WO2003100657A1

WO2003100657A1 - Server linking information provider and information user

Info

Publication number: WO2003100657A1
Application number: PCT/JP2002/005112
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masahiro Saitoh; Asami Tanaka; Kazuya Fujikawa; Kouji Hara; Masafumi Fukumoto; Masakazu Watari
Original assignee: Fujitsu Limited
Priority date: 2002-05-27
Filing date: 2002-05-27
Publication date: 2003-12-04
Also published as: AU2002256923A1; JPWO2003100657A1; JP3971768B2

Abstract

A server for linking the terminal of an information provider and the terminal of an information user. The server comprises means for allowing the information provider to send information for identifying the terminal of the information provider; means for allowing the information user to designate a desired point and accepting a request to provide the information at the point; means for acquiring the position of the terminal of the information provider registered; means for searching for a first terminal positioned at or near the point; means for requesting the sought terminal of the information provider to provide the information at the point; and means for control carried out so that the information acquired by the information provider who has been requested to provide information may be provided to the terminal of the information user.

Description

Description Server for linking information providers and information users

Technical field

The present invention relates to a technology for providing information through a network. Background art

In recent years, many information devices such as mobile phones / portable personal computers have digital cameras. In these information devices, in addition to characters and voices, images can be transmitted and received by e-mail and the like. In addition, videophones with information devices using digital cameras are also possible.

On the other hand, many ski resorts and sightseeing spots use pre-installed cameras to publish images on a website on the Internet in real time. However, a system that provides video using a camera installed in advance has the disadvantage that video cannot be provided in places where no camera is installed. In order to cope with such a problem, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-189927 proposes a pseudo experience system including a control station and a mobile station.

The mobile station is pre-arranged so as to be movable at a g-point, acquires the surrounding conditions by video or audio, and transmits it to the control station. It is said that this mobile station can be composed of, for example, a body that can run automatically, a robot that can stand upright, a balloon, or a model airplane operated by a wireless remote controller.

On the other hand, in the control station, for example, the user selects an arbitrary or predetermined point on the map. Then, the user specifies the mobile station deployed at the selected point or the nearest point, and requests transmission of the status of the point. The mobile station moves to the point and transmits an image or the like of the point to the control station. In this way, in this simulated experience system, it is said that by running the mobile station, the information acquisition range can be expanded compared to the conventional system, and abundant live-state information can be acquired.

However, even in this simulated experience system, there are limits to where mobile stations can be deployed. For example, it is not realistic to deploy mobile stations throughout Japan. It is also difficult to deploy mobile stations around the world. Therefore, there is a limit to the user in actually obtaining the status of any desired point. In other words, a mobile station is pre-arranged, and only the status of the point included in the area covered by the automatic running of the mobile station can be obtained. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the conventional technology. In other words, an object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows a user to obtain a situation at a desired point in a wider area than a conventional system. The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems. That is, the present invention is a server for linking an information provider's terminal with an information user's terminal, and means for allowing the information provider to register information capable of identifying the information provider's terminal; Means for designating a desired location and receiving a request for information provision relating to the location;

Means for obtaining the location of the registered information provider's terminal;

Means for searching for a first terminal located at or near said point;

Means for requesting the retrieved information provider terminal to provide information relating to the point; means for controlling information obtained by the information provider who requested the information provision to be provided to the information user terminal; It is provided with.

Here, the terminal of the information provider is a terminal capable of inputting video, sound, image, text, and other information, such as an image acquisition device, a scanner, a character input device, or a mobile phone equipped with a microphone or the like. , PHS, PDA, portable personal computer, etc.

Further, the present invention provides a server for linking an information provider terminal with an information user terminal. And

Means for registering, as an information provider, a user of the terminal for which a line contract is required for use, and

A means for allowing an information user to specify a desired location and receiving a request for information provision at that location;

Means for searching for the terminal of the registered information provider located at or near the point,

Means for requesting the retrieved information provider terminal to provide information relating to the location; and means for controlling information obtained by the information provider requesting the information provision to be provided to the information user terminal. ,

May be provided.

Further, the present invention is a server for linking an information provider and an information user, wherein the information provider registers means for contacting the information provider,

Means for allowing an information user to specify a desired location and receiving a request for information provision at that location;

Means for obtaining the location of the information provider;

Means for searching for an information provider located at or near the point,

Means for requesting the searched information provider to provide information on the point through the communication means;

Means for receiving the information provided through the communication means;

Means for providing the received information to the user.

Preferably, the control means includes:

Means for receiving the obtained information provided from the terminal of the information provider who requested the information provision,

Means for providing the received information to the information user terminal.

That is, information provided from the information provider terminal may be transmitted to the information user terminal via the server. However, without the server, the above information Information provided from the provider terminal may be directly transmitted to the information user terminal.

Preferably, the terminal of the information provider may be a wireless device requiring a line contract. Wireless devices that require a line contract include, for example, mobile phones, satellite phones, terminals dedicated to data communication, and PHS.

The present invention may be a method in which a computer executes any of the above processes. Further, the present invention may be a program for causing a computer to realize any of the functions described above. Further, the present invention may be such that such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

In the present invention, by searching for an information provider at or around the place where the situation is desired to be confirmed by a video or the like and obtaining information from the searched person, for example, if a fixed force camera is not installed, Even at the location, you can check the situation with images.

