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

Abstract

To make it possible to distribute information (e.g., advertisement) on a spot, such as a station, at a timing when a user gets off a mobile body (e.g., train) without introducing mechanical equipment, such as a ticket gate, to a mechanism.SOLUTION: An information distribution apparatus includes: an inducing unit which induces, when a user terminal is connected to a wireless communication apparatus provided in a mobile body that sequentially stops at each of multiple spots arranged in a predetermined section, starting a predetermined application in the user terminal; a detection unit which detects a next spot at which the mobile body is to stop; an estimation unit which estimates, when detecting a disconnection between the user terminal and the wireless communication apparatus, that a user of the user terminal has got off the mobile body at the next spot detected by the detection unit; and a distribution unit which distributes information on the spot at which the user is estimated to have got off, to the user terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

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] There is a known system that, when a user passes through a ticket gate, displays advertisements related to the area around the station on a display installed at the ticket gate and also delivers the advertisements to the user's email address (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this system, an advertisement is delivered, for example, when the user gets off the train and passes through the ticket gate. If the user views the advertisement at this time, a high advertising effect can be achieved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-80889 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in order to introduce the system described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to use each ticket gate installed in each station, and furthermore, the program that runs on each ticket gate installed in each station must be modified to include an advertisement distribution function. Therefore, the introduction of the system described in Patent Document 1 has a high barrier to entry.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an information distribution device, an information distribution method, and an information distribution program that can distribute information (e.g., advertisements) about locations such as stations when a user gets off a moving object (e.g., a train) without incorporating large-scale mechanical equipment such as ticket gates into the system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information distribution device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a guidance unit that guides the launch of a specified application in the user terminal when a user terminal is connected to a wireless communication device installed inside a moving body that stops in sequence at each of a plurality of points arranged in a specified section, a detection unit that detects the next point at which the moving body will stop, an estimation unit that estimates that the user of the user terminal has gotten off the moving body at the next point detected by the detection unit when it detects that the connection between the user terminal and the wireless communication device has been lost, and a distribution unit that distributes information regarding the point at which the user is estimated to have gotten off to the user terminal. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an information distribution device, an information distribution method, and an information distribution program are provided that can distribute information (e.g., advertisements) about a location such as a station when a user gets off a moving object (e.g., a train) without incorporating large-scale mechanical equipment such as ticket gates into the system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a first pattern in which a user terminal is connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a sequence diagram showing a second pattern in which a user terminal is connected to a wireless LAN in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] 11 is a sequence diagram showing a process of estimating the alighting station where a user will alight and a process of delivering information about the estimated alighting station in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal and an information distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user terminal and an information distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] As shown generally in FIG. 1, when a user carrying a user terminal 10 gets on a train T at station A, the user terminal 10 is connected to a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) in the train T. When the user gets off the train T at station E, the connection between the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN is disconnected. This disconnection triggers an information IF to be delivered to the user terminal 10. The information IF includes advertisements / coupons for stores and facilities in the vicinity of station E, where the user gets off.

[0012] In this way, in this embodiment, advertisements / coupons for stores and facilities around the alighting station are delivered to the user terminal 10 at an appropriate timing, such as when the user alights, without incorporating large-scale machinery and equipment such as ticket gates into the system. When the user is at the alighting station or its vicinity, advertisements / coupons for stores and facilities around the alighting station are delivered to the user terminal 10. Therefore, high advertising effectiveness, visit rate, and visit rate for the stores and facilities can be expected.

[0013] Examples of stores include street stores, tenant stores (stores in buildings or commercial facilities), etc. Examples of facilities include commercial facilities, movie theaters, game centers, stadiums, event venues, etc.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the information distribution system 1 includes a train T, a user terminal 10, and an information distribution device 20. Each unit of the information distribution system 1 is connected to each other via a network 30 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0015] An information distribution method and an information distribution program according to an embodiment of the present invention are realized by causing a computer (CPU: Central Processing Unit) included in the information distribution system 1 to execute various processes.

