JP2005109934A - Public telephone system, information providing system and information providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user with information contents such as promotional advertisements provided by various information providers and frequently updated while maintaining the latest contents and to enable the user looking at and listening to the information contents to work and use the audiovisual information. <P>SOLUTION: A public telephone system 1 has a storing means 9 for recording information contents provided by information providers, an image display means 8 for allowing the user to view and listen to the information contents in response to user's selection and a public telephone means 7 for enabling the user to communicate with an external telephone while allowing the user to view and listen to the information contents by the image display means. The public telephone system 1 of the user viewing and listening to the information contents is provided with a public telephone set 7 for allowing the user to have speech communication at no charge to thereby enable the user to have direct communication with an information contents provider or the like 6, to work the information contents into information specific to the user to use the information for the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a telephone device having a public telephone function that is used mainly by tourists in various places, visitors or passersby to the area or place, and an information providing system using the telephone apparatus.

  Advertising billboards are lined up all over the country, and information providing devices for unspecified users are installed in front of major stations and sightseeing spots, and tourist information centers are located. Public telephones are installed in places such as buildings, roadsides, and plazas throughout Japan.

  However, most of these information providing devices and information providing institutions are fixed signboards, or those in which a small amount of guidance information is mechanically provided from a fixed information source according to a menu displayed in advance with buttons. It is.

  As for the information to be provided, the fact that the information at the time of installation of the device has been provided for many years has not been revised, and the fact is that it continues to provide outdated information. Public telephones are also arranged in certain areas, but most are not used except for making calls, and public information providers and public telephones are obliged to be installed with low usage. It is left out of the latest IT (Information and Communication Technology) environment. In order to improve such a situation, recently, a device having a public telephone function that enables a free call service by using an advertising fee by combining a public telephone and an advertisement display function is being provided. Communication technology is not fully utilized and is still in the trial stage.

  On the other hand, the recent environment of information and communication equipment infrastructure has been rapidly and rapidly recorded, organized, stored, and exchanged with a large amount of information, due to the rapid development of computer technology and communication technology centered on the Internet. It can be done. However, it is difficult to say that conventional public telephones and advertisement display devices utilize these changes in the environment, and the main focus of improvement is simply to reduce telephone charges for users and improve the amount of information provided. However, it is not designed to provide information from the standpoint of the user who uses the information, or to provide the latest information in a more understandable or understandable manner. Further, this type of conventional device is not an information providing device that actively uses and uses the information providing device.

  For example, in the public telephone system, public telephone, telephone method, and telephone program described in Patent Document 1, when a user makes a telephone call using a public telephone, advertisement information is transmitted from the server system to the public telephone. A public telephone system that enables a public telephone installer to obtain advertising revenue from a provider of advertising information and to provide a call service using a public telephone at a low price or free of charge using the revenue. It is. This system has only begun a new initiative to make public telephone callers provide a low cost or free call service using public telephones for the cost of conventional public telephone calls. The idea of providing information from the standpoint of visitors and users or providing information that the user desires actively is rare.

Patent Document 2 discloses a display means for displaying advertisement information and the like, an input means for inputting a telephone number and the like, and advertisement information in order to enable a free call service with the advertisement fee displayed on the advertisement display device. Advertising information storage means for storing communication, communication control means for controlling communication with the Internet, call control means for controlling call connection to a public telephone line network, and controlling each means based on a predetermined program There is described an advertisement display device comprising a central processing unit and a receiver for converting speech into electrical signals. However, this advertisement display device is also a device that provides an electronic advertisement display function to public telephones installed in streets and stations, and provides a free call service by viewing the advertisement. The idea of providing information to actively provide information from the standpoint of users and users is not sufficient.
JP 2003-046684 A, public telephone system, public telephone, telephone calling method, and telephone calling program. JP 2003-174526 A, an advertisement display device having a public telephone function.

  The present invention makes it possible to provide a visitor with the latest information content related to region-specific information, such as tourist information such as restaurants, stores, and historic sites, and at the same time the user can Using the public telephone device used in the information providing system of the invention, calling the other party from the site where the information content is viewed, processing the acquired information content into information unique to the user, and utilizing it An object of the present invention is to provide a public telephone device and an information providing system and method capable of improving the information providing system based on information from a user and improving the effectiveness of providing the information. Yes.

