Server and method

Abstract

To provide a service using position information of a user to the user in an object area.SOLUTION: A server for acquiring location information of a location acquisition terminal associated with a viewing terminal when the viewing terminal cannot acquire the location information, determining whether the location acquisition terminal is located within a service provision area, and enabling provision of a service to the viewing terminal when the location acquisition terminal is located within the service provision area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server and a method, and more particularly to a server and a method that enable provision of services to users in a target area using location information of the users. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses technology for transmitting and receiving terrestrial broadcasts. Terrestrial broadcasts are a medium that can be accessed by a wide range of users, regardless of region or economic situation, as they can be received basically free of charge by simply installing an antenna. Broadcasters are required to provide terrestrial broadcasts to all users who wish to receive them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-135868 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even in areas where terrestrial broadcasting is available, there is a risk that terrestrial broadcasting will no longer be available if relay stations are abolished. For this reason, it is necessary to secure alternative means to continue providing terrestrial broadcasting to users in the affected areas.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to enable services based on the location information of users in a target area to be provided to users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present disclosure is a server that, when a viewing terminal is unable to acquire location information, acquires location information of a location acquisition terminal associated with the viewing terminal, determines whether the location acquisition terminal is within a service provision area, and, when the location acquisition terminal is within the service provision area, enables the server to provide services to the viewing terminal.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for, when a viewing terminal is unable to acquire location information, acquiring location information of a location acquisition terminal associated with the viewing terminal, determining whether the location acquisition terminal is within a service provision area, and, when the location acquisition terminal is within the service provision area, enabling a service to be provided to the viewing terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example overview of a service provision system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration for implementing a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration for implementing a viewing terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10 illustrates a flow of a process performed in a viewing terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 shows a flow of processing (pattern A in FIG. 1) performed in a system including a viewing terminal and a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 shows a flow of processing (pattern B in FIG. 1) performed in a system including a viewing terminal, a position acquisition terminal, and a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 shows a flow of processing (pattern C in FIG. 1) performed in a system including a viewing terminal that cannot acquire location information, a contact terminal, a server, and a shipping server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]1 illustrates an example of a data structure of area information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] 1 illustrates an example of a data structure of management information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 1 illustrates an example of a data structure of management information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9C] 1 illustrates an example of a data structure of management information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an example of a data structure for user information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be listed and described. One embodiment of the present disclosure has the following configuration.

[0010] [Configuration 1] The characteristic configuration of the server (1) for achieving the above object is that when a viewing terminal (3) cannot acquire location information, it acquires location information of a location acquisition terminal (4) associated with the viewing terminal, determines whether the location acquisition terminal is within a service provision area (S612), and, when the location acquisition terminal is within the service provision area, makes it possible to provide a service to the viewing terminal (S624).

[0011] [Configuration 2] Another characteristic configuration of the server according to the present disclosure is that the service area is an area where terrestrial broadcasting does not reach or is difficult to reach.

[0012] [Configuration 3] Another characteristic configuration of the server according to the present disclosure is that it is further configured to generate a key for the viewing identifier of the viewing terminal (S604).

[0013] [Configuration 4] Another characteristic configuration of the server according to the present disclosure is that the location acquisition terminal is further configured to acquire the key from a QR code including the key displayed on the viewing terminal (S608).

[0014] [Configuration 5] Another characteristic configuration of the server according to the present disclosure is that it is further configured to authenticate the viewing terminal using the telephone number of the location acquisition terminal when the location acquisition terminal is within the service area (S622).

[0015] [Configuration 6] Another characteristic configuration of the server according to the present disclosure is that authentication of the viewing terminal includes sending an authentication number to the location acquisition terminal corresponding to the telephone number in accordance with an SMS authentication instruction from the viewing terminal (S616), and determining that authentication of the viewing terminal is successful when the authentication number input to the viewing terminal matches the authentication number sent to the location acquisition terminal (S624).

[0016] [Configuration 7] Another characteristic configuration of the server according to the present disclosure is that the viewing terminal is configured to be able to accept input by the user of the authentication number displayed on the location acquisition terminal (S620).

[0017] [Configuration 8] Another characteristic configuration of the server according to the present disclosure is that, when the location acquisition terminal determines that it is not within the service provision area, it disables the provision of the service to the viewing terminal (S626).

[0018] [Configuration 9] Another characteristic configuration of the server according to the present disclosure is that when the viewing terminal is able to acquire location information, the server acquires the location information of the viewing terminal, determines whether the viewing terminal is within a service provision area based on the location information of the viewing terminal (S504), and when the viewing terminal is within the service provision area, makes it possible to provide services to the viewing terminal (S508).

[0019] [Configuration 10] Another characteristic configuration of the server according to the present disclosure is that when it is determined that the viewing terminal is not within the service provision area, the server disables the provision of the service to the viewing terminal (S506).

[0020] [Configuration 11] Another characteristic configuration of the server according to the present disclosure is that when location information from the viewing terminal and the location acquisition terminal is not used, the server obtains the inquiry number issued to the viewing terminal and user information from the contact terminal (S710), determines whether the user's address is within the service provision area (S712), and, if the user's address is within the service provision area, enables the viewing terminal to provisionally use the service (S726).

[0021] [Configuration 12] Another characteristic configuration of the server according to the present disclosure is that if the user's address is within the service provision area, an activation code is issued for the viewing terminal (S718), and when the issued activation code matches the activation code entered into the viewing terminal, actual use of the service is enabled (S734).

[0022] [Configuration 13] Another characteristic configuration of the server according to the present disclosure is that the input activation code is printed on a postcard sent to the user's address.

[0023] [Configuration 14] A characteristic configuration of the method for achieving the above object is that when a viewing terminal cannot acquire location information, location information of a location acquisition terminal associated with the viewing terminal is acquired, and it is determined whether the location acquisition terminal is within a service provision area (S612), and when the location acquisition terminal is within the service provision area, services can be provided to the viewing terminal.

[0024] [Configuration 15] Another characteristic configuration of the method according to the present disclosure is that when the viewing terminal is able to acquire location information, the location information of the viewing terminal is acquired, and based on the location information of the viewing terminal, it is determined whether the viewing terminal is within a service provision area (S504), and when the viewing terminal is within the service provision area, the service can be provided to the viewing terminal (S510).

[0025] [Configuration 16] Another characteristic configuration of the method according to the present disclosure is that when location information is not used from the viewing terminal and the location acquisition terminal, the inquiry number issued to the viewing terminal and user information are obtained from the contact terminal (S710), whether the user's address is within the service provision area is determined (S712), and if the user's address is within the service provision area, the service is provisionally provided to the viewing terminal (S726).

