WO2007077868A1

WO2007077868A1 - Information collection system, information collection server, information processing terminal, information collection method, and information collection program

Info

Publication number: WO2007077868A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/326046
Authority: WO
Inventors: Akitake Mitsuhashi
Original assignee: Nec Corporation
Priority date: 2006-01-06
Filing date: 2006-12-27
Publication date: 2007-07-12

Abstract

A camera (11) of a mobile terminal (10) repeats imaging at each predetermined time, and storefront information extraction means (14) extracts storefront information from the storefront images taken by the camera (11). Communication means (16) transmits to a server (30) the storefront information extracted by the storefront information extraction means (14). In the server (30), storefront information registration means (31) stores the storefront information received from the mobile terminal (10) into map information database (32). Storefront information search means (33) extracts storefront information from the map information database (32) according to a delivery request from the mobile terminal (10). Communication means (34) delivers the storefront information extracted by the storefront information search means (33) to the mobile terminal (10)..

Description

Specification

Information collection system, information collection server, information processing terminal, information collection method and information collection program

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an information collection system, an information collection server, an information collection method, and an information collection program. In particular, the present invention collects information using a moving body such as an automobile and the information user collects the collected information. The present invention relates to searchable information collection systems, information collection servers, information collection methods, and information collection programs. The present invention also relates to an information processing terminal provided in the information collection system.

Background art

[0002] As an information collection system that collects various types of information and provides it to users, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a real-time collection that is collected over a wide range with restrictions on distance, time, people, and cost as much as possible. The information collection system that provides information to the client with high reliability is described. In the information collection system described in Patent Literature 1, an information collection command is transmitted to a mobile terminal with a photographing function of a photographing agent in response to a request from a user terminal (mobile terminal). In addition, based on the reliability obtained from the communication terminal capabilities of related organizations, the creditworthiness of the photographed image information by the photographer is assessed. Then, the user determines whether or not to purchase the photographed image information based on the published reliability.

[0003] Further, for example, Patent Document 2 describes an information collection / retrieval system that actively executes information collection requests from users and collects them. The information collection and retrieval system described in Patent Document 2 collects various types of information using a humanoid mobile robot or a person equipped with a sensor system.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-326406

Patent Document 2: JP 2002-183180 A

[0004] According to the information collection system described in Patent Document 1, a user must perform an information acquisition request operation using a mobile terminal in order to acquire information. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a manual operation in order to obtain information, which takes time for the user. In addition, in order to assess the reliability of the captured image information, the person in charge at the relevant organization must create and work on the reliability information in advance, which takes time and effort from the person in charge at the relevant organization. Therefore, in the information collection system described in Patent Document 1, many manual operations are included in the information collection and information acquisition procedures, and the labor required for information collection and information acquisition is large.

[0005] Further, according to the information collection / retrieval system described in Patent Document 2, information can be automatically collected using a humanoid mobile robot or a person equipped with a sensor system. However, even if the information collection / retrieval system described in Patent Document 2 is used, the information acquirer (or robot) exists separately from the information user. The information acquisition range must be instructed to the information acquirer, which takes time for the user. Therefore, the labor required for the user's use of information is great.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides an information collection system, an information collection server, an information processing terminal, an information collection method, and an information collection program that can acquire desired information without requiring human labor. With the goal.

[0007] An information collection system according to the present invention includes an information processing terminal (for example, mobile terminal 10) and an information collection server (for example, store information management server 30) that collects information. Information acquisition means for automatic acquisition (for example, store information extraction means 14) and acquisition information transmission means for transmitting information acquired by the information acquisition means to the information collection server via the communication network (for example, communication means 16) The information collection server collects information based on collected information storage means (for example, map information database 32) for storing collected information (for example, storefront information) and information received from the information processing terminal. It includes collection information registration means (for example, storefront information registration means 31) for storing information in the collection information storage means. Note that “automatically obtain information” means, for example, extracting information by performing character recognition from images continuously captured by the camera, or using electronic payment usage information created at the time of product purchase. It is to extract information by using it.

[0008] An information collection server according to the present invention is configured to collect collected information storage means (for example, the map information database 32) for storing collected information and store images of stores via a communication network. Storefront image extraction means for extracting storefront information including information on products sold at stores from storefront image receiving means (for example, communication means 34) that also receives processing terminal power and storefront image received by the storefront image receiving means. Means (for example, storefront information extraction means 35) and collection information registration means (for example, storefront information registration means 31) for storing the storefront information extracted by the storefront information extraction means in the collected information storage means as collection information. It is characterized by having.

[0009] An information processing terminal according to the present invention is an information processing terminal (for example, mobile terminal 10) provided in an information collection system, and stores a storefront image capturing means (for example, a camera 11) for capturing a storefront image of a store, Storefront information extraction means (for example, storefront information extraction means 14) for extracting storefront information including information on products sold in the store from the storefront images taken by the image capturing means, and storefront information extraction means It is characterized by comprising storefront information transmitting means (for example, communication means 16) for transmitting storefront information to an information collection server for collecting information via a communication network.

[0010] In the information collection method according to the present invention, the information processing terminal automatically acquires information, and the information processing terminal transmits the acquired information to the information collection server that collects information via the communication network. The information collecting server includes a step of storing the collected information in a database (for example, the map information database 32) based on the information received from the information processing terminal.

[0011] An information collection program according to the present invention is a process for receiving a storefront image of a store from an information processing terminal via a communication network in a computer having storage means (for example, a map information database 32) for storing the collected information. And a process of extracting store information including information on products sold at the store from the received store image and a process of storing the extracted store information as collection information in the storage means. And

[0012] According to the present invention, the information collection server accumulates the collected information based on the information automatically acquired by the information processing terminal. Therefore, it is possible to obtain desired information without requiring human labor.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information collecting system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in a map information database. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of storefront information collection processing for collecting storefront information from each mobile terminal, and storefront information distribution processing for distributing storefront information to each mobile terminal.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a storefront image.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input screen for performing a store information distribution request transmission operation.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a storefront information display screen.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the information collection system.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of storefront information collection processing for collecting storefront information from each mobile terminal and storefront information distribution processing for distributing storefront information to each mobile terminal.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing still another configuration example of the information collection system.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing still another example of storefront information collection processing for collecting storefront information and storefront information distribution processing for distributing storefront information to each mobile terminal.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing still another configuration example of the information collection system.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing still another example of storefront information collection processing for collecting storefront information for each mobile terminal and storefront information distribution processing for distributing storefront information to each mobile terminal.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] In the information collection system of the present invention, the information processing terminal includes storefront image capturing means (for example, the camera 11) for capturing a storefront image of the store, and the information acquisition means is the storefront captured by the storefront image capturing means. From the image, store information (for example, product attributes, product names, product prices) including information on products sold at stores is extracted, and the acquisition information transmitting means extracts the store information extracted by the information acquisition means. The collected information registration means may transmit the information to the information collection server via a communication network, and store the store information received from the information processing terminal in the collected information storage means as collected information.

[0015] In addition, in the information collection system, the storefront image capturing means is a camera mounted on the vehicle, and may capture an image every predetermined time.

[0016] In the information collection system, the information acquisition unit specifies a character string included in the storefront image captured by the storefront image capturing unit by performing character recognition processing, and the specified character string To extract storefront information from the storefront image according to a predetermined extraction rule It may be a thing.

[0017] Further, in the information collection system, the information acquisition means includes payment information generation means (for example, payment means 17) for generating electronic payment use information including the payment contents when the product is purchased, and payment information generation means. Terminal-side information extraction means (for example, storefront information extraction means 14A) for extracting storefront information including information on products sold at the store from the electronic payment use information generated by the The store side information extracted by the terminal-side information extraction means is transmitted to the information collection server via the communication network, and the collection information registration means receives the store information received by the information processing terminal (for example, the mobile terminal 10A). The collected information may be stored in collected information storage means.

