Terminal-side content distribution program terminal-side storage medium, terminal-side content distribution method, terminal-side content distribution device, server-side content distribution program, server-side storage medium, server-side content distribution method, and server-side content distribution device

Abstract

To perform processing relating to highly effective content distribution.SOLUTION: A terminal-side content distribution program causes a computer of a terminal device 30 to execute content identification information acquisition processing for acquiring content identification information related to content information of a specific shop from a server together with a distribution condition relating to at least one of a distribution area and a distribution time of the content identification information, content identification information distribution processing for distributing the content identification information by means of broadcast in the case where a location of an own machine and a time satisfy the distribution condition, and content acquisition processing, in the case where content identification information distributed by the other machine is acquired, for sending the acquired content identification information to a server and acquiring content information related to the content identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal-side content distribution program, a terminal-side storage medium, a terminal-side content distribution method, and a terminal-side content distribution device, and also to a server-side content distribution program, a server-side storage medium, a server-side content distribution method, and a server-side content distribution device, related to content distribution. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for acquiring content information of a store or the like distributed for advertising purposes on a terminal device such as a smartphone by transmitting and receiving the information to and from a content server (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With this technique, when a distribution request is issued from the terminal device, appropriate content information is selected in the content server and distributed to the terminal device. A user visits a store that he or she likes by referring to the content information thus distributed from the content server to the terminal device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-009441 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the above-mentioned technology, appropriate content information is distributed only when the content server is accessible, and there is room for improvement in terms of the effectiveness of content distribution.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is, for example, to provide a terminal-side content distribution program, a terminal-side storage medium, a terminal-side content distribution method, and a terminal-side content distribution device related to highly effective content distribution, etc. Another object of the present invention is, for example, to provide a server-side content distribution program, a server-side storage medium, a server-side content distribution method, and a server-side content distribution device related to such content distribution, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the terminal-side content distribution program of the present invention causes a computer to execute a content identification information acquisition process for acquiring content identification information associated with content information of a specific store from a server together with distribution conditions related to both a distribution area and a distribution time of the content identification information, a content identification information distribution process for broadcasting the content identification information if the location and time of the own device satisfy the distribution conditions, and a content acquisition process for, when content identification information distributed by another device is acquired, sending the acquired content identification information to the server together with location / time information indicating both the location and the time at which the content identification information was acquired, and acquiring content information associated with the content identification information, wherein the distribution conditions are updated in the server based on the location / time information and the usage status of the specific store using the content information, and the content identification information distribution process is a process for distributing the content identification information based on the distribution conditions updated in the server.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a terminal-side storage medium according to the present invention is characterized in that it stores the above-mentioned terminal-side content distribution program.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the terminal-side content distribution method of the present invention includes a content identification information acquisition step of acquiring content identification information associated with content information of a specific store from a server together with distribution conditions related to both a distribution area and a distribution time of the content identification information, a content identification information distribution step of broadcasting the content identification information when the location and time of the own device satisfy the distribution conditions, and a content acquisition step of, when content identification information distributed by another device is acquired, sending the acquired content identification information to the server together with location / time information indicating both the location and the time at which the content identification information was acquired, and acquiring content information associated with the content identification information, wherein the server updates the distribution conditions based on the location / time information and the usage status of the specific store using the content information, and the content identification information distribution step is a step of distributing the content identification information based on the distribution conditions updated in the server.

[0009] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the terminal-side content distribution device of the present invention comprises a content identification information acquisition unit that acquires content identification information associated with content information of a specific store from a server, together with distribution conditions related to both a distribution area and a distribution time of the content identification information, a content identification information distribution unit that broadcasts the content identification information to other devices when the location and time of its own device satisfy the distribution conditions, and a content acquisition unit that, when acquiring content identification information distributed by the other device, sends the content identification information to the server together with location / time information indicating both the location and the time at which the content identification information was acquired, and acquires content information associated with the content identification information, wherein the distribution conditions are updated in the server based on the location / time information and the usage status of the specific store using the content information, and the content identification information distribution unit is a part that distributes the content identification information based on the distribution conditions updated in the server.

[0010] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the server-side content distribution program of the present invention causes a computer to execute a condition setting process for setting distribution conditions related to both the distribution area and distribution time of content identification information associated with content information of a specific store, a content identification information sending process for sending the content identification information to a first terminal device together with the distribution conditions, a content sending process for sending the content identification information associated with the content identification information to the second terminal device when the content identification information is acquired from the second terminal device, a location / time acquisition process for acquiring from the second terminal device location / time information indicating both the location and the time at which the second terminal device acquired the content identification information, and a store visit information acquisition process for acquiring store visit information indicating a visit of the user of the second terminal device from a store terminal device of the specific store, and the condition setting process is characterized in that it is a process for updating the distribution conditions based on the location / time information and the store visit information.

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a server-side storage medium according to the present invention is characterized in that it stores the above-mentioned server-side content distribution program.

[0012] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the server-side content distribution method of the present invention includes a condition setting step of setting distribution conditions related to both a distribution area and a distribution time of content identification information associated with content information of a specific store, a content identification information sending step of sending the content identification information to a first terminal device together with the distribution conditions, a content sending step of sending the content identification information associated with the content identification information to the second terminal device when the content identification information is acquired from the second terminal device, a position / time acquisition step of acquiring from the second terminal device position / time information indicating both the position and the time at which the second terminal device acquired the content identification information, and a store visit information acquisition step of acquiring store visit information indicating a visit of the user of the second terminal device from a store terminal device of the specific store, wherein the condition setting step is a step of updating the distribution conditions based on the position / time information and the store visit information.

[0013] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the server-side content distribution device of the present invention includes a condition setting unit that sets distribution conditions related to both the distribution area and distribution time of content identification information associated with content information of a specific store, a content identification information sending unit that sends the content identification information to a first terminal device together with the distribution conditions, a content sending unit that, when acquiring the content identification information from a second terminal device, sends content information associated with the content identification information to the second terminal device, a location / time acquisition unit that acquires from the second terminal device location / time information indicating both the location and the time at which the second terminal device acquired the content identification information, and a store visit information acquisition unit that acquires store visit information indicating a visit of the user of the second terminal device from a store terminal device of the specific store, and is characterized in that the condition setting unit is a part that updates the distribution conditions based on the location / time information and the store visit information. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the content distribution system of the present invention comprises a server-side content distribution device provided in a server, which transmits content identification information associated with content information of a specific store together with distribution conditions related to both a distribution area and a distribution time of the content identification information, and a terminal-side content distribution device provided in each of a plurality of terminal devices, which acquires the content identification information transmitted from the server-side content distribution device together with the distribution conditions, and broadcasts the content identification information to other devices based on the distribution conditions, wherein the server-side content distribution device has a condition setting unit which sets the distribution conditions, a content identification information sending unit which sends the content identification information together with the distribution conditions to a first terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, a content sending unit which, upon acquiring the content identification information from a second terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, transmits the content information associated with the content identification information to the second terminal device, and a content sending unit which receives the content identification information from the second terminal device and broadcasts the content identification information to the second terminal device. a location / time acquisition unit that acquires location / time information indicating both the location and time of a visit to the specific store from a store terminal device of the second terminal device, and a store visit information acquisition unit that acquires store visit information indicating a visit of the user of the second terminal device from a store terminal device of the specific store, wherein the terminal-side content distribution device of each of the plurality of terminal devices comprises: a content identification information acquisition unit that acquires the content identification information together with the distribution conditions from the server, with the terminal device as the first terminal device; a content identification information distribution unit that distributes the content identification information by broadcast to other devices when the location and time of the terminal device satisfy the distribution conditions; and a content acquisition unit that, when acquiring content identification information distributed by the other devices, sends the acquired content identification information to the server, with the terminal device as the second terminal device, attached with the location / time information, and acquires the content information associated with the content identification information, wherein the condition setting unit of the server-side content distribution device is a unit that updates the distribution conditions based on the location / time information and the store visit information, and the content identification information distribution unit of the terminal-side content distribution deviceThe content identification information is distributed based on the distribution conditions updated by the condition setting unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an information distribution system for distributing store content information. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional blocks of an apparatus constructed by a computer in the server shown in FIG. 1 executing a program. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a primary content ID and a secondary content ID. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of user information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of store usage history information. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of store information. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of additional information. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing various pieces of information used to update distribution conditions. [Figure 9] 9 is a schematic diagram showing how distribution conditions are updated based on the various information shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a schematic block diagram showing functional blocks of a device implemented by a computer in the store terminal device shown in FIG. 1 executing a program. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a schematic block diagram showing functional blocks of a device constructed by a computer in the terminal device shown in FIG. 1 executing a program. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flowchart illustrating an information distribution process from start to midway. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the information distribution process, continuing from FIG. 12 and continuing to the middle of the process. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the information distribution process, continuing from FIG. 13 and continuing to the middle of the process. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the information distribution process, continuing from FIG. 14 and continuing to the middle of the process. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the information distribution process from the continuation of FIG. 15 to the end. [Figure 17] 2 is a diagram showing a flowchart illustrating processing related to the initiation of grouping among a plurality of terminal devices in the information distribution system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow chart illustrating grouping from the start to the middle. [Figure 19] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the flow chart illustrating grouping from the continuation of FIG. 18 to the end. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart showing a group confirmation / exclusion process executed after grouping. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing a grouping signal distribution process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. A terminal-side content distribution program according to an embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to execute a content identification information acquisition process, a content identification information distribution process, and a content acquisition process. The content identification information acquisition process is a process for acquiring content identification information associated with content information of a specific store from a server together with a distribution condition related to at least one of a distribution area and a distribution time of the content identification information. The content identification information distribution process is a process for broadcasting content identification information when the location and time of the device itself satisfy the distribution condition. The content acquisition process is a process for acquiring content identification information distributed by another device, sending the acquired content identification information to a server, and acquiring content information associated with the content identification information.

[0016] According to the content distribution program of this embodiment, content identification information associated with content information can be distributed via a terminal device carried by a user who moves around freely. Furthermore, the content identification information is distributed appropriately based on the location and time of the device using distribution conditions previously acquired from the server, so that highly effective content distribution can be performed on the terminal side. Furthermore, by acquiring content information via such content identification information distributed from another device, it is possible to receive highly effective content distribution. In this way, the content distribution program of this embodiment is a program related to highly effective content distribution.

[0017] Here, in this embodiment, the content acquisition process is a process in which, when sending content identification information to the server, location / time information indicating at least one of the location and time at which the content identification information was acquired is attached and sent to the server.

[0018] This configuration is advantageous because it allows the server side to perform a validity evaluation, such as whether the content information based on the content identification information acquired at what location or time on the terminal side was effectively utilized.

[0019] In this embodiment, the server updates the distribution conditions based on the usage status of a specific store using the location / time information and the content information. The content identification information distribution process distributes the content identification information based on the updated distribution conditions in the server.