[0026] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description is merely an example and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the following embodiments. In the drawings, identical or similar elements are designated by identical or similar reference symbols, and duplicate descriptions of identical or similar elements may be omitted in the description of each embodiment. Furthermore, features shown in each embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited to such embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present disclosure can take various forms within the scope defined in the claims.

[0027] [Configuration of the service provision system] First, an overview of a service providing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The service providing system of the present disclosure can provide various services using various terminals owned by users. The various services of the present disclosure can provide various information only to specific regions, rather than to entire prefectures or entire cities, towns, and villages. The various services can include information services provided by local governments and terrestrial broadcast distribution services provided by broadcasters. An example in which the various services are terrestrial broadcast distribution services provided only to specific regions will be described below. More specifically, the service providing system of the present disclosure can acquire user location information using various terminals owned by users and, based on the user location information, provide terrestrial broadcast distribution services using broadband communication lines in place of discontinued relay stations. As shown in FIG. 1, the service providing system can include at least some of a server 1 that manages service provision to viewing terminals 3a-c, the viewing terminals 3a-c, a location acquisition terminal 4, a dispatch server 5, and a contact terminal 6. The server 1, the viewing terminals 3a to 3c, the position acquisition terminal 4, and the delivery server 5 are connected via a network (NW) 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or the Internet. The connections between the viewing terminals 3a to 3c, the position acquisition terminal 4, the server 1, and the delivery server 5 may be wired or wireless. The communication terminal 6 can be connected to the delivery server 5 using the network 2. The communication terminal 6 may also be connected to the delivery server 5 using a telephone line.

[0028] In the example of FIG. 1, three patterns A to C are shown. Pattern A includes only the viewing terminal 3a from which location information can be acquired, pattern B includes the viewing terminal 3b from which location information cannot be acquired and the location acquisition terminal 4, and pattern C includes the viewing terminal 3c from which location information cannot be acquired and the contact terminal 6. Note that FIG. 1 is an example, and the number of viewing terminals 3a to 3c in each of patterns A to C is not limited to one. In other words, the number of various facilities, devices, and network configurations provided in the service providing system are not limited to the example shown in FIG. Note that, hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the viewing terminals 3a to 3c, they may be simply referred to as the viewing terminal 3.

[0029] The server 1 is managed by a system administrator and has various functions for providing information about various processes to a plurality of viewing terminals 3. The configuration of the server 1 is not particularly limited as long as it has general components for performing various processes as a computer, such as a control unit and a communication unit. The server 1 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer, and the details of the server's hardware configuration will be described in FIG. 2.

[0030] The server 1 can determine the broadcast distribution service provision area from the current location of the viewing terminal 3, and decide whether or not to provide the broadcast distribution service based on the determination result.

[0031] Here, "broadcast distribution service" refers to a service that retransmits terrestrial broadcast content via a network (not shown) to areas where terrestrial broadcasting by existing radio waves does not reach or is difficult to reach due to the abolition of relay stations, etc. Networks include cable television networks and broadband networks (RF, IP multicast, IP unicast), etc. Terrestrial broadcasting requires content to be transmitted not only to a specific region, but also to a wide area, such as an entire prefecture. However, "broadcast distribution service" requires that the service be provided only to users in a specific region.

[0032] An example of "broadcast distribution" is the real-time distribution of a broadcast (or cable broadcast) program.

[0033] A "broadcast distribution service area" is a limited area where terrestrial broadcasting does not reach or is difficult to reach due to the abolition of relay stations, etc. The broadcast distribution service area can be set in advance by the broadcaster as the target area for the broadcast distribution service in real space. There are no particular restrictions on how the area is set, but the broadcast distribution service area can be set based on the number of households, population, etc. The broadcast distribution service area excludes areas that are reachable by terrestrial broadcasting. This eliminates the need for broadcasters to maintain and manage both transmission equipment and equipment for the broadcast distribution service, thereby reducing capital investment costs.

[0034] The viewing terminal 3 is a viewing terminal managed by a user for viewing terrestrial broadcast content. The user is a user in an area where broadcast waves can no longer be received due to the abolition of a relay station, even though they were previously able to receive them via the relay station. This does not include users in areas where broadcast waves can be received. The viewing terminal 3 can be installed with a viewing application for providing terrestrial broadcast distribution services. The viewing terminal 3 also has components that enable viewing of distributed content, such as a display and speakers. The viewing terminal 3 can accept user operations on the screen displayed by the viewing application and request the server 1 to begin using terrestrial broadcast content distribution. Once the viewing terminal 3 is authenticated by the server 1, it can receive terrestrial broadcast content distribution from a distribution server (not shown).

[0035] The viewing terminal 3a is a terminal capable of acquiring location information with the accuracy required by the service provided, for example, in the case of a broadcast distribution service, with an error of approximately several meters to several hundred meters. The viewing terminal 3a is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. Hereinafter, location information with the accuracy required by the service provided may be referred to as "high-precision location information." For example, in the case of a broadcast distribution service, location information with an error of approximately several meters to several hundred meters may be referred to as "high-precision location information."

[0036] The viewing terminal 3b is a terminal that cannot acquire location information but can accept input from a user. The viewing terminal 3b can include, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smart TV. The inability to acquire location information means that even if location information can be acquired, it does not have the accuracy required for the service provided; for example, in the case of a broadcast distribution service, the error in location information is on the order of several kilometers.

[0037] The viewing terminal 3c is a terminal that cannot acquire location information but can accept input from a user. The viewing terminal 3c may include, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smart TV, or an STB (Set Top Box).

[0038] The location acquisition terminal 4 is a terminal that can acquire location information with the accuracy required for the service provided, is assigned a telephone number, and is managed by the user who owns the viewing terminal 3b. The location acquisition terminal 4 is, for example, a smartphone.

[0039] The shipping server 5 is managed by a system administrator and has various functions for providing information about various processes to the server 1 and multiple communication terminals 6. The configuration of the shipping server 5 is not particularly limited as long as it has general components for performing various processes as a computer, such as a control unit and a communication unit. The shipping server 5 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer, and has the same hardware configuration as the server 1.

[0040] The delivery server 5 can, for example, perform processing to deliver a non-forwardable postcard to the user's address.

