JP2006318274A - Information distribution server, mobile terminal, information distribution system, information distribution method, and distributed information acquisition method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow for user's easy and automatic access to desired information based on user's utilizing equipment and operation. <P>SOLUTION: An area for information distribution is divided into one or more areas, and a virtual signpost is placed in each area. Information associated with each area is associated with the signpost and accumulated in a server. When request information including virtual signpost information is received from a portable terminal, information associated with the signpost is distributed to the portable terminal. Each area size is determined based on the portable terminal's capability, moving speed, moving means, and specification by the terminal. The latitude/longitude and landmark name of a position in the area covered by the virtual signpost can be used as the virtual signpost information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information distribution server, a mobile terminal, an information distribution system, an information distribution method, and a distribution information acquisition method, and more specifically, an information distribution server, a mobile terminal, an information distribution system, and an information distribution service that use location information. The present invention relates to an information distribution method and a distribution information acquisition method.

  With the spread of multimedia communications such as the Internet, information transmission on the Internet has exploded, while it is becoming increasingly difficult for users to reach information that suits their purpose.

  As a technique for solving such a problem, a method of displaying contents related to a destination or an area of a passing point is considered in order to make it easy for a user to acquire information on a desired area.

  For example, as an information providing service to a mobile phone terminal using location information, a method of distributing an advertisement message when the mobile phone terminal is located in a specific area is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Also, a method is known in which, when a mobile terminal device enters a region monitored from a distribution server, information by category is distributed to a mobile phone terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2001-359166 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-30841

  However, when an advertisement message is distributed to a mobile phone terminal located in a specific area, information distribution is limited to the case where the mobile phone terminal is located in a specific area, so information distribution in an arbitrary area cannot be obtained. .

  Also, in the case of a method of distributing information to a mobile terminal device that has entered a monitoring area, the monitored area is limited, and information distribution regarding an arbitrary area cannot be performed. For this reason, only information related to a specific area can be distributed. When the target area is widened, an operation for comprehensively obtaining content of a target category becomes complicated.

  In addition, these methods have a problem in that privacy measures are required because it is necessary to transmit information related to the user's privacy, such as entering an area, to the server side.

  In addition, in the case of an information distribution method for displaying content related to the destination and the area of the passing point, for example, a tourist spot desired by the user in an area where tourist spots are scattered in a plane such as a tourist area. There is a problem that it is not suitable for a service that comprehensively provides content information related to content or content information according to the capabilities of mobile phone terminals.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to automatically access information desired by a user automatically among information related to points scattered in a region. An information distribution server, a mobile terminal, an information distribution system, an information distribution method, and a distribution information acquisition method are provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information distribution server according to the present invention is an information distribution server that distributes regional information, and virtual sign post information that identifies at least one of a plurality of virtual sign posts included in the region. And storage means that stores the distribution information in association with each other, and receiving means for receiving virtual sign post information from a mobile terminal that has entered an area determined based on the position of one of the plurality of virtual sign posts; A distribution unit that extracts distribution information corresponding to the virtual sign post received by the reception unit from the storage unit and distributes the distribution information.

  Here, the size of the area may be determined according to the capability, moving speed, or moving means of the mobile terminal.

  The virtual sign post information can be a latitude and longitude of a position in the area or a landmark name.

  The virtual sign post information can be authentication information of the user of the mobile terminal.

  An information distribution method according to the present invention is an information distribution method in an information distribution server that stores virtual sign post information specifying at least one of a plurality of virtual sign posts installed in a region and distribution information in association with each other. Receiving virtual sign post information from a mobile terminal that has entered an area determined based on the position of one virtual sign post of the plurality of virtual sign posts, and distribution corresponding to the received virtual sign post Extracting information from the stored distribution information and distributing the information.

  A mobile terminal according to the present invention is a mobile terminal that receives distribution of local information, and detects that the mobile terminal has entered an area determined based on one position among a plurality of virtual sign posts installed in the area A transmission means for transmitting an information distribution request to a server that stores the virtual sign post information specifying at least one of the virtual sign posts and the distribution information in association with each other. The distribution request includes transmission means including virtual sign post information in an area where entry is detected, and reception means for receiving distribution information from the server in response to the information distribution request.

  Here, it is possible to further include determining means for determining the size of the area according to the capability, moving speed, or moving means of the mobile terminal.

  The virtual sign post information can be a latitude and longitude of a position in the area or a landmark name.

  The virtual sign post information can be authentication information of the user of the mobile terminal.

