JP2004139573A - Information providing server device and information providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain objective unit information from group information including plenty of information by a single operation after connection to an information providing server device in order to obtain various kinds of information such as article sales information, real estate information and event information by using an e-mail function of a cellular phone or the like. <P>SOLUTION: A large number of pieces of group information are stored in this information providing server device 10 by using accessing identification information comprising information codes different on the basis of unit information and e-mail addresses used in requesting the unit information as search key information. The information codes and the e-mail addresses are clearly specified in a display transmission medium displaying transmission information that is one of a catalog, an outline or a part of the corresponding unit information. When a user sends an e-mail including the information code to the information providing server device by a pertinent e-mail address, the corresponding unit information is provided for the user from the information providing server device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to an information providing server device and an information providing method that can easily acquire information from an information providing server device using an e-mail function of a mobile phone with an Internet browser, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a personal computer, or the like. About.

For example, it is intended to acquire real estate property information, various service information and contact information in an administrative agency, used car sales information, employment information, sales information of various products, etc. from an information browsing terminal device such as a mobile phone via the Internet. In this case, after accessing the information providing server device in which a large amount of information is stored, the user needs to repeat complicated operations to narrow down the target information.

For example, in the case of rental real estate information, the following seven levels of selection / execution must be performed. That is, after accessing the information providing server device, (1) selection of a nationwide block, (2) selection of a prefecture, (3) selection of a railway, (4) selection of a station, (5) selection of a desired floor plan, ( 6) Selection of the desired amount of money, and (7) display of the list of property information, the display of the target real estate property is performed, and information can be obtained.

The procedure of repeating a large number of selections / decisions as described above is complicated by itself, and it is difficult to repeat the operation of a small and limited number of keys while looking at a small display screen with a small mobile phone. There is a problem that the operation is very complicated and an operation error such as a key press error easily occurs.

Usually, when a user sends an e-mail to an information providing server device by a mobile phone or the like, the information providing server can acquire the user's e-mail address. Then, the acquired e-mail address can be used for finding a customer, specifying a user, and enclosing the user. However, if a complicated procedure is required as described above, there is a problem that the number of users decreases.

Therefore, the information to be provided is guided by a code in advance, and if the user makes a request by code, an environment where direct access can be provided without going through deep hierarchies can be provided, and billing of only numeric codes utilizing the characteristics of the numeric keypad can be realized The above problem can be solved. However, when using the code concept, it is necessary to clearly indicate which information corresponds to which code, but this problem is solved by linking it with other media (printing, radio waves). Also, it is desirable that the footprint of the user remains as an information provider. Therefore, a mechanism is employed in which matching is performed on group information stored on a server and an automatic reply is performed using an e-mail function mounted on an Internet-compatible portable information terminal. That is, the present invention proposes an invention in which the electronic mail function of a server and an Internet-compatible portable information terminal is combined with a medium (printing, radio waves).

For example, users can receive a facsimile information provision service without dialing the telephone number of the facsimile information center or entering a box number with a push button, and can easily use the received information. (For example, Patent Document 1). This Patent Document 1 simply provides information corresponding to a designated box number by transmitting an e-mail with a designated box number.

Further, the present invention provides a communication address notation method in which a communication address of a home page posted on the Internet, an e-mail address, and the like can be read and input by a browser or the like in a simple manner, and a printed matter and a sticker using the notation method are provided. (For example, Patent Document 2). This Patent Document 2 simply facilitates access to the Internet.

Further, there is a method that allows a user to access a site such as a homepage with a simple operation, and also allows an information provider of each site to easily count access results (for example, Patent Document 3). This Patent Literature 3 simply makes it easy to access a site and can count access results.
JP-A-10-336233 JP-A-2000-132485 JP 2000-285056 A

The present invention relates to an information providing server device which can provide target information to a user who accesses the information providing server device from an information browsing terminal such as a mobile phone by a simple operation of the user. And an information providing method.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an information providing server device and an information providing method which enhance the convenience of the user, promote the increase in the number of users, and obtain the e-mail addresses of a large number of users. I do.

Recently, users have been able to use mobile phones to know details such as the location and business hours of target restaurants, stores, business activities, service stores such as barbers and beauty shops. Further, similarly, detailed information of a real estate for rent can be obtained using a mobile phone.

In such a case, it is convenient to be able to access the detailed information source from the target restaurant or the like or the real estate property.

The present invention has an object to provide an information providing server device and an information providing method which can easily obtain information from a local place such as a restaurant or a real estate property in the above case.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an information providing server device according to a first aspect of the present invention provides an access providing information for identifying a product that purchases a product and participates in a product sales campaign. Access information registering means for registering access identification information in the information providing database, and upon receiving an e-mail including the access identifying information from the user, searching the information providing database and determining that the access identifying information has already been issued. Access-identification-information search means for determining whether or not it is a user ID; and user-characteristic registration for collecting access-identification information using the user's e-mail address received from the user as a key and registering it in a user-characteristic database Means.

Also, the access identification information is clearly indicated in a portion recognized only by a user who purchases a product and participates in a product sales campaign, and is an information code for identifying the product and a destination of an e-mail transmitted by the user. Preferably, it is composed of a destination e-mail address. In addition, the access identification information is a destination of the e-mail sent by the user, including an information code for identifying the product, which is clearly indicated in a portion recognized only by the user who purchases the product and participates in the product sales campaign. It is preferable that the destination e-mail address is as follows.

It is preferable that the information providing database further includes a unit information registration unit that stores unit information, which is the reply content of the e-mail received from the user, in association with the access identification information.

(4) It is preferable that the user characteristic registration unit further gives points according to the reception of the e-mail, and registers the points in the user characteristic database.

It is preferable that the system further includes a mail reply means for returning the cumulative number of points given to the user to the user as reply contents of the e-mail received from the user.

An information providing method according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the access identification information registering means uses the access identification information that has already been issued for the access identification information that identifies a product that purchases a product and participates in a product sales campaign. The step of registering information in the information providing database and the step of accessing the identification information searching means, upon receiving an e-mail including the identification information for access from the user, searching the information providing database, and the identification information for access has already been issued. Deciding whether or not the access information has been authenticated, and a step of totalizing the access identification information by using the user e-mail address received from the user as a key by the user characteristic registration means and registering it in the user characteristic database Means.

Also, the access identification information is clearly indicated in a portion recognized only by a user who purchases a product and participates in a product sales campaign, and is an information code for identifying the product and a destination of an e-mail transmitted by the user. Preferably, it is composed of a destination e-mail address. In addition, the access identification information is a destination of the e-mail sent by the user, including an information code for identifying the product, which is clearly indicated in a portion recognized only by the user who purchases the product and participates in the product sales campaign. It is preferable that the destination e-mail address is as follows.

It is preferable that the information providing database further includes a step of storing the unit information, which is the reply content of the e-mail received from the user, in the information providing database by the unit information registering unit in association with the access identification information.

(4) In the step of registering in the user characteristic database, it is preferable that points are given according to the reception of the electronic mail, and the points are registered in the user characteristic database.

Preferably, the method further includes a step of returning, by the mail reply means, the cumulative number of points given to the user to the user as reply contents of the e-mail received from the user.