[0018] In the information collection system, the information processing terminal (for example, the mobile terminal 10B) includes storefront image capturing means for capturing a storefront image of a storefront, and the acquired information transmitting means is storefront image capturing. The store image captured by the means is transmitted to the information collection server via the communication network, and the information collection server (for example, the store information management server 30B) is sold at the store from the store image received from the information processing terminal. It includes server-side information extraction means (for example, storefront information extraction means 35) that extracts storefront information including product information, and the collected information registration means collects storefront information extracted by the server-side information extraction means. It may be stored in the collected information storage means as information.

[0019] In addition, in the information collection system, the server-side information extraction unit performs character recognition processing to identify and specify a character string included in the storefront image received from the information processing terminal. Based on the character string, store information may be extracted from the store image according to a predetermined extraction rule.

[0020] Further, in the information collection system, the information acquisition means includes payment information generation means for generating electronic payment usage information including the payment contents when the product is purchased, and the acquisition information transmission means Transmits the electronic payment usage information generated by the payment information generation means to the information collection server via the communication network, and the information collection server (for example, the storefront information management server 30C) receives the information processing terminal (for example, the mobile terminal 10C). ) Power Includes server-side information extraction means (for example, storefront information extraction means 35C) that extracts storefront information including information on products sold at stores from the received electronic payment usage information. Server side information The store information extracted by the extraction means may be stored in the collected information storage means as collected information.

In the information collection system, the information processing terminal transmits a collection information distribution request (for example, store information distribution request) to the information collection server via the communication network. (For example, communication means 16), the information collection server is based on the distribution request received from the information processing terminal! Collecting information extracted from the collected information storage means (for example, store information searching means 33) and the collected information extracted by the collected information extracting means to the information processing terminal via the communication network It may include a collected information distribution means (for example, communication means 34) to be transmitted.

[0022] Further, in the information collection system, the information processing terminal uses a position calculation unit (for example, storefront information) for obtaining acquisition position information (for example, latitude and longitude) indicating a position from which the information acquisition unit has acquired information. The acquisition information transmitting means transmits the acquired position information obtained by the position calculating means to the information collecting server via the communication network together with the information acquired by the information acquiring means. The collected information is stored in the collected information storage means in association with the acquired position information received from the information processing terminal, and the collected information extracting means stores the information based on the acquired position information stored in the collected information storage means. Collected information whose acquired position is within a predetermined range may be extracted from the collected information storage means.

[0023] Further, in the information collection system, the information processing terminal obtains time acquisition means (for example, store information) for obtaining acquisition time information (for example, hour and minute) indicating the time when the information acquisition means acquired information. The acquisition information transmission means transmits the acquisition time information obtained by the time calculation means together with the information acquired by the information acquisition means to the information collection server via the communication network, and collects the collected information. The means stores the collected information in the collected information storage means in association with the acquisition time information received from the information processing terminal, and the collected information extraction means stores the latest information based on the acquisition time information stored in the collected information storage means. The collected information may be extracted from the collected information storage means.

[0024] Further, in the information collection system, the information processing terminal inputs evaluation information (for example, a program) for inputting evaluation information (for example, reputation information) indicating evaluation for the purchased product. The acquisition information transmitting means transmits the evaluation information input by the evaluation information input means together with the information acquired by the information acquisition means to the communication network. The collection information registration unit stores the collected information in the collection information storage unit in association with the evaluation information received from the information processing terminal, and the collection information extraction unit includes the collection information storage unit. Corresponding to evaluation information including positive opinions (for example, reputation information including positive opinions such as “High performance”, “Low price”, “Easy to play keyboard”) based on evaluation information stored by Yes Collected information may be extracted from collected information storage means.

[0025] In the information collection system, the information collection server includes map information storage means (for example, a map information database 32) that stores map information in advance, and the collected information extraction means is a map stored by the map information storage means. Based on the information, map information with the extracted collection information attached is generated, and the collection information distribution means transmits the map information generated by the collection information extraction means to the information processing terminal via the communication network. Anyway.

[0026] Further, the information collection server of the present invention sends collected information storage means for storing collected information and electronic payment use information including payment contents when purchasing a product from an information processing terminal via a communication network. The payment information receiving means (for example, communication means 34C) to be received and the shop front extraction means for extracting the shop front information including information on the products sold at the store from the electronic payment use information received by the payment information receiving means! (For example, store information extraction means 35C) and collection information registration means for storing the store information extracted by the store information extraction means in the collection information storage means as collection information may be provided.

[0027] Further, the information processing terminal of the present invention is an information processing terminal (for example, mobile terminal 10A) provided in the information collection system, and generates electronic payment usage information including payment details when a product is purchased. Payment information generation means (for example, payment means 17) and store information extraction means for extracting storefront information including information on products sold at stores from the electronic payment usage information generated by the payment information generation means (For example, storefront information extraction means 14A) and storefront information transmission means (for example, communication means 16) for transmitting the storefront information extracted by the storefront information extraction means to the information collection server via the communication network. There may be.

[0028] Further, the information collection program of the present invention is a computer comprising storage means for storing collected information. Products that are sold in stores based on the process of receiving electronic payment usage information including payment details when purchasing products from a data processing terminal via a communication network, and the received electronic payment usage information. It is also possible to execute a process of extracting store information including the above information and a process of storing the extracted store information in the storage means as collected information.

[0029] Further, according to the present invention, store information is automatically acquired by extracting store information from store images taken by the information processing terminal, and the store information received from the information processing terminal by the information collection server is acquired. If configured to store, store information can be automatically generated using vehicles and people passing through the store. Therefore, compared with the case where store clerk or the like manually registers storefront information, human labor required to generate storefront information that changes from moment to moment can be reduced.

[0030] Also, in the present invention, the information processing terminal automatically acquires storefront information by extracting the storefront information from the electronic payment use information, and the information collection server stores the storefront information received by the information processing terminal. With this configuration, storefront information can be automatically generated using electronic payment usage information when purchasing a product. Therefore, compared with the case where a store clerk or the like manually registers storefront information, human labor required to generate storefront information that changes from moment to moment can be reduced.

[0031] In the present invention, if the information collection server is configured to automatically acquire storefront information by extracting storefront image power storefront information received from the information processing terminal, the storefront information is passed. Store information can be automatically generated using vehicles and people. Therefore, compared with the case where a store clerk or the like manually registers storefront information, human labor required to generate storefront information that changes every moment can be reduced.

[0032] Also, in the present invention, if the information collection server is configured to automatically acquire storefront information by extracting the information on storefront information used for electronic payment received from the information processing terminal, Store information can be automatically generated using the electronic payment usage information when purchasing. Therefore, compared with the case where a store clerk or the like manually registers storefront information, human labor required to generate storefront information that changes every moment can be reduced.

[0033] In the present invention, the information collection server collects information in response to a collection information distribution request. If the information is extracted and distributed to the information processing terminal, the information user (user) can easily search for the automatically collected information. For example, the user can easily search for desired product information by searching the collected information via a communication network using an information processing terminal.

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

First embodiment

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information collection system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information collection system includes a plurality of mobile terminals 10-1 to N and a storefront information management server 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminals 10-1 to N and the storefront information management server 30 are connected via a communication network 100 including the Internet and a wireless communication network.

[0035] In the present embodiment, when each of the mobile terminals 10-1 to N is comprehensively expressed, or when any one of the mobile terminals 10-1 to N is indicated, it is also simply expressed as the mobile terminal 10. To do.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the information collection system is applied to an application for providing storefront information distribution service that distributes storefront information (for example, product names and product prices of products sold in stores). . The information collection system may be used for purposes other than the distribution of store information (for example, distribution of traffic information and disaster information).

[0037] The mobile terminal 10 is a terminal used by a user. Specifically, the mobile terminal 10 is information on an in-vehicle camera, a car navigation terminal, and the like mounted on a vehicle (for example, an automobile, a motorcycle, or a bicycle). Realized by a terminal. In the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 captures a storefront image when the vehicle passes by the storefront. Further, when the user wants to use the storefront information, the user obtains and browses the storefront information using the mobile terminal 10. The mobile terminal 10 is not limited to a car navigation terminal, but may be realized using an information terminal such as a PDA, for example.

