Stamp rally system

Abstract

To provide a stamp rally system capable of enhancing the certainty of stamp obtainment with a terminal device and of increasing the degree of freedom for setting a stamp spot.SOLUTION: When a communication state is good in generating stamp request information on a terminal device (S119), such stamp request information is transmitted to a server. In response to such a transmission, stamp information is transmitted from the server to the terminal device. Hence, a stamp can be obtained on the terminal device. Conversely, when a communication state is not good, a stamp obtainment waiting screen is displayed (S129), and the stamp request information is not transmitted to the server. Subsequently, when the communication state becomes good, such stamp request information is transmitted to the server. In response to such a transmission, a stamp is transmitted from the server to the terminal device. Hence, the stamp can be obtained on the terminal device. This enhances the certainty of stamp obtainment from the server on the terminal device and also increases the degree of freedom for setting a stamp spot.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stamp rally (so-called "digital stamp rally") for obtaining stamps using a terminal device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a stamp rally in which stamps are collected along a certain theme at tourist spots, shopping streets, urban areas, railway stations, roadside stations, etc. As one form of this stamp rally, there is a stamp rally system consisting of a terminal device and a server device. When the server device receives stamp issuance request information transmitted from the terminal device, a stamp based on the issuance request information is transmitted from the server device to the terminal device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in a stamp rally system using a terminal device such as Patent Document 1, if there is any problem in the communication state, such as the communication environment at the spot (stamp spot) for obtaining a stamp is not established or the communication between the terminal device and the server becomes unstable, there is a risk that a stamp cannot be obtained by the terminal device and the stamp rally cannot be established.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a stamp rally system capable of enhancing the certainty of stamp acquisition and increasing the degree of freedom in setting stamp spots.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means.

[0007] The stamper rally system of means 1 is comprising a terminal device used by participants in the stamper rally, and a server capable of communicating with the terminal device via a network, the stamper rally system being one in which a stamp is transmitted from the server to the terminal device based on a request from the terminal device, wherein the terminal device comprises position specifying means for specifying the current position of the own terminal device, position determination means for determining whether or not the specified current position of the own terminal device is within an area of a predetermined stamp spot, information generation means for generating stamp request information for requesting a stamp when the current position of the own terminal device is within the area of the stamp spot, communication state determination means for determining the communication state of the own terminal device, first transmission means for transmitting the generated stamp request information to the server when the communication state is determined to be good, second transmission means for transmitting the generated stamp request information to the server based on the communication state being determined to be good after the communication state is not determined to be good, which is the gist.

[0008] According to this, when the terminal device used by the participants of the stamp rally is within the area of the stamp spot, the terminal device generates stamp request information for requesting a stamp from the server. If the communication state is good, the generated stamp request information is transmitted to the server (first transmission means). On the other hand, if the communication state is not good, then, triggered by the communication state becoming good, the generated stamp request information is transmitted to the server (second transmission means). For this reason, when stamp request information is generated by the terminal device, if the communication state is good, the stamp request information is promptly transmitted to the server, and upon receiving this, a stamp is transmitted from the server to the terminal device. In addition, when stamp request information is generated by the terminal device, even if the communication state is not good and the stamp request information is not transmitted, when the communication state becomes good thereafter, the stamp request information is transmitted to the server, and upon receiving this, a stamp is transmitted from the server to the terminal device. Thereby, it becomes possible to enhance the certainty of acquiring a stamp from the server by the terminal device without being affected by the communication state of the terminal device or the communication environment of the stamp spot, etc. Also, it becomes possible to increase the degree of freedom in setting the stamp spot.

[0009] Here, the "stamp" referred to herein means a stamp image (imprint image data) obtained by digitizing the imprint obtained by stamping on paper or the like, and means an electronic stamp (so-called "electronic stamp") that can be displayed on the display unit (display screen) of the terminal device. Also, the "communication state" refers to the state of the terminal device in network communication, and this includes, for example, the reception status (radio wave intensity) of radio waves from the base station in the terminal device, the state of network connection (presence or absence of connection establishment), the data transmission and reception speed, etc.

[0010] The stamp rally system of means 2 is in the stamp rally system of means 1, is provided with storage means capable of storing the generated stamp request information, the first transmission means and the second transmission means transmit the stamp request information stored in the storage means to the server This is the gist.

[0011] According to this, when stamp request information is generated by the terminal device, the generated stamp request information is stored in the storage means of the terminal device. Then, the stamp request information stored in the storage means is transmitted to the server. Therefore, it is possible to prevent transmission omission of the generated stamp request information and acquisition omission of the stamp. As a result, it is possible to further enhance the certainty of acquiring the stamp from the server by the terminal device.

