Server device, service providing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a server device, and the like, configured to allow a user to experience a service without violating terms of use, even if the user has not been registered yet.SOLUTION: A determination unit 241 determines whether a user terminal has already signed in to a service. An acquisition unit 242 acquires, when the sign-in of the user terminal is determined, legitimate position information indicating a position of the user terminal, and acquires, when it is determined that the user terminal has not signed in, dummy position information which is irrelevant to the position of the user terminal. A generation unit 243 generates content (e.g., digital flyer) based on the legitimate position information or the dummy position information. An addition unit 244 adds notice information indicating being based on the dummy position information only when the user terminal has not signed in. The presentation unit 245 presents, to the user terminal, the content generated by the generation unit 243 or the content with the notice information added by the addition unit 244.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a service providing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various services that can provide a user terminal with content carefully selected according to the user's current location have become widespread. For example, a service that provides digital flyers (electronic flyers) informing users of special sales at brick-and-mortar stores acquires location information indicating the current location of the user terminal from the user terminal or from a communications infrastructure (for example, a mobile communications base station).The service then identifies nearby stores based on the location information and provides the user terminal with digital flyers for the identified stores.

[0003] As an example of such a service, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention of an information processing system that can provide product prices in a comparable manner for digital flyers from multiple stores close to the current location of a user terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-18266 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to use services that utilize the location information of users (user terminals), including the information processing system described in Patent Document 1 above, it is necessary for users to agree to the terms of use from the perspective of protecting personal information. For example, when a service is provided through a dedicated app (application), when a user registers through the dedicated app, the user is presented with terms of use that state that location information from the user's device will be acquired in order to provide the service. By agreeing to these terms of use, user registration is complete, and users who sign in through the dedicated app can use the service.

[0006] Before signing up, many users wanted to try out the app to get a feel for what the service was like. However, as mentioned above, currently, users cannot experience the service using the dedicated app unless they register as a user (sign in).

[0007] As a result, many users installed the dedicated app on their devices, but when they realized that they could not experience the service with just the app, they deleted the app without registering as a user, which prevented the service from becoming more widespread.

[0008] Given this situation, there was a need for technology that would allow users to experience the service even before registering (even if they were not signed in) without violating the terms of use, thereby encouraging them to register.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a server device, a service providing method, and a program that allow users to experience a service without violating the terms of use, even before user registration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A server device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: A server device that provides a service that allows a user to sign in from a user terminal, a determination unit that determines whether the user terminal has already signed in to the service; an acquisition unit that acquires regular location information indicating a location of the user terminal when the determination unit determines that the user has signed in, and acquires dummy location information unrelated to the location of the user terminal when the determination unit determines that the user has not signed in; a generation unit that generates content based on the regular location information or the dummy location information acquired by the acquisition unit; an adding unit that adds notification information to the content generated by the generating unit, the notification information indicating that the content is based on the dummy location information, only when the determining unit determines that the user has not signed in; a presentation unit that presents, on the user terminal, the content generated by the generation unit or the content to which the notification information has been added by the addition unit; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0011] In addition, in the server device according to the above aspect, The acquisition unit may acquire, as the dummy location information, location information randomly selected from a predetermined group of location information.

[0012] Furthermore, the server device according to the above aspect comprises: a reception unit that receives a designated area designated from the user terminal; The acquisition unit may acquire, as the dummy location information, location information corresponding to the designated area accepted by the acceptance unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the server device according to the above aspect comprises: The system further includes a counting unit that counts the frequency of each designated area received by the receiving unit within a recent predetermined period, The acquisition unit may select one of the designated areas based on the counting result by the counting unit, and acquire location information indicating the selected designated area as the dummy location information.

