Information distribution apparatus, information distribution method, and information distribution program

Abstract

To provide an information distribution apparatus, an information distribution method, and an information distribution program capable of distributing information (content) appropriate and highly usable for a user aboard a vehicle (e.g., train).SOLUTION: An information distribution apparatus includes: a boarding detection unit which detects a user aboard a vehicle; a user-related information acquisition unit which acquires user-related information related to the user; a vehicle-related information acquisition unit which acquires vehicle-related information related to the vehicle; and a sales promotion information distribution unit which distributes, when the user aboard the vehicle is detected, sales promotion information based on the user-related information and the vehicle-related information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information distribution device, an information distribution method, and an information distribution program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a reward management system and reward management method in a system that distributes sales promotion information, in which a user who views the sales promotion information is rewarded with a reward in accordance with using a store corresponding to the sales promotion information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-191978 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of delivering appropriate and convenient information (contents) to users aboard a vehicle (for example, a train).

[0005] Therefore, one of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide an information distribution device, an information distribution method, and an information distribution program that can distribute appropriate and convenient information (content) to a user aboard a vehicle (e.g., a train). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information distribution device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in having a boarding detection unit that detects that a user has boarded a vehicle, a user-related information acquisition unit that acquires user-related information related to the user, a vehicle-related information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle-related information related to the vehicle, and a sales promotion information distribution unit that distributes sales promotion information based on the user-related information and the vehicle-related information when it is detected that the user has boarded the vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information distribution device, an information distribution method, and an information distribution program that can distribute appropriate and convenient information (content) to users riding in a vehicle (e.g., a train). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information distribution device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a train. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of an information distribution server. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of distribution of promotional information with different contents based on user-related information and promotional information. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal, a train management server, and an information distribution server. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a user terminal, a train management server, and an information distribution server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information distribution device 1. The term "information distribution device" may be read as "content distribution device" (the two may be synonymous). The terms "information distribution device, content distribution device" may be read as "information distribution system, content distribution system" (the two may be synonymous). The information distribution method and information distribution program (content distribution method and content distribution program) are realized by causing a computer (CPU: Central Processing Unit) included in the information distribution device (content distribution device) 1 to execute various processing steps.

[0011] In this specification, a "train" will be described as an example of a "vehicle" that a user rides on. The train may include at least one of the JR lines (Shinkansen, conventional lines, etc.), private railway lines (Tobu Line, Seibu Line, Keisei Line, Keio Line, Odakyu Line, etc.), and subway lines (Tokyo Metro, etc.). In addition, the "vehicle" is not limited to a train, and may be used as a concept including all current and future means of transportation such as a bus or monorail.

[0012] 1, the information distribution device 1 includes a user terminal 10, a train management server (vehicle management server) 20, and an information distribution server (content distribution server) 30. The user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30 are connected to each other via a network 40 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0013] In Fig. 1, the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30 are depicted as a simplified single configuration for the sake of convenience in drawing. In reality, the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30 have more complicated configurations in terms of both hardware and software configurations than those depicted in Fig. 1. For example, the train management server 20 and the information distribution server 30 may be configured to include multiple servers, databases, and the like.

[0014] The train management server 20 may manage various business operations such as train operation and online ticket distribution for a single railway company, or may manage various business operations such as train operation and online ticket distribution for a plurality of railway companies. The information distribution server 30 may execute various processes for distributing appropriate and convenient information (contents) specialized for the train to the user, triggered, for example, by the user getting on a train (details will be described later). Furthermore, in addition to the train management server 20 and the information distribution server 30, an additional server that contributes to train operation management and associated information distribution (content distribution) may be provided so as to be able to communicate with the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30 via the network 40.

[0015] The information distribution device (information distribution system) 1 may be understood as a configuration including a user terminal 10, a train management server 20, and an information distribution server 30, or may be understood as a configuration including only the information distribution server 30 without including the user terminal 10 and the train management server 20. In other words, the user terminal 10 and the train management server 20 are not essential components of the information distribution device 1.

[0016] The user terminal 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal (mobile communication terminal) such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. In other words, the user terminal 10 in this specification is a communication device that can perform various types of communication with the train management server 20 and the information distribution server 30. The user terminal 10 is, for example, a wired and / or wireless (for example, Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5 th The user terminal 10 may communicate with a network (such as the Internet) via a wireless communication system (such as 5G NR), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. The communication method used by the user terminal 10 is flexible and various design changes are possible, and may be acoustic communication, visible light communication, etc. The user terminal 10 executes a browser and various other applications through user operations.