  The virtual signpost may further include designation means for designating a route for the virtual sign post, and the detection means may detect entry into the area according to the route designated by the designation means.

  In addition, output means for outputting the position of the nearest virtual sign post from the mobile terminal is further provided, and the detection means detects entry into an area determined on the basis of the position output by the output means. be able to.

  The distribution information acquisition method according to the present invention is a distribution information acquisition method in a mobile terminal that receives distribution of regional information, and is determined based on the position of one of a plurality of virtual sign posts installed in the region. A step of detecting entry into an area, and a step of transmitting an information distribution request to a server storing virtual sign post information and distribution information specifying at least one of the virtual sign posts in association with each other. The information distribution request includes a step of including virtual sign post information in an area where entry is detected, and a step of receiving distribution information from the server in response to the information distribution request.

  An information distribution system according to the present invention is an information distribution system for distributing regional information from a server to a mobile terminal, wherein the server specifies a virtual sign that specifies at least one of a plurality of virtual sign posts installed in the region. Storage means for storing post information and distribution information in association with each other, receiving means for receiving virtual sign post information from the mobile terminal, and information corresponding to virtual sign post information received by the receiving means from the storage means A delivery means for extracting and delivering the mobile terminal to the server, detecting means for detecting that the mobile terminal has entered an area determined based on a position of one of the plurality of virtual sign posts; A transmission means for transmitting an information distribution request, wherein the information distribution request includes virtual sign post information in an area in which an entry is detected; Comprising transmitting means, and receiving means for receiving the distribution information in response to a request for distribution of the information.

  Here, the mobile terminal may further include means for determining the size of the area by the capability, moving speed, or moving means of the mobile terminal.

  The virtual sign post information can be a latitude and longitude of a position in the area or a landmark name.

  The virtual sign post information can be authentication information of the user of the mobile terminal.

  The mobile terminal may further include a designation unit that designates a route of the virtual sign post, and the detection unit detects entry into the area according to a route designated by the designation unit.

  The mobile terminal further includes output means for outputting the position of the virtual sign post closest to the mobile terminal, and the detection means enters an area determined based on the position output by the output means. It can be detected.

  An information distribution method according to the present invention is an information distribution method in an information distribution system for distributing regional information from a server to a mobile terminal, and the server receives at least one of a plurality of virtual sign posts installed in the region. The virtual sign post information to be identified and the distribution information are stored in association with each other, and the method has entered the area determined based on the position of one of the plurality of virtual sign posts in the mobile terminal. And a step of transmitting a distribution request for information including virtual sign post information in the area where entry has been detected from the mobile terminal to the server, and the server receiving the virtual sign post information received by the server. Extracting the corresponding information from the stored information and delivering it.

  In the present invention, a region where information distribution is performed is divided into one or more areas, and a sign post is virtually installed in each area. The server stores information associated with each area in association with the sign post. When request information including virtual sign post information is received from the mobile terminal, information associated with the sign post is distributed to the mobile terminal. As a result, the distribution area can be freely constructed.

  The size of each area is determined by the capability of the mobile terminal, the moving speed, the moving means, and designation from the terminal. Thereby, for example, area formation and information distribution suitable for a pedestrian or a person moving by car can be realized. Also, the shape of the area can be determined by the state of the terminal and designation from the terminal.

  In addition, by using the latitude / longitude and landmark name of the location in the area covered by the virtual sign post as the virtual sign post information, you can specify the landmark name to get distribution information, or you can get the landmark name from the current location Can be searched.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to draw a virtual sign post based on a user's device and operation. This makes it possible to automatically access information that the user wants automatically.

  In addition, content can be acquired without using information that is difficult for the user to understand, such as coordinates and IDs. As a result, the operability and ease of use of information acquisition are improved, and the information providing service in which real and cyber are linked can be expanded.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to freely draw a space / virtual sign post that does not look like a real space. Therefore, it becomes possible for the information providing business to have contact with a real space.

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

  The configuration of the mobile information distribution system according to the present embodiment includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a portable terminal 100, an Internet / mobile communication network 200, a server 300 for distributing contents, and a PC 400.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 100 includes a position detection processing unit 101, a sign post information storage unit 102, a calculation unit 103, a determination unit 104, a transmission / reception unit 105, an antenna unit 106, a content storage unit 107, and a content extraction process. Unit 108, storage unit 110, I / O unit 111, timer 112, and display unit 113. These functions in the mobile terminal 100 can be implemented in, for example, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a PHS, and a mobile game machine.