[0041] The contact terminal 6 is a telephone terminal capable of communication or phone calls. The contact terminal 6 is used to notify the user's address, etc. to the shipping server 5 or a call center equipped with the shipping server 5. The contact terminal 6 may or may not be able to obtain location information with the accuracy required for the service provided.

[0042] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a broadcast distribution service via a network to all viewing terminals 3 located within the broadcast distribution service area. On the other hand, it is possible to stop providing the broadcast distribution service to viewing terminals 3 located outside the broadcast distribution service area.

[0043] <Pattern A> 1 (details will be described in the first embodiment), only the viewing terminal 3a whose location can be acquired is used. In pattern A, location information acquired from the viewing terminal 3a is used to determine whether the viewing terminal 3a is within the broadcast distribution service providing area, etc.

[0044] The viewing terminal 3a only needs to acquire location information with the accuracy required for the services provided. For example, it may be equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver that receives signals transmitted from multiple GPS satellites and detects the current location of the viewing terminal 3a. The viewing terminal 3a may estimate its location information by calling a function provided by a location information API (Gelocation API). In other words, the viewing terminal 3a may acquire its current location based on signals from a base station, a wireless LAN access point (AP), or a Bluetooth communication partner that transmits a Bluetooth beacon signal ("Bluetooth" is a registered trademark; the registered trademark will be omitted below), or based on an IP address assigned to the viewing terminal 3a. While GPS can ideally measure the location of the viewing terminal 3a with high accuracy in areas with open sky, it may not be able to measure the location with high accuracy or at all indoors, underground, between tall buildings, etc. Therefore, depending on the location of the viewing terminal 3a, the viewing terminal 3a may detect the location of the viewing terminal 3a using signals from GPS satellites alone, or by combining signals from GPS satellites, base stations, wireless LAN access points, Bluetooth communication devices, and at least one of IP addresses. The accuracy of the location information varies depending on the reception status of signals transmitted from GPS satellites and the surrounding environment.

[0045] <Pattern B> 1 (details will be described in the second embodiment), a viewing terminal 3b that cannot acquire location information or that can acquire location information with low accuracy is used in conjunction with a position acquisition terminal 4 that can acquire location information. In pattern B, the position information acquired from the position acquisition terminal 4 is used to determine whether the viewing terminal 3b is within the broadcast distribution service provision area, etc.

[0046] Like the audio-visual terminal 3a, the position acquisition terminal 4 is only required to acquire position information with the accuracy required for the service to be provided, and is equipped with, for example, a GPS receiver.

[0047] <Pattern C> In pattern C of FIG. 1 (details will be described in the third embodiment), a viewing terminal 3c that cannot acquire location information and a contact terminal 6 are used. In pattern C, location information is not acquired from the viewing terminal 3c, but the address notified by the contact terminal 6 is used. In addition, the legitimacy of the viewing terminal 3c is confirmed using a non-forwarding postcard sent to the notified address. Non-forwarding postcards are used for mail that the recipient must definitely receive at the specified address.

[0048] [Controller function block] FIG. 1 shows the functional configuration of a server 1 and a shipping server 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] The server 1 in this embodiment has, for example, a function of managing the viewing terminals 3a to c, a function of determining an area based on the current locations of the viewing terminal 3a, the location acquisition terminal 4, etc., a function of determining whether or not to provide the broadcast distribution service to the viewing terminals 3a to c, etc. As shown in FIG. 1 , the server 1 includes at least a management unit 11, a determination unit 12, an authentication unit 13, an issuing unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

[0050] The management unit 11 can assign a viewing identifier to each of all viewing terminals 3 that use the viewing application and manage the status of the viewing terminals 3. The management unit 11 can also generate a one-time key by combining the viewing identifier assigned to the viewing terminal 3 with the current time. The management unit 11 can also generate a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that calls an area determination program that includes the one-time key as a parameter, and send it to the viewing terminal 3b. The management unit 11 can also issue an inquiry number in response to an inquiry from a user and send it to the viewing terminal 3c.

[0051] The determination unit 12 can determine whether the location information obtained from the viewing terminal 3a or the location acquisition terminal 4 is within the broadcast distribution service area, and if it is within the area, which area the location falls into (Pattern A and Pattern B). Alternatively, the determination unit 12 can determine whether the user's address obtained from the contact terminal 6 is within the broadcast distribution service area, and if it is within the area, which area the location falls into (Pattern C).

[0052] The authentication unit 13 can authenticate the viewing terminal 3b using the authentication number transmitted to the location acquisition terminal 4 (pattern B). The authentication unit 13 authenticates the viewing terminal 3b by, for example, SMS authentication using the telephone number of the location acquisition terminal 4. The authentication unit 13 can also authenticate the activation code input to the viewing terminal 3c (pattern C).

[0053] When the user's address is within the broadcast distribution service provision area, the issuing unit 14 can transmit a provisional permission notice to the viewing terminal 3c for provisional provision of the broadcast distribution service to the viewing terminal 3c. Furthermore, the issuing unit 14 can issue an authentication number (e.g., an activation code) for the viewing terminal 3c in accordance with the provisional permission notice to the viewing terminal 3c. The user can be permitted to actually use the broadcast distribution service by inputting the issued authentication number into the viewing terminal 3c (pattern C).

[0054] The storage unit 15 can store area information 16 (FIG. 8) relating to the broadcast distribution service provision area, and management information 17 (17A, 17B, 17C) for each viewing identifier of the viewing terminal 3. The management information 17 includes items for all viewing identifiers of the viewing terminal 3 on which the viewing application is installed. The example of management information 17A in FIG. 9A shows management information 17 when the area determination means is pattern A, the example of management information 17B in FIG. 9B shows management information 17 when the area determination means is pattern B, and the example of management information 17C in FIG. 9C shows management information 17 when the area determination means is pattern C. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the management information 17A to C, they may be simply referred to as management information 17.

[0055] The delivery server 5 in this embodiment has a function of printing, for example, an authentication number for authenticating the viewing terminal 3c and an address on a non-forwardable postcard for a user who has the viewing terminal 3c. The delivery server 5 shown in FIG. 1 includes a delivery unit 51 and a storage unit 52.

[0056] When it is determined that the user's address is within the service provision area, the sending unit 51 can send a provisional availability notification for provisional provision of the broadcast distribution service to the contact terminal 6. The sending unit 51 can also print the authentication number issued by the server 1 on a non-forwardable postcard and process it for sending to the user's address.

[0057] The storage unit 52 can store user information 53 (FIG. 10) relating to the user.

