Content Delivery System

Abstract

To enable a content related to the location of a mobile terminal to be distributed to the mobile terminal in a responsive manner.SOLUTION: A content distribution system includes an upper-level server and a lower-level server. The upper-level server manages a plurality of contents. According to information obtained from a terminal for outputting a content, the lower-level server distributes the content selected from the plurality of contents managed by the upper-level server to the terminal, by communication with a delay lower than that of communication with the upper server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a content distribution system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, technology has been developed that identifies the location of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal owned by a consumer and delivers information related to the location to the mobile terminal. This technology is used, for example, in a content delivery system for a retail store or shopping center. The content delivery system is a system that identifies the location of a mobile terminal owned by a consumer who visits a store and delivers, for example, promotional content related to the location to the mobile terminal.

[0003] Known methods for identifying the location of a mobile terminal include using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and using beacons. However, the GPS method is applicable only in limited locations, such as underground malls and inside buildings, where mobile terminals cannot receive GPS signals. The beacon method is prone to errors in positioning if the number of beacon transmitters is small. Increasing the number of beacon transmitters reduces errors, but this requires high implementation costs and huge maintenance costs.

[0004] Meanwhile, with recent improvements in image recognition technology, there is a technology that identifies the shooting location from an image captured by a camera. Therefore, it is conceivable to identify the location of a mobile terminal from an image captured by the camera of the mobile terminal and deliver content related to that location to the mobile terminal. However, if it takes time from identifying the location of the mobile terminal to delivering the content, there is a concern that the consumer may move during that time, and the content may not be delivered at the appropriate time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6314137 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a content distribution system capable of responsively distributing content related to the location of a mobile terminal to the mobile terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the content delivery system includes an upper server and a lower server. The upper server manages a plurality of contents. The lower server delivers a content selected from the plurality of contents managed by the upper server to the terminal through communication with a lower latency than communication with the upper server in response to information obtained from the terminal for outputting the content. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a content delivery system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a center server. [Diagram 3] Schematic diagram showing the main data structures of a membership record. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a content record. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of an MEC server. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a list memory. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a mobile terminal. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of a mobile terminal. [Figure 9]4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the MEC server. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the center server. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of a list memory according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the MEC server in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a content distribution system will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment illustrates a content distribution system for supermarkets that can provide content to consumers through their mobile terminals when they visit the store. The content is intended to promote sales to consumers by using images such as videos and still images. For example, images introducing today's special sale items and images suggesting recipes are provided to consumers as promotional content.

[0010] The mobile terminal may be a well-known smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. The mobile terminal may be a smartphone or tablet terminal owned by the consumer, or a tablet terminal installed in a shopping cart prepared by a store. A consumer can receive content by installing a dedicated application program on the mobile terminal and registering as a member. Hereinafter, this application program is referred to as a content application PMa.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a content delivery system 100 according to this embodiment. The content delivery system 100 includes a center server 10, a plurality of MEC (Mobile Edge Computing) servers 20, and a plurality of base stations 30.

[0012] The center server 10 connects to a plurality of MEC servers 20 via a core network 50. Each MEC server 20 is associated with a base station 30 of a mobile network 60. A plurality of mobile terminals 40 to which content is to be delivered are connected to the base station 30 via the mobile network 60. The mobile network 60 preferably employs a 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system) communication method. Compared with previous communication methods, the 5G mobile network 60 has the characteristics of "high speed and large capacity," "low latency," and "connection to a large number of terminals."

[0013] The center server 10 is a server device for cloud computing. The center server 10 centrally manages contents to be provided to consumers. The center server 10 is an example of a host server.

[0014] The MEC server 20 is a server device for mobile edge computing. That is, the MEC server 20 is attached to a base station 30 that performs wireless communication with a mobile terminal 40 at the edge of a core network 50 connected to the center server 10. The MEC server 20 performs data communication in an environment closer to the mobile terminal 40 than the center server 10. Furthermore, in combination with the characteristics of the ultra-high speed and low latency wireless network of 5G compared to the conventional LTE (registered trademark) / 4G mobile environment, the MEC server 20 can realize communication with the mobile terminal 40 with lower latency than the center server 10. The MEC server 20 is also called an edge server. The MEC server 20 is an example of a lower server.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the center server 10. The center server 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, and a network interface 14. The center server 10 connects the processor 11 with the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the network interface 14 via a system transmission path 15. The system transmission path 15 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like.

[0016] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the center server 10. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the center server 10 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0017] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the center server 10. The main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The main memory 12 also uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the center server 10. As the auxiliary storage device 13, for example, well-known storage devices such as an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) are used alone or in combination. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 11, etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store application programs.

[0019] The network interface 14 is an interface for performing data communication using the core network 50. The center server 10 performs bidirectional data communication with a plurality of MEC servers 20 via the core network 50 through the network interface 14.

