Moving objects and programs

Abstract

To provide a novel mobile object which is lent in a station as a preservation place, and / or a new system for lending the mobile object.SOLUTION: A system 10 for lending a mobile object (a target as one example, for example, a rental cycle) on a station, comprises a management server 50. The mobile object includes: a position measuring part 28 for measuring a current position of the mobile object; a transmission part 30 for transmitting position information which indicates the measured current position; and a code capable of being read by a portable terminal 90. The management server 50 and / or the portable terminal 90 receive the position information from the transmission part 30. The portable terminal 90 reads the code and communicates with the management server 50, and on the basis of the position information received from the transmission part 30 through or not through the management server 50, displays the current position of the mobile object on the screen of the portable terminal itself.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile object and / or a mobile object that is rented out at a station as a storage location. For renting moving objects Concerning the technology and / or programs for the system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is already a technology for advertising by using a moving object that moves in physical space as a source of advertising information.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which an individual drives a vehicle and moves it around in real space, thereby using the vehicle to carry out advertising activities.

[0004] Specifically, according to the technology described in this document, an advertising unit (e.g., a sticker advertising products from a company selected by the individual) and an identification unit (e.g., a barcode for identifying the individual) are attached to an individual's vehicle.

[0005] When the vehicle arrives at a specific facility, the identification unit of the vehicle is read by a device installed at the specific facility. As a result, it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the specific facility (that the driver of the vehicle is conducting advertising activities) and who the driver of the vehicle is. After that, the driver is given a coupon, discount, or the like that is valid for future product purchases as compensation for the advertising activities, i.e., as a benefit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2003-514256 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In response to the technology described in Patent Document 1, the present inventor has proposed a pursuit game in which a player pursues a target that moves randomly in real space in the same real space, and in return for capturing the target, the player receives a reward.

[0008] Furthermore, the inventor has proposed a business model using the tracking game in which, when a player captures a target, the target provides advertising information to the player, and in return, the player receives profits from the advertiser of that advertising information, the company sponsoring the tracking game.

[0009] Based on the above findings, the present invention provides a novel mobile object and / or a mobile object that is rented out at a station as a storage location. For renting moving objects The objective of this invention is to provide a technique and / or program for a novel system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile object that is rented out at a station as a storage location, the mobile object comprising: a positioning unit for measuring the current position of the moving object; a transmitter that transmits location information representing the measured current location; A signal representing identification information unique to the moving object and capable of measuring reception distance a short-range wireless communication unit having a function of transmitting the signal in a state in which the signal can be received by a mobile terminal using a short-range communication method; Including fruit, The mobile terminal determines whether the mobile terminal has approached the moving object within a predetermined distance based on the signal received from the short-range wireless communication unit, and when it determines that the mobile terminal has approached the moving object, displays on the screen of the mobile terminal that the mobile terminal has approached the moving object based on the current position of the moving object based on the position information received from the transmission unit and the current position of the mobile terminal measured by a positioning function of the mobile terminal, with respective figures being overlaid on a map. A moving object is provided.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program executed by a computer of the mobile terminal used together with the moving object, the program comprising: a function of determining whether the mobile terminal has approached within a predetermined distance from the moving object based on the signal received from the short-range wireless communication unit; a function of the mobile terminal, when it is determined that the approach has occurred, displaying on the screen of the mobile terminal that the mobile terminal has approached the moving object based on the current position of the moving object based on the position information received from the transmitting unit and the current position of the mobile terminal measured by a positioning function of the mobile terminal, in such a way that respective figures are overlaid on a map; A program executed by the computer to achieve the above is provided.

[0033] The present invention provides the following aspects. Each aspect is divided into paragraphs, each numbered, and described by citing the numbers of other paragraphs as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features and combinations thereof that may be employed by the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the technical features and combinations thereof that may be employed by the present invention to the following aspects. In other words, it should be understood that technical features that are not described in the following aspects but are described in this specification may be appropriately extracted and employed as technical features of the present invention.

[0034] Furthermore, describing each paragraph in a format that refers to the number of other paragraphs does not necessarily mean that the technical features described in each paragraph cannot be separated and made independent from the technical features described in other paragraphs, and it should be interpreted that the technical features described in each paragraph can be made independent as appropriate depending on their nature.

[0035] (1) A pursuit game system that enables a player to play a pursuit game in which the player pursues a target that moves randomly in real space in the same real space, and when the player captures the target, the player receives a reward in return, a target positioning unit is mounted on the target to measure a current position of the target and transmit target position information representing the measured current position of the target to the player's mobile terminal in real time by broadcasting; The mobile terminal a player positioning unit that measures the current position of the mobile device as the current position of the player; a display unit that displays, on a screen of the mobile terminal, the measured current player position and the current target position based on target position information received from the target; a detection unit that detects that the mobile terminal has captured the target; Equipped with a tracking game system.

[0036] (2) The target positioning unit includes a GPS positioning unit that measures the current position of the target, The tracking game system according to claim 1, wherein the player positioning unit includes a GPS positioning unit that measures the current position of the player.

[0037] (3) The target positioning unit includes a transmitter that transmits a signal representing an identification code unique to the target in a state that can be received by the mobile terminal using a short-range communication method; The detection unit is configured to authenticate the target on which the transmitter is mounted from the signal received from the transmitter, measure the distance between the target and the mobile terminal, and detect the capture when the measured distance is shorter than a predetermined distance. (1) or (2) A tracking game system.

[0038] (4) The mobile device of each player transmits player position information indicating the current position of the player to the mobile devices of the other players, and receives other player position information indicating the current positions of the other players from the mobile devices of the other players; the portable terminal of each player displays the current positions of the other players on the screen together with the current position of the player himself / herself and the current position of the target based on the received position information of the other players; A tracking game system described in any one of (1) to (3), in which if each player's mobile terminal captures the target earlier than any other player, that player becomes the winner and receives the prize.

