JP2004290620A - Information delivery system and information delivery method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a customer collecting ability by attracting interest of a user by delivering information whose contents are read only after using a filter via a network. <P>SOLUTION: This information delivery system is provided with a game information management server 101 managing game information for every user; a message delivery server 103 having a plurality of hid message information; and user terminal devices 102 receiving the hid message information from the message delivery server. This message delivery server 103 receives user identification information from the user terminal device 102, receives game information corresponding to the user identification information from the game information management server 101, selects, at least, single hid message information from the plurality of hid message information based on the game information, and transmits the selected hid message information to the user terminal device 102. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information distribution system and an information distribution method, and more particularly, to an information distribution system and an information distribution method for distributing, via a network, information whose content can be read for the first time using, for example, a filter.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the recent development of IT (Information Technology) technology and the accompanying development and spread of communication infrastructure, providers of goods and services have been distributing information to users via networks. Information distribution via such a network is more advantageous than conventional advertisements, flyers, and the like in terms of immediacy of information distribution and distribution costs, and has been adopted by many companies.
[0003]
Companies and the like distribute various kinds of information that attract users by distributing information through a network, and are trying to improve the ability to attract customers. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses the following technology. The information distribution proxy server sends a model document (format) of a plurality of types of information mails created in advance to a communication terminal (transmitter / receiver) of the game arcade, and at the game hall, information contents (advertisement content, Advertisement content) and send it to the information distribution agency server. The information distribution proxy server processes the transmitted information content into electronic information mail (electronic character information) and distributes it as character information to a pager (pager) carried by the user via a communication network.
As another information distribution method, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the company's Web site is described in newspapers and magazines, or by linking to other Web sites, so that customers can be provided to the company's Web site. A method has been proposed in which information is guided to browse information (for example, Patent Document 2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-49719 (paragraph 0010, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-170050
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the distribution of information using such a network is now being adopted by many companies and the like, so that a wide variety of information arrives at the user, and the user is not interested in the usual contents. And it is becoming impossible to improve the ability to attract customers by distributing information. In such a situation, even if information is distributed more frequently to attract customers' interest, the cost rises but the ability to attract customers cannot be improved, and furthermore, the user feels troublesome to receive frequent information. However, there is a risk that visitors may return to avoid visiting.
[0006]
Also, in a method of guiding customers to a Web site and distributing information, many companies have adopted such a method, so that information for guiding customers to their own sites is flooded, and a large number of sites are used. It has become more difficult to get your own site out of the list. For this reason, an attempt has been made to provide a prize site or the like to attract customers 'interest. However, similarly, the number of Web sites provided with a prize site has increased, and it has become difficult to attract the customers' attention.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to distribute information that can be read for the first time through a network using a filter through a network, thereby attracting the user's attention and improving the ability to attract customers.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As means for solving the above problems, the present invention has the following features.
A first aspect of the present invention is proposed as an information distribution system that distributes hidden message information that is readable information when a transparent or translucent filter is used.
[0009]
The information distribution system includes a game information management server that manages game information for each user, a message distribution server having a plurality of hidden message information, and a user terminal device that can receive hidden message information from the message distribution server. ing.
[0010]
The message distribution server stores a plurality of hidden message information in advance. When the user receives information distribution from the information distribution system, the user sends user identification information from the user terminal device to the message distribution server. When receiving the user identification information from the user terminal device, the message distribution server inquires the game information management server of the game information of the user with the user identification information as a key. The game information management server sends the game information corresponding to the user identification information to the message distribution server. The message distribution server selects at least one hidden message information from the plurality of hidden message information based on the game information, and transmits the selected hidden message information to the user terminal device.
[0011]
The present information distribution system has an effect that the user cannot expect the contents of the hidden message information unless a filter is used, so that the user has a feeling of expectation in the message contents and is urged to browse the distributed information.