[0020] This configuration is preferable because it allows the terminal side to distribute content identification information based on highly accurate distribution conditions regarding validity.

[0021] Moreover, the terminal-side storage medium according to the embodiment of the present invention stores the above-mentioned terminal-side content delivery program.

[0022] According to the storage medium of this embodiment, by reading out the above-mentioned terminal side content distribution program and running it on a computer, it is possible to perform highly effective content distribution on the terminal side. It is also possible to receive highly effective content distribution on the terminal side. In this way, the storage medium of this embodiment is a storage medium related to highly effective content distribution.

[0023] Moreover, a terminal-side content distribution method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a content identification information acquisition step, a content identification information distribution step, and a content acquisition step. The content identification information acquisition step is a step of acquiring content identification information associated with content information of a specific store from a server together with distribution conditions related to at least one of a distribution area and a distribution time of the content identification information. The content identification information distribution step is a step of broadcasting content identification information when the location and time of the device satisfy the distribution conditions. The content acquisition step is a step of, when content identification information distributed by another device is acquired, sending the acquired content identification information to the server and acquiring content information associated with the content identification information.

[0024] According to the terminal-side content distribution method of this embodiment, content identification information associated with content information can be distributed via a terminal device carried by a user who moves around freely. Furthermore, since the content identification information is appropriately distributed based on the location and time of the device using distribution conditions, highly effective content distribution can be performed on the terminal side. Furthermore, by acquiring content information via such content identification information distributed from another device, highly effective content distribution can be received. In this way, the terminal-side content distribution method of this embodiment is a method related to highly effective content distribution.

[0025] Moreover, a terminal-side content distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a content identification information acquisition unit, a content identification information distribution unit, and a content acquisition unit. The content identification information acquisition unit acquires content identification information associated with content information of a specific store from a server, together with distribution conditions related to at least one of a distribution area and a distribution time of the content identification information. The content identification information distribution unit distributes the content identification information to other devices by broadcast when the location and time of the device satisfy the distribution conditions. When the content acquisition unit acquires content identification information distributed by the other device, it sends the content identification information to the server and acquires content information associated with the content identification information.

[0026] According to the terminal-side content distribution device of this embodiment, it is possible to distribute content identification information associated with content information via a terminal device carried by a user who moves around freely. Furthermore, since the content identification information is appropriately distributed based on the location and time of the terminal device using the distribution conditions, it is possible to perform highly effective content distribution on the terminal side. Furthermore, it is possible to receive highly effective content distribution by acquiring content information via such content identification information distributed from another device. In this way, the terminal-side content distribution device of this embodiment is a device related to highly effective content distribution.

[0027] Furthermore, a server-side content delivery program according to an embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to execute a condition setting process, a content identification information sending process, and a content delivery process. The condition setting process is a process for setting delivery conditions related to at least one of a delivery area and a delivery time of content identification information associated with content information of a specific store. The content identification information sending process is a process for sending content identification information together with the delivery conditions to a first terminal device. The content delivery process is a process for sending content information associated with the content identification information to the second terminal device upon acquiring content identification information from the second terminal device.

[0028] According to the server-side content delivery program of this embodiment, content identification information associated with content information can be delivered via a first terminal device carried by a user who moves around freely. Then, delivery conditions for appropriate delivery are set in the first terminal device, which is the source of delivery, and sent to the first terminal device. As a result, the first terminal device appropriately delivers the content identification information based on the delivery conditions, and the second terminal device acquires the content information via such content identification information, so that highly effective content delivery can be performed. In this way, the server-side content delivery program of this embodiment is a program related to highly effective content delivery.

[0029] Here, the server-side content delivery program of this embodiment causes the computer to further execute a location / time acquisition process and a store visit information acquisition process. The location / time acquisition process is a process of acquiring, from a second terminal device, location / time information indicating at least one of the location and the time at which the second terminal device acquired content identification information. The store visit information acquisition process is a process of acquiring store visit information indicating the visit of the user of the second terminal device from a store terminal device of a specific store. In this embodiment, the condition setting process is a process of updating the delivery conditions based on the location / time information and the store visit information.

[0030] With this configuration, the location and time of acquisition of the content identification information when the user of the second terminal device visits the store and makes effective use of the content information are reflected in the distribution conditions at any time, making it possible to perform even more effective content distribution.

[0031] A server-side storage medium according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it stores the above-mentioned server-side content delivery program.

[0032] According to the storage medium of this embodiment, the server side can perform highly effective content distribution by reading out the above-mentioned server side content distribution program and executing it on a computer. In this way, the storage medium of this embodiment is a storage medium related to highly effective content distribution.

[0033] Moreover, a server-side content distribution method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a condition setting step and a content sending step. The condition setting step is a step of setting a distribution condition related to at least one of a distribution area and a distribution time of content identification information associated with content information of a specific store. The content sending step is a step of, upon acquiring the content identification information from a second terminal device, sending the content information associated with the content identification information to the second terminal device.

[0034] According to the server-side content distribution method of this embodiment, content identification information associated with content information can be distributed via a first terminal device carried by a user who moves around freely. Then, distribution conditions for performing appropriate distribution in the first terminal device, which is the distribution source, are set and sent to the first terminal device. As a result, the first terminal device appropriately distributes the content identification information based on the distribution conditions, and the second terminal device acquires the content information via such content identification information, so that highly effective content distribution can be performed. In this way, the server-side content distribution method of this embodiment is a method related to highly effective content distribution.

[0035] Moreover, a server-side content distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a condition setting unit, a content identification information sending unit, and a content sending unit. The condition setting unit sets distribution conditions related to a distribution area and a distribution time of the content identification information associated with the content information of a specific store. The content identification information sending unit sends the content identification information together with the distribution conditions to a first terminal device. When the content sending unit acquires the content identification information from a second terminal device, it sends the content information associated with the content identification information to the second terminal device.

[0036] According to the server-side content distribution device of this embodiment, content identification information associated with content information can be distributed via a first terminal device carried by a user who moves around freely. Then, distribution conditions for appropriate distribution are set in the first terminal device, which is the source of distribution, and sent to the first terminal device. As a result, the first terminal device appropriately distributes the content identification information based on the distribution conditions, and the second terminal device acquires the content information via such content identification information, so that highly effective content distribution can be performed. In this way, the server-side content distribution device of this embodiment is a device related to highly effective content distribution. EXAMPLES

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment for solving the problem of performing processing related to highly effective content distribution will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an information distribution system for distributing store content information.

[0039] The information distribution system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes a server 10, a store terminal device 20 installed in each of a number of stores SH, a number of terminal devices 30 each carried by a user, and a wireless / wired communication network 40 connecting these devices.

[0040] In the following description, the multiple stores SH are referred to as a specific store SH1 when focusing on one store SH, and simply referred to as store SH when referring to stores in general. In addition, the multiple terminal devices 30 are referred to as a first terminal device 31 and a second terminal device 32 when focusing on one terminal device 30.

[0041] In the information distribution system 1 shown in Fig. 1, the store terminal device 20 broadcasts information for store and product advertisements to the inside and outside of the store. When a user passes near a store SH, the terminal device 30 receives the distributed information from the store terminal device 20, and acquires electronic coupons and the like related to store use through the exchange of various information with the server 10 via the communication network 40. Information is also exchanged between multiple terminal devices 30 by broadcast, and electronic coupons and the like can be acquired through the exchange of various information between these terminals and further with the server 10. Furthermore, grouping of multiple terminal devices 30 into groups is possible through the exchange of information by broadcast between the terminals.

[0042] First, the server 10 in this information distribution system 1 configures a device having the following functional blocks by the computer in the server 10 executing a program.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional blocks of an apparatus constructed by a computer in the server shown in FIG. 1 executing a program.

[0044] The server 10 constructs a server-side content distribution device 100 having the following functional blocks by executing a program on its computer. The server-side content distribution device 100 includes a secondary content ID sending unit 101, a secondary content sending unit 102, a privilege sending unit 103, a primary content sending unit 104, a judgment processing unit 105, and a group privilege generating unit 106. Furthermore, the server-side content distribution device 100 includes a user information storage unit 107, a store usage history storage unit 108, an information memory 109, an update processing unit 110, an additional information generating unit 111, a condition setting unit 112, a position / time acquisition unit 113, and a store visit information acquisition unit 114.

[0045] The computer of the server 10 executes a server-side content delivery program to operate as each functional block of the server-side content delivery device 100. This server-side content delivery program is stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk mounted on the computer of the server 10. Note that the storage medium for storing the server-side content delivery program is not limited to this, and may be a storage medium mounted on another computer or an external storage device connected to the computer of the server 10, or may be any portable storage medium, etc.

[0046] The secondary content ID sending unit 101 is constructed by executing a secondary content ID sending process by the computer of the server 10. The secondary content ID sending process is a process of sending a secondary content ID, which will be described later, to any one of the first terminal devices 31.

[0047] In addition, the term "ID" used in the following explanation always represents a code as identification information, but the identification information referred to here is not limited to this ID (code), and the specific form of the information is not important as long as it is information for identifying an object.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a primary content ID and a secondary content ID.

[0049] The primary content ID 20a is an individual ID for each store SH that is broadcast from the store terminal device 20 of each of the multiple stores SH constituting the information distribution system 1 in Fig. 1 to an unspecified number of terminal devices 30. The primary content ID 20a is associated with content information 20b in each store SH.

[0050] The content information 20b is information that is preregistered in the server 10 via the communication network 40 from the store terminal devices 20 of the multiple stores SH that make up the information distribution system 1 in Fig. 1, and is stored in the information memory 109. The content information 20b of each store SH is information that includes the advertisement information of that store SH, the store genre, coupons that can be used when using the store, and the like.

[0051] A primary content ID 20a is assigned to each of the multiple stores SH, and each primary content ID 20a is associated with content information 20b of each store SH and stored in the information memory 109. The primary content ID 20a is stored together with the content information 20b when the content information 20b is registered in advance.

[0052] In the information distribution system 1 of FIG. 1, the primary content ID 20a is distributed by broadcast from the store terminal device 20 of the store SH. Then, when the primary content ID 20a is received and acquired by the terminal device 30 of a user who passes through the distribution area of ​​this broadcast, the terminal device 30 sends the primary content ID 20a to the server 10. The server 10 searches the information memory 109 with the transmitted primary content ID 20a, and transmits the content information 20b associated with the primary content ID 20a to the terminal device 30. When the user who has viewed the content information 20b thus obtained on the terminal device 30 visits the store indicated by the content information 20b, the secondary content ID 101a is then transmitted to the terminal device 30 via the server 10 after a determination as to whether or not a certain condition is satisfied.

[0053] The secondary content ID 101a is associated with the content information 20b and the individual ID 30a that identifies the terminal device 30 related to the series of information distributions, and is information that is generated during this series of information distributions.