[0020] The center server 10 has a member file 70 and a content file 80 stored in the auxiliary storage device 13. The member file 70 is a collection of member records 71 ​​(see FIG. 3) created for each consumer who has registered as a member to receive content. The content file 80 is a collection of content records 81 (see FIG. 4) created for each content prepared to be provided to consumers.

[0021] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the member record 71. As shown in the figure, the member record 71 includes an APLID and member information. The APLID is an identification code of the content application PMa installed in the mobile terminal 40 used by a consumer who has become a member. A unique APLID is set as an identification code for each content application PMa. The member information includes a member ID, gender, age, etc. The member information may also include other information such as a place of residence, family structure, purchase history, etc.

[0022] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a content record 81. The content record 81 includes a content ID, a service area, a base station ID, service conditions, content information, etc. The content ID is a unique code set for each piece of content in order to identify each piece of content.

[0023] The provision area is information indicating an area to which the content is provided. In this embodiment, the provision area is an area divided by sales floor classification, such as the vegetable section, the confectionery section, the meat section, the dairy section, the frozen food section, the daily necessities section, etc. For example, in the case of content introducing recipes using vegetables, the provision area is the vegetable section. For example, in the case of content introducing special sale items of frozen foods, the provision area is the frozen food section.

[0024] The base station ID is the ID of the base station 30 that has the area in which the content is provided as a wireless communication region with at least the mobile terminal 40. Each base station 30 is assigned a unique ID. Each base station 30 has at least two or more adjacent sales floors as a wireless communication region with the mobile terminal 40.

[0025] The provision conditions are information that are conditions for providing content. In this embodiment, member information is the provision condition. The member information is customer demographic information. For example, for content provided to women in their twenties, customer demographic information of "female, ages 20 to 29" is set as the provision condition. For example, for content provided to men aged 40 or older, customer demographic information of "male, ages 40 or older" is set as the provision condition. Note that the member information that is the provision condition is not limited to customer demographic information. The provision conditions may also include the consumer's family structure, favorite items, location, past purchase history, etc.

[0026] The content information is raw information of the content. For example, if the content is a moving image, the content information is image information of the moving image. For example, if the content is a still image, the content information is image information of the still image. Note that the content is not limited to images. The content may include text or audio.

[0027] 5 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the MEC server 20. The MEC server 20 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, an accelerator 24, a clock 25, a network interface 26, and a base station interface 27. The MEC server 20 connects the processor 21 to the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage device 23, the accelerator 24, the clock 25, the network interface 26, and the base station interface 27 via a system transmission path 28. The system transmission path 28 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like.

[0028] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the MEC server 20. The processor 21 controls each part to realize various functions of the MEC server 20 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU.

[0029] The main memory 22 corresponds to the main storage portion of the MEC server 20. The main memory 22 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores data required for the processor 21 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The main memory 22 also uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 21. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0030] The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the MEC server 20. As the auxiliary storage device 23, for example, a well-known storage device such as an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD is used alone or in combination. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used by the processor 21 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 21, etc. The auxiliary storage device 23 may also store application programs.

[0031] The accelerator 24 is a calculation processing unit for identifying the position of the mobile terminal 40 from an image captured by an imaging device 44 (see FIG. 7) of the mobile terminal 40 through deep learning using AI. For example, a convolutional neural network is used for the deep learning. For example, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. can be used as the accelerator 24.

[0032] The clock 25 is a time information source for the MEC server 20. The processor 21 processes the time kept by the clock 25 as the current time.

[0033] The network interface 26 is an interface for performing data communication using the core network 50. The MEC server 20 performs bidirectional data communication with the center server 10 via the core network 50 through the network interface 26.

[0034] The base station interface 27 is an interface for performing data communication with the associated base station 30. The MEC server 20 performs bidirectional data communication with a mobile terminal 40 that is wirelessly connected to the base station 30 via the base station interface 27.

[0035] The MEC server 20 stores a server ID and a base station ID in the auxiliary storage device 23. The server ID is a unique code set for each MEC server 20. The base station ID is a unique code set for the associated base station 30. The storage destination of the server ID and the base station ID is not limited to the auxiliary storage device 23. The server ID and the base station ID may be stored in a non-volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 22. Also, one ID may be stored in the main memory 22 and the other ID may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0036] The MEC server 20 secures an area as a list storage unit 90 in the auxiliary storage device 23. The list storage unit 90 is an area for temporarily storing a list memory 91 (see FIG. 6) created for each mobile terminal 40 on which the content application PMa is installed.

[0037] 6 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the list memory 91. As shown in the figure, the list memory 91 includes an area for APLID, an area for access time, and an area for content list La. In the APLID area, the APLID of the content application PMa is described. In the access time area, the time of the last access from the mobile terminal 40 is described. In the list area, at least one pair of data of a provision area and content information is described as the content list La.

[0038] The processor 21 of the MEC server 20 constantly monitors the list memories 91 stored in the list storage unit 90. The processor 21 has a function of deleting from the list storage unit 90 any list memory 91 for which a certain amount of time has elapsed since the most recent access time.