In the hidden message information transmitted by the information distribution system, the hidden message information may include a background pattern and a latent image message. When the user browses the hidden message information through the filter, the latent image message is displayed in a different color, lightness, and luminance from the background pattern. For example, when a red transparent plastic plate is used as a filter and hidden message information is viewed through this filter, a latent image message that looks black or dark green may be displayed on a background pattern that looks red. .
[0012]
In addition, the information distribution system, if the number of visits indicated by the game information is more than a predetermined number of times, so as to encourage members who use the game hall more to visit more times, You may make it distribute the content more advantageous to a user than a case. In this case, since the lottery is sent as hidden message information, the user cannot know whether or not the lottery has been hit until the user browses the content using a filter, so that the user can expect the message content, The action can be further enhanced to prompt the user to browse the distributed information.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[1. Configuration example of information distribution system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information distribution system stores a game information management server 101 that manages various information (hereinafter, referred to as “game information”) regarding the use of a gaming table in a game arcade, and stores hidden message information. It has a message delivery server 103 for delivering to the terminal device 102 and a user terminal device 102 capable of receiving hidden message information from the message delivery server 103.
[0014]
The game information management server 101 is connected to a card reader 105 provided in the game hall 104 for collecting game information. On the other hand, the user 106 has an ID card 107 and causes the card reader 105 to read it. The ID card 107 holds and records user identification information, which is information for uniquely identifying the user 106 as the owner. When the user 106 takes any action in the game hall 104, the ID card 107 is read by the card reader 105, and information on what kind of action the user took in the game hall 104 is displayed on the game information management server 101. The game information management server 101 stores and manages the sent information as game information.
[0015]
The card reader 105 may be provided anywhere as long as game information can be collected. For example, a card reader 105 is provided at the reception of the game space 104, and when the user comes to the game space 104, the card information is read by the card reader 105 so that the game information management server 101 The number of visits may be counted. Alternatively, the card reader 105 is connected to the gaming table 108, and the game status of the user 106 (for example, the number of inserted balls, the number of released balls, the number of big hits, the game time, etc.) is transmitted to the game information management server 101, You may make it memorize | store as information.
[0016]
The message distribution server 103 stores a plurality of hidden message information (not shown) in advance, selects one of the plurality of hidden message information based on the game information of the user, and sends the selected message to the user terminal device 102 of the user. Provide selected hidden message information. The delivery method of the hidden message information may be a so-called PUSH type delivery such as an electronic mail, or a PULL type delivery such as browsing a web page. In the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming that a PULL type distribution method is used.
[0017]
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the card reader 105, the game information management server 101, and the message distribution server 103 are displayed as being connected by a line separate from the communication network 100. It may be configured to be connected via the network 100.
[0018]
The user terminal device 102 can be connected to the message distribution server 103 via the communication network 100. The user terminal device 102 connects to the message delivery server 103, receives information sent from the message delivery server 103, and displays the information to the user 106.
[0019]
Hereinafter, main components of the present system will be described.
[1-1. Hidden message information]
The “hidden message information” is a predetermined filter, for example, the content cannot be read when viewed without using a transparent or translucent filter, but when the filter is used, a hidden message is displayed. This refers to information from which a latent image message, which is the content embedded in the information, can be read. The hidden message information includes a background pattern and a latent image message. When the hidden message information is viewed through such a filter, the latent image message is displayed in a color, brightness, and luminance different from those of the background pattern.
[0020]
FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of hidden message information. In this example, the hidden message information 200 includes a background pattern 201 and a latent image message 202 embedded in the background pattern 201. The filter is a transparent plate colored in a first color (red). The latent image message 202 is displayed in a second color (green) so that it can be distinguished when viewed through the filter, and the background pattern 201 has a color that can be distinguished from the latent image message when viewed through the filter. Is displayed. The latent image message and the background pattern are preferably formed by a collection of small elements (eg, circles of different sizes), such as a color vision test chart. In this way, when viewed without a filter, the small elements are recognized as meaningless images arranged at random, but when viewed through the filter, the latent image message 202 part is different from the others. Since the image is seen with the distinguished color, brightness, and luminance, the latent image message 202 can be recognized.