Today, many mobile phones and PHSs have built-in digital cameras, and it is possible to send and receive video with other parties by e-mail. However, in the past, there was a drawback that the range to be photographed was limited to the place where the communication partner existed. According to the present invention, by searching for an information provider at or near the place where the situation is desired to be checked, and obtaining a video from the searched information provider, the video can be obtained without having the communication partner move to the place. The status of an arbitrary place can be confirmed by using the above method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a service provided in the information system according to the first embodiment,

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the server 2 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the member terminal 3 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a hardware external view (operation surface) of a foldable mobile phone. FIG. 5 is an external view showing the back of the mobile phone of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an external view of another mobile phone as an example of the member terminal 3,

FI G.7 is the screen structure of the website provided from server 2 to user terminal 4. Is an example,

F I G. 8 is an example of the data of the telephone number table 24,

F I G. 9 is a data example of the request content table 26,

FIG. 10 is a processing flowchart of the service in the server 2,

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modification of the processing flow of the service in the server 2,

FIG. 12 is a system configuration diagram showing a flow of fees for the information system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an example of the data of the user charge table 11 shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a data example of the registered member point table 12 shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fee processing flow in the second embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the fee processing flow. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the best mode of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<< First Embodiment >>

Hereinafter, the information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings of FIGS. 1 to 11.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a service provided in the information system according to the present embodiment.

This information system provides the service user with the situation at the point desired by the user using video (which may be any of real-time video, captured and saved moving image, or still image) and sound. This information system connects a user terminal 4 of a user who requests such information, a member terminal 3 of a registered member (information provider) that provides such information, and a server 2 via a network. It is composed.

Here, the registered member is to participate in the operation of the service by this information system. _n — ™

PCT / JP02 / 05112

Agree to 6 and be a member registered in the information system (server 2). In the present embodiment, a registered member is also simply referred to as a member. The means of contacting the member, such as the mobile phone number and e-mail address, are registered in the server 2. When a member receives a request for information collection from the server 2 through the communication means, the member collects information (video, sound, etc.) in response to the request and returns it to the server 2.

The service provider that operates the service of the present invention may be, for example, a communication provider that provides a communication service of voice communication and data communication using a communication network such as a mobile phone. In this case, the telecommunications carrier may make the subscriber who has contracted to use the telecommunications service provided by the telecommunications carrier a registered member of the present invention for free or for a fee. The telecommunications carrier can increase the number of subscribers by claiming that the service of the present invention can be used by becoming a subscriber of the communication service provided by the telecommunications carrier. By signing a contract with this telecommunications carrier, consumers can obtain desired information from the terminals of a huge number of subscribers who have signed a contract with the telecommunications carrier.

It should be noted that, as described above, a paid contract may be made at the will of the subscriber instead of being free of charge to become a registered member of the present invention. Further, the service of the present invention may not be provided by a single communication carrier alone, but may be provided by a plurality of communication carriers in cooperation. Further, the service of the present invention may be provided not by the telecommunications carrier itself but by another telecommunications carrier signed with the telecommunications carrier.

By making the subscriber of the communication service provided by the telecommunications carrier a registered member of the service of the present invention, not limited to free or paid services, the service user of the present invention may be able to obtain information at any place. Extremely high.

The member terminal 3 is basically a mobile terminal, and further includes an information collecting unit such as a digital camera, a video camera, or a microphone. Such a member terminal 3 includes a mobile phone equipped with an information collection unit, a PHS (Personal Handyph one System), a portable information terminal (PDA, Personal Digital (Data) Assistants), a portable personal computer, or an in-vehicle terminal. Is suitable.

Usually, members carry such a member terminal 3 at various points such as home, work, or travel destination. However, for example, when providing information at home or work, In other words, the member terminal 3 may be a desktop personal computer or a fixed telephone, and may be provided with an information collecting unit for images and sounds. Therefore, the FIG. 1 network is preferably a network that connects mobile phones, PHS, etc. However, this network may be a data communication network such as the Internet.

Information for identifying such a member is registered in the telephone number table 24 of the server 2. The telephone number table 24 records the member's telephone number, e-mail address, or current location.

The user (requester of information) accesses the website provided by the server 2 using the user terminal 4. The user terminal 4 is, for example, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PHS, a portable information terminal, a vehicle-mounted terminal, or the like.

The user performs user registration on the above website in advance to use this service. In user registration, the server 2 registers information about the user, such as the user's name and e-mail address. Through this registration process, a member No of the user corresponding to the user (this is also referred to as user No) is generated.

In addition, the user specifies the desired location on the website and the type of information required for the location. Generally, video is specified as the type of information. However, sound and character information may be requested. In addition, the user may be a member of the information system. In that case, the user may be registered as a member (information provider) that provides the above information.

Server 2 searches for a member currently located near the specified point. Then, when a member exists at the point, a request is made to transmit information designated by the member, for example, the current video around the point.

Upon receiving the request, the member uses the member terminal 3 to collect the specified type of information such as video and audio. Then, the member returns the collected information to the server ² . As a reply means, for example, a video file or an audio file may be attached to an e-mail and transmitted. Alternatively, a video file, an audio file, or the like may be uploaded to the server 2 by a transmission command according to tp (file transfer protocol) or the like. When receiving information (video, audio, etc.) from the member, the server 2 provides the information to the user. For example, the information may be attached to an e-mail addressed to the user's e-mail address. This allows users to collect detailed information on the conditions at various points that members can visit.

System configuration>

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the server 2. The function of the server 2 is realized by a communication unit 20 that communicates via a communication network such as a telephone line, and an application program executed on a CPU (not shown).

