JP2010154261A - Group identifier generation system, mobile terminal, identification server, group identifier generating method, application service system and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable group identifier distribution to each member's terminal through a simple terminal operation by each member, even if the group members first meet each other. <P>SOLUTION: A mobile terminal 1 of each member belonging to the same group transmits an image photographing the same subject 5 to an identification server 3 (S2). The identification server judges the mobile terminal 1 of the member belonging to the same group based on a similarity degree of images received from a plurality of mobile terminals 1 (S3). Based on a judgement result, an identifier for the group is returned to the mobile terminals of the members belonging to the same group (S5). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a group identifier generation system, a portable terminal, an identification server, a group identifier generation method, an application service system, and a computer program.

  Conventionally, for example, an online photo sharing service system disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 is known as a system that provides an application service such as execution or download of an application to a specific group. In this online photo sharing service system, a storage space for uploading an album is provided online to a certain user, and the storage space can be disclosed to other users. In the online photo sharing service system, a user procedure when sharing a photo for a certain group will be described.

  First, a user in a group signs up for an online photo sharing service and gets an account. Next, the user creates an album space (storage space) for a certain group on the account. An identifier (for example, URL (Uniform Resource Locator) etc.) that can be uniquely identified is assigned to the album space. The user then sends an identifier to the group in order to share the album space with the group. As a method for transmitting this identifier, it is transmitted by e-mail, or directly transferred between terminals by infrared communication. Next, the user who has received the identifier can receive the photo sharing service by accessing the album space using the identifier.

Patent Document 1 discloses a method of generating a common key within a group and sharing the common key. In this method, the identifier of each other's terminal is registered in the address book among some members who have an acquaintance relationship. And even if you do not share ID information such as email addresses of everyone between groups, if some members are in an acquaintance relationship, use the acquaintance relationship information to notify the information via an ad hoc network On the other hand, a shared key is generated and shared.
“Picasa Web Album”, [Search December 8, 2008], Internet <URL: http://picasaweb.google.com/home> JP 2005-223773 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, when a common application service is provided to a group that is temporarily formed at a travel destination or the like and the first meeting is a member, the group identifier or common key is shared by the group. Inconvenient. For example, in Non-Patent Document 1, in order for a user who has acquired an account to send the group identifier by e-mail, it is necessary to have the e-mail addresses of all the members belonging to the group one by one, which is troublesome. It is also possible that members who are hesitant to participate due to fear of e-mail address leakage. Although it is conceivable to transmit the identifier using infrared communication, it is necessary for the user who has acquired the account to perform infrared communication for each person, which is troublesome.

  Moreover, in patent document 1, when all the members meet for the first time, it cannot utilize. Furthermore, in order to construct an ad hoc network with a wireless LAN, an identifier called SSID is required as an identifier for participating in the network. However, when all the members meet for the first time, it is necessary to teach the SSID between the members, It takes time and effort. It is possible for each user's terminal to broadcast the SSID in a beacon, but in this case, the SSID may leak not only to the members of the group but also to nearby unrelated terminals.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a group identifier to each member's terminal by a simple terminal operation by each member even if the first meeting is a group of members. It is an object of the present invention to provide a group identifier generation system that can be distributed.

  In order to solve the above problems, a group identifier generation system according to the present invention is a group identifier generation system configured such that a mobile terminal and an identification server can communicate with each other via a mobile communication network. Imaging means or sound input means, recording means for recording the captured image or input sound, transmission means for transmitting the recorded image or sound to the identification server, and a reply to the transmission from the identification server Receiving means for receiving an identifier for a group, wherein the identification server includes receiving means for receiving images or sounds from the portable terminal, a database for storing received images or sounds, and a plurality of portable terminals. Same group determination means for determining mobile terminals of members belonging to the same group based on the similarity of the received image or sound; Based on the results, and transmitting means for returning an identifier for the group to members of the mobile terminals belonging to the same group, and having a.

  In the group identifier generation system according to the present invention, the same group determination means is provided with a plurality of values corresponding to the number of members belonging to one group as a threshold for determining the similarity of images or sounds. To do.

  In the group identifier generation system according to the present invention, the identification server records the registration time of an image or sound in the database, and the same group determination means only when the time difference between the registration times is within a certain time. The mobile terminals are classified as candidates belonging to the same group.

  In the group identifier generation system according to the present invention, the transmission means of the portable terminal transmits a transmission time together with an image or sound to the identification server, the identification server records the transmission time in the database, and the same The group determination means is characterized in that the corresponding mobile terminals are candidates for belonging to the same group only when the time difference between the transmission times is within a predetermined time.

  In the group identifier generation system according to the present invention, the transmitting means of the mobile terminal transmits the position information of the terminal together with the image or sound to the identification server, and the identification server records the position information in the database. The same group determination means is characterized in that the corresponding portable terminals are candidates for belonging to the same group only when the distance difference between the positions based on the position information is within a certain distance.

  In the group identifier generation system according to the present invention, the transmission means of the portable terminal transmits the image capture time or the sound input time together with the image or sound to the identification server, and the identification server stores the image in the database. The imaging time or the voice input time is recorded, and the same group determination unit sets the corresponding mobile terminals as candidates belonging to the same group only when the time difference between the imaging time or the voice input time is within a predetermined time. It is characterized by that.

  In the group identifier generation system according to the present invention, the same group determination unit corrects the similarity according to the time difference of the transmission time, the distance difference of the position, or the time difference of the imaging time or the voice input time. Features.