[0039] (5) The tracking game system according to any one of (1) to (4) further includes a direct advertising provision device that, when a player captures one of the targets, directly provides advertising information that has been assigned to each target to the player who captured that target.

[0040] (6) The tracking game system described in (5) is such that the direct advertising provision device is mounted on a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal, and upon receiving the capture from the mobile terminal, transmits data representing the advertising information to the mobile terminal of the player who captured the target via a unicast method.

[0041] (7) A tracking game system according to any one of (1) to (6) further including a random advertising device that is mounted on each target and randomly displays advertising information that has been assigned to that target to an unspecified number of potential consumers located in the vicinity of the target, regardless of whether they are the player who captured the target or not.

[0042] (8) A chase game system as described in any one of (1) to (7), wherein the reward has a value that increases according to the degree to which a sponsor of the chase game financially supports the chase game.

[0043] (9) A tracking game system described in any of (1) to (8), wherein the reward includes data displaying a mascot character specific to the target, or a gift certificate, coupon, or discount voucher or right thereto for purchasing goods or services.

[0044] (10) A tracking game system described in any of (1) to (9), wherein the reward has a value that increases according to the time or distance traveled from the time the player discovers the target on the mobile device to the time the player captures the target.

[0045] (11) Data readable by a reader of the mobile terminal is attached to the target; A tracking game system according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the detection unit detects the capture when the reader reads the data.

[0046] (12) A program executed by the computer of a mobile terminal to implement the mobile terminal according to any one of (1) to (11).

[0047] The program in this and other sections may be interpreted, for example, to mean a combination of instructions executed by a computer to perform its functions, or may be interpreted to include not only the combination of instructions but also the files and data processed in accordance with each instruction, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] Furthermore, this program may be executed by a computer alone to achieve its intended purpose, or may be executed by a computer together with other programs to achieve its intended purpose, but is not limited to these. In the latter case, the program according to this paragraph may be, but is not limited to, one that mainly consists of data.

[0049] (13) A recording medium on which the program described in (12) is recorded so as to be readable by a computer.

[0050] This recording medium can take various forms, including, but not limited to, magnetic recording media such as flexible disks, optical recording media such as CDs and CD-ROMs, magneto-optical recording media such as MOs, and non-removable storage such as ROMs.

[0051] (14) A tracking game system according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the target is a moving object moving in physical space.

[0052] (15) The tracking game system described in paragraph (14) includes a moving object such as a bicycle, automobile, motorcycle, recreational or racing go-kart, shopping cart, stroller, pushchair, wheelchair, or golf cart, each stored for rental at a corresponding station.

[0053] (16) A tracking game system as described in (15), wherein the moving object includes a rental bicycle rented to a renter.

[0054] (17) A tracking game system as described in (16), in which when the rental bicycle is captured by any player, a second benefit is granted to the renter of the captured rental bicycle.

[0055] (18) An advertising system that uses a moving object moving in a physical space as a source of visual advertising information to advertise to an unspecified number of passersby in the vicinity of the moving object, The moving object, an advertisement display device that visually displays the advertisement information; a moving object positioning unit that measures the current position of the moving object from time to time; a transmitting unit that broadcasts moving object position information indicating the current position of the moving object to multiple mobile terminals in real time; It is equipped with On each passerby's mobile device, a receiving unit for receiving the moving object position information; a passerby positioning unit that measures the current location of the mobile terminal as the current location of a passerby; a display unit that displays the measured current position of a passerby and the current position of a moving object based on the received moving object position information on a screen of the mobile terminal; a detection unit that detects that the mobile terminal has captured the moving object; It is equipped with When the capture is detected, a predetermined benefit is given to passersby using each mobile terminal that captures the moving object.

[0056] This advertising system relates to a technology for advertising by using moving objects that move in physical space as sources of visual advertising information.

[0057] Here, a "moving object moving in physical space" may be a natural object (such as a human being or an animal that has mobility) or an artificial object (such as an industrial product that has mobility). Furthermore, the "physical space" may exist on land, in the air, on the sea, underwater, or in outer space.

[0058] Furthermore, this advertising system aims to spread advertising information to multiple potential consumers with a higher degree of penetration by disseminating it to each potential consumer in a way that is more likely to attract the attention of potential consumers than when advertising using mass media (a method that narrows the advertising target demographic to one that can share the same advertising information at each moment compared to when advertising using mass media), and by transmitting it to each potential consumer via their mobile device.

[0059] As a result, this advertising system makes it possible to utilize existing communication infrastructure and transmit advertising information to multiple potential consumers with high efficiency, thereby making it easier to achieve a high advertising effect relative to the advertising cost.

[0060] (19) The advertising system according to (18), wherein the moving object is an artificial object, and the artificial object includes a bicycle, a car, a motorcycle, a recreational or racing go-kart, a shopping cart, a stroller, a pushchair, a wheelchair, or a golf cart.

[0061] (20) The advertising system according to (18) or (19), wherein the advertising display device is mounted on the moving object and includes a display object that displays the advertising information as a still image, or a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal display) that displays the advertising information as a moving image.

[0062] (21) The advertising system according to any one of items (18) to (20) further includes an advertising information transmitting unit that is mounted on a management server capable of communicating with each mobile terminal and that, when the moving object is captured by any mobile terminal, directly transmits data representing the advertising information and / or other advertising information to that mobile terminal using a unicast method (a method of transmitting by specifying a destination).

[0063] (22) A program executed by the computer of a mobile terminal to implement the mobile terminal according to any one of (18) to (21).

[0064] (23) A recording medium on which the program described in (22) is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0065] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a tracking game system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, together with a state in which a player uses the system to play a tracking game.