According to the information providing server device and the information providing method of the present invention, an e-mail is sent to the information providing server device by an e-mail address using an e-mail function of a mobile phone with an Internet browser, and a simple information code is input. Only by doing so, the desired unit information can be acquired, and the convenience for the user is high.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus for implementing an information providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the information provider server device 10 of the information provider is connected to the Internet 12.

On the other hand, various information browsing terminal devices used by the user 1 to acquire target information from the information providing server device 10 according to the present embodiment include, for example, a mobile phone 14A with an e-mail function and a PHS 14B. A personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 14C having a compact size suitable for carrying, a general telephone 14D with an e-mail function, a personal data assistant (PDA) 14F, and a computer (car navigation system) 14H mounted on a vehicle. Hereinafter, these various information browsing terminal devices will be referred to as information terminals 14.

These information terminals 14 are provided by a mail server device 30 provided in an Internet connection server 18 which is directly connected by a wireless or wired public telephone line (or dedicated line) 16 (hereinafter, referred to as a public line 16), or by a public line. E-mail using the Internet 12 can be used by an Internet connection server 18 connected directly by the Internet 16 and a mail server device 30 connected via the Internet 12. Also, the electronic mail can be sent from the mail server device 30 to the mail server device 24 as described above.

In addition, when the information terminal 14 uses the mail server device 30 in the information providing server device 10, the information terminal 14 directly connects to the information providing server device 10 and uses an e-mail using the Internet 12. In this case, in the information providing server device 10, an electronic mail can be sent from the mail server device 30 to the mail server device 24 as well.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to exchange information with the information providing server device 10 connected to the Internet 12 by using electronic mail. That is, an electronic mail is exchanged with the mail server device 24 in the information providing server device 10, and a request for the unit information to which the present invention is applied and the provision of the unit information are performed.

Here, the information terminal 14 such as the mobile phone 14A has input means such as dial buttons and a keyboard, and display means such as a liquid crystal display device, and exchanges e-mail to which the present invention is applied via the Internet 12. By performing with the information providing server device 10, target unit information can be displayed on the display means or the like from a large amount of information (group information) accumulated in the information providing server device 10.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information providing server device 10 of the present embodiment.

As shown, the information providing server device 10 includes an information providing database 20 storing a large number of unit information 11A, 11B... 11I (hereinafter collectively referred to as unit information 11), an information delivery processing management device 22, It has a mail server device 24 and a user characteristic database 28.

First, the information providing database 20 stores an e-mail address to which an e-mail is sent from the user for individually designating and requesting unit information to be provided for browsing by the user 1; Group information composed of a large number of the unit information is registered in the information providing server device in advance, using the access identification information composed of an information code different for each unit information as search key information. As described later, the access identification information may be configured by including an information code in a part of the e-mail address.

Also, when the user 1 does not request the unit information in particular and participates in the application as described below based on the transmission information, or when the user 1 requests the unit information based on the transmission information as necessary. Also, when the information delivery processing management device 22 receives, from the user 1, an e-mail containing the information code specifying the requested unit information according to the e-mail address corresponding to the requested unit information, An e-mail address indicating the source of the e-mail is acquired from the e-mail together with the specified information code. The e-mail address and information code obtained from the e-mail and other information obtained from the e-mail are information on the user 1 and stored in the user characteristic database 28. The information stored in the user characteristic database 28 can be used in marketing and other businesses in the following business, as described later.

Alternatively, when the user 1 requests the unit information based on the transmission information, the information delivery processing management device 22 sends the requested unit information from the user 1 based on the e-mail address corresponding to the requested unit information. When the user receives an e-mail including the information code specifying the information code, the unit information corresponding to the e-mail address and the identification information for access based on the information code is transmitted from the sender obtained from the e-mail sent by the user. Provide to the user by e-mail in reply to the e-mail address.

When the e-mail is transferred to / from the user 1 related to the information transfer processing management device 22, the mail server function on the information providing server device 10 is provided by the mail server device 24.

As described above, in the present embodiment, unit information is stored in the information providing database 20 by using the access identification information as search key information, and the information delivery processing management device 22 Read the stored unit information. That is, the e-mail address and the information code constituting the access identification information are used as search key information.

Here, when the information providing server device 10 has only a single e-mail address, the storage of the unit information in the information providing database 20 and the information transfer processing management of the unit information stored in this way. Reading in the device 22 is substantially equivalent to using the access identification information composed of the e-mail address and the information code as the search key information, even if only the information code is used as the search key information.

If the information code forms a part of the e-mail address, e-mail addresses must be prepared by the number of information codes, that is, the number of unit information.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of this embodiment.

First, the primary information provider 36 provides information having essential contents to be provided in the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as primary information), so-called “content”. The primary information provider 36 registers the primary information in the information providing server device 10. The registration is performed as unit information or, if necessary, divided into a plurality of unit information so that browsing to the user 1 can be performed smoothly. At the time of the registration, different access identification information is issued for each unit information, and the unit information 11 in the information providing database 20 can be searched using the access identification information (information code) as search key information. be registered. At the time of the registration, the primary information provider 36 receives the access identification information issued for each registered unit information 11.

The access identification information is an e-mail address to which the e-mail is to be sent when requesting viewing of the unit information by e-mail, and an information code indicating the requested unit information to be sent by the e-mail Or has an e-mail address containing the information code.

In addition, the primary information provider 36 does not provide the unit information in the information providing server device 10 in particular, and when the user 1 sends an electronic mail to the information providing server device 10 based on the transmission information, the primary information provider 36 In some cases, the user identification information and the e-mail address of the user 1 that is the sender of the mail are stored in the user characteristic database 28 to collect information on the user 1. For example, this is a case where a campaign as described below is held.

In such a case, the primary information provider 36 does not need to particularly register the unit information in the information providing server device 10. In this case, the primary information provider 36 issues the access identification information, accepts an e-mail from the user 1 based on the access identification information, and the user characteristic database 28 related to the e-mail in the information provision server device 10. It is sufficient to register so as to request information collection and to receive the access identification information.

However, even when a campaign or the like is held as described above, some kind of e-mail is returned to the participants of the application as a reply to the application. In such a case, the reply content is the unit information, which may be registered in the information providing database 20 of the information providing server device 10.

Thereafter, the primary information provider 36 displays the identification information for access, that is, the corresponding e-mail address and information code, as well as the transmission information that is one of the list, summary, and part of the corresponding unit information. Specify it on the display transmission medium. Such specification of the transmission information becomes the transmission information presentation 35 in FIG. Then, the user 1 who browses the transmitted information and requests the corresponding unit information is prompted to recognize the access identification information. For example, the presentation is made in a form as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10 (details will be described later).

The present embodiment does not specifically limit such a display transmission medium. For example, the display transmission medium may be a portable print card medium, a radio wave medium, a publication medium, a posted print medium, or the like. It is desirable that the transmission information presentation 35 also clearly indicate at least a part of the explanation information for sending the e-mail requesting the desired unit information based on the access identification information.