[0017] In this embodiment, the user terminal 10 communicates with the train management server 20 to collect information on train operations of one or more railroad companies and to purchase online tickets. The user terminal 10 also communicates with the information distribution server 30 to receive appropriate and convenient information (contents) specialized for trains that is distributed when the user boards a train, and is used to purchase various products and services based on the received information (contents), receive benefits related to the purchasing activities, and provide or collect other information. An "in-train specialized application" for improving the user's convenience in "in-train communication" and therefore in "in-train purchasing activities" is downloaded (installed) into the user terminal 10. This "in-train specialized application" may be realized, for example, as one aspect of a train management application by the train management server 20, or may be realized as an original application by the information distribution server 30. There is a degree of freedom in the implementation of the "in-train specialized application," and various design changes are possible. An "in-train specialized application" may be related to electronic commerce (EC) that is only available at the time of entry and can only be participated in if the user is present at the "location" that is categorized by the category of the train the user is riding on (more specifically, which car in the train, seat location, standing position, as well as weakly air-conditioned cars, priority seats, etc.).

[0018] Furthermore, in addition to or instead of the in-train specialized application for providing a service triggered by the user getting on a train, that is, for information delivery (content delivery) in a form specialized for the train the user has boarded, a Web view (Web page) that is activated by the user getting on a train may be used. Regardless of whether the in-train specialized application or the Web view is used, the information delivery (content delivery) service of this embodiment can be implemented by performing a login operation via the user terminal 10. Note that in this specification, the term "in-train specialized application" may be used to include the concept of the Web view (Web page) that is activated by the user getting on a train, as described above.

[0019] The train management server 20 may be any communication device capable of performing various communications between the user terminal 10 and the information distribution server 30, and may be interpreted as a device, a circuit, etc. The train management server 20 controls and executes various processes, via communication with the user terminal 10, for causing the user terminal 10 to collect information on train operations of one or more railroad companies, and for causing the user terminal 10 to perform online ticket purchasing processing.

[0020] The information distribution server 30 may be any communication device capable of performing various communications between the user terminal 10 and the train management server 20, and may be interpreted as a device, a circuit, or the like. The information distribution server 30 distributes appropriate and highly convenient information (contents) specialized for the train to the user terminal 10 when the user boards the train via communication with the user terminal 10, and controls and executes various processes for causing the user terminal 10 to purchase various products and services based on the information (contents) received by the user, for allowing the user terminal 10 to receive benefits related to the purchasing activities, and for causing the user terminal 10 to provide and collect other information.

[0021] 2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a train.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2A, electric train (vehicle) 100 is a three-car train, and includes a first car 110, a second car 120, and a third car 130, which are positioned in that order from the direction of travel (the left side in the figure). Note that electric train 100 is not limited to a three-car train, and may be, for example, a six-car train, a ten-car train, a twelve-car train, or the like.

[0023] FIG. 2B shows an example of the interior configuration of the first car 110, the second car 120, and the third car 130 of the train 100. As the interior configuration, seats A1 to A4, B1 to B4, C1 to C4, D1 to D4, E1 to E4, and F1 to F4 are installed, and an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag 140 is installed on each of these seats (although only the NFC tag 140 installed on the seat A1 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the NFC tag 140 is also installed on each of the other seats). As the interior configuration, an entrance is provided, and an NFC tag 140 is also installed at the entrance. As the interior configuration, an in-car communication IF (interface) 150 is further provided. This in-car communication IF 150 may be, for example, a train-only Wi-Fi (registered trademark) that automatically enables wireless communication only with a user terminal 10 located on a certain train, a certain car of a certain train, or a certain seat in a certain car of a certain train. In addition, the in-car communication IF 150 may be a beacon or acoustic communication equipment exclusively used inside the train.

[0024] 2B, the same reference numeral 140 is attached to the NFC tags installed at the entrances and exits of the carriages of the train 100 and at each seat, but each of these NFC tags may be associated with individual identification information for the entrances and exits of each carriage and each seat. For example, in addition to NFC tags with unique identifiers corresponding to the entrances and exits of each carriage of the train 100, NFC tags with unique identifiers corresponding to each seat may be installed, and by simply touching the user terminal with NFC, it may be possible to capture "who", "when", "which train", "from which carriage entrance" and "which seat they sat" based on the ID.

[0025] As described above, the NFC tag 140 is installed on each seat of the train 100, and functions as a "boarding detection unit" that detects that a user has boarded a certain train, a certain car of a certain train, and a certain seat of a certain car of a certain train, based on an active action via the user terminal 10. For example, when a user boarding the train 100 brings his / her user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag 140 to perform near-field wireless communication (NFC communication), radio waves are sent from the user terminal 10 to the NFC tag 140, and radio waves are returned from the NFC tag 140 to the user terminal 10, and the result is sent from the user terminal 10 to the information distribution server 30. At that time, information about the user who is the owner of the user terminal 10 (for example, identification information of the user terminal 10, information such as the user's age, sex, and occupation, user's train usage history information, purchase history information, etc.) may be sent from the user terminal 10 to the information distribution server 30.

[0026] In this way, the NFC tag (boarding detection unit) 140 is composed of a short-range wireless communication unit, and detects that the user has boarded the train 100 based on an active action via the user terminal 10 by short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 10. This "detection process" can be executed simply by bringing the user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag 140 and performing short-range wireless communication (it can be used as a conductor for the in-train specialized application), regardless of whether the user terminal 10 has registered (installed, downloaded) an in-train specialized application or whether the in-train specialized application is running (even if it is not registered or running).