[0058] The functions of the server 1 and the delivery server 5 are not limited to those described above, and may be configured to include other functions. For example, the server 1 may have a function to deliver broadcast content to a viewing terminal 3 that has authenticated the broadcast delivery service. The functions of the server 1 and the delivery server 5 may be realized by one device, or each may be realized by multiple devices.

[0059] [Server 1 hardware configuration] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration for implementing the server 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] 2, the server 1 can be realized by, for example, a computer including a processor 102, a main memory device 103, a communication interface 104, an auxiliary memory device 105, and an input / output (I / O) 106, which are connected via a bus 101, and a program that controls these hardware resources. The server 1 may also include a display device 107 (not shown) connected via the bus 101.

[0061] The main memory device 103 pre-stores programs for the processor 102 to perform various controls and calculations. The processor 102 and the main memory device 103 implement the functions of the server 1, such as the management unit 11, the determination unit 12, the authentication unit 13, and the issuance unit 14 shown in FIG.

[0062] The communication interface 104 is an interface circuit for network connection between the server 1 and various external electronic devices. The communication interface 104 can receive location information, a viewing identifier, and the like from the viewing terminal 3 described in Fig. 1. The communication interface 104 can also transmit the area determination result determined by the server 1 to the viewing terminal 3.

[0063] The auxiliary storage device 105 is composed of a readable / writable storage medium and a drive for reading and writing various information such as programs and data from and to the storage medium. The auxiliary storage device 105 can use a semiconductor memory such as a hard disk or flash memory as the storage medium.

[0064] The auxiliary storage device 105 has a program storage area for storing a control program executed by the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 105 has an area for storing a program for determining the area of ​​the viewing terminal 3 from location information and a program for authenticating the viewing terminal 3. The auxiliary storage device 105 realizes the storage unit 15 described in FIG.

[0065] The input / output I / O 106 is configured by an I / O terminal for inputting signals from an external device and outputting signals to an external device.

[0066] [Hardware configuration of viewing device 3] 3 shows an example of a hardware configuration for realizing a viewing terminal 3a capable of acquiring a position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the server 1, the viewing terminal 3a can be realized by a computer including, for example, a processor 302, a main memory device 303, a communication interface 304, an auxiliary memory device 305, and an input / output (I / O) device 306, all connected via a bus 301, and a program for controlling these hardware resources. To avoid redundant explanation, a description of these components will be omitted. Furthermore, the viewing terminal 3a can include a display device 307, a position acquisition device 308, and a speaker (not shown), all connected via the bus 101.

[0067] The display device 307 displays a viewing application screen on a display. The user can perform various operations on the viewing application using, for example, icons, buttons, menus, and the like that are displayed on the viewing application screen.

[0068] The position acquisition device 308 is a device that acquires the position information of the viewing terminal 3a, and is, for example, a GPS receiver that receives signals transmitted from multiple GPS satellites and detects the current position of the viewing terminal 3a. The position acquisition device 308 is a means for acquiring the position information of the viewing terminal 3a, and does not necessarily have to be built into the viewing terminal 3a itself. For example, the position information of the viewing terminal 3a may be acquired using a base station or a wireless LAN access point.

[0069] Viewing terminals 3b and 3c differ from viewing terminal 3a in that they do not have a location acquisition device 308, or even if they do, they cannot acquire location information with the accuracy required for the services they provide.However, in other respects they are the same as viewing terminal 3a, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0070] Like the viewing terminal 3a, the position acquisition terminal 4 includes a position acquisition device 308' that acquires highly accurate position information of the position acquisition terminal 4. Note that the position acquisition terminal 4 differs from the viewing terminal 3a in that it further includes a camera or the like that functions as a QR code reader, but is otherwise the same as the viewing terminal 3a, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] 4 shows a process flow 400 executed in the viewing terminal 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to the present disclosure, when the viewing terminal 3 is located within a broadcast distribution service providing area, a terrestrial broadcast distribution service can be provided to the viewing terminal 3.

[0072] First, in step S1, when a viewing application for viewing content provided by a broadcast distribution service is launched for the first time, the viewing terminal 3 acquires a viewing identifier assigned to each viewing terminal from the management unit 11 (FIG. 1) of the server 1. The viewing identifier is an identifier for viewing that is individually assigned to the viewing application of the viewing terminal 3.

[0073] Next, in step S2, the viewing terminal 3 determines whether or not it can acquire location information with the accuracy required for the service to be provided. If it can acquire location information with the accuracy required for the service to be provided, that is, if the answer is "YES" in step S2, the process proceeds to step S3. For example, if the reception condition from the GPS receiver of the viewing terminal 3 is good, the process proceeds to step S3. Details of the process in step S3 will be explained in flow 500 of FIG. 5 (corresponding to pattern A in FIG. 1). In addition, the viewing terminal 3 can transmit to the server 1 an area determination means (here, pattern A) associated with the type of terminal used for area determination.

[0074] On the other hand, in step S2, if the viewing terminal 3 cannot acquire the location information or the accuracy of the location information acquired from the viewing terminal 3 is not sufficient, that is, if step S2 is "NO", the process proceeds to step S4.

[0075] Next, in step S4, the viewing terminal 3 displays a selection screen for a terminal for area determination generated by the viewing application on the display device 307 and accepts a selection from the user. The terminal for area determination is selected from "1. A location acquisition terminal 4 other than the viewing terminal 3" and "2. A contact terminal 6."

[0076] Specifically, if the viewing terminal 3 is unable to acquire location information or the accuracy of the location information acquired from the viewing terminal 3 is low, and there is a location acquisition terminal 4 that can acquire location information with the accuracy required for the service provided, separate from the viewing terminal 3, the user will select "1. Location acquisition terminal 4." If there is no viewing terminal 3 or location acquisition terminal 4 that can acquire location information, the user will select "2. Contact terminal 6." Furthermore, the viewing terminal 3 can transmit to the server 1 the result of the area determination means, which is the selection result of the type of terminal from which location information is acquired (here, pattern B or pattern C).

[0077] If "1. Position Acquisition Terminal 4" is selected in step S4, that is, if there is a position acquisition terminal 4 other than the viewing terminal 3 that cannot acquire any position information or cannot acquire position information with the accuracy required for the service to be provided, the process proceeds to step S5. Details of the process in step S5 will be explained in flow 600 of Fig. 6 (corresponding to pattern B of Fig. 1).

[0078] On the other hand, if "2. Contact terminal 6" is selected in step S4, that is, if no location information can be obtained from the terminal, the process proceeds to step S6. Details of the process in step S6 will be explained in flow 700 of FIG. 7 (pattern C of FIG. 1).

