JP2004080439A - Congestion information distribution system and popularization method of mobile terminal used for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a congestion information distribution system capable of immediately and accurately providing proper congestion information in response to each user. <P>SOLUTION: A GPS mobile terminal 11 owned by a plurality of people acquires position information denoting a present position of respective subscribers and transmits the position information to a management center 4 via a prescribed communication channel including a mobile phone communication network. The management center 4 receives the position information via the communication channel to create a database wherein terminal subscriber information is linked to the received position information and stores the database. Then the management center 4 searches particular congestion information corresponding to a searching condition from the database and distributes the searched congestion information to a user 6 on the basis of a congestion information request attended with the prescribed searching condition from the user 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a congestion information distribution system using a GPS portable terminal having a position information acquisition function or the like as a congestion information sensor, and a method of disseminating a GPS portable terminal used for the system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the success or failure of store management including fast food, convenience stores, restaurants, boutiques, and the like has become a very important factor in terms of appropriate location conditions. Also, when conducting various sales promotions and various advertising activities, the location selection for that is the most important factor. In addition, appropriate location information is also an important factor in public bulletin activities of government agencies. In selecting an appropriate place for such store management, sales promotion, publicity activities, gazette activities, etc., those parties not only directly collect information, but also often ask agents to collect that information. . Such parties and agencies collect location information where related people gather, that is, congestion information, while referring to various media, street surveys, area marketing, purchasing information, and the like.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, it is very difficult to collect congestion information suitable for each user, regardless of whether the parties directly collect information or the requested agent collects information. That is, it takes a great number of days and costs, and, for example, when a questionnaire or the like is used, the credibility of the information may be questioned.
[0004]
Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned situation, the present invention makes it possible to immediately provide accurate congestion information according to each user by using a portable terminal having a position information acquisition function as a congestion information sensor. It is an object to provide a congestion information distribution system. Another object of the present invention is to provide an effective method for disseminating a portable terminal having a position information acquisition function by using the congestion information distribution system.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The congestion information distribution system according to claim 1, which has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, provides congestion information indicating a specific place where many people gather as shown in a basic configuration diagram of FIG. A location information acquiring means 1A for acquiring location information indicating the location of a subscriber, and a predetermined communication line including a cellular phone communication network. To the management center 4 for distributing the congestion information, and to function as position information transmitting means 1C for transmitting the position information. The management center 4 transmits the position information via the communication line. Position information receiving means 4A for receiving, terminal subscriber information storage means 4B for storing terminal subscriber information, which is information relating to the subscriber of the GPS portable terminal 11, in advance; Based on a database creation unit 4D for creating a database linked with the obtained location information, a database storage unit 4E for storing the database, and a congestion information request accompanied by a predetermined search condition from the user 6. And congestion information search means 4H for searching the database for specific congestion information corresponding to the search condition.
[0006]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the GPS portable terminal 11 owned by a plurality of persons acquires location information indicating the location of each subscriber, and acquires the location information via a predetermined communication line including a mobile phone communication network. Then, the location information is transmitted to the management center 4. The management center 4 receives the position information via the communication line, and creates and stores a database in which the terminal subscriber information and the received position information are linked. Then, based on a congestion information request accompanied by a predetermined search condition from the user 6, specific congestion information corresponding to the search condition is searched from the database and distributed to the user 6. As described above, the GPS portable terminal 11 is used as a sensor for collecting congestion information, and the management center 4 compiles the information and distributes it to the user 6, so that accurate congestion information corresponding to the user 6 can be obtained. Can be provided immediately and accurately.
[0007]
The congestion information distribution system according to claim 2, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, has a congestion information distribution system according to claim 1, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. , Including the age and gender of the subscriber.
[0008]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the terminal subscriber information includes at least the age and gender of the subscriber, it is possible to more accurately provide information required by the user 6.
[0009]
The congestion information distribution system according to claim 3 which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. 1, in the congestion information distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the terminal subscriber information further includes , Including the subscriber's hobbies.
