JP2006018755A - Information delivery device and information delivery method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a sales promotion system capable of further effectively performing sales promotion activity to nonmember users. <P>SOLUTION: The information delivery device for delivering contents to users through a network comprises a first transmitting means transmitting a content or position information of the content to a first user; a generation means generating, in a case that a recommend information acquisition request of the content transmitted from the first user is received, recommend information containing the position information of the content; a second transmitting means transmitting the recommend information generated by the generation means to the first user; and a third transmitting means transmitting, in a case that a content acquisition request transmitted from a second user based on the position information of the content contained in the recommend information transmitted from the first user to the second user is received, the content to the second user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information distribution apparatus and information distribution method for distributing information via a network, and more particularly to a registration-based information distribution apparatus and information distribution method for distributing information to registered users.

With the development and popularization of communication networks such as the Internet, information distribution services that distribute various types of information (contents) to users have appeared. Some information distribution services distribute information to a large number of specific or unspecified users. In such a registration-based information distribution service, while maintaining the continuation of registration for existing member users Demand for sales promotion means that can secure a large number of members is increasing by encouraging non-member users to newly register. As such a sales promotion means, for example, there is a pay information distribution server device described in JP-A-2002-269424 (Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-269424 A

  However, in the prior art described in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-269424, information is distributed to non-member users who are not registered as members for free until the number of accesses reaches a certain number. There is a possibility that a member user who has registered as a member and browses the information will be dissatisfied and unfair, and the member user's willingness to continue registration may be reduced.

  Further, in the above prior art, it is assumed that a non-member user accesses the information, that is, the non-member user knows the existence of the information, so the non-member user who does not know the existence of the information. Is not subject to promotional activities.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a sales promotion mechanism that can more effectively perform sales promotion activities for non-member users in a registration-based information distribution service.

  Specifically, an object of the present invention is to realize a mechanism capable of prompting member registration effectively even when a non-member user does not know the existence of distribution information.

  Moreover, this invention makes it a subject to implement | achieve the structure which can give the incentive of registration continuation also to the existing member user in the sales promotion activity with respect to a non-member user.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information distribution apparatus that distributes content to a user via a network, the first transmission unit transmitting content or content position information to the first user, and the first When receiving the recommendation information acquisition request of the content transmitted from one user, the generation unit that generates the recommendation information including the position information of the content, and the recommendation information generated by the generation unit are the first information Second transmission means for transmitting to the user, and the second user based on the location information of the content included in the recommendation information transmitted from the first user to the second user. And a third transmission means for transmitting the content to the second user when the content acquisition request is received.

  In addition, when the generation unit receives the recommendation information acquisition request, the generation unit generates recommendation information including the position information of the content and management information, and the third transmission unit transmits the recommendation information from the second user. When the content acquisition request is received and the management information is included in the content acquisition request, the content may be transmitted to the second user.

  A first storage unit configured to store information related to the user, wherein the generation unit generates the recommendation information including management information including user identification information for identifying the first user; When receiving a content acquisition request including the user identification information transmitted from the second user based on the position information of the content included in the recommendation information transmitted from the user to the second user. You may comprise further the management means to manage the information regarding the said 1st user memorize | stored in the said 1st memory | storage means based on the user identification information contained in an acquisition request.

  Furthermore, the first storage means stores the user identification information of the user in association with the point, and the management means receives the content acquisition request when the content acquisition request including the user identification information is received. The point of the first user stored in the first storage means may be updated based on the user identification information included in.

  In addition, when the first display function for displaying the content or information related to the content transmitted from the first transmission unit and the first user's operation instruction are received, the recommendation information acquisition request for the content is transmitted to the information distribution unit. A first transmission function for transmitting to the apparatus; a second reception function for receiving the recommendation information transmitted from the second transmission means; and the recommendation information for the mail address designated by the first user. In response to an acquisition request transmitted from the first user or the second user, a second storage function for storing a program for causing the user terminal to execute a second transmission function for transmitting an e-mail including: You may comprise so that the said program may be provided with the 4th transmission means which transmits to the said 1st user or a 2nd user.

  Furthermore, the first transmission unit may be configured to transmit the content or information related to the content to a user registered as a member in the first storage unit.

  Further, the third transmission unit may be configured to transmit information prompting new member registration to the second user.

