JP2010146074A - Information use system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To significantly increase effective use of data or a program owned by a large number of general users. <P>SOLUTION: The data owned by the large number of general users are registered into a server as master data. The registered data of the general users are stored as a database in the form of API (Application Program Interface) by automatic API generation means 12, 32 to be properly output. The API database is disclosed to a third party who easily brows or uses the database. The data to be originally used only by each general user is made available to a wide range of development users or site managers, thereby achieving spread of information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information use system that makes it easy for a third party to browse or use data held by a user.

  In recent years, the use of information via the Internet is spreading in many fields, but in order to make data and programs owned by companies and individuals widely available on websites, such data and programs must be It is desirable that it is made public as an API (Application Program Interface). If a web AIP in which data and programs are converted into APIs is published, useful and highly functional content can be easily acquired via the Internet.

  For example, related information that has been distributed to multiple sites, such as restaurant information at a gourmet site, map information at a map site, and time information at a traffic information site, is published on each site using a web API. For example, since it is possible to easily respond to a request from another site operator, information on each site can be used on a single web page on an integrated web page such as a mashup site. We try to improve the convenience of web pages.

  However, collecting the master data, which is the original data, requires an enormous amount of work by setting up a site for collecting users and posting the data. In addition, in order to publish the web API, for example, a database is built in the server and a table suitable for own master data is created in a specific operation language, or a self-made program is installed to execute the program. Work such as setting a file and setting a master data search function must be performed, and technical knowledge such as input / output to the program is also required. In this way, the use of APIs for data and programs is limited in scope because it requires advanced technical knowledge and labor, and in particular, effective use of data and programs owned by many general users. The current situation is that it is no longer possible.

JP 2002-55819 A JP 2002-223186 A JP 2001-306417 A

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an information utilization system that can effectively utilize and utilize data and programs held by a large number of general users.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises an automatic API generation means for converting the master data registered in the server into an appropriate design specification that can be viewed or used by a third party and making it public. The automatic API generation means is configured to automatically create at least a database related to the registered master data and automatically design the output of the master data. The automatic API generation means according to the present invention can be configured to automatically create a program relating to the registered master data.

  According to the present invention having such a configuration, only by registering data owned by a large number of general users as master data in the server, the data of the climbed general users can be automatically generated by an API. Since it is converted into a database or program by API and converted into an API so as to have an appropriate output state, it is released as a database or program that can be easily viewed or used by a third party. The data that was supposed to be used easily and extensively by development users and site operators, and the spread of information has been dramatically improved.

  In the present invention, an advertisement distribution unit that distributes an advertisement having contents corresponding to the contents of the database browsed or used by the user to the user who browsed or used the database created by the automatic API generation unit is provided. It is possible.

  According to the present invention having such a configuration, an advertisement having a content corresponding to information required by the user is distributed to a user who needs specific information, which is useless for the advertisement distributor. Advertisement distribution is reduced, and necessary information for the user can be further obtained.

  Further, in the present invention, it is possible to provide a provider return means for determining a price to the data provider of the database corresponding to the frequency of browsing or using the database created by the automatic API generating means. .

  According to the present invention having such a configuration, for a user who has provided data having a high frequency of browsing or use, a price corresponding to the frequency of browsing or using the provided data will be paid, and from a general user, More valuable data with higher utilization will be provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, data stored by a large number of general users is registered as master data in a server, and the climbed general user data is converted into a database by the automatic API generation means. It is converted to an API so that it is in an appropriate output state, and the database that has been converted to API is made public so that it can be easily viewed or used by a third party. Since it is designed to spread the information so that it can be used widely by the site operator, the effective use of data and programs owned by many general users will be dramatically improved. Since the convenience is greatly improved, the company regulations such as user's post to multiple sites as before It is possible to eliminate the waste. Furthermore, since it is easy to use with home-applicable home appliances and the like, it will be possible to contribute to the future ubiquitous society, for example, if a system having a payment function is constructed, In addition, it is possible to realize electronic commerce through a trading site or the like by using tools and programs created by using the tool, and it is possible to further increase the use of the API.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. First, an overall configuration of an information utilization system including an automatic API generation unit according to the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in a data group 11 stored in the API creation server 1, data of a general user (master user) 2 made up of individuals and companies is registered as master data. An automatic API generation tool (APIC; Application Program Interface Creator) 12 for converting master data in the data group 11 into an API (Application Program Interface) is provided in the API creation server 1. The automatic API generation tool 12 has a function of converting the master data in the data group 11 into API data of master data having an appropriate specification that can be viewed or used by a third party as will be described later. Thus, at least, a database relating to registered master data and an output design of the database are automatically configured.