  The present invention relates to a means for recording information content provided by an information provider in a storage device in accordance with a certain rule, an image display means for allowing the user to view the information content in accordance with a user's selection, and an image of the information content. A public telephone device having a public telephone means that allows a user to view and simultaneously communicate with an external telephone through a display means, and a public telephone used by a user who has viewed the distributed information content The device allows you to talk to a telephone outside the device for free for a certain period of time while viewing information content, and re-views the information viewed by the public telephone device user at the user's choice In addition, it is possible for a user who is viewing information content re-viewed on the image display means to communicate with a telephone outside the apparatus for free while viewing the information content. By using a public telephone device having a function, a user who uses the information providing device can not only obtain various kinds of information specific to the area and place, but also as needed from time to time. Use the telephone provided in the information provision device to contact the information provider or advertiser to hear details about the contents of the information directly by telephone call or to obtain and confirm more accurate information. For example, you can interact with the person you want to contact from the location where you obtained the information very easily and free of charge, and use the obtained information as user-specific information. Privileges such as discount coupons can also be obtained.

  Further, means for recording such information content in the storage device, image display means for allowing the user to view the information content according to the user's selection, and simultaneously allowing the user to view the information content with the image display means. A public telephone device that enables communication by connecting to an external telephone, and information content that is connected to the public telephone device and an information provider via a communication network and provided from the information provider is stored in a storage device according to a certain rule. Recording means and the recorded information content are distributed to the public telephone device according to the selection from the user, and the information content is viewed by the user who has viewed the specific information content distributed to the public telephone device. Constructing an information provision system with a server that has a call control function that can interact with telephones outside the device for free By keeping the information content up-to-date, you can know the results of the information provision by receiving a call regarding the information content provided, the amount of access, the deficiencies in the information content provided, and the additions desired by the user It is possible to improve the information content and the information provision system by obtaining the information content usage status, satisfaction level, demands, etc. by users such as the necessity and contents of information, user trends and other requests. .

  Information contents regarding the area and place where the public telephone device is installed can be updated and provided to visitors and users of the area as needed. In addition, a user who uses the information providing system and the public telephone apparatus of the present invention can easily make a free call using the telephone provided in the public telephone apparatus of the present invention, and obtain the obtained information contents on the spot. It can be processed into information content that can be used in the Internet, making it easier to use. Thereby, the information provider can also check the utilization degree of information provision and improve the effectiveness of information content provision.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information providing system using a public telephone device of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a public telephone device 1 is connected to a server 3, a telephone exchange 4, an information provider information provider device 5, and a general subscriber telephone 6 via a communication network 2.

  The public telephone device 1 is a device that can provide local information to tourist sites, downtowns, and other places in combination with public telephones. It provides tourist information to local visitors, local specialties, Provides information on souvenirs and information maps for restaurants and canteens. The public telephone device 1 includes a handset (hereinafter simply referred to as a handset) 7 that can send and receive calls by telephone, a display screen 8 that displays an image, a speaker (not shown) that reproduces an audio signal, and the like. A casing for storing information signals via the communication network 2 or the telephone exchange 4, a storage device, and a CPU for controlling transmission / reception of image signals to be displayed on the display screen 8. It has a device that reproduces images and sounds from information signals.

  When the user picks up the handset 7 in the public telephone device 1, the CPU in the housing detects this, reads the content of the initial screen determined in advance from the memory, displays it on the display screen 8, and displays the initial screen. A signal is transmitted to the telephone exchange 4 or the server 3 in accordance with the user's selection for display so that information can be provided or a call can be made.

  The user can receive provision of information desired by the user via the display screen 8 and can talk to a general telephone 6.

  The image displayed on the display screen may be, for example, a moving image, a still image with a flash image that changes, or a video playback for advertisement, or a combination thereof, in addition to the still image shown in the initial screen shown in FIG. Images (hereinafter also referred to as image contents) and multimedia contents obtained by adding sound to image contents (hereinafter, image contents and multimedia contents are collectively referred to simply as information contents) are used.

  The image content is information displayed on the screen when the user is making a call using the public telephone device, and the multimedia content is information displayed on the screen of the public telephone device at other times.