[0054] The secondary content ID sending unit 101 shown in Fig. 2 is a process that, when it acquires primary store visit information related to the visit of the user of the first terminal device 31 from the store terminal device 20 of the specific store SH1, sends the secondary content ID 101a to the first terminal device 31. This primary store visit information also indicates whether or not a coupon included in the content information 20b has been used. The secondary content ID sending unit 101 acquires the primary store visit information via the store visit information acquisition unit 114 described later.

[0055] In the information distribution system 1 of Fig. 1, the first terminal device 31 that has acquired this secondary content ID 101a broadcasts the secondary content ID 101a to an unspecified number of terminal devices 30 while being carried by a user and moving. When any one of the second terminal devices 32 receives and acquires this secondary content ID 101a, the second terminal device 32 sends the secondary content ID 101a to the server 10.

[0056] 2 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing a secondary content delivery process. The secondary content delivery process is a process of, when a secondary content ID 101a is acquired from the second terminal device 32, sending content information 20b related to the secondary content ID 101a to the second terminal device 32.

[0057] The secondary content delivery unit 102 also acquires and records, together with the secondary content ID 101a from the second terminal device 32, position / time information indicating both the position and the time when the second terminal device 32 acquired the secondary content ID 101a. The secondary content delivery unit 102 acquires the position / time information via a position / time acquisition unit 113, which will be described later.

[0058] The bonus sending unit 103 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing a bonus sending process. The bonus sending process is a process of sending bonus information to the first terminal device 31 when secondary store visit information on a visit of a user of the second terminal device 32 to a specific store SH1 indicated by the content information 20b related to the secondary content ID 101a is obtained from the store terminal device 20. The secondary store visit information also indicates whether or not a coupon has been used, like the above-mentioned primary store visit information. The bonus sending unit 103 also obtains the secondary store visit information via the store visit information obtaining unit 114, which will be described later.

[0059] The privilege information is information related to privileges such as coupons and points for use of the specific store SH1 that are returned to the first terminal device 31 in return for encouraging the user of the second terminal device 32 to visit the specific store SH1 or use the specific store SH1 by the delivery of the secondary content ID 101a. The first terminal device 31 can use this privilege information the next time it visits the specific store SH1.

[0060] The primary content sending unit 104 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing a primary content sending process. The primary content sending process is executed when the first terminal device 31, which has received and acquired the primary content ID 20a broadcast from the store terminal device 20 of the specific store SH1, sends the acquired primary content ID 20a to the server 10. The primary content sending process is a process in which, when the primary content ID 20a is acquired from the first terminal device 31, content information 20b corresponding to the primary content ID 20a is sent to the first terminal device 31.

[0061] The judgment processing unit 105 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing a judgment process. The judgment process is a process for judging whether or not the secondary content ID 101a can be sent to the first terminal device 31, which is the sender of the primary content ID 20a. The judgment criteria used in the judgment process are set in each of the multiple stores SH and preregistered in the server 10 together with the content information 20b. Examples of the judgment criteria include a criterion that the number of times the user has visited the store SH is equal to or greater than a threshold value, a criterion that the amount of the user's purchase of products at the store SH is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and a criterion that the number of times a special benefit has been given to the user.

[0062] When the secondary content ID sending unit 101 acquires the above-mentioned primary store visit information, it sends a secondary content ID 101 a to the first terminal device 31 according to the result of the judgment by the judgment processing unit 105 .

[0063] 1, as described above, it is possible to form a group of multiple terminal devices 30 through the exchange of information by broadcast between the terminals. When the users of the terminal devices 30 that form this group visit a store SH together, they can receive benefits such as a group discount.

[0064] The group benefit generation unit 106 shown in Fig. 2 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing a group benefit generation process. The group benefit generation process is a process for generating group benefit information when group information is acquired from the terminal device 30 together with the primary content ID 20a or the secondary content ID 101a relating to the specific store SH1. The group information is information indicating that the terminal device 30 that sent this information forms a group with other terminal devices 30. The group here means that users carrying the terminal device 30 act together. The group benefit information is information relating to benefits such as group discounts related to the use of the specific store SH1 by a group.

[0065] The user information storage unit 107 is constructed by executing a user information storage process by the computer of the server 10. The user information storage process is a process for storing user information relating to attributes of any user.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of user information.

[0067] The user information 107a shown as an example in FIG. 4 is information about the attributes of the user, and indicates the individual ID 30a of the terminal device 30 owned by the user, the sex, and the age.

[0068] 2 acquires such user information 107a and stores it in information memory 109. When a user visits a store SH or registers for a service, this user information 107a is sent from the user's terminal device 30 via the store terminal device 20 or directly to the server 10 and stored in the information memory 109.

[0069] The store usage history storage unit 108 is constructed by executing a store usage history storage process by the computer of the server 10. The store usage history storage process is a process for storing store usage history information indicating the history of stores SH used by each user.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of store usage history information.

[0071] 5 is associated with each user's individual ID 30a, and is information indicating the store genre, store name, number of visits, and time of each visit for the store SH used by the user. This store usage history information 108a is generated based on store visit information sent to the server 10 in response to information exchange between the store terminal device 20 and the terminal device 30 when the user visits the store, and is stored in the information memory 109.

[0072] In this embodiment, the store usage history storage unit 108 stores the store usage history information 108a described above, as well as the store information described below.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of store information.

[0074] 6 is stored for each store SH, and includes basic information 108c and update information 108d. The basic information 108c is advertising information that is also used in the content information 20b of the store SH, and information indicating the store genre. The update information 108d is information indicating the individual ID of each customer terminal, the time each customer visited the store, the gender and age group of each customer, and the number of times each customer visited the store, and is updated appropriately based on the store visit information from the store terminal device 20.

[0075] The information memory 109 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to a memory area of ​​the storage medium installed in the computer of the server 10 that is used to store various information related to the execution of the server-side content distribution program.

[0076] The update processing unit 110 is constructed by executing an update process by the computer of the server 10. The update process is a process in which, when store visit information indicating the visit of a user of an arbitrary terminal device 30 and including user information 107a of the user is acquired from the store terminal device 20 of the specific store SH1, the stored contents in the information memory 109 are updated based on the store visit information.

[0077] The additional information generating unit 111 is constructed by executing additional information generating processing by the computer of the server 10. The additional information generating processing is a processing for generating additional information described below when the secondary content ID 101a is acquired from the second terminal device 32.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the additional information.

[0079] 7 is information based on at least one of the user information 107a and the store usage history information 108a related to the first terminal device 31 of the individual ID 30a associated with the secondary content ID 101a. The additional information 111a is information indicating the gender and age group of the user of the first terminal device 31 that is the distributor of the secondary content ID 101a, that is, the distributor, and the number of times the distributor has visited the store SH related to the secondary content ID 101a.

[0080] The additional information generating unit 111 shown in FIG. 2 generates such additional information 111a in response to acquisition of the secondary content ID 101a from the second terminal device 32.

[0081] When the secondary content delivery unit 102 delivers the content information 20b of the specific store SH1 to the second terminal device 32 in response to the acquisition of the secondary content ID 101a, the secondary content delivery unit 102 delivers the content information 20b together with the additional information 111a.

[0082] The condition setting unit 112 is constructed by executing a condition setting process by the computer of the server 10. The condition setting process is a process for setting distribution conditions related to both the distribution area and distribution time of the primary content ID 20a associated with the content information 20b of the specific store SH1.

[0083] The secondary content ID sending unit 101 sends the secondary content ID 101a to the first terminal device 31 together with the above-mentioned distribution conditions.

[0084] The position / time acquisition unit 113 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing a position / time acquisition process. The position / time acquisition process is a process of acquiring, from the second terminal device 32, position / time information indicating both the position and the time at which the second terminal device 32 acquired the secondary content ID 101a from the first terminal device 31. The position / time information acquired by the position / time acquisition unit 113 is passed to the condition setting unit 112 and also to the secondary content delivery unit 102. In this way, the secondary content delivery unit 102 acquires the position / time information via the position / time acquisition unit 113.

[0085] The store visit information acquisition unit 114 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing a store visit information acquisition process. The store visit information acquisition process is a process of acquiring secondary store visit information representing a store visit of the user of the second terminal device 32 from the store terminal device 20 of the specific store SH1. The store visit information acquisition process is also a process of acquiring primary store visit information representing a store visit of the user of the first terminal device 31 from the store terminal device 20 of the specific store SH1. The primary store visit information and secondary store visit information acquired by the store visit information acquisition unit 114 are passed to the condition setting unit 112. The primary store visit information is also passed to the secondary content ID sending unit 101, and the secondary store visit information is also passed to the benefit sending unit 103. In this way, the secondary content ID sending unit 101 acquires the primary store visit information and the benefit sending unit 103 acquires the secondary store visit information via the store visit information acquisition unit 114.

[0086] The condition setting unit 112 updates the distribution conditions of the secondary content ID 101a in the first terminal device 31 based on the above-mentioned location / time information and store visit information.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing various information used to update the distribution conditions, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing how the distribution conditions are updated based on the various information shown in FIG.

[0088] 8 shows the individual ID 30a of the terminal device 30, the secondary content ID 101a, the location / time information 113a, and the visit information 114a used to update the distribution conditions in a table format. From this information, the effectiveness of the distribution can be known, such as the location and time at which the user who acquired the secondary content ID 101a visited the store SH related to the secondary content ID 101a. In this embodiment, based on the effectiveness thus grasped, at least one of the distribution area 112a and the distribution time 112b of the secondary content ID 101a in the distribution conditions is updated as needed, as shown in an example in FIG. 9.

[0089] In the example of FIG. 9, first, a predetermined circular area 112a-1 as the default distribution area 112a and all day as the default distribution time 112b are preregistered as default distribution conditions from the store terminal device 20 of each store SH. After that, when various information shown in FIG. 8 is collected over a certain period of time, statistical processing is performed on the collected information to obtain an effectiveness 112c for the distribution area and distribution time. Then, the distribution conditions are updated based on the effectiveness 112c. In the example of FIG. 9, the distribution conditions are updated to a daytime distribution condition consisting of a distribution area 112a-2 corresponding to a daytime distribution time 112b-1 and a nighttime distribution condition consisting of a distribution area 112a-3 corresponding to a nighttime distribution time 112b-2 based on the daytime effectiveness 112c.

[0090] 2 sends the secondary content ID 101a together with the latest distribution conditions updated as described above to the first terminal device 31. Then, the first terminal device 31 broadcasts the secondary content ID 101a with high validity based on the latest distribution conditions.

[0091] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional blocks of the device constructed by the computer in the store terminal device shown in FIG. 1 executing a program.

[0092] 10 only shows functional blocks related to content distribution, but if the store terminal device 20 is also connected to a payment device, various other functional blocks related to store operation, such as accepting payment, are constructed. A store terminal program for constructing these functional blocks is stored in a storage medium mounted on the computer of the store terminal device 20. The storage medium for storing the store terminal program is not limited to this, and may be a storage medium mounted on another computer or an external storage device connected to the computer of the store terminal device 20, or may be any portable storage medium, etc.