[0012] The stamp rally system of means 3 is the stamp rally system of means 1, in which when it is not determined that the communication state is good, it is provided with storage means capable of storing the generated stamp request information, and the second transmission means transmits the stamp request information stored in the storage means to the server This is the gist.

[0013] According to this, when stamp request information is generated by the terminal device, if the communication state is not good, the generated stamp request information is stored in the storage means of the terminal device, and then, triggered by the communication state becoming good, the stamp request information stored in the storage means is transmitted to the server. Therefore, when stamp request information is generated by the terminal device, even if the communication state is not good and the stamp request information is not transmitted, the stamp request information to be transmitted is at least stored in the storage means of the terminal device until it is transmitted (when the communication state becomes good), so it is possible to prevent transmission omission of the stamp request information and acquisition omission of the stamp. As a result, it is possible to further enhance the certainty of acquiring the stamp from the server by the terminal device.

[0014] The stamp rally system of means 4 is the stamp rally system of any one of means 1 to 3, in which the terminal device is provided with predetermined information display means for displaying predetermined information on the display unit of the own terminal device when the stamp request information is generated and it is not determined that the communication state is good The gist is as follows.

[0015] According to this, when stamp request information is generated by the terminal device but the communication state is not good, that is, when the generated stamp request information is not transmitted, predetermined information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. Therefore, through the display of the predetermined information, it is possible to notify the participants in the stamp rally, who are the users of the terminal device, that they are in a state of waiting for the transmission of the stamp request information or in a state of waiting for the acquisition of the stamp. This makes it possible to eliminate the anxiety of the participants waiting for the transmission (acquisition) of the stamp from the server.

Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention as described above, it is possible to provide a stamp rally system that can increase the certainty of stamp acquisition and increase the degree of freedom in setting stamp spots.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described using examples.

Examples

[0019] [Overall Configuration of the System] The stamp rally system according to this embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as "this system") includes, as shown in FIG. 1, a terminal device 1, a server 2, and a network 3 that communicably connects the terminal device 1 and the server 2.

[0020] The terminal device 1 is a terminal device (portable terminal) in the form of a smartphone, tablet, or the like that can be used by participants in the stamp rally. Since the stamp rally is to tour a plurality of stamp spots predetermined as places (locations) where stamps are to be given and acquire (collect) stamps at each spot, the terminal device 1 is made portable. In addition to smartphones and tablets, the terminal device 1 can also be configured by a mobile PC or a notebook PC that can be easily carried around.

[0021] The server 2 is composed of a computer and software, and is configured by, for example, an on-premises server or a cloud server. This server 2 manages various data and information necessary for the implementation of a stamp rally (digital stamp rally) using the terminal device 1, and provides various information and services related to the stamp rally, including stamps, to the terminal device 1 (participants in the stamp rally) connected to this server 2 via the network 3. The server 2 is also referred to as a "stamp rally server".

[0022] The network 3 is composed of the Internet, a mobile communication system constructed by radio base stations, a wireless network (such as Wi-Fi) that can be connected to the Internet via a wireless access point, and the like.

[0023] [Configuration of the terminal device] As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 1 includes at least a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a position specifying unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

[0024] The control unit 10 controls the operation of the terminal device 1 and executes various processes such as programs, and is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and the like.

[0025] The storage unit 11 stores an OS (Operating System) for operating the terminal device 1, various application software (application programs) executable on the terminal device 1, and various other data necessary for the operation of the terminal device 1, and is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like.

[0026] The programs stored in the storage unit 11 include a program for determining the communication state of the terminal device 1, a program for displaying a map image (also simply referred to as "map") on the display unit 12, and a program for enabling the terminal device 1 to participate in a stamp rally by operating the terminal device 1 and obtaining stamps at stamp spots on the terminal device 1 (also referred to as the "stamp rally program"). In this embodiment, application software including the stamp rally program (also referred to as the "stamp rally app") is installed on the terminal device 1. The stamp rally app can be obtained (downloaded) from, for example, the website of the operator who manages this system.

[0027] In the storage unit 11 of the terminal device 1 installed with the stamp rally application, information regarding the course of the stamp rally (for example, a sightseeing course, a stroll course, a railway course, etc.) and position information indicating the location of the stamp spots set on the course (also referred to as "stamp spot position information") are stored. When there are multiple courses for the stamp rally, information regarding all of these multiple courses is stored. Also, since multiple stamp spots are usually set, position information for all of these multiple stamp spots is stored. The information related to these stamp rallies can also be obtained from the server 2 via the network 3.

[0028] The display unit 12 is for displaying various images, information, etc., and is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. In this embodiment, it is constituted by a liquid crystal display having a touch panel function.

[0029] The input unit 13 is an input interface for the user of the terminal device 1 to perform various inputs. In this embodiment, various inputs can be made by touch-operating the screen, icons, buttons, etc. displayed on the display unit 12 having a touch panel function. In addition to touch operations, inputs can also be made by operating physical switches (for example, volume switches, screen ON / OFF switches, etc.) provided in the terminal device 1. A signal based on the input by the input unit 13 is input to the control unit 10.