[0027] That is, by bringing the user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag 140 and performing short-distance wireless communication, it is possible to install an in-train specialized application or start an app, so that the in-train specialized application can be started without hassle and detection processing can also be executed. Furthermore, the NFC tags 140 are associated with information on the vehicle in which each tag is installed (vehicle information is registered in the NFC tag itself), and by simply touching the user terminal to the NFC tag, it is possible to capture "who", "when", and "which train" have boarded based on the ID.

[0028] As described above, the in-car communication IF150 is automatically wirelessly connected to the user terminal 10 when the user gets on a train, or a car of a train, or a seat of a car of a train. More specifically, when the user has given permission to access the in-car communication IF150 for the first time via a train-specific application or a Web view triggered by an NFC touch, and automatic access from the next time onwards is selected (permitted), an automatic wireless connection to the user terminal 10 by the in-car communication IF150 may be set. In addition, the presence or absence of an automatic wireless connection by the in-car communication IF150 may be switched based on, for example, whether or not an in-car specific application is installed, and whether or not a setting is made by the in-car specific application. In addition, when accessing by train-specific Wi-Fi (registered trademark), train-specific Beacon, or acoustic communication, the presence or absence of confirmation of automatic connection from the next time onwards is set only at the first access, whereas in the case of NFC touch, the presence or absence of confirmation of automatic connection from the next time onwards may be set each time (every time) not only for the first access.

[0029] In this way, the NFC tag 140 and the in-car communication IF 150 function as a "boarding detection unit" that detects that the user has boarded a train (vehicle). The NFC tag 140 detects that the user has boarded a train (vehicle) by bringing the user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag 140 and performing near field communication (NFC communication). The in-car communication IF 150 is wirelessly connected to the user terminal 10 when the user boards the train (vehicle). The NFC tag 140 and the in-car communication IF 150 may be used together as a "boarding detection unit", or only one of them may be used as a "boarding detection unit". For example, assuming a user terminal 10 on which an in-train specialized application is not installed, the user terminal 10 may be NFC-touched to the NFC tag 140 during the first boarding, and the in-train specialized application may be installed and set using this as a lead wire to automatically detect boarding during the second or subsequent boardings by the in-car communication IF 150 (for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) dedicated to in-train).

[0030] FIG. 2C shows an embodiment in which the NFC tag 140 is installed on each of the straps that a user who is standing on the train 100 holds (holds) (the function of the NFC tag 140 is as described above). In the example of FIG. 2C, for each of three adjacent straps, a fixture equipped with the NFC tag 140 is installed on the upper part (directly above) of the hanging ring (handle) and near the lower end of the hanging strap (connection part with the hanging ring). In addition, the three NFC tags 140 corresponding to the three straps are each associated with individual identification information (for example, the three NFC tags 140 are composed of NFC tags having unique identifiers corresponding to the three straps), and it may be possible to capture "who", "when", "which train", "which car", and "which strap was held" based on the ID by simply NFC touching the user terminal.

[0031] There is a degree of freedom in how many NFC tags are provided at which locations inside train 100, and various design modifications are possible. For example, in the case of express trains and Shinkansen trains, NFC tags are provided at the base of each seat, while in the case of normal conventional trains, NFC tags may be provided on straps, windows, hanging advertisements (or other existing advertisements).

[0032] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information distribution server 30. As shown in FIG.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the information distribution server 30 includes a ride detection unit 31, a user-related information acquisition unit 32, a vehicle-related information acquisition unit 33, and a sales promotion information distribution unit .

[0034] The boarding detection unit 31 detects that a user has boarded a certain train, or a certain car of a certain train, or a certain seat of a certain car of a certain train, by receiving a detection signal from the NFC tag 140 and / or the in-car communication IF 150.

[0035] The user-related information acquisition unit 32 acquires user-related information related to a user who is the owner of the user terminal 10. For example, the user-related information acquisition unit 32 may acquire user-related information transmitted from the NFC tag 140 in conjunction with an NFC touch of the user terminal 10, or may acquire user-related information input / transmitted from the user terminal 10 via a train-specific application or other application.

[0036] The user-related information includes, for example, identification information of user terminal 10, attribute information of the user who is the owner of user terminal 10, behavioral history information of the user who is the owner of user terminal 10, boarding terminal information indicating the terminal at which the user who is the owner of user terminal 10 boards train 100, disembarking terminal information indicating the terminal at which the user who is the owner of user terminal 10 disembarks from train 100, boarding time information indicating the time it takes for the user who is the owner of user terminal 10 to board the train, and boarding position information indicating the position at which the user who is the owner of user terminal 10 boards the train.