[0093] The following describes the store terminal device 20, focusing on the functional blocks related to content distribution.

[0094] The shop terminal device 20 includes a primary content ID sending unit 201, a shop visit information generating unit 202, and a shop visit information sending unit 203.

[0095] The primary content ID sending unit 201 is constructed by executing a primary content ID sending process by the computer of the store terminal device 20. The primary content ID sending process is a process of broadcasting a primary content ID 20a associated with the content information 20b of the store SH to an unspecified number of terminal devices 30 inside and outside the store, which is the communication range of the store terminal device 20.

[0096] The store visit information generating unit 202 is constructed by executing a store visit information generating process by the computer of the store terminal device 20. The store visit information generating process is a process in which, when a user of any terminal device 30 visits a store, user information 107a is acquired by exchanging information with the terminal device 30, and the store visit information is generated by adding the store visit time and the number of visits if the user has visited the store in the past to this information.

[0097] The store visit information sending unit 203 is constructed by executing a store visit information sending process by the computer of the store terminal device 20. The store visit information sending process is a process of sending the store visit information generated by the store visit information generating unit 202 to the server 10.

[0098] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional blocks of an apparatus constructed by the computer in the terminal device shown in FIG. 1 executing a program.

[0099] The computer in the terminal device 30 is a combination of one or more processors mounted on the terminal device 30 such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, as well as hardware such as a communication unit and a display screen.

[0100] The terminal device 30 configures three types of devices, each having the functional blocks described below, by executing a program using its computer. That is, the terminal device 30 configures a terminal-side content distribution device 310 by executing a terminal-side content distribution program. The terminal device 30 also configures a content acquisition device 320 by executing a content acquisition program. And the terminal device 30 configures a grouping device 330 by executing a grouping program.

[0101] The above programs executed by the computer of the terminal device 30 are stored in a storage medium mounted on the computer of the terminal device 30. Note that the storage medium for storing these programs is not limited to this, and may be a storage medium mounted on another computer or an external storage device connected to the computer of the terminal device 30, or may be any portable storage medium, etc.

[0102] First, a description will be given of the terminal side content distribution device 310. This terminal side content distribution device 310 includes a primary content acquisition unit 311, a secondary content ID acquisition unit 312, a secondary content ID distribution unit 313, and a secondary content acquisition unit 314.

[0103] The primary content acquisition unit 311 is constructed by executing a primary content acquisition process by the computer of the terminal device 30. The primary content acquisition process is a process in which, when a primary content ID 20a is acquired from the store terminal device 20 of the specific store SH1, the primary content ID 20a is sent to the server 10 and content information 20b associated with the primary content ID 20a is acquired.

[0104] The secondary content ID acquisition unit 312 is constructed by executing a secondary content ID acquisition process by the computer of the terminal device 30. The secondary content ID acquisition process is a process of acquiring the secondary content ID 101a related to the specific store SH1 from the server 10 together with the distribution conditions of the secondary content ID 101a.

[0105] The secondary content ID distribution unit 313 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing a secondary content ID distribution process. The secondary content ID distribution process is a process of broadcasting the secondary content ID 101a when the location and time of the terminal device satisfy the distribution conditions. The secondary content ID distribution process is also a process of distributing the secondary content ID 101a based on the distribution conditions updated in the server 10 as described above.

[0106] The secondary content acquisition unit 314 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing a secondary content acquisition process. The secondary content acquisition process is a process in which, when a secondary content ID 101a distributed by another device is acquired, the acquired secondary content ID 101a is sent to the server 10 and content information 20b associated with the secondary content ID 101a is acquired. The secondary content acquisition process also includes a process in which, when the secondary content ID 101a is sent to the server 10, position / time information 113a related to the acquisition of the secondary content ID 101a is attached and sent to the server 10. The secondary content acquisition unit 314 is substantially equivalent to the content acquisition device 320 described below.

[0107] Next, a description will be given of the content acquiring device 320. This content acquiring device 320 includes a secondary content ID acquiring unit 321, a secondary content ID sending unit 322, and a secondary content acquiring unit 323.

[0108] The secondary content ID acquisition unit 321 is constructed by executing a secondary content ID acquisition process by the computer of the terminal device 30. The secondary content ID acquisition process is a process for acquiring the secondary content ID 101a transmitted by broadcast from any terminal device 30.

[0109] The secondary content ID sending unit 322 is constructed by executing a secondary content ID sending process by the computer of the terminal device 30. The secondary content ID sending process is a process of sending the secondary content ID 101a to the server 10.

[0110] The secondary content acquisition unit 323 is constructed by executing a secondary content acquisition process by the computer of the terminal device 30. The secondary content acquisition process is a process for acquiring the content information 20b associated with the secondary content ID 101a together with the above-mentioned additional information 111a.

[0111] Next, the grouping device 330 will be described. The grouping device 330 includes a grouping signal distribution unit 331, a group candidate setting unit 332, a group ID issuing unit 333, a received data memory 334, and a group memory 335. The grouping device 330 also includes an approval return unit 336, a secondary content acquisition unit 337, a group exclusion setting unit 338, and a confirmation return unit 339.

[0112] The grouping signal distribution unit 331 is constructed by executing a grouping signal distribution process by the computer of the terminal device 30. The grouping signal distribution process is a process of broadcasting a self-device grouping signal that can be used for grouping with other devices and identifies the own device.

[0113] The group candidate setting unit 332 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing a group candidate setting process. The group candidate setting process is a process in which, when an other device grouping signal of a predetermined strength or more that identifies the other device is continuously acquired from the other device for a predetermined period of time, the other device is set as a group candidate. At this time, the intermediate progress until the acquisition of the other device grouping signal reaches the predetermined period of time is stored in the received data memory 334.

[0114] The group ID issuing unit 333 is constructed by executing a group ID issuing process by the computer of the terminal device 30. The group ID issuing process is a process of sending a group approval request to other devices that are group candidates, and issuing a group ID that identifies the group to other devices that have received an approval response. In this group ID issuing process, the issued group ID and individual IDs 30a of other devices that form a group together with the terminal device are stored in the group memory 335.

[0115] In this embodiment, the group ID is identification information that identifies the group and also identifies the constituent devices of the group. If the own device belongs to a group, the grouping signal distribution unit 331 distributes the group ID as the own device grouping signal. On the other hand, if the own device does not belong to a group, the grouping signal distribution unit 331 distributes the individual ID 30a that identifies the own device as the own device grouping signal.

[0116] Moreover, the group candidate setting unit 332 and the group ID issuing unit 333 set group candidates and issue group IDs according to the type of other device grouping signal acquired from other devices.

[0117] The received data memory 334 corresponds to a memory area of ​​a storage medium mounted on the computer of the terminal device 30 that is used to store the intermediate progress of the other device grouping signal.

[0118] The group memory 335 corresponds to a memory area in a storage medium mounted on the computer of the terminal device 30 that is used to store the group ID and the individual ID 30a of other devices.

[0119] The approval reply unit 336 is constructed by executing approval reply processing by the computer of the terminal device 30. The approval reply processing is processing for returning an approval response when a group approval request is obtained from another device.

[0120] The secondary content acquisition unit 337 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing a secondary content acquisition process. The secondary content acquisition process is a process of acquiring a secondary content ID 101a related to the specific store SH1 and sending group information indicating that a group is formed to the server 10. Furthermore, the secondary content acquisition process is a process of acquiring content information 20b of the specific store SH1 and privilege information related to privileges such as a group discount related to the use of the specific store SH1 by a group.

[0121] The group exclusion setting unit 338 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing a group exclusion setting process. The group exclusion setting process is a process in which, if a group ID of a predetermined strength or more is not obtained from one of the members of a group within a predetermined time, a confirmation request for confirming the existence of the one member of the group is sent to all members of the group. Then, the group exclusion setting process is a process in which, if a confirmation response is not obtained from any of the members, the one member of the group is excluded from the group.

[0122] The confirmation return unit 339 is constructed by executing a confirmation return process by the computer of the terminal device 30. The confirmation return process is a process of returning a confirmation response when the confirmation request is received from any of the members of the group.

[0123] Furthermore, when one member device is excluded from a group by group exclusion setting unit 338, group ID issuing unit 333 discards the group ID of that group. Then, when there is a member device other than its own device in the group, group ID issuing unit 333 issues a new group ID that identifies a new group excluding the one member device.

[0124] Next, the information distribution process executed in the information distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0125] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the start to a middle part of the flowchart showing the information distribution processing. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the flowchart showing the information distribution processing from a continuation of Fig. 12 to a middle part of the flowchart. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the flowchart showing the information distribution processing from a continuation of Fig. 13 to a middle part of the flowchart. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the flowchart showing the information distribution processing from a continuation of Fig. 14 to a middle part of the flowchart. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the flowchart showing the information distribution processing from a continuation of Fig. 15 to the end of the flowchart.

[0126] The flowcharts shown in these figures start when a program related to information distribution processing is launched in each of the server 10, the store terminal device 20, and the multiple terminal devices 30. Note that in Figures 12 to 16, for the terminal devices 30, the flowcharts are shown focusing on two of the multiple terminal devices 30, i.e., the first terminal device 31 and the second terminal device 32.

[0127] When the process starts, first, a primary content ID sending step (step S11) is executed in the store terminal device 20. In the primary content ID sending step (step S11), a primary content ID 20a is distributed by broadcast to the outside of the store.

[0128] When a terminal device 30 enters a distribution area of ​​the broadcast in the store terminal device 20, it is determined to be a first terminal device 31, and a primary content ID acquisition step (step S12) is executed in the first terminal device 31. In the primary content ID acquisition step (step S12), the primary content ID 20a is received and acquired from the store terminal device 20. Then, a first terminal side group determination step (step S13) is executed. In the first terminal side group determination step (step S13), it is determined whether the terminal device is in a group with other terminals by referring to the group memory 335 shown in FIG. 11. If the terminal device is in a group (YES in step S13), a primary content ID sending step (step S14) with group information is executed. In this primary content ID sending step (step S14), the primary content ID 20a is sent to the server together with group information indicating that the terminal device is in a group. On the other hand, if no group is configured (NO in step S13), a primary content ID sending step without group information (step S15) is executed. In this primary content ID sending step (step S15), only the primary content ID 20a is sent to the server. The primary content ID 20a is sent by unicast in these primary content ID sending steps (steps S14, S15).