If the user 1 wants to obtain more detailed information from the transmitted information by the transmitted information presentation 35, or if he / she wants to participate in an application based on the transmitted information as described later, the unit information corresponding to the information Is found from the transmission information presentation 35. Then, using the information terminal 14, an e-mail requesting desired unit information is sent from the mail server device 30 based on the access identification information.

The e-mail is sent to an e-mail address included in the access identification information and corresponding to the requested unit information. Also, the mail includes an information code specifying the requested unit information, and is usually referred to as a “subject”, “name”, “title” or the like, which is defined as a format of the e-mail itself, for example. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the “title name” portion of the mail may include an information code, or may be included in the mail text.

(5) In the e-mail address "sumai@keitai.ad" shown in FIG. 5, "sumai", which is the part before the "@" mark, or a five-digit number or the like may be used as the information code. That is, the information code may be included in a part of the e-mail address. Further, the information code may be input in the body of the mail.

The e-mail is delivered to the mail server 24 of the information providing server 10 indicated by the e-mail address corresponding to the requested unit information. The mail server device 24 that has received the mail sends the contents of the mail to the information delivery processing management device 22. At this time, the sender of the mail, that is, the e-mail address of the user 1 is also read from the mail in the mail server device 24 and sent to the information transfer processing management device 22.

When the mail server device 24 can receive an e-mail at a plurality of different e-mail addresses, information indicating which e-mail address the e-mail was received from is also transmitted from the mail server device 24 to the information transfer processing management. Sent to the device 22. When the e-mail address includes the information code, a plurality of e-mail addresses are naturally set in the mail server device 24.
The information transfer management device 22 determines the electronic mail address in the information providing server device 10 that has received the mail, and reads out the information code included in the mail. These e-mail addresses and information codes constitute access identification information. Further, the information transfer processing management device 22 recognizes the e-mail address of the user 1, which is the sender of the mail.

In particular, when the user 1 does not request the unit information and participates in the application as described below based on the transmission information, or when the user 1 requests the unit information based on the transmission information as necessary. Also, the information delivery processing management device 22 stores in the user characteristic database 28 the access identification information of the mail and the e-mail address of the user 1 that is the sender of the mail.

Alternatively, when the user 1 requests unit information based on the transmission information, the information delivery processing management device 22 searches the information providing database 20 for unit information corresponding to the access identification information received from the user 1. To earn. The acquired unit information is sent from the information delivery processing management device 22 to the mail server device 24. Then, the mail server device 24 sends a reply e-mail including the acquired unit information to the mail server device 30 of the sender's e-mail address acquired from the e-mail sent by the user 1. Send it. The returned e-mail can be received by connecting to the mail server device 30 by the information terminal 14 used by the corresponding user 1, and the information terminal 14 browses the requested unit information included in the e-mail. can do.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an explicit form of access identification information in the first example of this embodiment.

In the first embodiment of the reference numeral 111, since only one e-mail address and one information code are used, these are specified together. The e-mail address in the first embodiment is “oubo@keitai.ad” in the area of reference numeral 112 slightly in the center of the figure, and the information code is in the area of reference number 113 in the upper right part of the figure. The campaign code is “2638499223”. Further, description information regarding a procedure for sending an e-mail requesting desired unit information based on the access identification information in the area of reference numeral 114 is described as reference numerals (1) to (4).

FIGS. 5 to 7 are diagrams showing explicit forms of access identification information in the second example of the present embodiment.

In the second embodiment, a plurality of information codes are used in one e-mail address, and these are specified on a plurality of screens or a plurality of pages. For example, in the case of a portable print card, as shown in FIG. 8, the card 135 can be folded at the alternate long and short dash lines 80 and 82 to form a three-page configuration. It becomes a page configuration. Alternatively, in the case of a portable print card, as shown in FIG. 9, the card 136 can be folded at a plurality of dashed lines to form a large number of pages.

As shown in FIG. 5, on the first page of reference numeral 121 in the second embodiment, the e-mail address is “sumai@keitai.ad” of reference numeral 122 at the upper right of the figure. Further, description information on a procedure for sending an e-mail requesting desired unit information based on the access identification information is described as symbols (1) to (5).

As shown in FIG. 6, on the second page of the reference numeral 125 in the second embodiment, the information code of the unit information on the individual property information of the real estate includes the corresponding code of the reference numeral 126 on the left side of the figure and the reference code of 127. "28374662" indicated as an ad code of the "." On the third page of reference numeral 130 in FIG. 7, the information code of each unit information, which is “useful information” regarding real estate, is shown as a corresponding code of reference numeral 131 on the left side of the figure and an ad code of reference numeral 132. "AKAKI SAKE" and "AKSIDJKU".

FIGS. 10 to 13 are diagrams showing explicit forms of access identification information in the third example of this embodiment.

In the third embodiment, a plurality of information codes are used in one e-mail address, and these are specified on a plurality of screens or a plurality of pages. This embodiment of the reference numeral 140 is an example of a portable print card. As shown by solid lines 80 and 82 in FIG. 10, a three-page configuration is obtained by folding the card 135 at the dashed lines 80 and 82 as shown in FIG. The information is printed on three pages on one side. In FIG. 11, the first page of reference numeral 141 on the left side of the dashed line 80 is enlarged, in FIG. 12, the second page of reference numeral 142 between the dashed lines 80 and 82 is enlarged, and in FIG. The third page 143 is shown enlarged.

First, in the second page at the center position in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the e-mail address is "niigata@keitai.ad" in the area indicated by reference numeral 146 slightly above the figure. . Further, description information on a procedure for sending an e-mail requesting desired unit information based on the access identification information is described as symbols (1) to (4).

Next, on the first page on the left side in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the information code of each unit information, which is "useful information" about the local public entity, is written in "15501" on the left side in the figure. ”To“ 15513 ”,“ 15519 ”to“ 15525 ”, and“ 15526 ”to“ 15531 ”, and the name of each of these unit information is described on the right side of the information code corresponding to“ What is Niigata Unison Plaza? ” , "What is a community welfare center?"

Further, on the third page on the right side in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the information code of each unit information which is “useful information” about the local public entity is “15223” on the left side in the figure. "15321", and the right of the information code to which the name of each of these unit information is applicable, such as "What is the address of Niigata Prefectural Office?" And "What is the transportation system to go to Niigata Prefectural Office?" I have.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an explicit form of access identification information in the fourth example of the present embodiment on the premise of television broadcasting.

In the fourth embodiment with reference numeral 150, since only one e-mail address and one information code are used, these are specified together. The e-mail address in the fourth embodiment is “oubo@keitai.ad” of a reference numeral 151 at the bottom of the figure, and the information code is a campaign code of “33848746620” of a reference numeral 152 at the upper right of the figure. is there. The present embodiment is based on a television broadcast. The one shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on a screen, and explanation information on a procedure for sending an e-mail requesting desired unit information based on access identification information is provided by an announcer. The description of the voice.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an explicit form of access identification information in the fifth example of the present embodiment on the premise of television broadcasting.