[0016] 2, for convenience, only one train T is shown, but the information distribution system 1 includes multiple trains T. Similarly, in FIG. 2, only one user terminal 10 is shown, but the information distribution system 1 includes user terminals 10 of multiple users.

[0017] 1 runs on a route including stations A to F. This route is an example of a predetermined section. The train T stops at each of the stations A to F on the route in order according to an operating schedule.

[0018] Thus, the train T is an example of a moving object that stops in sequence at each of a plurality of points (stations A to F in the example of FIG. 1) located in a predetermined section.

[0019] The "predetermined section" may be a section that does not include intermediate points (for example, stations B to D). In other words, a single section connecting a starting point and an end point is also an example of a "predetermined section." In this case, the two points, the starting point and the end point, are "multiple points." In other words, when the "predetermined section" is a single section connecting a starting point and an end point, the moving object stops at each of the starting point and the end point in turn.

[0020] The moving object is not limited to a train. The moving object may be a vehicle of another form, such as a bus, a monorail, a linear motor car, etc. For example, if the moving object is a bus, the "plural points arranged in a predetermined section" are bus stops on the route.

[0021] The moving body is not limited to a vehicle, and may be, for example, a ship (such as a water bus that travels on a regular route) or an aircraft.

[0022] A wireless LAN base station AP is installed in the train T. The wireless LAN base station AP is an example of a wireless communication device. For example, a user riding on the train T can connect a user terminal 10 to the wireless LAN base station AP in the train T.

[0023] A communication device CD is installed inside the train T. The communication device CD is capable of communicating with the wireless LAN master AP, and is also capable of communicating with each unit of the information distribution system 1 via the network 30.

[0024] The user terminal 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a portable game machine, etc. In other words, the user terminal 10 is a device capable of performing various types of communication with each unit of the information distribution system 1.

[0025] The connection between the user terminal 10 and the communication equipment (wireless LAN master AP in this embodiment) in the train T is not limited to Wi-Fi. The user terminal 10 may be connected by other communication standards such as beacon or acoustic communication. In other words, there is a degree of freedom in the communication standard between the user terminal 10 and the communication equipment in the train T, and various design changes are possible.

[0026] The user terminal 10 executes a browser and various other applications in response to user operations.

[0027] An application App, which is an example of a predetermined application, is installed in the user terminal 10.

[0028] The application App includes a function for providing an EC (Electronic Commerce) service that can be used only inside the train T. For example, the user can use the EC service that is limited to inside the train only when the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN master AP are in a connected state. For example, the user can use the unrestricted EC service that can be used inside or outside the train when the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN master AP are not in a connected state.

[0029] The application App also includes a function for providing information IF related to the station where the user got off.

[0030] The connection between the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN access point AP will be described.

[0031] First, a case will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 3 where the wireless LAN information (i.e., information on the wireless LAN master AP of the train T) is not registered in the user terminal 10. The wireless LAN information is information necessary for connecting to the wireless LAN master AP, such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier).

[0032] Note that the execution subjects of the various processes described below are merely examples. In another embodiment, for example, some or all of the processes executed by the information distribution device 20 in the following description may be executed by the user terminal 10. That is, in another embodiment, the entirety including the user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20 may operate as an information distribution device, or the user terminal 10 may operate alone as an information distribution device.

[0033] In this embodiment, after the application App is installed in the user terminal 10, registration of wireless LAN information is performed within the application App. With reference to Fig. 3, a description will be given including the installation of the application App.

[0034] NFC (Near Field Communication) tags TAG are attached to various places (e.g., straps, wall surfaces next to doors, handrails, etc.) inside train T. For example, messages or illustrations that encourage registration of wireless LAN information are printed on the NFC tags TAG.