[0129] When the first terminal device 31 executes this series of processing, the server 10 first executes a primary content ID acquisition step (step S16). In the primary content ID acquisition step (step S16), the primary content ID 20a is received and acquired from the first terminal device 31. Then, a server-side group determination step (step S17) is executed. In the server-side group determination step (step S17), it is determined whether the first terminal device 31 is part of a group based on the presence or absence of group information. If the first terminal device 31 is part of a group (YES determination in step S17), a group privilege generation step (step S18) is executed, and then a primary content delivery step (step S19) is executed. In the group privilege generation step (step S18), group privilege information related to privileges related to use by the group is generated. In a primary content delivery step (step S19) following the group privilege generation step (step S18), content information 20b corresponding to the primary content ID 20a is delivered to the first terminal device 31 together with the group privilege information. On the other hand, if a group is not formed (NO in step S17), the group privilege generation step (step S18) is omitted and the primary content delivery step (step S19) is executed. In this case, only the content information 20b is delivered to the first terminal device 31. The information delivery in the primary content delivery step (step S19) is also performed by unicast.

[0130] When the content information 20b is sent from the server 10 in this manner, a primary content acquisition step (step S20) is executed in the first terminal device 31. In the primary content acquisition step (step S20), the content information 20b is acquired from the server 10. The processing of steps S12 to S14 and step S20 in the first terminal device 31 constitutes a content acquisition step for acquiring the content information 20b via the primary content ID 20a.

[0131] Thereafter, when the user of the first terminal device 31 visits the specific store SH1 indicated by the content information 20b, a store visit / check-in process (step S21) is executed in the first terminal device 31. In the store visit / check-in process (step S21), the first terminal device 31 is connected to the store terminal device 20 via a short-range wireless communication means such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) in the store, and user information 107a and the like are sent from the first terminal device 31 to the store terminal device 20. The store visit / check-in process may also be a process of using (applying) a coupon or the like.

[0132] Then, the store terminal device 20 executes a store visit information generating / sending step (step S22) based on the sent user information 107a, etc. In the store visit information generating / sending step (step S22), primary store visit information including the user information 107a, which indicates the store visit of the user of the first terminal device 31, is generated and sent to the server 10. In the store visit / check-in step of step S21, the store visit information is sent from the first terminal device 31 to the store terminal device 20, but it may be sent from the first terminal device 31 to the server 10. In this case, the ID of the store terminal device or the location information of the first terminal device 31 may be used as proof of the visit. In addition, if the primary content ID is set to one unique to the store terminal device, the primary content acquisition operation (S14, S15 to S19) itself can be used as the store visit / check-in step.

[0133] The server 10 executes a user information storage step (step S23) and a store usage history storage step (step S24) based on the primary store visit information from the store terminal device 20. In the user information storage step (step S23), the user information 107a included in the primary store visit information is stored. If the current user information 107a is related to the same user as the user of the already stored user information 107a, it is updated to the latest user information 107a. In the store usage history storage step (step S24), if the current visit is to a new store SH for the user, new store usage history information 108a related to this store SH is stored. Also, if the visit is a revisit to a store SH that the user has visited in the past, the store usage history information 108a is updated.

[0134] Next, the server 10 executes a condition setting step (step S25) for the delivery condition of the secondary content ID 101a of the specific store SH1 that the user of the first terminal device 31 has visited this time. Furthermore, the server 10 executes an additional information generating step (step S26). In the additional information generating step (step S26), additional information 111a to be added to the secondary content ID 101a is generated based on the user information 107a included in the above-mentioned primary store visit information and the store usage history information 108a.

[0135] Next, the server 10 executes a judgment step (step S27) regarding the sending of the secondary content ID 101a. In the judgment step (step S27), it is judged whether or not the secondary content ID 101a can be sent based on the judgment criteria set in the specific store SH1. If the sending is not possible (NO judgment in step S27), the server 10 returns to the start and repeats the subsequent processing. On the other hand, if the sending is possible (YES judgment in step S27), the secondary content ID sending step (step S28) is executed. In the secondary content ID sending step (step S28), the secondary content ID 101a is sent to the first terminal device 31 by unicast together with the distribution conditions.

[0136] In the first terminal device 31, a secondary content ID acquisition step (step S29) is executed. In the secondary content ID acquisition step (step S29), the secondary content ID 101a and the distribution conditions sent from the server 10 are acquired. Then, a condition determination step (step S30) is executed. In the condition determination step (step S30), it is determined whether or not the location and time of the device satisfy the distribution conditions. If the distribution conditions are not satisfied (NO judgment in step S30), the condition determination step (step S30) is repeated until the distribution conditions are satisfied due to the movement of the user and the passage of time. Then, if the distribution conditions are satisfied (YES judgment in step S30), a secondary content ID distribution step (step S31) is executed. In the secondary content ID distribution step (step S31), the secondary content ID 101a is distributed to an unspecified number of terminal devices 30 by broadcast. Note that the latest distribution conditions may be inquired of the server when the conditions are determined.

[0137] When another terminal device 30 enters the distribution area of ​​the broadcast by the first terminal device 31, this terminal device 30 is designated as the second terminal device 32, and a secondary content ID acquisition step (step S32) is executed in this second terminal device 32. In the secondary content ID acquisition step (step S32), the secondary content ID 101a is received and acquired from the first terminal device 31. Then, a second terminal side group determination step (step S33) is executed. In the second terminal side group determination step (step S33), it is determined whether or not the own device is part of a group. If it is part of a group (YES determination in step S33), a secondary content ID sending step (step S34) with group information is executed. In this secondary content ID sending step (step S34), the secondary content ID 101a is sent to the server together with the group information. At this time, in the secondary content ID sending step (step S34), the secondary content ID 101a is sent to the server together with the location / time information 113a indicating the location and time when the second terminal device 32 acquired the secondary content ID 101a. On the other hand, if a group is not formed (NO in step S33), a secondary content ID sending step without group information (step S35) is executed. In this secondary content ID sending step (step S35), only the secondary content ID 101a and the location / time information 113a are sent to the server. The secondary content ID 101a, etc. are sent by unicast in these secondary content ID sending steps (steps S34, S35).

[0138] Next, the server 10 acquires the secondary content ID 101a from the second terminal device 32 in a secondary content ID acquisition step (step S36), and judges whether or not the second terminal device 32 is part of a group in a server-side group judgment step (step S37). If it is part of a group (YES judgment in step S37), group privilege information is generated in a group privilege generation step (step S38), and the content information 20b and the group privilege information are sent to the second terminal device 32 in a secondary content delivery step (step S39). On the other hand, if it is not part of a group (NO judgment in step S37), the group privilege generation step (step S38) is omitted, and only the content information 20b is sent to the second terminal device 32 in the secondary content delivery step (step S39). Information delivery in the secondary content delivery step (step S39) is also performed by unicast.

[0139] When the content information 20b is sent from the server 10 in this manner, the second terminal device 32 executes a secondary content acquisition step (step S40) and acquires the content information 20b from the server 10.

[0140] Thereafter, when the user of the second terminal device 32 visits the specific store SH1 indicated by the content information 20b, a store visit / check-in process (step S41) is executed in the second terminal device 32. In the store visit / check-in process (step S41), user information 107a and the like are sent from the second terminal device 32 to the store terminal device 20 via short-range wireless communication such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The store visit / check-in process may also be a process of using (applying) a coupon or the like.

[0141] The store terminal device 20 executes a store visit information generating / sending step (step S42) based on the sent user information 107a, etc. In the store visit information generating / sending step (step S42), secondary store visit information including the user information 107a, which indicates the store visit of the user of the second terminal device 32, is generated and sent to the server 10. Note that, in the store visit / check-in step of step S41, the store visit information is sent from the second terminal device 32 to the store terminal device 20, but it may be sent from the second terminal device 32 to the server 10. At this time, the ID or location information of the store terminal device may be used as proof of the store visit.

[0142] When the server 10 acquires the secondary store visit information from the store terminal device 20, a benefit sending step (step S43) is executed. In the benefit sending step (step S43), benefit information such as a coupon related to a benefit for using a specific store is generated and sent to the first terminal device 31 in return for the content delivery.

[0143] The server 10 then executes a user information storage step (step S44) and a store usage history storage step (step S45) based on the secondary store visit information from the store terminal device 20. In the user information storage step (step S44), the user information 107a of the second terminal device 32 included in the secondary store visit information is stored. If the current user information 107a is related to the same user as the user of the already stored user information 107a, it is updated to the latest user information 107a. In the store usage history storage step (step S45), if the current visit is to a store SH that is new to the user, store usage history information 108a related to this store SH is newly stored. Also, if the visit is to a store SH that the user has visited in the past, the store usage history information 108a is updated.

[0144] Next, the server 10 executes a condition update process (step S46) for the secondary content ID 101a of the specific store SH1 that the user of the second terminal device 32 has visited this time. In the condition update process (step S46), the delivery conditions of the secondary content ID 101a of the specific store SH1 are updated based on the location / time information 113a sent from the second terminal device 32 in step S34 or step S35.

[0145] Thereafter, the server 10 executes a termination determination step (step S47). In the termination determination step (step S47), it is determined whether an instruction to terminate the program related to the information distribution processing or to turn off the power has been given. If an instruction to terminate the program or turn off the power has not been given (NO determination in step S47), the process returns to immediately after the start and the subsequent processes are repeated. If an instruction has been given (YES determination in step S47), the process in the server 10 related to the information distribution processing ends.

[0146] After sending the secondary visit information in step S42, the store terminal device 20 executes an end judgment step (step S48). In the end judgment step (step S48), it is determined whether an instruction to end the program related to the information distribution processing or to turn off the power has been given. If an instruction to end the program or turn off the power has not been given (NO judgment in step S48), the process returns to immediately after the start and the subsequent processes are repeated. If an instruction has been given (YES judgment in step S47), the process in the store terminal device 20 related to the information distribution processing ends.

[0147] In the first terminal device 31, after receiving the special information from the server 10 in step S43, a reception confirmation step (step S49) is executed for the secondary content ID 101a related to any of the stores SH broadcast from another device. If the secondary content ID 101a is received (YES in step S49), the first terminal device 31 becomes the second terminal device 32 and proceeds to the secondary content ID acquisition step (step S32) in the processing of the second terminal device 32, and thereafter, the processing as the second terminal device 32 is continued.

[0148] On the other hand, if the secondary content ID 101a is not received from another device (NO judgment in step S49), the first terminal device 31 executes a reception confirmation step (step S50) for the primary content ID 20a from the store terminal device 20 of the other store SH. If the primary content ID 20a is received (YES judgment in step S50), the process returns to the primary content ID acquisition step (step S12) and the subsequent processes are repeated. If the primary content ID 20a related to the other store SH is not received (NO judgment in step S50), the end judgment step (step S51) is executed. In the end judgment step (step S51), it is judged whether or not an instruction to end the program related to the information distribution process or to turn off the power has been given. If an instruction to end the program or to turn off the power has not been given (NO judgment in step S51), the process returns to the condition judgment step (step S30) related to the distribution of the secondary content ID 101a of the specific store SH1 and the subsequent processes are repeated. If the instruction has been given (determination of 50 in step S47), the process in the first terminal device 31 relating to the information distribution process ends.