[0014] A service providing method according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: A service providing method executed by a server device that provides a service that allows a user terminal to sign in, comprising: a determining step of determining whether the user terminal has signed in to the service; an acquisition step of acquiring regular location information indicating the location of the user terminal when it is determined in the determination step that the user has signed in, and acquiring dummy location information unrelated to the location of the user terminal when it is determined in the determination step that the user has not signed in; a generating step of generating content based on the regular location information or the dummy location information acquired in the acquiring step; an adding step of adding notification information to the content generated in the generating step, the notification information indicating that the content is based on the dummy location information, only when it is determined in the determining step that the user has not signed in; a presenting step of presenting, to the user terminal, the content generated in the generating step or the content to which the notification information has been added in the adding step; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0015] A program according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises: A computer that provides a service that allows users to sign in from their terminals. a determination unit that determines whether the user terminal has already signed in to the service; an acquisition unit that acquires regular location information indicating a location of the user terminal when the determination unit determines that the user has signed in, and acquires dummy location information unrelated to the location of the user terminal when the determination unit determines that the user has not signed in; a generation unit that generates content based on the regular location information or the dummy location information acquired by the acquisition unit; an adding unit that adds, to the content generated by the generating unit, notification information that notifies the user that the content is based on the dummy location information only when the determining unit determines that the user has not signed in; a presentation unit that presents, on the user terminal, the content generated by the generation unit or the content to which the notification information has been added by the addition unit; The present invention is characterized in that it functions as a

[0016] The above program may be distributed or sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. Furthermore, the information recording medium on which the above program is recorded is a non-transitory recording medium and can be distributed and sold independently of the computer. Here, a non-transitory recording medium refers to a tangible recording medium. Examples of non-transitory recording media include compact discs, flexible disks, hard disks, magneto-optical disks, digital video disks, magnetic tapes, and semiconductor memories. A transitory recording medium refers to the transmission medium (propagation signal) itself. Examples of transitory recording media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. A temporary storage area is an area for temporarily storing data and programs, such as volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory). [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, a user can experience a service without violating the terms of use even before user registration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a typical information processing device in which a server device or the like according to an embodiment of the present invention is realized; [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of flyer management information. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of session management information. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a flyer screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a flyer screen to which notification information is added. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a digital flyer distribution process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a digital flyer distribution process according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the embodiment of the present invention, a digital flyer (electronic flyer) will be described as an example of content provided in response to location information. However, the present invention is not limited to such digital flyers and can also be applied to cases where other content such as local news, local topics, and local songs is provided in response to location information. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, a case where a dedicated app (application) is used to present content on a user terminal will be described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to cases where a general-purpose app such as a browser is used instead of such a dedicated app. In other words, the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, a person skilled in the art may adopt embodiments in which each or all of the elements are replaced with equivalents, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0020] (Overall composition) The information providing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a system for realizing a service that provides users with content (for example, digital flyers) according to location information, and is configured to include a server device 200 and a user terminal 300, as shown in FIG. 1. The server device 200 and the user terminal 300 are communicably connected via the Internet 900. Although only a few user terminals 300 are shown in Fig. 1, this is for ease of understanding the invention, and in reality, a huge number of user terminals 300 are included depending on the number of users.

[0021] The server device 200 is, for example, a server computer, and acquires location information of a signed-in user terminal 300, and provides the user terminal 300 with digital flyers of stores located near the user terminal 300. Note that, as will be described later, the server device 200 does not acquire location information of a user terminal 300 that has not signed in, but acquires location information indicating a dummy location, and provides the user terminal 300 with digital flyers of stores located near the dummy location.

[0022] The user terminal 300 is, for example, a smartphone equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, and is used by a user who wishes to use the digital flyer service. Note that, as will be described later, if location information of the user terminal 300 can be obtained from a mobile communication base station or the like, the user terminal 300 may be a tablet terminal or a notebook PC (Personal Computer) that does not have a GPS function. A dedicated application for viewing digital flyers is installed on user terminal 300. It is assumed that the users of user terminal 300 include both users who have agreed to the terms of use and completed user registration, and users who have not completed user registration (have not agreed to the terms of use). Therefore, a user who has completed user registration can use the service after starting the dedicated app on the user terminal 300 and signing in. On the other hand, a user who has not completed user registration can use the service after starting the dedicated app on the user terminal 300 and without signing in.

[0023] (General configuration of information processing device) A typical information processing device 400 in which the server device 200 according to this embodiment is realized will be described.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 400 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 404, an image processing unit 405, an audio processing unit 406, an auxiliary memory unit 407, an interface 408, an operation unit 409, a display unit 410, and a positioning unit 411.

[0025] The CPU 401 controls the overall operation of the information processing device 400, and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data.

[0026] The ROM 402 stores an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after power is turned on. When this IPL is executed, a program stored in the auxiliary memory unit 407 is read into the RAM 403, and the CPU 401 begins executing the program.