[0035] When the user brings the user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag TAG, the user terminal 10 and the NFC tag TAG perform near field wireless communication (NFC communication).

[0036] A deep link of an application App is embedded in the NFC tag TAG. The user terminal 10 communicates with the NFC tag TAG to acquire the deep link (step S101), and accesses an application store according to the acquired deep link (step S102).

[0037] The application store is, for example, Google (registered trademark) Play. The application store may be a store independently operated by the business entity that provides the information distribution system 1.

[0038] When a user requests download of an application App in the app store, download of the application App starts (step S103). When the application App is downloaded and installed in the user terminal 10 (step S104), the application App starts (step S105).

[0039] When the application App is launched for the first time, a wireless LAN registration screen and a member registration screen are displayed on the user terminal 10 in that order.

[0040] The user performs connection setup with the wireless LAN base station AP installed on the train T according to the wireless LAN registration screen (step S106). After the connection setup, the user terminal 10 is wirelessly connected to the wireless LAN base station AP (step S107). Note that the user terminal 10 has acquired wireless LAN information required for connection setup, for example, during communication with the NFC tag TAG. The user terminal 10 may acquire the wireless LAN information from a server via the application App.

[0041] When the user inputs user information on the member registration screen, the input user information is uploaded to the information distribution device 20 (step S108).

[0042] The information distribution device 20 includes a user information database DB1. The user information database DB1 stores a record for each user. In each record, user information of the corresponding user is registered.

[0043] When the user information is uploaded from the user terminal 10, the information distribution device 20 creates a new record. The information distribution device 20 registers the uploaded user information in the created new record (step S109).

[0044] The registered user information includes, for example, the user's age, sex, occupation, preferences (food, movies, animation, clothes, shoes, sports, etc.), user terminal ID (Identification), and user agent information (device terminal information, etc.). The user terminal ID is an identifier of the user terminal 10.

[0045] The user grants various usage permissions according to the settings screen of the application App. The various usage permissions include an item for setting whether to permit automatic connection to the wireless LAN access point AP. The various usage permissions also include an item for setting whether to permit push notifications when connecting to the wireless LAN access point AP.

[0046] When the member registration, connection settings, and various usage permissions are completed, the information distribution device 20 is ready to provide the EC service to the user via the application App (step S110). The user can use the EC service provided on the application App.

[0047] Thus, in this embodiment, bringing the user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag TAG and performing short-range wireless communication serves as a conductor for connecting the user terminal 10 to the wireless LAN base station AP, and also serves as a conductor for the user to use the application App.

[0048] The user can easily register the wireless LAN information and install the application App by simply performing the action of bringing the user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag TAG.

[0049] Next, a case where wireless LAN information is registered in the user terminal 10 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 4. In the case where automatic connection to the wireless LAN master AP and push notification are permitted in the user terminal 10, when the user gets on the train T, the user terminal 10 is automatically connected to the wireless LAN master AP (step S201).

[0050] The establishment of a connection between the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN master AP is notified to the information distribution device 20. Upon receiving this notification, the information distribution device 20 transmits a push notification to the user terminal 10 notifying the establishment of a connection with the wireless LAN master AP (step S202). As a result, the push notification of the connection establishment is displayed on the user terminal 10.

[0051] This push notification may be a local notification that is created and issued by, for example, a wireless LAN automatic connection application of the user terminal 10.

[0052] The push notification notifying the establishment of a connection with the wireless LAN base station AP includes a link for starting the application App. When the user taps the link in the push notification (step S203), the application App starts (step S204). This enables the information distribution device 20 to provide the EC service to the user via the application App (step S205).

[0053] In this way, the information distribution device 20 operates as a guidance unit that guides the user terminal 10 to start up a predetermined application using the connection between the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN master AP as a trigger.

[0054] In this embodiment, the push notification issued at the time of getting on the train T is used as a guide to launch the application App on the user terminal 10, and to encourage the user to use the EC service. This promotes reuse of dormant users of the application App. It is also expected that launching the application App will become a habit.