  The position detection processing unit 101 receives information from GPS hygiene, acquires the current position of the mobile terminal 100, and stores it in the storage unit 110.

  Note that information on the current position may be acquired from the RFID tag by using an RFID tag reader / writer for the position detection processing unit 101.

  The sign post information storage unit 102 stores virtual sign post information for specifying a virtual sign post. The virtual sign post information includes a virtual sign post ID and information attached to the virtual sign post.

  Here, as the information accompanying the virtual sign post, latitude / longitude information or landmark name information can be included.

  The calculation unit 103 obtains a distance between the position of the virtual sign post designated by the user or automatically determined as described later and the current position information stored in the storage unit 110 to determine the determination unit. To 104. The determination unit 104 receives the calculation result from the calculation unit 103 and determines whether or not the mobile terminal 100 has entered the area covered by the predetermined virtual sign post. The transmission / reception unit 105 transmits the virtual sign post information when the determination unit 104 detects entry into the area via the antenna 106 or receives the content from the server 300 via the antenna 106.

  The content accumulation unit 107 accumulates content distributed from the server 300 via the Internet / mobile communication network 200 and received via the antenna 106 and the transmission / reception unit 105.

  The content extraction processing unit 108 extracts the content stored in the content storage unit 107 from the determination result information output from the determination unit 104 and the virtual sign post ID of the area where the mobile terminal 100 has entered. The I / O unit 111 collects information related to the capability, moving speed, and moving means of the mobile terminal 100 and accumulates the collected results in the storage unit 110. Connected to the I / O unit 111 are a display unit 113 configured by a display or the like, and an input unit 114 such as a button or a key input device.

  The accumulated information is transmitted to the server 300 via the Internet / mobile communication network 200 via the determination unit 104, the transmission / reception unit 105, and the antenna unit 106.

  Note that as the capability of the mobile terminal, the memory size of the mobile terminal, the size of the display screen, and the like can be used.

  Moreover, you may use the information which shows a wheelchair, public transport, etc. as information of a moving means. In this case, information on the moving means can be input from the input unit 114.

  Further, the moving speed of the portable terminal 100 may be obtained using the calculation result information of the position detection processing unit 101 as described later, without being acquired via the I / O unit 111.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the server 300 includes a transmission / reception unit 301, a content synchronization processing unit 302, a content storage unit 303, a user information detection / storage unit 304, a content editing / storage unit 305, a sign post information storage unit 306, A table storage unit 307, a registration processing unit 308, a timer 309, and a calculation unit 310 are included.

  The transmission / reception unit 301 exchanges data from the portable terminal 100 and distributes information to the portable terminal 100 via the Internet / mobile communication network 200. The content synchronization processing unit 302 is activated when time is notified from the timer 309, and updates content according to an instruction from the content provider terminal and updates distribution information to the mobile terminal 100. The content accumulation unit 303 accumulates content information acquired / updated from a content provider terminal. This content is stored in association with the virtual sign post information. The user information detection / accumulation unit 304 receives and accumulates information such as the moving speed of the portable terminal held by the user, the moving means, the capability of the portable terminal 100 used by the user, and the member number of the user from the portable terminal. The member number is a number for identifying a member of a service provided by the user, and includes, for example, a travel member, a member ID of an information providing service member, and the like. The content editing / storage unit 305 refers to the information in the user information detection / accumulation unit 304 based on the content information accumulated in the content accumulation unit 303 and stores the information in association with the member number of the user.

  The registration processing unit 308 performs a user membership number registration process in response to an instruction from the mobile terminal 100 or the PC 400. For example, the membership number received from the mobile terminal 100 or the PC 400 is output to the user information detection / accumulation unit 304. The virtual sign post information storage unit 306 receives and stores virtual sign post information from the registration processing unit 308. The correspondence table storage unit 307 stores a table indicating the correspondence between the member number and the virtual sign post information. The calculation unit 310 performs a calculation using information in the user information detection / accumulation unit 304. As this calculation, for example, a process of making the area size proportional to the moving speed is performed.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a procedure in which the mobile terminal 100 detects entry into the area covered by the virtual sign post. In this procedure, the case of designating the route of an incoming virtual sign post is taken as an example.

  First, as processing at the time of shipment or initial setting of the mobile terminal, the position (area condition) of the virtual sign post is stored in the sign post information storage unit 102 of the mobile terminal 100 in S101. Here, information can be accumulated by collecting information from GPS satellites using the position detection processing unit 101.

