Ad delivery system

Abstract

To provide a management server that effectively presents advertisements and reduces a cost required for a user to obtain an apparatus.SOLUTION: A management server 1 is configured to: store an apparatus database 121 that registers a sponsored apparatus 5 that is acquired by a user on condition that expenses are covered by a sponsor, and an advertisement database 122 that registers advertisements; and distribute an advertisement selected from the advertisement database to the sponsored apparatus registered in the apparatus database.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a management server and devices.

Background Art

[0002] Devices such as refrigerators and washing machines are becoming more highly functional, and their prices are rising significantly. In contrast, users have a desire to obtain these devices at a suppressed price.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The inventor of the present application obtained the idea of combining the desire of the user described above with the desire of the company side to have many opportunities to present advertisements to the user. In this idea, it is desirable that the presentation of advertisements is more effective. That is, while presenting advertisements effectively, it is desired to suppress the price required for the user to obtain the device.

[0004]

[0005] According to an embodiment, a management server stores a device database for registering sponsor-supplied devices, which are devices obtained by a user on the condition that the cost is reimbursed by a sponsor, and an advertisement database for registering advertisements, and distributes an advertisement selected from the advertisement database to the sponsor-supplied devices registered in the device database.

[0006]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] ​Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the management server included in the system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the equipment included in the system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates a business model that allows users to acquire equipment at a reduced cost. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of an equipment database. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of an advertising database. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the flow of advertising delivery within the system. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of an advertisement displayed on a device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 illustrates a business model in the fourth embodiment of the system that allows users to obtain equipment at a reduced cost. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a device database stored in the management server according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows another example of an advertising database. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <1. Overview of Management Server and Equipment>

[0009] (1) The management server according to the embodiment stores a device database for registering sponsored devices, which are devices obtained by users on the condition that the costs are reimbursed by the sponsor, and an advertising database for registering advertisements, and delivers advertisements selected from the advertising database to the sponsored devices registered in the device database.

[0010] By storing a device database, the management server can manage sponsored devices. This makes it easier to deliver advertisements to sponsored devices.

[0011] (2) Preferably, delivering advertisements includes selecting advertisements from an advertising database according to the type of sponsored device to which the advertisements will be delivered. This makes it possible to deliver advertisements appropriate to the type of sponsored device, thereby improving the effectiveness of the advertisements. (3) Preferably, delivering advertisements includes selecting advertisements from an advertising database according to the user attributes of the sponsored device to which the advertisements are to be delivered. This makes it possible to deliver advertisements that are tailored to the user attributes to the sponsored device, thereby improving the effectiveness of the advertisements.

[0012] (4) Preferably, the management server receives data from sponsored devices registered in the device database and delivers advertisements, which includes selecting advertisements to deliver from the advertisement database based on the data received from the sponsored devices. This makes it possible to deliver advertisements that are suitable for the sponsored devices. As a result, the effectiveness of the advertisements can be increased.

[0013] (5) Preferably, the selection of advertisements further includes selecting advertisements to deliver according to the type of sponsored device to which the advertisements are delivered. This makes it possible to deliver advertisements that are appropriate for the type of sponsored device. As a result, the effectiveness of the advertisements can be increased. (6) Preferably, the selection of advertisements further includes selecting advertisements to deliver according to the attributes of the users of the sponsored devices to which the advertisements are delivered. This makes it possible to deliver advertisements that are tailored to the attributes of the users of the sponsored devices. As a result, the effectiveness of the advertisements can be increased.

[0014] (7) Preferably, the management server records the results of ad delivery by distributing ads, in association with at least some of the data received from sponsored devices. This can be used for analysis, such as determining which data led to the selection of which ads to deliver. As a result, it is possible to deliver ads more effectively.

[0015] (8) Preferably, the management server stores at least a part of the data received from the sponsored device. Thereby, it can be used for analysis such as at what timing the advertisement was selected. As a result, it can lead to more effective advertisement delivery.

[0016] (9) Preferably, the management server records the advertisement delivery result by delivering the advertisement. Thereby, the management server can provide the delivery result to the sponsor or the like.

[0017] (10) Preferably, the advertisement to be delivered by the management server causes the sponsored device to accept an operation of purchasing a product. Thereby, the user of the device can easily instruct the purchase process.

[0018] (11) Preferably, selecting an advertisement further includes selecting the advertisement to be delivered according to information on products handled by the user who obtained the sponsored device, which is related to the sponsored device that is the advertisement delivery destination. Thereby, even when the user who obtained the sponsored device is a store, it is possible to perform effective advertisement delivery that promotes sales to the customers of the store.

[0019] (12) The device according to the embodiment is a sponsored device that is obtained by the user on the condition that the cost is reimbursed by the sponsor, and is connectable to a management server that manages that it is a sponsored device, and outputs an advertisement acquired from the management server during operation. Thereby, it is possible to connect to a management server that manages that it is a sponsored device and obtain an advertisement.