[0039] A mobile terminal 40 present within the wireless communication area of ​​a base station 30 attached to the MEC server 20 periodically accesses the MEC server 20. Therefore, while the mobile terminal 40 is present within the wireless communication area, the access time is periodically updated. However, when the mobile terminal 40 leaves the wireless communication area, the access time is no longer updated. The processor 21 of the MEC server 20 deletes from the list storage unit 90 the list memory 91 whose access time is no longer updated, that is, the list memory 91 for the mobile terminal 40 that has left the wireless communication area of ​​the base station 30 attached to the MEC server 20. Therefore, the number of list memories 91 stored in the list storage unit 90 is approximately equal to the number of mobile terminals 40 present within the wireless communication area of ​​the base station 30 attached to the MEC server 20.

[0040] 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the mobile terminal 40. The mobile terminal 40 includes a processor 41, an internal memory 42, an external memory 43, an imaging device 44, a touch panel 45, and a wireless communication device 46. In the mobile terminal 40, the processor 41 is connected to the internal memory 42, the external memory 43, the imaging device 44, the touch panel 45, and the wireless communication device 46 via a system transmission path 47. The system transmission path 47 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The mobile terminal 40 configures a computer by connecting the processor 41, the internal memory 42, and the external memory 43 via the system transmission path 47.

[0041] The processor 41 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 41 controls each part to realize various functions of the mobile terminal 40 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU.

[0042] The built-in memory 42 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The built-in memory 42 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The built-in memory 42 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. The built-in memory 42 stores data required for the processor 41 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The built-in memory 42 also uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 41. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0043] The external memory 43 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the mobile terminal 40. For example, an EEPROM is used as the external memory 43. The external memory 43 stores data used by the processor 41 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 41, etc. The external memory 43 may also store application programs.

[0044] The imaging device 44 is a device for capturing images at a constant pitch in the traveling direction of the consumer carrying the mobile terminal 40. The consumer goes shopping while carrying the mobile terminal 40 or attaching it to a shopping cart so that the traveling direction is captured by the imaging device 44. The imaging device 44 is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera.

[0045] The touch panel 45 functions as an input device and a display device of the mobile terminal 40. The mobile terminal 40 displays an image captured by the imaging device 44 on the touch panel 45. The mobile terminal 40 also displays an image of the content received from the MEC server 20 on the touch panel 45. At that time, the mobile terminal 40 can use AR (Augmented Reality) technology to display an image of the content superimposed on a real image captured by the imaging device 44. For example, when a product related to the content is shown in the real image, the image of the content can be displayed superimposed on the image of the product. The mobile terminal 40 is an example of a terminal for outputting the content by display. The mobile terminal 40 may be provided with a speaker and output the content by sound.

[0046] The wireless communication device 46 is an interface for performing wireless communication using the mobile network 60. The mobile terminal 40 performs two-way wireless communication with the base station 30 via the mobile network 60 using the wireless communication device 46. At that time, it is preferable that the mobile terminal 40 performs wireless communication with the base station 30 using a 5G mobile communication system.

[0047] The mobile terminal 40 stores in an external memory 43 a content application PMa that has been downloaded from a predetermined site.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 41 of the mobile terminal 40 in accordance with the content application PMa. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 21 of the MEC server 20. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 11 of the center server 10. Below, the main operations of the content distribution system 100 will be explained using these flow charts. Note that the operation steps explained below are just an example. The steps can be changed as appropriate as long as similar effects can be obtained.

[0049] First, the operation of the mobile terminal 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. A consumer who comes to the store starts the content application PMa installed in the mobile terminal 40. When the content application PMa starts, the processor 41 of the mobile terminal 40 acquires an APLID, which is the ID of the content application PMa, from the external memory 43 as ACT1. Next, the processor 41 waits for the wireless communication device 46 to be able to wirelessly communicate with any of the base stations 30 as ACT2.

[0050] When wireless communication with the base station 30 becomes possible, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3. The processor 41 activates the imaging device 44 in ACT3 to start capturing images. Then, the processor 41 controls the wireless communication device 46 to wirelessly transmit image data captured by the imaging device 44 in ACT4. Through this control, the wireless communication device 46 wirelessly transmits the image data captured by the imaging device 44. This image data includes the APLID acquired in ACT1.

[0051] The processor 41, which has controlled the transmission of the image data, checks whether or not content has been received in ACT5. If content has not been received, the processor 41 determines NO in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT6. The processor 41 checks whether or not a command to stop the content application PMa has been issued in ACT6. If a command to stop the content application PMa has not been issued, the processor 41 determines NO in ACT6 and returns to ACT4. In this way, the processor 41 controls the wireless communication device 46 to wirelessly transmit the image data captured by the imaging device 44 until content is received or a command to stop the content application PMa is issued.