[0021]
FIG. 2B is a diagram conceptually showing a state in which FIG. 2A is viewed without passing through a filter. The latent image message 202 is indistinguishable from the background pattern 201 and cannot be recognized.
FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the hidden message information 200 is browsed using a filter. By overlaying the filter 203 on the hidden message information 200, the latent image message 202 and the color of the filter 203 are combined, so that the latent image message 202 can be seen in a color different from the background pattern 201. For example, the color of the latent image message 202 and the color of the filter 203 have a complementary color relationship with each other. Thus, by holding the filter 203 over the hidden message information 200, the user can read the latent image message 202 embedded in the hidden message information 200.
[0022]
The hidden message information 200 is transmitted to the user terminal device 102 in the form of image data. The data format of the hidden message information 200 may be any image data format that can be displayed by the user terminal device 102. For example, a bit map (BMP: Bit Map File), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), JPEG (Joint) Photographic Expert Group), TIFF (Tag Image File Format), and the like.
[0023]
The filter 203 is entirely or partially a transparent or translucent film or an acrylic thin plate, and is optically colored to make the latent image message 202 visible. The filter 203 allows the information sender to distribute the information to the user in advance. The distribution may be paid or free, and the distribution method may be any conventional method, such as distributing like a leaflet at a profit placed in a mail box at home or a building, an Internet cafe, a izakaya, etc. , Bars, etc., or may be distributed free of charge to beverages, beer and other products.
[0024]
[1-2. Communication network]
The communication network 100 enables transmission and reception of information between devices connected thereto, whether wired or wireless, dedicated lines or switched lines, when a session is established with a target device. Act on. The communication network 100 may be a network realized by combining a plurality of networks via a gateway, such as the Internet. Regarding the connection, even if the connection is not directly connected to the main line called a so-called backbone, but is temporarily connected by a PPP connection or the like, information can be transmitted and received during the session when the session is established. It does not matter. Note that the "communication network" includes a communication network that does not use an exchange, such as a fixed line of fixed lines.
[0025]
[1-3. Game information management server]
The game information management server 101 has a function of collecting game information of a user, performing processing such as addition, processing, updating, and deletion of game information, and providing game information in response to a request from the message distribution server 103.
[0026]
The game information management server 101 is a device including a storage device such as an arithmetic processing device (CPU), a main memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an input / output device (I / O), and a hard disk device. For example, an information processing device such as a computer and a workstation, such as a computer and a workstation. A program for causing the information processing device to function as the game information management server 101 is stored in the ROM or the hard disk device, the program is loaded on the main memory, and the CPU executes the program so that the game information management server 101 Is achieved. Further, the program may not necessarily be stored in the storage device in the information processing apparatus, but is provided from an external device (for example, an ASP (server of an application service provider) or the like) and is stored in the main memory. May be used.
[0027]
FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the game information management server 101. In this configuration example, the game information management server 101 has a game information management unit 301 and a game information storage unit 302 connected to the game information management unit 301. The game information management unit 301 functions as a database management system (DBMS), and performs storage management, access control, and inquiry functions. When game information is sent from the card reader 105 or the like, the game information management unit 301 operates to receive the game information and store the game information in the game information storage unit 302 in association with the user identification information. Further, upon receiving the user identification information from the message distribution server 103, the game information management unit 301 extracts the corresponding game information from the game information storage unit 302, and returns the extracted game information to the message distribution server 103. Operate.
[0028]
The game information storage unit 302 has a function of storing the game information in association with the user identification information of the user regarding the game information. FIG. 4 shows an example of data stored in the game information storage unit 302. In the example shown in the figure, each record R1, R2, R3,... Includes a user identification information field 401 for storing user identification information that is information for identifying a user, and various information that are components of game information of the user. Has a visit count field 402, a cumulative purchase amount field 403, a jackpot count field 404, and a cumulative point field 405.