[0038] Further, when the mobile terminal 10 is carried by a user, the mobile terminal 10 may be realized by a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone equipped with a camera. In this case, the mobile terminal 10 captures a storefront image according to the user's operation when the user passes in front of the storefront or purchases a product at the store. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 10 includes a camera 11, a GPS device 12, a clock 13, store information extracting means 14, store information browsing means 15, and communication means 16.

[0040] The camera 11 is installed in the vehicle, for example, at a position and an angle at which a store along the road can be photographed while the vehicle is traveling (for example, facing the side of the vehicle). The camera 11 has a function of automatically taking a storefront image including a product price tag, a new product arrival notice, a sale start notice, and the like. In addition, the camera 11 has a function of outputting the photographed storefront image to the storefront information extraction unit 14.

In the present embodiment, the camera 11 repeatedly captures images every predetermined time, and outputs the captured images to the storefront information extracting means 14. By continuously taking pictures, the camera 11 automatically takes a storefront image. In this case, the camera 11 may repeatedly take a moving image and output it to the store information extracting means 14. For example, when the mobile terminal 10 is a mobile phone carried by the user, the mobile terminal 10 may take a storefront image according to the user's operation when the user visits or passes through the store. Good.

[0042] Specifically, the GPS device 12 is a GPS receiver (for example, a GPS receiving circuit) mounted on the mobile terminal 10. The GPS device 12 has a function of receiving a GPS signal via a GPS antenna mounted on the mobile terminal 10. In the present embodiment, the GPS device 12 outputs the received GPS signal to the storefront information extracting means 14. Specifically, the clock 13 is a timer (for example, a timer circuit) mounted on the mobile terminal 10. The clock 13 has a function of outputting time information every predetermined time. In the present embodiment, the clock 13 outputs time information to the storefront information extracting means 14 every predetermined time.

[0043] The store information extracting means 14 is specifically realized by the CPU of the mobile terminal 10 that operates according to a program. The store information extracting means 14 has a function of obtaining store information including a product name, product price, new product name, sale start time, etc. based on the store image taken by the camera 11. In the present embodiment, the storefront information extracting means 14 performs character recognition processing on the storefront image and extracts the storefront information from the storefront image by extracting a character string.

[0044] Further, the storefront information extracting means 14 has a function of obtaining current position information (for example, latitude and longitude) of the mobile terminal 10 based on the GPS signal received by the GPS device 12. Real In the embodiment, when the storefront information extracting means 14 extracts the storefront image power photographed by the camera 11, the current location information (hereinafter also referred to as information acquisition location information) is used as the location information when the storefront information is acquired. Ask for.

In addition, the storefront information extracting unit 14 has a function of obtaining current time information (for example, hour and minute) based on time information from the clock 13. In the present embodiment, the store information extraction means 14 extracts the storefront image power captured by the camera 11 and stores the current store time information as the current time information (hereinafter also referred to as information acquisition time information!). )

[0046] The store information browsing means 15 is specifically realized by the CPU of the mobile terminal 10 that operates according to a program. The storefront information browsing means 15 has a function of displaying storefront information on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display unit or a display device. For example, the storefront information browsing means 15 displays the storefront information on the display unit using a browser installed in the mobile terminal 10. In the present embodiment, the storefront information browsing means 15 causes the display unit to display a map including the storefront information based on the map information received from the storefront information management server 30. Further, the storefront information browsing means 15 has a function of instructing the communication means 16 to transmit a storefront information distribution request in accordance with a user's instruction operation.

[0047] Specifically, the communication means 16 is realized by the CPU and network interface unit of the mobile terminal 10 that operates according to a program. The communication means 16 transmits the storefront information extracted by the storefront information extraction means 14 and the information acquisition position information and information acquisition time information obtained by the storefront information extraction means 14 to the storefront information management server 30 via the communication network 100. It has a function to do. Further, the communication unit 16 has a function of transmitting a storefront information distribution request to the storefront information management server 30 via the communication network 100 in accordance with an instruction from the storefront information browsing unit 15. The communication means 16 has a function of receiving storefront information from the storefront information management server 30 via the communication network 100.

[0048] The storefront information management server 30 is a server operated by, for example, a service provider that provides a storefront information distribution service. Specifically, the storefront information management server 30 is realized by an information processing apparatus such as a workstation or a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 1, the storefront information management server 30 includes storefront information registration means 31, a map information data base 32, storefront information search means 33, and communication means 34. [0049] Specifically, the storefront information registration means 31 is realized by a CPU of an information processing device that operates according to a program. The storefront information registration means 31 has a function of storing storefront information, information acquisition position information, and information acquisition time information received from the mobile terminal 10 in the map information database 32. In the present embodiment, the storefront information registration means 31 stores the storefront information in the map information database 32 in association with the information acquisition position information and the information acquisition time information. Further, the storefront information registration means 31 has a function of generating registration completion notification information that is notification information indicating that registration of storefront information in the map information database 32 is completed.

[0050] Specifically, the map information database 32 is realized by a database device such as a magnetic disk device or an optical disk device. The map information database 32 stores map information in advance. The map information database 32 stores store information in association with information acquisition position information and information acquisition time information. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in the map information database 32. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the map information database 32 displays storefront information as indicated by terms such as “recommended items” and “purchased items” as storefront information. Stores product attributes, product names, and product prices that briefly indicate the store's intentions. As shown in FIG. 2, the map information database 32 stores product attributes, product names, and product prices in association with information acquisition position information (latitude and longitude) and information acquisition time information (hour · minute). To do.

[0051] Further, the map information database 32 stores user registration information registered in advance by the user of each mobile terminal 10. In the present embodiment, the map information database 32 stores in advance user registration information including the user name and address information (for example, an e-mail address) of each user.

[0052] Specifically, the storefront information search means 33 is realized by a CPU of an information processing device that operates according to a program. The store information search means 33 has a function of searching and extracting store information from the map information database 32 when receiving a store information distribution request.

In the present embodiment, store information search means 33 extracts store information near the user's home. Specifically, the storefront information search means 33 includes the position obtained from the user's home address among the information acquisition position information stored in the map information database 32 (for example, latitude and All information acquisition position information indicating a position within a predetermined distance from (longitude) is specified. Then, the storefront information search means 33 extracts all storefront information corresponding to the specified information acquisition position information from the storefront information stored in the map information database 32.

Further, the storefront information search means 33 has a function of generating map information to which storefront information is added based on the map information stored in the map information database 32. Specifically, the storefront information search means 33 specifies the location of each store on the map based on the specified information acquisition location information. Then, the storefront information search means 33 uses the map information stored in the map information database 32 to generate map information with the storefront information added to the specified location of each store.

[0055] Specifically, the communication means 34 is realized by a CPU and a network interface unit of an information processing apparatus that operates according to a program. The communication means 34 has a function of receiving store information, information acquisition position information, and information acquisition time information from the mobile terminal 10 via the communication network 100. The communication means 34 has a function of transmitting the registration completion notification information generated by the storefront information registration means 31 to the mobile terminal 10 via the communication network 100. Further, the communication means 34 has a function of receiving a storefront information distribution request from the mobile terminal 10 via the communication network 100.

In addition, the communication unit 34 has a function of transmitting store information to the mobile terminal 10 via the communication network 100 in accordance with an instruction from the store information search unit 33. In the present embodiment, specifically, the communication means 34 distributes the storefront information to the mobile terminal 10 requested for distribution by transmitting the map information to which the storefront information is added.

