an alphabetic character, it is necessary to change the input mode or to repeatedly input the key in order to display a desired character, which is very troublesome.
In the packet communication system, both letters and numbers can be sent and received as character codes, but when connected by the call system, only numbers and symbols "*" and "#" can be sent and received by push button tones.

In the present embodiment, the user simply selects and transmits a numeral in which a desired alphabet is printed. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, when transmitting a product code of “SCDA0001” using a mobile phone device of “key layout = type 1”, a push button of “7” on which “S” is printed. Press once. In the same manner, when the product code "SCDA0001" is transmitted by converting the alphabetic characters into numbers and pressing the push button in the same manner, the number string "72320001" is transmitted.

FIG. 5 is a table for converting a transmitted numeric search key into a product code composed of a mixture of alphanumeric symbols. As shown in the table 501, the number “1” can take three types of alphabets “A”, “B”, and “C”. Since a digit string having a plurality of digits can have a plurality of alphanumeric symbols at each digit, many combinations can have a large number of product codes.

In FIG. 2, the product information distribution server 103
Is a communication control unit 221 that communicates with the mobile phone device 102.
And the product information 222 that stores the trial listening information 104 in a searchable and transmittable state in advance, and the mobile phone device 102.
Communication control information 224 to be referred to when communicating with The connection request transmitted from the mobile phone device 102 is received by the server control unit 223 via the communication control unit 221.
The server control unit 223 uses the mobile phone device 102 that is the connection request source.
The communication control information 224 is referred to, connection conditions are set, and the connection is established.

When the connection is established, the product information distribution server 1
03 prompts the user to input a search key. For example,
In the case of connection by voice call, the voice guidance "Please enter the product code" is output and the push button tone is waited.

The user who hears the voice guidance confirms the product code, presses the push button corresponding to the alphanumeric characters printed on the key of the mobile phone device 102, and inputs the search key. For example, using a mobile phone device of "key layout = type 1 (Japanese standard)", product code "SCDA0"
To search for "001", enter the search key "7322".
Enter as "0001".

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a file reference table for searching a file registered in the product information distribution server 103. Upon receiving the search key transmitted from the user, the product information distribution server 103 refers to the file reference table 601 and confirms whether the corresponding product information file exists. For example, "key layout = type 1
(Japanese standard) "from the mobile phone device to search key" 723 ".
When "20001" is received, it is determined that the registered file "SCDA0001" exists.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the communication control information 224 for specifying the key layout of the portable telephone device. Communication control information 2
The telephone number-based control information that forms part of 24 is information that identifies the mobile phone device 102 that is the connection request source and determines the key layout type. In the example of the figure, the telephone number "111-
The connection request from “2345-6789” indicates that “key layout = type 1 (Japanese standard)”. Also,
The connection request from the telephone number “111-2345-7777” indicates that “key layout = type 2”.

These pieces of control information are information necessary to determine which alphabetic character the number included in the user's search request can be converted into, and the file reference table according to the type of the key layout obtained by the reference. Switch. If the corresponding telephone number does not exist even if the control information for each telephone number is referred to, "key layout = type 1 (Japanese standard)" is used, and a key layout type of a key layout type is separately used as necessary by means not shown. Register.

In FIG. 2, when the server control unit 223 receives the product search information transmitted from the mobile phone device 103 after establishing the connection, the server control unit 223 searches the product information 232 for the product information having the corresponding product code, get. For example, in response to a search request for the search key “72320001”, the file reference table 601 is referenced to acquire the registered file “SCDA0001”, that is, the product code “SCDA0001”, and the product code table 301 is displayed. Refer to the corresponding product name "Four Seasons Song"
It can be seen that the audition information is stored in the information file name "SCDA0001.DAT". Referring to the information file 302, four songs are recorded in this product, and the titles of the songs are “Spring Song”, “Summer Song”, “Autumn Song”, and “Winter Song”, respectively. You can get the name of one audition file. The server control unit 223 transmits the product name, the song title, and the audition file, which are the acquired search results, to the mobile phone device 102 via the communication control unit 221. If you are connected by voice call, you can read out the product name and song title by voice without sending the product information in character code, and output the audition file by voice so that the voice call of the mobile phone terminal can be made. You may use the function as it is.

In this case, the user will listen to the first piece of music recorded in the product. The user inputs the key 2
When the number key 11 or the cursor left / right key is input, the mobile phone device 102 transmits the key to the product information distribution server 103, and the product information distribution server 103 outputs the audition file in the song order corresponding to the number key. , Outputs the audition file of the order of songs before and after, corresponding to the left and right keys.

As described above, in the system of FIG. 2, the product code 101 of the product 101 on display can be easily used as a search key for listening to music, and the ordering system can be used for pre-ordering. Since it can be used for inputting, the user can confirm the product content on the spot and then move on to the purchasing act.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a file reference table for searching a file registered in the product information distribution server 103. Product code "SCDA0001"
Can be converted to the search key "72320001", the product code "PAFA0001" can be converted to the search key "72320001" with the same key arrangement. In this case, it can be said that the manufacturer product series having the identifier “SCDA” and the manufacturer product series having the identifier “PAFA” have the same search key by chance.

In the file reference table 801, "S" is displayed as the product information corresponding to the search key "72320001".
This indicates that information corresponding to two product codes “CDA0001” and “PAFA0001” is registered. When a plurality of item information can be acquired corresponding to the search key, the item information distribution server 103 notifies the user of that fact, and prompts the user to select which item information is desired (a method of prompting is (Not shown). For example, if you are connected by voice call, the voice guidance will say "There are 2 cases.
For "SCDA0001", click the "1" button to select "PAF
If it is "A0001", please press the "2" button. "

FIG. 9 is a table for acquiring the product release date and the number of distributions of the product information corresponding to the file registered in the product information distribution server 103. As shown in FIG. 8, when a plurality of product information items can be acquired corresponding to one search key, the product information distribution server 103 refers to the table 901 to check the release date and product information of each product. Get the number of deliveries. When prompting the user to select a desired product from multiple items of product information, if the products are introduced in the new order of the product release date or in the order of the largest number of distributions, the probability of delivering the desired product information quickly Is improved.