[0029]
The number of visits field 402 is a field for storing the number of visits of the user 106 in a certain period, and the cumulative purchase amount field 403 is a purchase amount of balls, medals, and prepaid cards purchased by the user 106 in the game hall 104 in a certain period. The jackpot count field 404 is a field for storing the number of times that the user 106 has assigned a jackpot in a certain period, and the cumulative point field 405 is a field that the gaming hall 104 gives to the user 106. This is a field for storing the service point that is present. Note that the data stored in the game information storage unit 302 is not limited to such a field configuration, and various types of information may be taken in depending on the use form of the game information.
The game information storage unit 302 stores information sent from the card reader 105 or the like in these fields 402 to 405 and stores the information as game information.
[0030]
[1-4. Message delivery server]
Next, the message distribution server 103 will be described.
The message distribution server 103 stores a plurality of hidden message information, and has a function of selecting any one of the plurality of hidden message information based on the game information of the user and transmitting it to the user terminal device 102.
[0031]
The message distribution server 103 is a device including a processing device (CPU), a main memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an input / output device (I / O), and a storage device such as a hard disk device. For example, an information processing apparatus such as a computer and a workstation, such as a computer and a workstation. A program for causing the information processing device to function as the game information management server 101 or a program for causing the information processing device to execute the information distribution method is stored in the ROM or the hard disk device, and the program is loaded on the main memory. The message distribution server 103 is realized by the CPU executing this, and an information distribution method is executed. Further, the program may not necessarily be stored in the storage device in the information processing apparatus, but is provided from an external device (for example, an ASP (server of an application service provider) or the like) and is stored in the main memory. May be used.
[0032]
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the message distribution server 103. The message distribution server 103 includes a communication control unit 501 connected to the communication network 100, a game information acquisition unit 502 connected to the communication control unit 501, a hidden message information selection unit 503 connected to the game information acquisition unit 502, And a hidden message information storage unit 504 connected to the hidden message information selection unit 503.
[0033]
The communication control unit 501 has a function of receiving user identification information from the user terminal device 102 via the communication network 100 and transmitting hidden message information to the user terminal device 102 via the communication network 100. Alternatively, it is a front end communication processor (Front End Communication Processor) including a central processing unit that executes a predetermined communication procedure according to the protocol stack.
[0034]
The game information acquiring unit 502 transmits a request for transmitting game information corresponding to the user identification information to the game information management server 101 together with the user identification information received from the user terminal device 102, and returns the game information returned by the game information management server 101. Has the function of receiving Upon receiving the game information, the game information acquisition unit 502 passes the game information to the hidden message information selection unit 503.
Based on the game information received from the game information acquisition unit 502, the hidden message information selection unit 503 selects and selects a message to be transmitted to the user terminal device 102 from the hidden message information stored in the hidden message information storage unit 504. The hidden message information is read from the hidden message information storage unit 504 and passed to the communication control unit 501.
[0035]
Various methods can be adopted as to how to select the hidden message information. For example, if the number of visits in the game information is 10 or more, the hidden message information A having the latent image message “Prize A has been won” is selected. On the other hand, if the number of visits is less than 10, “ The hidden message information selecting unit 503 may be operated so as to select the hidden message information B having the latent image message "Prize B was won".
[0036]
Here is another example. If the number of visits in the game information is less than 10, the hidden message information A having a latent image message “Prize A has won” and the hidden message information C having a latent image message “Sorry. Are selected with a probability of 50%, respectively, while if the number of visits is 10 or more, 70% of the hidden message information A having a latent image message “Prize A was won” is “Sorry. The hidden message information selecting unit 503 operates so as to select the hidden message information C having the latent image message "T." with a probability of 30%. In this example, when the game information indicates the number of visits equal to or more than the predetermined number, the message distribution server selects hidden message information that is more advantageous than usual, and urges the user to encourage the visit.