[0027] The RAM 403 is used to temporarily store data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the auxiliary storage unit 407, as well as other data necessary for communication.

[0028] The NIC 404 is used to connect the information processing device 400 to a computer communication network such as the Internet, and may be configured as a 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used in configuring a LAN (Local Area Network), an analog modem for connecting to the Internet using a telephone line, an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modem, an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem, or a cable modem for connecting to the Internet using a cable television line.

[0029] The image processing unit 405 processes image data read from the auxiliary storage unit 407 or the like using an image calculation processor (not shown) provided in the CPU 401 or the image processing unit 405, and then records this in a frame memory (not shown) provided in the image processing unit 405. The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronous timing and output to the display unit 410 via the interface 408 or the like. In other words, under the control of the CPU 401, the image processing unit 405 generates images required in the progress of processing performed by the information processing device 400, and displays the images on the display unit 410.

[0030] The audio processing unit 406 converts audio data read from the auxiliary storage unit 407 or the like into an audio signal and outputs it to an external speaker via the interface 408. In other words, under the control of the CPU 401, the audio processing unit 406 generates audio to be generated during the progress of processing performed by the information processing device 400 and outputs the audio from the speaker.

[0031] The auxiliary storage unit 407 is a hard disk or the like, and stores various programs and various data necessary for controlling the overall operation of the information processing device 400. For example, the auxiliary storage unit 407 stores a program for realizing the server device 200 according to this embodiment. Then, under the control of the CPU 401, the auxiliary storage unit 407 reads out the stored programs and data as appropriate, and temporarily stores them in the RAM 403 or the like.

[0032] An operation unit 409 and a display unit 410 are connected to the interface 408. The interface 408 may also transmit and receive necessary information to and from other connected external devices.

[0033] The operation unit 409 accepts operation inputs from a worker or the like who uses the information processing device 400 .

[0034] The display unit 410 renders an image according to the image data output by the image processing unit 405 and displays it to a worker or the like who uses the information processing device 400 .

[0035] The positioning unit 411 receives, for example, GPS signals transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites, and measures the current position of the information processing device 400 at predetermined intervals. Instead of using such a GPS signal, the positioning unit 411 may measure the current position of the information processing device 400 using the radio wave strength (reception strength, etc.) from a plurality of base stations.

[0036] Additionally, the information processing device 400 may be provided with a drive unit such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM instead of the auxiliary storage unit 407. In this case, the information processing device 400 reads out programs and data from a DVD-ROM or the like that is loaded into the drive unit, and operates in the same manner as described above.

[0037] (Embodiment 1) The functional configuration of the server device 200 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 7. The server device 200 is realized by the information processing device 400. For example, when the information processing device 400 is powered on, a program that causes the information processing device 400 to function as the server device 200 is executed, thereby realizing the server device 200 according to the first embodiment. The user terminal 300 is also realized by an information processing device 400, but a description thereof will be omitted and the server device 200, which is the most distinctive feature of the first embodiment, will be described below.

[0038] (Functional configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment) 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 200 according to embodiment 1. As shown in the figure, the server device 200 includes a receiving unit 210, a transmitting unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a control unit 240.

[0039] The receiving unit 210 receives various information sent from the user terminal 300 . For example, the receiving unit 210 receives request information sent from the user terminal 300 requesting a flyer screen (a screen for viewing a digital flyer).

[0040] The above-mentioned NIC 404 or the like can function as such a receiving unit 210.

[0041] The transmitting unit 220 is controlled by the control unit 240 and transmits necessary information to the user terminal 300 . For example, the transmission unit 220 is controlled by the control unit 240 (presentation unit 245, which will be described later) to transmit a flyer screen to the user terminal 300.

[0042] The above-mentioned NIC 404 or the like can function as such a transmitting unit 220.

[0043] The storage unit 230 stores various information for providing a digital flyer to the user terminal 300. For example, the storage unit 230 stores flyer management information 231 and session management information 232.

[0044] First, flyer management information 231 is information for managing digital flyers to be distributed according to location information (either regular location information, which will be described later, or dummy location information). Specifically, flyer management information 231 includes flyer ID 231a, distribution period 231b, distribution destination 231c, and store ID 231d, as shown in FIG.