  A portable terminal according to the present invention is a portable terminal capable of communicating with an identification server via a mobile communication network, and includes imaging means or voice input means, recording means for recording a captured image or input voice, and recording And transmitting means for transmitting the image or sound to the identification server, and receiving means for receiving a group identifier from the identification server as a reply to the transmission.

  An identification server according to the present invention is an identification server capable of communicating with a mobile terminal via a mobile communication network, and receiving means for receiving an image captured by the mobile terminal or an input voice from the mobile terminal, The same group determining means for determining the mobile terminals of members belonging to the same group based on the similarity of the images or sounds received from a plurality of mobile terminals, the database for accumulating the image or sound, and the result of the determination And transmitting means for returning the group identifier to the mobile terminals of the members belonging to the same group.

A computer program according to the present invention is a computer program for performing group identifier generation processing in an identification server capable of communicating with a mobile terminal via a mobile communication network, and an image captured by the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal or Based on the step of receiving the input sound, the step of storing the received image or sound in the database, and the similarity of the images or sounds received from a plurality of portable terminals, the mobile terminals of the members belonging to the same group A computer program for causing a computer to execute a determination step and a step of returning a group identifier to a mobile terminal of a member belonging to the same group based on the determination result.
Thereby, the above-described identification server can be realized using a computer.

  The group identifier generation method according to the present invention is a group identifier generation method in a group identifier generation system in which a mobile terminal and an identification server are configured to be communicable via a mobile communication network, and each of the members belonging to the same group The portable terminal transmits the image obtained by capturing the same subject or the sound input from the same sound source to the identification server, and the identification server is the same based on the similarity of the images or sounds received from the plurality of portable terminals. A step of determining a mobile terminal of a member belonging to a group, and a step of returning the group identifier to the mobile terminal of a member belonging to the same group based on a result of the determination by the identification server. To do.

  An application service system according to the present invention provides an application server that provides application services to mobile terminals of members belonging to the same group in cooperation with any of the group identifier generation systems described above and the identification server of the group identifier generation system. It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, even in a group in which the first meeting is a member, the group identifier can be delivered to each member's terminal by a simple terminal operation by each member.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a group identifier generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a portable terminal 1 is owned by a member belonging to a group, and can communicate by wireless connection to a mobile communication network 2. The identification server 3 can directly connect to the mobile communication network 2 or indirectly through another communication network such as the Internet, and can communicate with the mobile terminal 1 through the mobile communication network 2. is there. The application server 4 connects directly to the mobile communication network 2 or indirectly through another communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and communicates with the mobile terminal 1 through the mobile communication network 2. Is possible. The application server 4 can communicate with the identification server 3 via a communication network (not shown) such as the Internet. The subject 5 and the sound source 6 are common to members belonging to the group.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the mobile terminal 1 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 1 includes a media information acquisition unit 10, a communication unit 16, and an application unit 17. The media information acquisition unit 10 includes a camera 11, a recording unit 12, a microphone 13, a recording unit 14, and an information generation unit 15.

  In the media information acquisition unit 10, the camera 11 images a subject. The captured image may be a still image or a moving image. The recording unit 12 records the captured image. The microphone 13 inputs sound. The recording unit 14 records the input voice.

  The information generation unit 15 generates media information. The media information includes recorded images or recorded sounds. Furthermore, information on the time when an image is captured or the time when sound is input may be included in the media information. The media information acquisition unit 10 outputs the media information to the communication unit 16.

  The communication unit 16 performs communication by wireless connection to the mobile communication network 2. The communication unit 16 transmits identification information to the identification server 3. The identification information includes media information. Furthermore, the time or position information when transmitting the identification information may be included in the identification information. Examples of the position information of the portable terminal 1 include position information measured by GPS (Global Positioning System), information that can identify a base station to which the portable terminal 1 is wirelessly connected (base station information), and the like.

  The communication unit 16 receives the group identifier from the identification server 3 as a response to the transmission of the identification information. The communication unit 16 sends the received group identifier to the application unit 17.

  The application unit 17 uses the group identifier received from the communication unit 16 to access the application server 4 and receive application service. The application unit 17 sends and receives data to and from the application server 4 via the communication unit 16.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the identification server 3 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the identification server 3 includes a communication unit 31, an identification unit 32, an application cooperation unit 33, and a database 34.
The communication unit 31 communicates with the mobile terminal 1 via the mobile communication network 2. The communication unit 31 communicates with the application server 4 via a communication network such as the Internet.

  The identification unit 32 transmits / receives data to / from the mobile terminal 1 via the communication unit 31. The identification unit 32 receives identification information from the mobile terminal 1. The database 34 stores identification information received from the mobile terminal 1. Based on the identification information received from the plurality of portable terminals 1, the identification unit 32 determines the member portable terminals 1 belonging to the same group. Based on the determination result, the identification unit 32 returns the group identifier to the mobile terminals 1 belonging to the same group.

  Further, the identification unit 32 sends a set of the terminal identifier of the mobile terminal 1 of the member belonging to the same group and the group identifier to the application cooperation unit 33.

  The application cooperation unit 33 transmits and receives data to and from the application server 4 via the communication unit 31. The application cooperation unit 33 transmits the set of the terminal identifiers of the mobile terminals 1 of the members belonging to the same group and the group identifiers received from the identification unit 32 to the application server 4.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the application server 4 shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the application server 4 includes a communication unit 41 and an application providing unit 42.
The communication unit 41 communicates with the mobile terminal 1 via the mobile communication network 2. The communication unit 41 communicates with the identification server 3 via a communication network such as the Internet.