[0066] [Figure 2] 2(a) to 2(c) are diagrams conceptually showing the change over time of the image displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal while the pursuit game shown in FIG. 1 is being played.

[0067] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing the hardware configuration of the entire system shown in FIG.

[0068] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing the hardware configuration of the target-related subsystem SBT shown in FIG.

[0069] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing the hardware configuration of the transmitter shown in FIG.

[0070] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a program (hereinafter also referred to as an "application"; the same applies to other programs) executed by the computer of the transmitter shown in FIG.

[0071] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a program executed by the processor of the GPS controller shown in FIG.

[0072] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the mobile terminal shown in FIG.

[0073] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually showing, in table form, the station data file stored in the station data memory in FIG.

[0074] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually showing, in table form, the bicycle data file stored in the bicycle data memory in FIG.

[0075] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the management server shown in FIG.

[0076] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a tracking game application executed by the mobile terminal and the management server, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0077] Hereinafter, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a tracking game system (hereinafter simply referred to as the "system") 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] The system 10 enables the execution of a tracking game. The tracking game is generally a game in which a player tracks a target that moves randomly in real space by using positioning and communication devices mounted on both the target and the player. In this tracking game, if the player captures the target, the player receives a reward in return.

[0080] Here, a "target" is a moving object that moves in physical space, and the moving object may be a natural object (e.g., a human being or an animal that has mobility) or an artificial object (e.g., an industrial product that has mobility). Furthermore, the "physical space" may exist on land, in the air, on the sea, underwater, or in outer space.

[0081] Specifically, the tracking game uses GPS Receiver 152 (figure 8 The game is executed so that a player, who is a user of a mobile terminal 90 having a mobile terminal 90 with a built-in GPS receiver (see reference), uses the mobile terminal 90 to virtually track a rental bicycle 12 as a target on the screen while also tracking it in real space.

[0082] FIG. 2 conceptually shows a typical series of images displayed in chronological order on the screen of the player's mobile terminal 90 while the chase game is being played.

[0083] Here, the phrase "the player captures the target" can be interpreted to mean, for example, that the player approaches the target within reach or within a specified range of closer than 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, 4 m or 5 m, or that the player makes contact with the target directly with his / her hand or indirectly via his / her mobile terminal 90.

[0084] The modes in which this chase game is played include a solo play mode in which one player plays alone with no other players present, and a competitive mode in which multiple players compete against each other, and each player can choose between these two modes.

[0085] In this embodiment, the tracking game is not simply a tracking game, but also aims to advertise to the moving object or an unspecified number of passersby in the vicinity of the moving object by using the target as a source of visual advertising information. In this sense, the system 10 is also an advertising system.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the target is a moving object driven by an individual who is not an advertising agent, and in one example, is a rental bicycle (an example of an industrial product or man-made object as a moving object) 12 rented out at a station (not shown). When the user has finished using the rental bicycle 12, the user returns it to the same station from which it was rented or to another station.

[0087] The renter of the rental bicycle 12 is notified in advance that there is a possibility that he or she will be pursued by the player in the pursuit game. Therefore, the renter of the rental bicycle 12 does not have to experience a frightening situation in which he or she is suddenly pursued by the player while driving. However, such advance notice to the renter of the possibility of pursuit is not essential to implementing the present invention.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 3, the system 10 has, as its hardware configuration, a target-related subsystem SBT associated with a target, a player-related subsystem SBP associated with a player, and a management center-related subsystem SBM associated with the management center 40.

[0089] The target-related subsystem SBT has a portion that is directly related to the chase game and a portion that is not directly related to the chase game.

[0090] The portion directly related to the tracking game is configured to constantly acquire position information of the target in real time and transmit the latest position information to multiple players by broadcasting (a method of transmitting indiscriminately without specifying a destination). Specifically, the portion directly related to the tracking game has a GPS positioning unit 28 and a transmitter 30, as will be described in detail later.

[0091] On the other hand, the part not directly related to the tracking game includes an advertising display device 32 (see FIG. 1), which in one example is a display (e.g., printed matter) mounted on the target and displays advertising information as a still image, or a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal display) that displays advertising information as a moving image. The advertising display device 32 is a mobile advertising medium that moves with the target, and is also an example of the aforementioned "indiscriminate advertising provision device."

[0092] An example of the advertising display device 32 is a printed advertising medium attached to the front (and / or side) of a storage basket 34 attached to the rental bicycle 12, as shown in FIG.

[0093] 1 and 2, the basic content of the tracking game will be explained. A target exists at any position in real space at any instant. The target's position information is broadcast from time to time to multiple players. In FIG. 1, the position information includes a GPS positioning signal capable of both short-range and long-range communication, which is transmitted from a GPS positioning unit 28, and a transmitter signal capable of only short-range communication, which is transmitted from a transmitter 30. However, the position information may be a GPS positioning signal only.

[0094] When each player's own mobile terminal 90 receives the position information (at this stage, only the GPS positioning signal), the mobile terminal 90 attempts to display on the screen of the mobile terminal 90 the player's own current position (shown as a black triangle in the figure) based on the GPS positioning signal, as well as the target's current position (shown as a black circle in the figure).

[0095] Then, as shown in FIG. 2(a), usually by chance, the mobile terminal 90 of The current player position and the current target position will start appearing on the screen at the same time. This is the moment when the player first discovers the target in his or her vicinity, and also the moment when the current tracking begins.

[0096] Next, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the player moves on the ground by, for example, walking, riding a bicycle, or driving a car to track the randomly moving target in real space. During this time, the player successively acquires the position information (even at this stage, only GPS positioning signals) from the target, and the position information helps the player approach the target.

[0097] Eventually, as shown in FIG. 2(c), the player looks directly at the target and actually finds it in real space.