[0010]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the terminal subscriber information also includes the hobby of the subscriber, it is possible to more accurately provide information required by the user 6.
[0011]
The congestion information distribution system according to claim 4 which has been made to solve the above problem, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. 1, in the congestion information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The GPS portable terminal includes a mobile phone 11 'as the position information transmitting means 1C, and a GPS unit 12 as the position information obtaining means 1A which is detachable from the mobile phone 11'. It is characterized by.
[0012]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the GPS portable terminal includes the external GPS unit 12 detachably attached to the portable telephone 11 ', it is easy for a person who owns the portable telephone 11' without the GPS function. It becomes possible to have this system subscribe.
[0013]
The congestion information distribution system according to claim 5, which has been made to solve the above problem, has a congestion information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. The management center 4 includes a congestion information request receiving unit 4G for receiving a congestion information request from the user 6 via the Internet, and a congestion information transmission unit 4I for transmitting the searched congestion information via the Internet. And further comprising:
[0014]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the congestion information request is received via the Internet and the congestion information is further distributed, so that it is possible to provide the user 6 with necessary information more immediately.
[0015]
The congestion information distribution system according to claim 6, which has been made to solve the above problem, has a congestion information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. The GPS portable terminals 11 each function as time information acquisition means 1B for acquiring time information corresponding to the position information, and distribute the congestion information including the time information.
[0016]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the time information corresponding to the position information is also acquired by the GPS portable terminal 11, so that more useful congestion information including the congestion time information can be provided.
[0017]
A method for disseminating a portable terminal according to claim 7, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, provides a GPS portable terminal 11 having a telephone call function and a position information acquisition function using GPS as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. Is used in a system for distributing congestion information indicating a specific place where many people gather to users 6 of this information, wherein the GPS portable terminal 11 is located at a location where the subscriber exists. Functioning as position information obtaining means 1A for obtaining position information indicating the position information, and position information transmitting means 1C for transmitting the position information toward the management center 4 via a predetermined communication line including a mobile phone communication network; The management center 4 for distributing the congestion information uses a position information receiving unit 4A for receiving the position information via the communication line, and information on a subscriber of the GPS portable terminal 11. Terminal subscriber information storage means 4B for storing terminal subscriber information beforehand, database creating means 4D for creating a database linking the terminal subscriber information and the received location information, and a database for storing the database A storage unit 4E, and a congestion information search unit 4H for searching the database for specific congestion information corresponding to the search condition based on a congestion information request accompanied by a predetermined search condition from the user 6. Characterized by having the following.
[0018]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the GPS portable terminal 11 having a call function is made to acquire location information indicating the location of the subscriber, and the management center is connected to the management center via a predetermined communication line including a cellular phone communication network. 4 to transmit the position information. The management center 4 receives the position information via the communication line, and creates and stores a database in which the terminal subscriber information and the received position information are linked. Then, based on a congestion information request accompanied by a predetermined search condition from the user 6, specific congestion information corresponding to the search condition is searched from the database and distributed to the user 6. As described above, the GPS portable terminal 11 having the call function is used as a sensor for collecting congestion information, and the management center 4 compiles and distributes it to the user 6. It becomes possible to return a part of the information provision fee collected from the user 6 to the owner of the portable terminal 11 as a price serving as an information collection sensor.
[0019]
A method for disseminating a portable terminal according to claim 8, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, provides an external GPS unit 12 used as a position search terminal in a position search service as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. A method of distributing congestion information indicating a specific place where many people gather to a user 6 of this information by using a portable terminal including Function as position information acquisition means 1A for acquiring position information indicating the location, and position information transmission means 1C for transmitting the position information to the management center 4 via a predetermined communication line including a mobile phone communication network. The management center 4 for distributing the congestion information includes a location information receiving unit 4A for receiving the location information via the communication line, and a subscriber of the GPS portable terminal 11. Terminal subscriber information storage means 4B for preliminarily storing terminal subscriber information which is related information; database creation means 4D for creating a database linking the terminal subscriber information and the received position information; A congestion information searching means for searching the database for specific congestion information corresponding to the search condition from the database based on a congestion information request accompanied by a predetermined search condition from the user; 4H.