[0052] Although details will be described later, the content is distributed from the MEC server 20 to the mobile terminal 40 via the base station 30. When the processor 41 detects that the content has been received by the wireless communication device 46, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT7. In ACT7, the processor 41 causes an image of the content to be displayed on the touch panel 45. The image of the content is displayed superimposed on an actual image captured by the imaging device 44, for example, by using AR technology.

[0053] Processor 41 checks whether a command to erase the content has been issued as ACT8. An erase button for issuing a command to erase the content is displayed on touch panel 45 on which an image of the content is displayed. When a consumer wishes to erase the content displayed on touch panel 45, the consumer touches the erase button. When processor 41 detects that the erase button has been touched, it recognizes that a command to erase the content has been issued.

[0054] If the deletion of the content has not been commanded, the processor 41 judges NO in ACT8 and proceeds to ACT9. The processor 41 analyzes the real image captured by the imaging device 44 in ACT9. The processor 41 then checks whether an obstacle is shown in the real image in ACT10. An obstacle is, for example, a person. The obstacle may be a cart for transporting goods, a shopping cart, or the like. If an obstacle cannot be confirmed, the processor 41 judges NO in ACT10 and returns to ACT8.

[0055] In this way, the processor 41 analyzes the captured image to check for the presence or absence of an obstacle until a command to delete the content is received. If the processor 41 checks for an obstacle, it determines YES in ACT10 and proceeds to ACT11. In ACT11, the processor 41 warns the consumer, who is the user of the mobile terminal 40, that there is an obstacle. The warning is given, for example, by outputting a warning sound from the mobile terminal 40. The warning may also be given using a vibration function provided in the mobile terminal 40. After giving the warning, the processor 41 returns to ACT8.

[0056] In this way, if an obstacle appears in the image captured by the imaging device 44 while a content image is being displayed, a warning is issued from the mobile terminal 40. This makes it possible to prevent with a high probability the consumer, who is the user of the mobile terminal 40, from being distracted by the content and colliding with another consumer, a shopping cart, or the like without noticing it.

[0057] When the processor 41 detects that a command to delete the content has been issued by a signal from the touch panel 45, the processor 41 judges YES in ACT8 and proceeds to ACT12. The processor 41 deletes the image of the content in ACT12. After that, the processor 41 returns to ACT4. Then, the processor 41 controls the wireless communication device 46 to wirelessly transmit the image data captured by the imaging device 44 until the processor 41 again receives the content or issues a command to stop the content application PMa.

[0058] When a signal from the touch panel 45 commands the content application PMa to be stopped, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT6 and proceeds to ACT13. In ACT13, the processor 41 stops the image capturing operation by the imaging device 44. With this, the processor 41 ends the information processing according to the content application PMa.

[0059] Next, the operations of the MEC server 20 and the center server 10 related to the operation of the above-mentioned mobile terminal 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0060] The processor 21 of the MEC server 20 waits for image data as ACT21 in Fig. 9. When image data transmitted from any of the mobile terminals 40 is received via the base station interface 27, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT21 and proceeds to ACT22. The processor 21 acquires an APLID from the image data as ACT22.

[0061] The processor 21 checks in ACT23 whether or not the list memory 91 in which the APLID is set is stored in the list storage unit 90. Hereinafter, the list memory 91 in which the APLID is set is referred to as the target list memory 91. If the target list memory 91 is not stored, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT24.

[0062] The processor 21 acquires the server ID and the base station ID from the auxiliary storage device 23 in ACT24. Then, the processor 21 controls the network interface 26 to transmit a list request command to the center server 10 in ACT25. This control causes the list request command to be transmitted from the network interface 26. The list request command is transmitted to the center server 10 via the core network 50. The list request command includes the APLID acquired in the processing of ACT22, and the server ID and the base station ID acquired in the processing of ACT24.

[0063] The processor 11 of the center server 10 waits for a list request command as ACT41 in Fig. 10. When the processor 11 receives the list request command via the network interface 14, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT41 and proceeds to ACT42. The processor 11 acquires the APLID from the list request command as ACT42. Then, the processor 11 reads the member record 71 including the APLID from the member file 70 as ACT43, and stores the member information of the member record 71 in the first work area of ​​the main memory 12.

[0064] Processor 11 also acquires the base station ID from the list request command in ACT 44. Processor 11 then sequentially searches each content record 81 in content file 80 for that base station ID in ACT 45. Processor 11 checks whether a content record 81 including that base station ID has been detected in ACT 46. Hereinafter, the content record 81 including that base station ID will be referred to as a candidate content record 81.

[0065] When candidate content record 81 is detected, processor 11 determines YES in ACT46 and proceeds to ACT47. In ACT47, processor 11 checks whether the member information stored in the first work area satisfies the provision conditions of candidate content record 81. For example, if customer demographic information "female, 20 to 29 years old" is set as the provision conditions, processor 11 determines that the provision conditions are satisfied if the gender of the member information is "female" and the age is anywhere from "20" to "29 years old." For example, if customer demographic information "male, 40 years old or older" is set as the provision conditions, processor 11 determines that the provision conditions are satisfied if the gender of the member information is "male" and the age is 40 years old or older.