The server 2 executes an application program and provides a service to a user of the service through a website on the Internet. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 2 has a service providing unit 22 for identifying information entered by the user and a registered member and a service provider who have previously agreed to “join the operation of the service”. A mail sending / receiving unit 28 that can send and receive e-mail (including information such as video and audio) to service users, and member numbers, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, The registered member's telephone number table 24 having a table corresponding to the current position, the information search section 25 for searching the registered member closest to the destination from the registered member's location information, and managing the request for this service And a request content management table 26. The request content management table 26 is used to manage information supply requests from users. The request content management table 26 contains files such as the member number of the user, the member number of the member who is the information provider, the information provision number indicating the order of the request to the member, and the images and the like provided by the member. Name and use number assigned to each request.

The service providing unit 22 obtains, on a website on the Internet, for example, information indicating “a place / content where the user wants to check the situation by video” input by the user of this service. Further, the service providing unit 22 acquires the position information of the member terminal 3 of the registered member, and updates the telephone number table 24 of the member.

The information retrieval unit 25 retrieves members located near the destination from the updated telephone number table 24. Then, the service providing unit 22 asks the member searched by the information searching unit 25 by the mail transmitting / receiving unit 28 to say, “I want to check the status by video. Location / Contents ”and request information collection. That is, the service providing unit ^{2 2,} for example, ask the captured image by the digital camera receives the video information captured by the request. Then, the service providing unit 22 transmits the video information obtained from the member via the mail transmitting / receiving unit 28 to the user. In that case, the video information should be attached to the e-mail addressed to the user and sent to the user.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the member terminal 3. Like FIG. 3, this member terminal 3 uses a communication section 30 that enables wireless communication and a function such as a GPS (Global Positioning System), a mobile phone, or a PHS, and receives the data by wireless communication. Image information can be acquired by a position detection unit 37 that detects the current position from the obtained information, a mail transmission and reception unit 38 that can send and receive e-mail (including information such as video and audio), and a digital camera. Image acquisition unit 39. The member terminal 3 may include a microphone for collecting sound, an input device for inputting characters, a scanner for inputting an image, a measuring device for measuring temperature, a measuring device for measuring humidity, and the like.

As described above, the member terminal 3 may be a communication device itself such as a mobile phone or a PHS. In such a case, the communication unit 30 corresponds to a transmission / reception unit including a modem such as a mobile phone. Further, the member terminal 3 may be a PDA or a personal computer. In this case, the communication section 30 may be of a type built in a PDA or a personal computer, or may be of a type external to a personal computer or the like by a PC card escape / reproduction.

The main member terminal 3 receives an e-mail such as a request to shoot a video by the image acquisition unit 39 from the server 2 by the e-mail transmission / reception unit 38. In addition, the member terminal 3 transmits to the server 2 the current position information detected by the position detection unit 37, the video information captured by the image acquisition unit 39, and the like by the mail transmission / reception unit 38.

The position detector 37 has a GPS unit that calculates the position, the moving direction, and the speed by receiving radio waves from three artificial satellites, for example. In the case of using the existing service on the mobile phone / PHS, the position detecting unit 37 is realized as an access unit for accessing such a service.

As described above, FIG. 3 shows an example in which the member terminal 3 itself has a function of detecting the current position. However, the practice of the present invention is not limited to this. Hanare ,. For example, another device that manages the location of the member terminal 3 may be used to specify the member terminal 3 to which information is requested. In such a case, the position detector 37 is not an essential component of the member terminal 3.

For example, it is a known technique that, in a mobile phone line communication network, a mobile phone notifies its base station of its own location information, and the location information of the mobile phone is registered in a database of an exchange via the base station. Utilizing such a mechanism, the system of the present invention receives the information on the desired point designated by the user, and the system of the present invention designates the location designated by the user with reference to the position information of the mobile phone registered in the database of the exchange. A mobile phone existing at or around a point may be specified, and information may be requested from the mobile phone. Hardware configuration>

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show hardware external views of a foldable mobile phone, which is an example of the member terminal 3. FIG. 4 is an external view showing the operation surface when the mobile phone is opened, and FIG. 5 is an external view showing the back of the mobile phone of FIG.

This mobile phone comprises a main body 30 and a lid 31 provided to be openable and closable with respect to the main body 30 via a hinge 35. The main body 30 is provided with various operation buttons to provide a user with a function as a mobile phone.

The hinge section 35 sandwiched between the main body section 30 and the lid section 31 is provided with an image acquisition section 39, so that images can be captured with the lid section 31 opened from the main body section 30. It becomes possible. The image acquisition unit 39 is, for example, a digital camera, and is configured by an imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) device. The image acquisition section 39 detects the depression of the shirt button 32 provided on the main body section 30 and records the image on a medium such as a flash memory via an image sensor. Note that the image acquisition unit 39 may be a video camera that shoots a moving image composed of a series of frames.

A display section 38 is provided on the lid section 31. The display unit 38 includes a liquid crystal display device and an EL (ElectroLuminescence) panel. The display unit 38 displays a menu used when the user operates the mobile phone, an e-mail received from the server 2 or another mobile phone, or an image captured by the image acquisition unit 39. FIG. 5 shows a front panel 37A and a base 37B that form the outer surface of the mobile phone when the main body 30 and the lid 31 are closed. An auxiliary display section 34 and a speaker 35 are provided on the front panel 37A. The auxiliary display section 34 or the speaker 35 allows the user to be informed of various information and warnings even when the lid section 31 is closed.

As shown in FIG. 5, an IC card access unit 33 is provided on the base 37B. This mobile phone writes information to and reads information from the IC card via the IC card access unit 33.

FIG. 6 shows an external view of another mobile phone as an example of the member terminal 3. This mobile phone connects an external camera 39A via an interface 39E. The external camera 39A is provided with a lens unit 39B, a flash unit 39C, and a shutter button 39D.