  The application providing unit 42 receives from the identification server 3 a set of the terminal identifier of the mobile terminal 1 of the member belonging to the same group and the group identifier. The application providing unit 42 prepares to provide an application service based on the received set of terminal identifier and group identifier. Then, when accessed from the mobile terminal 1, the application providing unit 42 provides an application service based on the terminal identifier and the group identifier.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing the overall flow of the group identifier generation procedure according to this embodiment. The operation of the group identifier generation system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. In the following description, a case where an image recorded on the mobile terminal 1 is used as media information will be described as an example.

  Step S <b> 1: Each member belonging to the same group images the same subject 5 using the respective mobile terminal 1. Thereby, the portable terminal 1 records the captured image of the subject 5. At this time, the portable terminal 1 records the imaged time in association with the recorded image. The portable terminal 1 generates media information including recorded images and imaging time information.

  Step S2: Each member transmits identification information to the identification server 3 using the respective portable terminal 1. Thereby, the portable terminal 1 transmits the identification information including the information on the time for transmitting the media information and the identification information and the information on the position of the own terminal to the identification server 3 together with the own terminal identifier.

  Step S3: The identification server 3 determines the member portable terminals 1 belonging to the same group based on the identification information received from the plurality of portable terminals 1. This same group determination process will be described later. The identification server 3 generates the group identifier for the mobile terminals 1 of the members belonging to the same group based on the result of the same group determination process.

Step S4-1: The identification server 3 transmits a set of the terminal identifier of the mobile terminal 1 of the member belonging to the same group and the group identifier to the application server 4.
Step S4-2: When the application server 4 receives from the identification server 3 the set of the terminal identifier of the mobile terminal 1 of the member belonging to the same group and the identifier for the group, the application server 4 sets the set of the received terminal identifier and the group identifier. Prepare to provide application services based on this. For example, when providing an online photo sharing service, an album space (storage space) corresponding to a group identifier is secured, and access rights are set only for terminal identifiers included in the group identifier group. To do.

  Step S5: The identification server 3 returns the group identifier to the mobile terminals 1 of the members belonging to the same group based on the result of the same group determination process in step S3. At this time, the identification server 3 may notify the number of group members together with the group identifier for member confirmation. As a result, when the notified number of members is different from the actual number of members, the member can improve the safety of the group identifier by regenerating the group identifier.

  Step S6: Each member accesses the application server 4 using the mobile terminal 1 and requests provision of an application service. Thereby, the portable terminal 1 transmits its own terminal identifier to the application server 4 together with the group identifier received from the identification server 3, and requests provision of the application service. The application server 4 determines whether or not the application service can be provided for the terminal identifier and the group identifier received from the portable terminal 1, and starts providing the application service to the portable terminal 1 when the provision is possible. For example, when providing an online photo sharing service, whether or not an access right may be granted to a terminal identifier received from the mobile terminal 1 for an album space corresponding to the group identifier received from the mobile terminal 1 Is determined based on the access right setting information, and if the access right can be granted, the access right is granted. Thereby, the portable terminal 1 having the terminal identifier to which the access right to the album space is given can upload a photo to the album space or browse the uploaded photo.

  The portable terminal 1 may transmit the user identifier together with the identification information to the identification server 3 in step S2, and the identification server 3 may also transmit the user identifier to the application server 4 in step S4-1. The user identifier may be arbitrary, is used like a nickname, and can be used for confirmation of group members. In addition, on the application provided by the application server 4, the uniqueness of the group may be maintained by combining the user identifier with the group identifier and the terminal identifier.

  Further, when the application server 4 provides a plurality of application services or provides a plurality of application servers 4, the information that the portable terminal 1 specifies an application together with the identification information in the step S <b> 2 is the identification server 3. The identification server 3 may be configured to transmit information to the designated application server 4 in step S4-1.

Next, the same group determination process in step S3 shown in FIG. 5 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the same group determination process performed by the identification unit 32 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the same group determination processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  Step S3-1: The identification unit 32 registers the identification information received from a certain portable terminal 1 in the database 34. The identification information registered in the database 34 is arranged in the registration order in the database 34. Further, the registered time is recorded in the database 34. Note that the identification information newly registered in the database 34 in step S3-1 is referred to as “registration information”.

  Step S3-2: The identification unit 32 selects the identification information to be compared with the registration information from the database 34 in the reverse order of registration from the newest one to the old one, while performing the following step S3-3. To S3-14. When all the repetitions are completed, the processing in FIG. 6 is terminated. Note that the identification information selected as a target to be compared with the registered information in step S3-2 is referred to as “comparison information”.

Step S3-3: The identifying unit 32 compares the registration information and the comparison information with the registration time in the database 34, and determines whether the time difference is within a certain time. If the time difference between the registration time of the registration information and the comparison information is within a certain time, the process proceeds to step S3-4, and if not, the process of FIG. The reason for this is that if it is identification information relating to members belonging to the same group, it should be transmitted to the identification server 3 within a not so long period, so the difference in registration time from the identification information registered immediately before Is not within a certain period of time, the registration information is likely to be identification information registered for the first time in the affiliated group, and therefore, it is highly likely that the same group related to the registration information cannot be determined yet. Therefore, the process of FIG. 6 is terminated to improve the efficiency of the same group determination process.
In addition, the value (threshold value) of the fixed time is set to be larger than the limit (limit value) of the time difference of transmission time and the limit (limit value) of the time difference of imaging time described later.