[0066] If the member information satisfies the provision conditions, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT47 and proceeds to ACT48. The processor 11 stores the content data of the candidate content record 81 in the second work area of ​​the main memory 12 as ACT48. The content data includes a provision area and content information. On the other hand, if the member information does not satisfy the provision conditions, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT47 and skips the processing of ACT48. After that, the processor 11 returns to ACT45.

[0067] That is, the processor 11 continues searching the content file 80. Then, every time the processor 11 detects a candidate content record 81 from the content file 80, the processor 11 executes the process of storing the content data of the candidate content record 81 in the first work area again.

[0068] In ACT49, the processor 11 checks whether the search for the content file 80 has been completed. When the search for the content file 80 has been completed, the processor 11 judges as YES in ACT49 and proceeds to ACT50. In ACT50, the processor 11 checks whether the content data is stored in the second work area. If the content data is not stored, the processor 11 judges as NO in ACT50 and proceeds to ACT51. In ACT51, the processor 11 controls the network interface 14 to transmit a data signal to notify that there is no content.

[0069] On the other hand, if content data is stored in the second work area, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 50 and proceeds to ACT 52. The processor 11 creates a content list La using the content data in ACT 52. Then, the processor 11 controls the network interface 14 to transmit a data signal including the content list La in ACT 53.

[0070] By these controls, a data signal is transmitted from the network interface 14. The data signal is received by the MEC server 20, which is the sender of the list request command, via the core network 50.

[0071] This ends the information processing performed by the processor 11 when the list request command is received. Then, when the processor 11 receives the next list request command from any of the MEC servers 20, the processor 11 executes the processing of ACT41 to ACT53 again.

[0072] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 21, which controlled the transmission of the list request command in ACT25, waits for a data signal from the center server 10 in ACT26. If a data signal notifying that there is no content is received, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT26 and ends the information processing of the procedure shown in FIG.

[0073] On the other hand, if a data signal including content list La is received, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT26 and proceeds to ACT27. In ACT27, the processor 21 creates a new list memory 91 in the list storage unit 90, and writes the content list La obtained from the data signal. At this time, the processor 21 writes the APLID obtained in the processing of ACT22 in the list memory 91. The processor 21 also writes the time kept by the clock 25 as the access time in the list memory 91. With this, the processor 21 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in FIG. 9.

[0074] Thus, the list memory 91 stores a content list La in which the provision conditions are the membership information of a consumer who is a user of a mobile terminal 40 that has installed a content app PMa to which an APLID is set, among contents whose provision areas are two or more sales floors included in the wireless communication area of ​​a base station 30 attached to the MEC server 20.

[0075] On the other hand, if the target list memory 91 is stored in the list storage unit 90, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT28. The processor 21 controls the accelerator 24 to identify the location of the mobile terminal 40 that sent the image data in ACT28. Through this control, the accelerator 24 inputs the image data received from the mobile terminal 40 into a learning model that has been trained using a large number of images taken of each sales floor from various angles as teacher data. In this way, deep learning using AI is performed in the accelerator 24, and the sales floor in which the mobile terminal 40 is located is identified.

[0076] When the sales floor where the mobile terminal 40 is located is identified, the processor 21 searches the content list La in the target list memory 91 as ACT 29. Then, the processor 21 checks whether there is content data that includes the sales floor where the mobile terminal 40 is located as a provided area as ACT 30. Hereinafter, the content data that includes the sales floor where the mobile terminal 40 is located as a provided area is referred to as provided content data.

[0077] If the provided content data does not exist, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 30 and proceeds to ACT 35. In ACT 35, the processor 21 updates the access time of the target list memory 91 to the current time kept by the clock 25.

[0078] If the provided content data exists, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 30 and proceeds to ACT 31. The processor 21 calculates the congestion degree P of the mobile terminal 40 located within the wireless communication area of ​​the associated base station 30 in ACT 31.

[0079] For example, the processor 21 calculates the congestion degree P from the number N of list memories 91 stored in the list storage unit 90 and the area M of the wireless communication region using the following formula (1).

[0080] P = N / M … (1) The congestion level P may be calculated using an index such as the number of mobile terminals per unit wireless communication area or the communication volume per unit wireless communication area. The processor 21 determines the size of the content according to the congestion degree P as ACT32. For example, when the content information is a moving image, the processor 21 determines the compression rate according to the congestion degree P. When the content information is a still image, the processor 21 determines the resolution according to the congestion degree P.

[0081] When the congestion level P of the mobile terminal 40 located within the wireless communication area is high, the communication traffic of the mobile network 60 increases. Therefore, unless the size of the content distributed from the MEC server 20 to each mobile terminal 40 through the mobile network 60 is reduced, stable communication quality may not be obtained. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the congestion level P exceeds a predetermined threshold, the compression rate or resolution of the content information is determined so that the size of the content is reduced.