Next, the operation will be described. In the present embodiment, each user has a contract with a service provider in advance in order to receive the storefront information distribution service. Each user registers user registration information with a service provider in advance. For example, the user operates the mobile terminal 10 to perform user registration information registration operation in advance. In this case, the mobile terminal 10 inputs the user registration information including the user name and address information in accordance with the user registration operation, and transmits it to the storefront information management server 30 via the communication network 100. Then, the storefront information management server 30 issues a user ID to the user and associates the user registration information received from the mobile terminal 10 with the user ID to map information data. Store (register) in base 32.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of storefront information collection processing for collecting storefront information from each mobile terminal and storefront information distribution processing for distributing storefront information to each mobile terminal. First, the operation of the store information management server 30 collecting store information from each mobile terminal 10 will be described.

[0059] When the vehicle passes in front of the store, the camera 11 of the mobile terminal 10 captures a storefront image of the store (step S101). In the present embodiment, the camera 11 repeatedly takes images every predetermined time. Therefore, when the vehicle passes in front of the store, the camera 11 automatically takes a storefront image. For example, when the mobile terminal 10 is a mobile phone carried by the user, the camera 11 captures a storefront image according to the user's operation when the user visits or passes through the store.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a storefront image taken by the camera 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the camera 11 has a product attribute (for example, the first line) such as “recommended product” and “purchased product”, a product name (for example, the second line), and a product price (for example, 3 Take a store image that includes the eye. Further, the power camera 11 outputs the photographed storefront image to the storefront information extracting means 14.

[0061] The storefront information extraction means 14 performs character recognition processing, and extracts storefront information from the storefront image taken by the camera 11 (step S102). In this case, the storefront information extracting means 14 specifies each character string included in the storefront image by performing character recognition processing. Then, the storefront information extracting means 14 extracts storefront information according to a predetermined extraction rule based on each specified character string.

[0062] For example, in general, when product information is included in the storefront image, the product attribute that is a word (for example, "recommended product" or "purchased product") indicating some intention on the store side in the first line , The product name may be included in the second line, and the product price may be included in the third line. In this case, the storefront information extraction means 14 extracts the character string included in the first line from the character strings specified by character recognition as the product attribute, and extracts the character string included in the second line as the product name. Then, the character string included in the third line is extracted as the product price. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the storefront information extracting means 14 extracts product attributes, product names, and price information from the areas 40, 41, and 42 containing the product information in the storefront image. For example, from area 40, as store information, product attribute “Recommended”, product name “Cream Cleanser” and product price “128 yen” To extract.

[0063] When the storefront information is extracted, the storefront information extraction means 14 obtains information acquisition position information based on the GPS signal received by the GPS device 12. Further, the storefront information extracting means 14 obtains information acquisition time information based on the time information from the clock 13 (step S103). Then, the communication means 16 transmits the extracted storefront information and the obtained information acquisition position information and information acquisition time information to the storefront information management server 30 via the communication network 100 (step S104).

[0064] When the image is taken at a timing other than when the vehicle passes in front of the store, the image taken by the camera 11 does not include storefront information. In this case, the mobile terminal 10 proceeds to processing of the next image captured by the camera 11 without performing the processing of steps S103 and S104.

The storefront information registration unit 31 of the storefront information management server 30 stores the storefront information, information acquisition position information, and information acquisition time information received from the mobile terminal 10 in the map information database 32 (step S 105). In this case, the storefront information registration means 31 stores the storefront information in the map information database 32 in association with the information acquisition position information and the information acquisition time information.

[0066] Further, the storefront information registration means 31 generates registration completion notification information. Then, the communication means 34 transmits the generated registration completion notification information to the mobile terminal 10 that has received the storefront information, the information acquisition position information, and the information acquisition time information via the communication network 100 (Step S 106). ).

When receiving the registration completion notification information, the mobile terminal 10 saves the received registration completion notification information in a storage device such as a memory device or a disk drive. Further, the mobile terminal: LO displays a registration completion notification indicating that the registration of the storefront information is completed based on the received registration completion notification information (step S107).

[0068] As described above, the store information management server 30 can collect and store store information by repeatedly executing the processing from step S101 to step S107. Further, the storefront information management server 30 can accumulate the latest storefront information as needed over time. For example, store price information (for example, store prices of products such as greengrocers) Store information that changes from moment to moment can be accumulated at any time.

[0069] When a user purchases a product at any of the stores next time, a predetermined discount service may be used by displaying a registration completion notice to the store clerk. For example, when the mobile terminal 10 is a mobile phone possessed by a user, the storefront information management server 30 may transmit registration completion notification information including a discount coupon. By doing so, it is possible to prompt the user to take a storefront image, and the collection rate of storefront information can be further improved.

Next, an operation in which the storefront information management server 30 distributes storefront information to the mobile terminal 10 will be described. When the user wants to refer to the storefront information in order to purchase the product, the user operates the mobile terminal 10 and performs an operation of transmitting a storefront information distribution request. The store information browsing means 15 of the mobile terminal 10 instructs the communication means 16 to transmit the store information distribution request according to the user's transmission operation. Then, the communication means 16 transmits a storefront information distribution request to the storefront information management server 30 via the communication network 100 in accordance with the instruction of the storefront information browsing means 15 (step S108).

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input screen for performing an operation for transmitting a storefront information distribution request. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the storefront information browsing means 15 inputs the user's home address, the type of product requested for distribution (requested product type), and the desired price range according to the user's operation. Then, the communication means 16 transmits a distribution request including the home address, requested product type and desired price range to the storefront information management server 30.

When the store information distribution request is received, the store information search means 33 of the store information management server 30 extracts the store information from the map information database 32 based on the home address of the user included in the distribution request (step S109). In this case, the storefront information search means 33 obtains the position (for example, latitude and longitude) of the user's home based on the home address of the user included in the distribution request! Further, the storefront information search means 33 specifies all information acquisition position information indicating a position within a predetermined distance from the position of the user's home. Then, the storefront information search means 33 extracts all storefront information corresponding to the specified information acquisition position information from the storefront information stored in the map information database 32.

[0073] In step S109, a plurality of store information is extracted for the same product in the same store. When the store information is issued, the store information search means 33 selects the latest store information based on the information acquisition time information stored in the map information database 32.

Further, the storefront information search means 33 generates map information with the storefront information added based on the map information stored in the map information database 32. In this case, the storefront information search means 33 specifies the location on the map of each store based on the specified information acquisition location information. Then, the storefront information search means 33 uses the map information stored in the map information database 32 to generate map information with the storefront information added to the specified location of each store.

In addition, the communication means 34 transmits the extracted storefront information to the mobile terminal 10 requested for distribution via the communication network 100 (step S110). In the present embodiment, the communication means 34 transmits the map information with the extracted storefront information added to the mobile terminal 10.

When store information is received, the store information browsing means 15 of the mobile terminal 10 displays the received store information on the display unit (step Sl l l). In the present embodiment, the storefront information browsing means 15 displays a map with the storefront information on the display unit based on the received map information.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a storefront information display screen. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the mobile terminal 10 displays a map with store information 60 and 61 attached as the store information display screen. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the mobile terminal 10 has a product attribute (for example, “shopping goods”), a product name (for example, “jogging shoes” or “cabbage”), And a display screen including the product price (for example, “3,800 yen” or “100 yen”). Each storefront information is added with a category indication indicating that it is “daily necessities” information or “food” information.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 automatically acquires store information by continuously capturing images and extracting store information with the store image power. Further, the storefront information management server 30 stores the storefront information received from the mobile terminal 10 in the map information database 32. Therefore, it is possible to obtain desired information without requiring human labor. In particular, because store information can be automatically generated using vehicles and people that pass through the store, the store information that changes from time to time is generated compared to the case where store clerk manually registers the store information. It is possible to reduce the labor required for human beings. Further, according to the present embodiment, the storefront information management server 30 extracts storefront information from the map information database 32 and distributes it to the mobile terminal 10 in response to a storefront information distribution request. Therefore, information users (users) can easily search automatically collected information. For example, the user can easily search for desired product information by searching the store information via the communication network 100 using the mobile terminal 10.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the method for acquiring force store information that describes the case where the character recognition process is performed on the store image is not limited to the method described in the present embodiment. For example, a QR code including product information may be attached in advance to a product displayed at each store, and the mobile terminal 10 may photograph the QR code attached to the product according to a user operation. Then, the mobile terminal 10 may extract store information including product attributes, product names, and product prices by analyzing the QR code included in the captured image.