When the shutter button 39D is pressed, the external camera 39A records an image captured by an image sensor (not shown) via the lens unit 39B. The recorded video is recorded on a medium (not shown), for example, a flash memory or the like. The recorded video is transferred to the mobile phone via the interface 39E.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen configuration of a website provided from the server 2 to the user terminal 4. In this example, the user inputs an address in the address input field 41, and presses the [location search] button 43 (clicks with a pointing device (not shown)). 4 can display a map around the address. Also, the user can input the latitude and longitude in the latitude / longitude input field 42 instead of the address input field 41 and display a map around the point in the map field 44.

In addition, the user uses a pointing device such as a mouse on the displayed map to specify [location to check].

At this time, the server 2 specified on the map by using a database that associates the address, latitude and longitude, and the position on the electronic map, or an existing system with the same function. Get address / latitude / longitude from location.

In addition, the user can input [contents to be confirmed] in the request content input field 45. 12 is possible. In “Contents to confirm”, specify what information is necessary in the above “Place to confirm”. For example, congestion at a station, snow at a ski resort, etc. After the user sets “Place to check” or “Contents to check” and presses the “Enter” button 46, the settings are added to the “Current settings” table at the bottom of the screen, and the information Request contents are created.

The user can also delete the contents of [Current Settings] using the [Delete] button 48. After the user has created the request contents in the [Current settings] table and pressed the [Request] button 49, the request to this information system is sent to the application program on the server 2 (shown in FIG. 2). Service provider 22). Here, the request is a request for information from the user to the information system, and includes the above “place to confirm” or “contents to confirm”.

Data Structure>

Fig. 8 shows an example of data in the telephone number table 24. The telephone number table 24 registers the members who have agreed to provide the information. Each row of the table shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to one record of the telephone number table 24, and holds information for one registered member. The record of the telephone number table 24 has fields of member number, registered member name, telephone number, mail address, and current position.

Member No. is a number that uniquely identifies a member registered in the information system. The registered member name is the name of the member. The telephone number is a telephone number for calling the member terminal 3 when the member terminal 3 owned by the member is a mobile phone, a PHS, or a landline telephone. The email address is the email address of the member. The current position is the longitude and latitude indicating the current position of the member (ie, the member terminal 3).

Fig. 9 shows an example of the data in the request content table 26. Each row of the table shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to one record of the request content table 26, and holds information for one request for information provision from a user.

The record of the request content table 26 has a use number, a user member number, an information provider member number, an information provision number, and a file name.

Use No is a number that uniquely identifies a request from a user. User Association The member number is a number that uniquely identifies a user registered in the information system to receive this service. The member number of the information provider is a number that uniquely identifies the member who has agreed to provide the information. The member number of this information provider matches one of the member numbers registered in the telephone number table 24 of FIG. The information provision No is information for identifying, when a plurality of information provision requests are made for each information provider, those requests. For example, in the record where the use number of FI G. 9 is 002, the information provision No is Z 000 1 -00 1 and the information provider Z

It turns out that this is the first request for 0001. Also, in the record in which the use No of FIG. 9 is No. 004, the information provision No is Z 0001—002, which indicates that this is the first request to the information provider Z 0001.

The file name is the file name of the file storing the information provided by the information provider in response to the information provision request (the file name in the server 2).

FIG.10 is an example of a service processing flow diagram in the server 2. This processing is realized by an application program executed by a CPU (not shown) of the server 2.

In this process, first, the user accesses the website on the Internet using the user terminal 4. Then, the application program of the server 2 displays, for example, an input screen of “location / contents to check the status by video” on the user terminal 4. The user inputs the information of “place / contents to check the situation by video” (S1). The input information is accepted as an information provision request by the application program. At this time, the application program that receives the request assigns a different usage number to each request, and changes the member number of the user to F.

1 Set in the request content table 26 shown in G.9.

Next, the application program refers to the registered member's telephone number table 24 and acquires the registered member's telephone number (S2).

Next, the application program sends an email to the registered member requesting notification of the current location information (this is called a request email). Registered members who receive the request e-mail receive the GPS function or the existing service of PHS or mobile phone. Use a screw or the like to obtain information on the current location. Then, the registered member replies to the application program of the server 2 by e-mail. The application program collects information of the returned e-mail (S3).

However, the collection of location information may be performed on the application side of the server 2 using the existing service of PHS // cellular phone. An example of such a service is to display the location of a specific mobile phone or PHS on a map to search for lost or wandering elderly people. When using such a telephone company's location detection service, the request mail from the application program of the server 2 becomes unnecessary. Also, when the member terminal 3 of the registered member is a fixed-line telephone, the request mail is unnecessary. This is because the position of registered members is fixed.

Next, the application program of the server 2 updates the registered member's telephone number table 24 with the registered member's location information collected in S3 (S4). In this case, the member may transmit the address of the current location instead of the latitude and longitude. When acquiring the address information, the application program of the server 2 converts the address into latitude and longitude. In this case, a database that correlates addresses, latitude / longitude, and positions on the electronic map, or an existing system with the same function is used.

Next, the application program of the server 2 searches the registered member's telephone number table 24 for the registered member closest to the location entered in S1 (S5). Next, the application program of the server 2 notifies the registered member searched in the processing of S5 of the location / content input in the processing of S1 and inquires whether the video information is available (S 6).

Inquiry methods include automatic response using a push button signal by telephone and e-mail. Here, the automatic response means that a call is made from the server 2 to the telephone number of the member, the member is inquired by a voice response function (IVR, Interactive Voice Response), and an answer is obtained by a push button signal.

In the case of using the automatic response, buttons indicating whether the video is available or unavailable are set in advance, the registered member is announced to operate any of the buttons, and output by the registered member's button operation Video based on the push button signal Information availability Z You may decide to be unavailable.

