Message distribution system and message distribution method

Abstract

To lead so that when an opt-out procedure for a message distributed on consignment by a distribution provider for distributing messages is input from a user in a period out of a consignment period, coping by a consignment source provider is enabled.SOLUTION: A message distribution system comprises: a storage unit for storing an opt-out page provided for each user corresponding to a destination of a message in association with an expiration date; a distribution control unit for transmitting an opt-out corresponding message made by adding an URL of an opt-out page to a message consigned by a consignment source provider to a terminal device of a user; an expiration date acquisition unit that according to an access to the opt-out page from the terminal device, reads the expiration date in association with the opt-out page from the storage unit; and a second processing unit that depending on the read expiration date, makes the terminal device display a leading page enabling acquisition of opt-put related information by the consignment source provider if the access is performed out of the expiration date.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a message delivery system and a message delivery method. [Background technology]

[0002] There are delivery services that send messages to users who are customers of outsourcing businesses such as companies in response to a commission from the outsourcing business. When sending messages that include advertisements or promotions, it is necessary to allow users who are message recipients to opt out of receiving the messages at any time. For example, users can opt out by providing a dedicated opt-out page on a website or by providing a telephone hotline. Delivery businesses that provide delivery services are sometimes commissioned to deliver messages that include opt-out procedures. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that realizes opt-out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-83234 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a service is entrusted, a consignment period is often set. The service provider creates a dedicated opt-out page and sends a message containing the created opt-out URL, allowing users to complete the opt-out procedure by clicking the URL in the message. However, even if the opt-out procedure is entered from the message after the consignment period has elapsed, the service provider cannot complete the opt-out procedure on behalf of the user because it is outside the consignment period. This means that users will not be able to complete the opt-out procedure even if they click the URL in the message. For this reason, it is better to guide users to request a response from the consigning service provider when the opt-out procedure is entered by the user outside the consignment period.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and its purpose is to provide a message distribution system and a message distribution method that can guide a message distribution company that distributes messages to request a response from the contracting company when a user enters an opt-out procedure for a message that the company has distributed under contract outside the contract period. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a message delivery system in which a delivery company delivers a message in response to a commission from a client company, the message delivery system comprising: a memory unit that stores an opt-out page provided for each user corresponding to the message destination in association with an expiration date; a delivery control unit that sends an opt-out message to the user's terminal device, the opt-out page including the URL of the opt-out page attached to the message commissioned by the client company; an expiration date acquisition unit that reads out the expiration date associated with the accessed opt-out page from the memory unit in response to accessing the opt-out page from the terminal device; a first processing unit that displays on the terminal device an operation page for performing an opt-out operation if the access is made within the expiration date in accordance with the read expiration date; and a second processing unit that displays on the terminal device an invitation page that can obtain information regarding opt-out by the client company in accordance with the read expiration date in accordance with the read expiration date in accordance with the access is made outside the expiration date.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a message delivery method performed by a message delivery system in which a delivery company delivers a message in response to a commission from a client company, wherein a memory unit stores an opt-out page provided for each user corresponding to the message destination in association with an expiration date; a delivery control unit sends an opt-out message to the user's terminal device, the opt-out page including the URL of the opt-out page, to the message commissioned by the client company; an expiration date acquisition unit reads out the expiration date associated with the accessed opt-out page from the memory unit in response to accessing the opt-out page from the terminal device; a first processing unit displays on the terminal device an operation page for performing an opt-out operation if the access is made within the expiration date in accordance with the read expiration date; and a second processing unit displays on the terminal device an invitation page that enables the user to obtain information regarding opt-out by the client company in accordance with the read expiration date in accordance with the read expiration date, if the access is made outside the expiration date. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when a user enters an opt-out procedure for a message that a distribution company that distributes messages has been entrusted with delivering the message outside the entrustment period, the distribution company can be guided to request the entrusting company to take action. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a message delivery system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a distribution server 10. [Figure 3A] 10 is a diagram showing an example of basic message information included in message information 120. FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of scenario information included in message information 120. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an opt-out list table in which distribution information 121 is stored. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of entrustor information 122. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an opt-out log table in which opt-out log information 123 is stored. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the message delivery system 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the message delivery system 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the message delivery system 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A message delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] The message delivery system 1 of this embodiment is a system in which a delivery company delivers a message in response to a commission from a commissioning company. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a message delivery system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The message delivery system 1 includes a delivery server 10, an outsourcing company server 20, a telecommunications carrier server 30, and a terminal device 40. In the message delivery system 1, the delivery server 10, the outsourcing company server 20, the telecommunications carrier server 30, and the terminal device 40 are communicably connected via a communication network or the like.