[0098] As the player approaches the target, the player and the mobile terminal 90 enter an effective reception area (for example, a distance range from 0 m (contact state with the transmitter 30) to 2 m) centered on the target's transmitter 30. Prior to entering the effective reception area, the mobile terminal 90 has already started receiving the transmitter signal. This is because the transmitter 30 is assigned a range wider than the effective reception area as a receivable area (maximum reception area). When the mobile terminal 90 enters the effective reception area, it is determined that the mobile terminal 90 has captured the target.

[0099] When the pursuit game is executed in a single play mode, the player acquires a reward when he or she captures the target. The player is expected to be motivated to actively participate in the pursuit game in order to acquire the reward.

[0100] In one example, the benefit is that the mobile terminal 90 receives data from the management server 50 that displays a mascot character specific to the target, and the player gains the right to display that mascot character on the screen of the mobile terminal 90.

[0101] In another example, the benefit is a gift certificate, coupon, or discount voucher or right thereto for the purchase of goods or services, or cash or a redeemable ticket.

[0102] In yet another example, the reward has a value that increases according to the time or distance traveled from the time the player discovers the target on the mobile terminal 90 to the time the player captures the target.

[0103] In yet another example, the reward has a value that increases the more the sponsor of the Pursuit game (or the sponsor of the business that rents the bicycles) financially supports the Pursuit game.

[0104] In yet another example, when the player captures a target, the player is expected to view the advertising display device 32 on the target rental bicycle 12 and obtain advertising information. As a result, the rental bicycle 12 is expected to function as a mobile advertising medium. In this example, the advertising display device 32 constitutes an example of the aforementioned "indiscriminate advertising provision device."

[0105] In yet another example, when the management server 50 receives from the mobile terminal 90 that a player has captured the target, the management server 50 transmits data representing advertisement information by unicast to the mobile terminal 90 of the player. As a result, the player also receives an additional benefit of obtaining advertisement information that can only be obtained by a player who has captured the target.

[0106] In this example, the part of the management server 50 that responds to the capture and individually transmits advertising information data to the mobile terminals 90 of the players that have been successfully captured via unicast constitutes an example of the "direct advertising provision device."

[0107] In contrast, when the tracking game is executed in a battle mode, each player's mobile terminal 90 transmits player position information indicating the current position of the player to the other player's mobile terminal 90, and receives other player position information indicating the current position of the other player from the other player's mobile terminal 90.

[0108] Based on the received position information of the other players, the mobile terminal 90 of each player displays the current positions of the other players on the screen together with the current position of the player himself / herself and the current position of the target. If a player captures the target with his / her mobile terminal 90 earlier than any of the other players, that player becomes the winner and receives the above-mentioned benefits.

[0109] Next, the above-mentioned target-related subsystem SBT will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

[0110] As described above, the target-related subsystem SBT has a GPS positioning unit 28 as a target positioning unit that measures the current position of the target.

[0111] The GPS positioning unit 28 has a GPS receiver 42 that receives GPS signals from multiple GPS satellites, a GPS controller 44 that controls the GPS receiver 42, and a communication device 46 that transmits a signal representing the target's current position measured based on the received GPS signal as a GPS positioning signal to the player's mobile terminal 90 in real time and in a broadcast manner.

[0112] As described above, the target-related subsystem SBT further includes the transmitter 30. The transmitter 30 is configured to transmit a signal representing an identification code unique to the target as a transmitter signal in a state in which the signal can be received by the mobile terminal 90 via a short-range communication method.

[0113] <Transmitter>

[0114] The transmitter 30 actively transmits a unique identification signal locally without requiring an external trigger signal, and continuously as long as there is no shortage of power supply.

[0115] The transmitter 30 is generally a device known as a beacon device, a radio beacon, or the like that transmits a beacon signal as an identification signal. In one example, the transmitter 30 generates an identification signal representing a corresponding station ID by modulating an original signal, and locally transmits the generated identification signal as an IR signal, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, an NFC (near field communication) signal, or the like.

[0116] Next, the hardware configuration will be explained with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. 5. The transmitter 30 is mainly composed of a computer 104 having a processor 100 and a memory 102 that stores multiple applications executed by the processor 100.

[0117] The transmitter 30 further has a replaceable disposable battery 106 as a power source. Instead of the battery 106, a rechargeable battery or a commercial power source as an external power source can be used.

[0118] The transmitter 30 further includes a transmitter unit 108 that generates and transmits an identification signal that represents a legitimate transmitter ID (an example of a "transmitter code") that is unique to the transmitter 30 itself.

[0119] The transmitter 108 is powered by a battery 106 and controlled by a controller 110, which is controlled by the computer 100.

[0120] Next, the software configuration of the transmitter 30 will be explained with reference to FIG. 6. The processor 100 of the transmitter 30 repeatedly executes a program conceptually represented by a flowchart in FIG.

[0121] When the program is executed each time, first, in step S1, the regular transmitter ID corresponding to the transmitter 30 is read from the memory 102. The regular transmitter ID corresponds one-to-one to the bicycle ID unique to one rental bicycle 12.

[0122] Next, in step S2, the remaining capacity of the battery 106 is estimated.

[0123] Next, in step S3, a signal for modulating an original signal (e.g., a carrier signal) so that the read authorized transmitter ID and the estimated remaining battery level are reflected is output to controller 110. The controller 110 controls transmitting unit 108, and as a result, transmitting unit 108 generates an identification signal to be transmitted this time.

[0124] Thereafter, in step S4, the generated identification signal is transmitted from the transmitting unit 108. Then, the process returns to step S1.

[0125] It should be noted that the algorithm or procedure for generating an identification signal in the transmitter 30 so as to reflect at least the ID of the transmitter ID or bicycle ID and the remaining battery charge may be different from the algorithm or procedure shown in FIG. 6.

