Information transmission system equipped with access restriction measures

Abstract

The information provider will provide an information transmission system that allows information providers to easily access the information they intend to provide to the recipient, regardless of location, while also providing access restriction measures that make it difficult for an unspecified number of third parties to access the information even if the URL for providing the information is copied and distributed. [Solution] In the information transmission system 1, the server 10 includes the main information provision site, a redirect-only site, and a module for generating dummy sites. The URL information of the redirect-only site is recorded on an NFC tag attached to a portable item. When a mobile terminal 2 is brought close to the NFC tag and the redirect-only site is accessed, the redirect-only site automatically accesses the main information provision site. The main information provision site performs access analysis and only allows access if the access originates from the redirect-only site.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information transmission system provided with an access restriction means that uses a non-contact information transmission device for use accompanying portable articles. Background Art

[0002] Attribute information pertaining to facilities, businesses, organizations, individuals, and the like changes on a daily basis. When it is intended to inform third parties of such attribute information, in the past, texts, images, audio, videos, and the like were presented to third parties by printed matter or information recording media in which information was stored in advance. However, with the development of the Internet and device-related technologies, various portable terminals such as smartphones have become widespread. It has become common to allow third parties to view texts, images, audio, videos, and the like by connecting from a portable terminal to websites of facilities, businesses, organizations, individuals, and the like.

[0003] However, depending on the content of the information, if unspecified large numbers of third parties can access the information, inappropriate situations occur such as leakage of information that should be kept confidential, or free access to information that has value in itself.

[0004] Therefore, in order to provide information inside a facility only to visitors of the facility, a system is known that includes a wireless tag recording a URL located inside the facility, and a server for providing information inside the facility from a web page addressed by the URL, wherein the web page displays information on any portable media device that interfaces with the wireless tag, and any portable media device is used by a visitor of the facility (Patent Document 1).

[0005] Furthermore, there is a known NFC tag user-only service system (Patent Document 2) that is installed in a store or facility and has a one-time URL type NFC tag having a tag-side storage unit that stores the server's address and a one-time URL creation unit that issues a one-time URL corresponding to the address that accepts acquisition requests only once or for a limited time or a limited number of times; a mobile information terminal having a terminal-side communication unit that is carried by a user of the store or facility and connects to an internet line, an NFC reader that reads the data stored in the tag-side storage unit of the one-time URL type NFC tag via short-range wireless communication and a display; and a server having a server-side communication unit that connects to the internet line and a server-side storage unit that stores the services to be provided to the mobile information terminal, wherein the NFC tag user-only service system is characterized in that the server provides the services to the mobile information terminal carried by the user who visited the store or facility and displays them on the display using the one-time URL type NFC tag. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2015-502595 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-069930 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the system described in Patent Document 1 is for use within a facility and requires a dedicated terminal. The system described in Patent Document 2 also has the problem that it can only be installed in stores or facilities and can provide information to customers or visitors who actually go there.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an information transmission system that allows information providers to easily access information from any location to the recipient, while also providing access restriction measures that make it difficult for an unspecified number of third parties to access the information even if the URL for providing the information is copied and distributed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the information transmission system equipped with access restriction means according to the present invention is an information transmission system comprising a portable item equipped with a contactless IC chip (hereinafter referred to as "NFC tag") utilizing near-field communication technology (hereinafter referred to as "NFC"), a mobile terminal equipped with communication functions, a server and a database, wherein the server includes a module that generates the main information provision site and a redirect-only site, the URL information of the redirect-only site is recorded on the NFC tag, and when the mobile terminal is brought close to the NFC tag and the redirect-only site is accessed, the redirect-only site automatically accesses the main information provision site, the main information provision site performs access analysis and is configured to permit access only if the access is from the redirect-only site.

[0010] By configuring the system in this way, if the mobile device of the person to whom the system user intends to provide information accesses the site to which the information is intended, such as through an invitation or payment, the information will be provided. However, even if the person to whom the information is intended copies the URL read from the NFC tag and sends it to a third party's mobile device, that mobile device will not be able to access the site to which the information is intended.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the information transmission system equipped with access restriction means according to the present invention is characterized in that the server includes a module that generates a dummy site, and the information provision site is configured to perform access analysis and redirect to the dummy site if the access is not from a redirect-only site.