[0081] Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the information collection system. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the information collection system includes a plurality of mobile terminals 10A-1 to 10-N and store information management server 30. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, each of the mobile terminals 10A-1 to N and the storefront information management server 30 are connected via a communication network 100 including the Internet and a wireless communication network.

[0082] In the present embodiment, when each mobile terminal 10A-1 to N is expressed in a comprehensive manner, or when the mobile terminal 1OA-1 to N is pointed out, it is simply the mobile terminal. 1 Also expressed as OA.

[0083] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the mobile terminal 10A power includes the settlement means 17 instead of the camera 11, GPS device 12 and clock 13 of the mobile terminal 10 shown in FIG. Different from the first embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, the function of the storefront information extracting means 14A of the mobile terminal 10A is different from the function of the storefront information extracting means 14 shown in the first embodiment. Of the constituent elements of the mobile terminal 10A, the functions of the storefront information browsing means 15 and the communication means 16 are the same as those shown in the first embodiment. Further, the function of the storefront information management server 30 is the same as the function of the storefront information management server 30 shown in the first embodiment. [0084] The settlement means 17 is specifically realized by the CPU of the mobile terminal 10A that operates according to the program. The settlement means 17 has a function of executing a predetermined settlement process in accordance with a user instruction operation. In the present embodiment, mobile terminal 10A stores electronic money in a storage device such as a memory in advance, and a user purchases a product using electronic money by operating mobile terminal 10A at a store. In this case, the settlement means 17 performs a settlement process using electronic money stored in advance in the storage device in accordance with the user's instruction operation.

[0085] Further, the settlement means 17 has a function of generating electronic settlement usage information (for example, purchase details of a product) including settlement contents when a predetermined settlement process is executed. In the present embodiment, the settlement means 17 uses electronic payment using product information such as the product name and product price of the purchased product, the location of the store (for example, an address), and the purchase time (for example, hour and minute). Generate information.

The store information extracting unit 14A has a function of extracting store information from the electronic payment use information generated by the payment unit 17. In the present embodiment, the storefront information extracting means 14A extracts product information such as product names and product prices from the electronic payment use information as storefront information.

Further, the storefront information extracting unit 14A has a function of obtaining information acquisition position information based on the electronic payment use information! For example, the storefront information extraction means 14A extracts the location (residence) of the store using electronic payment utilization information. Then, the storefront information extracting means 14A obtains information acquisition position information by converting the location of the extracted store into latitude and longitude, for example. Note that the mobile terminal 10 may include a GPS device, and obtain information acquisition position information based on a GPS signal received by the GPS device. Further, the storefront information extracting means 14A may extract the location of the store as it is from the electronic payment use information as information acquisition position information.

[0088] Further, the storefront information extracting means 14A has a function of obtaining information acquisition time information based on the electronic payment use information! For example, the storefront information extracting means 14A also extracts the information power of using electronic payment as the information acquisition time information. Note that the mobile terminal 10 may include a clock and obtain information acquisition time information based on time information from the clock.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the storefront information collection process for collecting storefront information from each mobile terminal and the storefront information distribution process for distributing storefront information to each mobile terminal. Hereinafter, the storefront information management server 30 is transferred from each mobile terminal 10A to the storefront. The operation of collecting information will be described. The operation in which the storefront information management server 30 distributes the storefront information to the mobile terminal 10A is the same as the operation in the first embodiment. That is, in FIG. 8, the processing from step S206 to step S209 is the same as the processing from step S108 to step S111 shown in the first embodiment.

[0090] When purchasing a product at a store, the user operates the mobile terminal 10A to perform an electronic payment instruction operation. The settlement means 17 of the mobile terminal 10A executes a predetermined settlement process according to the user's instruction operation. For example, the payment means 17 executes an electronic payment process using electronic money. Further, the settlement means 17 generates electronic settlement usage information when executing a predetermined settlement process.

The storefront information extracting unit 14A extracts storefront information from the electronic payment use information generated by the settlement unit 17 (step S201). In this case, the storefront information extraction means 14A extracts product information such as the product name and product price of the purchased product from the electronic payment use information as storefront information. Further, the storefront information extracting means 14A obtains information acquisition position information and information acquisition time information based on the electronic payment use information.

Then, the communication means 16 transmits the extracted store information to the store information management server 30 via the communication network 100 (step S202). In this case, the communication means 16 transmits the obtained information acquisition position information and information acquisition time information together with the storefront information to the storefront information management server 30.

Note that the processing from step S203 to step S205 is the same as the processing from step S105 to step S107 described in the first embodiment.

As described above, the store information management server 30 can collect and store store information by repeatedly executing the processing from step S201 to step S205. Further, the storefront information management server 30 can accumulate the latest storefront information as needed over time.

[0095] As described above, according to the present embodiment, mobile terminal 10A automatically acquires storefront information by extracting storefront information from electronic payment use information. Further, the storefront information management server 30 stores the storefront information received from the mobile terminal 10A in the map information database 32. Therefore, desired information can be acquired without requiring human labor. Further, according to the present embodiment, the storefront information management server 30 extracts storefront information from the map information database 32 and distributes it to the mobile terminal 10A in response to a storefront information distribution request. Therefore, information users (users) can easily search automatically collected information.

[0096] Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing still another configuration example of the information collection system. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the information collection system includes a plurality of mobile terminals 10B-1 to 10-N and storefront information management server 3OB. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, each of the mobile terminals 10B-1 to N and the storefront information management server 30B are connected via a communication network 100 including the Internet and a wireless communication network.

[0097] In the present embodiment, when each mobile terminal 10B-1 to N is comprehensively expressed, or when any one of the mobile terminals 10B-1 to N is indicated, the mobile terminal 10B is simply Express.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the mobile terminal 10B power does not include the storefront information extracting means 14 among the components of the mobile terminal 10 shown in FIG. Different from form. Further, the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the storefront information management server 30B includes storefront information extraction means 35 in addition to the components of the storefront information management server 30 shown in FIG. . Further, in the present embodiment, the function of the communication means 16B of the mobile terminal 10B is different from the function of the communication means 16 shown in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the function of the communication means 34B of the storefront information management server 30B is different from the function of the communication means 34 shown in the first embodiment.

[0099] Of the components of mobile terminal 10B, the functions of camera 11, GPS device 12, watch 13 and store information browsing means 15 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. Among the components of the storefront information management server 30B, the functions of the storefront information registration means 31, the map information database 32, and the storefront information search means 33 are the same as those shown in the first embodiment. .

[0100] The communication means 16B, based on the GPS signal received by the GPS device 12, A function to request information is provided. Further, the communication means 16B has a function of obtaining information acquisition time information based on time information from the clock 13. The communication means 16B has a function of transmitting the storefront image taken by the camera 11 and the obtained information acquisition position information and information acquisition time information to the storefront information management server 30B via the communication network 100. Further, the communication means 16B has a function of transmitting a storefront information distribution request to the storefront information management server 30B via the communication network 100 in accordance with an instruction from the storefront information browsing means 15. The communication unit 16B has a function of receiving store information from the store information management server 30B via the communication network 100.

[0101] The communication means 34B has a function of receiving storefront images, information acquisition position information, and information acquisition time information from the mobile terminal 10B via the communication network 100. The communication unit 34B has a function of transmitting the registration completion notification information generated by the store information registration unit 31 to the mobile terminal 10B via the communication network 100. Further, the communication means 34B has a function of receiving a storefront information distribution request from the mobile terminal 10B via the communication network 100. Further, the communication means 34B has a function of transmitting store information to the mobile terminal 10B via the communication network 100 in accordance with an instruction from the store information search means 33.

