Content delivery program, storage medium, content delivery method, and content delivery apparatus

Abstract

To widely distribute content information.SOLUTION: A content distribution program causes a computer of a server 10 to execute: secondary content identification information transmission processing for transmitting secondary content identification information associated with a first terminal device and content information to the first terminal device when acquiring primary shop visit information of a user of the first terminal device; secondary content transmission processing for transmitting the content information related to the secondary content identification information to a second terminal device when acquiring the secondary content identification information from the second terminal device; and special favor transmission processing for transmitting special favor information about a special favor related to use of a specific shop to the first terminal device when acquiring secondary shop visit information of a user of the second terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a content distribution program, a storage medium, a content distribution method, and a content distribution device for distributing content information of a specific store.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique is known in which content information of a store or the like is acquired by a terminal device such as a smartphone through transmission and reception with a content server at an access point such as a wireless LAN installed at a station (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to such a technique, a user of the terminal device can obtain content information at the access point. Further, by providing such an access point in front of the store, it is also conceivable to distribute content information as if distributing advertising flyers in front of the store.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described technique, content information is distributed only at the access point, and at present, it does not fully meet the demands of the store side for widely and effectively distributing content information.

[0005] Therefore, an example of the problem of the present invention is to provide a content distribution program, a storage medium, a content distribution method, and a content distribution device that can widely and effectively distribute content information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the content distribution program of the present invention causes a computer to use at least one of the number of visits of a user of a first terminal device to a specific store, the amount of money spent on purchasing goods at the specific store, and the number of times of granting benefits from the specific store, and based on a judgment criterion, the first terminal device different from Another terminal device directed to Regarding the secondary content identification information related to the content information including the coupon of the specific store 、 A determination process for determining whether or not to send to the first terminal device, and a first sending process for sending the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device according to the result of the determination of the determination process When acquiring the secondary content identification information transmitted from a second terminal device, which is the other terminal device that has received the distribution of the secondary content identification information from the first terminal device, a second sending process of sending the content information related to the secondary content identification information to the second terminal device; It is characterized by causing the computer to execute the above processes. When other content distribution programs cause a computer to acquire primary visit information regarding the visit of a user of a first terminal device from a store terminal device of a specific store, secondary content identification information for identifying a set of the first terminal device and content information of the specific store including a coupon related to the use of the specific store is sent to the first terminal device in a secondary content identification information sending process; when the secondary content identification information is acquired from a second terminal device, the content information related to the secondary content identification information is sent to the second terminal device in a secondary content sending process; when secondary visit information regarding the visit of the user of the second terminal device to the specific store indicated by the content information related to the secondary content identification information is acquired from the store terminal device, privilege information related to a privilege regarding the use of the specific store is sent to the first terminal device in a privilege sending process; and based on a determination as to whether the user of the first terminal device is a user who permits distribution of the content information to other terminals, a determination process for determining whether to send the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device is executed, the determination process being a process for determining whether to send the secondary content identification information based on a determination criterion using at least one of the number of visits of the user of the first terminal device to the specific store, the amount of product purchases at the specific store, and the number of times the privilege has been granted from the specific store, and the secondary content identification information sending process being a process for sending the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device according to the determination result in the determination process when the primary visit information is acquired.

[0007] In addition, in order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a storage medium of the present invention is characterized by storing the above-described content distribution program.

[0008] In addition, in order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a content distribution method of the present invention A content distribution method executed by a content distribution device, Based on a determination criterion using at least one of the number of visits of a user of a first terminal device to a specific store, the amount of product purchases at the specific store, and the number of times a privilege has been granted from the specific store, the first terminal device different from Another terminal device directed toRegarding the secondary content identification information of content information including coupons of the specific store 、 A determination step of determining whether it is possible to send to the first terminal device, and a first sending step of sending the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device according to the result of the determination in the determination step When acquiring the secondary content identification information transmitted from a second terminal device, which is the other terminal device that has received the distribution of the secondary content identification information from the first terminal device, a second sending step of sending the content information related to the secondary content identification information to the second terminal device; and provided with is characterized by. Another content distribution method, when acquiring primary visit information regarding the visit of a user of the first terminal device to a specific store from the store terminal device of the specific store, sends the secondary content identification information for identifying a set of the content information of the specific store including coupons regarding the use of the first terminal device and the specific store to the first terminal device. When acquiring the secondary content identification information from the second terminal device, a secondary content sending step of sending the content information related to the secondary content identification information to the second terminal device, and when acquiring secondary visit information regarding the visit of the user of the second terminal device to the specific store indicated by the content information related to the secondary content identification information from the store terminal device, a privilege sending step of sending privilege information related to a privilege regarding the use of the specific store to the first terminal device, and a determination step of determining whether it is possible to send the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device based on a determination of whether the user of the first terminal device is a user who permits distribution of the content information to other terminals. The determination step is a process of determining whether it is possible to send the secondary content identification information based on a determination criterion using at least one of the number of visits of the user of the first terminal device to the specific store, the amount of product purchases at the specific store, and the number of times the privilege has been granted from the specific store. The secondary content identification information sending step, when acquiring the primary visit information, is a process of sending the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device according to the determination result in the determination step, and is characterized by this.

[0009] In addition, in order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the content distribution device of the present invention is based on a determination criterion using at least one of the number of visits of a user of the first terminal device to a specific store, the amount of product purchases at the specific store, and the number of times the privilege has been granted from the specific store. The first terminal devicedifferent from Another terminal device Regarding content information including a coupon for a specific store directed to Regarding the secondary content identification information 、 A determination processing unit that determines whether it is possible to send to the first terminal device, and a first sending unit that sends the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device according to the result of the determination by the determination processing unit When acquiring the secondary content identification information transmitted from a second terminal device, which is the other terminal device that has received the distribution of the secondary content identification information from the first terminal device, a second sending unit that sends the content information related to the secondary content identification information to the second terminal device; It is characterized by comprising the following When acquiring primary visit information regarding the visit of the user of the first terminal device from the store terminal device of another specific store, a secondary content identification information sending unit that sends the secondary content identification information for identifying a set of the content information of the specific store including a coupon related to the use of the first terminal device and the specific store to the first terminal device; when acquiring the secondary content identification information from a second terminal device, a secondary content sending processing unit that sends the content information related to the secondary content identification information to the second terminal device; when acquiring secondary visit information regarding the visit of the user of the second terminal device to the specific store indicated by the content information related to the secondary content identification information from the store terminal device, a privilege sending unit that sends privilege information related to a privilege regarding the use of the specific store to the first terminal device; a determination processing unit that determines whether it is possible to send the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device based on a determination as to whether the user of the first terminal device is a user who permits distribution of the content information to other terminals. The determination processing unit determines whether it is possible to send the secondary content identification information based on a determination criterion using at least one of the number of visits of the user of the first terminal device to the specific store, the amount of product purchases at the specific store, and the number of times of granting of the privilege from the specific store. The secondary content identification information sending unit, when acquiring the primary visit information, sends the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device according to the determination result of the determination processing unit. This is the characteristic

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The content distribution program according to the embodiments of the present invention causes a computer to execute a secondary content identification information sending process, a secondary content sending process, and a privilege sending process. The secondary content identification information sending process is a process of sending secondary content identification information associated with the first terminal device and the content information of a specific store to the first terminal device when acquiring primary visit information regarding the visit of a user of the first terminal device from a store terminal device of the specific store. The secondary content sending process is a process of sending content information related to the secondary content identification information to the second terminal device when acquiring the secondary content identification information from the second terminal device. The privilege sending process is a process of sending privilege information related to a privilege regarding the use of a specific store to the first terminal device when acquiring secondary visit information regarding the visit of the user of the second terminal device to the specific store indicated by the content information related to the secondary content identification information from the store terminal device.

[0012] According to the content distribution program of this embodiment, content information can be distributed via a first terminal device held by a user who can move around freely. Moreover, when the user of the second terminal device that has received the content information comes to the store, privilege information is sent to the first terminal device that is the distribution source. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the motivation of the user of the first terminal device regarding content distribution and lead to further distribution. Thus, according to the content distribution program of this embodiment, content information can be widely distributed via the terminal device.

[0013] Here, the content distribution program of this embodiment causes a computer to further execute a primary content sending process. The primary content sending process is a process of sending content information corresponding to the primary content identification information to the first terminal device when the primary content identification information associated with the content information is acquired from the first terminal device.

[0014] According to this configuration, it is preferable because it is possible to prompt the visit of the user of the first terminal device, which is an opportunity for sending the secondary content identification information, by sending the content information to the first terminal device.

[0015] Further, the content distribution program of this embodiment causes a computer to further execute a determination process. The determination process is a process of determining whether or not to send the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device. Then, when the above-described secondary content identification information sending process acquires the primary visit information, it becomes a process of sending the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device according to the determination result in the determination process.

[0016] According to this configuration, it is preferable because it is possible to select a user who wants to distribute the content information in exchange for the privilege information by sending the secondary content identification information based on the determination of whether or not it is possible in the determination process.

[0017] Also, in the present embodiment, the determination process is a process of determining whether or not to send the secondary content identification information based on the determination criteria set for a specific store.

[0018] According to this configuration, it is possible to set determination criteria for users for whom the store side desires to distribute content information in exchange for privilege information, such as users who have visited the store multiple times in the past and are expected to visit again.

[0019] Also, in the present embodiment, the content information is information including a coupon related to the use of a specific store, and the primary store visit information and the secondary store visit information also indicate the presence or absence of coupon use.

[0020] According to this configuration, since it is confirmed whether or not the coupon distributed as the content information has been effectively utilized, it can be used for formulating a promotional strategy such as what kind of coupon should be distributed as the content information to be effective.

[0021] Also, in the present embodiment, the secondary content sending process is a process of acquiring and recording the position / time information together with the secondary content identification information from the second terminal device. The position / time information is information representing at least one of the position and time when the second terminal device acquired the secondary content identification information.

[0022] According to this configuration, it is possible to confirm the effectiveness of content information distribution, such as at what position and time the secondary content identification information was acquired when the user of the second terminal device visited the store, and thus it can be used for formulating a promotional strategy.

[0023] Also, the storage medium according to the embodiment of the present invention stores the above-described content distribution program.

[0024] According to the storage medium of the present embodiment, by reading the above-described content distribution program and executing it on a computer, it is possible to widely distribute content information.

[0025] Also, the content distribution method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a secondary content identification information sending step, a secondary content sending step, and a privilege sending step. The secondary content identification information sending step is a step of, when acquiring primary visit information regarding the visit of a user of the first terminal device from a store terminal device of a specific store, sending secondary content identification information associated with the first terminal device and the content information of the specific store to the first terminal device. The secondary content sending step is a step of, when acquiring secondary content identification information from the second terminal device, sending content information related to the secondary content identification information to the second terminal device. The privilege sending step is a step of, when acquiring secondary visit information regarding the visit of the user of the second terminal device to the specific store indicated by the content information related to the secondary content identification information from the store terminal device, sending privilege information related to a privilege regarding the use of the specific store to the first terminal device.