[0037]
The hidden message information may be stored in advance as an image obtained by synthesizing the background pattern and the latent image message, or the latent image message and the background pattern may be separately stored and transmitted to the user terminal device 102. A configuration in which both are combined and transmitted is also possible.
[0038]
[1-4. User terminal device]
Next, the user terminal device 102 will be described.
The user terminal device 102 has a function of requesting the message delivery server 103 to transmit hidden message information, receiving the request, and displaying the received message information on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device.
The user terminal device 102 includes a display device, an arithmetic processing device (CPU), a main memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an input / output device (I / O), and an external storage device such as a hard disk device. The information processing device is, for example, an information processing device such as a computer, a workstation, a mobile communication terminal, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), a mobile phone, and an information terminal installed in a store.
[0039]
The user receives the hidden message information by the user terminal device 102, optically displays the received message information on the display device, holds the previously received filter 203 over the display device, and displays the latent image included in the hidden message information. The message is optically revealed and its contents are read.
[0040]
[2. Operation example of information distribution system]
Next, an operation example of the information distribution system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of the information distribution system that distributes hidden message information.
First, the user operates the user terminal device 102 to establish a connection with the message distribution server 103, and transmits a distribution request and user identification information for identifying itself to the message distribution server 103 (step S601). Upon receiving the distribution request and the user identification information, the message distribution server 103 transmits a game information transmission request to the game information management server 101 together with the user identification information (Step S602). The game information management server 101, which has received the game information transmission request together with the user identification information, extracts a game information corresponding to the user identification information from the stored game information (step S603). When the extraction of the game information is completed, the game information management server 101 transmits the game information to the message distribution server 103 (Step S604).
[0041]
The message distribution server 103 that has received the game information selects hidden message information based on the game information (step S605). The selection logic is pre-installed in the message distribution server 103, and the hidden message information is selected according to this logic. When the selection is completed, the message distribution server 103 transmits the selected hidden message information to the user terminal device (Step S606).
[0042]
Upon receiving the hidden message information, the user terminal device 102 draws the hidden message information on the display device (step S607). FIG. 7 shows an example in which hidden message information is displayed on the display device of the user terminal device 102. Although hidden message information 702 is displayed in the display area 701 of the display device, the user cannot recognize the contents of the latent image message because the background pattern and the latent image message cannot be distinguished.
[0043]
The user holds the previously received filter over the display area 701 displaying the hidden message information 702 to check the contents of the hidden message information (step S608). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the hidden message information 702 is browsed using the filter 801. In this example, the filter 801 has a transparent or translucent area 802, and the hidden message information 702 can be viewed through this area 802. Since the area 802 is colored in a color that is complementary to the latent image message, the latent image message appears black to the user. In this example, the latent image message "I'm winning! I'll give you a prize at the reception" is apparent.
[0044]
As described above, the user does not know what kind of message is before the filter is held, but the user can recognize the message hidden in the hidden message information by holding the filter.
[0045]
[3. Advantages of this information distribution system]
The information distribution system has the following advantages.
(1) According to the present information distribution system, the contents of the hidden message information cannot be recognized unless a filter is used, so that the user can have a sense of expectation in the message contents.
(2) By distributing the hidden message information by providing advantageous information according to the number of visits by the user, it is possible to give the user a powerful feeling and promote visits to the store. It becomes possible.
[0046]
[4. Modifications, etc.]
(1) In the distribution of hidden message information, the message distribution server prepares hidden message information as a part or all of a Web page such as an HTML document, and the user accesses this Web page using a browser mounted on the user terminal device 102. Or a delivery method of browsing, or the message delivery server 103 attaches hidden message information as image data to the e-mail and sends it to the e-mail address set in the user terminal device 102, The user may adopt a distribution method of receiving the e-mail, acquiring the hidden message information, and browsing.