  When the user picks up the handset 7 of the public telephone device and wishes to make a call, he / she can make a free call by looking at certain advertising content, or display detailed information on the screen displayed during the call after the call ends. The server distributes control signals and information contents to the public telephone device so that the user can make a call with the information provider again while watching.

  Furthermore, when the user desires, by operating according to the display content of the screen displayed on the public telephone device 1, more detailed information content can be distributed and the detailed information of the area can be obtained.

  By displaying such information contents, advertisements for products, introductions and advertisements of shops, restaurants, etc., and guidance information for sightseeing spots are displayed on the display screen 8. The information content displayed on the screen is provided for a public telephone device from a predetermined information provider, and is recorded in a storage device such as a memory of the server 3.

  The information providing system includes a server 3 having an information content storage device, a telephone exchange 4, a public telephone device 1, a communication network 2, and the like, and performs an information providing service for an information providing area desired by the information provider. System.

  The server 3 has an interface with an input / output device, a communication control device, a storage device, a CPU and a telephone, and receives a signal sent from the public telephone device 1 via the communication network 2, or a storage device. The information content recorded on the public telephone device 1 is distributed to the public telephone device 1 via the communication network 2, and information corresponding to the inquiry from the public telephone device 1 is sequentially transmitted to the public telephone device 1.

  In addition, the server 3 always receives new information from the information provider and synchronizes it with other servers to record it in order to keep the information content information up to date. It has a function to check the contents of information provided between servers and update to the latest information.

  Information that is not easily affected by time, such as an initial screen, a map of an information provider or a tourist attraction, or information content related to an original product, a special product, or a special product of the information provider can be stored in a public telephone device. In addition, it is not necessary to frequently change the recorded content, and the information content can be provided to the user and the image can be displayed smoothly. However, since all of the information content cannot be recorded in the storage device of the public telephone device, many information contents are provided by the provider server 31, the content server (database server) 32, or depending on the communication environment where the information provider is located. It is recorded in a storage device such as the streaming server 33.

  The server 3 responds to the information sent from the public telephone device on the spot, distributes the necessary information content, or connects the information to the providing device via the communication network to exchange the necessary information. You can also

  When the number of public telephone devices 1 managed in the area is small and there is no burden on the provider server 32, information content may be distributed to the public telephone devices by the provider server. When using a streaming server without using a provider server, information content necessary for the public telephone device can be easily distributed over a low-speed line.

  For example, if the content server 31 is used, not only the distribution of information contents but also the provision of a search service in response to the provision of software for improving the service to the user by the information provider and the inquiry from the user, the user desires It is also possible to provide information content.

  If the content server 31 serving as a distribution base for information content is arranged on the network according to the arrangement density and the number of arrangements of the public telephone device 1, even when a large amount of information content is provided from the information provider, Even when the user accesses the public telephone device 1 at the same time, necessary information content can be smoothly distributed to the public telephone device 1.

  If the content server 31 is used, it is possible to smoothly distribute information content to users who visit the region more accurately through a network or a public telephone device, and to provide advertisements and guidance information expected by the information provider. Thus, the use of the public telephone device can be provided to the user without feeling the usage load.

  The streaming server 33 is a server that distributes information contents such as video and audio desired by the information provider on the display screen of the public telephone device to each public telephone device. According to the streaming server, when information content is viewed by the user, it can be played while receiving the content at the same time, so the information content can be played in real time while reducing the burden on the line and other servers. become.

  In these storage devices, information contents, codes of public telephone devices, date and time of distribution of information contents, date and time of inquiries regarding provided information, contents thereof, and the like can be recorded in a database.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a memory map 9 of information recorded in a storage device built in the server. The column 91 is the registration code number of the information provider, the column 92 is the information content provided by the information provider, 93 is the distribution condition of the information content, 94 is the date and time when the information content was distributed to the public telephone device, and 95 is the information The code number of the public telephone device to which the contents are distributed, 96 is the inquiry date and time regarding the inquiry from the user using the public telephone device, the public telephone device code number, the telephone inquiry time, etc. 97 is the telephone number of the information provider, A field 98 is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) on the Internet of the information provider, and a field 99 is a record of the time when the user made a call using the handset of the public telephone device and the call destination. These pieces of information constitute a database as a whole, and related information can be read regardless of which column is accessed.