  Further, the automatic API generation tool 12 provided in the API creation server 1 is configured to be portable as it is in another user server 3. In this way, the automatic API generation tool 32 ported to the other user server 3 can appropriately design the master data registered in the data group 31 in the other user server 3 to be viewed or used by a third party. An API is made public in the specification database.

  As described above, the automatic API generation tools 12 and 32 provided in the above-described API creation server 1 and other user servers 3 output a database converted into an API in a format that can be easily used by a third party. This makes it possible to easily provide a user database in response to a request from an integrated web page such as a mashup site. These automatic API generation tools 12 and 32 can be configured not only to create and provide a database, but also to create and provide various program functions related to registered master data.

  Next, the functions of the above-described automatic API generation tools 12 and 32 and the information utilization system using the automatic API generation tools 12 and 32 will be described based on the flow of processing operation of the entire system. For example, the APIC site (Application Program Interface Creator Site) shown in FIG. 2 is a site formed by the information use system including the automatic API generation tools 12 and 32 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic API generation tools 12 and 32 and the function of the information utilization system using the automatic API generation tools 12 and 32 will be described in accordance with the data flow using the APIC site.

First, as the first step 1 (ST1), data registration by the master user MU is performed. The master user MU is a user who holds data composed of metadata or the like, but when the master user MU accesses the APIC site, the master data is registered in the server (API creation server) of the APIC site. Done. The input at the time of data registration by the master user MU is performed in the following generally familiar format, for example.
a. Direct input (Create a data database table and input directly)
b. Import from CSV, Excel file, etc. c. Input using template d. Other input

  As the next step 2 (ST2), automatic registration of the registered master data is performed. As described above, the master data registered by the master user MU through the APIC site is automatically converted into an API (function) by the automatic API generation tools (automatic API generation means) 12 and 32 described above. Specifically, the automatic API generation tools 12 and 32 have a configuration in which at least creation of a database related to master data and output design of the database or various program designs are automatically performed.

At this time, for example, the following items can be appropriately designated by the master user MU, and the output design of the master data can be changed until it is satisfied while checking on the test screen in the APIC site. .
a. Input / output specifications b. Data formatting (change of order, selection of data to be displayed, etc.)
c. Coding (Program code generation and confirmation)
d. test

  Further, as step 3 (ST3), API (function) master data is disclosed. The master data converted into APIs (functions) as described above is released after the expected output of the master user MU itself is confirmed by the test, whereby primary use of the master data is performed. If such master data is disclosed based on a template having a predetermined input / output specification, an API group that can be easily used by a development user DU or the like to be described later is created. It is possible to eliminate the social waste of designing the same thing separately.

  Further, at the time of primary use of the master data, the master user MU can set usage conditions and restriction conditions such as a usage fee and a daily access upper limit number. Furthermore, by creating a member account field in the table, it is possible to make the membership registration to the own site an API usage condition.

  In the next step 4 (ST4), the API of the master user MU is searched, discovered, and used by the development user DU that uses the API. In searching / discovering / using an API, for example, API usage is first determined in consideration of usage conditions, and the API usage decision is notified to the master user MU. The API usage status (popular API ranking, etc.) at that time and the search engine of the site using the API can be browsed on the APIC site.

  In the subsequent step 5 (ST5), the master data is secondarily used by the development user DU. The development user DU acquires and uses the API of the master user MU, develops an original mashup site and mashup software MSW, and publishes them as blog parts and gadgets. The mashup software MSW at this time may include other APIs. In addition, the development user DU may develop and publish another mashup API independently using the API of the master user MU.