[0012] The distribution server 10 is a server device managed by a distribution provider that provides a distribution service for transmitting messages to the terminal device 40 . The distribution server 10 transmits the message for the terminal device 40 to the destination user's terminal device 40 via the telecommunications carrier server 30. The distribution server 10 transmits the message using, for example, SMS (Short Message Service), which can send a message addressed to a telephone number, or Engage Plus (registered trademark), which uses RCS (Rich Communication Services), which can send a message including content such as a video addressed to a telephone number.

[0013] The outsourcing business server 20 is a server device managed by an outsourcing business that outsources message delivery to the delivery server 10. The outsourcing business is, for example, a company or organization that provides information to the destination user, such as a bank or insurance company. The outsourcing business server 20 communicates with the delivery server 10 via wireless or wired communication, and exchanges information regarding the outsourcing of message delivery.

[0014] The telecommunications carrier server 30 is a server device managed by a telecommunications carrier. The telecommunications carrier is, for example, an MNO (Mobile Network Operator) that provides a communication service using a telephone number to the terminal device 40 using a communication line that the telecommunications carrier owns or operates. The communication service includes communication using SMS and RCS. The telecommunications carrier server 30 communicates wirelessly or wiredly with the distribution server 10 and the terminal device 40, and transmits a message using SMS or RCS to the terminal device 40 in response to a distribution request from the distribution server 10.

[0015] The terminal device 40 is a communication device that can be associated with a telephone number, such as a smartphone or a mobile phone. A contract is made by a user or the like with a carrier of the communication carrier server 30 for using a communication service using the terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 is capable of communicating using a communication service provided by the contracted communication carrier. A telephone number is assigned to the terminal device 40, and the terminal device 40 has a function of communicating with this telephone number as a destination, i.e., communicating using RCS. The terminal device 40 has, for example, a display unit such as a liquid crystal display and an operation unit such as a touch panel that accepts user operations. A message app is installed on the terminal device 40, and when this message app is executed, the terminal device 40 communicates using messages with the distribution server 10 or other terminal devices 40 as communication partners via the telecommunications carrier server 30. The message app is an application program that sends messages using PlusMessage (registered trademark), an application program that distributes SMS or RCS. Furthermore, the terminal device 40 communicates with the distribution server 10 by accessing an opt-out page (for example, an operation page described later) provided by the distribution provider. The user is an operator who operates the terminal device 40 that is the destination of the message entrusted by the outsourcing company, and is a recipient who receives the message distributed by the distribution server 10 by the terminal device 40. Although only one terminal device 40 is shown in FIG. 1, there may be multiple terminal devices.

[0016] As stated in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' guidelines regarding the Specified Commercial Email Act, when sending messages that include advertisements or promotions, it is necessary to allow the recipient of the message to opt out of receiving them at any time. To address this, the distribution server 10 generates an opt-out message with the URL of an opt-out page and transmits the generated opt-out message to the terminal device 40 via the telecommunications carrier server 30. This opt-out page is a web page provided by the distribution carrier, and is a web page that accepts an opt-out instruction from a user who has received the message, refusing to receive future messages from the outsourcing carrier. When the user accesses the opt-out page using the terminal device 40, an operation page provided by the distribution carrier is displayed on the terminal device 40. The operation page is a web page provided by the distribution carrier, and includes an operation screen for performing an operation to instruct opt-out. When the user performs an operation such as pressing a button labeled "Stop distribution" according to the operation screen, the operation content is notified from the terminal device 40 to the distribution server 10. When the operation content is received from the terminal device 40, the distribution server 10 determines whether an opt-out instruction has been issued based on the received operation content. If an opt-out instruction has been issued, the distribution server 10 takes measures to prevent messages addressed to the user from being sent to the terminal device 40.

[0017] In addition, since a user may carry out the opt-out procedure outside the entrusted period, if the user expresses an intention to opt out after the entrusted period has passed, it would be better for the user to be able to obtain information regarding opt-out from the entrusting business operator. As a countermeasure, the distribution server 10 of this embodiment sets an expiration date, and if the expiration date is not yet reached, the distribution provider can handle opt-out via an opt-out page, and if the expiration date is not reached, the outsourcing provider can handle opt-out. The expiration date may be set arbitrarily depending on the contract with the outsourcing business operator, etc. The distribution server 10 then responds according to whether the access to the opt-out page is made within the expiration date or outside the expiration date. An access made within the expiration date means that the access was made before the expiration date. An access made outside the expiration date means that the access was made after the expiration date. If the opt-out page is accessed within the expiration date, the distribution server 10 causes the terminal device 40 to display an operation page in response to the access to the opt-out page. On the other hand, if the opt-out page is accessed outside the expiration date, the distribution server 10 causes the terminal device 40 to display a guide page instead of the operation page. The guide page is a web page from which the user can obtain information about opting out from the outsourcing business. For example, the guide page is a web page provided by the distribution business that displays the URL of the outsourcing site, a telephone consultation service, a contact address, or a combination of these. Alternatively, the guide page may be the web page of the outsourcing site itself provided by the outsourcing business. This allows the user to obtain information for completing the opt-out procedure even if the outsourcing period has passed and the distribution business is no longer able to perform the opt-out procedure on the user's behalf.