When using e-mail, the fact that a reply mail has been received within a predetermined time after transmission may be determined as a response that the registered member can obtain video information. Also, when using e-mail, set URLs that indicate that it is available or not available as the contents of the sent e-mail (in this case, it is better to include information identifying the registered member in the URL). Alternatively, the registered member may be allowed to access any of the URLs, and it may be determined that the video information is available or not based on the accessed URL.

If the registered member cannot obtain the video information, the application program returns to the processing in S5, and then searches for a registered member close to the destination.

If the registered member can obtain the video information, the application program of the server 2 enters the registered member's information in the [information provider member No.] field corresponding to the corresponding use No in the request content management table 26. Set the member number. Also, set [Information No.] indicating the order of the request to the registered member. Then, the application program of the server 2 notifies the registered member of [information provision No.], and proceeds to the process of S7.

Then, the registered member shoots a video corresponding to the place / content input in S 1 by the image obtaining unit 39 and transmits the shot video information to the application program of the server 2 together with the [information providing No.]. .

The application program that has obtained the video information saves the video information file and sets the saved file name in [File name] corresponding to the corresponding use No in the request content management table 26. Then, the application program provides the video information to the user of the service (S7).

Note that FIG. 10 shows a process for providing video information of a designated point according to a request from a user. However, instead, at the request of the user, sound, text, images, or weather information (weather, wind, temperature, or humidity) may be provided.

As described above, according to the present invention, a user can request information desired at a point desired by the user from the information system. The information system is located near that point. Search for members, collect the information (eg, shoot or record nearby conditions), and request that the information be transmitted. In this way, the information system collects information such as the degree of congestion at a tourist spot or the like and the weather from a member located at that point and provides the information to the user.

In this information system, as the number of such members increases, users can obtain more detailed information on points. For this reason, it is more likely that users will be able to collect detailed information for reference when planning travel, for example.

In addition, even when going to an unknown destination, the user can check the image of the destination in advance, and can act without making a mistake in the destination.

Further, the information system of the present embodiment can be configured by connecting the member terminal 3 and the user terminal 4 to the server 2 through an existing network such as a telephone line or the Internet. The member terminal 3 is a member's mobile phone or the like, and the user terminal 4 is a personal computer or the like owned by the user. Therefore, an information system that easily collects and provides desired information can be configured with such components.

In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which one registered member near a desired point of a user is searched and a video is obtained from the member. However, the practice of the present invention is not limited to such procedures. For example, in response to a request from a single user, a process for searching for a plurality of registered members and obtaining a video from those members may be performed. FIG. 11 is an example of a flow diagram in that case.

In FIG. 11, the processing from the user's input of the place / content (S 1) to the update of the registered member's telephone number table (S 4) is the same as in the case of FIG. 10. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to these processing steps, and description thereof will be omitted.

The application program of the server 2 searches the registered member's telephone number table 24 for a plurality of registered members close to the location entered in the process of S1. And The application program notifies the searched registered member of the location / content entered in the processing of S1, and inquires whether video information is available (S5A). The application program uses an automated response (IVR) using a push button signal by telephone or e-mail. The procedure is the same as in FIG.

Then, the application program determines whether or not there is a member who can obtain the video information among the searched registered members (S6A). If there is no member that can obtain such information, the application program returns to the process of S5A and searches again for a registered member close to the destination.

On the other hand, if the searched registered member can obtain the video information, the application program registers the registered member in the [information provider member number] corresponding to the corresponding use No in the request content management table 26. Set the member number of. In addition, the application program sets the [information provision number] that indicates the order of the request to the registered member.

If there is more than one person who can obtain information, multiple pieces of data with the same combination of [U No.] and different [Information provider member No.] [Information No.] are created. Then, the application program notifies the registered member of [information provision No.] and proceeds to the process of S7A.

The registered member shoots a video corresponding to the place / content input in S1 by the image obtaining unit 39, and transmits the shot video information to the server 2 together with the [information providing number]. The application program of the server 2 that has obtained the video information saves the video information file, and stores the file name in the [file name] corresponding to the corresponding use number / information provision number in the request content management table 26. Set. Then, the application program provides the video information to the user of the service (S7A).

Other variations>

In the processing of the above embodiment (FIG. 10 or FIG. 11), each time a request for information provision from a user (input of location / content by user (S 1)), the application program of server 2 Inquired about the current location of registered members, and updated telephone number table 24. However, the practice of the present invention is limited to such a procedure. Absent. For example, regardless of whether or not there is a request from the user, the current position of the registered member may be inquired at predetermined time intervals, and the telephone number table 24 may be updated. << 2nd Embodiment >>

Hereinafter, an information system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of FIGS. In the first embodiment, when a place or the like is input by a user, a member located near the place is searched, and the member is requested to collect information such as images and sounds. The example of the information system provided to the user was shown. In the present embodiment, an example of charge management in such an information providing service will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) The user of this service pays the annual fee / monthly fee (for example, 300 yen per month) to the provider of this service, and the user receives this service every time he uses this service. Pay a usage fee (eg, 50 yen at a time) to the service provider.

(2) Registered members who cooperate with this service are not required to pay, for example, annual membership / monthly fees. Each time a registered member provides video information, one point is added to the registered member. If the number of points is equal to or greater than the-constant, the usage fee of this service can be discounted or exchanged for prizes according to the number of points.

FIG. 12 is a system configuration diagram showing a flow of charges of the present information system. The configuration of this information system is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the service providing unit 22, the user terminal 4, and the member terminal 3 (FIG. Described)).