  Furthermore, the present invention is an information distribution method in which a user terminal and an information distribution apparatus are connected via a network, wherein the information distribution apparatus is a content or a position of the content with respect to the first user's user terminal. A first transmission step of transmitting information, and the content information when receiving the recommendation information acquisition request of the content transmitted from the user terminal of the first user in response to an operation instruction of the first user. A generating step for generating recommended information including the location information, a second transmitting step for transmitting the recommended information generated by the generating unit to the user terminal of the first user, and the first user. After the recommendation information is transmitted from the user terminal of the first user to the user terminal of the second user in response to the operation instruction, the recommendation When the content acquisition request transmitted from the second user terminal of the second user is received based on the position information of the content included in the information, the content is transmitted to the user terminal of the second user. And a third transmission step.

  The above invention can also be realized as a recording medium or a program product that records a program for causing a computer to realize a predetermined function. The recording medium includes, for example, a memory such as a RAM and a ROM in addition to a hard disk (HD), a DVD-RAM, a flexible disk (FD), and a CD-ROM. The computer includes, for example, a so-called microcomputer in which a so-called central processing unit such as a CPU or MPU performs predetermined processing by interpreting a program.

  Further, in this specification, the term “means” does not simply mean a physical means, but includes a case where the functions of the means are realized by software or a hardware circuit. Further, the function of one means may be realized by two or more physical means, or the functions of two or more means may be realized by one physical means.

  Furthermore, the means in this specification can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Even if the function of one means is realized by two or more pieces of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software, the function of two or more means is one piece of hardware, software or hardware and software. It may be realized by a combination.

  According to the present invention, when the first user is a member, the non-member user is given an opportunity to view the distribution information via the member user. The member user can be informed, and the distribution information can be browsed if the non-member user desires. As a result, even when a non-member user does not know the existence of distribution information or the like, it is possible to realize a mechanism that can effectively promote member registration.

  Hereinafter, an information distribution apparatus and an information distribution system using the same according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Outline of information distribution system and service)
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the information distribution system according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, this information distribution system includes user terminals (clients) 1 and 2 to which predetermined information is distributed, and an information distribution server 3 as an information distribution apparatus that distributes predetermined information. Network (LAN, the Internet, a dedicated line, a packet communication network, a combination thereof, etc., including both wired and wireless) may be connected to each other. Here, they are connected via a network composed of a packet network (wireless network) 5, a gateway 6 and the Internet 7.

  The user terminals 1 and 2 typically correspond to general-purpose personal computers, portable terminals, and the like, and application software such as a mail viewer for handling electronic mail and a web browser for handling WWW is installed. The user terminals 1 and 2 according to the present embodiment function as client terminals with respect to the information distribution server 3. The user terminal 1 is a terminal operated by a member user X who has registered as a member for the information distribution service provided by the information distribution server 3. On the other hand, the user terminals 2 (2A, 2B, 2C) are terminals operated by non-member users A, B, and C who are not registered as members for the information distribution service.

  Further, although not shown, the user terminals 1 and 2 include a CPU, a memory, an external storage device, a user interface, a display, a communication interface, and the like. The user terminals 1 and 2 realize various functions when the CPU executes predetermined programs stored in a memory or the like. In the present embodiment, the CPU is configured to be able to execute an application program downloaded from the information distribution server 3.

  The information distribution server 3 has a function of performing an Internet communication with the user terminals 1 and 2 to realize an information distribution service to be described later. The information distribution server 3 has a member database, a content database, and a management database (not shown), and is configured to be accessible to these databases. Details of these databases will be described later. The information distribution server 3 has a function of providing resources in response to a predetermined request from the outside. This function is realized by, for example, an HTTP server (Web server) based on HTTP.

  The gateway 6 converts the request sent from the user terminals 1 and 2 into a request according to HTTP and sends it to the Internet 7. The response according to HTTP received from the Internet 7 is changed to the protocol of the user terminals 1 and 2 and the corresponding user terminal Send to 1 or 2.

  Here, the outline | summary of operation | movement of this information delivery system is demonstrated using the same figure. The information distribution server 3 implements a member-based information distribution service that distributes predetermined information to users who have registered as members via the network. Further, it is assumed that PIM (Personal Information Manager), which is paid content, is downloaded from the information distribution server 3 and executed in advance on the user terminal 1 of the member user X. PIM is software for individuals that manages private information such as address books, schedules, and memos. The PIM has additional functions such as e-mail and is configured so that the functions cooperate with each other.

  First, the information distribution server 3 transmits an e-mail including distribution information to the user terminal 1 of the member user X ((1) in the figure). The distribution information is content (or content URI) that matches the classification specified by the member user X. When the information distribution server 3 operates a site that distributes information such as talent, paid / free content such as information on the preview of the talent and special information for a limited time is distributed.