[0018] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of distribution server 10. Distribution server 10 includes communication unit 11, storage unit 12, and control unit 13. The communication unit 11 communicates with the outsourcing carrier server 20, the telecommunications carrier server 30, and the terminal device 40 via the network. The communication unit 11 communicates with the outsourcing carrier server 20, the telecommunications carrier server 30, and the terminal device 40.

[0019] The storage unit 12 stores various data and programs. The storage unit 12 stores message information 120 , delivery information 121 , entruster information 122 , and opt-out log information 123 .

[0020] FIG. 3 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) is a diagram showing an example of the message information 120. As shown in FIG. 3A shows an example of scenario information from message information 120. The scenario here is a scenario for exchanging messages in response to responses from users. The scenario information shows identification information (scene IDs) for a series of messages, such as the first message to be sent and the next message to be sent in response to the response to the first message. Scenario information is generated for each scenario. In FIG. 3A, the scenario information is information about a scenario identified by a scenario identification key (XYXY), and the first message to be sent, message 1, is a message identified by a scene ID (start). The next message to be sent based on a response to the message identified by the scene ID (start), message 2, is a message identified by a scene ID (AAA). For example, suppose that the scenario information contains a message in which two operation buttons are provided and a user can indicate a response to the message by selecting either of the two operation buttons. In this case, the scenario information registers the scene ID of the message to be sent as the next message when one of the two operation buttons is operated, and the scene ID of the message to be sent as the next message when the other button is operated. FIG. 3B shows an example of basic message information from message information 120. Basic message information is information indicating a message template. As shown in FIG. 3B, basic message information stores information corresponding to each of the following items: content file name, scene ID, message type, and message body. The content file name indicates the file name of the electronic file corresponding to the content of the message. The scene ID indicates identification information that identifies the message. The message type indicates the type of message, for example, information indicating whether it is text. The message body indicates the content to be sent as the main text of the message. In Figure 3B, the basic message information is information about the message identified by the scene ID (start), and includes the information "Why not take out a loan with XXX Bank?" along with the information "If you wish to stop receiving notifications...", indicating that the message supports opt-out. 3B, the message body contains an identifier {{optout}} that instructs embedding of an opt-out URL. The identifier {{optout}} corresponds to the URL of the opt-out page. By registering basic message information with the identifier {{optout}} added to the message body, it is possible to generate a message with the identifier {{optout}} embedded in the URL of an opt-out page, and send messages with individual opt-out page URLs attached to each message. Note that in the above, the identifier {{optout}} is used as an example of an identifier indicating that an opt-out page URL is to be embedded, but this is merely an example of a variable display. Any identifier or variable that can identify the embedding of an opt-out page URL can be used instead of the above identifier {{optout}}.

[0021] In this embodiment, the URL of the opt-out page is generated individually for each user. By assigning a different URL to each user to whom the message is addressed, a message (opt-out compatible message) indicating the URL of the opt-out page generated individually for each user can be sent to the user's terminal device 40 via the telecommunications carrier server 30. When the URL of the opt-out page is accessed from the terminal device 40, it is possible to immediately determine which user has expressed an intention to opt out based on the character string of the URL of the accessed opt-out page. Furthermore, by identifying the outsourcing business operator that has outsourced the message sent to the identified user based on the URL of the opt-out page, it is possible to immediately determine which outsourcing business operator the user has expressed an intention to opt out of and refuse messages from. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the URL of the opt-out page may include a unique identifier for each message. By assigning a different URL to each message, an opt-out message indicating the URL of an opt-out page individually generated for each message can be transmitted to the user's terminal device 40 via the telecommunications carrier server 30. When the URL of the opt-out page is accessed from the terminal device 40, it is possible to immediately determine which user has expressed an intention to opt out by refusing messages from which outsourcing company, based on the character string in the URL of the accessed opt-out page.

[0022] Furthermore, since a distribution service provider receives commissions from multiple outsourcing service providers, providing an opt-out page for each outsourcing service provider makes it easier to handle the opt-out procedure. For this reason, an opt-out page may be provided for each outsourcing service provider in the distribution server 10. The opt-out page may also display a marking identifying the outsourcing service provider for the message delivered to the terminal device 40, such as the name or logo of the outsourcing service provider. This allows a user who views the opt-out page to identify at a glance the outsourcing service provider for which they are about to complete the opt-out procedure.

[0023] Scenario information is generated for each scenario. Message basic information is generated for each message template.