[0079] In the above example, in step S2, it is automatically determined whether or not "viewing terminal 3" in Fig. 1 can be selected. However, instead of automatically selecting "viewing terminal 3" in step S2, in step S4, a selection acceptance screen for "viewing terminal 3," "1. location acquisition terminal 4," or "2. contact terminal 6" may be displayed and the user may make a selection.

[0080] In the above example, the user selects a device for area determination in step S4. However, the viewing terminal 3 may be configured to automatically select a device for area determination. For example, if the viewing application determines that the viewing terminal 3 acquires highly accurate location information, the process proceeds to step S3. If the viewing application determines that the viewing terminal 3 cannot acquire highly accurate location information and a location acquisition terminal 4 other than the viewing terminal 3 has been registered in advance, the process proceeds to step S4. Alternatively, if the viewing terminal 3 does not acquire highly accurate location information and a location acquisition terminal 4 has not been registered, the process may proceed to step S5. The location acquisition terminal 4 may be registered in advance by the user, or may be registered by scanning a location acquisition terminal 4 physically near the viewing terminal 3 in advance using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near field communication (NFC), or the like of the viewing terminal 3. Alternatively, the location acquisition terminal 4 may not be registered in advance in the viewing terminal 3, and the user may select a device for area determination in step S4.

[0081] Alternatively, for example, if the user selects "1. Position acquisition terminal 4" in step S4 but high-precision position information cannot be acquired from the position acquisition terminal 4, the process may automatically proceed to step S5.

[0082] In the above example, the processing from step S1 to step S6 is performed when the viewing application is launched for the first time, but in anticipation of the user moving, some of the steps (for example, steps S2 to S6 or steps S4 to S6) may be performed periodically (for example, about once a year) to determine the type of terminal to be used for area determination. Also, for example, only the processing of step S2 may be performed each time the application is launched on the viewing terminal 3 or at regular intervals (for example, every hour) while the application is running, and the processing from step S4 to step S6 may be performed periodically (for example, about once a year).

[0083] [First embodiment] FIG. 5 shows a process flow 500 (pattern A in FIG. 1) performed in a system including an audio-visual terminal 3a and a server 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] First, in step S502, the audio-visual terminal 3a transmits to the server 1 the current location information and the assigned audio-visual identifier.

[0085] Next, in step S504, the server 1 (determination unit 12) refers to the area information 16 stored in the memory unit 15 and, from the location information of the viewing terminal 3, identifies whether the viewing terminal 3a is located within the area, and if so, which area its location falls into.

[0086] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the data structure of area information 16 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Area information 16 includes, for example, fields for an area identifier and a geographic broadcast distribution service area corresponding to the area identifier. Area information 16 may include a field for a place name in addition to or instead of the broadcast distribution service area. The geographic broadcast distribution service area can be defined in various ways based on the size and shape of the area. If the broadcast distribution service area is polygonal, the broadcast distribution service area may be defined by the latitude and longitude coordinates of multiple points at the corners of the area. If the broadcast distribution service area is circular, the broadcast distribution service area may be defined by the latitude and longitude of the center point and its radius. Furthermore, if the broadcast distribution service area is elliptical, the broadcast distribution service area may be defined by the latitude and longitude of the center point and the lengths of the major and minor axes. The broadcast distribution service area may be defined by a combination of multiple shapes, such as a rectangle, circle, ellipse, or polygon. Broadcasters can distribute different content to each area. Furthermore, the "place name" may be at the city, ward, town, or village level, but for broadcast distribution services, place names at the more specific level of "oaza," "aza," or "chome" are preferable.

[0087] 5, in step S504, the server 1 (determination unit 12) transmits the area determination result to the viewing terminal 3a that transmitted the location information. The area determination result may include information on whether the viewing terminal 3a is inside or outside the broadcast distribution service providing area, and an identifier of the area if the viewing terminal 3a is inside the broadcast distribution service providing area.

[0088] In step S504, when the area determination is made, management information 17A (FIG. 9A) is updated with the area determination result corresponding to the viewing identifier. Specifically, the data structure corresponding to viewing identifier "****1" indicates the state before the update, and the data structures corresponding to viewing identifiers "****2" and "****3" indicate the state after the update. In addition to the items for the viewing identifier and the area determination means, the data structure of updated management information 17A can include items for the area determination result corresponding to the viewing identifier, i.e., information on whether the viewing terminal corresponding to the viewing identifier is inside or outside the broadcast distribution service provision area, and, if viewing terminal 3a is within the broadcast distribution service provision area, the identifier of that area.

[0089] Next, in step S504, if the area determination result indicates that the viewing terminal 3a is outside the area, that is, if the result in step S504 is "NO", the server 1 (determination unit 12) sends a service unavailability notification to the viewing terminal 3a corresponding to the viewing identifier (here, "****3"), and processing proceeds to step S506.

[0090] In step S506, the audio-visual terminal 3a outputs to the display device 307 a notice that the service is not available.

[0091] On the other hand, in step S504, if the area determination result indicates that the viewing terminal 3a is within the area, that is, if the result is "YES" in step S504, the server 1 (determination unit 12) sends a service availability notification to the viewing terminal 3a corresponding to the viewing identifier (here, "****2"), and processing proceeds to step S508.

[0092] In step S508, the viewing terminal 3a is permitted to use the service in the target area in the viewing application based on the area identifier. When the viewing terminal 3a receives the service availability notification from the server 1, it transmits the service availability notification together with the viewing identifier to a distribution server (not shown). When the distribution server confirms the service availability notification, it can distribute content to the viewing terminal 3a corresponding to the viewing identifier.

[0093] As described above, in the first embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not to distribute content using the location information of only the audio-visual terminal 3a.

[0094] [Second embodiment] FIG. 6 shows a process flow 600 (pattern B in FIG. 1) performed in a system including the viewing terminal 3b, the position acquisition terminal 4, and the server 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] First, in step S602, the viewing terminal 3b transmits a determination request to the server 1 together with the viewing identifier to determine whether it is located in a broadcast distribution service providing area.

[0096] Next, in step S604, the server 1 (management unit 11) generates a key using the current time and the viewing identifier and stores it in the storage unit as management information 17. This key is a one-time key (OTK) that is valid only once and can have a validity period of, for example, 24 hours. The server 1 transmits the generated key information and URL information for calling an area determination program to determine whether the viewing terminal 3b is located in an area where a broadcast distribution service is provided, to the viewing terminal 3b corresponding to the viewing identifier. This URL information is preset in the server 1 and is a URL for accessing a web service that enables the server 1 to determine the area where the viewing terminal 3b is located.