  When receiving the content, the user terminal 1 interprets it and displays it on the screen. When the member user X who has viewed the content thinks to recommend (recommend) the content to his / her friend, the member user X operates the user terminal 1 to send a recommendation information acquisition request for the content to the information distribution server. 3 (same as (2)).

  Upon receiving the recommendation information acquisition request, the information distribution server 3 generates recommendation information and transmits it to the user terminal 1 of the member user X ((3)). The recommended information includes location information (URI: Uniform Resource Identifier) of content recommended by the member user X and management information (for example, the member ID of the member user X) indicating that the member user X has recommended it. .

  When receiving the recommendation information, the user terminal 1 stores it in a predetermined storage area. The member user X can specify the friend's address from the address book provided in the user terminal 1 and transmit the recommendation information. The user terminal 1 transmits an e-mail including recommendation information to a designated destination according to the operation instruction of the member user X ((4)). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the transfer destination friend is a non-member user C who has not registered as a member.

  The non-member user C of the friend who has received the e-mail reads the recommendation information sent from the friend, and when interested in the recommended content, instructs the URI included in the recommendation information. The user terminal 2C transmits a content acquisition request including management information to the information distribution server 3 based on the URI ((5)).

  Upon receiving the content acquisition request, the information distribution server 3 confirms management information indicating recommendation from the member user X in the content acquisition request, and then the corresponding content and position information (URI) of the new registration screen. ) 7 is transmitted to the user terminal 2C of the non-member user C. Further, rewards (for example, points) for giving access to the non-member user C are given to the member user X.

  When the user terminal 2C receives the position information of the content and the new registration screen, the user terminal 2C displays them on the screen. When the non-member user C browses the content and wants to register as a member, he / she instructs the URI information sent together with the content. The user terminal 2C transmits a member registration request to the information distribution server 3 based on the URI.

  Upon receiving the member registration request, the information distribution server 3 sends a new registration screen to the user terminal 2C. After that, by continuing the exchange according to the normal member registration process, new registration of the non-member user C is performed, and the member registration is completed.

  According to such an information distribution service, a non-member user C is provided with an opportunity to browse content in the form of “recommendation” from the member user X. Therefore, the interest and reliability of the content of the non-member user C are improved, and Can be effectively promoted.

  Moreover, since reward (for example, points) for urging the access of the non-member user C is given to the member user X, the unfairness caused by the non-member user's browsing is eliminated, and an incentive to continue the registration is provided. It becomes possible to grant.

(Functional configuration of information distribution server)
FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram showing functions of the information distribution server 3. Although not shown, the information distribution server 3 according to the present embodiment is applicable to a general-purpose computer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, external storage device, user interface, display, printer, and communication interface. The information distribution server 3 may be composed of a single computer or may be composed of a plurality of computers distributed on a network. In the information distribution server 3, the CPU executes various programs shown in FIG. 2 by executing predetermined programs (programs defining the contents of the information distribution processing according to the present invention) stored in the ROM, RAM, external storage device or the like. It functions as a function realization means.

  As shown in the figure, the information distribution server 3 mainly includes a communication processing unit 31, a control unit 32, and a storage unit 33.

  The communication processing unit 31 performs processing necessary for the control unit 32 to perform data communication with the user terminal 1 or the like via the network 7 or the like, such as a recommendation information acquisition request or a content acquisition request. It functions as a receiving means for receiving the information, and a transmitting means for transmitting the recomment information and contents.

  The control unit 32 controls the overall operation of the distribution information server 3 in order to provide distribution information. The control unit 32 includes member registration means, content means, and recommendation means.

  Member registration means performs member registration / update processing for the use of content, and issues and manages member IDs (identification information) for registered members.

  The content means performs processing related to the content. For example, when a content acquisition request is accepted, the corresponding content is read from the content DB and transmitted to a user who is a member, and only when a non-member is based on a recommendation from a member. Control to send content.

  The recommendation means performs processing related to the recommendation. “Recommendation” means that a member user introduces a predetermined content to a third party (recommendation). Specifically, information indicating that the predetermined content is recommended is sent to the third party via the user terminal of the member user. It is to send to the person. The recommendation means, for example, generates recommendation information and transmits it to the member user, or when a third party accesses the content based on the recommendation information, the member user information to give a reward to the recommended member user Manage.

  As rewards given to member users, for example, special contents such as granting of registration contents, discounts on registration fees, etc. can be given, but here, a case of giving points (recommendation points) will be described. .