[0030] The position specifying unit 14 is for specifying the current position of the terminal device 1 by receiving radio waves transmitted from artificial satellites (GPS satellites) constituting the GPS (Global Positioning System / Global Positioning System) (GPS function). Information on the current position specified by the position specifying unit 14 (position information of the terminal device 1) is used when necessary for executing various applications provided in the terminal device 1. The position specifying unit 14 corresponds to an example of the "position specifying means" of the present invention.

[0031] The communication unit 15 performs data communication (network communication) with other devices etc. via the network 3, for example, mobile data communication and Wi-Fi communication. The other devices include the server 2.

[0032] In addition to this, the terminal device 1 is also provided with a camera (imaging unit) for taking pictures or reading two-dimensional codes, a battery (power supply unit) composed of a lithium-ion battery etc.

[0033] [Configuration of Server] As shown in FIG. 1, the server 2 includes at least a processing unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a communication unit 22. The processing unit 20 executes various processes in response to requests from the terminal device 1, and is composed of a CPU etc. In this system, mainly, it receives stamp requests from the terminal device 1 via the network 3, and performs processes such as transmitting (granting) stamps to the terminal device 1 in response to the requests.

[0034] The storage unit 21 stores various programs, data, etc. necessary for the operation of the server 2, and is composed of a ROM, RAM, SSD, HDD (hard disk drive), etc. The data stored in the storage unit 21 includes data etc. necessary for the implementation of a stamp rally (digital stamp rally). Specifically, it includes a program for transmitting (granting) stamps to the terminal device 1 (participant in the stamp rally) that has installed the stamp rally application, and stamps (stamping image data) corresponding to each of a plurality of stamp spots.

[0035] In this system, a stamp database (hereinafter also referred to as "stamp DB") for managing (storing) stamps for a stamp rally is provided, and the stamp DB is stored in the storage unit 21. The stamp DB manages (stores) the locations of stamp spots and the stamps corresponding to those spots. When there are multiple courses for a stamp rally, the stamp spots and stamps are managed (stored) in units of those courses (stamp rally units). Also, since multiple stamp spots are usually set in a stamp rally, the stamp DB stores (stores) multiple stamps for each stamp spot. Such management by the stamp DB can be performed, for example, by associating the ID (spot ID) assigned to the stamp spot with the ID (stamp ID) assigned to the stamp, and the stamps are managed so that the stamps corresponding to the stamp spots can be specified based on the spot ID.

[0036] The communication unit 22, similar to the aforementioned communication unit 15, performs data communication with other devices and the like via the network 3. Other devices include the terminal device 1.

[0037] In the stamp rally by this system including the terminal device 1 and the server 2 as described above, participants in the stamp rally carry the terminal device 1 and tour a plurality of predetermined stamp spots, and at each spot, use the terminal device 1 to acquire (receive) stamps from the server 2. Hereinafter, the processes executed by the terminal device 1 (control unit 10) and the server 2 (processing unit 20) when proceeding with the stamp rally by this system will be described. In this specification, "S" such as S100 (the "S" in the flowchart) means a step.

[0038] [Stamp Rally Process] When the terminal device 1 is operated and a start instruction for the stamp rally application (also referred to as "this application") installed in the terminal device 1 is input, the control unit 10 executes the stamp rally process (S100) shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 according to the program stored in the storage unit 11. The execution program of the stamp rally process (S100) is included in the stamp rally program. When inputting the start instruction of this application, the user of this application, that is, the participant in the stamp rally (also simply referred to as "participant"), is required to input authentication information (login ID, password, etc.).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, in the stamp rally process (S100), first, it is determined whether a course selection instruction for the stamp rally has been input (S101). When this application is started, the courses of the stamp rallies that can be participated in (currently held) are displayed in a list on the display unit 12, so the user of the terminal device 1 can select the course of the stamp rally to participate in from among them by a touch operation. In S101, when a signal (selection operation signal) is input by the course selection operation, it is determined that a course selection instruction has been input.

[0040] If it is determined in S101 that no course selection instruction has been input (NO in S101), it waits as it is. If it is determined that a course selection instruction has been input (YES in S101), the map of the selected course (also referred to as "course map") is displayed on the display unit 12 (S103). In S103, the terminal device 1 is connected to a map server (not shown) that can be connected via the network 3, and map data including the course of the stamp rally and the stamp spots selected in S101 is acquired from the map server, and a course map created based on the map data and the stamp spot position information is displayed on the display unit 12.