[0102] The store information extraction means 35 is specifically realized by a CPU of an information processing device that operates according to a program. The storefront information extracting means 35 has a function of obtaining storefront information including a product name, product price, new product name, sale start time, etc. based on the storefront image received from the mobile terminal 10B. In the present embodiment, the storefront information extracting means 35 performs character recognition processing on the storefront image and extracts a character string, thereby extracting storefront information from the storefront image.

[0103] Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing still another example of the storefront information collection process for collecting storefront information from each mobile terminal and the storefront information distribution process for distributing storefront information to each mobile terminal. Hereinafter, the operation of the store information management server 30B collecting store information from each mobile terminal 10B will be described. The operation in which the storefront information management server 30B distributes storefront information to the mobile terminal 10B is the same as the operation in the first embodiment. That is, in FIG. 10, the processing from step S308 to step S311 is the same as the processing from step S108 to step S111 shown in the first embodiment. [0104] The camera 11 of the mobile terminal 10B captures a storefront image of the store when the vehicle passes in front of the store according to the same processing as in step S101 described in the first embodiment (step S301). . The camera 11 outputs the captured storefront image as it is to the communication means 16B.

[0105] When the store image is captured, the communication means 16B obtains information acquisition position information based on the GPS signal received by the GPS device 12. Further, the communication means 16B obtains information acquisition time information based on the time information from the clock 13 (step S302). Then, the communication means 16B transmits the photographed storefront image and the obtained information acquisition position information and information acquisition time information to the storefront information management server 30B via the communication network 100 (step S303).

[0106] The communication means 34B of the storefront information management server 30B receives the storefront image, the information acquisition position information, and the information acquisition time information from the mobile terminal 10B via the communication network 100. Then, the storefront information extracting means 35 performs character recognition processing, and also extracts storefront information from the storefront image power received from the mobile terminal 10B (step S304). In this case, the storefront information extracting means 35 extracts storefront information from the storefront image according to the same processing as in step S102 shown in the first embodiment.

[0107] The storefront information registration means 31 stores the storefront information, information acquisition position information, and information acquisition time information in the map information database 32 (step S305). In the present embodiment, the storefront information registration means 31 stores the storefront information obtained by the storefront information extraction means 35 and the information acquisition position information and information acquisition time information received from the mobile terminal 10B on the map information data base. Remember to 32. In this case, the storefront information registration means 31 stores the storefront information in the map information database 32 in association with the information acquisition position information and the information acquisition time information.

[0108] Further, the storefront information registration means 31 generates registration completion notification information in accordance with the same processing as step S106 shown in the first embodiment. Then, the communication means 34B transmits the generated registration completion notification information to the mobile terminal 10B via the communication network 100 according to the same processing as in step S106 shown in the first embodiment (step S306). ).

[0109] Upon receipt of the registration completion notification information, the mobile terminal 10B stores the received registration completion notification information in a storage device such as a memory device or a disk drive. In addition, the mobile terminal 10B follows the processing similar to step S107 shown in the first embodiment, and receives the received registration completion notification. Based on the knowledge information, a registration completion notification indicating that the registration of the storefront information is completed is displayed.

(Step S307).

As described above, by repeatedly executing the processing from step S301 to step S307, the storefront information management server 30B can collect and store storefront information. Further, the storefront information management server 30B can accumulate the latest storefront information as needed over time.

[0111] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the storefront information management server 30B extracts the storefront image power storefront information based on the images continuously captured by the mobile terminal 10B. , Get store information automatically. Further, the storefront information management server 30B stores the extracted storefront information in the map information database 32. Therefore, desired information can be acquired without requiring human labor. Further, according to the present embodiment, the storefront information management server 30B extracts storefront information from the map information database 32 and distributes it to the mobile terminal 10B in response to a storefront information distribution request. Therefore, information users (users) can easily search automatically collected information.

[0112] Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing still another configuration example of the information collection system. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the information collection system includes a plurality of mobile terminals 10C-1 to 10-N and a storefront information management server 30C. As shown in FIG. 11, each mobile terminal IOC-1 to N and store information management server 30C are connected via a communication network 100 including the Internet and a wireless communication network.

[0113] In the present embodiment, when each mobile terminal 10C-1 to N is expressed comprehensively or when any one of the mobile terminals IOC-1 to N is indicated, both the mobile terminal 10C and the mobile terminal 10C-1 Express.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, instead of the camera 11, GPS device 12, clock 13 and storefront information extracting means 14 of the mobile terminal 10C shown in FIG. It differs from the first embodiment in that it includes means 17. Further, in this embodiment, the storefront information management server 30C power is included in the components of the storefront information management server 30 shown in the first embodiment. In addition, it differs from the first embodiment in that it includes storefront information extraction means 35C. Further, in the present embodiment, the function of the communication means 16C of the mobile terminal 10C is different from the function of the communication means 16 shown in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the function of the communication means 34C of the storefront information management server 30C is different from the function of the communication means 34 shown in the first embodiment.

[0115] The function of the storefront information browsing means 15 of the mobile terminal 10C is the same as the function of the storefront information browsing means 15 shown in the first embodiment. Among the components of the storefront information management server 30C, the functions of the storefront information registration means 31, the map information database 32, and the storefront information search means 33 are the same as those shown in the first embodiment. .

[0116] The settlement means 17 is specifically realized by the CPU of the mobile terminal 10C that operates according to the program. The settlement means 17 has a function of executing a predetermined settlement process in accordance with a user instruction operation. In the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 10C stores electronic money in a storage device such as a memory in advance, and a user purchases a product using the electronic money by operating the mobile terminal 10C at a store. In this case, the settlement means 17 performs a settlement process using electronic money stored in advance in the storage device in accordance with the user's instruction operation.

[0117] Further, the settlement means 17 has a function of generating electronic settlement use information (for example, purchase details of a product) including settlement contents when a predetermined settlement process is executed. In the present embodiment, the settlement means 17 uses electronic payment using product information such as the product name and product price of the purchased product, the location of the store (for example, an address), and the purchase time (for example, hour and minute). Generate information.

[0118] The communication means 16C has a function of transmitting the electronic payment use information generated by the payment means 17 to the storefront information management server 30C via the communication network 100. Further, the communication means 16C has a function of transmitting a storefront information distribution request to the storefront information management server 30C via the communication network 100 in accordance with an instruction from the storefront information browsing means 15. Further, the communication device 16C has a function of receiving store information from the store information management server 30C via the communication network 100.

[0119] The communication means 34C has a function of receiving electronic payment usage information via the communication network 100. Further, the communication means 34C transmits the registration completion notification information generated by the storefront information registration means 31 to the mobile terminal 10C via the communication network 100. It has a function. Further, the communication means 34C has a function of receiving a storefront information distribution request via the communication network 100 as well as the mobile terminal 10C. Further, the communication means 34C has a function of transmitting the storefront information to the mobile terminal 10C via the communication network 100 in accordance with the instruction of the storefront information search means 33.

[0120] The store information extracting means 35C is specifically realized by a CPU of an information processing device that operates according to a program. The storefront information extraction means 35C has a function of extracting the electronic payment use information capability storefront information received from the mobile terminal 10C. In the present embodiment, the storefront information extracting means 35C extracts product information such as product names and product prices from the electronic payment use information as storefront information.

[0121] Further, the storefront information extracting means 35C has a function of obtaining information acquisition position information based on the electronic payment use information. For example, the storefront information extraction means 35C extracts the location (location) of the store using electronic payment utilization information. Then, the storefront information extracting means 35C obtains information acquisition position information by converting the location of the extracted store into latitude and longitude, for example. The storefront information extracting means 35C may also extract the electronic payment utilization information power as the information acquisition location information as it is. Further, the mobile terminal 10C may include a GPS device, and obtain information acquisition position information based on a GPS signal received by the GPS device. In this case, the communication means 34C may receive the information acquisition position information together with the electronic payment use information as well as the mobile terminal 10C power via the communication network 100.