In the present embodiment, the service providing unit 22 includes a user fee table 11 for recording the usage fee of each user, a registered member point table 12 for recording the accumulated points of each registered member, and There is a charge / point management unit 13 that manages these tables. The charge / point management unit 13 is realized as a module of an application program executed on the server 2.

The fee / point management unit 13 receives the request from the user and, when providing the user with information such as video and sound, reduces the usage fee of the corresponding user in the user fee table 11. to add. In addition, the charge / point management department 13 When the information is provided to the user, the registered member points in the registered member point table 12 are added.

Data Structure>

Fig. 13 shows an example of data in the user fee table 11. Each row of the table shown in FIG.13 corresponds to one record of the user fee table 11 and holds information for one member who is a user.

The record in the user fee table 11 has fields of member number, registered member name, telephone number, and number of requests and usage fee. Here, the member number is the member number of the user, that is, the user number. The member number of this user may be the same numbering system as the registered member who is the information provider, or may be a different numbering system. If these numbers are different, for example, the most significant digit of the member number of the user is U in alphabet (that is, member no is set to Unnnnn, where nnnnn is an arbitrary integer) and registered. The most significant digit of the member number is R (that is, the member No is represented by R nn η nn, where nnnnn is an arbitrary integer). The registered member name and telephone number are the user's name and telephone number.

The number of requests is the total of the number of services for providing information to members as users for a predetermined period, for example, every month. The usage fee is the sum of the usage fee of the member for each predetermined period. This usage fee is charged to the member who is the user every predetermined period.

FIG. 14 shows an example of data in the registered member point table 12. Each row of the table shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to one record of the registered member point table 12 and holds information of one member who is an information provider.

The record of the registered member point table 24 has fields of member number, registered member name, telephone number, and accumulated points. Of these, the member number, registered member name, and telephone number are the same as those in the telephone number table 24 shown in FIG.

The accumulative point is an added value of points for each predetermined period of the member. A point is when a member provides information such as video or sound in response to a request from server 2. Indicates the number of benefits granted to the member. Note that the accumulated points field may be added to the registered member's telephone number table 24 shown in FIG. 8 to accumulate the accumulated points. In that case, the registered member point table 12 is unnecessary.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of an example of a fee process of the information system (the fee-no-point management unit 13 shown in FIG. 12). This processing is also realized as an application program on the server 2 as in the information system of the first embodiment. Of these processes, S11 to S14 are simplified processes of S1 to S7 in FIG. 10 of the first embodiment, and the procedure is the same as that of the first embodiment. It is the same as in the case of.

In this process, the user first accesses a website on the Internet. Then, the application program of the server 2 displays, for example, an input screen of “location / content where the user wants to check the status by video”. The user inputs the information of “place / content where the user wants to check the situation by video” (S11).

The application program searches the registered member's location information for the registered member closest to the location entered in the processing of S11 (S12).

The application program notifies the registered member searched in the process of S12 of the place / content input in the process of S1, and inquires whether the video information is available (S13). The inquiry can be made by automatic response using a push button signal by telephone or by e-mail. The procedure is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

If the registered member cannot obtain the video information, the application program proceeds to S17.

If the registered member can obtain the video information, the application program proceeds to S14. In this case, the application program obtains information such as video and sound from a registered member who can obtain video information, and transfers the information to the user of this service (S14).

In addition, the application program will provide points for registered members who provide information. 02 05112

Add 21 to update the registered member point table 12. Also, the user fee is added, and the user fee table 11 is updated (S15).

Next, the application program charges the user for a usage fee. It also provides registered members with rewards such as discounts on usage fees and exchange for prizes according to the accumulated points (S16). In this case, the application program on the server 2 may notify the member of an e-mail indicating a discount rate or a prize, for example.

On the other hand, if the registered member cannot obtain the video information in the determination in S13, the application program checks whether or not the search processing of the registered member has been performed a predetermined number of times or more (S17).

If the registered member search process has not been performed a predetermined number of times or more, the application program returns to the process of S12. If the registered member search process has been performed a predetermined number of times or more, the application program determines that the video cannot be obtained, and proceeds to the process of S18. Then, the application program notifies the user that the video could not be obtained (S18).

Thereafter, the application program ends the charge processing.

As described above, according to the present information system, it is possible to charge a user who receives a service according to the number of times of the service. Also, according to this information system, members who have provided information can calculate the cumulative points according to the degree of contribution, that is, the number of times information has been provided, in return for discounts on usage fees and exchange for premiums. Can be provided. As a result, the number of registered members can be increased, and the range of provision of this service can be expanded.

In the second embodiment, in a system in which one registered member near a desired point of a user is searched and a video is obtained from the member, a fee is charged to the user and a privilege is given to the member who provides the information. Examples have been given. However, the practice of the present invention is not limited to such procedures. For example, as described in the first embodiment, a video may be obtained from a plurality of registered members. FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of an information system for executing the processing.

This process involves obtaining information from multiple members and awarding them cumulative points. The same as in Fig. 15 except that it is given. That is, for 31 1 to 314 A, the processing of S 1 to S 7 A in FIG. 11 of the first embodiment is simplified, and the procedure is the same as that of the first embodiment. is there.

First, in this process, the application program of the server 2 displays, for example, an input screen for “confirmation of the situation by video, desired place / content” on a website on the Internet. Then, the user of this service inputs information of “place / content where the user wants to check the situation by video” (S11). This process is the same as S 11 of FIG. 15.

Next, the application program searches the registered member's location information for a plurality of registered members close to the location input in the processing of S11 (S12A).