  In step 6 (ST6), tertiary use of master data is performed by the site operator SA. That is, a general site operator SA creates its own site by using the mashup software MSW or mashup API (MAPI) developed by the development user DU or the site operator SA as described above. The third use of master data is performed by making it publicly available.

  It should be noted that the following step 7 includes another mashup API (MAPI) incorporated into the above-described mashup API (MAPI) for quaternary use, or multiple mashup APIs (MAPI) for quaternary use. As shown in (ST7), the data use dimension increases until it reaches the final end user.

  In step 7 (ST7), the final end user browses or uses the master data through the mashup software MSW, the site of the site operator SA, or the like, thereby using the end of the master data. .

  According to such an embodiment, just by registering data owned by a large number of general users MU as master data in the APIC server, the climbed general user data is converted into the automatic API generation means 12. , 32, and an API so that an appropriate output state is obtained, and it is disclosed as a database that can be easily viewed or used by a third party. Data is easily and widely used by the development user DU and the site operator SA, and the spread of information has been dramatically improved.

  Next, an embodiment in which an APIC site using the information utilization system according to the present invention is actually applied will be described.

  First, the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 assumes “A town fish shop” as the master data user MU, and the flow and spread of data in that case will be described below. It is assumed that the “A town fish shop” as the master data user MU has already published the API through the automatic API generation tools 12 and 32, and the data is generated by a certain number of development users DU and the site operator SA. It is assumed that is being used.

  First, fish data is registered in the first step 11. That is, the fish shop MU in A town as a master user registers the fish data purchased by accessing the APIC site in the API creation server. Registration at this time is performed, for example, by determining the purchase / sale price as shown in Table 1 below, but the output data from the API is automatically updated by such master data registration or update. The

In the next step 12, API design is performed by the API creation server, and the master data converted into the API, that is, the fish shop API is released. In the first embodiment, for example, the API is designed so that master data (fish shop API) including the following items is disclosed.
a. Name: A-machi_Fish_Search
b. Description: Deliver fresh seafood information purchased today!
c. Input: Name, Sales price limit, Keyword, Sort order (name or price)
d. Output: Name, Sales Price, Comment, Photo e. Usage conditions: Free Such master data output design is automatically performed by the automatic API generation tools 12 and 32 in the API creation server.

  In step 13 (ST13), a request for master data (fish shop API) that has been converted into an API and released as described above is made by a development user DU such as an individual programmer, and the mashup software MSW is made by the development user DU. Is constructed and published. More specifically, using the fish shop API (A-machi_Fish_Search) output from the APIC site as described above and other APIs, for example, mashups such as homepage parts and desktop gadgets related to the entire A town shopping street. Software MSW is built and released.

  Further, in the next step 14 (ST14), the mashup site MSW is constructed and disclosed by the site operator SA. For example, the above-mentioned mashup software MSW of the individual programmer DU and mashup software MSW using other APIs are incorporated, and for example, “A town gourmet site” is constructed and released.

  On the other hand, in step 15 (ST15), the development user DU or the site operator SA constructs and discloses a mashup site. In this mashup site, for example, a “national fish shop information site” is constructed and released using the fish shop API (A-machi_Fish_Search) described above and other APIs.

  When such “A town gourmet site” and “Nationwide fish shop information site” are released, for example, in step 16 (ST16), use by an individual consumer (general user) is performed. That is, an individual consumer (general user) checks the data of the A town shopping street by using the desktop gadget of the development user DU described above to help with daily shopping. The purchase is decided by obtaining information that the fillet is “bargain”.

  In step 17 (ST17), the use is performed by an Italian restaurant (general user) in town B. For example, in an Italian restaurant in B town, the A town gourmet site is checked on a daily basis, and one day, focusing on the data of fish shop in A town, the partnership as the supplier is decided.

  Furthermore, in step 18 (ST18), the use by the utilization by the sushi restaurant (general user) of C town is performed. For example, a sushi restaurant in C town is looking for a better supplier on a nationwide fish shop site on a daily basis, and one day, paying attention to the data of the fish shop in A town, and decided to partner with that supplier To do.