[0037] The identification information of the user terminal 10 may include, for example, a telephone number, a subscriber number, and an advertising identifier such as an ID or ADID. The user's attribute information may include, for example, the user's name, age, sex, address, family structure, occupation, etc. The user's behavior history information is acquired, for example, through an in-train specialized application and other applications, and may include the user's train usage history information, EC site browsing history information, purchase history information via EC sites, etc.

[0038] The boarding terminal information and the alighting terminal information may be information acquired as follows, for example, or may be estimated information based on a predetermined algorithm. That is, boarding on different routes is identified by Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Beacon, or acoustic communication installed in the vehicle, and the boarding is roughly classified into "boarding in a section used regularly (e.g., boarding in a section using a commuter pass)" and "non-pattern boarding in a section not used regularly (e.g., boarding outside the section used by the commuter pass)" based on the combination of the day of the week and the time of boarding. In addition, in the case of "boarding in a section used regularly (e.g., boarding in a section using a commuter pass)", "the same terminal as usual (e.g., both ends of the section used by the commuter pass)" of the boarding in that section may be acquired as the boarding terminal information and the alighting terminal information. On the other hand, in the case of "non-pattern boarding in a section not used regularly (e.g., boarding outside the section used by the commuter pass)", the user may operate the user terminal 10 to input the boarding terminal information and the alighting terminal information and acquire them.

[0039] When boarding from the starting terminal, it may be determined that the train is stopped, i.e., the starting terminal is the boarding terminal, based on the fact that the motion sensor does not detect vibrations during train movement. Alternatively, it may be determined that the train is stopped (e.g., boarding from the starting terminal) based on a determination made by cooperating the GPS (Global Positioning System) function of the user terminal 10 and the in-car communication IF 150, or it may be determined that the train is stopped (e.g., boarding from the starting terminal) based on a position determination of the vehicle ID based on a timetable. In addition, a standard voice of an in-car announcement may be acquired, and the starting terminal or the boarding terminal may be estimated from the destination announcement. When boarding from an intermediate terminal (not the starting terminal), a standard voice of an in-car announcement (e.g., "Next is Station B") may be acquired, and the previous station A may be specified as the boarding terminal.

[0040] The boarding time information may be determined or estimated by identifying or estimating the boarding time and alighting time of the target train based on the boarding terminal information and alighting terminal information determined or estimated as described above, and identifying or estimating the difference between the boarding time and alighting time as the boarding time.

[0041] The boarding position information may include, for example, information on whether the user is boarding on either side of a train consisting of x cars, which seat on either side of the train the user is sitting in, where on either side of the train the user is standing, etc. Furthermore, the boarding position information may be linked to information on whether the train the user is boarding is a women-only car or not, whether it is a low-cooling car or not, whether the user's seat is a priority seat or not, etc.

[0042] The user-related information may include category information based on a user boarding / alighting algorithm that analyzes user behavior by combining the day of the week and the time. First, as a general classification of pattern boarding, for example, boarding days such as "Mon., Tue., Wed., Thurs. type", "Mon ... etc. are specified, outbound time patterns such as "early morning to 7:00", "7:00 to 9:00", "after 10:00", "irregular", etc. are specified, and return time patterns such as "17:30 to 19:00", "regular", "irregular", etc. are specified. In addition, as attribute information of the destination terminal, regular outbound disembarking terminals such as "office district", "university", "high school", "junior high school", etc. are specified. By combining these specific information, for example, Mr. X ("Mon., Tue., Wed., Thurs. type", "early morning to 7:00", "irregular", "office district: Shinbashi") may be determined to be an office worker, and Mr. Y ("Mon., Wed. type", "irregular", "irregular", "university: Ochanomizu") may be determined to be a university student.

[0043] The vehicle-related information acquisition unit 33 acquires vehicle-related information related to a train (vehicle) in which a user who is the owner of the user terminal 10 rides. The vehicle-related information acquisition unit 33 may acquire the vehicle-related information via communication with the train management server 20, for example.

[0044] The vehicle-related information includes, for example, type information relating to the type of train (vehicle), operation route information relating to the operation route of the train (vehicle), operation time information relating to the operation time of the train (vehicle), operation mode information relating to the operation mode of the train (vehicle), advertising information relating to advertisements on the train (vehicle), and sponsor information relating to sponsors of the train (vehicle).

[0045] The type information may include, for example, the name of the train line (JR Tokaido Shinkansen, JR Yamanote Line, JR Chuo Line, Tobu Tojo Line, Seibu Shinjuku Line, etc.) on which the user rides, information on the connections and connections of each line, and information on whether the train is a limited express, express, rapid, semi-express, or local train. The operation route information may include information on the starting terminal, the ending terminal, and the terminals on the way of the train on which the user rides. The operation time information may be information including the starting time and the time of arrival at the ending destination of the train on which the user rides. The operation mode information may include information on whether the train on which the user rides is in normal operation (no delay), delayed operation, stopped operation, or subject to alternative transportation. The advertisement information may include information on advertisements on the hanging straps of the train on which the user rides, advertisements displayed on the in-car display, advertisements audible through the in-car speaker, advertisements painted on the train itself, and the like. The sponsor information may include information on the sponsor of the train on which the user rides, for example, the train's operating company (railroad company) and companies connected thereto, as well as companies ordering advertisements on the train.