[0020] (13) Preferably, the output trigger in outputting the advertisement includes detection of the presence of a person within a predetermined range. Thereby, when there is a user near the device, the device can be set to output an advertisement.

[0021] (14) Preferably, the output trigger for outputting an advertisement includes receiving an operation. Thereby, when the device receives a user's operation, it becomes possible to set the advertisement to be output.

[0022] (15) Preferably, when the output trigger occurs, the device requests an advertisement from the management server and receives advertisement data from the management server. Thereby, an advertisement is output when the output trigger occurs.

[0023] (16) Preferably, the device transmits the data obtained when the output trigger occurs to the management server and receives the advertisement data selected using the data obtained when the output trigger occurs from the management server. Thereby, a more suitable advertisement is distributed to the device.

[0024] (17) Preferably, the data obtained when the output trigger occurs includes information used in the management server to identify the type of the device. (18) Preferably, during a period when the device is not connected to the management server, at least a part of the functions of the device are restricted. Thereby, the possibility that the device is connected to the management server becomes high, and the advertisement is transmitted to the device at a more suitable timing. (19) Preferably, during a period when at least a part of the advertisement cannot be visually recognized and / or when the advertisement cannot be heard as sound, at least a part of the functions of the device are restricted. Thereby, the possibility that the advertisement is visually recognized and / or heard as sound becomes high. As a result, the advertisement effect can be enhanced. (20) Preferably, it has a display for displaying an advertisement and a sensor for detecting the presence of a shielding object that shields at least a part of the display. Thereby, it is possible to detect whether the sponsored device is in a state where the advertisement can be appropriately visually recognized. (21) Preferably, the function is a function that can be exhibited even when not connected to the management server. Thereby, the possibility that the sponsored device is connected to the management server becomes high. As a result, the advertisement effect can be enhanced. [[ID=​ <2. Examples of management servers and equipment>

[0026] [First Embodiment]

[0027] Referring to Figure 1, the system 100 according to this embodiment includes a management server 1. The management server 1 has a device database 121 and an advertising database 122. The device database 121 is a database for registering sponsored devices, which will be described later. The advertising database 122 is a database for registering advertisements to be distributed. The management server 1 can connect to a communication network 3 such as the Internet. The management server 1 distributes advertisements selected from the advertising database 122 to devices registered in the device database 121 via the communication network 3.

[0028] System 100 includes devices such as a refrigerator 5A and a washing machine 5B. These devices are collectively referred to as device 5. Device 5 has the function of communicating with the management server 1 via the communication network 3 and receiving advertisements delivered from the management server 1. Device 5 has a display 54. The display 54 is an example of an output unit that outputs advertisements acquired from the management server 1. Other examples of output units may include a speaker or a combination of a microphone and a speaker.

[0029] Device 5 includes a control device 50 and controls the output of advertisements acquired from the management server 1. The control device 50 also controls the functions of device 5 according to user operation input received from the input device 55, etc. If device 5 is a refrigerator 5A, the functions of device 5 include, for example, temperature setting and starting ice making. If device 5 is a washing machine 5B, the functions include starting washing and setting the washing course.

[0030] Device 5 further includes an input device 55. The input device 55 receives operation input for device 5. Operation of device 5 includes operations to activate the functions of device 5. Operation of device 5 may also include operations on displayed advertisements. Operations on advertisements will be described later.

[0031] The input device 55 inputs an operation signal based on the received operation input to the control device 50. The control device 50 performs processing based on the input operation signal. The device that receives operation input to the equipment 5 may be the remote control 6 instead of the input device 55, or in addition to the input device 55.

[0032] System 100 further includes processing units 7 and 9. Processing unit 7 is a processing unit owned by the sponsor, as will be described later. Processing unit 9 is a processing unit owned by the sales company (hereinafter referred to as the sales company) of equipment 5. These are also connectable to the communication network 3 and can communicate with the management server 1 via the communication network 3.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2, the management server 1 is composed of a computer having a processor 11 and memory 12. The memory 12 may be a primary storage device or a secondary storage device. The management server 1 further has a communication device 13 for accessing the communication network 3.

[0034] Memory 12 contains a device database 121 and an advertising database 122. Memory 12 also stores the delivery results 123, which will be described later. Furthermore, Memory 12 stores the computer program 124 executed by the processor 11.

[0035] The processor 11 executes the distribution process 111 by running the computer program 124 stored in memory 12. The distribution process 111 is the process of distributing advertisements registered in the advertisement database 122 to devices registered in the device database 121. In other words, the distribution process 111 is the process of passing the data of the advertisement to be distributed to the communication device 13 and instructing it to distribute.

[0036] The delivery process 111 includes a selection process 112. The selection process 112 is the process of selecting the advertisements to be delivered using the delivery process 111 from the advertisement database 122. The specific details of the selection process 112 will be described later.