Alternatively, if a condition such as "the product is on sale within the last 6 months" is set and the applicable product code is limited to one, the user is notified that multiple products have been acquired. Alternatively, the product information may be immediately delivered. For example, when a product code is written in a new song introduction catalog on a music CD to encourage listening to music, even if the catalog is referenced after it has been stored for several years, the merchandise sales promotion becomes meaningless. By limiting the product release date to, the probability that the search keys coincide with each other can be greatly reduced, and as a result, the product information desired by the user can be distributed.

In each of the embodiments of the present invention described above,
Music C used in Japan as an example of product code
Although the product code of D is used for explanation, in the present invention, a product code that can be described by a combination of alphanumeric symbols printed on the push button of the telephone device,
Video packages and other product code systems may be used.

The product code is not limited to the product code printed on the product, and may be the product code described on a medium that does not accompany the product body, such as a product catalog. Further, in each of the above embodiments, the mobile phone device 102 is used for explanation, but in the present invention, the communication function is provided, and the push button printed with a mixture of alphanumeric symbols is further provided. As long as the terminal has a function of displaying / reproducing, a general subscriber phone or wireless communication may be used as the communication path, and a PC (Personal) may be used as the terminal.
Computer), POS register, PDA (Pe)
A portable data processing device such as a personal data assistant or a vending machine may be used.
In general, a PC is provided with a keyboard for directly inputting alphabetic characters, but according to the present invention, a push button in which an alphabetic character key and a numerical key are combined into one as in a mobile phone. Even if you use the space-saving keyboard consisting of, it is easy to receive the music listening service.

In each of the above embodiments, music products are used as the products and trial music is used as the product information to be distributed. However, in the present invention, the types of the products and the contents of the product information are in this example. However, the product information may be any product such as a video product, a text product, or a food product, and the product information may be any information such as information about a product or related product information. In particular, in the case of products that are mainly copyrighted works such as music products and video products, by using the product information that includes a part of the copyrighted product as the product information,
The user can give an appropriate explanation when making a purchase decision.

In the merchandise information distribution method, the content of the merchandise is explained by music, but it may be a video or a promotion video constituted by editing a part of this video.

[0041]

As described above, the product information distribution method according to the present invention reads the product code printed or attached to the surface of the product, generates the product information search request including the product code, and sends the product information search server to the product information distribution server. It consists of a communication terminal that connects and sends, and a product information distribution server that searches and distributes product information in response to a product information search request. Therefore, since the product code is distributed together with the product, it is possible to easily provide the user with an opportunity for a search operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

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

FIG. 3 is a table for explaining an example of trial listening information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a key arrangement of a mobile phone device.

FIG. 5 is a table for explaining an example of converting a number to obtain an alphabetic character.

FIG. 6 is a table for explaining an example of converting a number string to obtain a product code.

FIG. 7 is a table for explaining an example of identifying a key layout of a mobile phone device.

FIG. 8 is a table for explaining an example of converting a number string to obtain a product code.

FIG. 9 is a table for explaining an example of a sale date and a distribution count of product information.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a conventional information distribution system.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 ... Merchandise, 102 ... Mobile phone device, 103 ... Merchandise information distribution server, 104 ... Audition information, 201 ... Merchandise code, 202 ... Merchandise information, 203 ... Merchandise body, 211 ... Key input section, 212 ... Key operation control section, 213 ... Telephone device control information, 214 ... Telephone device control unit, 215 ... Display unit,
216 ... Communication control unit, 217 ... Voice output unit, 221 ... Communication control unit, 222 ... Product information, 223 ... Server control unit,
224 ... Communication control information, 301 ... Product code table, 302
... information file, 401 ... Key layout, 402 ... Key layout, 501 ... Numerical conversion table, 601, ... Numerical string conversion table, 801, ... Numerical string conversion table, 901 ... Merchandise information table.

Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme code (reference) G06F 17/60 ZEC G06F 3/023 310K H03M 11/08

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A communication terminal equipped with a plurality of input means such as buttons or switches provided with a mixture of two or more characters of alphabetic characters, numbers and symbols, is searched by operating the input means. The key is sent to the product information distribution server as a product information search request, and the product information distribution server
A storage means for storing product information in advance in association with a product code, and a product code of a combination of characters that can be taken from the characters assigned to the input means from the search key included in the product information search request. And a conversion means for generating a product code, which is searched based on the product code generated by the conversion means, acquires associated product information from the storage means, and delivers the product information to the communication terminal. Information distribution method. 2. The product information distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the product information includes product advertisement information. 3. The product information distribution method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the product information includes a part of information on a product copyrighted work. 4. The product information distribution method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the product information includes information about music for trial listening of music. 5. The product information distribution method according to claim 4, wherein which of a plurality of songs is to be distributed is specified as the product information search request. 6. The product information distribution method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the product information includes information on a promotional video formed by editing a part of the video. Product information distribution method. 7. The product information distribution method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the communication terminal is a telephone device. 8. The product information distribution method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the product code is a distribution product code in which a country name, a product manufacturer, a product number, etc. are registered. How to distribute product information. 9. The merchandise information distribution method according to claim 7, wherein the search key is a number and a symbol that can be transmitted by a push button tone of a telephone device.