[0026] According to the content distribution method of the present embodiment, content information can be distributed via the first terminal device held by a user who freely moves around, and the motivation of the user of the first terminal device regarding content distribution can be enhanced by the privilege information as a reward. According to the content distribution method of the present embodiment, through such a series of steps, content information can be widely distributed via the terminal device.

[0027] In addition, the content distribution device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a secondary content identification information sending unit, a secondary content sending processing unit, and a privilege sending unit. When the secondary content identification information sending unit acquires primary visit information regarding the visit of a user of the first terminal device from the store terminal device of a specific store, it sends the secondary content identification information associated with the first terminal device and the content information of the specific store to the first terminal device. When the secondary content sending processing unit acquires secondary content identification information from the second terminal device, it sends the content information related to the secondary content identification information to the second terminal device. When the privilege sending unit acquires secondary visit information regarding the visit of the user of the second terminal device to the specific store indicated by the content information related to the secondary content identification information from the store terminal device, it sends privilege information related to the privilege regarding the use of the specific store to the first terminal device.

[0028] According to the content distribution device of the present embodiment, content information can be distributed via the first terminal device held by a user who can move around freely, and the motivation of the user of the first terminal device regarding content distribution can be enhanced by the privilege information as a reward. Thus, according to the content distribution device of the present embodiment, content information can be widely distributed by means of the terminal device.

Example

[0029] Hereinafter, an example for solving the problem of widely distributing content information will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an information distribution system for distributing store content information.

[0031] The information distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a server 10, store terminal devices 20 installed in each of a plurality of stores SH, a plurality of terminal devices 30 each carried by a user, and a wireless / wired communication network 40 connecting these devices.

[0032] Here, for a plurality of stores SH, in the following description, when focusing on one store SH, it is referred to as a specific store SH1, and when referring to stores in general, it is simply called store SH. Also, for a plurality of terminal devices 30, when focusing on one terminal device 30, names such as the first terminal device 31 and the second terminal device 32 are used.

[0033] In the information distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the store terminal device 20 performs information distribution for stores and product promotions toward the inside or outside of the store by broadcast. When a user passes near the store SH, the terminal device 30 receives the distribution information from the store terminal device 20, and through exchanges of various information with the server 10 via the communication network 40, the terminal device 30 acquires electronic coupons and the like related to store use. Also, exchanges of information by broadcast are performed among the plurality of terminal devices 30, and it is possible to acquire electronic coupons and the like through exchanges of various information between these terminals and further with the server 10. Furthermore, it is possible to form a group with a plurality of terminal devices 30 through exchanges of information by broadcast between the terminals.

[0034] First, the server 10 in this information distribution system 1 constructs a device having the following functional blocks by a computer in the server 10 executing a program.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional blocks of a device constructed by a computer in the server shown in FIG. 1 executing a program.

[0036] Server 10 constructs a server-side content delivery device 100 having the following functional blocks by executing a program on its computer. The server-side content delivery device 100 includes a secondary content ID sending unit 101, a secondary content sending unit 102, a privilege sending unit 103, a primary content sending unit 104, a determination processing unit 105, and a group privilege generation unit 106. Further, the server-side content delivery device 100 includes a user information storage unit 107, a store usage history storage unit 108, an information memory 109, an update processing unit 110, an additional information generation unit 111, a condition setting unit 112, a position / time acquisition unit 113, and a store visit information acquisition unit 114.

[0037] The computer of server 10 executes a server-side content delivery program so as to operate as each functional block of server-side content delivery device 100. This server-side content delivery program is stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk installed in the computer of server 10. Note that the storage medium storing the server-side content delivery program is not limited to this, and it may be a storage medium installed in another computer or an external storage device connected to the computer of server 10, or any portable storage medium or the like.

[0038] The secondary content ID sending unit 101 is constructed when the computer of server 10 executes a secondary content ID sending process. The secondary content ID sending process is a process of sending a secondary content ID (described later) to any one of the first terminal devices 31.

[0039] Note that in the following description, the term "ID" represents a code as identification information. However, the identification information referred to here is not limited to this ID (code), and any specific information form may be used as long as it is information for identifying the target.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a primary content ID and a secondary content ID.

[0041] The primary content ID 20a is an individual ID for each store SH, which is distributed by broadcast from the store terminal device 20 of each of the plurality of stores SH constituting the information distribution system 1 in FIG. 1 to an unspecified number of terminal devices 30. The primary content ID 20a is associated with the content information 20b in each store SH.

[0042] The content information 20b is information pre-registered in the server 1 from the store terminal devices 20 of the plurality of stores SH constituting the information distribution system 1 in FIG. 1 via the communication network 40 and stored in the information memory 109. The content information 20b of each store SH is information including the advertisement information, store genre, coupons that can be used when using the store, and the like of that store SH.

[0043] The primary content ID 20a is assigned to each of the plurality of stores SH, and in the information memory 109, each primary content ID 20a is stored in association with the content information 20b of each store SH. The storage of this primary content ID 20a is performed together when each content information 20b is pre-registered.

[0044] In the information distribution system 1 in FIG. 1, this primary content ID 20a is distributed by broadcast from the store terminal device 20 of the store SH. When the primary content ID 20a is received and acquired by the terminal device 30 of a user passing through the broadcast distribution area, this terminal device 30 sends the primary content ID 20a to the server 10. In the server 10, the information memory 109 is searched with the sent primary content ID 20a, and the content information 20b associated with this primary content ID 20a is sent to the terminal device 30. When a user who has viewed the content information 20b thus acquired by the terminal device 30 visits the store indicated by the content information 20b, after determining whether or not a certain condition is satisfied, the secondary content ID 101a is then sent to the terminal device 30 via the server 10.

[0045] The secondary content ID 101a is associated with content information 20b and an individual ID 30a that identifies the terminal device 30 related to the above series of information distribution, and is information generated within this series of information distribution.

[0046] The secondary content ID sending unit 101 shown in FIG. 2 is a process of obtaining primary visit information regarding the visit of a user of the first terminal device 31 from the store terminal device 20 of the specific store SH1 and sending the secondary content ID 101a to the first terminal device 31. This primary visit information also indicates the presence or absence of the use of a coupon included in the content information 20b. The acquisition of the primary visit information by the secondary content ID sending unit 101 is performed via the visit information acquisition unit 114 described later. is performed.

[0047] In the information distribution system 1 of FIG. 1, the first terminal device 31 that has acquired this secondary content ID 101a distributes the secondary content ID 101a to an unspecified number of terminal devices 30 by broadcast while being carried by the user and moving. When any one of the second terminal devices 32 receives and acquires this secondary content ID 101a, the second terminal device 32 sends the secondary content ID 101a to the server 10.

[0048] The secondary content sending unit 102 shown in FIG. 2 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing secondary content sending processing. The secondary content sending process is a process of obtaining the content information 20b related to the secondary content ID 101a from the second terminal device 32 and sending it to the second terminal device 32.

[0049] Also, the secondary content sending unit 102 acquires and records position / time information indicating both the position and time at which the second terminal device 32 acquired the secondary content ID 101a, together with the above secondary content ID 101a, from the second terminal device 32. The acquisition of the position / time information by the secondary content sending unit 102 is performed via the position / time acquisition unit 113 described later.

[0050] The privilege delivery unit 103 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing privilege delivery processing. The privilege delivery processing is a process of obtaining, from the store terminal device 20, secondary store visit information regarding the visit of the user of the second terminal device 32 to the specific store SH1 indicated by the content information 20b related to the secondary content ID 101a, and then sending privilege information to the first terminal device 31. Similar to the above-described primary store visit information, the secondary store visit information also indicates the presence or absence of coupon usage. Also, the acquisition of the secondary store visit information by this privilege delivery unit 103 is performed via the store visit information acquisition unit 114 described later.

[0051] The privilege information is information related to privileges such as coupons and points regarding the use of the specific store SH1, which is returned to the first terminal device 31 as a reward for promoting the visit of the user of the second terminal device 32 to the specific store SH1 or the use of the specific store SH1 by the delivery of the secondary content ID 101a. This privilege information becomes available when the first terminal device 31 visits the specific store SH1 next time.

[0052] The primary content delivery unit 104 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing primary content delivery processing. The primary content delivery processing is a process that is executed when the first terminal device 31 that has received and acquired the primary content ID 20a broadcast from the store terminal device 20 of the specific store SH1 sends the acquired primary content ID 20a to the server 10. The primary content delivery processing is a process of sending the content information 20b corresponding to the primary content ID 20a to the first terminal device 31 when the primary content ID 20a is acquired from the first terminal device 31.

[0053] The determination processing unit 105 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing determination processing. The determination processing is processing for determining whether to send the secondary content ID 101a to the first terminal device 31 which is the sender of the primary content ID 20a. The criteria used for determination in this determination processing are those pre-registered in the server 10 together with the content information 20b and set in each of the plurality of stores SH. Examples of such criteria include criteria such as the number of times the user has visited the store SH being equal to or more than a threshold value, the amount of product purchases by the user at the store SH being equal to or more than a predetermined amount, and the number of times the user has been given a privilege.

[0054] When the secondary content ID sending unit 101 acquires the above-described primary store visit information, it sends the secondary content ID 101a to the first terminal device 31 according to the determination result of the determination processing unit 105.

[0055] Here, in the information distribution system 1 of FIG. 1, as described above, grouping that forms a group with a plurality of terminal devices 30 is possible through information exchange by broadcast between terminals. And when the users of the terminal devices 30 constituting this group visit the store SH together, they can receive privileges such as group discounts.

[0056] The group privilege generation unit 106 shown in FIG. 2 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing group privilege generation processing. The group privilege generation processing is processing for generating group privilege information when acquiring group information together with the primary content ID 20a or the secondary content ID 101a related to the specific store SH1 from the terminal device 30. The group information is information indicating that the terminal device 30 that sent this information forms a group with other terminal devices 30. The group here means that the users carrying the terminal devices 30 act together. The group privilege information is information related to privileges such as group discounts for use in the group of the specific store SH1.

[0057] The user information storage unit 107 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing user information storage processing. The user information storage processing is processing for storing user information regarding the attributes of an arbitrary user.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of user information.

[0059] The user information 107a shown as an example in this FIG. 4 is information indicating the individual ID 30a of the terminal device 30 owned by the user, gender, and age as information regarding the attributes of the user.

[0060] The user information storage unit 107 in FIG. 2 acquires such user information 107a and stores it in the information memory 109. This user information 107a is sent from the user's terminal device 30 to the server 10 via the store terminal device 20 or directly when the user visits the store SH or at the time of service registration, and is stored in the information memory 109.