[0047]
(2) The latent image message included in the hidden message information may be a combination of letters and numbers such as "hit!" Or a figure or picture such as "O" or "X". Any information that can be displayed to the user can be used as the latent image message.
[0048]
(3) In the embodiment of the previous term, a user who visits the store frequently is treated advantageously, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the game information indicates that there is no visit during the first period. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which hidden message information for notifying a user of a present is delivered to the user. According to such a configuration, it is possible to recall a user who has left once.
(4) When the URL of the message distribution server 103, such as the URL of the message distribution server 103, is input to the filter 203 (801) distributed to the user, the URL of the resource to which the hidden message information is distributed is displayed by printing or the like. Preferably.
When the user finds the URL displayed on the filter 203 (801), it can be expected that the user will be curious and access this URL.
When the user is interested and accesses the URL, the above-mentioned hidden message information 200 (702) is displayed on the user terminal device 102, but the contents cannot be recognized unless the user holds the filter 203 (801). In order to further inspire the user to find out what is written, the user can be expected to further attract the user's attention to the distributed information content.
By distributing the filters in this manner, it is possible to guide the user to predetermined information.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
It is possible to perform information distribution that draws the user's interest and improves the ability to attract customers.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of hidden message information, FIG. 2B is a diagram conceptually illustrating a state in which (A) is viewed without passing through a filter, and FIG. It is a figure showing the state where hidden message information was browsed using a filter.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a game information management server.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a game information storage unit.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a message distribution server.
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of an information distribution system that distributes hidden message information.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which hidden message information is displayed on a display device of a user terminal device.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which hidden message information is browsed using a filter.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 ... game information management server
102: User terminal device
103… Message delivery server
104… Playground
105… Card reader
106… User
107… Member card
108… Game table
200… Hidden message information
201… background pattern
202… Latent image message
203… Filter

Claims (7)

In an information distribution system that distributes hidden message information that is information that can be read when a transparent or translucent filter is used, the information distribution system includes:
A game information management server that manages game information associated with user identification information that specifies a user,
A message delivery server having a plurality of hidden message information;
A user terminal device capable of receiving hidden message information from the message distribution server,
The message distribution server receives user identification information from a user terminal device, receives game information corresponding to the user identification information from a game information management server, and at least one hidden message from a plurality of hidden message information based on the game information. An information distribution system, wherein information is selected, the selected hidden message information is transmitted to a user terminal device, and the user terminal device displays the received hidden message information. The hidden message information has a background pattern and a latent image message, and when the hidden message information is viewed through the filter, the latent image message is displayed in a color, brightness, and luminance different from the background pattern. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein: The filter is colored in a first color, the latent image message is displayed in a second color, and when browsing hidden message information through the filter, the latent image message is The information distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the information is displayed in a third color different from the color and the second color. The information delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the message delivery server selects hidden message information indicating a hit with a predetermined winning probability. 5. The information distribution system according to claim 4, wherein when the game information indicates a predetermined number of visits to the store, the message distribution server selects hidden message information that is more advantageous than usual. In an information distribution method for distributing hidden message information, which is information that can be read when a transparent or translucent filter is used,
Receiving user identification information;
Requesting game information corresponding to the user identification information and receiving game information returned in response to the request;
Selecting at least one hidden message information from the plurality of hidden message information based on the game information, and transmitting the selected hidden message information. In an information distribution system that distributes hidden message information that is information that can be read using a transparent or translucent filter, the information distribution system includes:
A game information management server that manages game information associated with user identification information that specifies a user,
A message delivery server having a plurality of hidden message information,
The message distribution server sends a game information transmission request to the game information management server together with the user identification information, receives the game information corresponding to the user identification information sent from the game information management server in response to the transmission request, and And transmitting at least one hidden message information from a plurality of hidden message information based on the information.

Images