[0097] In step S604, when the one-time key is generated, the management information 17B is updated with the one-time key corresponding to the viewing identifier. The data structure of the updated management information 17B can include the one-time key corresponding to the viewing identifier and the expiration date of the one-time key in addition to items for all viewing identifiers of the viewing terminal 3b on which the viewing application is installed and items for the area determination means (data structure corresponding to the viewing identifier "****4").

[0098] Next, in step S606, the audiovisual terminal 3b displays information including the received one-time key and URL on the display device 307. The audiovisual terminal 3b may display the information including the one-time key and URL as a QR code on the display device 307. By including the one-time key in the QR code, it is possible to limit the validity period and the number of times the QR code can be used, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the QR code.

[0099] Next, in step S608, the location acquisition terminal 4 uses a camera to read the QR code displayed on the viewing terminal 3b. The read QR code contains a one-time key. The fact that the location acquisition terminal 4 can read the QR code displayed on the viewing terminal 3b usually means that the location acquisition terminal 4 is physically close to the viewing terminal 3b. However, there is a possibility that someone may attempt to misuse the QR code. For this reason, in this disclosure, SMS authentication, which will be described later, can be implemented.

[0100] Next, in step S610, the position acquisition terminal 4 acquires current position information using the position acquisition device 308', and transmits the position information to the server 1 together with the viewing identifier and key assigned to the viewing terminal 3b.

[0101] Next, in step S612, the server 1 (determination unit 12) refers to the area information 16 stored in the storage unit 15 and, based on the location information of the location acquisition terminal 4, determines whether the location acquisition terminal 4 (viewing terminal 3b) is within the area, and if so, which area its location falls into. The server 1 (determination unit 12) further refers to the management information 17B and, if the received one-time key matches the one-time key registered in step S604 and is within the expiration date of the one-time key, can validate the one-time key. If they match, the server 1 (determination unit 12) identifies the viewing identifier corresponding to the one-time key, updates the management information 17 based on the area determination result, and transmits the area determination result to the viewing terminal 3b corresponding to the viewing identifier.

[0102] 9B shows an example of the data structure of updated management information 17B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In step S612, when it is determined whether or not the location acquisition terminal 4 is within the area, management information 17B is updated with the area determination result. The data structure of updated management information 17B (the data structure corresponding to viewing identifiers "****5" and "****6") includes information on the area determination result (whether or not the location acquisition terminal 4 is within the area, and if it is within the area, which area its location falls into), in addition to items such as all viewing identifiers of the viewing terminal 3b on which the viewing application is installed, area determination means, one-time keys corresponding to the viewing identifiers, and expiration dates of the one-time keys.

[0103] 6, if the area determination result indicates that the location acquisition terminal 4 is outside the area in step S612, the audio-visual terminal 3b outputs a service unavailability notification to the display device 307.

[0104] On the other hand, if the area determination result indicates that the position acquisition terminal 4 is within the area in step S612, the process proceeds to step S614.

[0105] In step S614, the viewing application of the viewing terminal 3b causes the display device 307′ to display a screen for accepting input of the telephone number of the position acquisition terminal 4. Upon accepting the user input of the telephone number of the position acquisition terminal 4, the viewing terminal 3b transmits an SMS authentication instruction to the server 1 together with the entered telephone number.

[0106] As mentioned above, there is a possibility that someone may attempt to fraudulently use the QR code obtained in step S608. There are two possible patterns of fraudulent use: The basic flow is the same in both cases, but the intention behind the fraudulent attempt is different.

[0107] <Pattern 1: A user from outside the area attempts fraud> 1. A user outside the area obtains a QR code, 2. The obtained QR code is sent to a bona fide third party within the area, 3. The bona fide third party determines the location, 4. The bona fide third party notifies the user outside the area of ​​their mobile phone number, 5. The user outside the area registers their mobile phone number on the viewing device, 6. The bona fide third party notifies the user outside the area of ​​their authentication information.

[0108] <Pattern 2: A resident in the area attempts fraud> 1. A resident within the area offers (recruits) a user outside the area to determine their location on their behalf (impersonate), 2. The user outside the area obtains a QR code, 3. The obtained QR code is sent to a resident within the area, 4. The resident performs location determination, 5. The resident notifies the user outside the area of ​​their mobile phone number, 6. The user outside the area registers their mobile phone number on the viewing device, 7. The resident notifies the user outside the area of ​​their authentication information, 8. The resident requests compensation from the user outside the area.

[0109] In order to avoid such fraudulent use of QR codes, in the present disclosure, SMS authentication is performed on the viewing terminal 3b using the telephone number of the location acquisition terminal 4. A telephone number is personal information, and there is psychological resistance to giving a telephone number to a stranger (a person who has obtained a QR code). In the present disclosure, SMS authentication can be used to deter this psychological resistance.

[0110] In step S616, upon receiving the SMS authentication instruction from the viewing terminal 3b, the server 1 (authentication unit 13) generates an authentication number and transmits it to the telephone number entered by the user, that is, to the location acquisition terminal 4. The server 1 can register the authentication number for each terminal identifier in the management information 17B. The server 1 also transmits a short message (SMS) including the generated authentication number to the location acquisition terminal 4. The authentication number may consist of only numbers, or may include letters and symbols in addition to numbers. An expiration date may be set for the authentication number entered by the user.

[0111] 9B shows an example of the data structure of management information 17B updated with the authentication number according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The data structure of management information 17B after the update (the data structure corresponding to the viewing identifiers "****7" and "****8") includes, for example, an item for the generated authentication number in addition to items for all viewing identifiers of viewing terminals 3b on which the viewing application is installed, area determination means, one-time keys corresponding to the viewing identifiers, expiration dates of the one-time keys, and area determination results.

[0112] Returning to FIG. 6, in step S618, the position acquisition terminal 4 displays the received authentication number on the display device 307'.

[0113] Next, in step S620, the viewing terminal 3b displays on the display device 307 a screen for accepting user input of the authentication number displayed on the position acquisition terminal 4. Upon accepting the user input of the authentication number, the viewing terminal 3b transmits the entered authentication number and viewing identifier to the server 1.