[0045] The flyer ID 231a is identification information for identifying the digital flyer. The data constituting the digital flyer is stored in the storage unit 230 in association with the flyer ID 231a.

[0046] Distribution period 231b is information that specifies the period (start date and end date) during which the digital flyer is distributed. Note that distribution period 231b may also specify the start time and end time.

[0047] Distribution destination 231c is information that specifies the target area for distributing the digital flyer. Note that instead of specifying an area in this way, distribution destination 231c may be an area specified by latitude and longitude (for example, a rectangular area or a circular area).

[0048] Store ID 231d is identification information for identifying a store that requests distribution of a digital flyer. Information about such a store is also stored in storage unit 230 in association with store ID 231d.

[0049] Next, the session management information 232 is information for managing a series of communications between the user terminal 300 and the server device 200. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the session management information 232 includes a session ID 232a, a user ID 232b, an authentication status 232c, a regular position 232d, and a dummy position 232e.

[0050] The session ID 232a is identification information for identifying a session between the user terminal 300 and the server device 200. The session ID 232a is assigned when a session between the user terminal 300 and the server device 200 is established.

[0051] The user ID 232b is identification information for identifying a user who has registered. Note that an ID is not assigned to a user who has not registered, and therefore the user ID 232b is left blank. Furthermore, even for a user who has registered, the user ID 232b is left blank if the user has not signed in. Furthermore, information about the user who has registered is stored in the storage unit 230 in association with this user ID 232b.

[0052] The authentication status 232c is information indicating whether the user is signed in. For example, when the user is authenticated by the ID and password entered from the user terminal 300 where the user registration has been performed, the authentication status 232c becomes "signed in."

[0053] The regular location 232d is location information indicating the current location of the user terminal 300. For example, location information acquired from the user terminal 300 by the control unit 240 (the acquisition unit 242, which will be described later) is set as this regular location 232d.

[0054] The dummy position 232e is position information different from (unrelated to) the actual current position of the user terminal 300. For example, position information randomly acquired from a predetermined group of position information by the control unit 240 (the acquisition unit 242, which will be described later) is set as this dummy position 232e.

[0055] In addition, storage unit 230 stores data (images, text, etc.) that constitutes a digital flyer. The storage unit 230 also stores a group of position information (for example, a collection of standard position information corresponding to each region) used to select a dummy position, which will be described later. Furthermore, the storage unit 230 also stores a dummy position flag for determining whether or not the position is a dummy position, which will be described later.

[0056] The above-mentioned auxiliary storage unit 407 or the like can function as such a storage unit 230.

[0057] 3, the control unit 240 controls the entire server device 200. The control unit 240 includes, for example, a determination unit 241, an acquisition unit 242, a generation unit 243, an addition unit 244, and a presentation unit 245.

[0058] The determination unit 241 determines whether the user terminal 300 has already signed in to a service that distributes digital flyers. For example, the discrimination unit 241 refers to the session management information 232 shown in Figure 5 described above, and determines that the user terminal 300 has signed in if "Signed in" is set in the authentication status 232c in a session with the user terminal 300 (corresponding to the session ID 232a), and determines that the user terminal 300 has not signed in if "Signed in" is not set (e.g., if it is blank). In addition, when the authentication status 232c is not managed in the session management information 232 shown in FIG. 5, the discrimination unit 241 may determine whether the user terminal 300 has signed in or not depending on whether the user ID 232b is blank or not.

[0059] The acquisition unit 242 acquires location information about the user terminal 300 . For example, when the determination unit 241 determines that the user terminal 300 has already signed in, the acquisition unit 242 acquires location information (regular location information) indicating the current location of the user terminal 300 from the user terminal 300. Note that the acquisition unit 242 may acquire the location information of the user terminal 300 from a mobile communication base station or the like, rather than from the user terminal 300. Furthermore, when the determination unit 241 determines that the user terminal 300 has not signed in (is not signed in), the acquisition unit 242 acquires dummy location information. For example, location information randomly selected from a group of location information stored in the storage unit 230 (for example, a collection of standard location information corresponding to each region) is acquired as the dummy location information.