[0055] In addition, if automatic connection to the wireless LAN base station AP is not permitted in the user terminal 10, the user can connect the user terminal 10 to the wireless LAN base station AP by, for example, selecting the wireless LAN base station AP from a wireless LAN list displayed on the screen after getting on the train T.

[0056] In addition, if push notifications notifying the establishment of a connection with the wireless LAN base station AP are not permitted on the user terminal 10, after getting on train T, the user can use the EC service provided on the application App by, for example, tapping the icon of the application App displayed on the screen to launch the application App.

[0057] Next, the estimation of the station where the user gets off and the delivery of the information IF will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0058] An in-car announcement is made on the train T while the train is heading to the next stop (for convenience, referred to as the "next stop"). This in-car announcement is made by playing back recorded audio data, and includes, for example, an announcement of the next stop.

[0059] For example, while traveling between stations A and B, a recorded voice such as "Next stop: B station" is played inside train T. Also, while traveling between stations D and E, a recorded voice such as "Next stop: E station" is played inside train T. After the next stop is announced, train T arrives at that station and stops there.

[0060] The information distribution device 20 acquires, for example, audio data of an in-car announcement broadcast inside the train T through a microphone installed inside the train T (step S301).

[0061] For example, when the application App is permitted to access the microphone app, the application App can obtain voice data picked up by the microphone and upload it to the information distribution device 20. That is, the information distribution device 20 can also obtain voice data of in-car announcements played inside the train T through the microphone of the user terminal 10.

[0062] The information distribution device 20 analyzes the voice data uploaded from the train T and detects the next stop announced in the train.

[0063] As an example, the information distribution device 20 extracts voice data (i.e., in-car announcements, which are recorded voices) that are highly correlated with a reference pattern of recorded voices from among the voice data uploaded from the train T. The information distribution device 20 converts the extracted voice data into a feature amount. This feature amount is a numerical value that quantitatively indicates the voice.

[0064] The information distribution device 20 extracts phonemes from the features using an acoustic model. The information distribution device 20 uses a pronunciation dictionary to match phonemes with words (station names) and converts highly correlated station names into text, thereby detecting the next stop and storing it as data (i.e., text data, hereinafter referred to as "next stop station data").

[0065] The voice data of the in-car announcement may be transmitted to the information distribution device 20 at the same time that the in-car announcement is broadcast inside the train T. For example, text of station names may be added to the voice data as meta information. In this case, the information distribution device 20 does not need to perform voice analysis processing.

[0066] The information distribution device 20 includes an operation management database DB2. In the operation management database DB2, next stop station data of all trains included in the information distribution system 1 is registered.

[0067] The information distribution device 20 registers the next stop station data obtained based on the voice data uploaded from the train T in the operation management database DB2 (step S302).

[0068] The information distribution device 20 updates the next stop data registered in the operation management database DB2 every time it acquires new next stop data for each train included in the information distribution system 1 (in other words, every time a voice announcement is made in the train after it departs from a stop station). That is, the information distribution device 20 keeps track of the next stop stations of all trains in the information distribution system 1.

[0069] In this way, the information distribution device 20 operates as a detection unit that detects the next station (an example of the next location) where the train T (an example of a moving body) stops. In addition, the information distribution device 20 operating as a detection unit detects the next station (an example of the next location) based on a voice announced inside the train T (an example of a moving body).

[0070] When the user gets off the train T, the connection between the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN base station AP is disconnected. From this, it can be presumed that the user has got off the train T when the connection between the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN base station AP is disconnected.

[0071] The information distribution device 20 is notified of the disconnection between the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN base station AP (step S303). Upon receiving this notification, the information distribution device 20 presumes that the train T has arrived at and stopped at the next stop station last announced at this point in time, and that the user has got off at this stop station (step S304).