(data structure)
The storage unit 33 includes a member database (member DB), a content database (content DB), and a management database (management DB).

  FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining the data structure of the member DB 331 in the storage unit 33. As shown in the figure, the member DB 331 is for storing and managing information related to the member, and each record identified by the member ID has a name, an e-mail address, designation information (preference information), and a point. A record including such information is referred to as member information. The designated information is information indicating the preference of the member user, and content that matches the content of the designated information is distributed to the member user. The points are points given to the member users by the provider of the information distribution service according to a predetermined condition, and can be exchanged for a discount or discounted according to the accumulated points. Here, when a non-member user accesses content based on a recommendation from a member user, points are given to the member user.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining the data structure of the content DB 332 in the storage unit 33. As shown in the figure, the content DB 332 is for storing and managing information related to the content, and each record identified by the content ID has an artist name, position information, and content. The position information is position information of content on the information distribution server 3. The content is information to be distributed to the user, and is configured in the form of text data, image (including still image / moving image) data, sound data, and the like.

  FIG. 3C is a diagram for explaining the data structure of the management DB 333 in the storage unit 33. As shown in the figure, the management DB 333 is for storing and managing recommendation information, and each record identified by the management ID has a member ID, a content ID, and date / time information. The management ID is generated and stored corresponding to one piece of recommendation information. The member ID stores the member ID of the member user who has requested generation of recommendation information. The content ID stores the content ID of the content targeted by the recommendation information. The date / time information stores information indicating the date / time when the recommendation information is generated.

(Information distribution process flow)
Next, the flow of information distribution processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of the information distribution process related to the information distribution server. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a member user's terminal device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the terminal device of a non-member user. In addition, each process (including the partial process to which the code | symbol is not provided) can be arbitrarily changed in order within the range which does not produce contradiction in the processing content, or can be performed in parallel.

  Hereinafter, the distribution process of information (content and recommendation information) related to the information distribution server 3 will be described.

  The content means of the information distribution server 3 transmits the PIM application to the user terminal 1 of the member user X who has been registered in the member DB 331 by the member registration means (S400). As described above, the PIM application is software that manages private information such as an address book, a schedule, and a memo, and is linked to an e-mail function. When the PIM application is downloaded to the user terminal 1, it is interpreted and functions, for example, as a standby screen.

  Next, the content means extracts from the content DB 332 content that matches the specified information of the member user X stored in the member DB 331 at a predetermined timing, and transmits it to the mail address of the member user X (S401). For example, when the member ID of the member user X is M01, the content of artist C (content ID = C103) is read from the content DB because C (artist C) is set in the designation information. If the amount of content data is large, simple content information and content URI may be sent instead of the content.

  In this content, a URI for enabling the member user X to transmit a recommendation information acquisition request is embedded as a tag. In the URI, a content ID and a member ID are embedded as position information and parameters of the information distribution server 3.

  The user terminal 1 (PIM) that has received the content interprets this and displays a screen as shown in FIG. 5 on the display 11 as display means. A screen 101 shown in FIG. 5 is a calendar (standby screen) based on the PIM application. When the content is received, notification information (for example, a star mark) indicating that is displayed on the calendar. When the member user X operates the operation unit 12 such as a button to instruct display of the content, the content is displayed on the separate screen 102.

  A screen 102 is a screen for displaying content, and pay information regarding artist A is displayed. In addition, a message “Receive mail material recommended for friends?” And an execution button for designating the information distribution server 3 as a hyperlink destination are also displayed. When the member user X instructs the execution button, the user terminal 1 connects to the information distribution server 3 and transmits a recommendation information acquisition request including parameters (content ID and member ID).

  When receiving the recommendation information acquisition request from the user terminal 1 of the member user X, the control unit 32 of the information distribution server 3 passes this to the recommendation unit. The recommendation unit generates a management ID for specifying the recommendation information, associates the management ID with the member ID extracted from the recommendation information acquisition request, generates management information, and stores the management information in the management DB 333 (STEP 403). Further, the management ID and the date / time information when the recommendation information acquisition request is received are stored in association with each other. Accordingly, a record in which the member user X transmits a recommendation information acquisition request for predetermined content (the content of artist C) is stored in the management DB 333 as a history.

  Next, the recommendation means identifies the URL of the content that matches the content ID extracted from the recommendation information acquisition request from the content DB 332, and generates recommendation information including this URL and management information (STEP 404). The URL and management information are embedded as tags because they function as hyperlinks. Next, the recommendation unit returns the generated recommendation information to the user terminal 1 of the member user X (STEP 405).