[0060] The generation unit 243 generates a flyer screen based on the location information (regular location information or dummy location information) acquired by the acquisition unit 242. For example, when the generation unit 243 identifies the area corresponding to the location information acquired by the acquisition unit 242, it refers to the flyer management information 231 shown in Figure 4 described above, reads out flyer data from the storage unit 230 in which the identified area is included in the distribution destination 231c and in which today is the distribution period 231b, and generates a flyer screen. Specifically, the generation unit 243 generates a flyer screen TG1 as shown in Fig. 6. On this flyer screen TG1, nearby stores are shown by icons IC1 to IC3, and recommended products are shown by product information SJ. Note that the product information SJ in Fig. 6 shows recommended products at the store (XX Electric) indicated by icon IC2, but when icon IC1 or icon IC2 is touched, it switches to recommended products at the store that was touched.

[0061] Returning to Figure 3, the addition unit 244 adds notification information to the flyer screen generated by the generation unit 243, informing the user that the information is based on a dummy position, only if the above-mentioned determination unit 241 determines that the user has not signed in. Specifically, the adding unit 244 adds the notification information KJ to a flyer screen TG2 as shown in Fig. 7. Note that the notification information KJ shown in Fig. 7 is an example, and other text may be used to notify that the information is based on the position of a dummy. Furthermore, the adding unit 244 may change the saturation or brightness of the flyer screen TG2 to notify that the information is based on the position of a dummy.

[0062] Returning to FIG. 3, the presentation unit 245 presents, to the user terminal 300, the flyer screen generated by the generation unit 243 described above, or the flyer screen to which the notification information has been added by the addition unit 244 described above. That is, when a flyer screen is generated based on regular location information, the presentation unit 245 presents a flyer screen TG1 as shown in Fig. 6 to the user terminal 300. Conversely, when a flyer screen is generated based on dummy location information, the presentation unit 245 presents a flyer screen TG2 to which notification information KJ is added as shown in Fig. 7 to the user terminal 300.

[0063] The above-mentioned CPU 401 and the like can function as the control unit 240 having such a configuration.

[0064] (Operation of the Server Device According to the First Embodiment) The operation of server device 200 according to the first embodiment having such a configuration will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of digital flyer distribution processing executed by server device 200. This digital flyer distribution processing is started in response to access from user terminal 300, for example.

[0065] First, the server device 200 determines whether or not a flyer screen has been requested from the user terminal 300 (step S11). That is, the control unit 240 determines whether or not a flyer screen has been requested from the user terminal 300 that is running the dedicated application. When the server device 200 determines that there has been no request for a flyer screen from the user terminal 300 (step S11; No), the server device 200 waits until there is a request for a flyer screen.

[0066] On the other hand, when it is determined that a request for a flyer screen has been made from the user terminal 300 (step S11; Yes), the server device 200 determines whether or not the user has signed in (step S12). For example, the control unit 240 (determination unit 241) refers to the session management information 232 shown in FIG. 5, and determines that the user has signed in if the authentication status 232c in the session with the user terminal 300 is set to "signed in," and determines that the user has not signed in if "signed in" is not set.

[0067] When the server device 200 determines that the user terminal 300 has already signed in (step S12; Yes), it turns off the dummy location flag (step S13). That is, since the user has already signed in (because the user has agreed to the terms of use and has completed user registration), the control unit 240 resets the dummy location flag and sets the state to one in which dummy location information is not used (normal location information is used).

[0068] The server device 200 acquires the location information from the user terminal 300 (step S14). That is, the control unit 240 (acquisition unit 242) acquires location information (regular location information) indicating the current location of the user terminal 300 from the user terminal 300. Note that the control unit 240 may acquire the location information of the user terminal 300 from a mobile communication base station or the like, rather than from the user terminal 300.

[0069] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S12 that the user terminal 300 has not signed in (step S12; No), the server device 200 turns on the dummy location flag (step S15). That is, since the user has not signed in (it is considered that the user has not agreed to the terms of use and has not completed user registration), the control unit 240 sets the dummy location flag and sets the state to use dummy location information.

[0070] The server device 200 acquires randomly selected location information (step S16). That is, the control unit 240 (acquisition unit 242) acquires location information randomly selected from the group of location information stored in the storage unit 230 as dummy location information.

[0071] The server device 200 identifies the area corresponding to the location information (step S17). That is, the control unit 240 identifies to which area the location information (regular location information or dummy location information) acquired in step S14 or step S16 described above corresponds.