[0024] 4 is a diagram showing an example of an opt-out list table that stores distribution information 121. The distribution information 121 is information related to a message that the distribution server 10 transmits to the terminal device 40 via the telecommunications carrier server 30 (a message that is transmitted to the terminal device 40). The distribution information 121 stores information (setting values) corresponding to items (logical names) in the opt-out list table. The opt-out list table has items such as a phone number, an opt-out URL, a redirect URL, a scenario identification key, a shot ID, a customer key, a production control number, a URL expiration date, and a registration date and time. The phone number indicates the phone number (mobile phone number) of the terminal device 40 to which the message is addressed.

[0025] The opt-out URL indicates the URL of the opt-out page. For example, the opt-out page URL is a URL that is unique for each user and is generated using a character string that uniquely identifies the user to whom the message is addressed. Alternatively, the opt-out page URL is a URL that is unique for each message and is generated using a character string that uniquely identifies the message. For example, a customer key or a production control number (described later) can be used as a character string that uniquely identifies a user. For example, a character string that uniquely identifies a user can be generated by using either a customer key, a production control number, or a combination of these. In this embodiment, a URL for an opt-out page is generated that includes a string generated by applying string URL shortening logic to a string that uniquely identifies a user. String URL shortening logic is a method for shortening an original URL indicated by a long string to a string that is shorter than the original URL. In FIG. 4, the string "Hjgoq***HiJ" is the string generated by applying URL shortening logic to a string that uniquely identifies a user. By generating the URL of the opt-out page using a character string that uniquely identifies the user, it is possible to identify the sender of the message sent to the user's terminal device 40 according to the accessed URL of the opt-out page. Therefore, the distribution server 10 can immediately identify which user has indicated an intention to opt out by refusing messages from which outsourcing business.

[0026] The redirect URL indicates an operation page, that is, a URL indicating the destination to which the user is automatically redirected when the opt-out page is accessed within the expiration date. The redirect URL may be a URL generated individually for each user. In FIG. 4, similar to the URL for the opt-out page, a separate URL is generated for each message using the character string "Hjgoq***HiJ" that uniquely identifies the user, and an operation page is provided for each generated URL. By generating the URL for the operation page using the character string that uniquely identifies the user, when the operation page is accessed, it is possible to immediately identify which user has issued an opt-out instruction to reject messages from which outsourcing business operator, based on the character string in the accessed URL.

[0027] The scenario identification key indicates identification information for identifying the scenario to which the message sent to the terminal device 40 belongs. A shot ID is generated for each message delivery date and time. The shot ID is, for example, a character string that combines a scenario identification key, information indicating the registration date and time, and a management number generated by a specific algorithm. The customer key indicates identification information that identifies the customer (user) to whom the message delivered by the delivery server 10 is addressed. The production control number indicates identification information that identifies a user to whom a message is to be delivered by the delivery server 10. The production control number is, for example, a character string that combines a shot ID and a control number generated by a specific algorithm.

[0028] The URL expiration date indicates the expiration date of the opt-out URL. The expiration date may be determined arbitrarily depending on the contract with the outsourcing business operator, etc. For example, the URL expiration date is the date and time when the distribution information 121 is registered plus a predetermined number of days (a number of days set in advance depending on the outsourcing business operator). If the opt-out URL is accessed within the URL expiration date set here, the distribution business operator will handle the opt-out by transitioning from the opt-out page to an operation page (redirect URL). On the other hand, if the opt-out URL is accessed outside the URL expiration date, the opt-out page will transition to a guidance page, allowing the user to obtain information regarding opt-out by the outsourcing business operator.

[0029] The registration date and time indicates the date and time when the distribution information 121 was registered. When delivery server 10 receives a message delivery commission from a commissioning business, delivery server 10 generates delivery information 121 for each of the commissioned messages. While the above example illustrates the case where the URL for the opt-out page is generated using a character string that uniquely identifies a user, the URL for the opt-out page may also be generated using a character string that uniquely identifies a message. For example, a combination of a production control number and a scene ID (described later) can be used as the character string that uniquely identifies a message. A URL for the opt-out page can be generated that includes a character string generated by applying character string URL shortening logic to this character string. When such a URL for the opt-out page is accessed, the message can be identified according to the URL of the accessed opt-out page, and the user and the sending business can be identified based on the identified message. Therefore, the distribution server 10 can immediately identify which user has expressed an intention to opt out by refusing messages from which outsourcing business.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the outsourcing information 122. The outsourcing information 122 is information related to the outsourcing business operator, and in particular, information for responding to opt-out provided by the outsourcing business operator. The outsourcing information 122 stores information corresponding to items such as the outsourcing business operator key, business operator name, outsourcing site URL, telephone consultation service, and contact address. The outsourcing business operator key indicates identification information for identifying the outsourcing business operator. The business operator name indicates the name of the outsourcing business operator. The outsourcing site URL indicates the URL of the opt-out web page provided by the outsourcing business operator. The telephone consultation service indicates the telephone number of the telephone consultation service for opt-out provided by the outsourcing business operator. The contact address indicates an address where the outsourcing business operator can be contacted, such as the location of the outsourcing business operator. The outsourcing information 122 is generated for each outsourcing business operator. It is assumed here that a common page screen is displayed for all users outside the expiration date, without providing a page for each user corresponding to opt-out. For this reason, an example is shown in which the entruster information 122 in Fig. 5 is stored separately from the distribution information 121 in Fig. 4. However, this is not limiting. The distribution information 121 in Fig. 4 may include an opt-out URL (outside the expiration date) as a URL to be accessed when indicating an intention to opt-out outside the expiration date.