[0072] In this way, when the information distribution device 20 detects a disconnection between the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN base station AP, it operates as an estimation unit that estimates that the user of the user terminal 10 has got off the train T (an example of a moving object) at the next stop station detected by the detection unit (i.e., the station indicated by the next stop station data of the train T currently registered in the operation management database DB2).

[0073] If train T is delayed due to an accident or other reason, the conductor of train T may make an emergency announcement through a microphone. For example, the train might say, "We will arrive at XX station (next stop) XX minutes late."

[0074] In this case, the information distribution device 20 also acquires audio data of an emergency in-car announcement broadcast inside the train T, for example, through a microphone installed inside the train T. The information distribution device 20 analyzes the audio data of the emergency in-car announcement to acquire next stop station data, and registers the data in the operation management database DB2 as the next stop station data of the train T.

[0075] For example, live train announcements have certain characteristics (such as the magnitude of intonation and patterns of change). The information distribution device 20 extracts voice data having such characteristics from the voice data uploaded from the train T, converts the data into feature quantities, extracts phonemes, and converts the data into text, thereby acquiring next stop station data.

[0076] That is, regardless of the disruption of the train schedule, the next stop data of the next stop station last announced at the present time is always registered in the train operation management database DB2. Therefore, even if the train schedule is disrupted, the information distribution device 20 can estimate the next stop station with a high degree of accuracy.

[0077] The information distribution device 20 includes an advertisement / coupon database DB3. The advertisement / coupon database DB3 stores information IF (an example of information about a location) about each stop of each train included in the information distribution system 1. The information IF includes, for example, at least one of advertisements for stores and facilities around the stop stations and coupons that can be used at the stores and facilities.

[0078] The information distribution device 20 distributes an information IF to the user terminal 10 when the connection between the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN master AP is cut off as a trigger.

[0079] Specifically, the information distribution device 20 acquires from the advertisement / coupon database DB3 the information IF of the station where the user got off the train T (i.e., the station where the estimation unit estimates that the user got off) and distributes it to the user terminal 10 (step S305).

[0080] The information distribution device 20 notifies the distribution of the information IF by a push notification of the application App. When the user taps the push notification displayed on the user terminal 10 (step S306), the information IF is displayed on the application App (step S307).

[0081] Here, in order to send a push notification of an application when the application is not running, a special application must be submitted to a predetermined institution and permission must be obtained. The application App has not obtained this permission. Therefore, when the application App is not running, the information distribution device 20 cannot send a push notification of the application App to the user terminal 10.

[0082] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, a mechanism is adopted in which the start of the application App is induced by an event that occurs when getting on the train (i.e., the connection between the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN master AP). This allows advertisements / coupons for facilities around the station where the user gets off to be delivered to the user terminal 10 at an appropriate timing, that is, when the user gets off the train. This can be expected to increase the advertising effectiveness, visit rate, and other factors for stores and facilities.

[0083] In this way, the information distribution device 20 operates as a distribution unit that distributes information IF regarding the location (a station in this embodiment) where the user is estimated to have gotten off to the user terminal 10, on condition that the application App is in an activated state.

[0084] The information distribution device 20 may change the information IF to be distributed to the user terminal 10 depending on the time period when the user is estimated to have gotten off the train T (an example of a moving object).

[0085] For example, if the user gets off at station E in the morning (such as 7 a.m.), the information distribution device 20 distributes a coupon for a cafe chain store that opens early in the morning to the user terminal 10. Also, for example, if the user gets off at station E in the evening (such as 8 p.m.), the information distribution device 20 distributes a coupon for an izakaya that opens in the evening to the user terminal 10.

[0086] The information distribution device 20 may change the information IF to be distributed to the user terminal 10 according to the user profile (user information).

[0087] Specifically, the information distribution device 20 acquires user information of the user from the user information database DB1, and distributes to the user terminal 10 advertisements and coupons suited to the acquired user information.