  The distribution date data is also used to manage information contents so that they are sequentially distributed to public telephone devices in accordance with a contract with an information provider.

  The data recorded in the storage device is the basic data for determining the effect of providing information by the public telephone device, solving the problems of the information providing system, and improving the information providing system comfortable for the user. Also used as

  For each region where an information provider has applied for, the business operator records the applied regional information and advertisement information content in a storage device in the server in association with the public telephone device, and the public arranged in each region. It is possible to respond to inquiry information delivered to a telephone device or sent from a user by a public telephone device.

  Information providers (tourist companies, local tourism managers, merchandise distributors, restaurant managers, other local service information providers, etc.) make contracts with companies that provide information services for information services in the area. , Information content to be provided to the user, receiving system to respond to inquiries from the user, such as telephone response policy and construction of corresponding home page (URL), etc., and promotion and information provision in the contracted area To improve.

  The information provider updates information content to be provided to the outside using the information providing device 5 when a new product is made or when a new event is planned or a new project is started according to the season. The updated information content may remain recorded in the information providing apparatus, but if it is recorded in the external server 3, it can be easily distributed to the user.

  Next, processing such as provision of information performed by the public telephone apparatus of the present invention and provision of telephone call service by the public telephone apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The public telephone device 1 is an advertisement screen provided by an information provider such as a business operator, a tourist company, or a shop owner when the place where the public telephone device 1 is installed is not used for a limited time period or a certain time period. Are sequentially displayed on the display screen 8 or when the power consumption is reduced, the user waits in a power saving state in which the display image is turned off (start).

  When it is detected that the user has approached the public telephone device 1, the display screen 8 proceeds from the advertisement display state or the power saving state to the use state step 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as ST).

  ST1 is a step in a use start state in which an initial screen as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display screen. The initial screen is a screen for confirming items relating to information that can be provided to the user by the public telephone apparatus and whether or not the telephone call is desired. For example, the information providing menu shown in FIG. By selecting one of the menus in the menu and touching or pressing it with a finger (hereinafter also simply referred to as pressing), it is possible to input a desired information category or a telephone call request.

  In the initial screen of ST1, when the user takes off the handset and acts to use the handset, or when the user selects and presses the “call” display (ST2), the public telephone device 1 uses It is determined that the person wishes to make a call (ST3), and the process proceeds to ST4.

  On the other hand, when the user presses one of the classified area information buttons in ST1 (ST2), the public telephone device 1 uses the tourist guidance or related information of the land visited by the user instead of the telephone. (ST3), and proceeds to ST11.

  When the user selects and presses the display unit 14 for making a call on the initial screen of ST1, the user determines that he / she wants to make a call in the same manner as a normal public telephone, and proceeds to ST4.

  When the public telephone apparatus 1 is used in the same manner as a public telephone, the display screen 8 of the public telephone apparatus is displayed so as to pay the call charge with a coin or a card, and when the initial call charge is paid, The handset may be connected to the line so as to be able to talk, but this mechanism is omitted in this embodiment.

  In ST 2, even when the user picks up the handset 7 without selecting the display unit 14 for making a call, the public telephone device 1 allows the user to use a free telephone service for a certain time in FIG. 3. It is determined that the handset is picked up according to the screen display (ST3), and the process proceeds to ST4.

  ST4 is a step of providing local information before telephone connection, for example, displaying information content (hereinafter also referred to as CM) such as advertisements and guidance submitted by the information provider on the display screen 8 and presenting it to the user. is there.

  The information content presented in ST4 is displayed in a form provided by the information provider for a predetermined period of time with a voice-attached guidance information or an image-added advertisement submitted by the information provider. The For example, every time a public telephone device is used, it is distributed to each information providing device as information content in a mode desired by the information provider in accordance with the order recorded in the server in advance or a distribution rule determined separately. The image is displayed on the display screen, and is provided to the user as advertisement or guidance information. When the image display for a certain time is finished, the process proceeds to ST5.

  ST5 is a step of displaying a telephone dial screen as shown in FIG. 4 and waiting for a dial input by the user. The user can press the telephone dial number button displayed on this screen, dial the destination (ST6), and make a call with the destination.