  Step S3-4: When information at the time of communication (transmission time information, position information) is added to each of the registration information and the comparison information, the identification unit 32 compares the information. If transmission time information is added, the transmission times are compared. If position information is added, the positions are compared. Here, a transmission time comparison method and a position comparison method will be described.

[Send time comparison method]
The time difference between the transmission time related to the registration information and the transmission time related to the comparison information is calculated, and the difference value is compared with the limit value to determine whether the difference value exceeds the limit value. If the difference value exceeds the limit value, the comparison information is related to a group different from the registration information, and the process returns to step S3-2 to perform processing using the next identification information as comparison information. On the other hand, if the difference value is within the limit value, a bonus for the similarity is determined according to the difference value. An example of this bonus is shown in FIG. There are two ways to give a bonus: bonus addition and bonus accumulation. FIG. 7 shows an example of a bonus when the bonus addition is employed and an example of a bonus when the bonus accumulation is employed.

[Position comparison method]
The distance difference between the position related to the registration information and the position related to the comparison information is calculated, the difference value is compared with the limit value, and it is determined whether the difference value exceeds the limit value. If the difference value exceeds the limit value, the comparison information is related to a group different from the registration information, and the process returns to step S3-2 to perform processing using the next identification information as comparison information. On the other hand, if the difference value is within the limit value, a bonus for the similarity is determined according to the difference value. There are two ways to give a bonus: bonus addition and bonus accumulation. As an example of bonus when adopting bonus addition,
For exact match: + 10%
If adjacent: + 5%
Etc. As an example of bonus when using bonus accumulation,
For exact match: * 1.1 times
When adjacent: * 1.05 times etc. are mentioned. Whether or not they are adjacent to each other is determined by providing a threshold value (a value smaller than the limit value).
When the position information is information on base stations of the mobile communication network 2, it is conceivable that even the mobile terminals 1 that are members belonging to the same group are wirelessly connected to different base stations. For this reason, not only the coincidence of the base stations but also the adjacent base stations may be accepted.

  Step S3-5: When the information on the imaging time is added to each of the registration information and the comparison information, the identification unit 32 compares the imaging time. Here, a method for comparing imaging times will be described.

[Imaging time comparison method]
A time difference between the imaging time related to the registration information and the imaging time related to the comparison information is calculated, and the difference value is compared with the limit value to determine whether the difference value exceeds the limit value. If the difference value exceeds the limit value, the comparison information is related to a group different from the registration information, and the process returns to step S3-2 to perform processing using the next identification information as comparison information. On the other hand, if the difference value is within the limit value, a bonus for the similarity is determined according to the difference value. The method of giving this bonus and its example are the same as in FIG.

  Step S3-6: The identification unit 32 compares the images added to the registration information and the comparison information. Here, an image comparison method will be described.

[Image comparison method]
The feature amount of the image related to the registration information and the feature amount of the image related to the comparison information are respectively calculated, and the feature amounts of both are compared. Based on the result of this comparison, the similarity between the image related to the registration information and the image related to the comparison information is obtained according to a predetermined rule. The bonus determined in steps S3-4 and S3-5 is given to the obtained similarity. In the subsequent determination, the similarity after the bonus is used is used. For example, a histogram of color types included in the image can be used as the feature amount of the image.

  Step S3-7: The identification unit 32 compares the similarity determined in step S3-6 with a threshold and determines whether the similarity is equal to or greater than the threshold. As a result, if the similarity is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S3-8. On the other hand, if the degree of similarity is less than the threshold value, the comparison information is related to a group different from the registration information, and the process returns to step S3-2 to process the next identification information as comparison information.

  In step S3-7, a plurality of similarity determination thresholds may be provided. The plurality of threshold values are values according to the number of members belonging to one group. When a plurality of thresholds for determining similarity are provided, the following steps S3-8 to S3-13 are performed for each threshold, and the result is recorded for each threshold.

  Step S3-8: In the registration information entry in the database 34, the identification unit 32 records reference information for referring to the comparison information entry in the comparison target column, and records the similarity to the comparison information. To do. Further, in the comparison information entry, the identification unit 32 records reference information for referring to the registration information entry in the comparison target column, and records the degree of similarity with the registration information. Thereby, the entry of the registration information and the entry of the comparison information can be referred to each other, and the similarity between the registration information and the comparison information can be referred to each other.

  Step S3-9: The identification unit 32 confirms whether or not the group identifier is recorded in the group identifier column in the comparison information entry in the database 34. As a result, if the group identifier has already been recorded, the process proceeds to step S3-10. If the group identifier has not yet been recorded, the process proceeds to step S3-13.

  Step S3-10: The identification unit 32 copies the data (group identifier) in the group identifier column of the comparison information entry to the group identifier column of the registration information entry in the database 34. Further, the identification unit 32 adds a value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the member number column of the comparison information entry in the column of the member number of the entry of the registration information in the database 34 (this value is referred to as “N”). Record.

  Step S3-11: The identification unit 32 starts with the entry of the comparison information in the database 34 as the starting point, and performs step S3-on all entries that can be referred to by the reference information recorded in all the comparison target columns in each entry. The process of 12 is repeated. And after the process of step S3-12 with respect to all the entries used as the object is complete | finished, it progresses to step S3-14. Note that the number of columns to be compared is not limited to one in each entry, and there may be a plurality of columns, and the processing of step S3-12 is performed for each of them. Further, what is to be processed here includes not only the entry referred to in the comparison target column of a certain entry but also the entry referred to in the comparison target column in the referenced entry. That is, all entries associated with the reference information in the comparison target column are set as processing targets. However, once an entry is processed, it is not processed redundantly.