[0037] The processor 11 executes the registration process 113 by running the computer program 124. The registration process 113 is the process of registering the distribution result from the distribution process 111 as the distribution result 123 in memory 12. The distribution result 123 registered in memory 12 by the registration process 113 will be described later.

[0038] Preferably, the processor 11 executes the purchase process 114 by running the computer program 124. The purchase process 114 will be described later.

[0039] Referring to Figure 3, the device 5 includes a control device 50, a display 54, and an input device 55. The control device 50 is composed of a computer having a processor 51 and memory 52. ​​The memory 52 may be a primary storage device or a secondary storage device. The device 5 further includes a communication device 53 for accessing the communication network 3.

[0040] Memory 52 stores unique data 521 and a computer program 522 executed by the processor 51. Unique data 521 is identification information unique to the device 5.

[0041] The processor 51 executes output processing 513 by running a computer program 522 stored in memory 52. ​​Output processing 513 is the process of outputting advertisements obtained from the management server 1 while the device 5 is operating. Operating time includes, for example, the period when power is supplied to the device 5 from the power supply, and the period when the device is in a state where it can accept user input after receiving a power-on operation. Outputting advertisements includes, for example, displaying a screen on the display 54 based on the received advertisement data.

[0042] Preferably, the processor 51 further executes a detection process 511 by executing a computer program 522. The detection process 511 is a process that detects the occurrence of an output trigger. An output trigger refers to a predetermined timing for outputting an advertisement, i.e., an event that triggers the execution of an output process 513. An output trigger includes, for example, the detection of the presence of a person within a predetermined range.

[0043] Device 5 further includes a sensor 56 for detecting the presence of a person within a predetermined range. The sensor 56 is, for example, a camera. In this case, the detection process 511 is the process of detecting the presence of a person within a predetermined range by the inclusion of a person image in the captured image.

[0044] Another example of sensor 56 is a motion sensor. A motion sensor uses, for example, infrared light, ultrasound, or visible light, and utilizes the reflection of the emitted light. Sensor 56 inputs a sensor signal to processor 51 indicating that it has received reflected light. In this case, detection processing 511 is the process of detecting the presence of a person within a predetermined range based on the input of the sensor signal from sensor 56.

[0045] The output trigger may also include accepting user input. In this case, the detection process 511 is a process that detects the presence of a person within a predetermined range based on the input of an operation signal from the input device 55 or the remote control 6.

[0046] Preferably, the processor 51 further executes the request process 512 by executing the computer program 522. The processor 51 executes the request process 512 when an output trigger is detected by the detection process 511. The request process 512 is the process of requesting the management server 1 to deliver an advertisement. That is, the request process 512 is the process of passing a signal requesting the delivery of an advertisement to the communication device 53 and instructing it to send it to the management server 1.

[0047] Preferably, the request process 512 includes sending data obtained when the occurrence of an output trigger is detected by the detection process 511 to the management server 1. The data obtained when the occurrence of an output trigger is detected includes information used by the management server 1 to identify the type of device 5. The information used to identify the type of device 5 is, for example, device 5-specific identification information.

[0048] The data obtained when the occurrence of an output trigger is detected may further include data indicating the user's attributes detected by the detection process 511, and data indicating the received operation input. User attributes may include, for example, the user's gender and height. The data indicating the received operation input is data corresponding to the button that was operated. In addition, the data indicating the received operation input may further include data indicating the time it was received and the location or region where the device 5 was installed at the time it was received.

[0049] Here, using Figure 4, we will explain the business model for the sale of equipment 5 using system 100. Referring to Figure 4, a user who wants to obtain equipment 5 will obtain equipment 5 from the distributor by paying a price A to the distributor (step S101) (step S103). Steps S101 and S103 may be electronic transactions between the user's terminal device (not shown) and the distributor's processing unit 9. Note that price A includes 0. That is, step S101 includes obtaining the equipment for free.

[0050] The sales company uses the processing unit 9 to register the device 5 with the management server 1 (step S105). In step S105, the processing unit 9 sends the necessary information to the management server 1, and it is registered in the device database 121.

[0051] The administrator, who has the management server 1, pays the sales company the price B (step S107). In step S107, electronic payment may be made from the management server 1 to the sales company's processing unit 9. The price B is the amount obtained by subtracting the price A from the original cost of the equipment 5. In other words, the administrator reimburses the user for the cost of equipment 5. As a result, the sales company is paid the original cost of equipment 5.

[0052] In step S107, the device 5 obtained by the user on the condition that the sponsor reimburses the costs is referred to as a sponsored device. In step S105, device 5 is registered with the management server 1 as a sponsored device.

[0053] In step S105, as an example, the management server 1 registers the type of device 5 and user information along with the device 5's unique identification information. The type of device 5 refers to, for example, a type such as a refrigerator or washing machine. User information is, for example, user-specific information such as the username. In addition, user information may also include attribute information such as gender and age, and the region and address where device 5 is installed.