[0126] <Software Configuration of GPS Controller>

[0127] In FIG. 7, an example of a program executed by a processor (not shown) of the GPS controller 44 shown in FIG. 4 is represented by a flowchart.

[0128] This program is repeatedly executed during the operation of the target-related subsystem SBT. At each execution, first, in step S11, a GPS signal is received from the GPS receiver 42. Next, in step S12, based on the received GPS signal, the current position (latitude and longitude) of the target is measured. Subsequently, in step S13, a GPS positioning signal representing the measured current position of the target is transmitted from the communication device 46.

[0129] <Setting of Receiver Range of Transmitter>

[0130] Two types of receiving areas are assigned to the transmitter 30. They are the aforementioned receivable area and the aforementioned effective receiving area (hereinafter also referred to as the "receiver range").

[0131] These areas are generally defined by circles with the transmitter 30 as the source. The receivable area has a maximum reception radius (for example, about 50 m), while the effective receiving area has an effective reception radius (for example, a range from a radius of 0 m to a radius of about 50 m or less). The maximum reception radius is a constant value, while the effective reception radius is a variable value that can be changed at any time by the mobile terminal 90.

[0132] The receivable area means an area where an identification signal from the transmitter 30 can reach when the power supply of the transmitter 30 is normal, that is, an area where the mobile terminal 90 can receive the identification signal as long as it exists within that area.

[0133] In contrast, the effective reception area has an effective reception radius that is smaller than the maximum reception radius of the receivable area. The maximum reception radius cannot be set arbitrarily, whereas the effective reception radius can be set arbitrarily by the mobile terminal 90.

[0134] That is, it is possible to say that the maximum reception radius means the reception limit determined by the hardware, whereas the effective reception radius means the reception limit determined by the software.

[0135] The mobile terminal 90 measures the distance to the transmitter 30 when it transmitted the received identification signal. The measured distance may or may not exceed the effective reception radius. When the measured distance does not exceed the effective reception radius, the mobile terminal 90 is located within the effective reception area, whereas when the measured distance exceeds the effective reception radius, the mobile terminal 90 is located within the receivable area but not within the effective reception area.

[0136] The mobile terminal 90 launches a tracking game application conceptually represented in a flowchart in part of Figure 12 to determine whether the distance measurement value is less than or equal to the set value of the effective reception radius, and if it determines that it is less than the set value, the mobile terminal 90 determines that it is currently located within the effective reception area (reception range) and therefore has "validly received the identification signal from the transmitter 30 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "has received the identification signal").

[0137] In contrast, if the mobile terminal 90 determines that the distance measurement value is greater than the set value, the mobile terminal 90 determines that the mobile terminal 90 is currently located outside the effective reception area of ​​the transmitter 30 and therefore "has not effectively received the identification signal from the transmitter 30 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "has not received the identification signal").

[0138] In other words, in this embodiment, when the mobile terminal 90 is located outside the effective reception area, even though the mobile terminal 90 is actually receiving the identification signal, the software will treat the mobile terminal 90 as if it has not received the identification signal.

[0139] <User's mobile device>

[0140] Briefly explained, the mobile terminal 90 is configured to have a player positioning unit (GPS receiver 152) that measures its own current position as the player's current position, a display unit 136 that displays the measured player's current position and the target's current position based on target position information received from the target's GPS positioning unit 28 on the screen of the mobile terminal 90, and a detection unit that detects that the mobile terminal 90 has captured the target based on the distance between the mobile terminal 90's current position and the target's current position.

[0141] The detection unit is configured to authenticate (identify) the target on which the transmitter 30 is mounted from the signal received from the transmitter 30, measure the distance between the target and the mobile terminal 90, and detect the capture if the measured distance is shorter than a predetermined distance (effective reception distance, reception range).

[0142] Next, the hardware configuration of the user's mobile terminal 90 will be explained with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. 8. The mobile terminal 90 is mainly composed of a computer 134 having a processor 130 and a memory 132 that stores multiple applications executed by the processor 130.

[0143] A user who wishes to play the above-mentioned chase game downloads the chase game application shown in Fig. 12 from the management server 50 to his / her mobile terminal 90, and can thereby participate in the chase game as a player. Players participate in the chase game by selecting either the above-mentioned single play mode or battle mode.

[0144] The mobile terminal 90 further has a display unit (e.g., an LCD display) 136 that displays information on a screen (having a window with a finite area that can be variable or fixed), a receiving unit 138 that receives signals from the GPS positioning unit 28, the transmitter 30, and the management server 50, and a transmitting unit 140 that generates signals and transmits them to the management server 50.

[0145] The mobile terminal 90 further includes an input unit 150 for inputting data and commands from the user. The input unit 150 includes, for example, an operation unit operable by the user to input desired information (e.g., commands, data, etc.) into the mobile terminal 90. The operation unit may be, but is not limited to, a touch screen that displays icons (e.g., virtual buttons) operable by the user, a physical operation unit (e.g., a keyboard, keypad, buttons, etc.) operable by the user, a microphone that detects voice, etc.

[0146] The mobile terminal 90 further includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 152. As is well known, the GPS receiver 152 receives multiple GPS signals from multiple GPS satellites and, based on those GPS signals, measures the position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the GPS receiver 152 on Earth by triangulation. In other words, the mobile terminal 90 has a positioning function that uses satellites.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 8, the memory 132 has a plurality of data memories, including a map data memory 161, a station data memory 163, and a bicycle data memory 165.

[0148] Map data memory 161 temporarily stores map data that the user's mobile terminal 90 downloads from management server 50 or another map database (not shown) according to the user's current location. Based on that map data, a map (an example of a "partial map") is displayed on the screen of display unit 136. The map displayed on the screen changes from moment to moment as the user moves.