[0020]
According to the invention described in claim 8, the portable terminal including the external GPS unit 12 used as the position search terminal is made to acquire the position information indicating the location of the subscriber, and the predetermined information including the portable telephone communication network is obtained. The position information is transmitted to the management center 4 via the communication line. The management center 4 receives the position information via the communication line, and creates and stores a database in which the terminal subscriber information and the received position information are linked. Then, based on a congestion information request accompanied by a predetermined search condition from the user 6, specific congestion information corresponding to the search condition is searched from the database and distributed to the user 6. As described above, the mobile terminal including the external GPS unit 12 is used as a sensor for collecting congestion information, and the management center 4 compiles and distributes the collected information to the user 6. It becomes possible to return a part of the information provision fee collected from the user 6 to the subscriber of the location search service as a price serving as an information collection sensor.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to an embodiment of the congestion information distribution system of the present invention. In FIG. 2, a plurality of portable terminal owners 1 are respectively used as a GPS portable terminal 11 or a portable telephone 11 'which can communicate with the management center 4 and a position search terminal connected to the portable telephone 11'. Owns or carries an external GPS unit 12. It is assumed that each of the plurality of mobile terminal owners 1 basically carries a GPS mobile terminal 11, a mobile phone 11 ', etc. for the purpose of talking. In addition, it is assumed that the plurality of portable terminal owners 1 go out to a predetermined place or make a call according to their own purposes and act. For example, the mobile terminal owner 1 eats and drinks at a fast food, a restaurant, a coffee shop, and the like, or shop at a department store. Therefore, a dense area A1 in which many mobile terminal owners 1 are crowded and a sparse area A2 in which the mobile terminal owners 1 are scattered are formed.
[0022]
The mobile phone 11 'to which the GPS mobile terminal 11 and the GPS unit 12 are connected is used not only as a call terminal or a location search terminal but also as a congestion information sensor. The mobile phone 11 ′ to which the GPS mobile terminal 11 and the GPS unit 12 are connected transmits position information and the like acquired using GPS to the management center 4 via the mobile phone communication network 3. The management center 4 receives the position information and the like, creates and stores a predetermined congestion information database 433, and searches for predetermined congestion information from the congestion information database 433 in response to a request from the user 6. Then, this is distributed to the user 6. Note that the GPS portable terminal 11 and the GPS unit 12 receive GPS signals as positioning radio waves provided from a plurality of GPS satellites 8 constituting GPS (Global Positioning Systems), and use the received GPS signals to obtain their own positional information. It is possible to get
[0023]
The mobile phone communication network 3 is an existing communication network provided by NTT DoCoMo, KDDI, J-Phone, or the like. The mobile phone communication network 3 is connected to the GPS mobile terminal 11 or the mobile phone via the wireless base station 31. It is communicatively connected to the telephone 11 '. Needless to say, the GPS portable terminal 11 and the portable telephone 11 'can communicate with each other and also can communicate with a wired telephone (not shown). The mobile phone communication network 3 is communicatively connected to the management center 4 via the connection center 32. As the mobile phone communication network 3, for example, a mobile phone packet communication network using a packet switching system provided by NTT DoCoMo, Inc. can be used. The mobile phone packet communication is a data usage-based charging method in which a communication fee is calculated according to the amount of data transmitted, and thus helps in providing services related to the present system at a low charge.
[0024]
The management center 4 is also a kind of ASP (Application Service Provider) that is connected to the Internet 5 and provides congestion information and the like, and includes an information processing device 41, a communication device 42, and a storage device 43. The ASP is a provider that provides various services using a wide area communication network such as the Internet, which is becoming popular in recent years. This provider is, for example, the present applicant. The information processing device 41 receives information via a communication device 42 including a router and a DSU (Digital Line Connection Device), and performs a communication function with the GPS portable terminal 11 and the like, a congestion information distribution process, and the like. It is a computer device having a ROM. The storage device 43 stores at least a program file 431, a terminal subscriber information database 432, a congestion information database 433, and a map information database 434. The storage device 43 corresponds to a terminal subscriber information storage unit and a database storage unit in the claims.