[0061] The store usage history storage unit 108 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing store usage history storage processing. The store usage history storage processing is processing for storing store usage history information indicating the history of the store SH used by each user.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of store usage history information.

[0063] The store usage history information 108a shown as an example in this FIG. 5 is associated with the individual ID 30a of each user, and is information indicating the store genre, store name, number of visits, and arrival time at each visit for the store SH used by the user. This store usage history information 108a is generated based on the arrival information sent to the server 10 according to the information exchange between the store terminal device 20 and the terminal device 30 when the user visits the store, and is stored in the information memory 109.

[0064] Also, in this embodiment, the store usage history storage unit 108 stores not only the above-described store usage history information 108a but also store information to be described below.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of store information.

[0066] The store information 108b shown as an example in FIG. 6 is stored for each store SH and has basic information 108c and update information 108d. The basic information 108c is advertising information also used in the content information 20b of the store SH and information indicating the store genre. The update information 108d is information indicating the individual ID of each visitor terminal, the visit time of each visitor, the gender and age group of each visitor, and the number of visits of each visitor, and is appropriately updated based on the visit information from the store terminal device 20.

[0067] The information memory 109 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to a memory area used for storing various information related to the execution of the server-side content distribution program among the storage media mounted on the computer of the server 10.

[0068] The update processing unit 110 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing an update process. The update process is a process of acquiring, from the store terminal device 20 of a specific store SH1, visit information including the user information 107a of a user representing the visit of a user of an arbitrary terminal device 30 and updating the stored content in the information memory 109 based on this visit information.

[0069] The additional information generation unit 111 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing an additional information generation process. The additional information generation process is a process of generating additional information to be described below when the secondary content ID 101a is acquired from the second terminal device 32.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of additional information.

[0071] The additional information 111a shown as an example in FIG. 7 is information based on at least one of the user information 107a and the store usage history information 108a related to the individual ID 30a associated with the secondary content ID 101a in the first terminal device 31. The additional information 111a is information indicating the gender, age group of the user of the first terminal device 31, which is the source of the secondary content ID 101a, that is, the distributor, and the number of times the distributor visited the store SH related to the secondary content ID 101a.

[0072] The additional information generation unit 111 shown in FIG. 2 generates such additional information 111a in response to the acquisition of the secondary content ID 101a from the second terminal device 32.

[0073] Then, when the secondary content sending unit 102 sends the content information 20b of the specific store SH1 to the second terminal device 32 in response to the acquisition of the secondary content ID 101a, it attaches the above additional information 111a to the content information 20b and sends it.

[0074] The condition setting unit 112 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing the condition setting process. The condition setting process is a process of setting distribution conditions regarding both the distribution area and the distribution time of the primary content ID 20a associated with the content information 20b of the specific store SH1.

[0075] And the secondary content ID sending unit 101 is configured to send the secondary content ID 101a to the first terminal device 31 together with the above distribution conditions.

[0076] The position / time acquisition unit 113 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing position / time acquisition processing. The position / time acquisition processing is processing for acquiring, from the second terminal device 32, position / time information representing both the position and time at which the second terminal device 32 acquired the secondary content ID 101a from the first terminal device 31. The position / time information acquired by this position / time acquisition unit 113 is passed to the condition setting unit 112 and also passed to the secondary content sending unit 102. Thus, the acquisition of the position / time information by the secondary content sending unit 102 is performed via the position / time acquisition unit 113.

[0077] The store visit information acquisition unit 114 is constructed by the computer of the server 10 executing store visit information acquisition processing. The store visit information acquisition processing is processing for acquiring, from the store terminal device 20 of the specific store SH1, secondary store visit information representing the store visit of the user of the second terminal device 32. Further, the store visit information acquisition processing is also processing for acquiring, from the store terminal device 20 of the specific store SH1, primary store visit information representing the store visit of the user of the first terminal device 31. The primary store visit information and secondary store visit information acquired by this store visit information acquisition unit 114 are passed to the condition setting unit 112. Further, the primary store visit information is also passed to the secondary content ID sending unit 101, and the secondary store visit information is also passed to the privilege sending unit 103. Thus, the acquisition of the primary store visit information by the secondary content ID sending unit 101 and the acquisition of the secondary store visit information by the privilege sending unit 103 are performed via the store visit information acquisition unit 114.

[0078] And the condition setting unit 112 updates the distribution conditions of the secondary content ID 101a in the first terminal device 31 based on the above position / time information and store visit information.

[0079] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing various types of information used for updating the distribution conditions, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing how the distribution conditions are updated based on the various types of information shown in FIG. 8.

[0080] FIG. 8 shows in tabular form the individual ID 30a of the terminal device 30, the secondary content ID 101a, the location / time information 113a, and the store visit information 114a used for updating the distribution conditions. From these pieces of information, it is possible to know at what location and time the user who acquired the secondary content ID 101a visited the store SH related to the secondary content ID 101a, and the effectiveness of the distribution. In this embodiment, based on the effectiveness grasped in this way, as shown in FIG. 9, at least one of the distribution area 112a and the distribution time 112b of the secondary content ID 101a in the distribution conditions is updated at any time.

[0081] In the example of FIG. 9, first, from the store terminal device 20 of each store SH, a predetermined circular area 112a-1 as the default distribution area 112a and the whole day as the default distribution time 112b are pre-registered as the default distribution conditions. After that, when various pieces of information shown in FIG. 8 are aggregated over a certain period, statistical processing is performed on the aggregated information, and the effectiveness 112c regarding the distribution area and the distribution time is obtained. Then, the distribution conditions are updated based on the effectiveness 112c. In the example of FIG. 9, based on the daytime effectiveness 112c, the distribution conditions are updated to the daytime distribution conditions consisting of the distribution area 112a-2 corresponding to the daytime distribution time 112b-1 and the nighttime distribution conditions consisting of the distribution area 112a-3 corresponding to the nighttime distribution time 112b-2.

[0082] The secondary content ID sending unit 101 in FIG. 2 sends the secondary content ID 101a to the first terminal device 31 together with the latest distribution conditions updated as described above. Then, in the first terminal device 31, the secondary content ID 101a with high effectiveness based on the latest distribution conditions is distributed by broadcast.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional blocks of the device constructed by a computer in the store terminal device shown in FIG. 1 executing a program.

[0084] Although only the functional blocks related to content distribution are shown in FIG. 10, when the store terminal device 20 is also connected to a payment device, in addition to these, various functional blocks related to store operation, such as acceptance of payment, are constructed. A store terminal program for constructing these functional blocks is stored in a storage medium mounted on the computer of the store terminal device 20. Note that the storage medium for storing the store terminal program is not limited to this, It may be a storage medium mounted on another computer or an external storage device connected to the computer of the store terminal device 20, or may be an arbitrary portable storage medium or the like.

[0085] Hereinafter, the store terminal device 20 will be described focusing on the functional blocks related to content distribution.

[0086] This store terminal device 20 includes a primary content ID sending unit 201, a store visit information generating unit 202, and a store visit information sending unit 203.

[0087] The primary content ID sending unit 201 is constructed by the computer of the store terminal device 20 executing the primary content ID sending process. The primary content ID sending process is a process of distributing the primary content ID 20a associated with the content information 20b of the store SH by broadcast to an unspecified number of terminal devices 30 inside and outside the store, which is the communication range area of the store terminal device 20.

[0088] The store visit information generating unit 202 is constructed by the computer of the store terminal device 20 executing the store visit information generating process. The store visit information generating process is a process of obtaining user information 107a through information exchange with the terminal device 30 when a user of an arbitrary terminal device 30 visits the store, and adding the store visit time, the number of store visits if the user is a user who has visited the store in the past, etc. to this information to generate store visit information.

[0089] The store visit information sending unit 203 is constructed by the computer of the store terminal device 20 executing the store visit information sending process. The store visit information sending process is a process of sending the store visit information generated by the store visit information generation unit 202 to the server 10.

[0090] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional blocks of a device constructed by the computer in the terminal device shown in FIG. 1 executing a program.

[0091] Note that the computer in the terminal device 30 is a combination of one or more processors, a communication unit, a display screen, and other hardware mounted on the terminal device 30 such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0092] The terminal device 30 constructs three types of devices each having the following functional blocks by its computer executing a program. That is, the terminal device 30 constructs a terminal-side content distribution device 310 by executing a terminal-side content distribution program. Further, the terminal device 30 constructs a content acquisition device 320 by executing a content acquisition program. And the terminal device 30 constructs a grouping device 330 by executing a grouping program.

[0093] The above programs executed by the computer of the terminal device 30 are stored in a storage medium mounted on the computer of the terminal device 30. Note that the storage medium storing these programs is not limited to this, and may be a storage medium mounted on another computer or an external storage device connected to the computer of the terminal device 30, or any portable storage medium or the like.

[0094] First, the terminal-side content distribution device 310 will be described. This terminal-side content distribution device 310 includes a primary content acquisition unit 311, a secondary content ID acquisition unit 312, a secondary content ID distribution unit 313, and a secondary content acquisition unit 314.

[0095] The primary content acquisition unit 311 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing the primary content acquisition process. When the primary content acquisition process acquires the primary content ID 20a from the store terminal device 20 of the specific store SH1, it sends the primary content ID 20a to the server 10 and acquires the content information 20b associated with the primary content ID 20a.

[0096] The secondary content ID acquisition unit 312 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing the secondary content ID acquisition process. The secondary content ID acquisition process is a process of acquiring the secondary content ID 101a related to the specific store SH1 from the server 10 together with the distribution conditions of the secondary content ID 101a.

[0097] The secondary content ID distribution unit 313 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing the secondary content ID distribution process. The secondary content ID distribution process is a process of broadcasting and distributing the secondary content ID 101a when the position and time of the own device satisfy the distribution conditions. Also, the secondary content ID distribution process is a process of distributing the secondary content ID 101a based on the distribution conditions for receiving updates at the server 10 as described above.

[0098] The secondary content acquisition unit 314 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing the secondary content acquisition process. When the secondary content acquisition process acquires the secondary content ID 101a distributed by another device, it sends the acquired secondary content ID 101a to the server 10 and acquires the content information 20b associated with the secondary content ID 101a. Also, when sending the secondary content ID 101a to the server 10, the secondary content acquisition process is also a process of attaching the position / time information 113a related to the acquisition of the secondary content ID 101a and sending it to the server 10. The secondary content acquisition unit 314 is substantially equivalent to the content acquisition device 320 described below.

[0099] Next, the content acquisition device 320 will be described. This content acquisition device 320 includes a secondary content ID acquisition unit 321, a secondary content ID transmission unit 322, and a secondary content acquisition unit 323.

[0100] The secondary content ID acquisition unit 321 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing a secondary content ID acquisition process. The secondary content ID acquisition process is a process of acquiring the secondary content ID 101a broadcast from an arbitrary terminal device 30.