  The process based on the user operation starts from S102. In S102, the route of the virtual sign post where the content is to be displayed is registered in the storage unit 110.

  Here, the registration of the virtual sign post can be performed using the virtual sign post information.

  In S <b> 103, the position (area condition) of the virtual sign post having the highest display priority among the virtual sign posts stored in the storage unit 110 in S <b> 102 is extracted from the sign post information storage unit 102 and output to the calculation unit 103. On the other hand, in S104, the position detection processing unit 101 outputs the current position information acquired from the GPS satellite or the RFID tag to the calculation unit. In S105, the calculation unit 103 obtains the distance to the virtual sign post based on the acquired position of the virtual sign post and the current position information. In S106, the determination unit 104 determines that the virtual sign post has entered the area covered by the virtual sign post if the distance between the virtual sign post and the current position is within a certain distance, and proceeds to S107. If the distance between the position of the virtual sign post and the current position is a certain distance or more, the process of S105 is performed again. In S107, a content distribution request process is performed according to the entry into the area covered by the virtual sign post.

  Next, in S108, the storage unit 102 is referred to, and it is determined whether a virtual sign post for which entry is to be detected next is specified among the virtual sign posts designated for the route. If there is such a virtual sign post, the process returns to S103 to detect the entry into the area covered by the next virtual sign post.

  By performing such processing, the user can freely construct an area and receive information distribution in the area. In addition, when the user moves without following the route designated by the user (for example, when the user goes back to the route), it is possible to control information distribution so that new content is not displayed.

  FIG. 5 shows another procedure for detecting the entry of a virtual sign post. This procedure relates to the case where no route is designated.

  First, as processing at the time of shipment or initial setting of the mobile terminal, the position (area condition) of the virtual sign post is stored in the sign post information storage unit 102 of the mobile terminal 100 in S201. Processing in the portable terminal 100 starts from S202. In S <b> 202, the position detection processing unit 101 outputs the current position information to the storage unit 110. In step S <b> 203, the sign post information storage unit 102 outputs the closest virtual sign post position to the storage unit 110 based on the output current position. The position of the virtual sign post that is output here is the target of entry detection into the area.

  Note that the sign post information storage unit 102 may output a plurality of virtual sign post positions in order from the closest to the mobile terminal 100.

  On the other hand, in S <b> 204, the position detection processing unit 101 outputs the current position information to the storage unit 110. In S205, the calculation unit 103 obtains the distance between the current position and the virtual sign post output in S203. In S206, the determination unit 104 determines whether or not the obtained distance is within a certain distance. If it is within a certain distance, it is determined that the virtual sign post has entered the area covered, and content distribution request processing is performed in S207. On the other hand, if it is outside the fixed distance, the process is repeated from the process of S203.

  FIG. 6 shows a procedure for outputting information on the capability, movement speed, and movement means of the portable terminal necessary for changing the size of the area covered by the virtual sign post in the portable terminal 100. Here, a method in which the mobile terminal 100 itself outputs such information will be described. First, in step S <b> 401, the capabilities and movement means of the mobile terminal are input from the operation unit (not shown) of the terminal via the I / O unit 111 and stored in the storage unit 110. In step S <b> 405, the terminal capability and moving means are output from the storage unit 110 to the calculation unit 103. On the other hand, in S402, the position detection processing unit 101 acquires the current position using a position detection unit such as GPS or RFID. In S403, the acquired current position is stored in the storage unit 110. In S <b> 404, the calculation unit 103 calculates the movement speed and outputs it to the calculation unit 103.

  Here, the moving speed can be obtained by calculating the distance between the current position and the past position stored in the storage unit 110 and calculating the distance / time using the time taken for the movement.

  In step S <b> 406, the calculation unit 103 outputs the three parameters of the capability, movement speed, and movement means of the mobile terminal 100 to the server 300 together.

  The moving speed may be determined in advance corresponding to a moving means such as walking, using a car, or using a railway. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 can determine the corresponding moving speed by inputting the moving means from the input unit 114 connected to the I / O unit 111.

  FIG. 7 shows a procedure for notifying the moving speed of the mobile terminal 100 necessary for changing the area covered by the virtual sign post. Here, a method in which the portable terminal 100 and the server 300 output in cooperation will be described. This example is effective when the CPU power of the mobile terminal 100 is low.