[0012] With this configuration, even if the person receiving the information copies the URL read from the NFC tag and sends it to a third party's mobile device, that mobile device will not be able to access the site from which the information is being provided. However, instead of a screen that completely blocks access, some kind of information will be displayed, allowing access to be restricted without causing offense to the user of the mobile device. Furthermore, the content of the dummy site can be used to solicit the target audience for the actual information provision.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the information transmission system equipped with access restriction means according to the present invention is characterized in that the URL information of the redirect-only site recorded in the NFC tag includes a serial number, the information provision site performs access analysis on access from the redirect-only site to the information provision site, and if access using URL information with the same serial number comes from multiple terminals, the system is configured to restrict access if it exceeds a predetermined number of terminals.

[0014] By configuring the system in this way, it becomes possible to restrict access from individuals who were not originally intended to receive information, such as those who, through invitations or payment, attempt to provide information to others, for reasons such as handing over a portable item equipped with an NFC tag. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As described above, according to the information transmission system provided with the access restriction means according to the present invention, there is an excellent advantage that information can be appropriately provided only to the party that the user of the system intends to provide information to, and it is also possible to take measures such as inviting persons who are not the original intended target of information provision to become the original intended target of information provision. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the information transmission system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a portable article provided with an NFC tag related to the information transmission system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a state where information is read by a mobile terminal from the article of Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a state where the mobile terminal displays information after the operation of Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flow diagram of the first embodiment of the information transmission system according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates copying a URL in an embodiment of the information transmission system according to the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flow diagram of another pattern in the first embodiment of the information transmission system according to the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flow diagram of a second embodiment of the information transmission system according to the present invention. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, with reference to one embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the information transmission system provided with access restriction means according to the present invention will be described.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the information transmission system according to the present invention.

[0019] The information providing system 1 in FIG. 1 is configured by a server 10, a management terminal 11, and a database 12, and is connected to a user smartphone 2 via the Internet 3. The server 10 includes modules for generating the present information providing site, a dedicated redirect site, and a dummy site. The database 12 stores information for each module to generate a site, and a user of the information providing system 1 manages the system via the management terminal 11.

[0020] FIG. 2 is an example of a portable article provided with an NFC tag related to the information transmission system 1 according to the present invention. In this example, the portable article provided with an NFC tag is an invitation card 40, which includes the NFC tag 4 inside or on a surface thereof.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which information is read from the article of FIG. 2 by a mobile terminal. When the user smartphone 2 is brought close to the invitation card 40 including the NFC tag 4 inside or on a surface thereof, the user smartphone 2 reads and displays the URL of the site recorded on the NFC tag 4.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the mobile terminal displays information after the operation of FIG. 3. In FIG. 2, when "Open link" displayed on the screen of the user smartphone 2 is clicked, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the present information site that provides information about an event to be invited is displayed.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of the information transmission system according to the present invention. Although it appears that the present information site is directly displayed in the operation of FIG. 3, what is read when the user smartphone 2 is brought close to the invitation card 40 including the NFC tag 4 inside or on a surface thereof is the URL of the dedicated redirect site. When the dedicated redirect site receives an access using the URL of the dedicated redirect site from the user smartphone 2, it automatically redirects to the present information site. As a result, information of the present information providing site is displayed on the user smartphone 2.

[0024] Figure 6 shows the procedure for copying a URL in an embodiment of the information transmission system according to the present invention. By performing the "Share" operation on the screen operation menu of the user's smartphone 2, the URL of the displayed information provision site can be copied. The copied URL of the information provision site can be shared with others by methods such as sending it via email or the messaging function of social media.

[0025] Figure 7 is a flowchart of another pattern in the first embodiment of the information transmission system according to the present invention. It is a flowchart of what happens when a third party who has obtained a copy of the URL of the information provision site by the procedure shown in Figure 6 accesses the information provision site. When such access occurs to the information provision site, the information provision site performs access analysis and, if it is not an access from a redirect-only site, it rejects the access, and the information of the information provision site is not displayed on the third party's mobile device. For example, a 404 NO FOUND error will be displayed.

[0026] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the information transmission system according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 7, if a third party who has obtained a copy of the URL of this information provision site accesses this information provision site, this information provision site performs access analysis and, if the access is not from a redirect-only site, rejects the access, and the information of this information provision site is not displayed on the third party's mobile device, for example, a 404 NO FOUND is displayed. However, it is highly likely that the person who made such an access is related to the person to whom the system user is trying to provide information, and therefore, simply blocking such access may offend the feelings of the person to whom the system user is trying to provide information.