In the fifth embodiment with reference numeral 155, a plurality of information codes presented on the screen or in voice during a program are used for an e-mail address. The e-mail address in the fifth embodiment is “ab@keitai.ad” indicated by reference numeral 156 in the middle and upper part of the figure. This embodiment is based on a television broadcast, the one shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on a screen, and explanation information on a procedure for sending an e-mail requesting desired unit information based on access identification information, and various kinds of information are provided. The information code is presented by a screen display during a program or by an announcer.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams showing the explicit form of the access identification information in the sixth example of the present embodiment.

In the sixth embodiment with reference numeral 160, a plurality of information codes are used in one e-mail address, and these are specified on the same page. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, on the first page, the e-mail address is “shop@keitai.ad” indicated by reference numeral 161 at the top of the figure. The individual unit information is information on individual stores, and the information code of the unit information is “334657” shown as a store code 162 on the left side in the drawing. Further, on this page, explanation information on a procedure for sending an e-mail requesting desired unit information based on the access identification information is posted below the above-mentioned e-mail address.

In addition, in the present embodiment, a map indicated by reference numeral 165 as shown in FIG. 17 is added, and can be used as a reference when selecting unit information relating to a store. The symbols (1) to (7) in FIG. 17 correspond to the symbols at the beginning of each store name in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an explicit form of the access identification information in the seventh example of the present embodiment.

In the seventh embodiment of the symbol 170, the information code is provided as a part of the e-mail address. Specifically, it is an advertisement in which an information code like a reference numeral 172 is set as a number in a part before a $ mark of a reference numeral 171.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the first to seventh examples.

First, the link with the print medium will be described.

First, a print medium is a card, a leaflet, a postcard, a postcard, a brochure, a magazine, a newspaper, a folding flyer to be distributed or sold, a poster, a sign, a signboard, a bulletin board, an outdoor advertising board (hereinafter, a notice board). Print media). Particularly, the above-mentioned card includes a portable printing card.

(4) On such a print medium, the information to be provided is indexed and displayed. In the table of contents, items may be classified. Further, on the print medium, the information code is assigned for each piece of the indexed information. The table of contents is as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, and 16 described above.

The information code is based on numbers, alphabets, hiragana, katakana, kanji, or a combination thereof, and is not specifically limited.

(4) In addition, the mail address of the mail transmission destination shall be posted on the print medium. The posting of the mail address is as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 10, FIG. 12, FIG. 14 to FIG.

Furthermore, the system description will be posted on the print media. In particular, at least a part of the explanation information for sending an electronic mail requesting the desired unit information is posted based on the access identification information including the mail address and the information code. The posting of the explanation information is as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 10, FIG. 12, FIG. 16, and FIG.

The portable printing card according to the present embodiment is a card that can always be carried by taking advantage of the characteristics of a portable telephone that is always carried. This is a size that can be put in a wallet or a regular pocket, and a layout of access identification information or the like according to the present invention can be devised. Further, by increasing the number of available pages and the printable area by folding as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the amount of information can be increased at the same time.

This card does not function on its own, but only functions in conjunction with an information terminal. From this, it can be said that this is a new concept that has not existed before. Also, this card can be used as a media medium by making the information to be posted itself function as an advertisement.

(4) Information that can be provided as unit information of the present invention includes information that is desired to be transmitted commercially, such as sales and service provision, and “useful” information that contributes to user convenience. By posting "useful" information, users aim to carry it as a convenient preservation version.

提供 Providing such unit information can promote frequent information requests by users. In the present embodiment, when providing the unit information, the access identification information of the provided information is stored in the user characteristic database 28 of the information providing server device 10 in units of users. The user characteristic database 28 operates in cooperation with the information delivery processing management device 22, the mail server device 24, and the like.

In the user characteristic database 28, a footprint such as "when and who (the mail address of the user who requested the information) and what unit information was requested" remains.

In addition, by accumulating the identification information for access to the information provided to the user in this way, it is possible to collect information on individual users and information on marketing that can be used in the subsequent business, and the contents can be indexed. It is possible to know the preference of each information code. Further, the user's mail address can be known. In this embodiment, the user's e-mail address is also stored in the user characteristic database 28.

For example, in the case of a real estate property guide, along with a table of contents along the line along with the station name, area, and price, information is provided, and at the time of information provision, access identification information is stored, and the user who requests the information is provided. Can be estimated for real estate. Also, when providing weather forecast information, the area for which the user has requested the weather forecast information can be stored by storing the area for which the weather forecast information is requested by converting the area to be known into an information code and storing access identification information. The range can be estimated.

Next, the information terminal 14 that can be used in the present embodiment will be described.

(4) The information terminal 14 of the present embodiment includes all information terminals having an e-mail function. For example, the functions include an IP-compatible function such as an L-mode for an IP-compatible mobile phone, a PDA, a car computer (car navigation system), a PC, and a general telephone.

(4) The user who views the uniquely designed print medium requests unit information as detailed information for the information of interest. At this time, the e-mail function is activated, and in the e-mail creation stage, the e-mail address designated as the access identification information of the present invention is entered, and the information code to be claimed is entered in the "title" portion, and the "text" is entered. The transmission is performed with the part left blank.

In this case, the information input to the “title” and the information input to the “text” may be exchanged. If the information code is included in the e-mail address, these inputs are not required. In the "text" part, the user's name, gender, date of birth, opinion and impression, and claim may be input. In this case, an explanation must be added to the print medium.

After sending the e-mail, the information providing server device 10 automatically performs a search based on the access identification information, and automatically returns the unit information of the detailed access identification information requested to the sender. Is done.

(4) The present embodiment can be used for campaigns and the like. That is, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 14, the information code is a campaign code. When used in a campaign or the like, the e-mail address of the applicant is automatically attached when the e-mail is sent by the applicant. Therefore, since the applicant can be specified without troublesome input of the applicant data, both the user and the organizer are convenient.

For example, in a product sales campaign, an individual code that only the purchaser can understand is given to the inside of the product or to the sticker. Then, the purchaser of the product simply sends the assigned individual code by e-mail using the indicated e-mail address, and the first application is completed. At the time of application, the information providing server device 10 may immediately determine a winning or a loss. Alternatively, a point system may be used. The presence or absence of these winnings and the number of points can be automatically notified to the applicant by e-mail.

Also, for example, the bar code on the label of the wine is transmitted to the specified mail address. At that time, if a 13-digit bar code is inserted in the title or the text portion and transmitted, information related to the product such as the locality, brand, and how to drink the wine is returned.

{Circle around (5)} Further, the e-mail address obtained by using the present embodiment in a campaign or the like can be used for a company announcement using e-mail. In that case, there is a desire that the user wants to reject unnecessary mail. At that time, put a hidden code in the body of the sent mail. A user who wants to refuse future mail transmission can indicate his intention to reject the mail simply by replying to the sent e-mail.

Next, the interlocking with media other than print media will be described.

も Besides printing, for example, by combining part of the description of the use method with audio, it can be used in conjunction with a medium such as a television or radio. When linked with the present embodiment, the mail address of the viewer can be obtained, so that the viewer can be connected to an e-mail service.

For example, there is interlocking with radio wave media. The definition of the radio wave medium includes, for example, television broadcasting and radio broadcasting. The peripheral media include a video game and a promotion video.