  In step S <b> 501, the portable terminal 100 stores the capability / movement means of the terminal in the storage unit 110. In step S502, the capability / movement means of the terminal is output from the storage unit 110. On the other hand, the position detection processing unit 101 outputs the current position and stores it in the storage unit 110 in S503. In step S <b> 504, the mobile terminal 100 outputs information on moving means and information on the current position to the server 300.

  The server 300 that has received the signal from the portable terminal 100 in S505 stores the current position in the user information detection / accumulation unit 304 in S506. In S507, the moving speed of the portable terminal 100 is calculated from the storage position information.

  Here, the moving speed is calculated by calculating the distance between the current position and the past position stored in the storage unit 110 and calculating the distance / time using the time taken for the movement (position information reception time). Can be obtained.

  Alternatively, the server 300 may store the moving means and the moving speed in association with each other and determine the moving speed according to the moving means received from the mobile terminal 100.

  In step S <b> 508, the server 300 extracts the capability / movement speed / movement means of the mobile terminal 100 and stores it in the user information detection / accumulation unit 304.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a procedure for requesting content distribution from the portable terminal 100 to the server 300 will be described.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a procedure for requesting the server 300 to distribute content using the virtual sign post ID. Here, the server 300 stores a membership number for authenticating the user. The content is stored in association with the membership number.

  First, in step S601, the mobile terminal 100 detects entry into an area covered by the virtual sign post. In step S602, the virtual sign post ID and the membership number are transmitted to request the content. In S604, the timer 112 of the mobile terminal 100 is set. In step S605, it is determined whether the time is over. The timer 112 plays a role of interrupting the process and reconnecting when the content acquisition is not normally completed.

  Note that the number of time-overs may be counted in S605, and when a predetermined number of time-overs occur, the loop from S602 to S605 may be exited and an error message may be output to the display unit 113.

  Meanwhile, the server 300 acquires the virtual sign post ID and the membership number from the portable terminal 100 in S603. The communication between the portable terminal 100 and the server 300 at this time can also be realized using the HTTP protocol. In S606, the acquired membership number is used to authenticate whether the member is a member in S606. If the member is authenticated, the content is searched based on the virtual sign post and the member number in S607, and the content is distributed to the portable terminal 100 in S608. The portable terminal 100 acquires content in S609.

  In addition, it is good also as notifying that the content was able to be acquired normally from the portable terminal 100, and confirming the completion of delivery of content by the server 300 side by this.

  According to this method, when delivering content to the user, it is possible to control such that the content is sent only when the user enters the virtual sign post, and unnecessary content is not sent.

  FIG. 9 shows another example of a method for requesting content from the mobile terminal 100 to the server 300. In this method, the mobile terminal 100 acquires content without transmitting the virtual sign post ID (user stay area) to the server 300. The method uses the authentication information of the user of the mobile terminal as virtual sign post information that identifies at least one virtual sign post. For this reason, when there is a sense of resistance regarding the user notifying his / her stay area, privacy can be protected without telling the user's stay area.

  Here, the server 300 stores a member number for authenticating the user in association with the content. For example, if the user's membership number is a travel member in a specific area (for example, Kyoto), the membership number and a group of contents related to Kyoto are stored in association with each other. The content is associated with the virtual sign post ID, and therefore it is possible to identify at least one virtual sign post using the membership number.

  First, in step S <b> 701, entry of a virtual sign post is detected, and the virtual sign post ID is stored in the mobile terminal 100. In step S <b> 702, the mobile terminal 100 transmits a content distribution request. This request includes a membership number. In S703, the portable terminal 100 sets the timer 112. In step S704, it is determined whether the time is over. The timer 112 plays a role of interrupting processing and reconnecting when there is a problem in content acquisition.

  Meanwhile, the server 300 acquires the membership number from the portable terminal 100 in S705. The communication between the terminal and the server at this time can also be realized using the HTTP protocol. In S <b> 705, the server 300 that acquired the membership number authenticates the user in S <b> 706. If the member authentication is normal, the content corresponding to the member number is searched in S707. In step S709, the server 300 transmits the content searched in step S707 to the mobile terminal 100 in a format corresponding to the virtual sign post ID. In step S <b> 708, the information received from the server 300 is stored in the content storage unit 107. In S710, the desired content is displayed based on the virtual sign post ID stored in the storage unit 110.

  FIG. 10 shows a procedure for detecting entry into the area covered by the virtual sign post after the mobile terminal 100 changes the size of the area covered by the virtual sign post by the terminal capability, the moving speed, the moving means, and the like. Here, the case where the route of the virtual sign post is designated will be described.