[0149] 9, correspondences between a plurality of station IDs and a plurality of station position data can be downloaded from the management server 50 and stored in the station data memory 163. The plurality of station IDs correspond to a plurality of stations 20 managed in a centralized manner by the system 10. Furthermore, each of the plurality of station position data indicates the longitude and latitude (latitude X, longitude Y) of the ground position of the corresponding station 20.

[0150] The station data memory 163 temporarily stores a plurality of station position data corresponding to a plurality of stations 20 together with a plurality of corresponding station IDs.

[0151] As conceptually shown in Figure 10, the correspondence between multiple station IDs, multiple bicycle IDs, multiple authorized transmitter IDs, and multiple icon data can be downloaded from management server 50 and stored in bicycle data memory 165 of Figure 8. When one of multiple bicycles 12 is discovered by mobile terminal 90, a single corresponding bicycle ID is determined, and thus a single corresponding authorized transmitter ID is determined.

[0152] Here, "icon data" refers to data for displaying an icon (unique graphic) that is overlaid on the map when the current location of a target (there may be multiple targets) discovered by the mobile terminal 90 is displayed on the screen.

[0153] This icon is displayed on the screen as a different figure for each target, for example. The icon is displayed on the screen as a figure that reflects the advertising information (for example, the symbol mark of the sponsoring company).

[0154] When this icon represents advertising information assigned to each target, the part of the mobile terminal 90 that, when the mobile terminal 90 finds a target, reads the advertising information assigned to that target from memory 132 (or downloads it from management server 50) and displays it on the screen of the mobile terminal 90 constitutes an example of the aforementioned "direct advertising providing device."

[0155] Here, the phrase "the mobile terminal 90 discovers the target" can be interpreted to mean, for example, that a state is realized in which both the current position of the player and the current position of the target are displayed on the screen, as illustrated in Figure 2(a), or that a state is realized in which the distance between the current position of the player and the current position of the target is less than or equal to a threshold value.

[0156] Here, the distance between the current position of the player and the current position of the target can be measured, for example, by the mobile terminal 90 based on the GPS positioning signal of the GPS receiver 152 and the GPS positioning signal received from the target.

[0157] <Administration Server>

[0158] Next, the hardware configuration of the management server 50 will be explained with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. 11. The management server 50 is mainly composed of a computer 164 having a processor 160 and a memory 162 that stores multiple applications executed by the processor 160.

[0159] The management server 50 further includes a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) 166 for displaying information, a receiving unit 168 for receiving signals from the mobile terminal 90, a transmitting unit 170 for generating signals and transmitting the signals to the mobile terminal 90, and a clock 172 for measuring the current time.

[0160] <Chase game sequence>

[0161] In the target, the GPS positioning unit 28 continuously transmits a GPS positioning signal in a broadcast manner, and in parallel with this, the transmitter 30 continuously transmits a transmitter signal in a broadcast manner.

[0162] In the mobile terminal 90, first, in step 101, a login request for logging in to the management server 50 is sent to the management server 50 together with a user ID and password for identifying the current user.

[0163] In response, in step S201, the management server 50 receives the login request along with the user ID and password. Next, in step S202, the management server 50 searches the memory 162 for the station data and bicycle data. Thereafter, in step S203, the management server 50 transmits the searched data to the mobile terminal 90.

[0164] In response to this, in step S102, the mobile terminal 90 receives the data from the management server 50. Subsequently, in step S103, the received data is stored in the memory 102.

[0165] Next, in step S104, the portable terminal 90 receives a GPS positioning signal from the GPS positioning unit 28 of the target. Thereafter, in step S105, the portable terminal 90 identifies the target based on the information for identifying the target included in the received GPS positioning signal. The communicator 46 of the target is designed to transmit the GPS positioning signal to the portable terminal 90 together with an identification signal for the target.

[0166] Thereafter, in step S106, the mobile terminal 90 measures the current position (longitude and latitude) of the target based on the received GPS positioning signal, and then in step S107, the mobile terminal 90 searches the memory 102 for icon data corresponding to the identified target.

[0167] Thereafter, in step S108, the mobile terminal 90 overlays the corresponding icon on the screen displaying the map based on the searched icon data at a position that indicates the current position of the target.

[0168] Next, in step S109, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 90 has received a transmitter signal, that is, whether or not the mobile terminal 90 is located within a receivable area of ​​the transmitter. If it is assumed that the mobile terminal 90 has not yet received a transmitter signal this time, the determination in step S109 becomes NO, and the process returns to step S104.

[0169] If the result of repeated execution of steps S104-S109 is a YES in step S109, then in step S110, the mobile terminal 90 measures the distance between the mobile terminal 90 and the transmitter 30 based on the received transmitter signal, and determines whether the measured value is smaller than the effective receiving radius (receiving range).

[0170] This time, assuming that it is determined that the portable terminal 90 is not effectively receiving the transmitter 30, the determination in step S110 becomes NO, and the process returns to step S104.

[0171] If the result of repeated execution of steps S104-S110 is YES in step S110, the mobile terminal 90 demodulates the received transmitter signal in step S111, decodes the transmitter ID represented by the demodulated transmitter signal, and thereby identifies the target.

[0172] The identified target should match the target identified in step S 106. If there is a mismatch, the application is immediately terminated as something abnormal may have occurred.

[0173] If no such abnormality occurs, the mobile terminal 90 determines in step S112 that the mobile terminal 90 has captured the target, and then displays the fact of capture on the screen in step S113. Thereafter, the mobile terminal 90 transmits the fact of capture to the management server 50 together with the current transmitter ID (or target ID) and the player's user ID in step S114.