公 Public broadcasting, such as television and radio, is a one-way media. By linking the real-time mail reply function to it, it is possible to provide one-way media with interactivity. By gaining interactivity, it can also have the function of obtaining feedback and requests from viewers. At the same time, the viewer's e-mail address can be obtained, so that the obtained e-mail address can be used for promotion of a subsequent program.

(4) It is difficult to display the table of contents as well as print because information is always flowing in public broadcasting. Therefore, a keyword is used instead of the information code. This situation will be described by replacing the weather forecast information with a radio or television program.

天 気 The weather forecast in public broadcasting has a large segment in the area, and is, for example, guidance only for major cities. This is because, despite the existence of the pinpoint prediction data (at the municipal level), it is not possible to provide weather information in a narrowed area due to the program editing time. In such a case, for example, by sending an e-mail including information indicating an area where the weather information is to be obtained to an e-mail address advertised to a predetermined viewer, the weather information of the narrowed area can be obtained. Can be provided as unit information of the present invention.

At this time, enter the name of the city or district or station you want to know in the “Title” portion of the e-mail, and send an e-mail for requesting the weather information to the designated e-mail address. The transmission procedure will be described with reference to audio and television screen images. The user of the viewer who sees or hears the explanation takes out the mobile phone and sends an e-mail according to the explanation. Thereafter, the information providing server device 10 returns the automatically searched weather information, and the user 1 receives the weather information of the desired area.

The procedure for sending e-mail is performed by audio description and telop guidance on the television screen in the case of a television. In radio broadcasting, everything is guided by voice.

As an application, new user services can be realized by linking with radio wave media in the area where a large amount of information such as real estate, travel, job change, and used car must be narrowed down. Further, a new relationship between the information provider and the user can be established using the mail function of the mobile phone.

Next, as another medium, utilization in video games will be described.

For example, a hidden code in a video game is an information code of the present invention. For example, when a video game is being demonstrated, a hidden code may appear at a specific scene or point. If the user can find the hidden code, the code can be sent to the specified address by e-mail, so that the user can be taught how to enjoy the game more or get some special benefits. Added value can be added.

The present embodiment can be used by utilizing the information code in the video game in this way, and by linking the e-mail with the mobile phone, the user can be provided with a new way of enjoying the video game. The provider can understand the user's preference and the degree of utilization of the game. Also, the game provider can obtain the mail address of the game user 1 and thus can send an e-mail to the game user at any time to establish a connection.

(5) Next, the promotion video medium will be described.

An application code for requesting various benefits by e-mail can be attached to a promotion video such as a movie as an information code of the present invention. Such benefits include, for example, campaign applications and discount coupons. Also, if the application code is set for each video title, it can be determined which video was watched. It can also be used as an application number for campaigns and the like.

Next, the information code in the present embodiment will be described.

First, the campaign code will be described.

参加 When participating in a campaign, if you send an e-mail to the e-mail address of the applicant using the campaign code, you will receive a reply that the application has been accepted and the individually issued campaign code. In that case, the code is composed of numbers, alphabets, or a combination thereof.

For example, if all users who have requested information are set as campaign participants, the registration confirmation code will be included in some of the information returned. This registration confirmation code is issued so that the participants do not overlap, and the participant who matches the winning number at a later date will be won.

Also, in order to restrict the campaign to product purchasers only, it can be realized by printing a campaign code for applying to places known only to product purchasers and explaining the campaign participation method. In addition, in the case of television radio waves, in order to limit the audience at that time, a campaign for only the audience can be implemented by informing the campaign code during the broadcast. In each case, simply enter the campaign code in either the title or body space and submit. When the campaign code is included in the e-mail address, there is no need to enter the title and body space.

Next, the coupon code will be described.

を 受 け If you want to receive a privilege at a restaurant or a merchandise store, send an e-mail to the specified e-mail address and the coupon code will be returned automatically. The coupon code is composed of numbers, alphabets, or a mixture of these. The service provider (store) keeps the issued coupon code and the e-mail address of the coupon claimant. According to the system, it is possible to identify the target person only by sending the e-mail address. The issued code can be issued in combination with information indicating the time, the timing, and the target service in order to limit them. The coupon participation code for the coupon code request is announced on a print medium or a radio wave medium. At that time, the mail address of the reception can be automatically specified by introducing the concept of the mail address and the billing code for each print medium and radio wave medium introduced.

Next, the questionnaire code will be described.

For example, an example will be described in which a simple questionnaire called “TV viewing time survey” is conducted on a print medium or a radio wave medium. In this questionnaire, the answer of the viewing time is (1) 1 to 3 hours, (2) 4 to 8 hours, (3) 9 hours or more, and (4) less than 1 hour. The above questions and answer options, and the address of the e-mail to which the answer is sent are provided by printing, voice, or on a television screen. The respondent inputs his / her own answer in the title part (multiple questions, in the case of multiple answers, adds one to the body part) and sends it to the designated e-mail address. The accepted mail server performs database tallying, and can tally the results instantly, and can give thanks, PR, campaigns, etc. to the e-mail addresses of the participants.

Next, the commercial code will be described.

数 多 く There are many corporate commercials on radio media. At that time, the free dial notification at the time of inquiry or material request is performed at the same time, but this is realized using automatic mail reply and classification code. For example, in the case of a radio program, when sending to the radio station's e-mail address, if you write a commercial code in the title part, an e-mail with the company's announcement, link to the site, telephone number etc. will be sent come. Alternatively, if the e-mail address itself is set to an address that can specify the service, the user can request the details of the desired product only by describing the address.

情報 Other information codes include an address code, a company code indicating a company in a stock market, a map code composed of latitude and longitude data, a telephone number, a postal code, and a G code for identifying a television broadcast program.

Next, how to use the present embodiment in newspapers and magazines will be described.

Past articles and special features are posted on magazines published with article headings + corresponding codes, and users who see them simply send an e-mail to the specified e-mail address, and the desired articles and special features etc. It can be obtained by the automatic reply function. At this time, it is only necessary to insert the desired article corresponding code into the title (subject) or the body part. Users will benefit from a wider range of available information, and publishers will be able to increase the value of the magazine by increasing reader response and additional magazine services, as well as the email address of the subscriber. Can be acquired and used for subsequent publication guidance.

In this case, by paying for this service, the publisher can also resell past articles and special features. At this time, for example, when only paying users are specified, the information-corresponding code is inserted in the title portion, and the ID or password issued by the issuer is input and transmitted in the text portion. At this time, the server side can perform authentication by comparing the sent mail address with the issued ID, and at the same time, the user side can provide the convenience of performing authentication work and requesting information at the same time.

At the same time, billing codes can be linked to advertisements in magazines. For example, a specific e-mail address constituting the access identification information of the present invention is determined in advance and advertised to a weekly ABC magazine, a weekly ABC magazine. The information code constituting the access identification information of the present invention is the following advertisement code. The advertisement code is composed of the publication date of the weekly magazine and the company code. Specifically, the last two digits of the year of the publication date, two digits of the month, two digits of the date, and three digits of the date And a company code (client code).