[0031] 6 is a diagram showing an example of an opt-out log table that stores the opt-out log information 123. The opt-out log information 123 is information that indicates an operation history (opt-out log) when a user operates an operation page via the terminal device 40. Opt-out log information 123 stores information (setting values) corresponding to items (logical names) in the opt-out log table. The opt-out log table has items such as telephone number, opt-out URL, scenario identification key, shot ID, customer key, production control number, opt-out result category, and registration date and time. Of these, the telephone number, opt-out URL, scenario identification key, shot ID, customer key, production control number, and registration date and time items are the same as the items in the opt-out list table in which distribution information 121 shown in FIG. 4 is stored, so their explanation will be omitted. The opt-out result category indicates which operation button on the operation page the user operated via the terminal device 40. In FIG. 6, the operation page includes at least an operation button for instructing opt-out, which corresponds to result category 1. When this operation button for instructing opt-out is operated, the opt-out result category indicates "1: Opted out." When the operation page is accessed but the corresponding information does not exist in the opt-out list table, "2: Not Found" is displayed. When an unexpected system error occurs for some reason, such as the terminal device 40 being powered off after the operation page is accessed, the opt-out result category indicates "9: Unexpected error." When an access operation is performed on an opt-out URL or an operation is performed on an operation page corresponding to a redirect URL, the distribution server 10 generates opt-out log information 123 based on the distribution information 121 corresponding to the opt-out URL or redirect URL on which the operation was performed.

[0032] 2, the control unit 13 controls the distribution server 10. The control unit 13 includes a distribution information generation unit 130, a distribution control unit 131, a user input reception unit 132, an expiration date acquisition unit 133, a first processing unit 134, a second processing unit 135, and a log generation unit 136.

[0033] The distribution information generation unit 130 generates distribution information 121 and stores it in the storage unit 12. The distribution information generation unit 130 generates distribution information 121 using the distribution information 121 and the details of the outsourcing from the outsourcing business, such as a telephone number as the message destination, the delivery date and time of the message, and a scenario identification key for the message to be sent. When the distribution information generation unit 130 generates a message body in the distribution information 121 containing an identifier {{optout}} indicating that an opt-out URL should be embedded, the distribution information generation unit 130 generates an opt-out URL and a redirect URL and sets a URL expiration date. The distribution information generation unit 130 generates the opt-out URL and the redirect URL using a unique character string for each message, generated by applying shortened URL logic to an arbitrary character string, for example. The distribution information generation unit 130 calculates the URL expiration date by adding a predetermined number of days based on the contract with the outsourcing business to the registration date and time. The delivery information generation unit 130 stores the generated opt-out URL and redirect URL, and the calculated URL expiration date, in a memory. The delivery information 121 may be used as this memory, or a separate storage area from the delivery information 121 may be used. When a separate storage area from the delivery information 121 is used, the opt-out URL and redirect URL are managed as information separate from the delivery information 121 in the message delivery system 1.

[0034] The delivery control unit 131 transmits a delivery request for a message to be sent to the terminal device 40 to the telecommunications carrier server 30. The delivery server 10 generates a delivery request including a destination telephone number, message content, etc. based on information read from the delivery information 121, and transmits the generated delivery request to the telecommunications carrier server 30, thereby requesting the telecommunications carrier server 30 to deliver a message in response to the delivery request to the terminal device 40. Upon receiving the delivery request from the delivery control unit 131 of the delivery server 10, the telecommunications carrier server 30 transmits a message to the terminal device 40, addressed to the telephone number of the terminal device 40, in response to the received delivery request.