  On the other hand, the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 assumes the “current position of the taxi driver”.

  First, in the first step 21, data on the current position of each taxi driver is registered. That is, taxis A, B, and C as master users access the APIC site and register the current position data as master data in the API creation server.

  In the next step 22 (ST22), API design is performed by the API creation server, and the master data converted into API, that is, the taxi driver API as shown in the figure is disclosed. Then, in step 23 (ST23), a request for master data (taxi driver API) published as an API as described above is made by a development user DU such as an individual programmer, and mashed up by the development user DU. Software MSW is constructed and released. More specifically, using the taxi driver API output from the APIC site and other APIs as described above, mashup software MSW such as homepage parts and desktop gadgets related to taxi operation is constructed and released. Is done.

  Further, in the next step 24 (ST24), the mashup site MSW is constructed and disclosed by the site operator SA. For example, the above-mentioned mashup software MSW of the individual programmer DU and mashup software MSW using other APIs are incorporated, and for example, a “national taxi operation status guide” is constructed and released.

  When such a “national taxi service status guide” is released, for example, in step 25 (ST25), it is used by an individual consumer (general user). That is, a general consumer such as an individual consumer or a hotel checks the taxi operation status and uses it for daily use.

  On the other hand, the API creation server 1 shown in FIG. 1 described above can be provided with an advertisement distribution means for distributing an appropriate advertisement to a user who has used it. And as an advertisement delivery means in that case, the content corresponding to the content of the database which the user browsed or used for the user who browsed or used the database created by the automatic API generation tools 12 and 32, for example. An advertisement can be distributed. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, an advertisement related to the content of API data acquired by the data usage site 4 to the data usage site (user) 4 that acquired the API data from the API creation server 1. Are delivered simultaneously from the advertisement delivery means 13 provided in the API creation server 1.

  If such a configuration is adopted, advertisements with contents corresponding to the information required by the users will be distributed to users who need specific information, which is useless advertisement distribution for advertisement distributors. As a result, information necessary for the user can be further obtained.

  In addition to such an advertisement distribution means 13, the API creation server 1 can also be provided with a provider return means 14 for determining a consideration for the data provider. In other words, the provider return means 14 in this case corresponds to the data provider 2 (MU) of the database corresponding to the frequency of browsing or using the database created by the automatic API generation tools 12 and 32. It has a function to decide. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a part of the advertising revenue and the revenue generated at the data use site 4 is sent from the provider return means 14 provided in the API creation server 1 to the data provider 2. Reduced to (MU).

  If such a configuration is adopted, the compensation corresponding to the frequency of browsing or using the provided data will be paid to the data provider 2 (MU) that provided the data that is frequently viewed or used. More valuable data with higher utilization will be provided by the user.

  Although the embodiments of the invention made by the present inventor have been specifically described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Nor.

  As described above, the network type real-time communication system according to the present invention can be widely used for various systems.

It is a block diagram showing the whole structure of the information utilization system in one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the information use system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment as a specific usage example of the information use system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment as a specific usage example of the information use system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment as a more specific usage example of the information use system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Explanation of symbols

1 API creation server 2 General user 3 Other user server 4 Data usage site (user)
11 Data Group 12 Automatic API Generation Tool 13 Advertisement Distribution Unit 14 Provider Return Unit 31 Data Group 32 Automatic API Generation Tool MU Master User (Data Provider)
DU Development User SA Site Operator MSW Mashup Software MAPI Mashup API

Claims (4)

An automatic API generation unit that publishes the master data registered in the server as an API into an appropriate design specification that can be viewed or used by a third party,
The automatic API generation means is configured to automatically create at least a database related to the registered master data and automatically design the output of the database.   2. The information utilization system according to claim 1, wherein the automatic API generation means is configured to automatically create a program related to the registered master data.   An advertisement distribution unit that distributes an advertisement corresponding to the contents of the database browsed or used by the user to a user who browsed or used the database created by the automatic API generation unit, The information use system according to claim 1.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising provider return means for determining a price to a data provider of the database corresponding to the frequency of browsing or using the database created by the automatic API generation means. Information utilization system.

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