  The user can talk to the other party in the city or nearby area, for example, within 9 minutes, and for long-distance calls, it is free for a set time reduced according to the distance. You can make a call.

  On the other hand, when the user dials the call destination in ST6 and can start a call with the incoming call destination, the process proceeds to ST7.

  ST7 is a step in which another CM is displayed on the display screen 8 when the public telephone apparatus 1 confirms that a call can be received after receiving a call by a received signal or the like. In the CM display after the user starts the call, image content without sound is displayed on the display screen so as not to disturb the user's call. The image content displayed in ST7 is information content provided by the information provider on the assumption that it is provided to the user as an advertisement without voice or silent guidance, and the reservation order recorded in the provider server, or According to a separately determined distribution rule, the information provider distributes the information in the form desired by the information provider and displays it on the screen 8. If the conversation with the callee ends and the handset 7 is returned to the apparatus, or if it is determined that the predetermined free call time has passed (ST8), the display of the image content is also terminated, and the process proceeds to ST9.

  ST9 is a step in which a user who has made a call on the public telephone device 1 can view information related to the CM display before dialing or before the call (ST4) and the CM display during the call (ST7) again.

  In ST9, for example, a thumbnail image or the like (not shown) showing a list or a reduced list of information content titles and images displayed for information content search is displayed as an information search index screen and input by the user. Wait for.

  If the user who has finished the call leaves immediately after the call or is not interested in the display of the information content displayed on the screen during the call or the display of the index screen, if there is no screen operation for about 10 seconds, the public telephone device can select the information. It is determined that there is no image (ST10), and the image display is terminated.

  After the end, the display screen 8 returns to the above-described start state or ST1 and enters a standby state in which an initial screen is displayed according to the situation.

  When the user who has finished the call is interested in the information content seen during the call and selects and presses any item in the displayed index screen, in ST10, it is determined that the information has been selected, Proceed to ST13.

  A user (visitor) who has been expected to provide local information to the public telephone device 1 selects the appropriate category from the items such as guidance and news in the initial screen in order to obtain the desired information. When the button is pressed and the process proceeds to ST11, a navigation frame relating to the selected information category is displayed in ST11.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of information navigation, and shows a list of information providers related to eating and drinking in the area for restaurants, restaurants, restaurants, etc. as a navigation frame when the user selects eating and drinking relations. .

  Since the number of restaurants that can be displayed on one screen in restaurants in the information navigation frame is limited, when the user wants to display a store or restaurant other than the restaurant displayed on the screen, the screen The user presses the up button 12 for moving up the list and the down button 13 for moving down (hereinafter, these buttons are also collectively referred to as a scroll arrow) to move the list up and down to the user. Can select a desired restaurant or the like.

  If there are a small number of information providers such as products and stores related to the selected category, a grid is provided so that all can be displayed on one screen, and the name of the provider is assigned to each eye. An information index screen in the form of a list or a thumbnail may be used for navigation.

  If the user leaves without finding the desired store or product advertisement in the screen of the information navigation frame, or if a certain period of time has passed without any operation, there is no provision information according to the user's request. Judgment (ST12) is made, the provision of this information is terminated, and the process returns to ST1.

  When a user finds a store or product for which detailed information is desired on the screen of the information navigation frame, pressing the display of the desired store displays the details of that store as the next information provision frame. Displayed on screen 8.

  ST13 is a step in which detailed information supplied from the server is sequentially displayed on the display screen according to the user's desire and selection. If the user wishes to obtain more detailed information on the selected store or product, the user can press the desired part, for example, if it is a frame for providing information from a restaurant, For example, data stored in a tree structure can be obtained while sequentially selecting desired information by sequentially accessing the target information from the root directory.

  The information displayed on the display screen or provided to the user is information recorded in advance on the provider server 31 or the content server 32 from the information provider and sequentially updated by the information provider.

  The server reads the recorded information content of the information provider so that information corresponding to the user's request is provided to the user. Data and information content are read in accordance with the information provision conditions, distributed to each public telephone device 1 arranged in the area, and controlled to be displayed as an image.