[0149] In the second terminal device 32, after the store visit / check-in process (step S41), a reception confirmation process (step S52) is executed for the primary content ID 20a from the store terminal device 20 of any store SH. If the primary content ID 20a is received (YES in step S52), the second terminal device 32 becomes the first terminal device 31 and proceeds to the primary content ID acquisition process (step S12) in the processing of the first terminal device 31, and thereafter, the processing as the first terminal device 31 is continued.

[0150] On the other hand, if the primary content ID 20a is not received (NO judgment in step S52), the second terminal device 32 executes a second reception confirmation step (step S53) for the secondary content ID 101a. If the secondary content ID 20a is received again (YES judgment in step S53), the process returns to the secondary content ID acquisition step (step S32) and the subsequent processes are repeated. If the secondary content ID 20a is not received again (NO judgment in step S53), the end determination step (step S54) is executed. In the end determination step (step S54), it is determined whether an instruction to end the program related to the information distribution process or to turn off the power has been given. If an instruction to end the program or to turn off the power has not been given (NO judgment in step S54), the process returns to immediately after the start of the second terminal device 32 and the subsequent processes are repeated. If an instruction has been given (YES judgment in step S54), the process related to the information distribution process in the second terminal device 32 ends.

[0151] Among the information distribution processes described above, the process in the server 10 corresponds to an example of a server-side content distribution method. The process in the first terminal device 31 corresponds to an example of a terminal-side content distribution method. And the process in the second terminal device 32 corresponds to an example of a content acquisition method.

[0152] Next, the grouping performed among the plurality of terminal devices 30 in the information distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0153] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a flowchart illustrating a process related to the start of grouping among a plurality of terminal devices in the information distribution system shown in FIG.

[0154] The flowcharts shown in these figures start when any one of a plurality of terminal devices 30, each of which is executing a grouping program, receives from another device a grouping signal that identifies that other device.

[0155] In the terminal device 30 that has received the other device grouping signal, an ID confirmation step (step S61) is executed. In the ID confirmation step (step S61), if the own device is part of any group, it is determined whether the received other device grouping signal has a group ID indicating the same group as the group to which the own device belongs. If the group ID is the same group (YES in step S61), it is determined that grouping has already been completed and the process is terminated.

[0156] On the other hand, if the group ID is not the same group (NO judgment in step S61), this means that the other device grouping signal is the group ID of the other group, or that the other device grouping signal is not a group ID but an individual ID 30a. In these cases, first, a radio wave strength confirmation step (step S62) is executed. In the radio wave strength confirmation step (step S62), it is confirmed whether the radio wave strength of the other device grouping signal is equal to or greater than a threshold value corresponding to a predetermined strength. If the radio wave strength is less than the threshold value (NO judgment in step S61), it is determined that the other device is a terminal device 30 of a completely different user located far away from the own device, and grouping is unnecessary, and the process is terminated.

[0157] If the radio wave intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold value (YES in step S61), a continuity check is performed in the following steps to determine whether or not the other device grouping signal has continued for a predetermined period of time.

[0158] First, in a first confirmation step (step S63), it is confirmed whether or not the same other device grouping signal is stored in the above-mentioned reception data memory 334. If the same signal is not stored (NO in step S63), a new storage step (step S64) is executed. In the new storage step (step S64), the current other device grouping signal and its reception time are stored in the reception data memory 334. In this case, it is determined that it is too early for grouping, and the process is terminated to wait for the next reception.

[0159] If the same signal is stored in the reception data memory 334 (YES judgement in step S62), a second confirmation step (step S65) is executed. In the second confirmation step (step S65), it is confirmed whether the current reception is within a predetermined step time T_a from the reception of the previous same other-machine grouping signal. If it is not within the step time T_a (NO judgement in step S65), it is determined that the continuity of the other-machine grouping signal has been broken, and a memory reset step (step S66) is executed. In the memory reset step (step S66), the contents stored so far in the reception data memory 334 for the current other-machine grouping signal are discarded, and the current other-machine grouping signal and its reception time are newly stored. Thereafter, the process is terminated and the next reception is awaited.

[0160] If the current reception is within the step time T_a from the previous reception (YES in step S65), a third confirmation step (step S67) is executed. In the third confirmation step (step S67), it is confirmed whether or not the time from the reception time of the first of the series of other device grouping signals stored in the reception data memory 334 to the current reception time exceeds the continuity assurance time T_b. If the continuity assurance time T_b has not been exceeded (NO in step S67), it is determined that it is too early for grouping, and the process is terminated and the next reception is awaited.

[0161] On the other hand, if the continuity guaranteed time T_b has been exceeded (YES judgment in step S67), grouping (step S100) is started assuming that the user of the terminal device 30 that sent the other device grouping signal is acting together with the user of the own terminal device 30.

[0162] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a flow chart showing grouping from the start to the middle. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a flow chart showing grouping from the continuation of Fig. 18 to the end. Note that the flow charts of Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 show two terminal devices 30 related to grouping, a first terminal device 31 owned by a first user and a second terminal device 32 owned by a second user. In addition, in the following, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the other device grouping signal received in the process of Fig. 17 is explained as an individual ID 30a that individually identifies the terminal device 30.

[0163] At the start of the flowcharts in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, the first terminal device 31 and the second terminal device 32 have each decided to start grouping. In this state, the first terminal device 31 executes a group candidate setting step (step S101) and an approval request step (step S102) before the second terminal device 32. In the group candidate setting step (step S101), the second terminal device 32 corresponding to the other device grouping signal received in the process of Fig. 17 is set as a group candidate. When the group candidate is set, a group approval request is sent to the second terminal device 32 that has become the group candidate in the approval request step (step S102). Then, the first terminal device 31 executes an approval refusal step (step S103), and the first terminal device 31 becomes a parent device of the grouping that does not accept group approval requests from other devices, i.e., the second terminal device 32. The terminal device to which the group approval request is sent in S102 may be selected from group candidates by the user, may be automatically selected based on preset conditions, or may be sent to all terminal devices that are candidates.

[0164] In the second terminal device 32 that has received the group approval request from the first terminal device 31, a request destination confirmation step (step S104) is executed for this group approval request. The group approval request includes the individual ID 30a of the first terminal device 31 that is the request source and the individual ID 30a of the second terminal device 32 that is the request destination. In the request destination confirmation step (step S104), by referring to the individual ID 30a that indicates the request destination in the group approval request, it is confirmed whether this group approval request was sent to the second terminal device 32. If it was not sent to the second terminal device 32 (NO in step S104), the second terminal device 32 ends the process as the group has not been established.

[0165] If the group approval request has been sent to the second terminal device 32 (YES in step S104), a response confirmation step (step S105) for the second user is executed. In the response confirmation step (step S105), a message inquiring whether or not to form a group with the first user is displayed on the display screen of the second terminal device 32, and the response is confirmed in response to an operation by the second user. If a group is not to be formed (NO in step S105), the second terminal device 32 ends the process as the group has not been established.

[0166] When a group is to be formed (YES determination in step S105), an approval return step (step S106) is executed. In the approval return step (step S106), an approval response is sent from the second terminal device 32 to the first terminal device 31. This approval response also includes the individual ID 30a of the first terminal device 31 and the individual ID 30a of the second terminal device 32. Then, in the second terminal device 32, a request rejection step (step S107) is executed, and the second terminal device 32 becomes a child device of the first terminal device 31 that does not accept group approval requests from any device other than the first terminal device 31 that is the parent device in this grouping.

[0167] In the first terminal device 31, after the approval request step (step S102) and the approval refusal step (step S103), the response confirmation step (step S108) is executed after waiting for a predetermined response confirmation time T_c. In the response confirmation step (step S108), it is confirmed whether or not an approval response has been received within the response confirmation time T_c. If an approval response has not been received (NO in step S108), the first terminal device 31 ends the process as the group has not been established.

[0168] When an approval response is received within the response confirmation time T_c (YES in step S108), the first terminal device 31 executes a group ID issuing step (step S109). In the group ID issuing step (step S109), a group ID for identifying the current group is issued from the first terminal device 31, which is the parent device, to the second terminal device 32, which is a child device that is a member device of the group. A serial number is assigned to this group ID as a group number to the members of the group. The group number is assigned to the first terminal device 31, which is the parent device, as "No. 1", and thereafter in ascending order in the order in which the approval responses are received. In this example, since there is only one child device, the second terminal device 32, the group number "No. 2" is assigned to the group ID of the second terminal device 32. Such a numbered group ID is identification information that identifies the group as well as the members of the group.

[0169] In the second terminal device 32, after the approval return step (step S106) and the request rejection step (step S107), and after a predetermined waiting time, an ID issuance confirmation step (step S110) is executed. In the ID issuance confirmation step (step S110), it is confirmed whether or not a group ID has been received within the waiting time. If the group ID has not been received (NO in step S110), the second terminal device 32 ends the process as the group has not been established.

[0170] If the group ID is received within the waiting time (YES in step S110), the second terminal device 32 executes a group ID sending step (step S111) for confirming receipt. In the group ID sending step (step S111), the group ID with the number of the second terminal device 32 is sent to the first terminal device 31.

[0171] On the other hand, the first terminal device 31 issues group IDs for the members of the group (only the second terminal device 32 in this example), and then executes a group ID reception confirmation step (step S112). In the group ID reception confirmation step (step S112), it is confirmed whether or not the reception of group IDs from all members (only the second terminal device 32 in this example) is completed within a predetermined confirmation time T_d. If it is not completed (NO judgment in step S112), a regrouping confirmation step (step S113) is executed. In the regrouping confirmation step (step S113), a message asking whether or not to form a group again is displayed on the display screen of the first terminal device 31, and a response is confirmed in response to an operation by the first user. If a response is made that a group is not necessary again (NO judgment in step S113), the first terminal device 31 ends the process as the group is not established. If a response is made that a group is to be formed again (YES judgment in step S113), the process returns to immediately after the start of grouping in the first terminal device 31, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0172] On the other hand, if the group ID reception confirmation step (step S112) confirms that the group IDs from all members have been received within the predetermined confirmation time T_d (YES in step S112), the parent device executes a group ID sending step (step S114). In this group ID sending step (step S114), the group ID with the number "1" of the first terminal device 31 is sent to the second terminal device 32.

[0173] Following this, the first terminal device 31 executes a group registration process (step S115). In the group registration process (step S115), the group ID with the number "2" of the second terminal device 32 that will now form the group is stored in the group memory 335 of the first terminal device 31. With this group registration process (step S115), the first terminal device 31 ends the grouping process.

[0174] On the other hand, the second terminal device 32 executes a group registration step (step S116) for the group ID with the number "1" sent from the first terminal device 31. In this group registration step (step S116), the group ID with the number "1" of the first terminal device 31 is stored in its own group memory 335. The second terminal device 32 also ends the grouping process with this group registration step (step S116).