[0046] The above-mentioned contents and divisions of the user-related information acquired by the user-related information acquisition unit 32 and the vehicle-related information acquired by the vehicle-related information acquisition unit 33 are merely examples, and various design modifications are possible. For example, the user-related information and the vehicle-related information may have some common (overlapping) content, or one may include the other. In addition, the user-related information and the vehicle-related information may be positioned as raw data used for distributing (generating) the sales promotion information described later.

[0047] When the NFC tag 140 and / or the in-car communication IF 150 (boarding detection unit) detects that the user has boarded a train (triggered by the detection), the sales promotion information distribution unit 34 distributes sales promotion information based on the user-related information acquired by the user-related information acquisition unit 32 and the vehicle-related information acquired by the vehicle-related information acquisition unit 33. In particular, the sales promotion information distribution unit 34 distributes different sales promotion information based on the user-related information and the sales promotion information for each user terminal 10.

[0048] 4A to 4F are diagrams showing an example of distribution of promotional information with different contents based on user-related information and promotional information. All of the promotional information shown in Fig. 4A to 4F is distributed as a time sale (so-called Train time sale) that is set up only when the NFC tag 140 and / or the in-car communication IF 150 (boarding detection unit) detects that the user has boarded a train, and relates to a mechanism for elevating and developing the action of boarding a train, and thus travel time, into shopping time.

[0049] In FIG. 4A, promotional information is distributed for sale item A at 40% off the retail price and for the first 25 people to arrive, for people boarding the Yamanote Line starting at 7:00. In FIG. 4B, promotional information is distributed for sale item B at 40% off the retail price and for the first 15 people to arrive, for people boarding the Yamanote Line starting at 8:00. In FIG. 4C, promotional information is distributed for sale item C at 40% off the retail price and for the first 20 people to arrive, for people boarding the Yamanote Line starting at 9:00. In FIG. 4D, promotional information is distributed for sale item D at 30% off the retail price and for the first 100 people to arrive, for people boarding the Chuo Line starting at 7:00. In FIG. 4E, promotional information is distributed for sale item E at 30% off the retail price and for the first 50 people to arrive, for people boarding the Chuo Line starting at 8:00. In FIG. 4F, promotional information is distributed for sale item F at 20% off the retail price and for the first 150 people to arrive, for people boarding the Chuo Line starting at 9:00.

[0050] In this way, the discount rate and inventory may be set variably by changing the entry room according to the boarding route and boarding time zone. Of course, Fig. 4A to Fig. 4F show a simplified example of the promotion information, and the promotion information may be detailed based on the user-related information (identification information of the user terminal 10, user attribute information, action history information, boarding terminal information, disembarking terminal information, boarding time information, boarding position information) and the promotion information (type information, operation route information, operation time information, movement mode information, advertisement information, sponsor information).

[0051] The promotional information distribution unit 34 may distribute promotional information that gives preferential treatment to tickets to watch the sports team, event tickets, merchandise sales, etc., when the railway company of the train that the user rides operates a sports team (e.g., a professional baseball team or soccer team) and the user-related information indicates that the user is likely to be interested in watching sports. In addition, the promotional information distribution unit 34 may distribute promotional information related to the purchase and viewing of a house (apartment, detached house) located along the train that the user rides, when the user is likely to be interested in purchasing a house (apartment, detached house) based on the user-related information. In addition, the promotional information distribution unit 34 may distribute promotional information (such as preferential tickets) related to shops, restaurants, super public baths, etc., located along the train line of the substitute transportation when a trouble occurs on the normal train line and substitute transportation is used. In addition, the sales promotion information distribution unit 34 may distribute information (content) about stores, facilities, etc. within walking distance from the current location that can be visited to kill time when a problem occurs on a normal train line and the user is unable to move.

[0052] Furthermore, when generating and distributing sales promotion information, a logic for providing discount rates that maximizes sales from shopping during a ride may be constructed. For example, the "shopping congestion rate" may be measured by the total number of boarding detections and shopping connections by the NFC tag 140 and / or the in-car communication IF 150 (boarding detection unit) in all moving vehicles. In addition to multiplying the "length of ride time" and the "shopping congestion rate," products and services that increase the purchase probability for each user may be multiplied with "at-home area information" of the "address" required for EC payment, and a discount rate and inventory quantity that maximize EC sales may be presented by presenting them on the sales promotion information.

[0053] When at least one of the user-related information and the vehicle-related information indicates that a special fee in addition to the regular fee is required to be paid when the user boards a train (vehicle), the promotional information distribution unit 34 can distribute promotional information with more advantageous content compared to when the special fee is not required to be paid.