  The user terminal 1 (PIM application) that has received the recommendation information interprets it and stores it in a predetermined storage area. When the member user X inputs a recommendation mail generation instruction, the received recommendation information is displayed on a mail creation screen (not shown). The member user X can input a message to be transmitted together with the recommendation information in the same manner as generating a normal mail. Then, a destination (mail address) to which the recommendation information is to be transmitted is selected from its own address book. When the member user X inputs a message and a destination, the user terminal 1 generates mail content including the recommendation information and the input message, and sends an e-mail ( (Recommended mail).

  Here, although the case where the recommendation information is transmitted from the member user X to the non-member user C will be described, it is assumed that the transmission destination of the recommendation information can be arbitrarily determined by the member user X, for example, a plurality of non-members It may be transmitted to the user, or may be transmitted to both the member user and the non-member user.

  The user terminal 2 of the non-member user C who has received the e-mail including the recommendation information displays the screen shown in FIG. The non-member user C obtains a comment (recommended information) 2011 from a member user X who is a friend and a URL 2012 for accessing paid content. When the non-member user C wants to access the paid content and designates the URL 2012 via the operation means 22, the user terminal 3 uses parameters included in the recommendation information (management information: management ID, member ID of the member user X). ) Including the content acquisition request is transmitted to the information distribution server 3 (STEP 406).

  When the control unit 32 of the information distribution server 3 receives the content acquisition request, it passes it to the content means. The content means determines whether or not the content acquisition request is a request from a registered member user. For example, when management information is set in the parameter of the content acquisition request, it can be determined that the acquisition request is from a non-member user.

  If the content means determines that the request is from a member user, the content means reads the corresponding content from the content DB 332 and sends it back (STEP 410). On the other hand, when the content means determines that the request is not from a member user, the content means notifies the recommendation means to that effect.

  The recommendation unit determines whether or not the management ID extracted from the management information of the content acquisition request matches the management ID of the management DB 333 (STEP 408). If they do not match, the access is not from a non-member user introduced by a member user, so error processing is executed and no content is provided. In addition, it may be made to judge the presence or absence of introduction from a member user by matching member ID and member ID of member DB331 instead of management ID.

  On the other hand, if they match, the member user X of the member DB 331 is specified according to the member ID included in the content acquisition request, and the point of the specified member user X is updated (STEP 409). For example, the points of member users are increased according to a predetermined standard.

  Further, the recommendation means transmits the content in the content DB 332 to the user terminal 2C of the non-member user C. When transmitting the content, it is preferable to transmit the position information (URI) of the screen for new registration together in order to encourage new registration of the non-member user C. The new registration screen can be transmitted according to the specifications. For example, registration for use of a site provided by the information distribution server 3, registration for use of specific content (recommended content), This includes registration for use of the PIM application.

  The user terminal 2C that has received the content displays the screen shown in FIG. The non-member user C can browse information 2021 related to the autograph session of artist A, which is paid content. In addition, when the non-member user C wishes to perform new registration, the user terminal 3 transmits a new registration request to the information distribution server 3 when the URI 2022 is instructed via the operation means 22 (STEP 406).

  Upon receiving a new registration request from the user terminal 2C, the information distribution server 3 transmits a new registration screen to the user terminal 2C. When the non-member user C inputs predetermined information such as a nomination or an e-mail address and transmits it to the information distribution server 3 in the user terminal 2C that has received this information, the information of the non-member user C is transferred to the member DB 331 in the information distribution server 3. Registration is completed. Thereby, the non-member user C becomes a member user.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the non-member user C is provided with an opportunity to view the content in the form of a recommendation mail from the member user X. Therefore, the interest and reliability of the content of the non-member user C are improved and the content is accessed Can be effectively promoted.

  In addition, since reward (for example, points) for urging non-member user C to access non-member user C is given to member user X, the unfairness caused by non-member user browsing is eliminated, and incentives for continued registration and recommendations Can be granted.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to promote the content by the maximum advertisement called “word-of-mouth” of the member user and to encourage new registration of the non-member user.

  Further, since information distribution from the information distribution server 3 to an unspecified number of users is not performed, the soundness of the content and the site providing the content can be ensured. In addition, since the content is distributed based on access from the non-member user who has received the recommendation information, the content can be viewed by a non-member user who has a high possibility of registration.