[0101] The secondary content ID transmission unit 322 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing a secondary content ID transmission process. The secondary content ID transmission process is a process of sending the secondary content ID 101a to the server 10.

[0102] The secondary content acquisition unit 323 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing a secondary content acquisition process. The secondary content acquisition process is a process of acquiring the content information 20b associated with the secondary content ID 101a together with the above-mentioned additional information 111a.

[0103] Next, the grouping device 330 will be described. This grouping device 330 includes a grouping signal distribution unit 331, a group candidate setting unit 332, a group ID issuing unit 333, a received data memory 334, and a group memory 335. Further, the grouping device 330 includes an approval reply unit 336, a secondary content acquisition unit 337, a group exclusion setting unit 338, and a confirmation reply unit 339.

[0104] The grouping signal distribution unit 331 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing a grouping signal distribution process. The grouping signal distribution process is a process of broadcasting a self-grouping signal that can be used for grouping with other devices and identifies the own device.

[0105] The group candidate setting unit 332 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing group candidate setting processing. The group candidate setting processing is a process of setting another device as a group candidate when the computer of the terminal device 30 continuously acquires another device grouping signal with a predetermined strength or more for identifying the other device from other devices for a predetermined time. At this time, the intermediate process until the acquisition of the other device grouping signal reaches the predetermined time is stored in the reception data memory 334.

[0106] The group ID issuing unit 333 is constructed by the computer of the terminal device 30 executing group ID issuing processing. The group ID issuing processing is a process of sending a group approval request to another device that has become a group candidate and issuing a group ID for identifying the group to the other device that has obtained an approval response. In this group ID issuing processing, the issued group ID and the individual ID 30a of the other devices constituting the group together with the own device are stored in the group memory 335.

[0107] Here, in this embodiment, the group ID is identification information that identifies both the group and the constituent devices of the group. And when the own device belongs to a group, the grouping signal distribution unit 331 distributes the group ID as the own device grouping signal. On the other hand, when the own device does not belong to a group, the grouping signal distribution unit 331 distributes the individual ID 30a for identifying the own device as the own device grouping signal.

[0108] Also, the group candidate setting unit 332 and the group ID issuing unit 333 perform group candidate setting and group ID issuing according to the type of the other device grouping signal acquired from other devices.

[0109] The reception data memory 334 corresponds to a memory area used for storing the intermediate process of the other device grouping signal and the like among the storage media mounted on the computer of the terminal device 30.

[0110] The group memory 335 corresponds to the memory area used for storing the above group ID and individual IDs 30a of other devices in the storage medium installed in the computer of the terminal device 30.

[0111] The approval reply unit 336 is constructed when the computer of the terminal device 30 executes an approval reply process. The approval reply process is a process of replying with an approval response when a group approval request is obtained from another device.

[0112] The secondary content acquisition unit 337 is constructed when the computer of the terminal device 30 executes a secondary content acquisition process. The secondary content acquisition process is a process of sending group information indicating that it belongs to a group to the server 10 when the secondary content ID 101a related to the specific store SH1 is obtained. Further, the secondary content acquisition process is a process of acquiring the content information 20b of the specific store SH1 and privilege information related to privileges such as group discounts for use in the group of the specific store SH1.

[0113] The group exclusion setting unit 338 is constructed when the computer of the terminal device 30 executes a group exclusion setting process. The group exclusion setting process is a process of sending a confirmation request for confirming the existence of one constituent device of the group to all constituent devices of the group when a group ID of a predetermined strength or more cannot be obtained from one constituent device of the group within a predetermined time. And when no confirmation response is obtained from any of the constituent devices, the group exclusion setting process is a process of excluding the above one constituent device from the group. The exclusion setting process is a process of excluding the above one constituent device from the group when no confirmation response is obtained from any of the constituent devices.

[0114] The confirmation reply unit 339 is constructed when the computer of the terminal device 30 executes a confirmation reply process. The confirmation reply process is a process of replying with a confirmation response when the above confirmation request is obtained from any of the constituent devices of the group.

[0115] In addition, when one constituent device is excluded from the group by the group exclusion setting unit 338, the group ID issuing unit 333 discards the group ID of the group. Then, when there are constituent devices other than the own device in the group, the group ID issuing unit 333 issues a new group ID for identifying a new group excluding the above one constituent device.

[0116] Next, the information distribution process executed in the information distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 to 16.

[0117] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing from the start to the middle of a flowchart representing the information distribution process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing from the continuation of FIG. 12 to the middle of a flowchart representing the information distribution process. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing from the continuation of FIG. 13 to the middle of a flowchart representing the information distribution process. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing from the continuation of FIG. 14 to the middle of a flowchart representing the information distribution process. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing from the continuation of FIG. 15 to the end of a flowchart representing the information distribution process.

[0118] The flowcharts shown in these figures start when a program related to the information distribution process is started in each of the server 10, the store terminal device 20, and the plurality of terminal devices 30. In FIGS. 12 to 16, for the terminal device 30, the flowchart is shown focusing on two of the plurality of terminal devices 30, that is, the first terminal device 31 and the second terminal device 32.

[0119] When the process starts, first, a primary content ID sending step (step S11) is executed in the store terminal device 20. In the primary content ID sending step (step S11), the primary content ID 20a is distributed by broadcast outside the store.

[0120] If there is a terminal device 30 that has entered the broadcast distribution area in the store terminal device 20, this is set as the first terminal device 31, and a primary content ID acquisition process (step S12) is executed in this first terminal device 31. In the primary content ID acquisition process (step S12), the primary content ID 20a from the store terminal device 20 is received and acquired. Subsequently, a first terminal side group determination process (step S13) is executed. In the first terminal side group determination process (step S13), it is determined whether the own device is configured in a group with other devices by referring to the group memory 335 shown in FIG. 11. If it is configured in a group (YES determination in step S13), a primary content ID sending process with group information (step S14) is executed. In this primary content ID sending process (step S14), the primary content ID 20a is sent to the server together with group information indicating that it is configured in a group. On the other hand, if it is not configured in a group (NO determination in step S13), a primary content ID sending process without group information (step S15) is executed. In this primary content ID sending process (step S15), only the primary content ID 20a is sent to the server. The sending of the primary content ID 20a in these primary content ID sending processes (step S14, step S15) is performed by unicast.

[0121] When these series of processes are executed in the first terminal device 31, in the server 10, first, a primary content ID acquisition process (step S16) is executed. The primary content ID acquisition wo In the process (step S16), the primary content ID 20a from the first terminal device 31 is received and acquired. Subsequently, the server-side group determination process (step S17) is executed. In the server-side group determination process (step S17), it is determined whether the first terminal device 31 constitutes a group based on the presence or absence of group information. If it constitutes a group (YES determination in step S17), the group privilege generation process (step S18) is executed, and then the primary content sending process (step S19) is executed. In the group privilege generation process (step S18), group privilege information related to privileges for use in the group is generated. In the primary content sending process (step S19) following the group privilege generation process (step S18), the content information 20b corresponding to the primary content ID 20a is sent to the first terminal device 31 together with the group privilege information. On the other hand, if it does not constitute a group (NO determination in step S17), the group privilege generation process (step S18) is omitted and the primary content sending process (step S19) is executed. In this case, only the content information 20b is sent to the first terminal device 31. The information sending in the primary content sending process (step S19) is also performed by unicast.

[0122] When the content information 20b is sent from the server 10 in this way, the primary content acquisition process (step S20) is executed in the first terminal device 31. In the primary content acquisition process (step S20), the content information 20b from the server 10 is acquired. The processes of steps S12 to S14 and step S20 in the first terminal device 31 constitute a content acquisition process for acquiring the content information 20b via the primary content ID 20a.

[0123] After that, when the user of the first terminal device 31 visits the specific store SH1 indicated by the content information 20b, a store visit / check-in process (step S21) is executed on the first terminal device 31. In the store visit / check-in process (step S21), the first terminal device 31 is connected to the store terminal device 20 via short-range wireless communication means such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) in the store, and user information 107a etc. is sent from the first terminal device 31 to the store terminal device 20. Also, the store visit / check-in process may be a process of using (applying) a coupon or the like.

[0124] Then, in the store terminal device 20, a store visit information generation / sending process (step S22) based on the sent user information 107a etc. is executed. In the store visit information generation / sending process (step S22), primary store visit information including the user information 107a, which represents the store visit of the user of the first terminal device 31, is generated and sent to the server 10. Incidentally, regarding the store visit / check-in process in step S21, although it was assumed that the store visit information is sent from the first terminal device 31 to the store terminal device 20, it may be sent from the first terminal device 31 to the server 10. At this time, the ID of the store terminal device or the location information of the first terminal device 31 may be used as proof of the store visit. Also, if the primary content ID is set to be unique to the store terminal device, the primary content acquisition operations (S14, S15 to S19) themselves can be used as the store visit / check-in process.

[0125] At server 10, a user information storage process (step S23) and a store usage history storage process (step S24) are executed based on the primary store visit information from the store terminal device 20. In the user information storage process (step S23), the user information 107a included in the primary store visit information is stored. If the current user information 107a is related to the same person as the user information 107a that has already been stored, it is updated to the latest user information 107a. In the store usage history storage process (step S24), if the current store visit is a visit to a new store SH for the user, the store usage history information 108a regarding this store SH is newly stored. Also, if it is a revisit to a store SH that has been visited in the past, the store usage history information 108a is updated.

[0126] Next, at server 10, a condition setting process (step S25) regarding the distribution conditions of the secondary content ID 101a of the specific store SH1 that the user of the first terminal device 31 visited this time is executed. Further, at server 10, an additional information generation process (step S26) is executed. In the additional information generation process (step S26), based on the user information 107a included in the above primary store visit information and the store usage history information 108a, the additional information 111a to be added to the secondary content ID 101a is generated.

[0127] Subsequently, at server 10, a determination process (step S27) regarding the sending of the secondary content ID 101a is executed. In the determination process (step S27), it is determined whether the secondary content ID 101a can be sent based on the determination criteria set in the specific store SH1. If it is not possible to send (NO determination in step S27), the process returns immediately after the start of server 10 and the subsequent processing is repeated. On the other hand, if it is possible to send (YES determination in step S27), a secondary content ID sending process (step S28) is executed. In the secondary content ID sending process (step S28), the secondary content ID 101a is unicast to the first terminal device 31 together with the distribution conditions.

[0128] In the first terminal device 31, a secondary content ID acquisition process (step S29) is executed. In the secondary content ID acquisition process (step S29), the secondary content ID 101a and the distribution conditions sent from the server 10 are acquired. Subsequently, a condition determination process (step S30) is executed. In the condition determination process (step S30), it is determined whether the position and time of the own device satisfy the distribution conditions. If the distribution conditions are not satisfied (NO determination in step S30), the condition determination process (step S30) is repeated until the distribution conditions are satisfied by the movement of the user and the passage of time. Then, when the distribution conditions are satisfied (YES determination in step S30), a secondary content ID distribution process (step S31) is executed. In the secondary content ID distribution process (step S31), the secondary content ID 101a is distributed by broadcast to an unspecified number of terminal devices 30. Note that the latest distribution conditions may be configured to be queried from the server during condition determination.