  Since this public telephone device 1 is in an environment that is always connected to the information provider via the information providing system and the linked communication network or server, the detailed information desired by the user is sequentially transmitted. In the process of selecting and obtaining (ST13), if the URL of the information provider in the image displayed on the display screen 8 is pressed, the home page of the information provider can be automatically accessed via the Internet. You may do it.

  When the user desires, he / she can receive an explanation by calling the information provider while viewing the image content.

  As described above, when the public telephone device of the present invention is used, information unique to the area or place where the public telephone device is installed, for example, not only restaurants but also taxis, transportation facilities, and accommodation facilities that can be used in the area Visitors and users who came to the area or place, such as tourist information such as restaurants, stores, historical sites, product advertisements and special product information, broadcasts, media reports, part-time job information, real estate information, etc. However, it is possible to provide the user with the latest information required at the place according to the user's preference and level.

  In ST13, when the information desired by the user is obtained from the screen display or when there is no hope for a call, the operation input by the user is also stopped.

  ST14 is a step of determining whether or not there is an operation input by the user. When a certain period of time has elapsed after the operation input to the information provider has stopped, such as the operation of scrolling the navigation frame or pressing on the display screen, in ST14 it is determined that the user has been provided with the desired information, and the process ends. After a few seconds have passed, the information provider's display screen returns to the start state or ST1 and enters a standby state in which an initial screen is displayed according to the situation.

  A user who uses a public telephone device can not only obtain various kinds of information specific to the area and place, but also use the telephone attached to the public telephone device 1 of the present invention as needed. You may wish to obtain convincing information by contacting the information provider or advertiser, listening directly on the phone, or receiving explanations.

  In such a case, when receiving the information content information, the public telephone device 1 connects to the telephone of the other party that the user wants to contact from that location, makes a free call, and displays it very easily. While viewing the information content on the screen 8, it is also possible to receive a consultation of a pick-up service, a discount coupon service, and other desired services directly in a call with the information provider. In addition, based on the information obtained from the public telephone device 1, it is possible to make use of the information provided by making a meeting with an acquaintance or friend of the other party using the telephone of the public telephone device.

  ST14 is a step in which the user determines whether or not he / she wishes to call the information provider. When the user desires an explanation by telephone or the like and presses the inquiry button 11 in the image on the display screen, in ST14, the user determines that there is a call request and proceeds to ST15.

  ST15 is a step of making a telephone connection and talking directly with the information provider in the process of obtaining information by the information provider.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a display screen in such a call state. For example, in the guidance of restaurants and restaurants, the user can receive explanations and consult prices and expenses based on the contents displayed as shown in FIG.

  A display bar 16 shown in the lower part of FIG. 6 is a bar graph 15 indicating the free call available time, and the remaining call available time is indicated by a number and a bar graph 15. In the case of a user who contributes to the business of an information provider, it seems that there is no need to dare to limit the amount of time that can be talked, but due to the nature of the information provider, it is used exclusively for a specific person for a long time. It is also necessary to avoid the negative effects caused by this, and as a preferred embodiment, such a call time limit function is provided.

  Although not shown, when the user wishes to call another place other than the information provider, such as an acquaintance, if the user presses a button for making a call (not shown) on the screen, ST5 The dial screen is displayed in the same manner as described, and a call can be made for a predetermined time.

  After the telephone call ends or the call time expires (ST16), the process proceeds to ST17.

  In collecting information by telephone, there is a situation where an explanation is immediately requested by telephone when a question arises in the process of collecting information. In such a case, even if a part of the information can be understood by the explanation by telephone, not all the information desired by the user is obtained.

  ST17 is a step of continuously displaying detailed information at the time when the call is ended on the information provider's screen so that the user can collect further desired information even after the call is ended.

  As a result, the user can continue to obtain regional information and sightseeing information desired by the user.

  In this process, when there is a request for explanation of information by telephone, the user can press the inquiry button 11 in the screen again to receive verbal explanation from the information provider.

  ST18 is a step in which it is determined whether or not there is a request from the user for explanation by telephone.

  When the user presses the inquiry button in the image, in ST18, it is determined that there is a request from the information provider regarding the contents of the displayed screen, and the process proceeds to ST19.