[0054] By obtaining such information from the processing unit 9, the device database 121 of the management server 1 registers information about sponsored devices as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, referring to Figure 5, the device database 121 registers the unique identification information (device ID) and the type of device for each sponsored device. Preferably, user information is also registered. Preferably, information about the sponsor who reimbursed the cost of acquiring the device 5 (hereinafter referred to as sponsor information) is also registered. Sponsor information includes, for example, the sponsor's name, the amount reimbursed, and the sales region of the sponsor's products.

[0055] The administrator receives a request from the sponsor to distribute advertisements and is paid the advertising fees (step S109). In step S109, data related to the advertisement is transmitted from the sponsor's processing unit 7 to the management server 1, and the advertising fees may be settled electronically. The sales company may also pay a usage fee (royalty) for the system 100 to the administrator who has the management server 1. In this case, electronic settlement may be performed using the processing unit 9.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 4, the administrator who owns the management server 1 and the sales company who owns the processing unit 9 are assumed to be different entities; that is, the management server 1 and the processing unit 9 are independent and separate devices. However, these two entities may be the same, meaning the management server 1 and the processing unit 9 are the same device, or may be included in a group of devices that perform processing together. In this case, since the sales company does not incur a usage fee for its system 100, the payment A that the user pays in step S101 can be reduced, and it is expected that sales of the device 5 will be promoted.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, the data relating to the advertisement transmitted from the processing unit 7 to the management server 1 includes, as an example, unique identification information for the advertisement (advertisement ID), advertisement data for displaying the advertisement, and identification data used to identify the target device 5 on which the advertisement should be displayed. The identification data includes, for example, the type of target device 5. Preferably, the identification data includes user attributes. User attributes include, for example, gender. Preferably, the identification data includes the time period on which the advertisement should be displayed. Preferably, the identification data includes the region on which the target device 5 is installed.

[0058] The administrator delivers advertisements to the user (step S111). In step S111, the management server 1 sends advertisement data to the device 5 acquired by the user. At this time, the management server 1 executes a selection process 112 to select the advertisement to be delivered from the advertisement database 122.

[0059] Device 5 receives advertising data, and advertisements are displayed based on the advertising data. The administrator who delivered the advertisement to the user registers the delivery results with the management server 1 and reports the delivery of the advertisement to the sponsor based on the registered delivery results (step S113). In step S113, the delivery results 123 are registered in the memory 12 of the management server 1, and data indicating the delivery results based on the delivery results 123 is sent from the management server 1 to the processing unit 7.

[0060] Thus, in the business model shown in Figure 4, a user who wants to acquire device 5 can obtain it for a price A that is lower than the original price of device 5.

[0061] In system 100, advertisements are delivered according to the flow shown in Figure 7. Specifically, referring to Figure 7, when a user operation is performed on device 5, which is a sponsored device (step S1), an output trigger is detected on device 5 (step S3). The output trigger may be the detection of a person's presence, as described above.

[0062] When an output trigger is detected, the processor 51 of device 5 acquires data at the time of output trigger detection (step S5). In step S5, data such as the user's height and gender, and the content of the operation input received in step S1 are acquired. Device 5 transmits the acquired data and makes an advertisement request to the management server 1 (step S7).

[0063] When the management server 1 receives an advertisement request from device 5, it stores at least a portion of the data received from device 5 in memory 12. This storage may be included in the delivery results 123, which will be described later. That is, it may be stored in association with the advertisement delivery results. The management server 1 also performs a selection process to select advertisements to be delivered to device 5 from the advertisement database 122 (step S9), and delivers the selected advertisements to device 5 (step S11).

[0064] In step S9, as an example, an advertisement is selected from the advertising database 122 according to the type of device 5. In this case, the processor 11 of the management server 1 refers to the information of device 5 registered in the device database 121 based on the identification information of device 5 included in the request from device 5. That is, the processor 11 compares the device type included in the identification data of the advertisements registered in the advertising database 122 with the device type of the target device 5 registered in the device database 121. Then, the advertisement that includes a device type in its identification data that matches the device type of the target device 5 is selected as the advertisement to be delivered from the advertising database 122. As a result, an advertisement appropriate to the type of target device 5 is delivered to device 5. Consequently, the advertising effect can be improved.

[0065] In step S9, the system may select advertisements to deliver from the advertising database 122 based on other data received from device 5. Other data may include attributes such as the user's gender. In this case, the processor 11 of the management server 1 selects advertisements from the advertising database 122 that include user attributes in their identification data that match the received user attributes. For example, if the received user attributes indicate that the user is female, i.e., a user who is within a predetermined range, such as by operating device 5, then advertisements targeted at women will be selected. This ensures that advertisements appropriate to the user's attributes are displayed on device 5, thereby improving advertising effectiveness.