(Other)
As described above, the present invention has been described using the preferred embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The above embodiment is an example for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. Those skilled in the art can appropriately design various components and processes without departing from the gist thereof.

  (1) For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case where a PIM application is mounted on the user terminal 1 of the member user X, and communication between the user terminal 1 and the information distribution server 3 is performed under the execution of the PIM application. However, when a general-purpose Web browser or an e-mail function is provided, communication may be controlled by these functions. In addition, the information distributed to the first user may be information that needs to be registered in principle, and may be paid content or free content.

  (2) When a content acquisition request is received from a non-member user C, information that can identify the non-member user C is stored as a history, and when accesses from the same person are duplicated, the member user X The point may not be updated.

  (3) If the PIM application has a so-called chat function (a function for exchanging text data in real time on a network such as the Internet), the handle name of the member user X is notified to the non-member user. It may be. According to this, since the non-member user can access the information distribution server 3 from his / her user terminal and participate in the chat with the handle name of the member user X, he / she enjoys chatting in a specific group centered on the member user X. Will be able to.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the case where a reward is given to a recommended member user when a third party accesses the content based on the recommendation information has been described. Is not limited to this. For example, a reward may be given to a member user when a third party who accesses the content based on the recommendation information newly registers. In addition, when a new registration is made, more rewards may be given than when contents are accessed.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the information delivery system which concerns on this embodiment. 3 is a functional configuration diagram showing functions of an information distribution server 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a storage unit 33. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of information distribution processing related to the information distribution server 3. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed on the user terminal 1 of a member user. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the user terminal 2 of a nonmember user.

Explanation of symbols

  1 user terminal of a member user, 2 user terminal of a non-member user, 3 information distribution server, 5 packet network, 6 gateway, 7 internet, 31 communication processing unit, 32 control unit, 33 storage unit

Claims (8)

An information distribution device that distributes content to users via a network,
First transmission means for transmitting content or content location information to a first user;
Generating means for generating recommendation information including position information of the content when receiving the recommendation information acquisition request of the content transmitted from the first user;
Second transmission means for transmitting the recommendation information generated by the generation means to the first user;
When the content acquisition request transmitted from the second user is received based on the position information of the content included in the recommendation information transmitted from the first user to the second user, the content is A third transmission means for transmitting to the second user;
An information distribution apparatus comprising: The generating means includes
When receiving the recommendation information acquisition request, generate recommendation information including position information and management information of the content,
The third transmission means includes
When the content acquisition request transmitted from the second user is received and the management information is included in the content acquisition request, the content is transmitted to the second user. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 1. First storage means for storing information about the user;
The generation unit generates the recommendation information including management information including user identification information for identifying the first user,
When the content acquisition request transmitted from the second user is received based on the position information of the content included in the recommendation information transmitted from the first user to the second user, the content acquisition request Management means for managing information on the first user stored in the first storage means based on the user identification information included in
The information distribution apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The first storage means is
Store the user identification information and points of the user in association with each other,
The management means includes
When the content acquisition request including the user identification information is received, the first user's point stored in the first storage unit is updated based on the user identification information included in the content acquisition request. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 3, wherein A first display function for displaying content transmitted from the first transmission means or information about the content;
A first transmission function for transmitting a recommendation information acquisition request for the content to the information distribution device when receiving an operation instruction of the first user;
A second reception function for receiving recommendation information transmitted from the second transmission means;
A second storage means for storing a program for causing a user terminal to execute a second transmission function for transmitting an email including the recommendation information to an email address designated by the first user;
Fourth transmission means for transmitting the program to the first user in response to an acquisition request transmitted from the first user;
The information distribution apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: The first transmission means includes
The information distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the content or information related to the content is transmitted to a user registered as a member in the first storage unit. The third transmission means includes
The information distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information prompting new member registration is transmitted to the second user. An information distribution method in which a user terminal and an information distribution device are connected via a network,
A first transmission step in which the information distribution device transmits content or content location information to a user terminal of a first user;
Generation that generates recommendation information including the position information of the content when receiving the recommendation information acquisition request of the content transmitted from the user terminal of the first user in response to the operation instruction of the first user Process,
A second transmission step of transmitting the recommendation information generated by the generation means to the user terminal of the first user;
After the recommendation information is transmitted from the first user's user terminal to the second user's user terminal in response to the operation instruction of the first user, the position information of the content included in the recommendation information A third transmission step of transmitting the content to the user terminal of the second user when receiving a content acquisition request transmitted from the second user terminal of the second user based on;
An information delivery method comprising:

Images