  Step S3-12: The identification unit 32 updates the value of the member number column to N in the entry to be processed. Then, it returns to step S3-11.

  Step S3-13: The identification unit 32 assigns a new unique group identifier to the registration information and the comparison information. Then, in both the registration information and the comparison information, the identification unit 32 records the assigned group identifier in the group identifier column and sets “2” (this “2” to “ N ”). After this, the process proceeds to step S3-14.

  Step S3-14: The identification unit 32 determines the same group. At this time, if there is only one threshold value for determining similarity in step S3-7, the results of steps S3-8 to S3-13 are unique. It is determined that the identification information associated with the reference information recorded in the comparison target column belongs to the same group as the registration information.

  On the other hand, if there are a plurality of similarity determination threshold values in step S3-7, the results of steps S3-8 to S3-13 exist for each threshold value. Among these results, the current number of members In accordance with the result relating to the threshold value corresponding to “N”, the identification information associated with the reference information recorded in the comparison target column of the registration information entry is determined to belong to the same group as the registration information To do.

  The identification part 32 assumes that the portable terminal 1 of the transmission source of the information for identification which concerns on the same group is the portable terminal 1 of the member which belongs to the same group.

  Based on the similarity of the images included in the identification information, the mobile terminals 1 that are the transmission sources of the identification information including the images with high similarity belong to the same group based on the same group determination process in FIG. It is determined that there is. However, only those satisfying certain conditions are included in the same group. Specifically, only those whose registration time of identification information falls within a certain range are included in the same group. Alternatively, only those whose transmission time of identification information falls within a certain range are included in the same group. Or only the thing in which the position of the portable terminal 1 at the time of transmission of the identification information falls within a certain range is included in the same group. Alternatively, only those in which the imaging time of the image included in the identification information falls within a certain range are included in the same group. Further, the similarity of the images is corrected according to the degree satisfying the certain condition.

In addition, as the threshold for determining the similarity of images used in step S3-7, a plurality of values corresponding to the number of members belonging to one group can be set. This is because a rational operation can be performed by changing the similarity criterion according to the number of members belonging to the group.
For example, when the number of members is large, even if the same subject 5 is imaged, it is expected that it is difficult to acquire images with high similarity between a large number (for example, 100) of mobile terminals 1. In such a case, it is reasonable to improve the accuracy of the determination result of the same group by lowering the similarity determination threshold by lowering the similarity determination threshold.

  On the other hand, when the number of members is small (for example, two or three people), it can be expected that an image having a high degree of similarity is acquired between the mobile terminals 1 of the members. For this reason, even if the threshold for judging similarity is raised and the criteria for judging similarity are tightened, it can be expected that the accuracy of the judgment result of the same group is maintained at a problem-free level. From the viewpoint of sex, it is reasonable to operate with strict criteria for similarity.

  8 to 12 are configuration examples of the database 34 shown in FIG. 8 to 12, the database 34 in the case where identification information is sequentially transmitted from the four mobile terminals 1 (terminal identifiers are a, b, c, and d) to the identification server 3. It is each registration result. Hereinafter, the same group determination process of FIG. 6 described above will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. It is assumed that the threshold for determining the similarity of images is 90%, the threshold for the time difference between registration times is 1 minute, and the limit value for the time difference between the imaging time and the transmission time is 30 seconds. Moreover, it determines with it being the same group, only when the base station of the connection destination of the portable terminal 1 is the same.

  First, the registration result of the database 34 when the identification information from the mobile terminal 1 (a) is received will be described with reference to FIG. At this stage, no other identification information is registered in the database 34, or the time difference between the registration times exceeds the threshold value, so that the processing after step S3-3 in FIG. 6 is not performed.

  Next, the registration result of the database 34 when the identification information from the mobile terminal 1 (b) is received will be described with reference to FIG. At this stage, the processing from step S3-3 onward in FIG. 6 is performed using the identification information from the portable terminal 1 (b) as registration information and the identification information from the portable terminal 1 (a) as comparison information. In step S3-3, since the time difference between the registration times is 3 seconds and within the threshold “1 minute”, the process proceeds to step S3-4. In step S3-4, since the time difference of the transmission time is 3 seconds and is within the limit value “30 seconds” of the time difference of the transmission time, the bonus addition “+ 7.5%” of FIG. 7 is applied. Furthermore, since the connection destination is the same base station, the bonus addition “+ 10%” is applied. Next, in step S3-5, since the time difference of the imaging time is 5 seconds and is within the limit value “30 seconds” of the time difference of the imaging time, the bonus addition “+ 7.5%” of FIG. 7 is applied. As a result, the total bonus addition is “+ 25%”.

  Next, in step S3-6, the image similarity calculation result is “0%”, but as a result of reflecting the bonus addition “+ 25%”, the image similarity is determined to be “25%”. Next, in step S3-7, the image similarity is “25%”, which is below the threshold value “90%”. Therefore, the process returns to step S3-2, and there is no unprocessed comparison target. To do. In the example of FIG. 9, the information at the time of imaging and the information at the time of communication match, but the similarity between the images is low, so the mobile terminal 1 (a) and the mobile terminal 1 (b) are related to the same group. It was not judged.