[0129] If there is another terminal device 30 that has entered the broadcast distribution area by the first terminal device 31, this terminal device 30 is set as the second terminal device 32, and a secondary content ID acquisition process (step S32) is executed in this second terminal device 32. In the secondary content ID acquisition process (step S32), the secondary content ID 101a from the first terminal device 31 is received and acquired. Subsequently, a second terminal-side group determination process (step S33) is executed. In the second terminal-side group determination process (step S33), it is determined whether the own device belongs to a group. If it belongs to a group (YES determination in step S33), a secondary content ID sending process with group information (step S34) is executed. In this secondary content ID sending process (step S34), the secondary content ID 101a together with the group information is sent to the server. At this time, in the secondary content ID sending process (step S34), position / time information 113a indicating the position and time when the second terminal device 32 acquired this secondary content ID 101a is attached and sent to the server together. On the other hand, if it does not belong to a group (NO determination in step S33), a secondary content ID sending process without group information (step S35) is executed. In this secondary content ID sending process (step S35), only the secondary content ID 101a and the position / time information 113a are sent to the server. The sending of the secondary content ID 101a, etc. by these secondary content ID sending processes (step S34, step S35) is performed by unicast.

[0130] Subsequently, in server 10, the secondary content ID 101a is acquired from the second terminal device 32 in the secondary content ID acquisition step (step S36), and it is determined in the server-side group determination step (step S37) whether the second terminal device 32 constitutes a group. If it does (YES determination in step S37), group privilege information is generated in the group privilege generation step (step S38), and content information 20b and the group privilege information are sent to the second terminal device 32 in the secondary content sending step (step S39). On the other hand, if it does not constitute a group (NO determination in step S37), the group privilege generation step (step S38) is omitted, and only the content information 20b is sent to the second terminal device 32 in the secondary content sending step (step S39). The information sending in the secondary content sending step (step S39) is also performed by unicast.

[0131] When the content information 20b is sent from the server 10 in this way, the secondary content acquisition step (step S40) is executed in the second terminal device 32, and the content information 20b from the server 10 is acquired.

[0132] After this, when the user of the second terminal device 32 visits the specific store SH1 indicated by the content information 20b, the store visit / check-in step (step S41) is executed in the second terminal device 32. In the store visit / check-in step (step S41), user information 107a, etc. is sent from the second terminal device 32 to the store terminal device 20 via short-range wireless communication such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Also, the store visit / check-in step may be a step of using (applying) a coupon or the like.

[0133] In the store terminal device 20, a store visit information generation / sending process (step S42) based on the sent user information 107a etc. is executed. In the store visit information generation / sending process (step S42), secondary store visit information including the user information 107a representing the user's visit to the second terminal device 32 is generated and sent to the server 10. Incidentally, regarding the store visit / check-in process in step S41, although it was assumed that the store visit information was sent from the second terminal device 32 to the store terminal device 20, it may be sent from the second terminal device 32 to the server 10. At this time, the ID and location information of the store terminal device may be used as proof of the store visit.

[0134] In the server 10, when the secondary store visit information is acquired from the store terminal device 20, a privilege sending process (step S43) is executed. In the privilege sending process (step S43), privilege information such as coupons related to privileges for using a specific store is generated and sent to the first terminal device 31 as a reward for content distribution.

[0135] In the server 10, subsequently, a user information storage process (step S44) and a store usage history storage process (step S45) are executed based on the secondary store visit information from the store terminal device 20. In the user information storage process (step S44), the user information 107a of the second terminal device 32 included in the secondary store visit information is stored. If the current user information 107a is related to the same person as the user information 107a of a user who has already been stored, it is updated to the latest user information 107a. In the store usage history storage process (step S45), if the current store visit is a new visit to the store SH for the user, store usage history information 108a regarding this store SH is newly stored. Also, if it is a revisit to the store SH that has been visited in the past, the store usage history information 108a is updated.

[0136] Next, at server 10, a condition update process (step S46) is executed for the secondary content ID 101a of the specific store SH1 where the user of the second terminal device 32 visited this time. In the condition update process (step S46), the distribution condition of the secondary content ID 101a of the specific store SH1 is updated based on the position / time information 113a sent from the second terminal device 32 in step S34 or step S35.

[0137] After that, an end determination process (step S47) is executed at server 10. In the end determination process (step S47), it is determined whether an instruction to end the program related to the information distribution process or to turn off the power has been issued. If no instruction to end the program or turn off the power is issued (NO determination in step S47), the process returns to immediately after the start and subsequent processes are repeated. If an instruction is issued (YES determination in step S47), the processing at server 10 related to the information distribution process ends.

[0138] At the store terminal device 20, after sending the secondary store visit information in step S42, an end determination process (step S48) is executed. In the end determination process (step S48), it is determined whether an instruction to end the program related to the information distribution process or to turn off the power has been issued. If no instruction to end the program or turn off the power is issued (NO determination in step S48), the process returns to immediately after the start and subsequent processes are repeated. If an instruction is issued (YES determination in step S47), the processing at the store terminal device 20 related to the information distribution process ends.

[0139] At the first terminal device 31, after receiving the privilege information sent from server 10 in step S43, a reception confirmation process (step S49) is executed for the secondary content ID 101a related to any of the stores SH distributed by broadcast from other devices. If reception occurs (YES determination in step S49), this device now becomes the second terminal device 32, and proceeds to the secondary content ID acquisition process (step S32) in the processing of the second terminal device 32. Thereafter, the processing as the second terminal device 32 continues.

[0140] When the second content ID 101a is not received from another party or another device (NO determination in step S49), in the first terminal device 31, a reception confirmation process (step S50) for the first content ID 20a from the store terminal device 20 of another store SH is executed. When reception is successful (YES determination in step S50), the process returns to the first content ID acquisition process (step S12), and subsequent processing is repeated. When the first content ID 20a related to another store SH is not received (NO determination in step S50), an end determination process (step S51) is executed. In the end determination process (step S51), it is determined whether an instruction to end the program related to the information distribution process or to turn off the power has been given. When no instruction to end the program or turn off the power has been given (NO determination in step S51), the process returns to the condition determination process (step S30) for distributing the second content ID 101a of the specific store SH1, and subsequent processing is repeated. When an instruction has been given (50 determination in step S47), the processing in the first terminal device 31 related to the information distribution process ends.

[0141] In the second terminal device 32, after the store visit / check-in process (step S41), a reception confirmation process (step S52) for the first content ID 20a from the store terminal device 20 of any store SH is executed. When reception is successful (YES determination in step S52), this device now becomes the first terminal device 31 and proceeds to the first content ID acquisition process (step S12) in the processing of the first terminal device 31. Thereafter, the processing as the first terminal device 31 continues.

[0142] When there is no reception of the other party's primary content ID 20a (NO determination in step S52), the second terminal device 32 executes a process of re-checking the reception of the secondary content ID 101a (step S53). When there is re-reception (YES determination in step S53), the process returns to the secondary content ID acquisition step (step S32), and the subsequent processes are repeated. When there is no re-reception (NO determination in step S53), an end determination step (step S54) is executed. In the end determination step (step S54), it is determined whether an instruction to end the program related to the information distribution process or to turn off the power has been given. When no instruction to end the program or turn off the power has been given (NO determination in step S54), the process returns to immediately after the start of the second terminal device 32, and the subsequent processes are repeated. When an instruction has been given (YES determination in step S54), the processing in the second terminal device 32 related to the information distribution process ends.

[0143] Among the information distribution processes described above, the processing in the server 10 corresponds to an example of a server-side content distribution method. Also, the processing in the first terminal device 31 corresponds to an example of a terminal-side content distribution method. And the processing in the second terminal device 32 corresponds to an example of a content acquisition method.

[0144] Next, the grouping executed among the plurality of terminal devices 30 in the information distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 17 to 21.

[0145] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a flowchart representing the process related to the start of grouping among a plurality of terminal devices in the information distribution system shown in FIG. 1.

[0146] The flowcharts shown in these figures start when any of the plurality of terminal devices 30 executing the grouping program receives a signal for grouping other machines for identifying the other machine from another machine.

[0147] In the terminal device 30 that has received the other-device grouping signal, an ID confirmation process (step S61) is executed. In the ID confirmation process (step S61), when the own device belongs to any group, it is determined whether the received other-device grouping signal is a group ID indicating the same group as the group to which the own device belongs. If it is the group ID of the same group (YES determination in step S61), the process is terminated assuming that the grouping has already been completed.

[0148] On the other hand, when it is not the group ID of the same group (NO determination in step S61), it means that the other-device grouping signal is the group ID of another group, or that the other-device grouping signal is not a group ID but an individual ID 30a in the first place. In these cases, first, a radio wave intensity confirmation process (step S62) is executed. In the radio wave intensity confirmation process (step S62), it is confirmed whether the radio wave intensity of the other-device grouping signal is equal to or greater than a threshold corresponding to a predetermined intensity. If the radio wave intensity is less than the threshold (NO determination in step S61), it is determined that the other device is a terminal device 30 of an entirely different user located away from the own device and that grouping is not required, and the process is terminated.

[0149] If the radio wave intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold (YES determination in step S61), in the subsequent steps, a continuity confirmation is executed to determine whether this other-device grouping signal has continued for a predetermined time.

[0150] First, in the first confirmation process (step S63), it is confirmed whether the same as the other-device grouping signal is stored in the above-mentioned received data memory 334. If the same is not stored (NO determination in step S63), a new storage process (step S64) is executed. In the new storage process (step S64), the current other-device grouping signal and its reception time are stored in the received data memory 334. In this case, the process is terminated assuming that it is too early for grouping, and the next reception is awaited.

[0151] If the same data is stored in the received data memory 334 (YES determination in step S62), a second confirmation process (step S65) is executed. In the second confirmation process (step S65), it is confirmed whether the current reception is within a predetermined step time Ta from the reception of the same other-device grouping signal one time before. If it is not within the step time Ta (NO determination in step S65), a memory reset process (step S66) is executed assuming that the continuity of the other-device grouping signal so far has been interrupted. In the memory reset process (step S66), the stored content so far of the current other-device grouping signal in the received data memory 334 is discarded, and the current other-device grouping signal and its reception time are newly stored again. Then The process ends and waits for the next reception.