[0025]
The program file 431 is communication control software for enabling communication with the GPS portable terminal 11 and software for performing control according to the present invention as shown in FIG. This will be described later with reference to FIG. The terminal subscriber information database 432 includes personal information on the plurality of portable terminal owners 1 subscribing to the congestion information distribution system. This information includes, for example, a terminal ID (such as a telephone number of a mobile terminal), age, gender, and hobbies. Such personal information is obtained, for example, by conducting a questionnaire or the like to a subscriber when subscribing to the present system and obtaining the consent of the subscriber to commercial use. However, personal names are not required. As the personal information, at least age, gender, and hobby may be sufficient, but furthermore, there are as many types as possible, such as marriage, smoking, blood type, etc., in order to more accurately provide information required by users. Preferred.
[0026]
The congestion information database 433 is configured to include information in which the received position information and personal information of the terminal subscriber information database 432 are linked. The congestion information database 433 is sequentially updated. The map information database 434 is data including at least topography, roads, place names, and the like of a region related to the present system. The map information database 434 may be a stand-alone type provided on a DVD-ROM or the like, or may be provided from a map information providing site connected to the Internet.
[0027]
The Internet 5 is connected to the management center 4 via the connection center 32 together with the mobile phone communication network 3. The Internet 5 includes a well-known Internet-compatible mobile phone network. An Internet terminal 61 having a monitor 611 installed in the office of the user 6 or an Internet-compatible mobile phone (not shown) is connected to the Internet 5 by communication. The Internet terminal 61 is, for example, a personal computer subscribed to the Internet. The user 6 can obtain desired congestion information from the management center 4 using the Internet terminal 61 or the like.
[0028]
When the management center 4 also provides a location search service, for example, location information is acquired using the GPS unit 12 and transmitted to the management center 4 using the mobile phone 11 '. The storage device 43 of the management center 4 stores information related to this service, for example, a table indicating the association between the terminal ID of the mobile phone 11 ′ or the GPS unit 12 and the transmission destination of the position search result. The management center 4 distributes search results via the Internet 5 to a terminal 71 having a monitor 711 installed in the house of the search requester 7 or an Internet-compatible mobile phone (not shown). Of course, it is also possible to use the GPS portable terminal 11 for this position search service.
[0029]
In such a system configuration, the plurality of mobile terminal owners 1 periodically transmit position information and the like to the management center 4 via the mobile phone communication network 3. The management center 4 creates and stores a congestion information database 433 based on the received position information and the like, and, in response to a congestion information request from the user 6, refers to the congestion information database 433 and stores the congestion information. Generate. The congestion information is distributed to this user via the Internet 5. When the management center 4 performs the location search service, the location search of the mobile terminal owner 1 having the GPS unit 12 is performed, and the search result is delivered to the location search requester 7.
[0030]
Next, the configurations of the GPS portable terminal 11, the portable telephone 11 'and the GPS unit 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a GPS portable terminal used in the congestion information distribution system, and FIG. 3B is a block diagram of a mobile phone and a GPS unit used in the congestion information distribution system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration.
[0031]
The GPS portable terminal 11 is well known, and includes a control unit 110, a transmission / reception unit 111, a GPS reception unit 112, a storage unit 113, a transmission / reception unit 114, and an operation unit 115, as shown in FIG. You.
[0032]
The control unit 110 basically includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and the CPU executes various processes including control according to the present embodiment according to a control program stored in the ROM. The RAM appropriately stores data, programs, and the like necessary for the CPU to execute various processes. The control unit 110 controls the call according to the control program stored in the ROM, reads the terminal ID 113 a corresponding to the telephone number stored in the storage unit 113, and uses the GPS reception unit 112. Get location information.