[0041] An example of the course map displayed on the display unit 12 is shown in FIG. 6. As shown in the figure, on the course map 30, icons indicating the stamp spots set for the course of this stamp rally (also referred to as "spot icons") are displayed. In FIG. 6, a course map is shown in which spot icons 31 to 34 indicating four stamp spots, spot A, spot B, spot C, and spot D, are displayed. The participant (the user of the terminal device 1) confirms the location of the stamp spots based on the course map displayed on the display unit 12 and tours each spot.

[0042] Returning to FIG. 2, then in S105, it is determined whether a stamp acquisition instruction has been input (S105). Here, in this system, image data representing a stamp book (also referred to as "stamp book image") is prepared for each course of the stamp rally, and the stamp book image is stored in the storage unit 11 of the terminal device 1 in which the stamp rally application is installed. During the operation of this application, when the participant inputs an instruction to display the stamp book by a predetermined operation, the control unit 10 is configured to read the stamp book image (simply referred to as "stamp book") corresponding to the course (selected course) for which a selection instruction was input in S101 from the storage unit 11 and display it on the display unit 12. And it is configured such that a stamp acquisition instruction can be input from the stamp book displayed on the display unit 12.

[0043] An example of the stamp book displayed on the display unit 12 is shown in FIG. 7(A). As shown in the figure, on the stamp book 40, spot areas 41 to 44 where stamps for each stamp spot (here spots A to D) can be displayed are provided. In the area where the stamp has not been acquired, characters indicating the spot name are displayed, and in the acquired area, the acquired stamp is displayed. FIG. 7(A) shows the case where stamps have not been acquired in all of the spot areas 41 to 44 (spots A to D). The participant can input a stamp acquisition instruction to proceed with the acquisition of the stamp for the corresponding spot by touching (for example, tapping) the spot area of the stamp book where the stamp has not been acquired and is displayed on the display unit 12.

[0044] Returning to FIG. 2, when it is determined in S105 that the stamp acquisition instruction has not been input (NO in S105), the system waits as it is. When it is determined that the stamp acquisition instruction has been input (YES in S105), the current position of the terminal device 1 specified by the position specifying unit 14 (see FIG. 1) is acquired (S107).

[0045] Next, in S109, it is determined whether or not the current position of the terminal device 1 acquired in S107 (the current position specified by the position specifying unit 14) is within the area of the stamp spot (for example, spot A) corresponding to the spot area (for example, spot area 41 in FIG. 7(A)) where the operation of inputting the stamp acquisition instruction (S105) is assumed to have been performed (S109).

[0046] As described above, the storage unit 11 of the terminal device 1 in which the stamp rally application is installed stores position information (stamp spot position information) indicating the locations of the stamp spots set in the course of the stamp rally. In S109, from among the stamp spot position information, the stamp spot position information (for example, the position information of spot A) corresponding to the spot area (for example, spot area 41) where the operation of inputting the stamp acquisition instruction (S105) is assumed to have been performed is acquired, and based on the acquired stamp spot position information and the position information of the current position of the terminal device 1 acquired in S107, it is determined whether or not the current position of the terminal device 1 is within the area of the stamp spot. This determination can be made, for example, by comparing the position information of both, and if the estimated distance between the current position of the terminal device 1 and the stamp spot does not exceed a predetermined threshold value (for example, 200 m), it can be determined that it is within the area of the stamp spot. On the other hand, if the estimated distance between the current position of the terminal device 1 and the stamp spot exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, 200 m), it can be determined that it is not within the area of the stamp spot (outside the area). The process of S109 (the control unit 10 that executes the process of S109) corresponds to an example of the "position determination means" of the present invention.

[0047] When it is determined in S109 that the current position of the terminal device 1 is not within the area of the stamp spot, that is, outside the area of the stamp spot (NO in S109), an acquisition NG screen indicating that the stamp cannot be acquired is displayed on the display unit 12 (S127), and this process ends.

[0048] An example of the acquisition NG screen displayed on the display unit 12 is shown in FIG. 7(B). As shown in the figure, on the acquisition NG screen 50, a stamp acquisition area 51 in a non-active mode is displayed. In FIG. 7(B), the non-active mode is indicated by hatching. The stamp acquisition area 51 in the non-active mode does not respond (input is invalid) even if touched. Also, on the acquisition NG screen 50, information indicating the remaining distance to the target stamp spot (for example, character information), such as to spot A, and information regarding the stamp that can be acquired at that spot (for example, character information) are also displayed together.

[0049] Thus, when as a result of the participant operating the terminal device 1 to input a stamp acquisition instruction, an acquisition NG screen is displayed on the display unit 12 (S127), the participant cannot acquire the stamp and cannot view (confirm) the stamp. That is, if the terminal device 1 is carried and not actually within the area of the stamp spot, the stamp at that spot cannot be acquired or viewed. Thereby, it is possible to give the participant the pleasure of actually visiting the stamp spot and improve the revisit rate of the stamp spot.