[0072] Server device 200 collects flyer data with matching distribution periods and distribution destinations from storage unit 230, and generates a flyer screen (step S18). For example, the control unit 240 (generation unit 243) refers to the flyer management information 231 shown in Figure 4, reads out from the memory unit 230 flyer data in which the area identified in step S17 above is included in the distribution destination 231c and today is in the distribution period 231b, and generates a flyer screen. Specifically, the control unit 240 generates a flyer screen TG1 as shown in FIG.

[0073] The server device 200 determines whether the dummy position flag is ON or not (step S19). That is, the control unit 240 determines whether or not dummy position information is being used.

[0074] If the server device 200 determines that the dummy position flag is not ON (is OFF) (step S19; No), the server device 200 proceeds to step S21, which will be described later.

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined that the dummy position flag is ON (step S19; Yes), the server device 200 adds notification information to the flyer screen (step S20). That is, the control unit 240 (addition unit 244) adds notification information to notify that the position is based on the dummy position to the flyer screen generated in step S18 above. Specifically, the control unit 240 adds notification information KJ to a flyer screen TG2 as shown in Fig. 7. Note that the notification information KJ shown in Fig. 7 is an example, and other text may be used to notify that the information is based on the position of a dummy. Furthermore, the control unit 240 may change the saturation or brightness of the flyer screen TG2 to notify that the information is based on the position of a dummy.

[0076] The server device 200 presents the flyer on the user terminal 300 (step S21). That is, the control unit 240 (presentation unit 245) presents to the user terminal 300 the flyer screen as generated in the above-mentioned step S18, or the flyer screen to which the notification information has been added in the above-mentioned step S20. That is, when a flyer screen is generated based on regular location information, the control unit 240 presents a flyer screen TG1 as shown in Fig. 6 to the user terminal 300. Conversely, when a flyer screen is generated based on dummy location information, the control unit 240 presents a flyer screen TG2 to which notification information KJ has been added as shown in Fig. 7 to the user terminal 300.

[0077] This digital flyer distribution process allows users who have not yet registered to try out the dedicated app to get a feel for what the actual digital flyer service is like. Since the location information of the user (user device) is not used, the service can be provided without violating the terms of use. This will hopefully encourage users who experience the service and are convinced to register.

[0078] As a result, even before user registration, users can experience the service without violating the terms of use.

[0079] (Embodiment 2) In the above-described embodiment 1, we have explained the case where the server device 200 randomly selects a location from a predetermined group of location information when the user is not signed in, but it is also possible to allow a user who is not signed in to freely select a region (dummy location). Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described, which is characterized in that a user who has not signed in can arbitrarily specify a region.

[0080] (Functional configuration of the server device according to the second embodiment) 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 200 according to embodiment 2. As shown in the figure, the server device 200 includes a receiving unit 210, a transmitting unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a control unit 250. The receiving unit 210, the transmitting unit 220, and the storage unit 230 have the same configuration as the server device 200 shown in FIG.

[0081] The control unit 250 includes, for example, a determination unit 241, a reception unit 251, an acquisition unit 252, a generation unit 243, an addition unit 244, and a presentation unit 253. The determination unit 241, the generation unit 243, and the addition unit 244 have the same configuration as the control unit 240 shown in FIG.

[0082] The receiving unit 251 receives an area selected arbitrarily from the user terminal 300. For example, if the determining unit 241 determines that the user has not signed in, the presenting unit 253 presents a selection screen on the user terminal 300, and the accepting unit 251 accepts the region selected on the selection screen. Specifically, the presentation unit 253 presents a selection screen SG as shown in Fig. 10 on the user terminal 300. On this selection screen SG, for example, cities and wards are represented by icons IC4 to IC6, and each area constituting the city or ward is represented by area information TJ. Note that the area information TJ in Fig. 10 indicates seven areas (areas A to F) constituting the city or ward (XX City) of icon IC5, but when icon IC4 or icon IC6 is touched, it switches to the area constituting the city or ward that was touched. When the selection button BT of any of the regions in the region information TJ is touched, the accepting unit 251 accepts the region as selected from the user terminal 300.