[0033]
The transmission / reception unit 111 includes a modem and is wirelessly connected to the wireless base station 31 of the mobile phone communication network 3 to transmit and receive call information and position information. The GPS receiving unit 112 receives GPS signals from a plurality of GPS satellites 8 constituting the GPS via the GPS antenna 112a, and acquires current position information based on the GPS signals. The storage unit 113 stores at least a terminal ID 113a corresponding to the telephone number of the terminal 11. The transmission / reception unit 114 includes a microphone and a speaker used during a call. The operation unit 115 is configured to include a destination and a numeric keypad for performing various settings. Note that the GPS portable terminal 11 also includes a battery, a display, and the like (not shown).
[0034]
The mobile phone 11 'is also well known, and includes a control unit 110', a transmission / reception unit 111, a storage unit 113, a transmission / reception unit 114, and an operation unit 115, as shown in FIG. That is, it has a configuration in which the GPS receiver 112 is removed from the GPS portable terminal 11 shown in FIG. The control unit 110 ′ performs the same control as that of the control unit 110 except for the process related to the acquisition of position information. Since the transmission / reception unit 111, the storage unit 113, the transmission / reception unit 114, and the operation unit 115 are as described above, the description is omitted here. Note that the mobile phone 11 'also has a microphone terminal TR1 used for hands-free communication or the like.
[0035]
On the other hand, the GPS unit 12 is connected to the mobile phone 11 'using the microphone terminal TR1. The GPS unit 12 includes a control unit 120, a GPS receiving unit 112, and a GPS antenna 112a. Since the GPS receiving unit 112 and the GPS antenna 112a are as described above, the description is omitted here. The control unit 120 converts the position information obtained from the GPS receiving unit 112 into an audio signal, and supplies the audio signal to the microphone terminal TR1 of the mobile phone 11 'via the output terminal TR2. The position information converted into an audio frequency signal given to the microphone terminal TR1 is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 111 of the mobile phone 11 'to the management center 4. That is, the combination of the GPS unit 12 and the mobile phone 11 ′ has the same function as the GPS mobile terminal 11. The technology equivalent to the GPS unit 12 has already been filed by the present applicant on April 26, 2002 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-126126).
[0036]
A processing procedure and a communication sequence relating to the congestion information distribution system using the mobile telephone 11 'to which the GPS mobile terminal 11 and the GPS unit 12 having such a configuration are connected, and an output example will be described with reference to FIGS. I do. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing procedures on the portable terminal owner side, the management center side, and the user side, and a communication sequence therebetween, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an output image of the congestion information to be distributed. In reality, there are a plurality of mobile terminal owners and users, but they have the same processing procedure. Therefore, FIG. 4 shows one of them as a representative.
[0037]
In step S101 of the mobile terminal owner-side processing shown in FIG. 4, position information is acquired. That is, at a predetermined sampling time according to a predetermined interval, the GPS receiving unit 112 obtains position information including the latitude and longitude of the own terminal using the GPS signal. At this time, a time signal included in the GPS signal is also acquired as shown in step S102. However, since the detection operation is performed according to a predetermined interval, the time can be ascertained by using a timer or the like in the management center 4. Therefore, it is not always necessary to acquire the time information from the GPS signal. However, if the time information is acquired from the GPS signal, the time at which the position information was acquired can be grasped more accurately. In the following description, it is assumed that time information is obtained from a GPS signal. In step S103, the terminal ID 113a of the terminal itself is acquired from the storage unit 113. Step S101 and the related hardware correspond to the position information acquiring means in the claims, and step S102 and the related hardware correspond to the time information acquiring means in the claims.
[0038]
Then, in step S104, the position information, the time information, and the terminal ID 113a are transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 111. The position information, the time information, and the terminal ID 113a are received by the management center 4 via the mobile phone communication network 3. Step S104 and the hardware related thereto correspond to the position information transmitting means in the claims. The processing shown in steps S101 to S104 is repeatedly executed according to a predetermined interval (for example, 30 minutes) unless a predetermined end trigger is present.