[0175] After grouping is completed in this manner, each terminal device 30 that is a member of the group will check whether the group has been established and will remove a user from the group when that user leaves the group. This group confirmation / removal process is performed by each terminal device 30 that is a member of the group periodically distributing its own numbered group ID.

[0176] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the group confirmation / exclusion process executed after grouping.

[0177] In this group confirmation / exclusion process, first, a group ID confirmation step (step S201) is executed. In the group ID confirmation step (step S201), it is confirmed whether or not a group ID of a predetermined strength or more has been received from another device within a predetermined confirmation time T_e since the previous reception was confirmed. The reception time of the group ID from each member device of the group is stored in group memory 335, and reception of the group ID is confirmed by referring to the stored contents of this group memory 335. If reception is confirmed (YES judgment in step S201), the group ID confirmation step (step S201) continues.

[0178] On the other hand, if reception of the group ID is not confirmed (NO in step S201), a confirmation request step (step S202) and a confirmation refusal step (step S203) are executed for other members of the group. In the confirmation request step (step S202), a confirmation request is sent to all members of the group other than the own device to confirm the existence of a member device whose reception of the group ID has not been confirmed. In the confirmation refusal step (step S203), the confirmation request from the other members is rejected.

[0179] After this, a response confirmation step (step S204) to the confirmation request is executed. In the response confirmation step (step S204), it is determined whether or not an confirmation response has been received from any of the constituent devices within a predetermined response time T_f after the confirmation request. If an confirmation response has been received (YES determination in step S204), a memory update step (step S205) is executed. In the memory update step (step S205), the latest reception time of the group ID for the constituent device to be confirmed in the group memory 335 is updated to the reception time of the confirmation response. After the memory update step (step S205), the processing from the group ID confirmation step (step S201) onwards is repeated.

[0180] If no confirmation response is received from any of the constituent devices within the response time T_f (NO in step S204), an exclusion notification step (step S206) is executed. In the exclusion notification step (step S206), a message is displayed asking whether or not to exclude the constituent device (i.e., the user) from the group, thereby notifying the user of the device of the exclusion. Following this exclusion notification step (step S206), an exclusion confirmation step (step S207) is executed. In the exclusion confirmation step (step S207), whether or not to exclude is confirmed in response to an operation by the user who received the notification. If an operation to not exclude is performed by the user (NO in step S207), the process returns to the confirmation request step (step S202) via a waiting step (step S208), and the subsequent steps are repeated.

[0181] If the user performs an operation to exclude (YES judgment in step S207), a member confirmation step (step S209) is executed. In the member confirmation step (step S209), it is confirmed whether or not the group IDs of the constituent devices are stored in the group memory 335 in addition to the own device and the constituent device to be excluded. In other words, it is confirmed whether or not there are other constituent devices in the group in addition to the own device. If there are no other constituent devices (NO judgment in step S209), a group ID discarding step (step S210) is executed. In the group ID discarding step (step S210), the group ID in the group memory 335 is discarded and the group is dissolved.

[0182] On the other hand, if other component devices exist (YES in step S209), a regrouping step (step S211) is executed. In the regrouping step (step S211), the group ID in the group memory 335 is discarded, and regrouping is performed to issue a new group ID for identifying a new group excluding the component device to be excluded. The processing at this time is the grouping processing shown in Figs. 18 and 19.

[0183] The group confirmation / removal process ends with the group ID discarding step (step S210) or the regrouping step (step S211).

[0184] As described above, in each terminal device 30, a grouping signal distribution process is executed to broadcast a grouping signal that can be used for grouping with other devices and identifies the terminal device itself. This grouping signal distribution process is executed as follows.

[0185] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the grouping signal distribution process.

[0186] This grouping signal distribution process starts when each terminal device 30 is powered on.

[0187] When the process starts, first, a group confirmation step (step S301) is executed. In the group confirmation step (step S301), it is confirmed whether the own device belongs to a group. If the own device belongs to a group (YES determination in step S301), a first distribution step (step S302) is executed, and if the own device does not belong to a group (NO determination in step S301), a second distribution step (step S303) is executed. In the first distribution step (step S302), the above-mentioned numbered group ID is distributed as the own device grouping signal. On the other hand, in the second distribution step (step S303), an individual ID 30a that identifies the own device is distributed as the own device grouping signal.

[0188] After any of the distribution steps is performed, a progress confirmation step (step S304) is executed. In the progress confirmation step (step S304), it is confirmed whether a predetermined elapsed time T_g has elapsed after the distribution of the own device grouping signal. The elapsed time T_g at this time corresponds to the step time T_a in the second confirmation step (step S65) in Fig. 17 and the confirmation time T_e in the group ID confirmation step (step S201) in Fig. 20.

[0189] If the elapsed time T_g has not elapsed (NO judgment in step S304), the elapsed confirmation step (step S304) is repeated. If the elapsed time T_g has elapsed (YES judgment in step S304), the end confirmation step (step S305) is executed. In the end confirmation step (step S305), it is confirmed whether or not a power-off command has been issued. If a power-off command has been issued (YES judgment in step S305), the process is terminated, and if not (NO judgment in step S305), the process returns to the group confirmation step (step S301) and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0190] According to the server-side content distribution in the embodiment described above, the content information 20b can be distributed via the first terminal device 31 carried by a user who moves around freely. Then, when a user of the second terminal device 32 who has received the content information 20b visits the store, special benefit information is sent to the first terminal device 31 that is the distribution source. This can increase the motivation of the user of the first terminal device 31 regarding the content distribution, leading to further distribution. Thus, according to this embodiment, the content information 20b can be widely distributed via the terminal device 30.

[0191] Here, in this embodiment, when the server 10 acquires the primary content ID 20a associated with the content information 20b from the first terminal device 31, the content information 20b corresponding to the primary content ID 20a is sent to the first terminal device 31. This configuration is preferable because it is possible to encourage the user of the first terminal device 31 to visit the store as a trigger for sending the secondary content ID 101a by sending the content information 20b to the first terminal device 31.

[0192] In this embodiment, the server 10 judges whether or not the secondary content ID 101a should be sent to the first terminal device 31. When the server 10 acquires the primary store visit information, the secondary content ID 101a is sent to the first terminal device 31 according to the above judgment result. This configuration is preferable because it is possible to provide a service to a user who wants to receive the content information 20b in exchange for the bonus information by sending the secondary content ID 101a, in other words, a user who has a high advertising effect, by judging whether or not the secondary content ID 101a should be sent.

[0193] In this embodiment, the decision as to whether or not to send the secondary content ID 101a is made based on a decision criterion set by the specific store SH1. With this configuration, it becomes possible for the store SH to set a decision criterion for users to whom the store SH wants to deliver the content information 20b in exchange for special information, such as users who have visited the store multiple times in the past and are expected to visit again.

[0194] In this embodiment, the content information 20b includes coupons for use at the specific store SH1, and the first and second store visit information indicate whether or not the coupons were used. This configuration allows confirmation of whether or not the coupons distributed as the content information 20b were effectively used, which can be useful in planning a promotion strategy, such as determining what kind of coupons should be effectively distributed as the content information 20b.

[0195] In this embodiment, the server 10 acquires and records the location / time information 113a indicating both the location and time when the secondary content ID 101a was acquired from the second terminal device 32 together with the secondary content ID 101a. This configuration makes it possible to confirm the validity of content information distribution, such as the location and time when the user of the second terminal device 32 visited the store when the secondary content ID 101a was acquired, which can be useful for planning a promotion strategy.

[0196] Furthermore, according to the grouping of this embodiment, the own device can perform grouping by issuing a group ID based on the strength and continuity of the grouping signal distributed by broadcast to other devices, and the group approval request and approval response to the other devices. Also, it is possible to have the other devices perform grouping based on the own device's distribution of the grouping signal by broadcast, and the approval response to the group approval request from the other devices. In other words, according to this embodiment, multiple terminal devices 30 can freely perform grouping without the need for a specific parent device or the like. In this way, this embodiment relates to free and simple grouping of multiple terminal devices 30.

[0197] In this embodiment, when a primary content ID 20a or a secondary content ID 101a related to a specific store SH1 is acquired by one terminal device 30, group information indicating that a group is formed is sent to the server 10. Then, the one terminal device 30 acquires content information 20b of the specific store SH1 and privilege information related to privileges related to use by the group from the server 10. This configuration is preferable because it allows the terminal device 30 to obtain privilege information related to privileges related to use by the group according to the group configuration.

[0198] In this embodiment, the group ID is the ID with the number described above that identifies the group and also identifies the constituent devices of the group. In addition, the grouping signal distribution process shown in FIG. 21 distributes the group ID as the own device grouping signal when the own device belongs to a group. Furthermore, when the own device does not belong to a group, the process distributes the individual ID 30a that identifies the own device as the own device grouping signal. When grouping in the terminal device 30, group candidates are set and group IDs are issued according to the type of other device grouping signal acquired from the other devices. With this configuration, more flexible grouping can be performed according to the type of grouping signal, such as setting a group with single devices, having a single device join a group, setting a larger group with groups, etc.

[0199] In addition, in this embodiment, when a member device that does not obtain a group ID of a predetermined strength or more within a predetermined time is removed from the group, a confirmation request to confirm the existence of the member device is sent to all member devices of the group. Furthermore, if no confirmation response is received from any member device, the member device is removed from the group. With this configuration, when a user of any member device leaves the group physically, the member device can be efficiently removed from the group via the group ID. Furthermore, by sending a confirmation request for existence confirmation to all member devices of the group, when a user of a member device happens to leave the group without intending to leave the group, a user of another member device who notices this can return a confirmation response on behalf of the member device. In this way, with the above configuration, a member device can be efficiently and flexibly removed from the group.

[0200] In this embodiment, when one component device is removed from a group, the group ID of the group is discarded. Furthermore, if there are other components in the group besides the own device, a new group ID is issued to identify a new group excluding the one component device. With this configuration, when one component device leaves the group, flexible group management can be performed, such as dissolving the group or setting up a new group with the remaining components depending on whether there are other components in the group besides the own device.

[0201] Furthermore, according to the server-side content distribution in this embodiment, as described above, group privilege information relating to privileges related to group use can be provided from the server 10 to the terminal device 30 together with the content information 20b. In other words, according to this embodiment, the content information 20b can be distributed according to the grouping in the terminal device 30. In this respect, too, this embodiment relates to free grouping of a plurality of terminal devices 30.

[0202] Furthermore, according to the server-side content distribution in this embodiment, the second terminal device 32 acquires additional information 111a together with the content information 20b. This additional information 111a allows the user of the second terminal device 32 to know what kind of user the user of the first terminal device 31 associated with the content information 20b is. It is also possible to know the situation, such as how much the user uses the store SH in the content information 20b. Various situations understood from the additional information 111a become effective decision-making materials for the user of the second terminal device 32 when selecting a store. In this way, according to this embodiment, content distribution that is effective for selecting a store can be performed. In other words, this embodiment relates to content distribution that can be effectively used for selecting a store.