[0054] For example, in the case of the JR Shinkansen, a passenger needs to purchase a boarding ticket and a limited express ticket to board the train, and the JR Shinkansen is different from other JR conventional lines in that the purchase of the limited express ticket is mandatory. The JR Shinkansen distributes promotional information with more advantageous content than that of the user terminal 10 of the user who rides on other JR conventional lines to the user terminal 10 of the user who rides on the JR Shinkansen. The JR Shinkansen is also divided into unreserved seats, reserved seats, and reserved seats in the green car. Therefore, promotional information with more advantageous content than that of the user terminal 10 of the user who rides on the unreserved seats and reserved seats is distributed to the user terminal 10 of the user who rides on the reserved seats, and promotional information with more advantageous content than that of the user terminal 10 of the user who rides on the unreserved seats is distributed to the user terminal 10 of the user who rides on the reserved seats. Here, the advantageous content may be, for example, a larger discount rate for the product related to the promotional information, an increased or unlimited number of products in stock, the availability of products with high rarity value such as limited edition products or premium products, or the availability of brand products for the wealthy.

[0055] In addition, among private railway lines and subway lines, there are special cars (Green Car, OO Liner, etc.) where passengers can sit in reserved seats by paying a special fee in addition to the normal fare, and promotional information with more advantageous content can be distributed to the user terminal 10 of a user who is riding in such a special car than to the user terminal 10 of a user who is riding in a normal car. Specific examples of promotional information with "advantageous content" are as described above.

[0056] When at least one of the user-related information and the vehicle-related information indicates that the vehicle in which the user is riding is a women-only vehicle, the sales promotion information distribution unit 34 can distribute sales promotion information whose content is different from that when the vehicle in which the user is riding is not a women-only vehicle.

[0057] For example, by delivering e-commerce advertisements targeted at women (such as advertisements for beauty-related products and services (diet foods, cosmetics, facial devices, beauty salons, etc.), or advertisements that lead to performances and fan clubs of male idol groups, etc.) to female users riding in women-only cars, it is possible to deliver appropriate and convenient information (content) to female users riding in women-only cars and increase sales of e-commerce sites in women-only cars.

[0058] When at least one of the user-related information and the vehicle-related information indicates that the vehicle in which the user is riding is a weak air-conditioning vehicle, the sales promotion information distribution unit 34 can distribute sales promotion information whose content is different from that when the vehicle in which the user is riding is not a weak air-conditioning vehicle.

[0059] For example, by directing users who are riding in vehicles with weak air conditioning to an e-commerce site that shows lifestyle habits, diet, health equipment, stretching and massage methods, etc. that are effective against poor circulation, it is possible to deliver appropriate and convenient information (content) to users (who are presumed to suffer from poor circulation) who are riding in vehicles with weak air conditioning, and to increase sales on the e-commerce site in vehicles with weak air conditioning.

[0060] When the vehicle-related information indicates that advertisements on the train (vehicle) are monopolized by specific content by a specific sponsor, the sales promotion information distribution unit 34 can distribute sales promotion information relating to products and services that are limited to at least one of the specific sponsor and the specific content and that can be purchased only while the user is on the train (vehicle).

[0061] For example, a train or carriage on a certain line of a certain railway company may be rented out for an event called "Chartered Train for Advertising on XX Line," and the train or carriage may be linked to a certain anime (for example, a XX train named after a certain anime). In this case, only users who ride on a train or carriage on a certain line of a certain railway company may be able to purchase limited-edition products related to a certain anime on an EC site through an in-train specialized application. In this way, by distributing sales promotion information related to limited-edition products and services that have a premium feel that can only be purchased by riding on a train or carriage on a certain line of a certain railway company, it is possible to distribute appropriate and convenient information (content) to users and increase sales on the EC site on the limited-edition train or carriage.

[0062] In this manner, the information distribution device, information distribution method, and information distribution program of the present embodiment detect that a user has boarded a vehicle, obtain user-related information related to the user, obtain vehicle-related information related to the vehicle, and when it is detected that the user has boarded a vehicle, distribute promotional information based on the user-related information and the vehicle-related information. This makes it possible to distribute appropriate and convenient information (contents) to a user who has boarded a vehicle (e.g., a train).

[0063] In the case of developing a service such as EC that can only be accessed while riding on a vehicle (car) such as a train or a bus, as in this embodiment, it is necessary to quickly complete shopping before arriving at the destination, but there is a concern that the user may miss the intended terminal if he or she becomes engrossed in something during the travel time (for example, by becoming engrossed in a train-specific application). Therefore, even if the user becomes engrossed in something during the travel time (for example, by becoming engrossed in a train-specific application), an alert can be issued before (just before) the user arrives at the intended terminal, thereby preventing the user from missing the stop at the disembarking terminal. For example, a mechanism can be provided in which the approach to the disembarking terminal is detected by an in-car announcement voice, the shopping cart for the desired product is announced (guided) to be moved, and a countdown is performed before the user arrives at the disembarking terminal, forcing the user to end shopping.