[0039]
On the other hand, in the management center-side process, in step S401, when the position information, the time information, and the terminal ID 113a are received, the process proceeds to step S402 (Y in step S401), and otherwise proceeds to step S405 (N in step S401). In step S402, terminal subscriber information corresponding to the terminal ID 113a received from the terminal subscriber information database 432 stored in the storage device 43 in advance is read. Next, in step S403, a congestion information database 433 linking the read terminal subscriber information and the received location information is created or updated, and stored in the storage unit 43 in step S404. Steps S402 to S403 and the hardware related thereto correspond to a database creation unit in the claims.
[0040]
Next, in step S405, a congestion information request from the user 6 is on standby (N in step S405), and when the congestion information request is received, the process proceeds to step S406 (Y in step S405). Although described later, the congestion information request also includes a search condition set by the user 6. Step S405 and the related hardware correspond to the congestion information request receiving means in the claims.
[0041]
Next, in step S406, the congestion information database 433 stored in the storage device 43 is accessed, and in step S407, a specific congestion corresponding to the search condition set by the user 6 is selected from the congestion information database 433. The information is searched, and in step S407, congestion information indicating a congestion place that matches the search condition is generated. Steps S406 to S408 and the hardware related thereto correspond to a database creation unit in the claims.
[0042]
Then, the congestion information generated in step S409 is distributed via the Internet 5 to the user 6 who transmitted the congestion information request. Step S409 and the hardware related thereto correspond to the congestion information transmitting means in the claims. The processing shown in steps S401 to S409 is repeatedly executed unless there is a predetermined end trigger.
[0043]
In the user-side processing, when a congestion information request command is issued in step S601 by operating the ten keys, keyboard, mouse, or the like of the Internet terminal 61 (Y in step S601), the process proceeds to step S602 and subsequent steps. That is, in step S602, a predetermined search condition is set using a numeric keypad, a keyboard, a mouse operation, or the like. For example, as shown in the conditions 6q1, 6q2, and 6q3 in FIG. 5, the search conditions include "where are women in their thirties who like dogs are gathering?", And "where many men are gathering. ., And "Where are coffee lovers gathering on holidays?" That is, the search condition is specifically set by alone or in combination with the age, gender, hobby, marriage, smoking, blood type, etc. included in the terminal subscriber information database 432.
[0044]
Next, in step S603, such a search condition is transmitted to the management center 4 via the Internet 5 together with the congestion information request. At this time, it goes without saying that the address of the own terminal is also transmitted at the same time. Next, in step S604, congestion information that is transmitted from the management center 4 and that meets the above search conditions as a search result is received, and is output on the monitor 611 in step S605. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, search results 6a1, 6a2, and 6a3 corresponding to the above conditions 6q1, 6q2, and 6q3 are displayed on the output image, as shown in FIG. That is, here, the search result is displayed in a circle having a size proportional to the number of crowded people. The circles corresponding to the search results 6a1, 6a2, and 6a3 may be different colors, and need not necessarily be circles. The map 62 used here may receive the map information created by the management center 4 based on the map information database 434 and display it. The processing shown in steps S601 to S605 is continuously executed.
[0045]
Finally, the flow of information and the like exchanged between the portable terminal owner, the management center, and the user will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of information and the like exchanged between the portable terminal owner, the management center, and the user by the congestion information distribution system of the present invention.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 6, the mobile terminal owner 1 who subscribes to this system provides the management center 4 with location information and the like. The management center 4 generates congestion information based on the position information and the like provided by the mobile terminal owner 1 and provides the congestion information to the user 6. As the price, the user 6 pays the congestion information provision fee to the management center 4. Further, the mobile terminal owner 1 pays a service fee such as a usage fee for the mobile terminal to the management center 4, and receives a discount of the service fee as a price for providing the location information and the like.