  First, as processing at the time of shipment or initial setting of the mobile terminal, the position (area condition) of the virtual sign post is stored in the sign post information storage unit 102 of the mobile terminal 100 in S801. Thereafter, processing based on the user's operation starts. In step S802, the route of the virtual sign post to be displayed is registered. On the other hand, in step S <b> 805, the capability, moving speed, and moving means of the mobile terminal 100 are output to the storage unit 110. In S803, the area covered by the virtual sign post using the information of the position (area condition) of the sign post saved in the storage unit 110 in S801 and the capability, moving speed, and moving means of the mobile terminal 100 output in S805. Calculate the size. Here, the area size can be obtained as information on the distance from the virtual sign post.

  On the other hand, in S <b> 804, the position detection processing unit 101 outputs the position information acquired from the GPS or RFID tag and stores it in the storage unit 110. In step S <b> 806, the calculation unit 103 of the mobile terminal 100 obtains the distance between the stored virtual sign post position and the acquired position information. In S806, the determination unit 104 of the mobile terminal 100 determines whether the distance from the virtual sign post to the mobile terminal 100 is within the distance obtained in S803, that is, whether the mobile terminal is within the area covered by the virtual sign post. Determine whether. If it is within the area, the process proceeds to S807. On the other hand, when it is determined that the mobile terminal 100 is out of the area, the process of S806 is performed again. In S808, the content distribution in the area covered by the virtual sign post is requested.

  Next, in step S809, the storage unit 102 is referred to, and it is determined whether a virtual sign post for which entry is to be detected next is specified among the virtual sign posts designated for the route. If there is such a virtual sign post, the process returns to S803 to detect entry into the area covered by the next virtual sign post.

  By performing such processing, the user can freely construct an area and receive information distribution in the area. In addition, when the user moves without following the route designated by the user (for example, when the user goes back to the route), it is possible to control information distribution so that new content is not displayed.

  FIG. 11 shows a procedure of a method for detecting entry into the area covered by the virtual sign post after the portable terminal 100 changes the size of the area covered by the virtual sign post by the terminal capability, moving speed, moving means, and the like. This procedure is a procedure related to the case where no route is designated.

  First, as processing at the time of shipment or initial setting of the mobile terminal, the position (area condition) of the virtual sign post is stored in the sign post information storage unit 102 of the mobile terminal 100 in S901. Processing in the portable terminal 100 starts from S902. In step S <b> 902, the position detection processing unit 101 outputs the current position information to the storage unit 110. In S903, the capability, moving speed, and moving means of the portable terminal 100 are output to the storage unit 110. In S904, the calculation unit 103 stores the sign post position (area condition) stored in the sign post information storage unit 102 in S901, the capability, movement speed, and movement means of the mobile terminal 100 output to the storage unit 110 in S903. Using the information, the nearest virtual sign post and the area size covered by the virtual sign post are calculated. The area size can be obtained as information on the distance from the virtual sign post. The position of the virtual sign post that is output here is the target of entry detection into the area.

  Note that the sign post information storage unit 102 may output a plurality of virtual sign post positions in order from the closest to the mobile terminal 100.

  In step S <b> 905, the position detection processing unit 101 outputs the current position information to the storage unit 110. In S906, the calculation unit 103 obtains a distance between the current position and the position of the virtual sign post. In S907, the determination unit 104 determines whether the distance from the virtual sign post to the mobile terminal 100 is within the distance obtained in S903, that is, whether the mobile terminal is within the area covered by the virtual sign post. . If it is within the area, a content distribution request process is performed in S908. On the other hand, if the portable terminal 100 is out of the area, the process is repeated from the process of S905.

  12 and 13 show an example of a procedure of a specific virtual sign post calculation method in the mobile terminal 100. FIG. Here, a method for calculating a virtual sign post corresponding to the terminal capability and the moving speed / moving means of the mobile terminal 100 will be described.

  First, FIG. 12 shows an example of a procedure for changing the area size covered by the virtual sign post in the mobile terminal 100 according to the terminal capability. This method is effective in that it can cope with, for example, a case where the screen size is small or a case where a certain type of file cannot be reproduced. In this method, in order to determine whether or not the virtual sign post is possible in the mobile terminal 100, the attached information is defined.