[0088] For example, if the user likes movies, the information distribution device 20 distributes movie discount coupons that can be used at movie theaters near the station where the user gets off to the user terminal 10. Also, for example, if the user likes hamburgers, the information distribution device 20 distributes coupons for hamburger chain stores near the station where the user gets off to the user terminal 10.

[0089] The information distribution device 20 may change the information IF to be distributed to the user terminal 10, taking into consideration the characteristics along the railway line.

[0090] For example, consider a case where a user frequently gets on and off at Mitaka Station on the Chuo Line. In this case, the information distribution device 20 may distribute to the user terminal 10, as an information IF, an advertisement for an apartment building near Hachioji Station on the same Chuo Line.

[0091] There are cases where the connection between the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN base station AP is unintentionally disconnected. For example, when the user gets off the wrong train T or gets off the train T temporarily during rush hour, the connection between the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN base station AP may be disconnected.

[0092] It is bothersome for the user if a push notification of the application App is received by the user terminal 10 every time an unintentional disconnection of the wireless connection occurs.

[0093] Therefore, when the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN master AP are reconnected within a predetermined time (e.g., two minutes) after the disconnection is detected, the information distribution device 20 does not distribute the information IF to the user terminal 10 at least until the next disconnection is detected. In other words, if the user terminal 10 and the wireless LAN master AP are not reconnected after a predetermined time (e.g., two minutes) has elapsed after the disconnection is detected, the information distribution device 20 distributes the information IF to the user terminal 10. This can reduce unnecessary push notifications of the application App, improving user convenience.

[0094] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20. As shown in Fig. 6, the user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20 include a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a communication unit 130, an input unit 140, and an output unit 150.

[0095] Note that Fig. 6 shows only an example of the functional blocks of the user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20. The user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20 may include other functional blocks not shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, the user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20 may be configured not to include some of the functional blocks.

[0096] The control unit 110 controls the user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20. The control unit 110 can be configured by a controller, a control circuit, or a control device that is explained based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention.

[0097] The storage unit 120 stores information used by the user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20. 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.

[0098] The communication unit 130 performs communication (e.g., mutual communication) between the user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20. 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. The communication unit 130 may be configured with a transmission unit and a reception unit.

[0099] The input unit 140 accepts inputs from the user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20. The input unit 140 may also be connected to a predetermined device, storage medium, etc., and may accept data inputs. The input unit 140 may output the input results to the control unit 110, for example.

[0100] The input unit 140 can be configured with input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and buttons, input / output terminals, input / output circuits, etc., which are explained based on 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).

[0101] The output unit 150 performs output in the user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20. 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.

[0102] The display unit may be configured with a display device such as a display or monitor that is described based on a common understanding in the technical field of the present invention, and the audio output unit may be configured with an output device such as a speaker that is described based on a common understanding in the technical field of the present invention.

[0103] The block diagrams used in the description of 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.

[0104] For example, the devices according to an embodiment of the present invention (user terminal 10 and information distribution device 20) may function as a computer that performs the information distribution process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20. The user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20 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, and the like.

[0106] In this embodiment, the terms "apparatus," "circuit," "device," "unit," "server," etc. may be interchangeable. The hardware configurations of the user terminal 10 and the information distribution apparatus 20 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.

[0107] For example, although only one processor 1001 is shown, there may be multiple processors, and the processes may be performed by a single processor or the processes may be performed by two or more processors simultaneously, serially, or in other manners, and the processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips.

[0108] Each function in the user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20 is realized by loading a specific software (program) onto hardware such as a processor 1001, a memory 1002, etc., so that the processor 1001 performs calculations and controls communications via a communication device 1004, reading and / or writing of data in the memory 1002 and storage 1003, etc.

[0109] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. 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 may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0110] 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. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above embodiments. For example, the control unit 110 may be realized by a control program that runs on the processor 1001. Similarly, other functional blocks may be realized by control programs. The control program is stored in the memory 1002, for example.