[0122] Further, the storefront information extraction unit 35C has a function of obtaining information acquisition time information based on the electronic payment use information. For example, the storefront information extracting means 35C also extracts the information power of electronic payment use as the information acquisition time information. Note that the mobile terminal 10C may include a clock and obtain information acquisition time information based on time information from the clock. In this case, the communication means 34C may receive the information acquisition time information together with the electronic payment use information as well as the mobile terminal 10C power via the communication network 100.

[0123] Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing still another example of the storefront information collection process for collecting storefront information from each mobile terminal and the storefront information distribution process for distributing storefront information to each mobile terminal. The operation of the store information management server 30C collecting store information from each mobile terminal 10C will be described below. The store information management server 30C The operation of distributing store information to the end IOC is the same as the operation in the first embodiment. That is, in FIG. 12, the processing from step S406 to step S409 is the same as the processing from step S108 to step S111 shown in the first embodiment.

[0124] When purchasing a product at a store, the user operates the mobile terminal 10C to perform an electronic payment instruction operation. The settlement means 17 of the mobile terminal 10C executes a predetermined settlement process according to the user's instruction operation. For example, the payment means 17 executes an electronic payment process using electronic money. Further, the settlement means 17 generates electronic settlement usage information when executing a predetermined settlement process. Then, the communication means 16C transmits the electronic payment use information generated by the payment means 17 to the storefront information management server 30C via the communication network 100 (step S401).

[0125] The communication means 34C of the storefront information management server 30C also receives the electronic payment use information via the communication network 100 as well as the mobile terminal 10C. Then, the storefront information extracting means 35C also extracts storefront information from the electronic payment utilization information received from the mobile terminal 10C (step S 402). In this case, the store information extraction means 35C extracts product information such as the product name and product price of the purchased product from the electronic payment use information as store information. Further, the storefront information extracting means 35C obtains information acquisition position information and information acquisition time information based on the electronic payment use information.

[0126] The storefront information registration means 31 stores the storefront information, information acquisition position information, and information acquisition time information in the map information database 32 (step S403). In the present embodiment, the storefront information registration unit 31 stores the storefront information, the information acquisition position information, and the information acquisition time information obtained by the storefront information extraction unit 35 in the map information database 32. In this case, the storefront information registration means 31 stores the storefront information in the map information database 32 in association with the information acquisition position information and the information acquisition time information.

[0127] Further, the storefront information registration means 31 generates registration completion notification information according to the same processing as step S106 shown in the first embodiment. Then, the communication means 34C transmits the generated registration completion notification information to the mobile terminal 10C via the communication network 100 in accordance with the same processing as Step S106 shown in the first embodiment (Step S404). ).

[0128] Upon receiving the registration completion notification information, the mobile terminal 10C receives the received registration completion notification information. The data is stored in a storage device such as a memory device or a hard disk device. Also, the mobile terminal 10C displays a registration completion notification indicating that the registration of the storefront information has been completed based on the received registration completion notification information according to the same processing as step S107 described in the first embodiment. (Step S405).

As described above, by repeatedly executing the processing from step S401 to step S405, the storefront information management server 30C can collect and store storefront information. Further, the storefront information management server 30C can accumulate the latest storefront information as needed over time.

[0130] As described above, according to this embodiment, the storefront information management server 30C automatically acquires storefront information by extracting the storefront information received from the mobile terminal 10C and received electronic payment information. Further, the storefront information management server 30C stores the extracted storefront information in the map information database 32. Therefore, it is possible to obtain desired information without requiring human labor. Further, according to the present embodiment, the storefront information management server 30C extracts storefront information from the map information database 32 and distributes it to the mobile terminal 10C in response to a storefront information distribution request. Therefore, the information user (user) can easily search the automatically collected information.

[0131] In the above-described embodiments, the case where product information including product attributes, product names, and product prices is collected as store information has been shown. However, store information collected by the information collection system includes these items. Not limited to product information. For example, the information collection system may collect product information and reputation information indicating an evaluation of a customer (user) for the product. In this case, the mobile terminals 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C are provided with evaluation information input means for inputting evaluation information (reputation information) (for example, the CPU of the mobile terminal 10 that operates according to the program, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse). Prepare. After purchasing the product, the mobile terminals 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C input reputation information according to the operation of the user, and transmit it to the storefront information management servers 30, 30B, and 30C via the communication network 100. Then, the storefront information management servos 30, 30B, 30C store the received reputation information in the map information database 32 in association with the product information. Further, the storefront information management servers 30, 30B, 30C extract reputation information together with product information in accordance with the storefront information distribution request, and send it through the communication network 100. To mobile terminals 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C.

[0132] The product information may be preferentially displayed based on the reputation information. For example, when the store information management servers 30, 30B, 30C extract a plurality of product information from the map information database 32 in accordance with the store information distribution request, the store information management server 30, 30B, 30C includes affirmative opinion among the evaluation information corresponding to the extracted product information. Identify reputation information. In this case, the store information management servers 30, 30B, 30C specify reputation information including positive opinions such as “high performance”, “price is low”, and “keyboard is easy to type”. And store information management server ₃

0, 30B, and 30C distribute product information corresponding to the specified reputation information to the mobile terminals 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C via the communication network 100. By doing so, the mobile terminals 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C can preferentially display the product information corresponding to the reputation information including the positive opinion.

[0133] Further, it may be possible to make a priority display of storefront information that is similar to the storefront information that the user himself / herself acquired in the past, and the type of product name and product price range, by making a storefront information distribution request. . In this case, for example, the storefront information management servers 30, 30B, 30C associate storefront information with a user ID for identifying the user of the mobile terminal 10, 10A, 10B, 10C that acquired the storefront information. And stored in the map information database 32. Further, upon receiving the storefront information distribution request, the storefront information management server 30, 30B, 30C receives the storefront information acquired by the user of the mobile terminal 10, 10A, 10B, 10C requested for distribution based on the user ID. Is identified.

[0134] Further, the store information management servers 30, 30B, 30C extract from the map information database 32 store information that is similar to the specified store information and the product name type and product price range. Then, the storefront information management servers 30, 30B, and 30C distribute similar storefront information to the mobile terminals 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C via the communication network 100. By doing so, the mobile terminals 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C can preferentially display store information that matches the user's preference.

[0135] Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the case where the store information management servers 30, 30B, 30C store map information in advance has been described. However, the mobile terminals 10, 10A, 10B, 10C A database for storing information may be provided. In this case, the store information management server 30 , 30B, 30C transmit the extracted store information to the mobile terminals 10, 10A, 10B, 10C through the communication network 100 as they are. Then, the mobile terminals 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C generate map information to which the store information that also received the store information management servers 30, 30 and 30C is added based on the map information stored in the database. Then, the mobile terminals 10, 10A, 10B, 10C display a map to which store information is added based on the generated map information.

[0136] In each of the embodiments described above, the store (not shown) of the storefront information management Sano 30, 30Β, 30C also collects storefront information for each mobile terminal 10, 10A, 10B, 10C. Various programs are stored. For example, the storage device of the storefront information management server 30, 30Β, 30C is sold in the store from the processing of receiving the storefront image of the store from the information processing terminal via the communication network and the received storefront image to the computer. An information collection program is stored for executing store information including information on existing products and processing for storing the extracted store information as collection information in the storage means.

[0137] Although the present invention has been described based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made from the configurations of the above embodiments. Those applied are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Industrial applicability

[0138] The present invention can be applied to a purpose of providing an information distribution service for distributing information that changes every moment. For example, the present invention can be applied to an application for providing a storefront information distribution service that distributes storefront information such as storefront prices of products such as greengrocers that change every moment.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] Information processing terminal (10)

An information collection server (30) for collecting information,

The information processing terminal (10) includes an information acquisition unit (14) for automatically acquiring information, and the information acquired by the information acquisition unit (14) via the communication network (100). Communication means (16) for transmitting to 30),

The information collection server (30) is a collection information storage means (32) for storing collection information, and the collection information is stored based on the information received from the information processing terminal (10). Collecting information registration means (31) to be stored in the means (32),

An information collection system characterized by that.