[0083] 9, when the determination unit 241 determines that the user terminal 300 has already signed in, the acquisition unit 252 acquires location information (regular location information) indicating the current location of the user terminal 300 from the user terminal 300, similar to the acquisition unit 242 in Fig. 3. Note that the acquisition unit 252 may acquire the location information of the user terminal 300 from a mobile communication base station or the like, rather than from the user terminal 300. Furthermore, when the determination unit 241 determines that the user terminal 300 has not signed in, the acquisition unit 252 acquires standard location information corresponding to the area accepted by the acceptance unit 251 described above.

[0084] As described above, when the determining unit 241 determines that the user has not signed in, the presenting unit 253 presents the selection screen SG shown in FIG. In addition, the presentation unit 253, like the presentation unit 245 in Figure 3, presents to the user terminal 300 the flyer screen generated by the generation unit 243 or the flyer screen to which notification information has been added by the addition unit 244.

[0085] The above-mentioned CPU 401 and the like can function as the control unit 250 having such a configuration.

[0086] (Operation of the Server Device According to the Second Embodiment) The operation of server device 200 according to the second embodiment having such a configuration will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of digital flyer distribution processing executed by server device 200. Note that the digital flyer distribution processing in Fig. 11 is obtained by deleting step S16 from the digital flyer distribution processing shown in Fig. 8 described above, and instead adding steps S31 to S33. Therefore, in the following description, processing that has the same content as the digital flyer distribution processing in Fig. 8 will be described briefly.

[0087] First, the server device 200 determines whether or not a flyer screen request has been made from the user terminal 300 (step S11), and if it determines that a flyer screen request has not been made (step S11; No), it waits until a flyer screen request is made.

[0088] On the other hand, when it is determined that a request for a flyer screen has been made from the user terminal 300 (step S11; Yes), the server device 200 determines whether or not the user has signed in (step S12).

[0089] When the server device 200 determines that the user terminal 300 has already signed in (step S12; Yes), the server device 200 turns off the dummy location flag (step S13) and acquires location information from the user terminal 300 (step S14).

[0090] On the other hand, if it is determined that the user terminal 300 has not signed in (step S12; No), the server device 200 presents a selection screen to the user terminal 300 for selecting a region (step S31). For example, the control unit 250 (presentation unit 253) presents a selection screen SG as shown in FIG.

[0091] The server device 200 determines whether or not a selection has been made on the selection screen (step S32). If the server device 200 determines that no selection has been made (step S32; No), the server device 200 waits until a selection is made.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined that a selection has been made (step S32; Yes), the server device 200 turns on the dummy position flag (step S15).

[0093] The server device 200 acquires location information corresponding to the selected area (step S33). For example, the control unit 250 (acquisition unit 252) acquires standard location information corresponding to the area selected in step S32.

[0094] Server device 200 identifies the area corresponding to the location information (step S17), collects flyer data with matching distribution period and distribution destination from storage unit 230, and generates a flyer screen (step S18).

[0095] The server device 200 determines whether the dummy position flag is ON (step S19), and if it determines that the dummy position flag is not ON (step S19; No), the server device 200 proceeds to the process of step S21.

[0096] On the other hand, if it is determined that the dummy position flag is ON (step S19; Yes), the server device 200 adds notification information to the flyer screen (step S20).

[0097] Then, the server device 200 presents the flyer on the user terminal 300 (step S21).

[0098] This digital flyer distribution process allows users to try out the dedicated app even before they register, allowing them to experience what the actual digital flyer service is like. Because location information corresponding to the area where the user is located is used, the service can be provided without violating the terms of use. This will hopefully encourage users who experience the service and are convinced to register.

[0099] As a result, even before user registration, users can experience the service without violating the terms of use.

[0100] In the digital flyer distribution process of Figure 11 described above, after obtaining location information corresponding to the area in step S33, the area corresponding to the location information is identified in step S17, so this can be said to be a somewhat redundant process. Therefore, step S33 may be deleted, and the process may proceed from step S15 to step S18 (skipping step S17).

[0101] (Other embodiments) In the above-described second embodiment, the case where the area received from the user terminal 300 is used only as the dummy location of that user has been described, but it may also be possible to use it as the dummy location of other users. For example, the storage unit 230 may be configured to sequentially accumulate and store the regions received from the user terminal 300. A counting unit may be further added to the control unit 250 to count the received regions. More specifically, the counting unit counts the frequency of each region that has been accepted by the accepting unit 251 within the most recent predetermined period. Then, the acquiring unit 252 selects one of the regions based on the counting result by the counting unit. For example, the acquiring unit 252 selects the city area that has received the most calls within a predetermined period. Finally, the acquiring unit 252 acquires location information indicating the selected region as dummy location information.