  Next, the registration result of the database 34 when the identification information from the mobile terminal 1 (c) is received will be described with reference to FIG. At this stage, the processing after step S3-3 in FIG. 6 is performed using the identification information from the portable terminal 1 (c) as registration information and the identification information from the portable terminal 1 (b) as comparison information first. . In step S3-3, since the time difference between the registration times is 2 seconds and within the threshold “1 minute”, the process proceeds to step S3-4. In step S3-4, since the time difference of the transmission time is 2 seconds and is within the limit value “30 seconds” of the time difference of the transmission time, the bonus addition “+ 7.5%” of FIG. 7 is applied.

  However, since the connection destination base station is different, the process returns to step S3-2, and the next identification information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (a)) is used as comparison information, and the steps after step S3-3 in FIG. Processing is performed. In step S3-3, since the time difference between the registration times is 5 seconds and within the threshold “1 minute”, the process proceeds to step S3-4. In step S3-4, since the time difference of the transmission time is 5 seconds and is within the limit value “30 seconds” of the time difference of the transmission time, the bonus addition “+ 7.5%” of FIG. 7 is applied. However, since the connection destination base station is different, the process returns to step S3-2, and there is no unprocessed comparison target, so the process of FIG. 6 ends. In the example of FIG. 10, since the connection destination base station is different, it is not determined that the mobile terminal 1 (c) belongs to the same group in either of the mobile terminals 1 (a) and (b).

  Next, a registration result of the database 34 when the identification information from the mobile terminal 1 (d) is received will be described with reference to FIG. At this stage, the processing after step S3-3 in FIG. 6 is performed using the identification information from the portable terminal 1 (d) as registration information and the identification information from the portable terminal 1 (c) as comparison information first. . In step S3-3, since the time difference between the registration times is 3 seconds and within the threshold “1 minute”, the process proceeds to step S3-4. In step S3-4, since the time difference of the transmission time is 8 seconds and is within the limit value “30 seconds” of the time difference of the transmission time, the bonus addition “+ 7.5%” of FIG. 7 is applied.

  However, since the connection destination base station is different, the process returns to step S3-2, and the next identification information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (b)) is used as comparison information, and the steps after step S3-3 in FIG. Processing is performed. In step S3-3, since the time difference between the registration times is 5 seconds and within the threshold “1 minute”, the process proceeds to step S3-4. In step S3-4, since the time difference of the transmission time is 6 seconds and is within the limit value “30 seconds” of the time difference of the transmission time, the bonus addition “+ 7.5%” of FIG. 7 is applied. Furthermore, since the connection destination is the same base station, the bonus addition “+ 10%” is applied. Next, in step S3-5, since the time difference of the imaging time is 2 seconds and is within the limit value “30 seconds” of the time difference of the imaging time, the bonus addition “+ 7.5%” of FIG. 7 is applied. As a result, the total bonus addition is “+ 25%”.

  Next, in step S3-6, the image similarity calculation result is “0%”, but as a result of reflecting the bonus addition “+ 25%”, the image similarity is determined to be “25%”. Next, in step S3-7, since the image similarity is “25%” and falls below the threshold value “90%”, the process returns to step S3-2, and the next identification information (for identification from the portable terminal 1 (a)). The information after step S3-3 in FIG. 6 is performed using the information) as comparison information. In step S3-3, since the time difference between the registration times is 8 seconds and within the threshold “1 minute”, the process proceeds to step S3-4. In step S3-4, since the time difference of the transmission time is 3 seconds and is within the limit value “30 seconds” of the time difference of the transmission time, the bonus addition “+ 7.5%” of FIG. 7 is applied. Furthermore, since the connection destination is the same base station, the bonus addition “+ 10%” is applied. Next, in step S3-5, since the time difference of the imaging time is 3 seconds and is within the limit value “30 seconds” of the time difference of the imaging time, the bonus addition “+ 7.5%” of FIG. 7 is applied. As a result, the total bonus addition is “+ 25%”.

  Next, in step S3-6, the image similarity calculation result is “85%”, but as a result of reflecting the bonus addition “+ 25%”, the image similarity is determined to be “110%”. Next, in step S3-7, since the image similarity is “110%” and exceeds the threshold value “90%”, the process proceeds to step S3-8. In step S3-8, the entry of the comparison information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (a)) is referred to in the comparison target 1 column of the entry of the registration information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (d)). Reference information (database ID “1”) is recorded, and a similarity value “110” with the comparison information is recorded. Further, in the entry of comparison information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (a)), reference information for referring to the entry of registration information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (d)) in the comparison target column. (Database ID “4”) is recorded, and a similarity value “110” with the registration information is recorded.

  Next, in step S3-9, the group identifier field is not registered in the entry of the comparison information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (a)), the process proceeds to step S3-13. In step S3-13, “abcde” is assigned as a new group identifier, and registration information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (d)) and comparison information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (a)) are stored. In both entries, the assigned group identifier “abcde” is recorded in the group identifier column, and “2” is recorded in the member number column.

  Next, in step S3-14, in this example, since there is one threshold for determining the similarity of images, the result of the same group determination process is one, and “mobile terminals 1 (a), (d ) Are related to the same group, and the group identifier is “abcde”. Thereafter, the process returns to step S3-2, and the processing of FIG. 11, the similarity “85%” of the image itself is below the threshold “90%”, but exceeds the threshold “90%” by the bonus addition “+ 25%”, so that the mobile terminal 1 (a) and It was determined that the mobile terminal 1 (d) belongs to the same group.