[0050] On the other hand, when it is determined in S109 that the current position of the terminal device 1 is within the area of the stamp spot (YES in S109), stamp request information is generated based on the position information of that stamp spot, that is, the stamp spot position information used (referred to) in the determination in S109 (S111). The process of S111 (the control unit 10 that executes the process of S111) corresponds to an example of the "information generation means" of the present invention.

[0051] Stamp request information is information for requesting (also simply referred to as "requesting a stamp") the acquisition (grant) of a stamp from server 2, and it includes at least stamp spot position information (position information of the stamp spot for which the stamp is requested this time) and information that enables server 2 to identify terminal device 1 that generated the stamp request information, that is, the terminal device 1 that is the transmission source of the stamp request information (for example, authentication information, IP address, device ID, etc.). In addition, position information of the current position of terminal device 1 may be included.

[0052] Next, in S113, the stamp request information generated in S111 is saved in a predetermined storage area (also referred to as the "stamp request information storage unit") of storage unit 11 (S113). As a result, the stamp request information generated in S111 is stored in the stamp request information storage unit. This stamp request information storage unit (storage unit 11) corresponds to an example of the "storage means" of the present invention.

[0053] The stamp request information stored in the stamp request information storage unit is transmitted to server 2 by the processing of S121 or S205 described later. Also, the stamp request information stored in the stamp request information storage unit can be left (saved) as a history of the generation of the stamp request information. Using this history, for example, a history of visited stamp spots can be displayed on display unit 12, or spots among the visited stamp spots for which a stamp request (input of a stamp acquisition execution instruction described later) has not yet been made can be displayed on display unit 12.

[0054] Next, in S115, an acquisition OK screen indicating that a stamp can be acquired is displayed on the display unit 12 (S115). An example of the acquisition OK screen is shown in FIG. 7(C). As shown in the figure, on the acquisition OK screen 60, a stamp acquisition area 61 in an active mode is displayed. In FIG. 7(C), as the active mode, a mode is shown in which characters (character information) of "Stamp GET" and an illustration (graphical information) prompting a touch operation are displayed. Further, on the acquisition OK screen 60, information (for example, character information) prompting the participant to perform a touch operation (tap) on the stamp acquisition area in the active mode and information (for example, character information) regarding the stamp that can be acquired at that spot are also displayed together.

[0055] Next, in S117 shown in FIG. 3, it is determined whether a stamp acquisition execution instruction for instructing the execution of stamp acquisition has been input (S117). The participant can input a stamp acquisition execution instruction by performing a touch operation (tap) on the stamp acquisition area 61 of the acquisition OK screen 60 displayed on the display unit 12 in S115 described above.

[0056] If it is determined in S117 that the stamp acquisition execution instruction has not been input (NO in S117), the system waits as it is. If it is determined that the stamp acquisition execution instruction has been input (YES in S117), the communication state of the terminal device 1 is determined based on a predetermined determination condition (S119).

[0057] Here, the terminal device 1 (portable terminal) is equipped with a function (communication state monitoring means) for monitoring its own communication state. Examples of the function for monitoring the communication state include a function for monitoring the reception status (radio wave intensity) of radio waves from a base station, a function for monitoring the state of network connection (establishment of connection), a function for monitoring the data transmission and reception speed (communication speed), and the like. These functions are realized by using a communication module, control software, sensors, communication interfaces, etc. provided in the terminal device 1.

[0058] In this embodiment, the control unit 10 determines the communication state based on the intensity of the radio wave received from the base station (radio wave intensity) (S119). Specifically, if the radio wave intensity exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, -92 dBm), it is determined that the communication state is good, and if it is below the threshold value (for example, -92 dBm or less), it is determined that the communication state is not good (not determined to be good). When the radio wave intensity is below the threshold value, since there is a possibility that the radio wave intensity is weak and the communication becomes unstable, or that communication cannot be performed outside the radio wave range, in this case, it is not determined to be good. In addition to the radio wave intensity, the communication state may be determined based on the state of the network connection and the data communication speed, or they may be combined for determination. The process of S119 (the control unit 10 that executes the process of S119) corresponds to an example of the "communication state determination means" of the present invention.

[0059] When it is determined in S119 that the communication state is good (YES in S119), the stamp request information generated in the aforementioned S111 is transmitted to the server 2 (S121). That is, the stamp request information stored in the stamp request information storage unit is read out, and the read stamp request information is transmitted to the server 2 (S121). The process of S121 (the control unit 10 that executes the process of S121) corresponds to the "first transmission means" of the present invention.