[0152] If the current reception is a reception within the step time Ta from the previous reception (YES determination in step S65), a third confirmation process (step S67) is executed. In the third confirmation process (step S67), it is confirmed whether the time from the reception time of the first of the series of other-device grouping signals stored in the received data memory 334 to the current reception time exceeds the continuity guarantee time Tb. If it does not exceed the continuity guarantee time Tb (NO determination in step S67), the process ends assuming that the grouping is premature and waits for the next reception.

[0153] On the other hand, if it exceeds the continuity guarantee time Tb (YES determination in step S67), grouping (step S100) is started assuming that the user of the terminal device 30 that is the source of this other-device grouping signal is acting together with the user of the own terminal device 30.

[0154] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a flowchart representing grouping from the start to the middle. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flowchart representing grouping from the continuation of FIG. 18 to the end. Note that the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 and 19 are shown assuming that the terminal device 30 related to grouping is two devices, i.e., the first terminal device 31 held by the first user and the second terminal device 32 held by the second user. Also, hereinafter, for simplicity of explanation, the other-device grouping signal received in the process of FIG. 17 will be described as the individual ID 30a that individually identifies the terminal device 30.

[0155] At the start of the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 and 19, the start of grouping has been determined for each of the first terminal device 31 and the second terminal device 32. In this state, on the side of the first terminal device 31, the group candidate setting step (step S101) and the approval request step (step S102) are executed prior to the second terminal device 32. In the group candidate setting step (step S101), the second terminal device 32 corresponding to the other-device grouping signal received in the process of FIG. 17 is set as a group candidate. When the group candidate is set, in the approval request step (step S102), a group approval request is sent to the second terminal device 32 that has become a group candidate. Then, in the first terminal device 31, the approval rejection step (step S103) is executed, and the first terminal device 31 becomes the parent device of the grouping that does not accept the group approval request from the other device, i.e., the second terminal device 32. Note that the terminal device that sends the group approval request in S102 may be selected by the user from the group candidates, automatically selected from preset conditions, or sent to all terminal devices that are candidates.

[0156] In the second terminal device 32 that has received the group approval request from the first terminal device 31, a destination confirmation process (step S104) is executed for this group approval request. The group approval request includes the individual ID 30a of the first terminal device 31 which is the source of the request and the individual ID 30a of the second terminal device 32 which is the destination. In the destination confirmation process (step S104), by referring to the individual ID 30a indicating the destination in the group approval request, it is confirmed whether this group approval request was sent to the second terminal device 32. If it was not sent to the second terminal device 32 (NO determination in step S104), the second terminal device 32 ends the process as a group not established.

[0157] If the group approval request was sent to the second terminal device 32 (YES determination in step S104), a response confirmation process for the second user (step S105) is executed. In the response confirmation process (step S105), a message asking whether to form a group with the first user is displayed on the display screen of the second terminal device 32, and a response confirmation is made upon receiving the operation of the second user. If a group is not formed (NO determination in step S105), the second terminal device 32 ends the process as a group not established.

[0158] If a group is formed (YES determination in step S105), an approval reply process (step S106) is executed. In the approval reply process (step S106), an approval response is sent from the second terminal device 32 to the first terminal device 31. This approval response also includes the individual ID 30a of the first terminal device 31 and the individual ID 30a of the second terminal device 32. Then, in the second terminal device 32, a request rejection process (step S107) is executed, and the second terminal device 32 becomes a slave device of the first terminal device 31 that does not accept group approval requests from sources other than the first terminal device 31 which is the master device in this grouping.

[0159] In the first terminal device 31, after the approval request process (step S102) and the approval rejection process (step S103), after waiting for a predetermined response confirmation time T_c, a response confirmation process (step S108) is executed. In the response confirmation process (step S108), it is confirmed whether an approval response is received within the response confirmation time T_c. If an approval response is not received (NO determination in step S108), the first terminal device 31 ends the process as a group not established.

[0160] If an approval response is received within the response confirmation time T_c (YES determination in step S108), in the first terminal device 31, a group ID issuance process (step S109) is executed. In the group ID issuance process (step S109), a group ID for identifying the current group is issued from the first terminal device 31, which is the master device, to the second terminal device 32, which is a slave device and a member of the group. A sequential number as a group number is assigned to the group members in this group ID. The group number starts from "1" for the first terminal device 31, which is the master device, and then is assigned in ascending order according to the order of receiving the approval responses. In this example, since there is only one slave device, the second terminal device 32, the group number "2" is assigned to the group ID of the second terminal device 32. Such a numbered group ID serves as identification information for identifying the group and also the members of the group.

[0161] In the second terminal device 32, after the approval reply process (step S106) and the request rejection process (step S107), after a predetermined waiting time, an ID issuance confirmation process (step S110) is executed. In the ID issuance confirmation process (step S110), it is confirmed whether a group ID is received within the waiting time. If a group ID is not received (NO determination in step S110), the second terminal device 32 ends the process as a group not established.

[0162] When the group ID is received during the standby time (YES determination in step S110), in the second terminal device 32, a group ID sending process for reception confirmation (step S111) is executed. In the group ID sending process (step S111), the numbered group ID of the second terminal device 32 is sent to the first terminal device 31.

[0163] On the other hand, in the first terminal device 31, after issuing the group ID for the group members (in this example, only the second terminal device 32), a group ID reception confirmation process (step S112) is executed. In the group ID reception confirmation process (step S112), within a predetermined confirmation time T_d, it is confirmed whether the reception of the group ID from all members (in this example, only the second terminal device 32) is completed. If not completed (NO determination in step S112), a regrouping confirmation process (step S113) is executed. In the regrouping confirmation process (step S113), a message asking whether to form a group again is displayed on the display screen of the first terminal device 31, and a response confirmation is made in response to the operation of the first user. If a response is made that the formation of a group again is unnecessary (NO determination in step S113), the first terminal device 31 ends the process assuming that the group is not established. If a response is made that a group is to be formed again (YES determination in step S113), the process returns immediately after the start of grouping in the first terminal device 31, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0164] On the other hand, if it is confirmed in the group ID reception confirmation process (step S112) that the reception of the group ID from all members is completed within the predetermined confirmation time T_d (YES determination in step S112), a group ID sending process on the master unit side (step S114) is executed. In this group ID sending process (step S114), the group ID with the number "No. 1" of the first terminal device 31 is sent to the second terminal device 32.

[0165] Subsequently, in the first terminal device 31, a group registration process (step S115) is executed. In the group registration process (step S115), the group ID with the number "No. 2" of the second terminal device 32 that will form the group this time is stored in the group memory 335 of the own device. In the first terminal device 31, the grouping process ends with this group registration process (step S115).

[0166] On the other hand, in the second terminal device 32, a group registration process (step S116) for the group ID with the number "No. 1" sent from the first terminal device 31 is executed. In this group registration process (step S116), the group ID with the number "No. 1" of the first terminal device 31 is stored in the group memory 335 of the own device. Also in the second terminal device 32, the grouping process ends with this group registration process (step S116).

[0167] After the group pinging is completed in this way, each terminal device 30 that is a constituent of the group checks whether the group is established and excludes the group when one user leaves the group. This group confirmation / exclusion process is performed by each terminal device 30 that is a constituent of the group periodically distributing the group ID with its own number.

[0168] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the group confirmation / exclusion process executed after grouping.

[0169] In this group confirmation / exclusion process, first, a group ID confirmation step (step S201) is executed. In the group ID confirmation step (step S201), it is confirmed whether a group ID with a predetermined intensity or more has been received from other devices within a predetermined confirmation time Te since the previous reception was confirmed. The reception time of the group ID from each constituent device of the group is to be stored in the group memory 335, and the reception confirmation of the group ID is performed by referring to the stored content of this group memory 335. When the reception is confirmed (YES determination in step S201), the group ID confirmation step (step S201) continues.

[0170] On the other hand, when the reception of the group ID is not confirmed (NO determination in step S201), a confirmation request step (step S202) and a confirmation rejection step (step S203) for other constituent devices of the group are executed. In the confirmation request step (step S202), a confirmation request for confirming the existence of the constituent device for which the reception of the group ID has not been confirmed is sent to all constituent devices other than the own device in the group. In the confirmation rejection step (step S203), the confirmation request from other constituent devices is rejected.

[0171] After that, a response confirmation step (step S204) for the above confirmation request is executed. In the response confirmation step (step S204), after the confirmation request, it is determined whether a confirmation response has been received from any of the constituent devices within a predetermined response time Tf. When the confirmation response is received (YES determination in step S204), a memory update step (step S205) is executed. In the memory update step (step S205), the latest reception time of the group ID for the constituent device to be confirmed in the group memory 335 is updated to the reception time of the confirmation response. After the memory update step (step S205), the processing after the group ID confirmation step (step S201) is repeated.

[0172] If no confirmation response is received from any of the constituent devices within the response time \(T_f\) (NO determination in step S204), an exclusion notification process (step S206) is executed. In the exclusion notification process (step S206), the user of the own device is notified of the exclusion by displaying a message asking whether to exclude the constituent device (i.e., its user) from the group. Following this exclusion notification process (step S206), an exclusion confirmation process (step S207) is executed. In the exclusion confirmation process (step S207), the user who received the above notification is asked to confirm whether to exclude the device, and the operation of the user is received. If the user performs an operation not to exclude (NO determination in step S207), after passing through the standby process (step S208), the process returns to the confirmation request process (step S202) and subsequent processes are repeated.

[0173] If the user performs an operation to exclude (YES determination in step S207), a member confirmation process (step S209) is executed. In the member confirmation process (step S209), it is confirmed whether the group ID of the constituent device is stored in the group memory 335 in addition to the own device and the constituent device to be excluded. That is, it is confirmed whether there is a constituent device other than the own device in the group. If there is no other constituent device (NO determination in step S209), a group ID deletion process (step S210) is executed. In the group ID deletion process (step S210), the group ID in the group memory 335 is deleted and the group is dissolved.

[0174] On the other hand, if there is another constituent device (YES determination in step S209), a regrouping process (step S211) is executed. In the regrouping process (step S211), the group ID in the group memory 335 is deleted, and then regrouping is performed to issue a new group ID for identifying a new group excluding the constituent device to be excluded. The processing at this time is the grouping processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

[0175] The group confirmation / exclusion process ends with the group ID discard process (step S210) or the regrouping process (step S211).

[0176] Here, as described above, in each terminal device 30, a grouping signal distribution process is executed in which a self-device grouping signal that can be used for grouping with other devices and identifies the self-device is distributed by broadcast. This grouping signal distribution process is performed as follows.

[0177] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the grouping signal distribution process.

[0178] This grouping signal distribution process starts when the power is turned on in each terminal device 30.

[0179] When the process starts, first, a group confirmation process (step S301) is executed. In the group confirmation process (step S301), it is confirmed whether the self-device belongs to a group. If it belongs to a group (YES determination in step S301), a first distribution process (step S302) is executed, and if it does not belong to a group (NO determination in step S301), a second distribution process (step S303) is executed. In the first distribution process (step S302), the numbered group ID described above is distributed as the self-device grouping signal. On the other hand, in the second distribution process (step S303), the individual ID 30a that identifies the self-device is distributed as the self-device grouping signal.