[0035] The user input receiving unit 132 receives input from the user notified via the terminal device 40 . The user input accepting unit 132 accepts access to the opt-out page. When the user performs an operation to access the URL of the opt-out page via the terminal device 40, the terminal device 40 notifies the user of the operation by sending an operation input indicating that the URL of the opt-out page has been accessed. The user input accepting unit 132 acquires the operation input notified from the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 11 of the distribution server 10, and outputs the URL corresponding to the acquired operation input to the expiration date acquiring unit 133. Furthermore, the user input accepting unit 132 accepts an operation on the operation page from the terminal device 40. When the user clicks an operation button on the operation page via the terminal device 40, an operation input indicating that the operation button on the operation page has been selected is notified from the terminal device 40 in response to the operation. The user input accepting unit 132 acquires the operation input notified from the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 11 of the distribution server 10, and outputs the acquired operation input to the log generating unit 136.

[0036] In response to access to the opt-out page from the terminal device 40, the expiration date obtaining unit 133 reads out the expiration date associated with the accessed opt-out page from the storage unit 12. When the user input accepting unit 132 accepts access to the opt-out page, the expiration date obtaining unit 133 obtains a URL corresponding to the notification request from the user input accepting unit 132. The expiration date obtaining unit 133 reads out the expiration date (URL expiration date) associated with the opt-out page by referring to the distribution information 121 based on the acquired URL. The expiration date obtaining unit 133 outputs the read-out expiration date to the first processing unit 134 and the second processing unit 135.

[0037] The first processing unit 134 causes the terminal device 40 to display an operation page for performing an opt-out operation according to the expiration date read by the expiration date acquisition unit 133 if the access is made within the expiration date. The first processing unit 134 compares the read expiration date with the date and time at which the user input accepting unit 132 accepted the access to the opt-out page (acceptance date and time). As the acceptance date and time, the first processing unit 134 may use the date and time acquired from the expiration date acquisition unit 133. Alternatively, the date and time at which the user input accepting unit 132 accepted the access to the URL corresponding to the notification request may be output to the first processing unit 134 as the acceptance date and time. In this case, the first processing unit 134 may use the date and time notified from the user input accepting unit 132 as the acceptance date and time. If the acceptance date and time is within the expiration date and time, the first processing unit 134 causes the terminal device 40 to display an operation page in response to the terminal device 40's access to the opt-out page. The first processing unit 134 refers to the distribution information 121 based on the opt-out URL and causes the terminal device 40 to transition to a redirect URL registered in the distribution information 121 in association with the opt-out URL, thereby displaying the operation page on the terminal device 40.

[0038] If the access is made outside the expiration date, the second processing unit 135 causes the terminal device 40 to display an invitation page that enables the user to obtain information regarding opt-out from the entrusting business operator, according to the expiration date read by the expiration date acquisition unit 133. Similar to the first processing unit 134, the second processing unit 135 compares the read-out expiration date with the date and time (acceptance date and time) when the user input accepting unit 132 accepted the access to the opt-out page. If the acceptance date and time is outside the expiration date, the second processing unit 135 causes the terminal device 40 to display a guide page in response to the terminal device 40's access to the opt-out page. The second processing unit 135 identifies the message by referring to the distribution information 121 based on the opt-out URL, thereby identifying the entrusting business operator of the message. The second processing unit 135 reads out the customer site URL and the like as information regarding the entrusting business operator's opt-out from the entrusting business operator information 122 of the identified entrusting business operator, and causes the terminal device 40 to display a page indicating the read-out customer site URL and the like as a guide page.

[0039] In response to the operation page being displayed on the terminal device 40, the log generation unit 136 generates an access history (opt-out log) including whether or not an operation button on the operation page has been operated. The log generation unit 136 converts the opt-out log information 123 into CSV format and extracts the data to generate the opt-out log. The log generation unit 136 provides the opt-out log to the outsourcing business operator by transmitting the opt-out log to the outsourcing business operator server 20. The log generation unit 136 generates an opt-out log for each outsourcing business operator.

[0040] Next, the operation of the message delivery system 1 described above will be described. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation performed by the message delivery system 1. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation performed by the message delivery system 1. Here, an explanation will be given of the operations that are performed on a sent message within the validity period and the operations that are performed outside the validity period.

[0041] <Message delivery action> The outsourcing business entrusts the distribution of the advertising message to a distribution business (step S100 in FIG. 7). The outsourcing business entrusts the distribution of the advertising message to the distribution business by transmitting the entrustment details from the outsourcing business server 20 to the distribution server 10. A entrustment period is set for this entrustment. The distribution server 10 transmits an advertising message with an opt-out URL attached to the terminal device 40 via the telecommunications carrier server 30 (step S101 in FIG. 7). The distribution server 10 generates a unique opt-out URL for each user or message according to the content entrusted by the outsourcing carrier, and sets an expiration date for the generated opt-out URL. The distribution server 10 transmits a message with the generated opt-out URL attached to the terminal device 40. As a result, a message is delivered that allows the user to perform the opt-out procedure by clicking on the opt-out URL in the message.