For example, on the April 27, 2001 issue, the advertisement code of the “BCD automobile company” with the company code 001 and the advertisement code of the “CDE barber company” with the company code 002 published in the weekly magazine is 001. Is 010427002, the advertisement code of “DEF Food Company” with the company code 003 is 010427003, and the advertisement code of “EFG Beverage Company” with the company code 004 is 010427004.

(4) The user can request detailed information on the advertisement and link information to the homepage by simply changing the advertisement code to be entered in the title portion for one specific e-mail address.

付 加 Further, additional functions can be set in the information providing server device 10 as follows.

For example, a condition for searching for similar unit information is added to the information code assigned to the transmission information presentation 35, and the unit information 11A, 11B,. Then, another similar information may be searched according to the search condition included in the information code, and the unit information 11B of the adjacent information code may be provided to the user 1, for example.

Further, a plurality of different information codes are set in one unit information, and these are separately specified in a plurality of display transmission media, for example, newspapers and magazines, respectively, and registered as search key information in the information providing server device 10. When the user 1 accesses the unit information in the same procedure as described above, it is possible to detect from which display transmission medium, that is, from which newspaper or magazine the user 1 has obtained the information code. Therefore, the effect of the advertisement can be determined.

Further, as in the case of a so-called banner advertisement used for a mobile phone, it is also possible to charge an advertisement fee to a sponsor based on the detected advertisement effect (the number of accesses) for each one access from the user 1. it can.

In the following, an embodiment using a portable telephone 14A and PHS 14B with an e-mail function, a compact personal computer 14C or PDA 14F suitable for carrying, or a movable vehicle-mounted computer 14H as the information terminal 14 will be described. explain.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an information code which becomes a part of the access identification information in the eighth example of the present embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an input example of an e-mail including access identification information in the eighth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of header information in an electronic mail message in the eighth embodiment.

In the eighth embodiment, as shown by reference numeral 212 in FIG. 19, a 12-digit information code, which is a part of the access identification information, is adopted and stored in the information providing database 20. Also, the user 1 inputs the information code into the “title” portion of the e-mail as shown by the reference numeral 222 in FIG. When the e-mail message created in this way is transmitted to the information providing server device 10 via the Internet 12 as a message based on the Internet protocol and other regulations, a header 232 shown in FIG. Information has been added. In the header information, an e-mail address of the user 1 such as a character string “<qjn2000@docomo.ne.jp>” on the second line in FIG. 21 is included as a reply address. ing. The reply address is one piece of information for identifying the user 1.

In the present embodiment, such header information is used.

In this embodiment, first, the information code issued in advance is stored in the information providing database 20 as a database. When an e-mail message is received from the user 1, the information providing server 20 searches the information providing database 20 to determine whether the code in the title portion has been issued as an information code in the past. I do. At the same time, the information providing server device 10 reads the above-mentioned reply address included in the header information, distinguishes each user 1 by the reply address, and sends each user 1 an e-mail to the information providing server device 10. The number of times sent to the server is accumulated.

In the present embodiment, the unit information to be subsequently transmitted from the information providing server device 10 to the user 1 is selected according to the cumulative number at the time when such an e-mail is received from the user 1. Or edit it.

For example, in the present embodiment, first, an information code which is a part of the access identification information is printed on a package of the purchased product or on a sheet inserted in the package, so that the user 1 can use it as proof of product purchase. To provide. Thereafter, the user 1 sends an e-mail to the information providing server device 10 according to the present embodiment according to the provided information code. Upon receiving the e-mail, the information providing server device 10 accumulates the number of times the information providing server device 10 has received the e-mail for each individual user 1 identified by the reply address as described above, and The cumulative number can be used as a point number for various commercial services. Further, the information providing server device 10 may notify the user 1 of the point number which is the current cumulative number as unit information to which the present invention is applied.

In the present embodiment, the information code that becomes a part of the access identification information is not limited to the code having only numerals as shown in FIG. For example, alphabets, kanji, hiragana, etc., or a combination thereof may be used. Further, the number of digits of the code is not limited to that shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the information for identifying the user 1 included in the header information is not limited to the above-described reply address. Other information included in the header information can be similarly used as long as the user 1 can be specified.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an information code that becomes a part of the access identification information in the ninth example of the present embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of electronic mail input in the ninth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of header information in an electronic mail message in the ninth embodiment.

The ninth embodiment is directed to music broadcasting by radio broadcasting or cable broadcasting, and broadcasting of inserted music in television broadcasting. In other words, when the user 1 applies unit information to the information providing server device 10 by e-mail from the information terminal 14 by applying the present invention while a certain song is being broadcast, the user 1 The title of the song and the name of the performer are provided to the user 1. In the present embodiment, the broadcast time of the music piece listened to by the user 1 is specified, thereby specifying the music piece listened to by the user 1. Uses the time information contained in the.

In this embodiment, as indicated by reference numeral 242 in FIG. 22, the broadcast start time of the 24-hour display is adopted as a part of the access identification information of the present invention, and information which becomes a part of the access identification information is used. Used as code. The unit information for each piece of the access identification information is the title of the song broadcasted at the broadcast start time and the name of the player. Such information codes and unit information can be created from schedule information of various music broadcasts, and the created information is stored in the information providing database 20.

利用 Also, the user 1 inputs an e-mail on the information terminal 14 as indicated by reference numeral 252 in FIG. 23, but at this time, the user 1 does not particularly input an information code. When the e-mail message thus created is transmitted to the information providing server device 10 via the Internet 12 as a message based on the Internet protocol and other regulations, header information as shown in FIG. Has been added. The header information contains one or more pieces of time information. For example, the time when the user 1 created the e-mail, the time when the e-mail was sent, the time when the e-mail passed through the proxy server, and the like.

In the present embodiment, based on at least one of these times during music broadcasting, in the present embodiment, it is used as an information code corresponding to the broadcast start time of the information providing database 20. In addition to the time delay in e-mail input by the user 1, there are clock errors in the information terminal 14 and the proxy server in the Internet 12, so that these may be taken into consideration. A plurality of times may be referred to.

悪 影響 By referring to such a plurality of times, it is possible to reduce adverse effects due to errors in individual times. For example, at such a plurality of times, only those within a predetermined allowable variation range are selected, and the average value of the selected times is set to an information code corresponding to the broadcast start time of the information providing database 20. You may use as.

In this embodiment, first, based on the schedule information of various music broadcasts, the broadcast start time in 24-hour display is used as a part of the access identification information of the present invention as the information code, and the title of the song broadcast at the broadcast start time And the performer name as a unit information corresponding to the access identification information of the corresponding broadcast start time, is made into a database, and the created information is stored in the information providing database 20. When an e-mail message is received from the user 1, one or more pieces of time information included in the header information of the e-mail message shall correspond to an information code that becomes a part of the access identification information, In the information providing server device 10, the information providing database 20 is searched to find out the music title and the player name of the music piece of the unit information corresponding to the broadcast start time of the corresponding information code. Then, the information providing server device 10 sends the found unit information to the user 1.

In the present embodiment, when a user listens to a radio broadcast, a cable broadcast, or a music broadcast by a television broadcast as an individual, or listens to a store or restaurant as BGM, the user 1 receives the name of the song and the name of the performer. Can be obtained as unit information.