Next, the application program notifies the registered member searched in the process of S12A of the place / content input in the process of S11 and inquires whether the video information is available (S13A ). If there is no member for which video information can be obtained among the searched registered members, the application program proceeds to the process of S17. The processing after S17 is the same as in the case of FIG. 15 and will not be described.

If the registered member can obtain the video information, the application program proceeds to the process of S14A. The application program obtains video information from registered members who can obtain video information, and notifies users of this service that video has been obtained. The user selects and obtains the desired image from the notified images (S14A). .

Next, the application program updates the registered member point table 12 by adding the points of the registered members who provided the video information selected by the user. Also, the user fee is added and the user fee table 11 is updated (S15A). Subsequent processing is the same as in FIG. 15 and will not be described.

Other variations>

In the above embodiment, the user fee table 11 is configured separately from the registered member point table 12 and the telephone number table 24. However, for example, in a system in which both information users and information providers are limited to registered members, Bullet 11, registered member point table 12 and telephone number table 24 may be composed of a single table. In this case, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the number of requests shown in FIG. 13, the usage fee, and the accumulated points shown in FIG. 14 are added to the telephone number table shown in FIG.

In the first embodiment or the second embodiment, an example has been described in which the server 2 transmits information such as a video provided by a registered member to a user by attaching the information to an e-mail. However, implementation of the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, video information and the like may be stored in the server 2 and the URL may be notified to the user by e-mail. In this case, the user accesses the URL notified by e-mail and browses the video information using a Web browser or the like.

A screen for outputting the obtained information may be prepared as a link page from the input screen of FIG. In this case, for example, a column indicating the status of information acquisition is provided in the table of `` Current settings '', and a link to the acquired information is set in the content corresponding to the request No for which the information was available in that column. I just need. Instead of setting a link for each request and transitioning to a screen that outputs the obtained information individually, a screen that displays a list of all the information that can be obtained may be used. In any case, in the processing of step S14 in the second embodiment, it is necessary to adopt a form in which a plurality of pieces of information (video) obtained for one request are displayed on a screen.

In the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the video information obtained by the information provider is provided to the information user via the server 2. However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this method. For example, the server 2 may control the video information to be provided directly from the information provider to the information user.

When the processing of FIG. 10 of the first embodiment is taken as an example, this control may be realized by performing the following processing.

If a response is received from the registered member who made the inquiry in step S6 that video information is available, the server 2 sends the e-mail address of the user's terminal together with [information provision No] to the registered member's terminal. Notify. This e-mail address should use the e-mail address registered at the time of user registration. The registered member shoots the video corresponding to the location / content entered in S1, and transmits the captured video information to the user terminal using the previously notified e-mail address. In the case of FIG. 11 also, if the registered member receives a response indicating that the video information is available in step S6A, the server 2 performs the same processing as described above to process the video information captured from each registered member. What is necessary is just to make it transmit to a user.

Further, in FIG. 15 of the second embodiment, the server 2 performs the same processing as described above when a response from the registered member that video information is available is obtained in step S13.

In response, the registered member is caused to transmit the video information to the user using the notified e-mail address, and the server 2 is also made to transmit the video information. At this time, if the transmission of the video information is transmitted to the user and the server 2 by broadcasting, the server 2 can determine that the same video information as the received one has been transmitted to the user. it can.

In this way, it may be determined that the video information has been provided to the user, the points of the registered members who have transmitted the video information may be added, and then the above-described processing may be performed.

With the control described above, it is possible to directly transmit video information from a registered member, who is an information provider, to a user of this service, which is an information user, without going through the server 2.

However, in such an information providing method, the personal information (e-mail address) of the service user is disclosed to the registered member, and the personal information is leaked to other persons besides the registered member, and the personal information is lost. It is more likely to be exploited.

In this regard, according to the process in which the server 2 receives video information from a registered member and transmits the received video information to the user terminal, as described above with reference to FIG. The video information shot by the registered member can be provided to the service user without providing the personal information to the registered member. Therefore, the method of providing information in such a form can use the service casually without the risk of misuse of the personal information of the service user, and can increase the number of users of the service. Contribute. 《Computer readable recording medium》

A program that causes a computer to execute any of the processes in the above-described embodiments can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Then, by causing the computer to read and execute the program on the recording medium, it is possible to provide any of the functions of the information system described in the above embodiment.

Here, the computer-readable recording medium is a recording medium in which information such as data and programs is stored by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action and can be read from the computer. . Examples of such recording media that can be removed from a computer include a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R / W, a DVD, a DAT, an 8 mm tape, and a memory card. .

In addition, a recording medium fixed to the computer includes a hard disk and a ROM (read only memory).

<< Data communication signal embodied in a carrier wave >>

Further, the program can be stored in a hard disk or a memory of a computer, and can be distributed to another computer through a communication medium. In this case, the program, as data communication signals embodied in carrier waves, _c is transmitted a communication medium and can be provided with any of the functions of the information system to a computer that has received the distribution.

Here, the communication medium is a wired communication medium such as a metal cable including a coaxial cable and a twisted pair cable, an optical communication cable or the like, or a wireless communication medium such as a satellite communication and a terrestrial wireless communication. Either may be used.

The carrier is an electromagnetic wave or light for modulating a data communication signal. However, the carrier may be a DC signal. In this case, the data communication signal has a baseband waveform without a carrier. Therefore, the data communication signal embodied in the carrier consists of a modulated broadband signal and an unmodulated baseband signal (voltage

(Corresponding to a case where a DC signal of 0 is used as a carrier wave). Industrial applicability

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used in a manufacturing industry of various information devices such as a server, a terminal, an image acquisition device, an in-vehicle device, a service industry using such information devices, and a communication industry.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A server that links the information provider's terminal with the information user's terminal.