[0174] In response to this, in step S204, the management server 50 determines a benefit to be given to the player as compensation for the capture. The memory 162 stores a table containing correspondences between conditions achieved during the current chase game and benefits. In step S204, the management server 50 determines a benefit corresponding to the conditions achieved by the current player during the current chase game, in accordance with the correspondences.

[0175] Next, in step S205, the management server 50 associates the determined benefit with the player and stores it in the memory 162. Thereafter, in step S206, the management server 50 transmits data representing the determined benefit to the mobile terminal 90.

[0176] In one example, in step S206, the management server 50 further transmits the advertising information assigned to the target to the mobile terminal 90 by unicast. The advertising information is stored in advance in the memory 162 in association with the transmitter ID or the target ID. As a result, in this example, the player obtains the benefit and the advertising information assigned to the current target.

[0177] In response to this, in step S115, the mobile terminal 90 receives data representing the benefit from the management server 50 together with the data representing the advertisement information, thereby letting the player know that he or she has acquired the benefit. Subsequently, in step S116, the mobile terminal 90 displays the acquired benefit on the screen together with or separately from the advertisement information received from the management server 50.

[0178] Next, in step S117, the mobile terminal 90 transmits a logout request to the management server 50, requesting logout from the management server 50.

[0179] In response to this, the management server 50 receives the logout request in step S207. Subsequently, in step S208, the management server 50 transmits an acknowledgement signal ACK to the mobile terminal 90, indicating that the logout request has been received successfully.

[0180] In response to this, the mobile terminal 90 receives the acknowledgement signal ACK from the management server 50 in step S118.

[0181] In this embodiment, the GPS positioning unit 28 mounted on the target continuously transmits a GPS positioning signal (first location information signal) in a broadcast manner, while the transmitter 30 mounted on the same target continuously transmits a transmitter signal (second location information signal) in a broadcast manner.

[0182] Both the GPS positioning signal and the transmitter signal have in common that, for the mobile terminal 90, they are signals (position information signals) that assist in guiding the player to the target.

[0183] However, in this embodiment, the GPS positioning signal is used as a signal by which the portable terminal 90 continuously detects the change in the distance between the player and the target over time, whereas the transmitter signal is used as a signal by which the portable terminal 90 detects the change in the distance between the player and the target over time in a stepwise manner (for example, whether or not they are within the reception range) and with higher accuracy than the GPS positioning signal.

[0184] In this sense, in this embodiment, the transmitter 30 mounted on the target is different from the GPS positioning unit 28 mounted on the same target, and functions as a proximity switch whose output signal changes depending on whether or not it is in proximity to the player.

[0185] The above-described embodiments can be implemented with various modifications. For example, they can be improved so that the management server 50 performs data processing that is the same as at least a portion of the data processing performed by the mobile terminal 90, or conversely, they can be improved so that the mobile terminal 90 performs data processing that is the same as at least a portion of the data processing performed by the management server 50.

[0186] Furthermore, in some of the above-described embodiments, when the distance between the player and the target measured by the mobile terminal 90 based on a signal from the transmitter 30 mounted on the target becomes equal to or less than a reference value, the mobile terminal 90 determines that the player has actually captured the target (i.e., physically, in real space).

[0187] In contrast, in another example, the mobile terminal 90 is equipped with a reader (e.g., an image reader) that reads data, and the target is equipped with data that can be read by the reader (e.g., a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)), etc.) in a location that is accessible by the reader.

[0188] In this case, the player holds the reader of the mobile terminal 90 over (brings the reader close to) or touches the data attached to the target, thereby enabling the reader to read the data.

[0189] At this time, if the portable terminal 90 determines that the reader has correctly read the data, it determines that the player has captured the target.

[0190] In this example, the data may or may not have a portion that indicates the ID of the target to which the data is assigned.

[0191] In the latter case, for example, when the portable terminal 90 reads the data, it can identify the ID of the target to which the data is attached and compare the identification result with the identification result obtained in step 105 shown in Fig. 12. Only when the comparison is successful does the portable terminal 90 determine that the player has captured the target.

[0192] In the above-described embodiments, a rental bicycle that is lent to a lessee is used as an example of a target.

[0193] Generally, rental bicycles are likely to move through areas with more pedestrians, at slower speeds, and closer to pedestrians than other means of transportation (examples of moving objects) such as cars and motorcycles.

[0194] This possibility arises from the possibility that the number of passersby who visually view a rental bicycle as it moves per unit time is greater than with other means of transportation, and that each passerby will visually view the advertising sign (advertising medium, advertising information, etc.) attached to the rental bicycle more clearly and for a longer period of time than with other means of transportation, making it easier for them to accurately remember the advertising sign.

[0195] This shows that rental bicycles can provide advertising information more directly to potential consumers than other means of transportation, and therefore have a greater advertising effect.

[0196] Bicycle rental services are sometimes run by private companies, but sometimes by public organizations (such as city halls). In the latter case, the operator usually tries to cover the operating costs of the service through the rental fees paid by users. However, since rental services are for the public good, the rental fees cannot be set too high. Therefore, operators must use other sources of revenue, such as taxes, to cover the portion of the total operating costs that cannot be covered by rental fee revenue alone.

[0197] In this case, a proposed business model would involve the operating body soliciting sponsors for the bicycle rental service from, for example, private companies, and having the sponsors who apply provide funding. In return, the sponsors would be granted the right to use the rental bicycles to advertise their own products and services.

[0198] Furthermore, like rental cars, rental bicycles are the property of the entity that operates them, not of individuals. Therefore, the operator is free to select and replace advertising signs attached to each rental bicycle solely for its own convenience, regardless of the preferences of the renter or other circumstances. As a result, with rental bicycles, it is easier to attract a wider variety of sponsors than with privately owned bicycles.