[0060] Next, in S123, it is determined whether stamp information has been received from the server 2 (S123). When it is determined that the stamp information has not been received (NO in S123), it waits as it is. When it is determined that the stamp information has been received (YES in S123), a stamp display screen for displaying a stamp (acquired stamp) based on the received stamp information is displayed on the display unit 12 (S125), and this process ends. The transmission of the stamp information by the server 2 is performed in the stamp information transmission process (S300) described later.

[0061] Here, an example of the stamp display screen displayed on the display unit 12 is shown in Fig. 8(A). As shown in the figure, on the stamp display screen 70, the acquired stamp 72 is displayed in the acquired stamp display area 71 for displaying the acquired stamps. Further, on the stamp display screen 70, an icon including the characters "GET!" indicating the completion of stamp acquisition and information regarding the spots of the acquired stamps are also displayed together.

[0062] The stamp (acquired stamp) displayed on the stamp display screen 70 (acquired stamp display area 71) is stored (memorized) in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 11 (also referred to as the "acquired stamp storage unit"). That is, the stamp based on the stamp information received in S123 is stored (memorized) in the acquired stamp storage unit (storage unit 11). The stamp stored in the acquired stamp storage unit is displayed in the corresponding spot area (for example, spot area 41) of the aforementioned stamp book 40 (see Fig. 7(A)). Therefore, even after the participant has acquired a stamp, the participant can confirm the acquired stamp by operating the terminal device 1 to open the stamp book.

[0063] On the other hand, when it is determined in S119 that the communication state is not good (NO in S119), the stamp request information generated in the aforementioned S111, that is, the stamp request information stored in the stamp request information storage unit, is not transmitted to the server 2, and an acquisition waiting screen indicating that it is in a state of waiting for stamp acquisition is displayed on the display unit 12 (S129), and this process is terminated. At this time, the stamp request information generated in S111 remains stored in the stamp request information storage unit.

[0064] An example of the acquisition waiting screen displayed on the display unit 12 is shown in FIG. 8(B). As shown in this figure, on the acquisition waiting screen 80, characters ("Stamp acquisition in progress / Please wait a moment") as information (predetermined information) indicating that it is in a state of waiting for stamp acquisition are displayed at approximately the center of the screen. Note that the content displayed on the stamp acquisition waiting screen 80 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 8(A), and any content that allows the participants to understand that stamp acquisition is promised may be used. The process of S129 (the control unit 10 that executes the process of S129) corresponds to an example of the "predetermined information display means" of the present invention.

[0065] [Stamp request retry process] Next, the stamp request retry process (S200) executed by the control unit 10 of the terminal device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4. The stamp request retry process (S200) is periodically (at a predetermined cycle) executed as a background process that does not substantially interfere with the execution of other control processes in the control unit 10. The execution program of the stamp request retry process (S200) is included in the stamp rally program.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4, in the stamp request retry process (S200), first, it is determined whether stamp request information is stored in the stamp request information storage unit (storage unit 11) (S201). As described above, the stamp request information generated in S111 is stored (saved) in the stamp request information storage unit (S113). In S201, the storage status of the stamp request information storage unit is checked to determine whether the stamp request information is stored. As a result, if the stamp request information is not stored (NO in S201), this process ends without performing the processes after S203.

[0067] On the other hand, if the stamp request information is stored (YES in S201), the communication state of the terminal device 1 is determined based on a predetermined determination condition (S203). The determination of the communication state in S203 is the same as the determination of the communication state in S119 described above. Therefore, the description of the determination of the communication state in S203 is omitted.

[0068] If it is determined in S203 that the communication state is not good (NO in S203), this process ends without performing the processes after S205. On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication state is good (YES in S203), the stamp request information stored in the stamp request information storage unit is read out, and the read stamp request information is transmitted to Server 2 (S205). That is, when the stamp request information is generated in S111 described above and it is determined in S119 described above that the communication state is not good (when the communication state is not determined to be good), then, based on the determination in S203 that the communication state is good, the stamp request information generated in S111 is transmitted to Server 2 (S205). The process of S205 (the control unit 10 that executes the process of S205) corresponds to an example of the "second transmission means" of the present invention.

[0069] Next, in S207, it is determined whether stamp information has been received from Server 2 (S207). If it is determined that the stamp information has not been received (NO in S207), it waits as it is. If it is determined that the stamp information has been received (YES in S207), a stamp (acquired stamp) based on the received stamp information is stored in the acquired stamp storage unit (storage unit 11) (S209). As a result, the stamp transmitted (acquired) from Server 2 is stored (remembered) in the acquired stamp storage unit. The stamp stored (remembered) in S209 is displayed in the corresponding spot area of the above-mentioned stamp book 40 (see Fig. 7(A)).