[0042] <<Actions to be performed within the validity period>> In response to the user's operation of clicking on the opt-out URL, the terminal device 40 transmits an operation input indicating that the opt-out URL has been clicked (pressed) to the distribution server 10 (step S120A in FIG. 7, step S10 in FIG. 8).

[0043] In response to the operation input received from the terminal device 40, the distribution server 10 causes the terminal device 40 to display an operation page (an opt-out dedicated page for each client company constructed by the distribution service provider) (step S103A in FIG. 7, steps S11 to S17 in FIG. 8). When the user input accepting unit 132 of the distribution server 10 accepts an operation input from the terminal device 40, it outputs an opt-out URL corresponding to the operation input to the expiration date acquiring unit 133 (step S11 in FIG. 8). The expiration date acquiring unit 133 of the distribution server 10 refers to the storage unit 12 based on the opt-out URL acquired from the user input accepting unit 132, and reads out the expiration date (URL expiration date) associated with the opt-out URL (steps S12 and S13 in FIG. 8). If the date and time of acceptance when the opt-out URL is accessed is within the URL expiration date, the first processing unit 134 of the distribution server 10 transmits information indicating a URL corresponding to an operation page as redirect destination URL information to the terminal device 40 (step S14 in FIG. 8). The terminal device 40 accesses the redirect destination URL based on the information received from the distribution server 10, and displays the operation page based on the information for displaying the operation page notified by the distribution server 10 in response to the access (steps S15 to S17 in FIG. 8). 8, an example in which an operation page is displayed on the terminal device 40 using the redirect function has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least, it is sufficient that an operation page is displayed on the terminal device 40 in response to access to the opt-out URL within the expiration date.

[0044] When the user performs an operation on the operation page, the terminal device 40 transmits an operation input indicating that the operation page has been operated to the distribution server 10 (step S18 in FIG. 8). When the user input accepting unit 132 of the distribution server 10 accepts an operation input from the terminal device 40, it outputs information indicating the content of the opt-out operation performed in response to the operation input to the log generating unit 136 (step S19 in FIG. 8). The log generating unit 136 of the distribution server 10 generates opt-out log information 123 in response to the operation input and stores it in the storage unit 12 (steps S20 and S21 in FIG. 8). The log generating unit 136 transmits information indicating a URL corresponding to a completion page to the terminal device 40 (step S22 in FIG. 8). The completion page is a Web page indicating that the opt-out procedure has been completed as a process in response to the operation input on the operation page. The terminal device 40 accesses the redirect destination URL based on the information received from the distribution server 10, and displays the operation page based on the information for displaying the completion page notified by the distribution server 10 in response to this access (steps S23 to S25 in FIG. 8).

[0045] <<Actions to be performed outside the expiration date>> In response to the user's operation of clicking on the opt-out URL, the terminal device 40 transmits an operation input indicating that the opt-out URL has been clicked (pressed) to the distribution server 10 (step S102B in FIG. 7, step S30 in FIG. 9).

[0046] In response to the operation input received from the terminal device 40, the distribution server 10 causes the terminal device 40 to display a guidance page (for example, a page of the outsourcing business's opt-out support site) (step S103B in FIG. 7, steps S31 to S37 in FIG. 9). The processing shown in steps S31 to S33 in Fig. 9 is equivalent to the processing shown in steps S11 to S13 in Fig. 9, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. If the date and time of reception when the opt-out URL is accessed is outside the URL expiration date, the second processing unit 135 of the distribution server 10 transmits information indicating a URL corresponding to a guide page as URL information of a redirect destination to the terminal device 40 (step S34 in Fig. 9). The terminal device 40 accesses the URL of the redirect destination based on the information received from the distribution server 10, and displays a guide page based on the information for displaying the guide page notified by the distribution server 10 in response to this access (steps S35 to S37 in Fig. 9). 9, an example in which a guide page is displayed on the terminal device 40 using the redirect function has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least, it is sufficient that a guide page is displayed on the terminal device 40 in response to an access to the opt-out URL outside the expiration date.

[0047] According to the embodiment described above, an expiration date is set for the opt-out URL, and if the opt-out URL is accessed outside the expiration date, a navigation page that enables the user to obtain information about opt-out from the outsourcing business operator is displayed on the terminal device 40. This allows the user to obtain information about opt-out from the outsourcing business operator even if the outsourcing period has expired and the distribution business operator is no longer able to carry out the opt-out procedure on the user's behalf.