[0203] In this embodiment, when the server 10 acquires store visit information of a visiting user from the store terminal device 20 of the specific store SH1, the stored contents of the past user information 107a and store usage history information 108a are updated based on the store visit information. According to this configuration, the stored contents of the user information 107a and store usage history information 108a are updated every time various users visit the specific store SH1, so that content distribution that can be more effectively used for store selection can be performed.

[0204] In this embodiment, the server 10 identifies the user of the first terminal device 31 based on the secondary content ID 101a, and generates additional information 111a related to the user. Then, the generated additional information 111a is sent to the second terminal device 32 together with the content information 20b. According to this configuration, the additional information 111a related to the user of the first terminal device 31 that triggered the second terminal device 32 to acquire the content information 20b is attached to the content information 20b sent by the server 10 to the second terminal device 32. This allows content distribution that can be more effectively used for store selection.

[0205] In this embodiment, the second terminal device 32 acquires the content ID distributed by broadcast from the first terminal device 31. Then, the content information 20b is added with additional information 111a and sent from the server 10 to the second terminal device 32 by unicast. According to this configuration, the information distributed by broadcast from the first terminal device 31 to an unspecified number of people is the secondary content ID 101a that does not have the additional information 111a related to the individual user of the first terminal device 31. Then, such additional information 111a is sent to the second terminal device 32 by unicast with high confidentiality, so this embodiment is preferable from the viewpoint of protecting personal information.

[0206] Furthermore, according to the terminal-side content acquisition in this embodiment, additional information 111a that is an effective decision-making material for selecting a store is acquired in the second terminal device 32 together with the content information 20b. In this way, according to this embodiment, content acquisition that is effective for selecting a store can be performed. In other words, the terminal-side content acquisition in this embodiment relates to content distribution that can be effectively used for selecting a store.

[0207] Furthermore, according to the terminal-side content distribution in this embodiment, the secondary content ID 101a associated with the content information 20b can be distributed via the terminal device 30 held by a user who moves around freely. In addition, the secondary content ID 101a is distributed appropriately based on the location and time of the device using the distribution conditions previously acquired from the server 10, so that the terminal side can perform highly effective content distribution. Furthermore, by using the distribution conditions, the content can be distributed with low power consumption without continuous distribution. Also, by acquiring the content information 20b via the secondary content ID 101a distributed from another device, it is possible to receive highly effective content distribution. In this way, the terminal side content distribution in this embodiment is related to highly effective content distribution.

[0208] Here, in this embodiment, when the secondary content ID 101a is sent to the server 10, the location / time information 113a indicating both the location and time when the secondary content ID 101a was acquired is attached and sent together. This configuration is preferable because it allows the server 10 to perform an evaluation of the effectiveness of the content information 20b based on the secondary content ID 101a acquired at what location and time on the terminal side, for example, whether the content information 20b was effectively utilized.

[0209] In this embodiment, the server 10 updates the distribution conditions based on the usage status of the specific store SH1 using the location / time information 113a and the content information 20b. Then, the first terminal device 31 distributes the secondary content ID 101a based on the distribution conditions updated in the server 10. This configuration is preferable because it allows the terminal side to distribute the secondary content ID 101a based on distribution conditions with high accuracy in terms of validity.

[0210] Furthermore, according to the server-side content distribution in this embodiment, the server 10 sets the distribution conditions for appropriate distribution in the first terminal device 31, which is the distributor of the secondary content ID 101a, and sends them to the first terminal device 31. As a result, the first terminal device 31 appropriately distributes the secondary content ID 101a based on the distribution conditions. As a result, the second terminal device 32 acquires the content information 20b via such secondary content ID 101a, so that highly effective content distribution can be performed. In this way, the server-side content distribution in this embodiment relates to highly effective content distribution.

[0211] In this embodiment, the server 10 updates the distribution conditions based on the location / time information 113a related to the acquisition of the secondary content ID 101a in the second terminal device 32 and the store visit information of the user of the second terminal device 32. According to this configuration, the acquisition location and acquisition time of the secondary content ID 101a when the user of the second terminal device 32 visits the store and effectively uses the content information 20b are reflected in the distribution conditions at any time, so that more effective content distribution can be performed.

[0212] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but includes other configurations that can achieve the object of the present invention, and the following modifications are also included in the present invention.

[0213] For example, in the above embodiment, the first terminal device 31 distributes the secondary content ID 101a acquired from the server 10 with the primary content ID 20a distributed by the store terminal device 20 as the starting point. However, the starting point of acquisition of the secondary content identification information in the first terminal device is not limited to the primary content identification information from the store terminal device. For example, the store terminal device may not distribute the primary content identification information, and the secondary content identification information may be sent to the first terminal device based on the visit information when the user of the first terminal device randomly visits the store, or when the number of visits exceeds a predetermined number. Also, the starting point may be the use of a coupon acquired from a homepage or the like, instead of the primary content ID 20a acquired from the store terminal device. In other words, the content information indicated by the primary content ID and the secondary content ID may not be the same.

[0214] In the above embodiment, the individual ID 30a and the group ID are given as examples of the grouping signal in grouping. However, the grouping signal is not limited to these, and any specific signal form is acceptable as long as the signal can be used for grouping and identifies the device itself.

[0215] In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which an approval response in grouping is made in response to a user operation on the terminal device 30. Also, an example is given in which a confirmation request for removal from a group and a confirmation response thereto are made in response to a user operation on the terminal device 30. However, these processes are not limited to those made in response to a user operation, and may be made automatically on the terminal device 30.

[0216] In the above embodiment, the group information sent from the terminal device 30 to the server 10 is illustrated as an example so that the terminal device 30 can receive the group privilege information. However, the destination of the group information is not limited to the server, and may be a store terminal device. In this case, the group information may be sent from the store terminal device to the server.

[0217] In the above embodiment, the additional information 111a indicating the gender, age group, and number of visits to the store is exemplified as the additional information added to the content information 20b, but the additional information is not limited to this. The additional information may be any specific information content as long as it is based on at least one of the user information and the store usage history information.

[0218] In the above embodiment, the conditions related to both the distribution area 112a and the distribution time 112b are exemplified as the distribution conditions of the secondary content ID 101a. However, the distribution conditions are not limited to this, and may be conditions related to at least one of the distribution area and the distribution time. Setting the distribution conditions is not essential, and the distribution conditions themselves do not have to be set. Also, the first terminal may be configured to be able to arbitrarily set or change the distribution conditions.

[0219] In the above embodiment, the location / time information 113a relating to both the location and the time is exemplified as the location / time information. However, the location / time information is not limited to this, and may be information that indicates at least one of the location and the time.

[0220] Furthermore, the store terminal device may be, for example, a beacon itself, or may include a beacon and a device that connects to a terminal or server that controls the beacon.

[0221] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the store is described as being the same store (same store terminal device), but the store is not limited to being the same store if the same content information such as coupons can be used, for example, in stores that are part of a chain or affiliated stores.

[0222] In the above embodiment, the broadcast distribution of the secondary content ID is determined based on the distribution conditions, but it may be controlled by a distribution ON / OFF switch provided in the distribution application. In this case, a timer function may be provided that can set the time arbitrarily, such as turning OFF after one hour of distribution from ON.

[0223] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the benefits are coupons and points related to the store, but coupons, points, and services that are not directly related to the store may also be provided.

[0224] In addition, the distribution conditions may be arbitrarily set when it is desired to expand the distribution area or change the effective area or time for an event, etc. In this case, the effectiveness of the distribution based on the settings can be confirmed from the history information.

[0225] In addition, when updating the distribution area, a process may be added to periodically expand the area outward by a predetermined distance, or to expand the area outward if a highly effective area exists at the edge of the distribution area. By repeating the expansion and narrowing processes, a distribution area that is more suited to the highly effective area can be determined.

[0226] It is also possible to set in advance the number of coupons to be distributed or the upper limit of the number of uses of the secondary content. In this case, the server counts the number of distributions or uses from history information, and when the upper limit is reached, sends information to stop distribution to the first terminal device. Alternatively, distribution stop information may be sent together with an inquiry from the first terminal device about updating the distribution conditions. When the upper limit is reached and a content request is made from the second terminal device, information is sent notifying that the upper limit has been reached, and the second terminal device deletes the corresponding content ID upon receipt of the information.

[0227] Furthermore, the division of functions between the server and the terminal device described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and specific functions can be partially or entirely replaced based on common technical knowledge. [Explanation of symbols]

[0228] 1 Information distribution system 10 Server 20 Store terminal equipment 20a Primary Content ID 20b Content information 30 Terminal Equipment 30a Individual ID 31 First terminal device 32 Second terminal device 100 Server side content distribution device 101,322 Secondary Content ID Sending Department 101a Secondary Content ID 102 Secondary Content Delivery Department 103 Bonus Delivery Department 104 Primary Content Delivery Department 105 Judgment processing unit 106 Group Benefits Generation Department 107 User information storage unit 107a User Information 108 Store usage history memory unit 108a Store usage history information 108b Store Information 108c Basic information 108d Update Information 109 Information Memory 110 Update processing section 111 Additional information generation unit 111a Additional information 112 Condition setting section 112a, 112a-2, 112a-3 Distribution area 112a-1 Circular area 112b Delivery time 112b-1 Daytime broadcast times 112b-2 Nighttime broadcast times 112c Effectiveness 113 Position / time acquisition section 113a Location / time information 114 Visit Information Acquisition Department 114a Visit Information 201 Primary Content ID Sending Department 202 Visit Information Generation Unit 203 Visit Information Sending Department 310 Terminal side content distribution device 311 Primary Content Acquisition Department 312 Secondary Content ID Acquisition Unit 313 Secondary Content ID Distribution Department 314,323,337 Secondary Content Acquisition Department 320 Content Acquisition Device 321 Secondary Content ID Acquisition Department 322 Secondary Content ID Sending Department 330 Grouping Device 331 Grouping Signal Distribution Unit 332 Group candidate setting section 333 Group ID Issuance Department 334 Received Data Memory 335 Group Memory 336 Approval Reply Section 338 Group Exclusion Settings 339 Confirmation Reply Section SH Store SH1 Specific store

Claims

[Claim 1] On the computer, a content identification information acquisition process for acquiring content identification information associated with content information of a specific store from a server together with a distribution condition related to at least one of a distribution area and a distribution time of the content identification information; a content identification information distribution process for broadcasting the content identification information when the location and time of the own device satisfy the distribution condition; a content acquisition process for acquiring content identification information distributed by another device, sending the acquired content identification information to the server and acquiring content information associated with the content identification information; A terminal-side content delivery program that causes the terminal to execute the above steps.

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