  Next, a registration result of the database 34 when the identification information from the mobile terminal 1 (e) is received will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, it is assumed that two thresholds corresponding to the number of members belonging to the same group are provided as thresholds for determining the similarity of images. The threshold when the number of members is 10 or less is “80%”, and the threshold when the number of members exceeds 10 is “60%”. Hereinafter, in order to explain by focusing on the difference from the case where there is only one threshold for determining the similarity of images, the identification information from the portable terminal 1 (e) is used as registration information, and the portable terminal 1 (c The identification information from) is used as comparison information.

  In step S3-3, since the time difference between the registration times is 3 seconds and within the threshold “1 minute”, the process proceeds to step S3-4. In step S3-4, since the time difference of the transmission time is 30 seconds and is within the limit value “30 seconds” of the time difference of the transmission time, the bonus addition “+ 0%” of FIG. 7 is applied. Furthermore, since the connection destination is the same base station, the bonus addition “+ 10%” is applied. Next, in step S3-5, since the time difference of the imaging time is 30 seconds and is within the limit value “30 seconds” of the time difference of the imaging time, the bonus addition “+ 0%” of FIG. 7 is applied. As a result, the total bonus addition is “+ 10%”.

  Next, in step S3-6, the image similarity calculation result is “60%”, but as a result of reflecting the bonus addition “+ 10%”, the image similarity is determined to be “70%”. Next, in step S3-7, the image similarity is “70%”, which is below the threshold “80%” when the number of members is 10 or less, so for the column corresponding to the threshold “80%” End processing and do not update. However, since the image similarity “70%” exceeds the threshold “60%” when the number of members exceeds 10, the processing is continued for the column corresponding to the threshold “60%”. Accordingly, the subsequent processing results are recorded in the column corresponding to the threshold value “60%”.

  Next, in step S3-8, an entry for comparison information (identification information from portable terminal 1 (c)) is entered in the comparison target 1 column of the entry of registration information (identification information from portable terminal 1 (e)). Reference information (database ID “3”) for reference is recorded, and a similarity value “70” with the comparison information is recorded. Further, in the entry of comparison information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (c)), reference information for referring to the entry of registration information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (e)) in the comparison target column. (Database ID “5”) is recorded, and a similarity value “70” with the registration information is recorded.

  Next, in step S3-9, since the group identifier column is not registered in the entry of the comparison information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (c)), the process proceeds to step S3-13. In step S3-13, "fghij" is assigned as a new group identifier, and registration information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (e)) and comparison information (identification information from the portable terminal 1 (c)) are stored. In both entries, the assigned group identifier “fghij” is recorded in the group identifier column, and “2” is recorded in the member number column.

  Next, in step S3-14, in this example, since there are two threshold values for determining the similarity of images, the result in the column of the threshold value “80%” corresponding to the number of members “2” is used. As a result, at this point in time, it is not yet determined that the mobile terminals 1 (c) and (e) belong to the same group. Thereafter, the process returns to step S3-2, and there is no unprocessed comparison target, so the process of FIG. 6 ends. However, after that, when the identification information is further received from the portable terminal 1 and the number of members corresponding to the threshold “60%” relating to the portable terminals 1 (c) and (e) exceeds 10, The mobile terminal 1 (c, (e) belongs to the same group, and the group identifier is “fghij” ”.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image recorded on the portable terminal 1 is used as the media information. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where the sound recorded on the portable terminal 1 is used as the media information. In this case, as a voice determination method used by the identification server 3, two voices respectively received from the two portable terminals 1 are compared with voice waveform patterns, and the similarity is calculated based on the correlation coefficient calculated from the comparison result. And so on.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, each member performs a simple terminal operation of capturing the same subject with a mobile terminal and transmitting it to the identification server, for example, even if the first meeting is a group of members. Thus, each member can acquire the group identifier from the identification server on the portable terminal. As a result, even if members do not know each other's information, it is not necessary to exchange each other's information directly by e-mail, infrared communication, etc. No effect is obtained.

  Further, the similarity determination criterion can be relaxed by performing the same group determination process using information at the time of imaging or communication.

  In addition, by providing multiple thresholds for determining the similarity according to the number of members belonging to a group, the criteria for determining similarity can be changed according to the number of members, contributing to rational operations. It becomes possible to do.

  In addition, an application service unique to the group that is not owned by a specific member can be used instead of borrowing an identifier for an application that the member has. For example, by setting the application so that it cannot be used after a certain period of time after receiving the application, a disposable use method suitable for temporary use becomes possible.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the specific structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design change etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included.
In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the application service is provided using the group identifier, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it can be applied to the construction of an ad hoc network. In an ad hoc network, a network ID is required for establishing a network connection, and a WEP key is required for encrypted communication. In particular, since the network ID is normally known by a beacon, anyone can acquire the network ID and can access it, so the WEP key for encryption is important. In order to share these network IDs and WEP keys among members, conventionally, a troublesome operation is required. Therefore, by applying the present invention, each member participating in the ad hoc network can use the group identifier acquired by the present invention as a network ID or a WEP key, thereby simplifying the operation for sharing. it can.

  In the above-described embodiment, the identification server 3 and the application server 4 cooperate, but the identification server 3 and the application server 4 may be independent. In this case, steps S4-1 and S4-2 are deleted in the procedure of FIG. 5, and in step S6, an application service usage application is made to the application server 4 using the group identifier acquired in step S5.

Further, a group identifier generation process is performed by recording a program for realizing each step shown in FIG. 5 on a computer-readable recording medium, causing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. May be performed. Here, the “computer system” may include an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.
Further, the “computer system” includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if a WWW system is used.
“Computer-readable recording medium” means a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a writable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and a built-in computer system. A storage device such as a hard disk.

Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” means a volatile memory (for example, DRAM (Dynamic DRAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted through a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Random Access Memory)), etc., which hold programs for a certain period of time.
The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

It is a block diagram of the group identifier production | generation system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the portable terminal 1 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the identification server 3 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the application server 4 shown in FIG. It is a sequence chart which shows the flow of the whole group identifier production | generation procedure which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the same group determination process which the identification part 32 shown in FIG. 3 performs. It is an example of the bonus with respect to the similarity which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a structural example of the database 34 shown in FIG. It is a structural example of the database 34 shown in FIG. It is a structural example of the database 34 shown in FIG. It is a structural example of the database 34 shown in FIG. It is a structural example of the database 34 shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Portable terminal, 2 ... Mobile communication network, 3 ... Identification server, 4 ... Application server, 5 ... Subject, 6 ... Sound source, 10 ... Media information acquisition part, 11 ... Camera, 12 ... Recording part, 13 ... Microphone, 14 ... Recording part, 15 ... Information generation part, 16, 41 ... Communication part, 17 ... Application part, 31 ... Communication part, 32 ... Identification part, 33 ... Application cooperation part, 34 ... Database, 42 ... Application provision part

Claims (12)

A group identifier generation system in which a portable terminal and an identification server are configured to be communicable via a mobile communication network,
The portable terminal is
Imaging means or voice input means;
Recording means for recording the captured image or the input sound;
Transmitting means for transmitting the recorded image or sound to the identification server;
Receiving means for receiving a group identifier from the identification server as a reply to the transmission,
The identification server
Receiving means for receiving an image or sound from the portable terminal;
A database for storing received images or sounds;
Same group determination means for determining mobile terminals of members belonging to the same group based on the similarity of images or sounds received from a plurality of mobile terminals,
Transmission means for returning the group identifier to the mobile terminals of members belonging to the same group based on the result of the determination,
A group identifier generation system characterized by the above.   2. The group identifier generation system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of values corresponding to the number of members belonging to one group are provided as threshold values for determining the similarity of images or sounds in the same group determination unit. . The identification server records the registration time of the image or sound in the database,
2. The group identifier generation system according to claim 1, wherein the same group determination unit sets corresponding mobile terminals as candidates belonging to the same group only when the time difference between the registration times is within a predetermined time. . The transmission means of the portable terminal transmits a transmission time together with an image or sound to the identification server,
The identification server records the transmission time in the database,
2. The group identifier generation system according to claim 1, wherein the same group determination unit sets corresponding mobile terminals as candidates belonging to the same group only when the time difference between the transmission times is within a predetermined time. . The transmitting means of the portable terminal transmits the position information of the terminal together with the image or sound to the identification server,
The identification server records the location information in the database;
The said same group determination means makes a corresponding portable terminal a candidate which belongs to the same group only when the distance difference of the position based on the said positional information is in a fixed distance. The group identifier generation system described. The transmission means of the portable terminal transmits the image capture time or the sound input time together with the image or sound to the identification server,
The identification server records the imaging time or voice input time in the database,
The said same group determination means makes a corresponding portable terminal a candidate which belongs to the same group only when the time difference of the said imaging time or audio | voice input time is in a fixed time, The said group is a candidate of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Group identifier generation system.   The said same group determination means corrects a similarity according to the time difference of the said transmission time, the distance difference of a position, or the time difference of an imaging time or audio | voice input time, The any one of Claim 4 to 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. The group identifier generation system according to item 1. A portable terminal capable of communicating with an identification server via a mobile communication network;
Imaging means or voice input means;
Recording means for recording the captured image or the input sound;
Transmitting means for transmitting the recorded image or sound to the identification server;
Receiving means for receiving a group identifier from the identification server as a reply to the transmission;
A portable terminal characterized by comprising: An identification server that can communicate with a mobile terminal via a mobile communication network,
Receiving means for receiving an image picked up by the portable terminal or input voice from the portable terminal;
A database for storing received images or sounds;
Same group determination means for determining mobile terminals of members belonging to the same group based on the similarity of images or sounds received from a plurality of mobile terminals,
Based on the result of the determination, a transmission means for returning the group identifier to the mobile terminals of members belonging to the same group;
An identification server characterized by comprising: A computer program for performing group identifier generation processing in an identification server capable of communicating with a mobile terminal via a mobile communication network,
Receiving an image captured by the mobile terminal or an input sound from the mobile terminal;
Storing the received image or sound in a database;
Determining the mobile terminals of members belonging to the same group based on the similarity of images or sounds received from a plurality of mobile terminals;
Based on the result of the determination, returning the group identifier to the mobile terminals of members belonging to the same group;
A computer program for causing a computer to execute. A group identifier generation method in a group identifier generation system configured to enable communication between a mobile terminal and an identification server via a mobile communication network,
The mobile terminal of each member belonging to the same group transmits an image obtained by capturing the same subject or a sound input from the same sound source to the identification server;
The identification server determining the mobile terminals of members belonging to the same group based on the similarity of images or sounds received from a plurality of mobile terminals;
The identification server returning the group identifier to the mobile terminals of members belonging to the same group based on the result of the determination;
A group identifier generation method comprising: A group identifier generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
In cooperation with the identification server of the group identifier generation system, an application server that provides application services to mobile terminals of members belonging to the same group;
An application service system comprising:

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