[0048] Furthermore, the second processing unit 135 of the distribution server 10 displays a guidance page on the terminal device 40 without displaying an operation page. This prevents the distribution company from accepting an opt-out procedure from a user even though the entrusted period has passed and the distribution company is no longer able to carry out the opt-out procedure on behalf of the user.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the operation page includes an operation button that is operated when opting out. The distribution server 10 further includes a log generation unit 136. The log generation unit 136 generates an operation history, including whether or not the operation button was operated, in response to the operation page being displayed on the terminal device 40. This makes it possible to generate a log of opt-out-related operations performed by the user (opt-out log), and to explore user trends, such as the timing at which users tend to perform opt-out procedures.

[0050] In addition, the distribution server 10 generates an opt-out log for each outsourcing business. By generating an opt-out log for each outsourcing business, user behavior regarding outsourced message distribution can be reported to the outsourcing business. Based on the opt-out log, the outsourcing business can identify users who have completed the opt-out procedure during the outsourcing period, allowing the outsourcing business to take care not to send advertising messages to those users. Furthermore, based on the opt-out log, the outsourcing business can identify user behavior and revise the content of messages or reschedule delivery dates and times in accordance with the identified behavior, thereby improving delivery to make it more user-friendly.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, an operation page is generated for each of the entrusting businesses. The first processing unit 134 causes the terminal device 40 to display an operation page corresponding to the entrusting business in accordance with the opt-out page accessed from the terminal device 40. This makes it easier for a distribution business that receives entrustments from multiple entrusting businesses to handle the opt-out procedures for each of the entrusting businesses.

[0052] Furthermore, the distribution server 10 may display on the opt-out page a mark identifying the outsourcing business operator of the message distributed to the terminal device 40, such as the name of the outsourcing business operator, the logo of the outsourcing business operator, etc. This allows a user viewing the opt-out page to confirm at a glance the outsourcing business operator for which the user is attempting to complete the opt-out procedure.

[0053] The above description has been given with an example of a case where a message is delivered using a message service that uses a telephone number as the destination, but this is not limiting. The delivery server 10 is a message notification means used for a service that delivers at least advertisements and promotions that are subject to opt-out, and any message notification means may be used as long as it is capable of delivering a message with an opt-out URL. For example, the delivery server 10 may deliver messages using message notification means such as email or SNS (social networking service).

[0054] The message delivery system 1 and delivery server 10 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented in whole or in part by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing the functions may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include devices that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or telephone lines, or devices that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client. The program may be designed to implement some of the functions described above, or may be capable of implementing the functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system, or may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA.

[0055] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1. Message delivery system 10...Distribution server 20...Outsourcing company server 30...Telecommunications carrier server 40...Terminal device 11...Communications Department 12...Storage section 13...Control unit 120...Message information 121...Distribution information 122...Consignor information 123...Opt-out log information 130...Distribution information generation unit 131...Distribution control unit 132...User input reception unit 133...Expiration date acquisition section 134...First processing section 135...Second processing section 136...Log generation unit

Claims

1. A message distribution system in which a distribution company distributes messages in response to a request from a consignor company, a storage unit that stores an opt-out page and an expiration date, the opt-out page being provided for each user corresponding to the destination of the message, in association with each other; a delivery control unit that transmits an opt-out message, which is a message entrusted by the entrusting business operator and to which the URL of the opt-out page has been added, to the terminal device of the user; an expiration date obtaining unit that reads out an expiration date associated with the accessed opt-out page from the storage unit in response to the opt-out page being accessed from the terminal device; a first processing unit that displays, on the terminal device, an operation page for performing an opt-out operation if the access is made within the expiration date according to the read expiration date; a second processing unit that displays, on the terminal device, a guidance page that allows the user to obtain information regarding opt-out by the entrusting business operator if the access is made outside the expiration date according to the read expiration date; and A message delivery system comprising:

2. the operation page includes an operation button to be operated when opting out, a log generating unit configured to generate an operation history including whether or not the operation button has been operated in response to the operation page being displayed on the terminal device; The message delivery system of claim 1 .

3. the operation page is generated for each of the outsourcing businesses, the first processing unit causes the terminal device to display the operation page corresponding to the entrusting business operator according to the accessed opt-out page; The message delivery system of claim 1 .

4. A message distribution method performed by a message distribution system in which a distribution company distributes messages in response to a request from a consignor company, a storage unit stores an opt-out page provided for each user corresponding to the destination of the message in association with the expiration date; a delivery control unit that transmits an opt-out message to the user's terminal device, the opt-out message being a message entrusted by the entrusting business operator and including the URL of the opt-out page; an expiration date obtaining unit, in response to the terminal device accessing the opt-out page, reads out an expiration date associated with the accessed opt-out page from the storage unit; a first processing unit that displays, on the terminal device, an operation page for performing an opt-out operation if the access is made within the expiration date according to the read expiration date; a second processing unit, in accordance with the read-out expiration date, causing the terminal device to display a guidance page that enables the user to obtain information regarding opt-out by the entrusting business operator if the access is made outside the expiration date; Message delivery method.

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