[0102] In this case, once the number of areas received from multiple user terminals 300 has reached a certain level, the popular areas become clear, and the service can be provided using the popular areas as dummy locations even if the user does not specify an area.

[0103] In the above embodiments 1 and 2, digital flyers were described as an example of content to be provided in response to location information, but this is not limited to digital flyers and can also be applied to providing other content such as local news, local topics, and local songs in response to location information.

[0104] In addition, in the above embodiments 1 and 2, an example was described in which a dedicated app is used to present a digital flyer on a user terminal, but the present invention can also be applied to the case in which a general-purpose app such as a browser is used instead of using such a dedicated app.

[0105] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a server device, a service providing method, and a program that allow a user to experience a service without violating the terms of use, even before user registration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 100 Information Provision System 200 Server device 210 Receiving unit 220 Transmitter 230 Storage section 231 Flyer Management Information 232 Session Management Information 240,250 Control unit 241 Discrimination part 242,252 Acquisition Department 243 Generation part 244 Additional Section 245,253 Presentation section 251 Reception Department 300 User Terminals 400 Information processing equipment 401 CPU 402 ROM 403 RAM 404 NIC 405 Image Processing Unit 406 Audio Processing Unit 407 Auxiliary storage 408 Interface 409 Operation Unit 410 Display Unit 411 Positioning Unit 900 Internet

Claims

1. A server device that provides a service that allows a user to sign in from a user terminal, a determination unit that determines whether the user terminal has already signed in to the service; an acquisition unit that acquires regular location information indicating a location of the user terminal when the determination unit determines that the user has signed in, and acquires dummy location information unrelated to the location of the user terminal when the determination unit determines that the user has not signed in; a generation unit that generates content based on the regular location information or the dummy location information acquired by the acquisition unit; an adding unit that adds notification information to the content generated by the generating unit, the notification information indicating that the content is based on the dummy location information, only when the determining unit determines that the user has not signed in; a presentation unit that presents, on the user terminal, the content generated by the generation unit or the content to which the notification information has been added by the addition unit; A server device comprising:

2. the acquiring unit acquires location information randomly selected from a predetermined group of location information as the dummy location information; 2. The server device according to claim 1.

3. a reception unit that receives a designated area designated from the user terminal; the acquiring unit acquires, as the dummy location information, location information corresponding to the designated area accepted by the accepting unit.

2. The server device according to claim 1.

4. The system further includes a counting unit that counts the frequency of each designated area received by the receiving unit within a recent predetermined period, the acquiring unit selects one of the designated areas based on the counting result by the counting unit, and acquires location information indicating the selected designated area as the dummy location information; 4. The server device according to claim 3.

5. A service providing method executed by a server device that provides a service that allows a user terminal to sign in, comprising: a determining step of determining whether the user terminal has signed in to the service; an acquisition step of acquiring regular location information indicating the location of the user terminal when it is determined in the determination step that the user has signed in, and acquiring dummy location information unrelated to the location of the user terminal when it is determined in the determination step that the user has not signed in; a generating step of generating content based on the regular location information or the dummy location information acquired in the acquiring step; an adding step of adding notification information to the content generated in the generating step, the notification information indicating that the content is based on the dummy location information, only when it is determined in the determining step that the user has not signed in; a presenting step of presenting, to the user terminal, the content generated in the generating step or the content to which the notification information has been added in the adding step; A service providing method comprising:

6. A computer that provides a service that allows users to sign in from their terminals. a determination unit that determines whether the user terminal has already signed in to the service; an acquisition unit that acquires regular location information indicating a location of the user terminal when the determination unit determines that the user has signed in, and acquires dummy location information unrelated to the location of the user terminal when the determination unit determines that the user has not signed in; a generation unit that generates content based on the regular location information or the dummy location information acquired by the acquisition unit; an adding unit that adds, to the content generated by the generating unit, notification information that notifies the user that the content is based on the dummy location information only when the determining unit determines that the user has not signed in; a presentation unit that presents, on the user terminal, the content generated by the generation unit or the content to which the notification information has been added by the addition unit; A program characterized by functioning as

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