[0027] Therefore, when a third party who has obtained a copy of the URL of this information provision site using the procedure shown in Figure 6 accesses this information provision site, the information provision site performs access analysis, and if the access is not from a dedicated redirect site, it automatically redirects to a dummy site, and as a result, the user's smartphone 2 displays information from the dummy site. By making the content of this dummy site attractive information that is part of the original information provision, it is possible to take measures such as soliciting the third party to the target audience. In this case, the database 12 in Figure 1 also records information about dummy sites.

[0028] Furthermore, the following embodiments are described as variations of the first or second embodiments. A serial number is assigned to the URL information of the redirect-only site recorded on the NFC tag, and access to the information provision site from the redirect-only site is analyzed on the information provision site. If access using URL information with the same serial number is from multiple mobile devices, the system is configured to restrict access if the number of devices exceeds a predetermined limit. In this case, access restrictions could include not only denying access but also redirecting to a dummy site or limiting browsing time. Furthermore, a combination of these methods could be considered, for example, redirecting to a dummy site after browsing the main site for a certain period of time. Furthermore, regarding the setting of a predetermined number of terminals that serves as the basis for access restrictions, it is possible that the person to whom the system user intends to provide information may possess multiple mobile devices, or that the person to whom the system user intends to provide information may give a portable item equipped with an NFC tag to a close relative such as a family member. Therefore, it is not necessary to set a number that is too strict. For example, if the number is around 10, when the set number of terminals is exceeded, it can be presumed that the portable item equipped with an NFC tag has been transferred to someone other than a close relative such as a family member of the person to whom the system user intends to provide information. Furthermore, another possible approach is to have the user access a dummy site after a certain amount of time has passed since displaying the information site, requiring them to touch the NFC tag again in order to display the information site again. By implementing this setting, in the case of event merchandise, even if you haven't purchased any yourself, you can access this information site by touching the merchandise purchased by your companions at the event venue. However, you won't be able to view it again after returning home, creating a situation where you have no choice but to purchase the merchandise yourself in order to view it multiple times. In this case, the database 12 in Figure 1 also records information on a wide variety of access restriction methods.

[0029] Portable items equipped with NFC tags, such as thin paper or plastic cards, can be used for a variety of purposes, including not only event invitations as already written, but also for introducing companies and organizations, exchanging personal information, and as souvenirs for limited-time exhibitions at museums and art galleries. Furthermore, even with three-dimensional objects, for example, by embedding NFC tags in character goods, if information is added to the character when the goods are purchased, updating the information on this information provision site would allow users to obtain new information from character goods they have already acquired.

[0030] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the structure described in the above-described embodiments, and the embodiments can be modified and changed as appropriate.

[0031] Even if not necessarily portable in size, for example, in means of transportation such as automobiles and motorcycles, or in household appliances that are kept in a fixed location, if the information of the product is updated, it will be possible to obtain new information via a mobile device. Furthermore, accessories that are attached to clothing, bags, and other items that are often carried at all times when going out, and that are configured to be equipped with NFC tags, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 1. Information Provision System 2 User Smartphones 3 Internet 4 NFC tags 10 servers 11 Management terminal 12 Databases 40 invitations

Claims

1. A portable item equipped with a contactless IC chip (hereinafter referred to as "NFC tag") utilizing near-field communication technology (hereinafter referred to as "NFC"), a portable terminal equipped with communication functions, and an information transmission system comprising a server and a database, The aforementioned server includes a module for generating this information provision site, a redirect-only site, and a dummy site. The NFC tag contains URL information for a redirect-only site. When the mobile device is brought close to the NFC tag and the redirection site is accessed, the redirection site automatically accesses the information provision site. The aforementioned information provision site is configured to perform access analysis and only allow access if the access originates from the redirect-only site.

2. The server includes a module for generating dummy sites, The information provision system according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned information provision site is configured to perform access analysis and redirect to the dummy site if the access is not from the redirect-only site.

3. The URL information of the redirect-only site recorded in the NFC tag includes a serial number. The aforementioned information provision site performs access analysis on access from the aforementioned redirect-only site to the aforementioned information provision site. The information provision system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when access via URL information with the same serial number is made from multiple terminals, the system is configured to restrict access if the number of terminals exceeds a predetermined number.

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