[0082] When the size of the content is determined according to the congestion degree P, the processor 21 edits the content information of the provided content data as ACT 32 so as to fit the size. At this time, if there are a plurality of provided content data, the processor 21 edits each of the content information so as to fit the size.

[0083] When editing of the content information is completed, the processor 21 controls the base station interface 27 to wirelessly transmit the content based on the edited content information as ACT 34. By this control, the content is wirelessly transmitted from the base station 30 through the mobile network 60. The content is then received by the mobile terminal 40 that transmitted the image data. Incidentally, in the mobile terminal 40 that received the content, an image of the content is displayed on the touch panel 45 by, for example, AR technology, as already described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0084] After controlling the transmission of the content, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT 35. That is, the processor 21 updates the access time of the target list memory 91 to the current time kept by the clock 25. With this, the processor 21 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in FIG.

[0085] As described above, the content distribution system 100 includes the center server 10 that manages multiple contents, and multiple MEC servers 20 attached to the base stations 30 of the mobile network 60. Then, in response to information obtained from a mobile terminal 40, the MEC server 20 distributes a content selected from the multiple contents managed by the center server 10 to the mobile terminal 40 through communication with a lower latency than communication with the center server 10.

[0086] Specifically, the MEC server 20 captures an image captured by the imaging device 44 of the mobile terminal 40, and identifies the sales floor in which the mobile terminal 40 is located from the image. The MEC server 20 then selects content information for which the sales floor is provided from the content list La corresponding to the mobile terminal 40, and distributes content based on the content information to the mobile terminal 40. Note that, in addition to identifying the sales floor in which the mobile terminal 40 is located from an image captured by the imaging device 44, various indoor positioning technologies may also be used.

[0087] In this way, in the content distribution system 100, content is distributed from the MEC server 20 to each mobile terminal 40. The MEC server 20 achieves communication with lower latency than the center server 10. Therefore, it is possible to provide a content distribution system 100 that can responsively distribute content related to the location of a mobile terminal 40 to the mobile terminal 40.

[0088] As a result, the time required from identifying the location of the mobile terminal 40, i.e., the location of the consumer, to delivering the content is very short, so it is unlikely that the consumer will move to another location during that time. Therefore, the content is delivered to the consumer at the appropriate time, and the promotional effect of the content is very high. Moreover, this effect is made even more certain by adopting a 5G communication method, which is characterized by ultra-high speed and low latency compared to conventional methods, as the mobile network 60.

[0089] Meanwhile, the MEC server 20 has a list storage unit 90 for storing a plurality of list memories 91. When the MEC server 20 receives image data from a mobile terminal 40 present within the wireless communication area of ​​the associated base station 30, the MEC server 20 checks whether or not there is a list memory 91 in which the APLID of the content application PMa installed in the mobile terminal 40 is set. If the corresponding list memory 91 is not stored in the list storage unit 90, the MEC server 20 transmits a list request command to the center server 10.

[0090] The center server 10 receives the list request command and searches the member file 70 and the content file 80. The center server 10 then selects content data whose providing condition is satisfied by the member information of the consumer who is the user of the mobile terminal 40 from among the content data whose providing area is the wireless communication area of ​​the base station 30 to which the MEC server 20 is attached, creates a content list La, and transmits it to the MEC server 20. In this way, the MEC server 20 stores a list memory 91 including the content list La.

[0091] After that, each time the MEC server 20 receives image data from the mobile terminal 40, it identifies the location of the mobile terminal 40, selects from the list memory 91 content whose provision area is that location, and distributes it to the mobile terminal 40.

[0092] In this way, the MEC server 20 obtains a content list La that extracts content to be provided to consumers who are users of mobile terminals 40 located within the wireless communication area of ​​the base station 30 attached to the MEC server 20 from the center server 10 that manages all content. Then, every time the MEC server 20 receives image data from the mobile terminal 40, it identifies the location of the mobile terminal 40 from the image data and selects content whose provision area is that location from the content list La corresponding to the mobile terminal 40. Therefore, the time required for the MEC server 20 to select the relevant content is extremely short compared to when the center server 10 searches the content file 80 and selects the content to be distributed to the mobile terminal 40. From this point of view, it is possible to achieve the effect of distributing content related to the location of the mobile terminal 40 with high responsiveness.

[0093] Furthermore, the MEC server 20 calculates the congestion level P of the mobile terminal 40 located within the wireless communication area of ​​the associated base station 30. If the congestion level P is higher than a threshold, the MEC server 20 edits the content information to reduce the data size before distributing it to the mobile terminal 40. This makes it possible to keep the communication traffic of the mobile network 60 low, thereby achieving stable communication quality.

[0094] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the list memory 91 in the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the second embodiment, member information is stored in the list memory 91. Also, the content list Lb is a list of group data of the provision area, the provision conditions, and the content information.