As described above, when requesting the title of a song and the name of a player as unit information during the broadcast, the one corresponding to the information code corresponding to the broadcast start time is obtained from the header information. Therefore, the user 1 inputs only the e-mail address of the information providing server device 10 to which the e-mail is sent, and the title and the body of the e-mail are left blank.

Alternatively, as a modified example of the present embodiment, it is possible to request the title and the name of the player of the song that was broadcast at a specific time after the broadcast as unit information.

In the case where the unit information can be requested even after the broadcast of the song in this manner, the above-described specific time is input to the title or the body of the e-mail as an equivalent to the information code corresponding to the broadcast start time. . Further, the user 1 inputs an e-mail address of the information providing server device 10 to which the e-mail is sent, and sends the e-mail to the information providing server device 10. The information providing server device 10 that has received the e-mail searches the information providing database 20 based on the information code corresponding to the broadcast start time entered in the title or body of the e-mail, and The music title and the player name of the music of the unit information corresponding to the broadcast start time of the information code are found. Then, the information providing server device 10 sends the found unit information to the user 1.

In the present embodiment, and in the above-described modification of the present embodiment, the e-mail address of the information providing server device 10 is different for each target broadcast station, and the broadcast station of the program broadcasting is designated by the e-mail address. You may make it distinguish. Alternatively, the e-mail address may be single regardless of the broadcasting station, and the broadcasting station of the program broadcast may be distinguished by a code input to the title or the body of the e-mail.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of inputting an e-mail including access identification information in the tenth example of the embodiment.

In the present embodiment, as the title of the e-mail, as a special character to be input together with an information code which becomes a part of the access identification information, a special function is assigned to each of the “*” and “#” characters. Keep it. For example, in reference numeral 262 in FIG. 24, “52684” is an information code, and “*” immediately after “52684” is a special character.

In the present embodiment, when there is a “*” character, it is assumed that there is a special function of the user 1 indicating “I do not want to receive mail at a later date”. Alternatively, when there is a "#" character, it is assumed that there is a special function of the user 1 indicating that "you may receive an e-mail at a later date".

特殊 Note that the special characters are not limited to the “*” and “#” characters, and may be other characters. Further, the meaning given to each special character is not limited to the intention to receive the mail later as described above.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a display example of unit information in the eleventh example of the embodiment.

In the present embodiment, a reply user code, which is different for each reply e-mail, is added to the unit information sent by the reply e-mail to the user 1 by applying the present invention, and the reply information is sent to the user 1. ing. For example, in the reference numeral 272 in FIG. 25, “562886541225” called “lucky code” is such a reply user code.

返 信 The reply user code and the purpose of use of the reply user code are not particularly limited. For example, in a commercial campaign, a lottery may be performed at a later date using the reply user code, and the privileged product or service may be presented to the user 1 having the winning reply user code.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an explicit form of the information code in the twelfth example of the above embodiment. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an input example of an e-mail including an information code in the twelfth embodiment.

In this embodiment, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 1, an electronic mail is sent directly from the information terminal 14 to the information providing server device 10 without passing through the Internet 12. In the present embodiment, the request of the unit information from the information terminal 14 of the user 1 and the provision of the unit information from the information providing server device 10 to which the present invention is applied are performed by a closed network not via the Internet 12. Has been done.

Such a closed network is not particularly limited. In a closed network, the information terminal 14 and the information providing server device 10 can be connected via a communication network of a small number of communication carriers without data transmission via another communication carrier (carrier). If the terminal 14 is the mobile phone 14A, the information terminal 14 and the information providing server device 10 can be connected so that data communication can be performed only by a communication provider that provides wireless communication of the mobile phone 14A. Such a closed network includes, for example, SMS (Short Message Service) provided by a mobile phone carrier.

In such a closed network, there is no need to perform data communication through a communication network of the concept of the Internet, and even in a communication network that does not support the Internet, a service to which the present invention is applied by a single or a small number of communication carriers. Can be provided. For example, a service to which the present invention is applied can be provided by a single or a small number of communication carriers even in a communication network of the mobile phone 14A having no function of using the Internet. Even in a limited communication network, for example, if a basic electronic mail function is realized, a service to which the present invention is applied can be provided.

Note that the application of the present invention using the above-described SMS or other closed network can be similarly applied to other embodiments of the present invention. In addition, in the e-mail function by SMS, even when there is no so-called "subject" part in a general e-mail, the present invention can be applied by utilizing the "body" part. .

In the present embodiment, the information code is specified as indicated by reference numeral 282 in FIG. 26 in the printed card format. In the present embodiment, the music sound data is unit information, and can be reproduced as sound on the information terminal 14. For example, the information providing server device 10 uses, as unit information, music sound data for trial listening and music sound data of a commentary announcement of a music piece related to an item (specifically, a player) printed on the card of the present embodiment. Side can provide the information terminal 14 side. In addition, such unit information is provided with a four-digit information code as shown in the left column in the table of FIG.

When requesting such specific unit information, the user 1 inputs the four-digit code of the corresponding information code in the body of the e-mail as indicated by reference numeral 292 in FIG. Further, the user inputs the corresponding e-mail address, sends the e-mail to the information providing server device 10, and requests the desired unit information.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of electronic mail input in the thirteenth example of the above embodiment. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a first example of an e-mail input including an information code in the thirteenth embodiment. FIGS. 30 to 33 are diagrams showing second to fifth examples of the input of the e-mail including the information code in the thirteenth embodiment, respectively.

In the present embodiment, the user 1 creates an e-mail on the display screen of the information terminal 14 as indicated by reference numeral 302 in FIG. The user 1 receives specific unit information from the information terminal 14 to provide a specific service.

For example, in FIG. 29, a calculation function service is provided. At reference numeral 312 in FIG. 29, an e-mail in which the height of the target person is input in the title of the e-mail and the weight of the target person is input in the text is sent to the information providing server device 10. Then, the appropriate body fat percentage of the person having such height and weight is calculated as the unit information from the information providing server device 10 and sent to the information terminal 14 of the user 1.

In FIG. 30, a fortune-telling service is provided. At reference numeral 322 in FIG. 30, the date of birth of the target person is entered in the title of the e-mail, and the blood type of the target person is entered in the text. For example, in FIG. 30, the date of birth of “July 6, 1965” is input as “19650706”, and type A is input as the blood type. Such an e-mail is sent to the information providing server device 10. Then, from the information providing server device 10, a sentence about the date of birth and the fortune of the blood type person is sent to the information terminal 14 of the user 1 as unit information.

In FIG. 31, a number lottery service is provided. In FIG. 31, a 5-digit number, which is a lottery target and is expected to be won by the user 1, is entered in the title of the e-mail. For example, “52684” is input at reference numeral 332 in FIG. Such an e-mail is sent to the information providing server device 10. Then, the information providing server device 10 sends, to the information terminal 14 of the user 1, a sentence as to whether or not such expected numbers have been won and the details of the winning as unit information.