  First, in S <b> 1001, terminal capability is acquired from the I / O unit 111 and stored in the storage unit 110. In S1002, the operation unit 103 compares the acquired terminal capability with the capability value to be confirmed. For example, it is possible to compare whether the display unit 113 is QVGA as the capability value. If the acquired terminal capability is a capability value to be confirmed, the process proceeds to S1004, and the attached information flag is set to 1. If the acquired terminal capability is not the capability value to be confirmed, the process proceeds to S1003 and the attached information flag is set to 0. By using the attached information set in this way, the area size is determined in S1005.

  FIG. 13 shows another example of the procedure related to the calculation of the area size covered by the virtual sign post. For example, for people who are moving by car, the area is larger and provides rough area guide information. For people who are moving on foot, the area is designed to be smaller and detailed. Information can be provided. In this example, the server 300 stores the landmark name and the virtual sign post ID in association with each other.

  In step S <b> 1101, the movement speed and movement means input via the I / O unit 111 are output to the storage unit 110. In S1102, the calculation unit 103 confirms whether the moving speed is within a certain threshold or whether the moving unit is, for example, walking. For example, if the threshold is set to 10 M / S, the speed of the sprinter runs. Therefore, if the moving speed is equal to or higher than this value, it is assumed that the user is on the vehicle.

  If the moving speed or the moving means satisfies the condition, the process proceeds to S1104, where an area size (M) is set. On the other hand, if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S1103, and a different area size (N) is set. In this way, the area size can be changed according to the moving speed and moving means.

  The area size may be proportional to the speed. For example, the area size may be obtained by calculating the following formula.

Y = A * X
Here, Y is the area size, A is the area size constant X, and the moving speed.

  Next, an example of a procedure for requesting distribution of content by specifying a landmark to the server 300 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the server 300 stores the landmark name and the virtual point ID in association with each other in a DB (not shown).

  First, in S1201, the portable terminal 100 notifies the server 300 of content distribution, and notifies the landmark name and member number. In S1202, the server 300 receives the signal, and performs authentication based on the membership number in S1205. If the authentication is successful, the content corresponding to the landmark name is acquired in S1206, and the content is distributed in S1207. In S1203, the mobile terminal 100 sets the timer 112. In step S1204, the mobile terminal 100 determines whether the time is over. The timer 112 plays a role of interrupting the process and reconnecting when the content cannot be acquired normally. In S1208, the content storage unit 107 of the mobile terminal 100 receives and stores the content. In step S <b> 1209, the content extraction processing unit 108 of the mobile terminal 100 extracts the desired content from the virtual sign post ID stored in the sign post information storage unit 102 and displays it on the display unit 113.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a procedure for acquiring a landmark name by sending a virtual sign post ID. Here, the server 300 stores the landmark name and the virtual point ID in association with each other in a DB (not shown).

  First, the virtual sign post ID and the membership number are transmitted from the portable terminal 100 to the server 300 from the portable terminal 100 in S1301. In S1304, the server 300 receives a signal. The member is authenticated based on the member number received in S1305. If the authentication result is normal, the process advances to step S1306, and the server 300 searches the DB for landmarks based on the virtual sign post ID. In step S1307, the server 300 transmits a landmark name corresponding to the virtual sign post found by the search. In S1308, the landmark is received by the portable terminal S1308. At that time, the timer 112 of the portable terminal 100 is set in S1302. In S1203, it is determined whether the time is over. The timer 112 plays a role of interrupting the process and reconnecting when the content cannot be acquired normally.

  Various modifications other than those described above are possible. However, as long as it is based on the technical idea described in the claims, the modifications are within the technical scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile information delivery system by one Embodiment of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the portable terminal by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the server by one Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a method for detecting entry into an area covered by a virtual sign post in a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a method for detecting entry into an area covered by a virtual sign post in a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention to output information on terminal capabilities, moving speed, and moving means. It is a figure which shows the procedure in which the portable terminal by one Embodiment of this invention outputs the capability, moving speed, and information of a moving means of a terminal. It is a figure which shows the procedure of the method of requesting | requiring content delivery to the server by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the procedure of the method of requesting | requiring a content from the server by one Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a method for detecting an entry into an area covered by a fluctuating virtual sign post according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a method for detecting an entry into an area covered by a fluctuating virtual sign post according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the virtual sign post calculation method in the portable terminal by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the virtual sign post calculation method in the portable terminal by one Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a method for requesting distribution of content by specifying a landmark name by the mobile terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a method for requesting distribution of content by specifying a landmark name by the mobile terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 Mobile terminal 200 Mobile network / Internet network 300 Server 400 PC
102 sign post information storage unit 103 calculation unit 104 determination unit 105 transmission / reception unit 106 antenna unit 107 content storage unit 108 content extraction processing unit 110 storage unit 111 I / O unit 112 timer 113 display unit 301 transmission / reception unit 302 content synchronization processing unit 303 content Storage unit 304 User information detection / storage unit 305 Content editing / storage unit 306 Sign post information storage unit 307 Corresponding table storage unit 308 Registration processing unit 310 Operation unit