[0070] Next, a stamp acquisition completion notification for notifying that the acquisition of the stamp that was waiting to be acquired has been completed is executed (S211), and this process ends. The stamp acquisition completion notification in S211 can be performed, for example, by using the notification functions of the display unit 12, speaker, vibration motor, etc. provided in the terminal device 1. Specifically, it can be performed by icon display indicating stamp acquisition completion, sound output, vibration, etc. Thereby, it is notified that the acquisition of the stamp that was waiting to be acquired has been completed (stamp acquisition completion notification means). Note that when the stamp display screen is displayed on the display unit 12 in S125 described above, the stamp acquisition completion notification may be executed. Also, when the stamp information is received from the server 2 (YES in S123, YES in S207), the stamp acquisition completion notification may be executed.

[0071] [Stamp Information Transmission Process] Next, the stamp information transmission process (S300) executed by the processing unit 20 of the server 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. As shown in the figure, in the stamp information transmission process (S300), first, it is determined whether stamp request information has been received from the terminal device 1 (S301). As a result, if it is determined that the stamp request information has not been received (NO in S301), this process ends without performing the processes after S303.

[0072] On the other hand, if it is determined that the stamp request information has been received (YES in S301), access is made to the stamp DB in the storage unit 21, and based on the stamp spot position information included in the received stamp request information, the stamp corresponding to the relevant stamp spot is searched for and specified (S303). Then, stamp information including the specified stamp (seal impression image data) is generated (S305), and this stamp information is transmitted toward the terminal device 1 that is the transmission source of the stamp request information (S307), and this process ends. It can be said that the processing unit 20 (server 2) that executes the stamp information transmission process (S300) functions as "stamp transmission means".

[0073] According to the present system described above, when the terminal device 1 used by the participants in the stamp rally is within the area of the stamp spot (YES in S109), the terminal device 1 generates stamp request information for requesting a stamp from the server 2 (S111). If the communication state is good (YES in S119), the stamp request information is transmitted to the server 2 (S121). On the other hand, if the communication state is not good (NO in S119), the stamp request information is not transmitted to the server 2, and an acquisition waiting screen is displayed on the display unit 12 (S129). That is, the transmission of the stamp request information to the server 2 is withheld. After that, when the communication state becomes good (YES in S203), the stamp request information is transmitted to the server 2 (S205). For this reason, when the stamp request information is generated in the terminal device 1, if the communication state is good, the stamp request information is promptly transmitted to the server 2, and in response to this, stamp information (stamp) is transmitted from the server 2 to the terminal device 1 (S307), and the terminal device 1 can acquire (receive) the stamp. Also, when the stamp request information is generated in the terminal device 1, even if the communication state is not good and the stamp request information is not transmitted, if the communication state becomes good later, the stamp request information is transmitted to the server 2, and in response to this, stamp information (stamp) is transmitted from the server 2 to the terminal device 1 (S307), and the terminal device 1 can acquire the stamp. Thereby, it becomes possible to enhance the certainty of acquiring the stamp from the server 2 by the terminal device 1 without being affected by the communication state of the terminal device 1, the communication environment of the stamp spot, etc.

[0074] In particular, even if the communication state (in this embodiment, the received radio wave intensity from the base station) is not good when the stamp request information is generated by the terminal device 1 (for example, outside the radio wave range), if the communication state becomes good later (for example, enters the radio wave range), the stamp request information is transmitted from the terminal device 1 to the server 2. Therefore, even if the communication environment of the stamp spot is not in order, the stamp of the stamp spot can be obtained afterwards at a place where the communication state is good. For this reason, even in a place where radio waves from the base station are difficult to reach or do not reach (for example, outside the radio wave range), it is possible to make that place a stamp spot. As a result, the degree of freedom in setting the stamp spot increases, it becomes possible to promote the introduction of the stamp rally, and ultimately, it becomes possible to provide a stamp rally (digital stamp rally) that can contribute to regional activation and town revitalization.

[0075] Also, when the stamp request information is generated by the terminal device 1, the stamp request information is stored in the stamp request information storage unit (storage unit 11) (S113). Then, the stamp information stored in the stamp request information storage unit is transmitted to the server 2 (S121, S205). Therefore, it is possible to prevent transmission omission of the generated stamp request information and acquisition omission of the stamp. As a result, it becomes possible to further enhance the certainty of acquiring the stamp from the server 2 by the terminal device 1.

[0076] Also, when the communication state is not good although the stamp request information is generated by the terminal device 1, that is, when the generated stamp request information is not transmitted, an acquisition waiting screen including information (predetermined information) indicating that it is in a state of waiting for stamp acquisition is displayed on the display unit 12 (S129). Therefore, through the display of the acquisition waiting screen (predetermined information), it becomes possible to notify the participants in the stamp rally who are users of the terminal device 1 that they are in a state of waiting for transmission of the stamp request information and a state of waiting for stamp acquisition. As a result, it becomes possible to eliminate the anxiety of the participants waiting for the transmission (acquisition) of the stamp from the server 2.