[0066] In the example above, the user attributes within a predetermined range starting from device 5 are recognized based on images obtained by sensor 56, etc. However, advertisements to be delivered from the advertisement database 122 may be selected based on the user attributes from user information registered in advance in device database 121. As mentioned above, user information is registered in device database 121 by the sales company using the processing unit 9 to send the necessary information to the management server 1. User attributes preferably include at least one of the following: the user's gender, age, body type such as height and weight, vital information such as blood pressure and pulse, occupation, family structure, or address. For attributes that change frequently, such as body type and vital information, the device 5 may be configured to automatically acquire them from the user and periodically send them to the management server 1 for registration. Specific examples of device 5 that acquires body type as an attribute include weighing scales and body composition analyzers. Specific examples of device 5 that acquires vital information as an attribute include blood pressure monitors and wearable devices.

[0067] In step S9, advertisements to be delivered from the advertising database 122 may be selected based on further data received from device 5. This further data may include, for example, the content of the operation performed on device 5, the time when device 5 received the operation, or the region where it is installed. Additionally, advertisements that match two or more pieces of data may be selected as advertisements to be delivered. In this case as well, advertisements that include such information in their identification data are selected as advertisements to be delivered from the advertising database 122.

[0068] Device 5, which has received the advertisement, displays the advertisement based on the advertisement data (step S13). As a result, device 5 will display the advertisement when the user is nearby. In addition, the advertisement will be displayed according to the circumstances in which the output trigger was detected. This ensures that the advertisement is displayed effectively.

[0069] Furthermore, the management server 1 that delivered the advertisement stores the delivery results 123 in memory 12 (step S15). The delivery results 123 are, for example, a combination of unique identification information for the delivered advertisement and unique identification information for the destination device 5. Preferably, the delivery results 123 are stored in association with at least a portion of the data received from device 5. At least a portion of the data received from device 5 is, for example, data used in the process of selecting the advertisement to deliver in step S9. Alternatively, all of the data received from device 5, including data not used in the selection process, may be stored. This allows for analysis such as determining what kind of data is effective to include in the advertisement data as identification data. As a result, it is possible to deliver advertisements more effectively.

[0070] By performing the actions shown in Figure 7, this system enables effective ad delivery for sponsors. As a result, the advertising fees that sponsors pay to the administrator in step S109 are secured in the business model shown in Figure 4.

[0071] Furthermore, by reporting the delivery results to the sponsor in step S113, the results can be used for analysis as described above, leading to more effective ad delivery. This also ensures that the advertising fees paid by the sponsor to the administrator in step S109 are secured in the business model shown in Figure 4.

[0072] As a result, the administrator can use the advertising fees paid by the sponsor to reimburse the cost B in step S107, that is, the cost of equipment 5 when the user acquires equipment 5. This makes it possible for the user to acquire equipment 5 at a lower cost.

[0073] [Second Embodiment]

[0074] The advertisements delivered to device 5 may accept input for purchasing products sold by the sponsor. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the advertisement 20 displayed on display 54 includes a button 21 that instructs the user to proceed with the purchase.

[0075] When the processor 51 receives an input request to purchase a product sold by a sponsor, it executes the purchase process 114 shown in Figure 2. The purchase process 114 is the process of requesting the management server 1 to process the purchase and sending the data for the purchase process to the management server 1. The processor 51 passes the data for the purchase process and the data requesting the management server 1 to the communication device 13 and instructs it to send them to the management server 1.

[0076] In this case, referring again to Figure 7, when the processor 51 of the device 5 receives an operation input to the button 21 (step S17), it executes the purchase process 114, sends data for the purchase process, and requests the management server 1 to perform the purchase process (step S19). The management server 1 performs the purchase process in response to the request (step S21).

[0077] The purchase process in step S21 may be a typical electronic purchase process. Therefore, the data transmitted from device 5 in step S19 is typical data necessary for the purchase process, such as username, address, and credit card information.

[0078] By making the advertisements displayed on device 5 capable of accepting purchase orders, effective sales promotion can be achieved. This also ensures that the advertising fees paid by the sponsor to the administrator in step S109 are secured in the business model shown in Figure 4.

[0079] [Third Embodiment]

[0080] In the third embodiment, the device 5 has at least some of its functions restricted during periods when it is not connected to the management server 1 via the communication network 3. Therefore, in the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the processor 51 executes a computer program 522 stored in the memory 52, and the processor 51 further executes an operation control process 514.

[0081] Not being able to communicate with the management server 1 means that the communication device 53 cannot access the communication network 3, for example, when the power to the communication device 53 is turned off.

[0082] When the communication device 53 cannot access the communication network 3, the device 5 does not receive advertisements from the management server 1. In this case, even if the device 5 detects that a user is within a predetermined range, no advertisements will be displayed to the device 5. Therefore, it is desirable that the device 5 is always able to access the communication network 3. Accordingly, the processor 51 of the device 5 in this embodiment further executes an operation control process 514, as shown in Figure 3. The operation control process 514 is executed when it is detected that the communication device 53 cannot access the communication network 3, and disables at least some of the pre-stored functions.