[0095] That is, in the second embodiment, the processor 11 of the center server 10 skips the processing step of ACT47 in Fig. 10. Then, in ACT48, the processor 11 stores the provision area, provision conditions, and content information of the candidate content as content data. In ACT53, the processor 11 controls the network interface 14 to transmit the member information stored in the processing of ACT43 together with the content list to the MEC server 20.

[0096] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 21 of the MEC server 20. In Fig. 12, the same reference numerals are used to denote parts common to the information processing of the first embodiment described with reference to Fig. 9.

[0097] That is, the processor 21 performs information processing in the same procedure as in the first embodiment from ACT21 to ACT26. Then, when a data signal including a content list La is received, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT26 and proceeds to ACT61. In ACT61, the processor 21 creates a new list memory 91 in the list storage unit 90, and writes the content list La and member information obtained from the data signal. At this time, the processor 21 writes the APLID obtained in the processing of ACT22 in the list memory 91. The processor 21 also writes the time kept by the clock 25 in the list memory 91 as the access time.

[0098] The processor 21 performs information processing in the same procedure as in the first embodiment from ACT28 to ACT31. After calculating the congestion degree P, the processor 21 checks whether the congestion degree P is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold in ACT62. The threshold is a value that is estimated to make it impossible to guarantee stable communication quality because the congestion degree P is high.

[0099] If the congestion level P is less than the threshold, the processor 21 determines NO in ACT 62 and proceeds to ACT 34. That is, the processor 21 controls the base station interface 27 to wirelessly transmit the content based on the edited content information. The processor 21 also updates the access time of the target list memory 91 to the current time measured by the clock 25.

[0100] If the congestion level P is equal to or greater than the threshold, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT62 and proceeds to ACT63. In ACT63, the processor 21 checks whether the member information in the target list memory 91 satisfies the provision conditions for the provided content data. For example, if the customer demographic information is "female, 20 to 29 years old" and the provision conditions for the provided content data are set, the processor 21 determines that the provision conditions are satisfied if the gender in the member information is "female" and the age is between "20" and "29 years old." For example, if the customer demographic information is "male, 40 years old or older" and the provision conditions for the provided content data are set, the processor 21 determines that the provision conditions are satisfied if the gender in the member information is "male" and the age is 40 years old or older.

[0101] If the member information does not satisfy the provision conditions, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 63 and proceeds to ACT 35. That is, the processor 21 updates the access time of the target list memory 91 to the current time measured by the clock 25.

[0102] If the member information satisfies the provision conditions, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 63 and proceeds to ACT 34. That is, the processor 21 controls the base station interface 27 to wirelessly transmit the content based on the edited content information. The processor 21 also updates the access time of the target list memory 91 to the current time measured by the clock 25.

[0103] Thus, also in the second embodiment, the list storage unit 90 of the MEC server 20 stores a list memory 91 for each mobile terminal 40 located within the wireless communication area of ​​the base station associated with the MEC server. However, the list memory 91 stores a content list Lb consisting of group data of the provision area, provision conditions, and content information, together with member information.

[0104] When the congestion level P of the mobile terminal 40 within the wireless communication area is less than a threshold value, content information having the sales floor where the mobile terminal 40 is located as its provision area is selected from the content list Lb and delivered to the mobile terminal 40. Therefore, content related to that sales floor is delivered to the mobile terminal 40 regardless of the provision conditions. As a result, the same content is provided to all consumers located in the same sales floor.

[0105] On the other hand, when the congestion level P is equal to or greater than the threshold, content information whose membership information of the consumer satisfies the provision conditions is selected from the content list Lb and delivered to the mobile terminal 40 of the consumer. Therefore, even if consumers are located in the same sales floor, different content will be provided depending on the difference in membership information.

[0106] For example, if the content provided to consumers is content introducing sale items, and that content is distributed simultaneously to consumers located in the same sales area, there is a possibility that many consumers will gather around the shelves where the sale items are displayed, creating congestion. In the second embodiment, when the congestion level P is equal to or exceeds a threshold value and there is a high possibility of congestion being created, different content is distributed based on differences in member information, for example, advertisements related to products located on different shelves in the store. By doing so, it is possible to guide each consumer to a different sales area or to prevent an excessively large number of people from gathering at a particular sales area.

[0107] Although the embodiment of the content distribution system has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0108] In the above embodiment, a content distribution system for supermarkets has been exemplified. The type of retail store is not limited to supermarkets. The content distribution system may be for specialty stores, department stores, shopping centers, etc. For example, in the case of a content distribution system for shopping centers, the area where the content is provided may be a tenant.