[0114] Next, in step S622, the server 1 (authentication unit 13) determines whether the authentication number received from the viewing terminal 3b in step S620 matches the authentication number addressed to the location acquisition terminal 4 that was registered in the management information 17B in step S616, and if they match, it determines that authentication of the viewing terminal 3b has been successful. If the authentication is successful, the server 1 (authentication unit 13) transmits the area identifier together with the viewing identifier to the viewing terminal 3b corresponding to the viewing identifier, and proceeds to step S624. If the SMS authentication of the viewing terminal 3b is successful, it can be confirmed that the user of the viewing terminal 3b actually owns the location acquisition terminal 4 with the phone number entered by the user, and fraudulent use of the broadcast distribution service can be prevented.

[0115] On the other hand, in step S622, if the authentication number received from the viewing terminal 3b does not match the authentication number transmitted to the position acquisition terminal 4, the server 1 transmits a service unavailability notice to the viewing terminal 3b (not shown). The viewing terminal 3b outputs the service unavailability notice to the display device 307, and the process ends (not shown).

[0116] Next, in step S624, the audio-visual terminal 3b is permitted to use the service in the target area in the audio-visual application based on the received area identifier.

[0117] Through the above process, a one-time key is generated from the identifier of the viewing terminal 3b and the current time. If it is confirmed that this key matches the one-time key acquired by the viewing terminal 3b, it is possible to confirm that the viewing terminal 3b actually exists. This makes it possible to confirm that the area determination request is from an actually existing viewing terminal 3b, and area determination can only be performed within the expiration date of the one-time key. Furthermore, SMS authentication of the viewing terminal 3b is performed using the mobile phone number of the location acquisition terminal 4, and services for the target area are provided to viewing terminals 3b whose existence is confirmed. As a result, even if the viewing terminal 3b cannot acquire location information, the existence of the viewing terminal 3b can be confirmed using the one-time key and the mobile phone number of the location acquisition terminal 4 can be used to ensure proper use of the service.

[0118] [Third embodiment] 7 shows a process flow 700 (pattern C in FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is implemented in a system including a viewing terminal 3c that cannot acquire location information, a communication terminal 6, a server 1, and a shipping server 5. In pattern C, the location of the user is identified using the address and name notified by the user via the communication terminal 6, without using the location information acquired from the viewing terminal 3c and the communication terminal 6.

[0119] First, in step S702, the viewing terminal 3c transmits to the server 1, together with the viewing identifier, a request to determine whether it is located in a broadcast distribution service providing area.

[0120] Next, in step S704, the server 1 (management unit 11) generates an inquiry number with an expiration date, associates the inquiry number with the viewing identifier, and stores them in the storage unit as management information 17 (FIG. 9C). The server 1 also transmits the generated inquiry number to the viewing terminal 3c corresponding to the viewing identifier. The inquiry number is a unique character string made up of a combination of multiple numbers and letters. The inquiry number may be set with an expiration date or a valid number of times (for example, once).

[0121] 9C illustrates an example of the data structure of the updated management information 17C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In step S704, the server 1 (management unit 11) updates the management information 17C with the inquiry number and its expiration date (viewing identifier "****9").

[0122] Returning to FIG. 7, in step S706, the audio-visual terminal 3c displays the inquiry number received from the server 1 on the display device 307.

[0123] Next, in step S708, the contact terminal 6 accepts input of contact information, such as an inquiry number, name, address, and user telephone number, by the user. The contact terminal 6 can transmit user information, including the name, address, and contact information, and the inquiry number, to the shipping server 5. The contact terminal 6 can transmit the user information, etc., to the shipping server 5 using the input screen of a web browser, SMS, email, etc. Alternatively, the user may verbally communicate the user information to a call center that manages the shipping server 5. In other words, communication between the shipping server 5 and the contact terminal 6 may be verbal communication by telephone, SMS, email, etc.

[0124] Next, in step S710, upon acquiring the name, address, and inquiry number, the shipping server 5 can store the name, address, and inquiry number in the storage unit 52 as user information 53. The shipping server 5 also transmits an area determination request to the server 1 together with the received name, address, and inquiry number.

[0125] 10 shows an example of the data structure of user information 53 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The user information includes, for example, items such as the user's address, name, contact information, and inquiry number.

[0126] Returning to FIG. 7, in step S712, upon receiving the user's name, address, and inquiry number, the server 1 (determination unit 12) determines the geographical location corresponding to the address. The geographical location may be coordinates or a place name. From the determined location, the server 1 (determination unit 12) refers to the area information 16 (FIG. 8) to determine whether the viewing terminal 3c is within the area, and if so, to which area the location corresponds. The server 1 (determination unit 12) further updates the management information 17 with the area determination result. The server 1 (determination unit 12) also refers to the management information 17C to obtain a viewing identifier corresponding to the inquiry number.

[0127] The data structure of the updated management information 17C (data structure corresponding to the viewing identifiers "****10" and "****11") can include all viewing identifiers of the viewing terminals 3c on which the viewing application is installed, area determination means, inquiry numbers corresponding to the viewing identifiers, expiration dates of the inquiry numbers, the user's name and address, as well as information on the area determination results (whether the viewing terminal 3c is within the area, and if it is within the area, which area its location falls into).

[0128] In step S712, when the area determination result indicates that the viewing terminal 3c is outside the area, the server 1 (determination unit 12) transmits a service unavailability notification to the viewing terminal 3c corresponding to the viewing identifier, and the process proceeds to step S732.

[0129] In step S732, the audio-visual terminal 3c outputs to the display device 307 a notice that the service is not available.

[0130] Furthermore, in step S712, when the area determination result indicates that the viewing terminal 3c is outside the area, the server 1 (determination unit 12) transmits a service unavailability notice to the delivery server 5, and the process proceeds to step S714. In step S714, upon receiving the service unavailability notice, the delivery server 5 refers to the user information 53 and notifies the contact terminal 6 corresponding to the inquiry number of the service unavailability notice in accordance with the contact information. In step S716, the contact terminal 6 outputs the service unavailability notice to a display device.

[0131] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S712 that the audio-visual terminal 3c is within the area, the process proceeds to step S718.

[0132] In step S718, the server 1 (issuing unit 14) transmits a provisional use permission notice to the viewing terminal 3c corresponding to the viewing identifier. In step S726, when the viewing terminal 3c receives the provisional use permission notice, provisional use of the service in the target area is permitted in the viewing application based on the area identifier.