Means for allowing an information provider to register information that can identify the information provider's terminal; means for allowing an information user to specify a desired point; and means for receiving a request for information provision relating to the point;

Means for obtaining the location of the terminal of the registered information provider,

Means for searching for the terminal of the registered information provider located at or near the point;

Server comprising:

2. The control means includes:

2. The server according to claim 1, further comprising means for providing the received information to a terminal of the information user.

3. The server according to claim 1, wherein the terminal of the information provider is a wireless device requiring a line contract.

4. A means for registering, as an information provider, a user of a terminal for which a line contract is required for use, and the terminal of which the line contract is made,

Means for searching for the terminal of the registered information provider located at or near the point; Means for requesting the retrieved information provider terminal to provide information relating to the location; and means for controlling information obtained by the information provider requesting the information provision to be provided to the information user terminal. ,

A server that links a terminal of an information provider with a terminal of an information user including a terminal.

5. The control means includes:

5. The server according to claim 4, comprising means for providing the received information to a terminal of the information user.

6. The server according to claim 4, wherein the terminal of the information provider is a wireless device.

7. A server that links information providers and information users.

Means for allowing the information provider to register a means of contacting the information provider;

Means for obtaining the location of the information provider;

Means for searching for an information provider located at or near the point,

Means for receiving information provided through the communication means;

Means for providing received information to the user.

8. The server according to claim 7, wherein the terminal of the information provider is a wireless device.

9. This is a method of linking the information provider's terminal with the information user's terminal.

Causing the information provider to register information that can identify the terminal of the information provider; and managing the information that can identify the terminal of the registered information provider; Allowing the information user to specify the desired location and receiving a request for information provision at that location;

Searching for an information provider terminal located at or near the point from an information provider terminal managing the information;

Requesting a terminal of the searched information provider to provide information on the point;

Controlling the information obtained by the information provider requested to provide the information to be provided to the information user terminal;

Cooperation method consisting of.

1 0. The control step includes:

The method according to claim 9, further comprising: receiving information provided from the requested information provider terminal; and providing the received information to the information user terminal. .

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the terminal of the information provider is a wireless device requiring a line contract.

1 2. A terminal for which a line contract is required for use, and a user of the terminal for which the line contract has been made is registered as an information provider;

A step of managing information that can identify the terminal of the registered information provider; a step of allowing an information user to specify a desired point and receiving a request for information provision relating to the point;

Obtaining the position of the terminal of the information provider managing the information; and searching for the terminal of the information provider located at the point or in the vicinity thereof; and Requesting the provision of information on the location;

Controlling the information obtained by the information provider requested to provide the information to be provided to the information user terminal; A method of linking an information provider's terminal with an information user's terminal.

1 3. The control step includes:

The cooperation according to claim 12, further comprising: a step of receiving information provided from the requested information provider terminal; and a step of providing the received information to the information user terminal. Method.

1 4. This is a method of linking information providers and information users,

Allowing the information provider to register a means of contacting the information provider; allowing the information user to specify a desired location; and accepting a request for information provision at that location;

Obtaining the location of the information provider;

A step of searching for an information provider located at or near the point, requesting the searched information provider to provide information on the point through the communication means, and receiving information provided through the communication means;

Providing the received information to the user.

15 5. A program that allows a computer to link an information provider's terminal with an information user's terminal.

Causing the information provider to register information that can identify the terminal of the information provider; managing the information that can identify the terminal of the registered information provider; and designating a desired point to the information user. Receiving a request for information provision at that point;

A step of obtaining the location of the terminal of the registered information provider;

Requesting a terminal of the searched information provider to provide information on the point; Controlling the information obtained by the information provider requested to provide the information to be provided to the user terminal;

A program for executing

1 6. The control step includes:

16. The program according to claim 15, further comprising: receiving information provided from the requested information provider terminal; and providing the received information to the information user terminal. .

17. The program according to claim 15, wherein the terminal of the information provider is a wireless device requiring a line contract.

1 8.

Registering, as an information provider, a user of a terminal for which a line contract is required for use, and for which the line contract has been made;

Managing the information that can identify the terminal of the registered information provider; allowing the information user to specify a desired location; and accepting a request for information provision relating to the location; and information managing the information. Obtaining the position of the provider's terminal; searching for the information provider's terminal located at or near the point; requesting the searched information provider's terminal to provide information related to the point Steps and

A program that links the information provider's terminal with the information user's terminal to execute '

1 9. The control step includes:

Receiving information provided from the terminal of the requested information provider, 19. The program according to claim 18, further comprising a step of providing the received information to a terminal of the information user.

20. A program that allows a computer to link an information provider and an information user.

Obtaining the location of the information provider;

Searching for an information provider located at or near the point; requesting the searched information provider for information related to the point through the contact means;

Receiving information provided through the communication means;

Providing the received information to the user.

2 1. A program that allows a computer to link an information provider's terminal with an information user's terminal.

Computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing body.

2 2. The control step includes:

22. The program according to claim 21, further comprising: receiving information provided from a terminal of the requested information provider-providing the received information to a terminal of the information user.

23. A computer-readable recording medium recording the program according to claim 22, wherein the terminal of the information provider is a wireless device requiring a line contract.

2 4.

A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for executing a program is recorded.

2 5. The control step includes:

25. The program according to claim 24, further comprising: receiving information provided from the requested information provider terminal; and providing the received information to the information user terminal. Computer readable Recording medium.

26. A program that links an information provider and an information user to a computer.

Obtaining the location of the information provider;

Receiving information provided through the communication means;

Providing the received information to the user.