  In ST17, when the information desired by the user is obtained, there is no desire to make a call and the inquiry button is not pressed, so the operation input from the user is stopped. After that, it ends when a certain time elapses, as described above, and after a few seconds after the end, the information provider's display screen returns to the start state or ST1 and waits for the initial screen to be displayed depending on the situation. It becomes a state.

  ST19 is a step in which the user makes a telephone connection again in the process of obtaining information by the information provider, and directly listens to or consults with the information provider. The display screen in the call state is an image of the information collecting process, similar to the screen display of FIG. 6 at the time of explanation of ST15, and the public telephone device 1 requires an explanation based on the contents of the displayed screen. Is possible.

  Also in the case of this image display, as in FIG. 6, there is a display bar indicating the free call available time for a call at the bottom of the screen, and the remaining call available time is displayed by numbers and a bar graph.

  The call time limit in this case is also a display for avoiding the adverse effects of using the information provider exclusively for a specific person and using it for a long time, as in the description of ST15. In addition, since there are too many inquiries by such calls, it is a problem to be solved as a design problem of the information provider, so such information provision is designed to be completed in two times, by telephone After the call ends (ST20) or the call time expires, the process automatically proceeds to ST21 and returns to the initial screen.

  As described above, in the public telephone device and the information providing system of the present invention, in terms of the quality of the provided information, the information provided by the user and the additional information desired by the user can be obtained from the standpoint of the installer and information provider. It can be used as an information source for listening to necessity and contents, trends of users of public telephone devices and other requests.

  For example, the provision of information content to public telephone devices by users and the use and inquiries of public telephone devices by users are handled sequentially by the server, so if the recorded information is read from the database, the user's Investigate the use of providing devices, such as examining trends and other demands, estimating the content of information content provided to local visitors and consumers, and improving the functionality of public telephone devices to increase the effectiveness of advertising It can also be used as an information provider.

  As described above, by using the public telephone device and the information providing system of the present invention, the public telephone system having the conventional advertising function and the advertisement display device having the public telephone function are further improved, and the information transmission by the public telephone device is performed. It is possible to confirm the effectiveness of the system and improve it to an information provision system that promotes efficient information transmission. For example, it is highly effective in terms of both the information provider and the users and consumers who want information. It is possible to provide a public telephone device and an information providing system for distributing various information contents.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the information provision system which uses the public telephone apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory map currently recorded on the memory | storage device used with the server of the information provision system by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a display of the initial screen in the information provision system by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen display of the telephone dial in the information provision system by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen display of the information navigation in the information provision system by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen display of the detailed information of the navigation of the information in the information provision system by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of provision of the information content by the information provision system using the public telephone apparatus by embodiment of this invention, and a telephone call.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Public telephone apparatus 2 Communication network 3 Server 4 Telephone exchange 5 Information provision apparatus 6 Subscriber telephone 7 Handset 8 Display screen 9 Memory map 10 Case 11 Inquiry button 12 Up button information providing apparatus 13 Down button 14 Display to make a call Part 15 Bar graph 16 Display bar

Claims (3)

  Means for recording information content provided by an information provider in a storage device in accordance with certain rules, image display means for allowing a user to view information content according to a user's selection, and use of information content in an image display means A public telephone device having a public telephone means that allows a user to view and simultaneously connect to an external telephone to enable a conversation, and a public telephone device used by a user who has viewed the distributed information content, A public telephone apparatus having a call control function capable of making a call with a telephone outside the apparatus free of charge for a certain period of time while viewing information content.   Means for recording information content in a storage device, image display means for allowing the user to view the information content according to the user's selection, and connecting to an external telephone while allowing the user to view the information content with the image display means for dialogue Pay telephone device, means for recording information content provided by an information provider in a storage device in accordance with certain rules, and delivering the recorded information content to the public phone device according to a selection from the user An information providing system including a server having a call control function that allows a user who has viewed specific information content distributed to a public telephone device to interact with a telephone outside the device for free while viewing the information content. Means for recording information content in a storage device, image display means for allowing the user to view the information content according to the user's selection, and connecting to an external telephone while allowing the user to view the information content with the image display means for dialogue Have a public telephone device that enables
The information viewed by the user of the public telephone apparatus can be re-viewed by the user's selection, and the user who views the information content re-viewed by the image display means can view the information content. An information provision method that allows users to interact with telephones outside the device for free.

Images