In FIG. 32, another form of a number lottery service is provided. In FIG. 32, as a “closed campaign hidden code”, an 11-digit code hidden by a sticker or the like in a purchased product or a distributed product is a number to be drawn. In the title of the e-mail, the code to be drawn is input. For example, with reference numeral 342 in FIG. 32, “23658789544” is input. Such an e-mail is sent to the information providing server device 10. Then, the information providing server device 10 sends, to the information terminal 14 of the user 1, a sentence as to whether or not such a code has been won and the content of the winning as unit information.

In FIG. 33, a quiz answer service is provided. In the title of the e-mail, the answer of the user 1 of the quiz posted on the separate sheet is input, and in the text, the nickname of the user 1 is input. This nickname will be used as the winner's name in the general announcement of the winner at a later date. For example, in reference numeral 352 in FIG. 33, "2" is input as the answer in the title, and "Kacchan" is input as the nickname in the text. Such an e-mail is sent to the information providing server device 10. Then, from the information providing server device 10, a sentence as to whether or not such an answer is correct is sent to the information terminal 14 of the user 1 as unit information.

In the present embodiment, only one e-mail address may be prepared for each service when the user 1 sends an e-mail to the information providing server device 10. Alternatively, the service may be specified, for example, a different e-mail address can be used for each magazine, newspaper, or broadcast medium. In this case, the number of accesses to the service is counted for each e-mail address. By doing so, it is possible to obtain data for grasping the explicit effect and the explicit efficiency of each medium.

In addition, in this embodiment, various services other than those described above can be provided. In such a service, the title and the text of the e-mail sent from the user 1 are input with information for instructing selection of unit information provided from the information providing server device 10 side or for editing and processing. However, it can be considered that an “instruction command” for remotely controlling services and functions of the information providing server device 10 is input. That is, it can be considered that each information code plays a role of an “instruction command” in a pseudo manner.

Also, if necessary, separate multiple information codes into the title and body of the e-mail to be sent, as if they were multiple “command commands”, by appropriately separating them with space characters or other special characters such as “;” and “:”. You may make it input. Note that such special characters are referred to as division special characters.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for implementing an information providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the information providing server device 10 of the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process of the said embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a clear form of access identification information in the first example of the embodiment. A first diagram showing an explicit form of access identification information in a second example of the embodiment. A second diagram showing an explicit form of access identification information in a second example of the embodiment. A third diagram showing an explicit form of access identification information in the second example of the embodiment. Diagram showing a first form of card bending in the embodiment Diagram showing a second form of card bending in the embodiment FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a clear form of access identification information in a third example of the embodiment. An enlarged left side diagram showing a clear form of access identification information in the third example of the embodiment. Enlarged central diagram showing an explicit form of access identification information in the third example of the above embodiment. Enlarged right diagram showing the explicit form of the access identification information in the third example of the above embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an explicit form of access identification information in the fourth example of the above-described embodiment on the premise of television broadcasting; Diagram showing explicit form of access identification information in the fifth example in the above-described embodiment on the premise of television broadcasting A first diagram showing an explicit form of access identification information in a sixth example of the above embodiment. The second diagram showing the explicit form of the access identification information in the sixth example of the above embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a specific form of access identification information in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Diagram showing an information code in an eighth example of the above embodiment Diagram showing an example of inputting an e-mail including an information code in the eighth embodiment. A diagram showing an example of header information in an electronic mail message in the eighth example or the ninth example in the above embodiment. Diagram showing information codes in the ninth embodiment Diagram showing an example of inputting e-mail in the ninth embodiment Diagram showing an input example of an e-mail including an information code in the tenth example of the above embodiment FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a display example of unit information in an eleventh example of the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a clear form of an information code in a twelfth example of the embodiment. 12 is a diagram showing an example of inputting an e-mail including an information code in the twelfth embodiment. Diagram showing an example of input of e-mail in the thirteenth example of the above embodiment FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first example of an e-mail input including an information code in the thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a second example of an e-mail input including an information code in the thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a third example of an e-mail input including an information code in the thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a fourth example of an e-mail input including an information code in the thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a fifth example of an e-mail input including an information code in the thirteenth embodiment.

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... User 10 ... Information provision server device 12 ... Internet 14 ... Information terminal 14A ... Cellular phone 14B ... PHS
14C… PC
14D: General telephone 14F: PDA
14H Car computer 16 Public line 18 Internet connection server 11A, 11B-11I ... Unit information 20 Information providing database 22 Information delivery processing management device 24 Mail server device 28 User characteristic database 30 Mail Server device 35: Presentation of transmission information 36: Primary information provider

Claims (12)

An access identification information registering means for registering the already issued access identification information in an information providing database for the access identification information for identifying the product that purchases the product and participates in the sale campaign of the product;
Upon receiving the e-mail including the access identification information from the user, search the information providing database to determine whether the access identification information has already been issued. Search means,
An information providing server device comprising: a user characteristic registration unit that totalizes the access identification information and registers the access identification information in a user characteristic database using a user electronic mail address received from the user as a key. The access identification information is clearly indicated in a portion recognized only by a user who purchases the product and participates in a campaign for selling the product, and transmits an information code for identifying the product and an e-mail transmitted by the user. 2. The information providing server device according to claim 1, wherein the information providing server device comprises a destination electronic mail address. The access identification information is an email transmitted by the user, including an information code for identifying the product, which is specified in a portion recognized only by a user who purchases the product and participates in a campaign for selling the product. The information providing server device according to claim 1, wherein the information providing server device is a destination e-mail address that is a destination of the information. The information providing database further includes a unit information registration unit that stores unit information, which is a reply content of the e-mail received from the user, in association with the access identification information. 4. The information providing server device according to any one of 3. The said user characteristic registration means further gives a point according to reception of the said electronic mail, and registers the said point in the said user characteristic database. The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Information providing server device. The information providing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: mail reply means for returning the cumulative number of points given to the user to the user as reply content of the e-mail received from the user. Server device. Registering, by the access identification information registration means, the access identification information that has already been issued in the information providing database, for the access identification information that identifies the product that purchases the product and participates in the sale campaign of the product;
When the electronic mail including the access identification information is received from the user by the access identification information search means, the information providing database is searched to determine whether the access identification information has already been issued. Determining whether or not
Means for registering the access identification information by using a user e-mail address received from the user as a key, and registering the access identification information in a user characteristic database by a user characteristic registration means. Method. The access identification information is clearly indicated in a part that is recognized only by a user who purchases the product and participates in a campaign for selling the product, and transmits an information code for identifying the product and an e-mail transmitted by the user. 8. The information providing method according to claim 7, comprising a destination electronic mail address. The e-mail transmitted by the user, wherein the access identification information includes an information code which is clearly indicated in a part recognized only by a user who purchases the product and participates in a campaign for selling the product and identifies the product. 8. The information providing method according to claim 7, wherein the destination is an electronic mail address of a destination. Storing, in the information providing database, unit information, which is a reply content of the e-mail received from the user, in the information providing database by the unit information registration unit. Item 10. The information providing method according to any one of Items 7 to 9. The step of registering in the user characteristic database further includes: adding points according to the reception of the e-mail; and registering the points in the user characteristic database. Information provision method described in section. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of: returning, by a mail reply means, a cumulative count of points given to the user to the user as reply contents of the e-mail received from the user. How to provide information.