[0180] After any of the distribution processes is performed, an elapsed time confirmation process (step S304) is executed. In the elapsed time confirmation process (step S304), after the self-device grouping signal is distributed, it is confirmed whether a predetermined elapsed time T_g has elapsed. The elapsed time T_g at this time corresponds to the step time T_a in the second confirmation process (step S65) of FIG. 17 and the confirmation time T_e in the group ID confirmation process (step S201) of FIG. 20. process (step S65) in FIG. 17 and the confirmation time T_e in the group ID confirmation process (step S201) in FIG. 20.

[0181] When this elapsed time T_g has not elapsed (NO determination in step S304), the elapsed confirmation step (step S304) is repeated. When the elapsed time T_g has elapsed (YES determination in step S304), the end confirmation step (step S305) is executed. In the end confirmation step (step S305), it is confirmed whether or not power-off has been instructed. When power-off has been instructed (YES determination in step S305), the process ends. When it has not been instructed (NO determination in step S305), the process returns to the group confirmation step (step S301) and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0182] According to the content distribution on the server side in the embodiment described above, the content information 20b can be distributed via the first terminal device 31 held by a user who can freely move around. Then, when the user of the second terminal device 32 that has received the content information 20b visits the store, privilege information is sent to the first terminal device 31 that is the distribution source. Therefore, the motivation of the user of the first terminal device 31 regarding content distribution can be enhanced, leading to further distribution. Thus, according to this embodiment, the content information 20b can be widely distributed by means of the terminal device 30.

[0183] Here, in this embodiment, in the server 10, when the primary content ID 20a associated with the content information 20b is acquired from the first terminal device 31, the content information 20b corresponding to the primary content ID 20a is sent to the first terminal device 31. According to this configuration, it is suitable because the visit of the user of the first terminal device 31, which is the trigger for sending the secondary content ID 101a, can be promoted by sending the content information 20b to the first terminal device 31.

[0184] In addition, in this embodiment, in the server 10, it is determined whether the secondary content ID 101a can be sent to the first terminal device 31. Then, when the primary store visit information is acquired in the server 10, the secondary content ID 101a is sent to the first terminal device 31 according to the above determination result. According to this configuration, by determining whether to send, it is possible to select a user who wants to distribute the content information 20b in exchange for the privilege information by sending the secondary content ID 101a, in other words, a user with a high advertising effect, and provide the service, which is preferable.

[0185] In addition, in this embodiment, the determination of whether to send the secondary content ID 101a is made based on the determination criteria set in the specific store SH1. According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to set a determination criterion for a user who has visited the store multiple times in the past and is expected to visit again, and who the store SH side wants to distribute the content information 20b in exchange for the privilege information.

[0186] In addition, in this embodiment, the content information 20b is information including a coupon related to the use of the specific store SH1, and the primary store visit information and the secondary store visit information also indicate the presence or absence of coupon use. According to this configuration, since it is possible to confirm whether the coupon distributed as the content information 20b has been effectively utilized, it can be used for formulating an advertising strategy such as what kind of coupon should be distributed as the content information 20b to be effective.

[0187] In addition, in this embodiment, in the server 10, from the second terminal device 32, together with the secondary content ID 101a, the position / time information 113a representing both the position and time at which the secondary content ID 101a was acquired is acquired and recorded. According to this configuration, it is possible to confirm the effectiveness of content information distribution, such as at what position and time the secondary content ID 101a was acquired when the user of the second terminal device 32 visited the store, and thus it can be used for formulating an advertising strategy and the like.

[0188] In addition, according to the grouping of this embodiment, in the own device, grouping can be performed by issuing a group ID based on the intensity and continuity of the grouping signal for distribution to other devices by broadcast, and the group approval request and approval response to other devices. Also, grouping of other devices can be caused based on the distribution of the grouping signal by broadcast to the own device and the approval response to the group approval request from other devices. That is, according to this embodiment, in a plurality of terminal devices 30, grouping can be freely performed without requiring a specific master device or the like. Thus, this embodiment relates to free and simple grouping for a plurality of terminal devices 30.

[0189] Here, in this embodiment, when a primary content ID 20a or a secondary content ID 101a related to a specific store SH1 is acquired by one terminal device 30, group information indicating that a group is being formed is sent to the server 10. Then, in this one terminal device 30, content information 20b of the specific store SH1 and privilege information related to the privilege for use in the group are acquired from the server 10. According to this configuration, it is preferable because privilege information related to the privilege for use in the group can be obtained by the terminal device 30 according to the configuration of the group.

[0190] In addition, in this embodiment, the group ID is the numbered ID that identifies the group and also identifies the constituent devices of the group. Also, the grouping signal distribution process shown in FIG. 21 distributes the group ID as the own device grouping signal when the own device belongs to the group. Further, when the own device does not belong to the group, it is a process of distributing the individual ID 30a that identifies the own device as the own device grouping signal. Then, at the time of grouping in the terminal device 30, setting of group candidates and issuance of a group ID are performed according to the type of the other device grouping signal acquired from other devices. According to this configuration, more free grouping such as setting a group between single devices, adding a single device to a group, and setting a larger group between groups can be performed according to the type of the grouping signal.

[0191] Also, in this embodiment, when excluding a single constituent device from a group where a group ID of a predetermined intensity or higher cannot be obtained within a predetermined time, a confirmation request for confirming the existence of the single constituent device is sent to all the constituent devices of the group. Further, if no confirmation response is obtained from any of the constituent devices, the above single constituent device is excluded from the group. According to this configuration, when a user of any one constituent device leaves and physically exits the group, etc., exclusion from the group can be efficiently performed via the group ID. Also, by sending a confirmation request for existence confirmation to all the constituent devices of the group, when a user of a single constituent device accidentally gets separated in distance without intending to leave the group, a user of another constituent device who notices this can return a confirmation response on behalf. Thus, according to the above configuration, exclusion of a single constituent device from the group can be performed efficiently and flexibly.

[0192] Also, in this embodiment, when a single constituent device is excluded from the group, the group ID of the group is discarded. Further, when there are other constituent devices in the group besides the own device, a new group ID for identifying a new group excluding the above single constituent device is issued. According to this configuration, when a single constituent device drops out, flexible group management such as dissolving the group or setting a new group with the remaining constituent devices can be performed according to whether there are other constituent devices besides the own device.

[0193] Also, according to the content distribution on the server side in this embodiment, as described above, group privilege information related to the privilege for group use can be provided from the server 1 to the terminal device 30 together with the content information 20b. That is, according to this embodiment, distribution of the content information 20b corresponding to the grouping in the terminal device 30 can be performed. Also in this regard, this embodiment pertains to free grouping for a plurality of terminal devices 30. 0 to the terminal device 30. That is, according to this embodiment, distribution of the content information 20b corresponding to the grouping in the terminal device 30 can be performed. Also in this regard, this embodiment pertains to free grouping for a plurality of terminal devices 30.

[0194] Also, according to the content distribution on the server side in this embodiment, the additional information 111a is acquired by the second terminal device 32 together with the content information 20b. Based on this additional information 111a, the user of the second terminal device 32 can grasp what kind of user the user of the first terminal device 31 associated with the content information 20b is. Also, the user of the second terminal device 32 can grasp the situation such as how much the user uses the store SH of the content information 20b. And various situations grasped from the additional information 111a become effective judgment materials for the user of the second terminal device 32 to select a store. Thus, according to this embodiment, content distribution effective for store selection can be performed. That is, this embodiment relates to content distribution that can be effectively utilized for store selection.

[0195] Here, in this embodiment, in the server 10, when the store arrival information of the store arrival user is acquired from the store terminal device 20 of the specific store SH1, the stored contents of the past user information 107a and the store usage history information 108a are updated based on the store arrival information. According to this configuration, since the stored contents of the user information 107a and the store usage history information 108a are updated every time various users visit the specific store SH1, content distribution that can be more effectively utilized for store selection can be performed.

[0196] Also, in this embodiment, in the server 10, the user of the first terminal device 31 is grasped based on the secondary content ID 101a, and the additional information 111a related to the user is generated. Then, the generated additional information 111a is sent to the second terminal device 32 together with the content information 20b. According to this configuration, the additional information 111a related to the user of the first terminal device 31, which is the trigger for the second terminal device 32 to acquire the content information 20b, is attached to the content information 20b sent by the server 10 to the second terminal device 32. Thereby, content distribution that can be more effectively utilized for store selection can be performed.

[0197] In this embodiment, the second terminal device 32 acquires the content ID distributed by broadcast from the first terminal device 31. Then, additional information 111a is attached to the content information 20b and sent to the second terminal device 32 by unicast from the server 10. According to this configuration, the information distributed by broadcast from the first terminal device 31 to an unspecified large number is the secondary content ID 101a that does not have the additional information 111a related to the individual user of the first terminal device 31. And since such additional information 111a is sent to the second terminal device 32 by unicast with high confidentiality, this embodiment is suitable from the viewpoint of personal information protection.

[0198] Also, according to the content acquisition on the terminal side in this embodiment, the additional information 111a, which is an effective judgment material for store selection together with the content information 20b, is acquired by the second terminal device 32. Thus, according to this embodiment, content acquisition effective for store selection can be performed. That is, the content acquisition on the terminal side in this embodiment pertains to content distribution that can be effectively utilized for store selection.

[0199] Also, according to the content distribution on the terminal side in this embodiment, the secondary content ID 101a associated with the content information 20b can be distributed via the terminal device 30 held by a user who freely moves around. Moreover, since the distribution of the secondary content ID 101a is appropriately performed based on the position and time of the own device using the distribution conditions acquired in advance from the server 10, content distribution with high effectiveness can be performed on the terminal side. Furthermore, by using the distribution conditions, content distribution can be performed with power saving without continuously performing distribution. Also, by acquiring the content information 20b via the secondary content ID 101a distributed from other devices, content distribution with high effectiveness can also be received. Thus, the content distribution on the terminal side in this embodiment pertains to content distribution with high effectiveness.

[0200] Here, in this embodiment, when the secondary content ID 101a is sent to the server 10, position / time information 113a representing both the position and time at which the secondary content ID 101a was acquired is attached and sent together. According to this configuration, the server 10 can perform an effectiveness evaluation such as how the content information 20b based on the secondary content ID 101a acquired at what position and time on the terminal side was effectively utilized, which is preferable.

[0201] Also, in this embodiment, in the server 10, the distribution conditions are updated based on the usage status of the specific store SH1 using the position / time information 113a and the content information 20b. Then, based on the distribution conditions received for update in the server 10, the secondary content ID 101a is distributed from the first terminal device 31. According to this configuration, on the terminal side, it is possible to distribute the secondary content ID 101a based on highly accurate distribution conditions regarding effectiveness, which is preferable.