[0199] In summary, selecting bicycle rentals as a target has the effect of making it easier to improve the economic efficiency of bicycle rental operations than if other means of transportation were selected.

[0200] However, to implement the present invention, the target may select other rental mobile objects, such as rental cars, in addition to rental bicycles, other mobile objects that are not intended for rental, or personally owned mobile objects.

[0201] Furthermore, in order to implement the present invention, moving objects that exist in the natural world (for example, humans themselves, animals, floating objects, flowing objects, etc.) may be selected as other targets.

[0202] In this embodiment, when the player captures the target, a benefit (first benefit) is given to the player in return. At this time, a benefit (second benefit) may also be given to the renter (driver) of the rental bicycle 12 that is the captured target in return for being captured.

[0203] Specifically, for example, when the player captures the target, the mobile terminal 90 transmits to the management server 50 information including the bicycle ID of the rental bicycle 12 captured by the player.

[0204] Upon receiving the information, the management server 50 searches for the mobile terminal 90 of the current renter that corresponds to the bicycle ID received this time, according to the relationship between the bicycle ID and the user ID unique to the renter of the rental bicycle 12 or the address of the renter's mobile terminal 90 (e.g., telephone number, email address, etc.) that is pre-stored in memory 162.

[0205] Furthermore, the management server 50 transmits, by unicast to the found mobile terminal 90, information indicating that a predetermined benefit has been granted to the borrower.

[0206] In this pursuit game, if a player captures a rental bicycle 12, a special reward is given to the renter of the rental bicycle 12 in return, so the renter is also encouraged to actively participate in the pursuit game.

[0207] Furthermore, in this example, the borrower will naturally be notified in advance that there is a possibility that he or she will be tracked by the player in this tracking game, and that if he or she is caught by the player, a reward will be given to the borrower.

[0208] The tracking game system 10 described above combines the game element of the tracking game with the advertising element of providing advertising information directly to potential consumers, but if we focus on the advertising element, this tracking game system 10 can be reconsidered as an advertising system 10.

[0209] Specifically, this advertising system 10 is a system that uses a moving object (not only an industrial product but also an object existing in nature, such as a human being or an animal) driven by a driver, whether or not the driver is an advertiser, as a source of visual advertising information, and advertises to an unspecified number of passersby in the vicinity of the moving object.

[0210] Here, an example of the "moving object" is the rental bicycle 12 described above, and an example of the "plurality of unspecified passersby" is the plurality of players described above.

[0211] In this advertising system 10, the moving object is equipped with an advertising display device that visually displays the advertising information, a moving object positioning unit that measures the current position of the moving object every moment, and a transmitting unit that broadcasts moving object position information indicating the current position of the moving object to multiple people's mobile terminals in real time.

[0212] Here, an example of an "advertising display device" is the aforementioned advertising display device 32, an example of a "moving object positioning unit" is the GPS receiver 42 of the aforementioned GPS positioning unit 28, and an example of a "transmitting unit" is the aforementioned communication device 46.

[0213] In this advertising system 10, each passerby's mobile terminal 90 is further equipped with a receiving unit that receives the moving object position information, a passerby positioning unit that measures the current position of the mobile terminal 90 as the passerby's current position, a display unit that displays the measured passerby's current position and the moving object's current position based on the received moving object position information on the screen of the mobile terminal 90, and a detection unit that detects when the mobile terminal 90 captures the moving object.

[0214] Here, an example of a "receiving unit" is the aforementioned receiving unit 138, an example of a "passerby positioning unit" is the aforementioned GPS receiver 152, an example of a "display unit" is the aforementioned display unit 136, and an example of a "detection unit" is the part of mobile terminal 90 that executes steps S109-S112 in FIG. 12.

[0215] Furthermore, in this advertising system 10, when the capture is detected, a predetermined benefit is given to passersby using each mobile terminal 90 that captured the moving object. The benefit is given, for example, by the part of the management server 50 that executes steps S204-206 in FIG. 12.

[0216] The advertising system 10 further includes an advertising information transmitting unit installed in the management server 50 that can communicate with the mobile terminals 90 of each passerby. The advertising information transmitting unit is configured to transmit data representing the advertising information and / or other advertising information directly to any one of the mobile terminals 90 by unicast when the moving object is captured by the mobile terminal 90.

[0217] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be embodied in other forms that incorporate various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the aspects described in the "Summary of the Invention" section above.

Claims

1. A mobile object that is rented out at a station as a storage location, a positioning unit for measuring the current position of the moving object; a transmitter that transmits location information indicating the measured current location in association with object ID information including an object ID of the moving object or information that can identify the object; a short-distance wireless communication unit having a function of transmitting a signal representing identification information unique to the moving object, the signal being capable of measuring the reception distance, in a state in which the signal can be received by a mobile terminal using a short-distance communication method; Including, The mobile terminal determines whether the mobile terminal has approached within a predetermined distance of the moving object based on the signal received from the short-range wireless communication unit, and if it determines that such approach has occurred, displays on the screen of the mobile terminal that the mobile terminal has approached the moving object based on the current position of the moving object based on the position information received from the transmission unit and the current position of the mobile terminal measured by the positioning function of the mobile terminal, with the respective figures being overlaid on a map.

2. A program executed by a computer of the mobile terminal used with the moving object according to claim 1, a function of determining whether the mobile terminal has approached within a predetermined distance from the moving object based on the signal received from the short-range wireless communication unit; a function of the mobile terminal, when it is determined that the approach has occurred, displaying on the screen of the mobile terminal that the mobile terminal has approached the moving object based on the current position of the moving object based on the position information received from the transmitting unit and the current position of the mobile terminal measured by a positioning function of the mobile terminal, in such a way that respective figures are overlaid on a map; A program executed by the computer to achieve the above.

Images