[0047]
As described above, since the mobile terminal owner 1 receives the discount of the service charge including the call charge, the mobile terminal owner 1 can make a telephone call at a lower charge than in the past, and the spread of the GPS mobile terminal 11 is further promoted.
[0048]
Similarly, when the management center 4 provides the location search service to the mobile terminal owner 1 having the GPS unit 12, the mobile terminal owner 1 who has subscribed to this service also receives the location search service. To provide location information and the like. The management center 4 generates congestion information based on the position information and the like provided by the mobile terminal owner 1 and provides the congestion information to the user 6. As the price, the user 6 pays the congestion information provision fee to the management center 4. Further, the mobile terminal owner 1 periodically pays the location search service fee to the management center 4, but receives a discount of this service fee as compensation for providing location information and the like.
[0049]
As described above, since the mobile terminal owner 1 having the GPS unit 12 receives the discount of the service fee for the location search, the mobile terminal owner 1 can receive the location search service at a lower fee than in the past. Dissemination is further promoted.
[0050]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using the mobile terminal having the position information acquisition function as the congestion information sensor, it is possible to immediately provide accurate congestion information according to each user accurately. become. Concretely, it is very useful information for users who want to manage shops such as fast food, convenience stores, restaurants, boutiques, etc., marketing, flyer distribution, street sales, solicitation support, bulletin activities, etc. Can be provided. Further, according to the present embodiment, the GPS portable terminal 11 and the GPS unit 12 can be effectively spread by using the congestion information distribution system.
[0051]
The present invention does not limit the format of each database exemplified in the embodiment. The search for the congestion information may be performed on the user side. The same effect as described above can be obtained even when the GPS unit 12 is used for a service other than the location search service. The present invention can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist thereof.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the GPS portable terminal 11 is used as a sensor for collecting congestion information, and the management center 4 compiles this and distributes it to the user 6. Therefore, accurate congestion information corresponding to each user 6 can be immediately and accurately provided.
[0053]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the terminal subscriber information includes at least the age and gender of the subscriber, it is possible to more accurately provide information required by each user 6.
[0054]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the terminal subscriber information also includes the hobby of the subscriber, it is possible to more accurately provide information required by each user 6.
[0055]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the GPS portable terminal includes the external GPS unit 12 detachably attached to the portable telephone 11 ', it is easy for a person who owns the portable telephone 11' without the GPS function. It becomes possible to have this system subscribe. Therefore, the spread of the present system is promoted.
[0056]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the congestion information request is received via the Internet and the congestion information is further distributed, so that it is possible to provide the necessary information to the individual users 6 more immediately. Become.
[0057]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the time information corresponding to the position information is also acquired by the GPS portable terminal 11, so that more useful congestion information including the congestion time information can be provided.
[0058]
According to the invention described in claim 7, the GPS portable terminal 11 having a call function is used as a sensor for collecting congestion information, and the management center 4 counts this and distributes it to the user 6. The management center 4 can return a part of the information provision fee collected from the user 6 to the owner of the GPS portable terminal 11 as a price that plays a role as an information collection sensor. Accordingly, the owner of the GPS portable terminal 11 can make a call or the like at a lower fee than before, and the spread of the GPS portable terminal 11 is further promoted.
[0059]
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the mobile terminal including the external GPS unit 12 is used as a sensor for collecting congestion information, and the management center 4 compiles this and distributes it to the user 6. In addition, the management center 4 can return a part of the information provision fee collected from the user 6 to the subscriber of the location search service as a price serving as an information collecting sensor. Therefore, since the subscriber of the location search service can receive the location search service at a lower fee than before, the spread of portable terminals including the GPS unit 12 used for the service is further promoted.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to an embodiment of a congestion information distribution system of the present invention.
FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a GPS portable terminal used in the congestion information distribution system, and FIG. 3B is a mobile phone used in the congestion information distribution system; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a GPS unit.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing procedures on the portable terminal owner side, the management center side, and the user side, and a communication sequence therebetween, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an output image of congestion information to be distributed;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of information and the like exchanged between a portable terminal owner, a management center, and a user by the congestion information distribution system of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Mobile terminal owner
3 Mobile phone communication network
4 Management Center
5 Internet
6 users
7 Location search requester
8 GPS satellites
11 GPS mobile terminal
11 'mobile phone
12 GPS unit
41 Information processing device
42 Communication equipment
43 Storage
61, 71 Internet terminal

Claims (8)

A system for delivering congestion information indicating a specific place where many people gather to a user 6 of this information,
Each GPS mobile terminal owned by multiple people,
Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information indicating the location of the subscriber,
Via a predetermined communication line including a mobile phone communication network, toward a management center that distributes the congestion information, function as position information transmitting means for transmitting the position information,
The management center,
Via the communication line, position information receiving means for receiving the position information,
Terminal subscriber information storage means for preliminarily storing terminal subscriber information, which is information on a subscriber of the GPS portable terminal;
Database creation means for creating a database linking the terminal subscriber information and the received location information,
Database storage means for storing the database,
Based on a congestion information request accompanied by a predetermined search condition from the user, comprising, from the database, congestion information search means for searching for specific congestion information corresponding to the search condition,
A congestion information distribution system, characterized in that: The congestion information distribution system according to claim 1,
The terminal subscriber information includes at least the age and gender of the subscriber,
A congestion information distribution system, characterized in that: The congestion information distribution system according to claim 2,
The terminal subscriber information further includes a hobby of the subscriber,
A congestion information distribution system, characterized in that: In the congestion information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The GPS portable terminal includes a mobile phone as the position information transmitting means, and a GPS unit detachable from the mobile phone and serving as the position information obtaining means,
A congestion information distribution system, characterized in that: In the congestion information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The management center,
Congestion information request receiving means for receiving the congestion information request from the user via the Internet,
And congestion information transmitting means for transmitting the retrieved congestion information via the Internet.
A congestion information distribution system, characterized in that: In the congestion information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Each of the GPS mobile terminals,
Time information acquiring means for acquiring time information corresponding to the position information, and also function as, and distribute the congestion information including the time information,
A congestion information distribution system, characterized in that: A GPS mobile terminal having a call function and a position information acquisition function using GPS is used in a system for distributing congestion information indicating a specific place where many people gather to users of this information, thereby disseminating the GPS terminal. So,
The GPS mobile terminal,
Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information indicating the location of the subscriber,
Via a predetermined communication line including a mobile phone communication network, function as position information transmitting means for transmitting the position information toward the management center,
The management center that distributes the congestion information,
Via the communication line, position information receiving means for receiving the position information,
Terminal subscriber information storage means for preliminarily storing terminal subscriber information, which is information on a subscriber of the GPS portable terminal;
Database creation means for creating a database linking the terminal subscriber information and the received location information,
Database storage means for storing the database,
Based on a congestion information request with a predetermined search condition from the user, from the database, a congestion information search unit that searches for specific congestion information corresponding to the search condition,
A method for disseminating a GPS portable terminal, characterized in that: By using a portable terminal including an external GPS unit used as a position search terminal in a position search service in a system for distributing congestion information indicating a specific place where many people gather to users of this information, A way to spread it,
The mobile terminal,
Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information indicating the location of the subscriber,
Via a predetermined communication line including a mobile phone communication network, function as position information transmitting means for transmitting the position information toward the management center,
The management center that distributes the congestion information,
Via the communication line, position information receiving means for receiving the position information,
Terminal subscriber information storage means for preliminarily storing terminal subscriber information, which is information on a subscriber of the GPS portable terminal;
Database creation means for creating a database linking the terminal subscriber information and the received location information,
Database storage means for storing the database,
Based on a congestion information request with a predetermined search condition from the user, from the database, a congestion information search unit that searches for specific congestion information corresponding to the search condition,
A method for disseminating a mobile terminal, characterized in that:

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