[0202] Also, according to the content distribution on the server side in this embodiment, distribution conditions for appropriately performing distribution are set in the server 10 and sent to the first terminal device 31, which is the distribution source of the secondary content ID 101a. Thereby, in the first terminal device 31, the distribution of the secondary content ID 101a is appropriately performed based on the distribution conditions. As a result, the content information 20b is acquired by the second terminal device 32 via such a secondary content ID 101a, so that highly effective content distribution can be performed. Thus, the content distribution on the server side in this embodiment pertains to highly effective content distribution.

[0203] Here, in this embodiment, the distribution conditions are updated in the server 10 based on the position / time information 113a related to the acquisition of the secondary content ID 101a in the second terminal device 32 and the store visit information of the user of the second terminal device 32. According to this configuration, since the acquisition position and acquisition time of the secondary content ID 101a when the user of the second terminal device 32 visits the store and the content information 20b is effectively utilized are reflected in the distribution conditions at any time, even more effective content distribution can be performed.

[0204] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes other configurations and the like that can achieve the object of the present invention. Modifications and the like as shown below are also included in the present invention.

[0205] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a form is exemplified in which the secondary content ID 101a acquired from the server 10 starting from the primary content ID 20a distributed by the store terminal device 20 is distributed by the first terminal device 31. However, the starting point for acquiring the secondary content identification information in the first terminal device is not limited to the primary content identification information from the store terminal device. For example, distribution of the primary content identification information by the store terminal device may not be performed, and the secondary content identification information may be sent to the first terminal device based on the store visit information when the user of the first terminal device visits the store randomly, or when the number of store visits exceeds a predetermined number. Further, it may start from using a coupon acquired from a homepage or the like instead of the primary content ID 20a acquired from the store terminal device. That is, the content information indicated by the primary content ID and the secondary content ID may not be the same.

[0206] Also, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the grouping signal in grouping, an individual ID 30a or a group ID is exemplified. However, the above grouping signal is not limited to these, and any specific signal form may be used as long as it is a signal that can be used for grouping and identifies the own device.

[0207] Also, in the above-described embodiment, a form is exemplified in which the approval response in grouping is made in response to a user operation in the terminal device 30. Also, a form is exemplified in which a confirmation request regarding exclusion from the group and a confirmation response thereto are made in response to a user operation in the terminal device 30. However, these processes are not limited to those made in response to a user operation, and may be automatically made in the terminal device 30.

[0208] In the above-described embodiments, an example is given of a form in which group information sent from the terminal device 30 in order to receive group privilege information at the terminal device 30 is sent to the server 10. However, the destination of the group information is not limited to the server, and it may be a store terminal device. In that case, the group information may be sent from the store terminal device to the server.

[0209] In the above-described embodiments, as the additional information attached to the content information 20b, additional information 111a indicating gender, age group, and the number of store visits is given as an example, but the additional information is not limited to this. The additional information is not limited to its specific information content as long as it is based on at least one of the user information and the store usage history information.

[0210] In the above-described embodiments, as the distribution conditions of the secondary content ID 101a, conditions related to both the distribution area 112a and the distribution time 112b are given as an example. However, the distribution conditions are not limited to this, and any conditions related to at least one of the distribution area and the distribution time may be sufficient. Also, the setting of the distribution conditions is not essential, and it is not necessary to set the distribution conditions themselves. Further, the distribution conditions may be configured to be arbitrarily set or changed on the first terminal side.

[0211] In the above-described embodiments, as the position / time information, position / time information 113a related to both the position and the time is given as an example. However, the position / time information is not limited to this, and any information representing at least one of the position and the time may be sufficient.

[0212] Also, the store terminal device may be, for example, a beacon itself, or may include a device that connects a beacon and a terminal or a server that controls the beacon.

[0213] In the above-described embodiments, the store is described as the same store (the same store terminal device). However, for example, in the case where the same content information such as coupons can be used in stores with a chain or affiliated stores, it is not limited to the same store.

[0214] In the above-described embodiment, for the broadcast distribution of the secondary content ID, it is determined whether to perform the distribution based on the distribution conditions. However, for example, it may be controlled by a distribution ON / OFF switch provided in the distribution application. Also in this case, a timer function that can arbitrarily set the time, such as turning it off after distributing for one hour from ON, may be provided.

[0215] In the above-described embodiment, the benefits are coupons and points related to the store. However, coupons, points, and services that are not directly related to the store may be provided.

[0216] Regarding the distribution conditions, when it is desired to expand the distribution area or change the effective area and time due to an event or the like, it may be set arbitrarily. In that case, the effectiveness of the distribution based on the setting can be confirmed from the history information.

[0217] Regarding the update of the distribution area, the area can be periodically expanded by a predetermined distance outside, or when there is a highly effective area at the edge of the distribution area, a process of expanding that part of the area outward may be added. The processes of expanding and narrowing will be repeated, and a distribution area adapted to the highly effective area can be determined. When there is a highly effective area at the edge of the distribution area, a process of expanding that part of the area outward may be added. The processes of expanding and narrowing will be repeated, and a distribution area adapted to the highly effective area can be determined.

[0218] It is also possible to set in advance the upper limit of the number of distributed or used coupons as secondary content. In this case, on the server side, the number of distributed or used is counted from the history information, and when the upper limit is reached, information for stopping the distribution is sent to the first terminal device. Or, distribution stop information may be sent in response to an update inquiry of the distribution conditions from the first terminal device. When there is a content request from the second terminal device in the upper limit state, information notifying that the upper limit has been reached is sent, and the second terminal device deletes the corresponding content ID upon receiving the transmission.

[0219] In addition, the functional division between the server and the terminal device described in the above embodiments is merely an example, and based on common technical knowledge, it is possible to replace part or the entire function for a specific function.

Explanation of Signs

[0220] 1 Information distribution system 10 Server 20 Store terminal device 20a Primary content ID 20b Content information 30 Terminal device 30a Individual ID 31 First terminal device 32 Second terminal device 100 Server-side content distribution device 101,322 Secondary content ID sending unit 101a Secondary content ID 102 Secondary content sending unit 103 Privilege sending unit 104 Primary content sending unit 105 Judgment processing unit 106 Group privilege generation unit 107 User information storage unit 107a User information 108 Store usage history storage unit 108a Store usage history information 108b Store information 108c Basic information 108d Update information 109 Information memory 110 Update processing unit 111 Additional information generation unit 111a Additional information 112 Condition setting unit 112a,112a-2,112a-3 Distribution area 112a-1 Circular area 112b Distribution time 112b-1 Daytime distribution time 112b-2 Nighttime distribution time 112c Validity 113 Position / Time Acquisition Unit 113a Position / Time Information 114 Store Visit Information Acquisition Unit 114a Store Visit Information 201 Primary Content ID Sending Unit 202 Store Visit Information Generation Unit 203 Store Visit Information Sending Unit 310 Terminal-Side Content Distribution Device 311 Primary Content Acquisition Unit 312 Secondary Content ID Acquisition Unit 313 Secondary Content ID Distribution Unit 314, 323, 337 Secondary Content Acquisition Unit 320 Content Acquisition Device 321 Secondary Content ID Acquisition Unit 322 Secondary Content ID Sending Unit 330 Grouping Device 331 Grouping Signal Distribution Unit 332 Group Candidate Setting Unit 333 Group ID Issuing Unit 334 Received Data Memory 335 Group Memory 336 Approval Reply Unit 338 Group Exclusion Setting Unit 339 Confirmation Reply Unit SH Store SH1 Specific Store

Claims

1. Cause a computer to perform a determination process of determining whether to send secondary content identification information regarding content information including a coupon for the specific store to another terminal device different from the first terminal device based on a determination criterion using at least one of the number of visits of the user of the first terminal device to the specific store, the amount of product purchases at the specific store, and the number of times of awarding benefits from the specific store, a first sending process of sending the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device according to the result of the determination in the determination process, and a second sending process of, when acquiring the secondary content identification information transmitted from a second terminal device which is the other terminal device that has received distribution of the secondary content identification information from the first terminal device, sending the content information related to the secondary content identification information to the second terminal device. A content distribution program, characterized by causing the above to be executed.

2. The secondary content identification information is information for identifying a set of the first terminal device and the content information, and cause the computer to, when acquiring secondary visit information regarding a visit to the specific store related to the secondary content identification information by the user of the second terminal device from a store terminal device of the specific store, further execute a benefit sending process of sending benefit information regarding a benefit related to use of the specific store to the first terminal device associated with the content information in the secondary content identification information. The content distribution program according to claim 1.

3. The first sending process is a process of sending the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device according to the result of the determination in the determination process when acquiring primary visit information regarding a visit of the user of the first terminal device from a store terminal device of the specific store. The content distribution program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The primary visit information also represents whether the coupon has been used. The content distribution program according to claim 3.

5. The secondary visit information also represents whether the coupon has been used. The content distribution program according to claim 2.

6. The content distribution program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second sending process is a process of acquiring and recording, from the second terminal device, position / time information representing at least one of the position and time at which the second terminal device acquired the secondary content identification information, together with the secondary content identification information.

7. The content distribution program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the computer acquires, from the first terminal device, primary content identification information for identifying the content information directed to the first terminal device, the computer further executes a third sending process of sending the content information corresponding to the primary content identification information to the first terminal device.

8. The content distribution program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the determination process determines whether to send the secondary content identification information based on the determination criteria set in the specific store.

9. A storage medium storing the content distribution program according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A content distribution method executed by a content distribution device, comprising: a determination step of determining whether to send secondary content identification information regarding content information including a coupon for the specific store to the first terminal device, based on a determination criterion using at least one of the number of visits of a user of the first terminal device to the specific store, the amount of money spent on purchasing goods at the specific store, and the number of times of awarding privileges from the specific store; a first sending step of sending the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device according to the result of the determination in the determination step; a second sending step of, when acquiring the secondary content identification information transmitted from a second terminal device, which is the other terminal device that has received the distribution of the secondary content identification information from the first terminal device, sending the content information related to the secondary content identification information to the second terminal device; The content distribution method characterized by comprising the above.

11. A determination processing unit that determines whether secondary content identification information regarding content information including a coupon for the specific store directed to another terminal device different from the first terminal device can be sent to the first terminal device based on a determination criterion using at least one of the number of visits of the user of the first terminal device to the specific store, the amount of money spent on purchasing goods at the specific store, and the number of times of granting of benefits from the specific store; A first sending unit that sends the secondary content identification information to the first terminal device according to the result of the determination by the determination processing unit; A second sending unit that, when acquiring the secondary content identification information transmitted from a second terminal device which is the other terminal device that has received the distribution of the secondary content identification information from the first terminal device, sends the content information related to the secondary content identification information to the second terminal device; A content distribution device, characterized by comprising the above.

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