[0064] On the other hand, it is also possible that a user may get off the train while shopping using the in-train specialized application, and even in such a case, it may be set so that payment can be made within a specified time (for example, within 30 minutes) after getting off the train. For example, if a user gets off the train with a product related to sales promotion information in a cart using the in-train specialized application, the session will change, but the user is determined to be the same based on the login ID and shopping (payment) can be continued, and a mechanism may be set up to automatically return first-come-first-served special products to inventory after a specified time has passed.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the promotional information distribution unit 34 distributes promotional information (having different contents) based on the user-related information and the vehicle-related information when the NFC tag 140 and / or the in-car communication IF 150 (boarding detection unit) detects that the user has boarded a train (triggered by the detection). However, in addition to the promotional information (having different contents) based on the user-related information and the vehicle-related information, various types of information (contents) with common contents at the boarding detection trigger, such as boarding coupons and boarding points, may be provided to the user terminal.

[0066] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30. As shown in Fig. 5, the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30 each have a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a communication unit 130, an input unit 140, and an output unit 150. Note that Fig. 5 shows an example of the functional blocks of the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30, and they may have other functional blocks not shown in Fig. 5. Also, they may be configured not to include some of the functional blocks.

[0067] The control unit 110 controls the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30. The control unit 110 can be configured by a controller, a control circuit, or a control device that is described based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention.

[0068] The storage unit 120 stores information used by the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30. The storage unit 120 can be configured, for example, by a memory, a storage, a storage device, or the like that is described based on a common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention.

[0069] The communication unit 130 performs communication (e.g., mutual communication) between the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30. The communication unit 130 can be configured with a transmitter / receiver, a transmission / reception circuit, or a transmission / reception device that are explained based on a common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention. Note that the communication unit 130 may be configured with a transmission unit and a reception unit.

[0070] The input unit 140 accepts inputs from the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30. The input unit 140 may also be connected to a predetermined device, storage medium, etc., and accept data input. The input unit 140 may output the input result to, for example, the control unit 110. The input unit 140 may be configured with input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a button, an input / output terminal, an input / output circuit, etc., which are explained based on a common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention. The input unit 140 may also be configured to be integrated with a display unit (for example, a touch panel).

[0071] The output unit 150 performs output in the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30. For example, the output unit 150 may be configured to include a display unit that displays images, an audio output unit that outputs audio, and the like. The display unit may be configured, for example, by a display device such as a display or monitor that is described based on a common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention. Furthermore, the audio output unit may be configured by an output device such as a speaker that is described based on a common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention.

[0072] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. The means for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized by one physically combined device, or may be realized by two or more physically separated devices connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0073] For example, the devices (user terminal 10, train management server 20, and information distribution server 30) in an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs the information distribution process (content distribution process) of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10, train management server 20, and information distribution server 30. The above-mentioned user terminal 10, train management server 20, and information distribution server 30 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0074] In the present disclosure, the terms "apparatus," "circuit," "device," "unit," "server," etc. may be interchangeable. The hardware configurations of the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the drawings, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0075] For example, although only one processor 1001 is shown, there may be multiple processors. Also, the processes may be performed by one processor, or the processes may be performed by two or more processors simultaneously, sequentially, or in other manners. Also, the processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips.

[0076] Each function of the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30 is realized by loading a specified software (program) onto hardware such as a processor 1001 and a memory 1002, so that the processor 1001 performs calculations and controls communication via a communication device 1004, reading and / or writing of data in the memory 1002 and storage 1003, etc.

[0077] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running an operating system, for example. The processor 1001 may be configured with a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. Each unit such as the control unit 110 described above may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0078] Moreover, the processor 1001 reads out programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002, and executes various processes according to the programs. As the programs, programs that cause a computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above-mentioned embodiments are used. For example, the control unit 110 may be realized by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and operated by the processor 1001, and the other functional blocks may be realized in a similar manner.

[0079] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be configured by at least one of, for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), an Electrically EPROM (EEPROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), and other suitable storage media. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory, etc. The memory 1002 may store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for implementing a method according to an embodiment.

[0080] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of a flexible disk, a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM)), a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a removable disk, a hard disk drive, a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a magnetic stripe, a database, a server, and other suitable storage media. Storage 1003 may be called an auxiliary storage device. Note that the above-mentioned storage unit 120 may be realized by memory 1002 and / or storage 1003.

[0081] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for performing communication between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may include a SIM card. Note that the above-mentioned communication unit 130 may be realized by the communication device 1004.

[0082] The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts an input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.) that performs output to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one (e.g., a touch panel). The above-mentioned input unit 140 and output unit 150 may be realized by the input device 1005 and the output device 1006, respectively.

[0083] Furthermore, each device such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002 is connected by a bus 1008 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured by a single bus, or may be configured by different buses between the devices.

[0084] Furthermore, the user terminal 10, the train management server 20, and the information distribution server 30 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented by at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0085] (Modification) In addition, terms explained in this disclosure and / or terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

[0086] The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information. Furthermore, the names used for parameters, etc. in this disclosure are not limiting in any respect.