[0133] In step S718, the server 1 (issuing unit 14) issues an activation code (AC) for validating service use for the viewing terminal 3c, in response to the service being available for use. The server 1 (issuing unit 14) updates the management information 17C with the issued activation code. The updated data structure of the management information 17C (the data structure corresponding to the viewing identifiers "***12" and "***13") can include items such as the activation code and the expiration date of the activation code in addition to the items of all viewing identifiers of the viewing terminals 3c on which the viewing application is installed, the area determination means, the inquiry number, the expiration date of the inquiry number, the user's name and address, and the area determination result. The server 1 (issuing unit 14) then transmits a postcard delivery request to the delivery server 5 together with the service availability notification, the inquiry number, the activation code, and the expiration date of the activation code, and the process proceeds to step 720.

[0134] Next, in step S720, when the shipping server 5 receives a shipping request or the like, it refers to the user information 53 and sends a provisional availability notification to the contact terminal 6 corresponding to the inquiry number in accordance with the contact information. In step S722, the contact terminal 6 outputs the provisional availability notification to the display device.

[0135] Next, in step S724, the shipping server 5 extracts the address and name of the user corresponding to the inquiry number from the user information 53 (FIG. 10). The shipping server 5 also prints the activation code, the activation code expiration date, the extracted user's address and name, and a message that the postcard cannot be forwarded. The non-forwardable postcard is then physically delivered to the printed user's name and address.

[0136] Next, in step S728, the user receives the activation code and the non-forwardable postcard on which the expiration date is printed. The viewing terminal 3c accepts the user's input of the printed activation code on the viewing application and transmits it to the server 1 together with the viewing identifier.

[0137] In step S730, the server 1 (authentication unit 13) determines whether the authentication number was entered within the expiration date after being issued in step S718 and whether the entered activation code matches the activation code corresponding to the viewing identifier stored in the management information 17C (FIG. 9C) of the storage unit. If the entered activation code matches the activation code stored in the storage unit 15 and the activation code was entered within the expiration date, the server 1 (authentication unit 13) determines that authentication of the viewing terminal 3c has been successful. If the authentication is successful, the server 1 (authentication unit 13) transmits the area identifier and the area identifier to the viewing terminal 3c corresponding to the viewing identifier, and proceeds to step S734.

[0138] In step S734, the audio-visual terminal 3c is permitted to use the service in the target area in the audio-visual application based on the received area identifier.

[0139] On the other hand, in step S730, if the stored activation code does not match the entered activation code, or if the activation code was not entered within the expiration date, the server 1 transmits a service unavailability notice to the viewing terminal 3c (not shown). The viewing terminal 3c outputs the service unavailability notice to the display device 307, and the process ends (not shown).

[0140] In the third embodiment, an example in which the server 1 and the delivery server 5 are provided separately has been described above, but the functions of the delivery server 5 may be realized by a single server (for example, the server 1).

[0141] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, any combination of the embodiments and modifications is possible within the scope of solving at least part of the above-described problems or achieving at least part of the effects, and any combination or omission of the components described in the claims and specification is possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1...Server 2. Network 3 (3a~c)...Viewing device 4...Location acquisition device 5...Shipping server 6...Contact device 11…Management Department 12...Judgment section 13...Authentication section 14...Publishing Department 15...Storage section 16...Area information 17, 17', 17''...management information 51...Shipping Department 52...Storage section 53…User information

Claims

1. When the viewing terminal is unable to acquire location information, acquire location information of a location acquisition terminal associated with the viewing terminal, and determine whether the location acquisition terminal is within a service provision area; a server that enables the location acquisition terminal to provide a service to the viewing terminal when the location acquisition terminal is within a service provision area;

2. 2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the service area is an area where terrestrial broadcasting does not reach or is difficult to reach.

3. The server of claim 2 , further configured to generate a key for a viewing identifier of the viewing terminal.

4. The server according to claim 3 , wherein the location acquisition terminal is further configured to acquire the key from a QR code containing the key displayed on the viewing terminal.

5. The server of claim 4 , further configured to authenticate the viewing terminal using a telephone number of the location acquisition terminal when the location acquisition terminal is within a service area.

6. Authentication of viewing devices In accordance with an SMS authentication instruction from the viewing terminal, an authentication number is transmitted to a location acquisition terminal corresponding to the telephone number; The server according to claim 5 , further comprising determining that authentication of the viewing terminal has been successful when an authentication number input to the viewing terminal matches an authentication number transmitted to the position acquisition terminal.

7. The server according to claim 6 , wherein the viewing terminal is configured to be able to accept input of the authentication number displayed on the location acquisition terminal by the user.

8. The server according to claim 1 , wherein when the location acquisition terminal determines that the location acquisition terminal is not within a service provision area, the server disables provision of the service to the viewing terminal.

9. When the viewing terminal is able to acquire location information, the viewing terminal acquires the location information of the viewing terminal, and determines whether the viewing terminal is within a service provision area based on the location information of the viewing terminal; 2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server is capable of providing a service to the audio-visual terminal when the audio-visual terminal is within a service providing area.

10. 10. The server according to claim 9, wherein when it is determined that the audio-visual terminal is not within the service providing area, provision of the service to the audio-visual terminal is disabled.

11. When the location information from the viewing terminal and the location acquisition terminal is not used, The inquiry number issued to the viewing terminal and user information are acquired from the contact terminal, Determine whether the user's address is within the service area; 11. The server according to claim 1, wherein when the address of the user is within a service provision area, the server enables the viewing terminal to provisionally use the service.

12. If the address of the user is within the service area, an activation code is issued to the viewing terminal; The server according to claim 11, wherein the server enables full use of the service when the issued activation code matches the activation code input to the viewing terminal.

13. 13. The server according to claim 12, wherein the input activation code is printed on a postcard sent to the user's address.

14. When the viewing terminal is unable to acquire location information, acquire location information of a location acquisition terminal associated with the viewing terminal, and determine whether the location acquisition terminal is within a service provision area; A method for enabling the location acquisition terminal to provide a service to the viewing terminal when the location acquisition terminal is within a service provision area.

15. When the viewing terminal is able to acquire location information, the viewing terminal acquires the location information of the viewing terminal, and determines whether the viewing terminal is within a service provision area based on the location information of the viewing terminal; The method of claim 14, further comprising making the viewing terminal available for service when the viewing terminal is within a service area.

16. When location information is not used from the viewing terminal and the location acquisition terminal, The inquiry number issued to the viewing terminal and user information are acquired from the contact terminal, Determine whether the user's address is within the service area; The method according to claim 15, wherein provisional provision of the service to the viewing terminal is enabled when the address of the user is within a service provision area.

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