[0083] Furthermore, assuming that advertisements are displayed on the display 54 as still images or videos, if an obstruction such as a towel is positioned opposite the display 54 and obstructs at least a portion of the display 54, the user will not see the advertisement. Also, assuming that advertisements are emitted as sound or music from a speaker (not shown), if the speaker volume is set below a predetermined level by an adjustment means (not shown), or if the speaker is covered with a sound-insulating material such as a sound-insulating sheet, the user will not hear the advertisement. For this reason, it is desirable that the device 5 is always in a state where advertisements can be seen or heard as sound.

[0084] Therefore, the processor 51 of the device 5 according to this embodiment may execute the operation control process 514 during a period in which at least a portion of the advertisement is not visible and / or the advertisement cannot be heard as sound. In other words, during that period, at least a portion of the pre-stored functions of the device 5 are made unusable.

[0085] It is desirable to use a sensor 56 as a means of detecting the presence of an obstruction facing the display 54. The sensor 56 is, for example, a camera, and its shooting range includes at least a portion of the area facing the display 54. In this case, the detection process 511 of the processor 51 includes, in addition to or instead of, the process of detecting the occurrence of the output trigger described above, a process of detecting the presence of an obstruction in the shooting range. Alternatively, the sensor 56 may be one that irradiates infrared light, ultrasound, visible light, etc., and utilizes the reflection of the irradiated light. The sensor 56 inputs a sensor signal to the processor 51 indicating that it has received reflected light. In this case, the detection process 511 is the process of detecting the presence of an obstruction in at least a portion of the area facing the display 54 based on the input of the sensor signal from the sensor 56. When the detection process 511 detects the presence of an obstruction, the processor 51 executes the operation control process 514.

[0086] As a means of detecting the volume from the speaker, it is desirable to use a sound detector (not shown) placed near the speaker. In this case, the detection process 511 of the processor 51 includes a process for detecting the volume from the speaker in addition to, or instead of, the process for detecting the occurrence of the output trigger described above. When the detection process 511 detects that the volume has fallen below a threshold volume (for example, preferably in decibels) that has been set in advance for the device 5, the processor 51 executes the operation control process 514.

[0087] It should be noted that the functions restricted here are not essential functions depending on the type of device 5, but rather additional functions. For example, if device 5 is a refrigerator, the restricted functions are those other than the function of cooling the inside of the refrigerator. Other functions include, for example, lighting inside the refrigerator. This ensures that the original functions of device 5 are not impaired, while additional functions are restricted if the device is not in a state where it can receive advertisements from the management server 1. As a result, users who wish to use the additional functions must ensure that device 5 is in a state where it can access the communication network 3, or that it is in a state where it can properly view advertisements and / or hear advertisements properly. This makes it easier for the management server 1 to successfully deliver advertisements to device 5.

[0088] Unlike the above, the functions restricted here may be all or part of the functions of device 5 that can be performed even without being connected to management server 1. For example, if device 5 is a refrigerator, the restricted functions may include the function of cooling the inside of the refrigerator and the lighting inside the refrigerator. If device 5 is a television, the restricted functions may include receiving terrestrial broadcasts, playing back programs recorded on an external recorder, and playing back programs recorded on memory such as a hard disk built into device 5. On the other hand, it is optional whether or not to restrict the functions of device 5 that cannot be performed unless connected to management server 1. For example, if device 5 is a refrigerator, the functions that cannot be performed unless connected to management server 1 may include menu suggestions obtained by device 5 via the communication network 3. If device 5 is a television, the functions that cannot be performed unless connected to management server 1 may include playback of still images and videos obtained by device 5 via the communication network 3.

[0089] As a result, functions that can be used even without a connection to management server 1 will be restricted if the device is not in a state where it can receive advertisements from management server 1. Consequently, users who want to use functions that can be used even without a connection to management server 1 must ensure that device 5 is in a state where it can access communication network 3, or that it is in a state where it can properly view advertisements and / or hear advertisements properly as sound. This will increase the likelihood of successful advertisement delivery from management server 1 to device 5.

[0090] In the above explanation, we assume that device 5 is an appliance such as a refrigerator 5A or a washing machine 5B, but device 5 is not limited to home appliances. Furthermore, device 5 is not limited to devices installed indoors, but may also be devices installed outdoors. For example, device 5 may be an advertising display installed outdoors, and advertising may be delivered to such an advertising display in the same manner.

[0091] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0092] The systems 100 according to the first to third embodiments can also be applied to stores. That is, the equipment 5 such as the refrigerator 5A and washing machine 5B of the system 100 according to the fourth embodiment are equipment related to the store's merchandise and are installed in the store for the purpose of selling the merchandise. Equipment installed in the store for the purpose of selling the merchandise includes devices used for handling the merchandise, the merchandise itself sold in the store, and so on.