[0087] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0088] Information, signals, etc. may be input and output via multiple network nodes. Input and output information, signals, etc. may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or may be managed using a table. Input and output information, signals, etc. may be overwritten, updated, or added. Output information, signals, etc. may be deleted. Input information, signals, etc. may be transmitted to another device.

[0089] Furthermore, notification of specified information (e.g., notification that "it is X") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be made implicitly (e.g., by not notifying the specified information or by notifying other information).

[0090] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0091] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted and received via a transmission medium and / or signal waveform. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of a transmission medium.

[0092] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" may be used interchangeably.

[0093] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched according to implementation. In addition, the processing procedures, sequences, flow charts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be reordered unless inconsistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0094] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0095] Any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must precede the second element in some way.

[0096] When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Further, when used in this disclosure, the term "or" is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0097] In this disclosure, where articles have been added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0098] Although the invention according to the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the invention according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The invention according to the present disclosure can be implemented as modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention defined based on the description of the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the invention according to the present disclosure.

[0099] In the above embodiment, an active action via a user terminal is described by taking an example of bringing the user terminal close to (holding) an NFC tag, but the active action via a user terminal has a degree of freedom, and various design modifications are possible. For example, it is also possible to substitute an action such as vibrating the user terminal at a predetermined position, reading predetermined identification information (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)), or connecting to Wi-Fi (registered trademark). [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1 Information distribution device (content distribution device, information distribution system, content distribution system) 10 User terminal 20 Train management server (vehicle management server) 30 Information distribution server (content distribution server) 40 Network 100 Trains (vehicles) 110 Car No. 1 120 2nd car 130 3rd car 140 NFC tag (boarding detection section) 150 In-car communication IF (boarding detection section)

Claims

1. a boarding detection unit that detects when a user boards a vehicle; a user-related information acquisition unit for acquiring user-related information related to the user; a vehicle-related information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle-related information related to the vehicle; a sales promotion information distribution unit that distributes sales promotion information based on the user-related information and the vehicle-related information when it is detected that the user has gotten into the vehicle; An information distribution device comprising:

2. The boarding detection unit is an NFC tag that detects that the user has boarded the vehicle by bringing the user's terminal close to the NFC tag and performing near field communication (NFC); an in-vehicle communication interface that is wirelessly connected to a terminal of the user when the user gets into the vehicle; 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The user-related information includes: Identification information of the user's terminal; Attribute information of the user; Action history information of the user; Boarding terminal information relating to the terminal at which the user boards the vehicle; alighting terminal information relating to a terminal at which the user alights from the vehicle; Ride time information about the time it takes for the user to ride in the vehicle; Boarding position information relating to a position where the user boards the vehicle; and 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The vehicle-related information includes: Type information relating to the type of the vehicle; Route information relating to the route of the vehicle; and Travel time information relating to the travel time of the vehicle; Operation mode information relating to the operation mode of the vehicle; Advertising information relating to an advertisement in the vehicle; Sponsor information relating to sponsors of the vehicle; 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. the sales promotion information distribution unit distributes sales promotion information having different contents based on the user-related information and the vehicle-related information to each of the user's terminals.

2. The information distribution device according to claim 1.

6. when at least one of the user-related information and the vehicle-related information indicates that the user is required to pay a special fee in addition to a normal fee when getting on the vehicle, the sales promotion information distribution unit distributes sales promotion information having advantageous content compared to a case in which the payment of the special fee is not required.

2. The information distribution device according to claim 1.

7. when at least one of the user-related information and the vehicle-related information indicates that the vehicle in which the user is riding is a women-only vehicle, the sales promotion information distribution unit distributes sales promotion information having content different from that when the vehicle in which the user is riding is not a women-only vehicle.

2. The information distribution device according to claim 1.

8. when at least one of the user-related information and the vehicle-related information indicates that the vehicle in which the user rides is a weak air-conditioning vehicle, the sales promotion information distribution unit distributes sales promotion information having content different from that when the vehicle in which the user rides is not a weak air-conditioning vehicle.

2. The information distribution device according to claim 1.

9. when the vehicle-related information indicates that the advertisement of the vehicle is monopolized by a specific content by a specific sponsor, the sales promotion information distribution unit distributes sales promotion information related to a product or service limited to at least one of the specific sponsor and the specific content and which is purchasable only while the user is in the vehicle; 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1.

10. Detecting that a user has entered a vehicle; obtaining user-related information related to the user; obtaining vehicle related information related to the vehicle; delivering promotional information based on the user-related information and the vehicle-related information when it is detected that the user has entered the vehicle; An information distribution method characterized in that the above steps are executed by a computer.

11. Detecting that a user has entered a vehicle; obtaining user-related information related to the user; obtaining vehicle related information related to the vehicle; delivering promotional information based on the user-related information and the vehicle-related information when it is detected that the user has entered the vehicle; An information distribution program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above.

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