[0111] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be composed of, for example, at least one of a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), an Electrically EPROM (EEPROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), or other suitable storage medium.

[0112] The memory 1002 may 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 of the present invention.

[0113] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium. Storage 1003 may be, for example, 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.

[0114] The storage 1003 may be called an auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 120 may be realized by the memory 1002 and / or the storage 1003.

[0115] 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. The communication device 1004 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 communication unit 130 may be realized by the communication device 1004.

[0116] 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 input unit 140 and the output unit 150 may be realized by the input device 1005 and the output device 1006, respectively.

[0117] Each device, such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured by a single bus, or may be configured by different buses between the devices.

[0118] Furthermore, the user terminal 10 and the information distribution device 20 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), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., 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.

[0119] (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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" may be used interchangeably.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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."

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1: Information distribution system 10: User terminal 20: Information distribution device 30: Network 110: Control unit 120: Storage section 130: Communications Department 140: Input section 150: Output section 1001: Processor 1002: Memory 1003: Storage 1004 :Communication equipment 1005: Input device 1006 : Output device 1007: Bus AP: Wireless LAN base station App: Application DB1: User information database DB2: Traffic management database DB3: Coupon Database TAG: NFC tag

Claims

1. a guidance unit that guides the user to start a predetermined application in the user terminal when the user terminal is connected to a wireless communication device installed in a moving body that stops in sequence at each of a plurality of points arranged in a predetermined section; A detection unit that detects a next point where the moving body will stop; an estimation unit that, when detecting a disconnection of the user terminal and the wireless communication device, estimates that the user of the user terminal has got off the moving object at the next point detected by the detection unit; a distribution unit that distributes information about the location where the user is estimated to have gotten off to the user terminal; Equipped with Information distribution device.

2. When the user terminal and the wireless communication device are reconnected within a predetermined time after the disconnection is detected, the distribution unit does not distribute information about the location to the user terminal at least until the next disconnection is detected.

2. The information distribution method according to claim 1.

3. The detection unit detects the next point based on a voice announced inside the moving object.

2. The information distribution device according to claim 1.

4. The distribution unit pushes information about the location to the user terminal.

2. The information distribution device according to claim 1.

5. The information about the location includes at least one of advertisements for stores and facilities in the vicinity of the location, and coupons that can be used at the stores and facilities.

2. The information distribution device according to claim 1.

6. the distribution unit changes the information to be distributed to the user terminal depending on a time period when the user is estimated to have gotten off the mobile object.

2. The information distribution device according to claim 1.

7. The distribution unit changes the information to be distributed to the user terminal in accordance with a profile of the user.

2. The information distribution device according to claim 1.

8. The distribution unit distributes the information to the user terminal on condition that the application is in an active state in the user terminal.

2. The information distribution device according to claim 1.

9. The moving object is a train, The location is a station.

2. The information distribution device according to claim 1.

10. When a user terminal is connected to a wireless communication device installed in a moving body that stops in sequence at each of a plurality of points arranged in a predetermined section, the wireless communication device guides the user terminal to start a predetermined application; Detecting the next point where the moving body stops; When detecting a disconnection between the user terminal and the wireless communication device, it is assumed that the user of the user terminal has got off the mobile body at the next point; and causing the computer to execute a process of delivering information about the location where the user is estimated to have gotten off to the user terminal. Information delivery methods.

11. When a user terminal is connected to a wireless communication device installed in a moving body that stops in sequence at each of a plurality of points arranged in a predetermined section, the wireless communication device guides the user terminal to start a predetermined application; Detecting the next point where the moving body stops; When detecting a disconnection between the user terminal and the wireless communication device, it is assumed that the user of the user terminal has got off the mobile body at the next point; and causing the computer to execute a process of delivering information about the location where the user is estimated to have gotten off to the user terminal. Information distribution program.

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