[0093] The equipment used for handling goods is equipment having a storage section for storing goods, such as equipment installed as fixtures in a store. Specifically, this includes products on shelves, refrigerators, freezers, etc., and has a function for displaying advertisements, such as a display. However, equipment 5 such as refrigerators 5A and washing machines 5B does not include equipment that only displays advertisements and is unrelated to the store's products. This eliminates the need for stores to prepare separate equipment for displaying advertisements.

[0094] As an example, let's consider a case where a refrigerator 5A for displaying goods is installed in a retail store such as a supermarket. In this case, the refrigerator 5A is equipped with a display 54 for customers, for example, on the front, in a location that is easily visible to customers of the store.

[0095] When a refrigerator 5A is installed in a store, two scenarios can be considered: one in which the store's merchandise is displayed inside the refrigerator 5A, meaning the refrigerator 5A is used as store fixtures; and another in which the store's merchandise is the refrigerator itself, and the refrigerator 5A is installed as a sample of the merchandise. However, this example assumes the former scenario. That is, the refrigerator 5A has a refrigerator compartment 57 (Figure 9), and food items are stored inside the refrigerator compartment 57. Customers of the store can take out food items stored in the refrigerator compartment 57 for purchase.

[0096] In the fourth embodiment of system 100, the business model for the sale of equipment 5 is as shown in Figure 9. In Figure 9, the mechanism of the same reference numerals as in Figure 4 is the same as in the business model described in the first embodiment. That is, referring to Figure 9, in the system 100 of this embodiment, the store obtains equipment 5 on behalf of the user. The store that obtains equipment 5 registers product information related to equipment 5 (hereinafter referred to as product information) with the management server 1 (step S115).

[0097] As a result of the registration of product information in step S115, information related to sponsored equipment, as shown in Figure 10, is registered in the equipment database 121 of the management server 1. Specifically, referring to Figure 10, in the equipment database 121 of the management server 1 according to the fourth embodiment, sponsored equipment is registered in association with first information, which includes not only information about the equipment such as unique identification information (equipment ID) and equipment type, but also information about the store where the sponsored equipment is installed. Similarly, the information about the equipment may also include sponsor information for equipment 5, which is sponsored equipment.

[0098] Store information includes identifying information that can identify the store, such as the store name, as well as information about the goods and services handled at that store (hereinafter referred to as "product information"). Product information includes information that identifies the goods and services sold and provided at the store (hereinafter referred to as "goods, etc."). Identifying information includes information that identifies the name of the goods, the type of goods, and the manufacturer of the goods, etc. In the example in Figure 10, the store information (store information in Figure 10) includes the store name and information about the goods handled at that store.

[0099] Product information related to device 5 refers to information about products handled by the store, which is the user that acquired device 5, when device 5 is used as a fixture in the store. If device 5 is a refrigerator 5A, the product information includes information that identifies the products stored in the refrigerator 5A. If device 5 is a washing machine 5B and the store is a dry cleaner, the product information includes information that identifies products such as detergents sold for use in washing machines 5B.

[0100] Furthermore, if device 5 is the product itself sold in the store, the information regarding device 5 includes product information for device 5 as a product sold in the store. In other words, in the device database 121 of the management server 1, sponsored devices are registered in association with first information that includes unique identification information (device ID) and device type, as well as information about the store where the sponsored device is installed and information about device 5. For example, if the store is an electrical appliance store that handles refrigerators and refrigerator 5A is installed as a product sample, the device database 121 will register information about the store, such as that it is an electrical appliance store, and refrigerator 5A will be registered in association with the product information of refrigerator 5A.

[0101] In step S115, product information may be transmitted from the communication-enabled device 5 to the management server 1 and registered in the device database 121, or product information may be transmitted to the management server 1 from a processing device (not shown) owned by the store. In step S115, for example, when a store staff member places a product in the refrigerator 5A, that information is transmitted to the management server 1 as product information.

[0102] As shown in Figure 11, in the system 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the identification data included in the data on advertisements registered in the advertisement DB 122 further includes product information such as goods related to the advertisement. The information on goods related to the advertisement includes information such as the name, type, and manufacturer of the advertised product, attributes such as gender, age group, and region of users who are assumed to be the target audience of the advertised product, and information on goods that may be used together with the advertised product. In the example in Figure 11, the name of the advertised product and the names of related products are included.

[0103] For example, in Figure 11, in the case of a beer advertisement (advertisement ID "AAA"), the identification data includes information that identifies the beer (advertised product "beer a"). Furthermore, in the case of an advertisement for a food product suitable to be consumed with beer (advertisement ID "BBB"), the identification data may include information that identifies the beer (advertised product "beer b") in addition to information that identifies the food product (advertised product "food q").