[0109] In the above embodiment, a case where a consumer installs the content application PMa on the mobile terminal 40 and registers as a member has been exemplified. In another embodiment, a store may prepare a mobile terminal 40 on which the content application PMa has been installed in advance and lend it to a consumer. In this case, the consumer registers as a member in advance and inputs a member ID into the mobile terminal 40 when borrowing the mobile terminal 40. By doing so, the content application PMa of the mobile terminal 40 used by the consumer can be linked to the member information of the consumer. Such an operation is effective for a system in which a tablet terminal is attached to a shopping cart as the mobile terminal 40.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the condition for providing the content is the member information. The condition for providing the content is not limited to the member information. For example, since a technology for analyzing a consumer's purchasing behavior from an image captured by the imaging device 44 is already known, the purchasing behavior may be the condition for providing the content. Specifically, the MEC server 20 may analyze the consumer's movement line and deliver the content whose movement line satisfies the provision condition. Alternatively, when the consumer picks up a product from a shelf, the content related to the product may be delivered. Also, a recommended product may be selected based on the consumer's family structure, purchase history, etc., and the content serving as a coupon for the product may be delivered.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the MEC server 20 identifies the location of the mobile terminal 40 from an image captured by the imaging device 44 of the mobile terminal 40. The method of identifying the location of the mobile terminal 40 is not limited to the method using an image. For example, in the case of an operation in which a mobile terminal is attached to a shopping cart, the MEC server 20 can identify the location of the mobile terminal 40 from information from a sensor provided on the shopping cart. In addition, the location of the mobile terminal used by a consumer may be identified from the consumer's movement within the wireless communication area by using a technology that tracks the movement of the consumer from images captured by a camera in a store.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the congestion degree P of the mobile terminals 40 within the wireless communication area of ​​the base station 30 is calculated based on the number of the mobile terminals 40. In another embodiment, the congestion degree P may be calculated from the communication traffic of the base station 30. Alternatively, the congestion degree P may be calculated from an image captured by a camera inside the store.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the case where communication quality is improved by changing the size of the content according to the congestion level P has been exemplified. In this regard, the communication quality may be improved by changing the communication speed at which the content is transmitted. Conversely, even if there is room in the communication line, the content may be transmitted at a minimum size. This method is effective in cases where a consumer who owns the mobile terminal 40 is concerned about the monthly contracted upper limit of communication data, or where speed restrictions are already in place.

[0114] In the second embodiment, a case has been exemplified in which the content delivered to the mobile terminal 40 is varied depending on the member information when the congestion level P is high. In this regard, consumers may be divided into groups according to their positions in the sales floor, and different content may be delivered to each group.

[0115] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. The invention as originally claimed in the present application is set forth below. [1] A content distribution system comprising: an upper server that manages multiple contents; and a lower server that distributes content selected from the multiple contents managed by the upper server to the terminal through communication with lower latency than communication with the upper server in response to information obtained from the terminal for outputting the content. [2] A content distribution system as described in Appendix [1], wherein the lower server selects content associated with the location of the terminal identified by information obtained from the terminal from among multiple contents managed by the upper server, and distributes the content to the terminal. [3] A content distribution system as described in Appendix [2], wherein the lower server changes the size of the content to be distributed to the terminal located within the area depending on the degree of congestion in the area including the location of the terminal. [4] A content distribution system as described in Appendix [2], wherein the lower server varies the content to be distributed to the multiple terminals located within an area depending on the degree of congestion in the area including the location of the terminal. [5] A content distribution system according to any one of appendices [2] to [4], wherein the terminal is equipped with an imaging device and transmits image data captured by the imaging device to the lower-level server, and the lower-level server identifies the location of the terminal from the image data. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 10...center server, 20...MEC server, 30...base station, 40...mobile terminal, 50...core network, 60...mobile network, 70...membership file, 80...content file, 90...list storage unit, 100...content distribution system.

Claims

1. A host server that manages multiple promotional contents; a lower-level server that is connected to the upper server via a first communications network, and is connected to a terminal for outputting the promotional content via a second network that realizes communication with the upper server connected via the first communications network, and distributes the promotional content selected from the multiple promotional contents managed by the upper server to the terminal via the second network in response to information obtained from the terminal, using communication with the upper server with lower latency than communication via the first communications network; Equipped with The lower level server includes: A content distribution system that selects, from among the multiple promotional contents managed by the upper server, promotional content associated with a sales floor in which a consumer who owns a terminal identified by information obtained from the terminal is located, and distributes the promotional content to the terminal via the second network.

2. The lower level server includes: The content distribution system of claim 1, further comprising: a content distribution unit configured to distribute, via the second network, a size of the promotional content to a terminal owned by a consumer located in a sales area in accordance with the degree of congestion of the sales area in which the consumer owning the terminal is located.

3. The lower level server includes: A content distribution system as described in claim 1, wherein the promotional content distributed via the second network to multiple terminals owned by consumers located in a sales floor in which the consumers who own the terminals are located is different depending on the degree of congestion of the sales floor in which the consumers who own the terminals are located.

4. the terminal includes an imaging device and transmits image data captured by the imaging device to the lower-level server via the second network; 4. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the subordinate server identifies, from the image data, a sales floor in which the consumer who owns the terminal is located.

Images