[0077] In the embodiment, when stamp request information is generated in the terminal device 1 (control unit 10) (S111), the stamp request information is saved (stored) in the stamp request information storage unit regardless of the communication state of the terminal device 1 (S113). However, when the communication state is good, the generated stamp request information may be transmitted to the server 2 without being saved in the stamp request information storage unit. When the communication state is not good, the generated stamp request information is saved in the stamp request information storage unit, and then, based on the determination that the communication state has become good, the stamp request information stored in the stamp request information storage unit may be transmitted to the server 2. In this case, when stamp request information is generated in the terminal device, if the communication state is good, the stamp request information is immediately transmitted to the server 2. On the other hand, if the communication state is not good, the stamp request information to be transmitted is stored in the stamp request information storage unit until it is transmitted to the server 2 (when the communication state becomes good). This also makes it possible to prevent omission of transmission of the generated stamp request information and omission of acquisition of the stamp. Also, it is possible to reduce the burden on the stamp request information storage unit.

[0078] Further, in the terminal device 1 (control unit 10) of the embodiment, stamp request information corresponding to the stamp request information transmitted to the server 2 (also referred to as "transmitted stamp request information" or "second stamp request information") is saved in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 11 (also referred to as "transmitted information storage unit" or "second stamp request information storage unit"), and the stored transmitted stamp request information may be configured to be transmitted to the server 2 as needed. That is, the terminal device 1 may include a transmitted information storage unit (second storage means) capable of storing transmitted stamp request information corresponding to the stamp request information transmitted to the server 2, and a transmission unit (third transmission means) capable of transmitting the transmitted stamp request information stored in the transmitted information storage unit to the server 2.

[0079] According to such a configuration, for example, in the terminal device 1, when an input of a stamp re-acquisition instruction for instructing the re-acquisition of a stamp for a visited spot is received by the control unit 10, the control unit 10 reads out the transmitted stamp request information stored in the transmitted information storage unit based on the stamp re-acquisition instruction and transmits this to the server 2, and by receiving the stamp based on this transmitted stamp request information from the server 2, the terminal device 1 can acquire the same stamp as the stamp acquired in the past. That is, a stamp re-acquisition function (stamp re-acquisition means) that enables the re-acquisition (re-issuance) of the stamp by transmitting the transmitted stamp request information to the server 2 can be provided in the terminal device 1. Thereby, the re-acquisition (re-issuance) of the stamp for the visited spot becomes possible, and the function of the stamp rally system can be improved. Note that the stamp request information (transmitted stamp request information) corresponding to the stamp request information transmitted to the server 2 can be obtained, for example, by copying (duplicating) the stamp request information when transmitting the stamp request information in S121 or S205 described above.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0080] 1 Terminal device, 2 Server, 3 Network, 10 Control unit, 11 Storage unit, 12 Display unit, 13 Input unit, 14 Position specifying unit, 15 Communication unit, 20 Processing unit, 21 Storage unit, 22 Communication unit, 30 Course map, 31 - 34 Spot icons, 40 Stamp book, 41 - 44 Spot areas, 50 Acquisition NG screen, 51 Stamp acquisition area (non-active mode), 60 Acquisition OK screen, 61 Stamp acquisition area (active mode), 70 Stamp display screen, 71 Acquired stamp display area, 72 Stamp 80 Acquisition waiting screen.

Claims

1. A stamp rally system comprising a terminal device used by participants in a stamp rally and a server capable of communicating with the terminal device via a network, wherein a stamp is transmitted from the server to the terminal device based on a request from the terminal device, wherein the terminal device comprises position specifying means for specifying the current position of the own terminal device, position determination means for determining whether the specified current position of the own terminal device is within the area of a predetermined stamp spot, information generation means for generating stamp request information for requesting a stamp when the current position of the own terminal device is within the area of the stamp spot, communication state determination means for determining the communication state of the own terminal device, first transmission means for transmitting the generated stamp request information to the server when the communication state is determined to be good, second transmission means for transmitting the generated stamp request information to the server based on the communication state being determined to be good after the communication state is not determined to be good, and characterized by the above.

2. comprising storage means capable of storing the generated stamp request information, wherein the first transmission means and the second transmission means transmit the stamp request information stored in the storage means to the server and characterized by the above, as described in Claim 1 of the stamp rally system.

3. comprising storage means capable of storing the generated stamp request information when the communication state is not determined to be good, wherein the second transmission means transmits the stamp request information stored in the storage means to the server and characterized by the above, as described in Claim 1 of the stamp rally system.

4. wherein the terminal device comprises predetermined information display means for displaying predetermined information on the display unit of the own terminal device when the stamp request information is generated and the communication state is not determined to be good and characterized by the above, as described in any one of Claims 1 to 3 of the stamp rally system.

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