[2] The information processing terminal (10) further includes storefront image capturing means (11) for capturing a storefront image of the store,

The information acquisition means (14) extracts storefront information including information on products sold in the store from the storefront image captured by the storefront image capturing means (11),

The communication means (16) transmits the storefront information extracted by the information acquisition means (14) to the information collection server (30) via the communication network (100),

The information collection system according to claim 1, wherein the collection information registration means (31) stores the store information received from the information processing terminal (10) in the collection information storage means (32) as collection information.

3. The information collection system according to claim 2, wherein the storefront image capturing means (11) is a camera mounted on a vehicle and captures an image every predetermined time.

[4] The information acquisition means (14)

By performing the character recognition process, the character string included in the storefront image captured by the storefront image capturing means (11) is specified,

3. The information collection system according to claim 2, wherein store information is extracted from the store image based on the specified character string according to a predetermined extraction rule.

[5] The information acquisition means (14) includes a payment information generation means (17) for generating electronic payment use information including payment contents when the product is purchased, and an electronic information generated by the payment information generation means (17). Terminal information extraction means (14A) for extracting storefront information including information on products sold at a store from payment use information;

The communication means (16) transmits the storefront information extracted by the terminal side information extraction means (14A) to the information collection server (30) via the communication network (100),

The information collection system according to claim 1, wherein the collection information registration means (31) stores the store information received from the information processing terminal (10A) in the collection information storage means (32) as collection information.

[6] The information processing terminal (10) includes storefront image capturing means (11) for capturing storefront images of stores,

The communication means (16) transmits the storefront image captured by the storefront image capturing means (11) to the information collection server (30) via the communication network (100).

The information collection server (30) includes server-side information extraction means (35) for extracting storefront information including information on products sold at the store from the storefront image received from the information processing terminal (10). ,

The information collection system according to claim 1, wherein the collection information registration means (31) stores the store information extracted by the server side information extraction means (35) in the collection information storage means (31) as collection information. .

[7] The server-side information extraction means (35) identifies character strings included in the storefront image received from the information processing terminal by performing character recognition processing, and performs predetermined extraction based on the identified character strings. 7. The information collection system according to claim 6, wherein the store image power store information is extracted according to a rule.

[8] The information acquisition means (14) includes a payment information generation means (17) for generating electronic payment usage information including payment contents when a product is purchased.

The communication means (16) transmits the electronic payment use information generated by the payment information generation means (17) to the information collection server (30) via the communication network (100),

The information collection server (30) is a server-side information extraction means (35) for extracting storefront information including information on products sold in a store from electronic payment use information received from the information processing terminal (10). Including The information collection system according to claim 1, wherein the collection information registration means (32) stores the store information extracted by the server side information extraction means (35) in the collection information storage means (31) as collection information. .

[9] The information processing terminal (10) includes distribution request means (15) for transmitting a collection information distribution request to the information collection server (30) via the communication means (16),

The information collection server (30) extracts the collected information from the collected information storage means (31) based on the distribution request received from the information processing terminal (10), and the information is collected via the communication means (34). The information collection system according to claim 1, further comprising collection information extraction means (33) to be transmitted to the information processing terminal (10).

[10] The information processing terminal (10) includes position calculation means (12) for obtaining acquisition position information indicating a position from which the information acquisition means (14) has acquired information,

The communication means (16) transmits the acquired position information obtained by the position calculation means (12) together with the information acquired by the information acquisition means (14) via the communication network (100) to an information collection server ( 30)

The collection information registration means (31) stores the collection information in the collection information storage means (32) in association with the acquisition position information received from the information processing terminal (10),

The collection information extraction means (33) is configured to collect the collection information whose position where the information is acquired is within a predetermined range based on the acquisition position information stored in the collection information storage means (32). 10. The information collection system according to claim 9, which is extracted from

[11] The information processing terminal (10) includes time calculation means (13) for obtaining acquisition time information indicating the time when the information acquisition means (14) acquired the information,

The communication means (16) sends the acquisition time information obtained by the time calculation means (13) together with the information acquired by the information acquisition means (14) via the communication network (100) to an information collection server ( 30)

The collected information registration means (31) stores the collected information in the collected information storage means (32) in association with the acquisition time information (13) received from the information processing terminal (10),

The collection information extraction means (35) extracts the latest collection information from the collection information storage means (32) based on the acquisition time information stored in the collection information storage means (32). Item 9. Information collection system.

[12] The information processing terminal (10) includes evaluation information input means for inputting evaluation information indicating evaluation of the purchased product,

The communication means (16) transmits the evaluation information input by the evaluation information input means together with the information acquired by the information acquisition means (14) to the information collection server (30) via the communication network (100). And

The collected information registration means (31) stores the collected information in the collected information storage means (32) in association with the evaluation information received from the information processing terminal (10),

Based on the evaluation information stored in the collected information storage means (32), the collected information extraction means (31) obtains the collected information corresponding to the evaluation information including the positive opinion from the collected information storage means (32). The information collecting system according to claim 9, wherein the information collecting system extracts the information.

[13] The information collection server (30) includes map information storage means (32A) for storing map information in advance,

The collected information extracting means (33) generates map information with the collected information added based on the map information accumulated by the map information accumulating means (32A).

The information collection system according to claim 9, wherein the communication means (34) transmits the map information generated by the collection information extraction means (33) to the information processing terminal (10) via the communication network (100). .

[14] Collected information storage means for storing collected information (32),

Communication means (34) for receiving store image information of the store from the information processing terminal (10) via the communication network (100);

From the store image information received by the communication means (34), store information extracting means (35) for extracting store information including information on products sold at a store !,

Collection information registration means (31) for storing store information extracted by the store information extraction means (35) in the collection information storage means (32) as collection information;

An information collecting server characterized by comprising:

[15] Collected information storage means for storing collected information (32),

Electronic payment usage information including payment details at the time of purchase Communication means (34) for receiving from the information processing terminal,

Storefront extraction means (35) for extracting storefront information including information on the products sold at the store from the electronic payment use information received by the communication means (34);

An information collecting server characterized by comprising:

[16] An information processing terminal (10) provided in the information collection system,

Store image capturing means (11) for capturing store image of the store,

Storefront information extraction means (14) for extracting storefront information including information on the products sold at the store from the storefront image taken by the storefront image capturing means (11);

A communication means (16) for transmitting the storefront information extracted by the storefront information extraction means (14) to the information collection server (30) for collecting information via the communication network (100);

An information processing terminal comprising:

[17] An information processing terminal (10) provided in the information collection system,

Payment information generation means (17) for generating electronic payment usage information including payment details when the product is purchased;

Store information extracting means (14A) for extracting store information including information on products sold in stores from the electronic payment use information generated by the payment information generating means (17), and the store information extracting means (14A) Communication means (16) for transmitting the store information extracted by the information collection server (30) via the communication network (100);

An information processing terminal comprising:

[18] In the information processing terminal (10), acquiring information intermittently;

Transmitting the information acquired by the information processing terminal to an information collecting server (30) for collecting information via a communication network (100);

Storing the collected information in the database (32) based on the information received from the information processing terminal (10) in the information collecting server (30);

An information collecting method comprising:

[19] In a computer (30) equipped with storage means (32) for storing collected information, Processing for receiving storefront images from the information processing terminal (10) via the communication network (100);

Processing for extracting storefront information including information on products sold at the store from the received storefront image;

An information collection program for executing the process of storing the extracted storefront information in the storage means (32) as collection information.

In a computer (30) equipped with storage means (32) for storing collected information,

Processing for receiving electronic payment usage information including payment details at the time of purchasing the product from the information processing terminal (10) via the communication network (100);

Processing for extracting storefront information including information on products sold at stores from the received electronic payment usage information; and

An information collection program for executing the processing of storing the extracted storefront information in the storage means (32) as collection information,