Claims (14)

An information distribution server that distributes local information,
Storage means for storing virtual sign post information specifying at least one of a plurality of virtual sign posts included in a region and distribution information in association with each other;
Receiving means for receiving virtual sign post information from a mobile terminal that has entered an area determined based on a position of one of the plurality of virtual sign posts;
An information distribution server comprising: distribution means for extracting distribution information corresponding to the virtual sign post received by the reception means from the storage means and distributing the distribution information.   The information distribution server according to claim 1, wherein the size of the area is determined according to the capability, movement speed, or movement means of the mobile terminal.   The information distribution server according to claim 1, wherein the virtual sign post information is a latitude and longitude of a position in the area or a landmark name.   The information distribution server according to claim 1, wherein the virtual sign post information is authentication information of a user of the mobile terminal. An information distribution method in an information distribution server storing virtual sign post information and distribution information specifying at least one of a plurality of virtual sign posts installed in a region,
Receiving virtual sign post information from a mobile terminal that has entered an area determined based on the position of one of the plurality of virtual sign posts;
And a step of extracting and distributing distribution information corresponding to the received virtual sign post from the stored distribution information. A mobile terminal that receives local information,
Detecting means for detecting that the vehicle has entered an area determined based on the position of one of a plurality of virtual sign posts installed in the area;
Transmitting means for transmitting an information distribution request to a server storing virtual sign post information and distribution information that identify at least one of the virtual sign posts, wherein the information distribution request A transmission means including virtual sign post information in the detected area;
A mobile terminal comprising: receiving means for receiving distribution information from the server in response to the information distribution request.   The mobile terminal according to claim 6, further comprising a determining unit that determines the size of the area according to the capability, moving speed, or moving unit of the mobile terminal.   The mobile terminal according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the virtual sign post information is a latitude and longitude of a position in the area or a landmark name.   The mobile terminal according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the virtual sign post information is authentication information of a user of the mobile terminal.   10. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a designation unit that designates a route of the virtual sign post, wherein the detection unit detects entry into the area according to a route designated by the designation unit. The described mobile terminal.   It further comprises output means for outputting the position of the virtual sign post that is closest to the mobile terminal, and the detection means detects entry into an area determined with reference to the position output by the output means. The mobile terminal according to claim 6. A distribution information acquisition method in a mobile terminal that receives distribution of local information,
Detecting that the vehicle has entered an area determined based on the position of one of a plurality of virtual sign posts installed in the area;
A step of transmitting an information distribution request to a server that stores virtual sign post information specifying at least one of the virtual sign posts and distribution information in association with each other, the information distribution request detecting an entry; Including virtual sign post information in the area
Receiving the distribution information from the server in response to the information distribution request. An information distribution system for distributing local information from a server to a mobile terminal,
The server
Storage means for storing virtual sign post information specifying at least one of a plurality of virtual sign posts installed in a region and distribution information in association with each other;
Receiving means for receiving virtual sign post information from the mobile terminal;
Distribution means for extracting and distributing information corresponding to the virtual sign post information received by the reception means from the storage means;
The mobile terminal
Detecting means for detecting that the vehicle has entered an area determined based on a position of one of the plurality of virtual sign posts;
Transmission means for transmitting an information distribution request to the server, wherein the information distribution request includes virtual sign post information in an area where entry is detected;
An information distribution system comprising: receiving means for receiving distribution information in response to the information distribution request. An information distribution method in an information distribution system for distributing local information from a server to a mobile terminal, wherein the server specifies virtual sign post information and distribution information for identifying at least one of a plurality of virtual sign posts installed in the region Are stored in association with each other.
In the mobile terminal, detecting that the mobile terminal has entered an area determined based on a position of one of the plurality of virtual sign posts;
Transmitting a distribution request for information including virtual sign post information in an area where entry is detected from the mobile terminal to the server;
And a step of extracting information corresponding to the received virtual sign post information from the stored information and distributing the information in the server.

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