[0104] In step S111A, during the selection process 112 performed when the administrator delivers advertisements to stores, the identification data associated with the advertisements registered in the advertisement DB 122 is compared with the first information, which includes the product information of refrigerator 5A registered in the equipment DB 121. Advertisements obtained according to the comparison result are selected as advertisements to be delivered. Advertisements obtained according to the comparison result include, for example, advertisements in which the identification data and the first information exactly match, advertisements in which the information contained in the identification data matches at least part of the first information, similar advertisements, advertisements in which the information contained in the first information matches at least part of the identification data, and similar advertisements. For example, advertisements in which the identification data matches the product information of refrigerator 5A, or similar advertisements, are selected as advertisements to be delivered.

[0105] As a result, in the system 100 according to the fourth embodiment, advertisements corresponding to the products handled by the store that acquired the device 5 are delivered to the device 5. In the example above, as shown in Figure 10, if beer is stored in the refrigerator 5A for sale, product advertisements for the stored beer are delivered to the refrigerator 5A. For example, if the beer is a new product, detailed advertisements for the new product may be delivered. Advertisements for food products suitable for consumption with beer may also be delivered. Furthermore, advertisements for other products handled by the beer manufacturer of the stored beer may also be delivered.

[0106] The above advertisement is then displayed on the display 54 of refrigerator 5A. As a result, customers of this store will see the advertisement displayed on the display 54 of refrigerator 5A and their desire to purchase beer will increase. In addition, when they take beer out of refrigerator 5A to purchase it, they will see advertisements for food items that are suitable to be consumed with beer. Furthermore, they will also see advertisements for other products handled by the beer company. Therefore, a high advertising effect can be expected.

[0107] Another example is the display of advertisements for products manufactured by a company that sponsored the store when it acquired refrigerator 5A. For instance, if a beer company sponsors refrigerator 5A, advertisements for beer would be displayed on the refrigerator 5A's display 54. This would increase the store's customers' desire to purchase products manufactured by the sponsor. Therefore, a high advertising effect can be expected for both the store and the sponsor.

[0108] Furthermore, if device 5 is the product itself sold in the store, it is conceivable that advertisements for other products from the same manufacturer as device 5, which is a product sold in the store, may be displayed. For example, the display 54 of refrigerator 5A, a product sold in an electronics store, may display advertisements for other electrical appliances from the same manufacturer, such as washing machines. As a result, customers of this store will see the advertisements displayed on the refrigerator 5A's display 54 and become interested in other electrical appliances from the same manufacturer. Therefore, a high advertising effect can be expected for both the store and the advertiser.

[0109] The product information in Figure 10 is an example. Information regarding products handled by a store may also include information regarding the handling of those products at the store. This information may include the quantity of products at the store, the period of handling, the quantity sold, etc.

[0110] In this case, one example of an advertising delivery method may be to deliver advertisements at a timing determined by comparing the quantity of a product with a predetermined number that is stored in advance. Specifically, this could include delivering an advertisement for a product to refrigerator 5A if the number of products stored in device 5A exceeds a predetermined number.

[0111] Another example is when the handling period included in the information regarding the handling of products, etc., corresponds to the storage schedule of the products, that is, the storage period for each product. In such cases, an advertisement tailored to the product can be delivered to refrigerator 5A at the appropriate time according to the schedule. This type of delivery method can also be expected to produce higher advertising effectiveness.

[0112] In the system 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the device 5 is not limited to so-called electrical appliances such as a refrigerator 5A, but may be other store fixtures capable of being equipped with display and communication functions. For example, the device 5 may be a mirror installed in a store that sells clothing and other fashion items. In this case, it is conceivable that the mirror would display advertisements for the products handled by the store. Another example is that the device 5 may be an advertising device installed in a public place such as a train station or train, such as a signage panel equipped with display and communication functions. A user who acquires such an advertising device is, for example, a railway company. In this case, an appropriate advertisement may be selected and displayed based on information such as the time of day and the location where the advertising device is installed.

[0113] Furthermore, as described above, the device 5 included in the system 100 according to the fourth embodiment also includes sensors 56 such as a camera and a motion sensor, and can therefore detect the presence of a person within a predetermined range. For this reason, as explained in the first embodiment, when the device 5 detects the presence of a person within a predetermined range, it may detect the occurrence of an output trigger and send an advertisement request to the management server 1. In addition, at that time, the user's attributes such as gender and height may also be detected and sent to the management server 1 along with the request. In this case, the management server 1 can deliver advertisements at the timing corresponding to the request, and can also use the data sent along with the request to decide which advertisements to deliver.

[0114] As a result, in the system 100 according to the fourth embodiment, when a customer approaches a predetermined range of the device 5 in a store, an advertisement will be displayed on the display 54. For example, when a customer in a store approaches the refrigerator 5A, or when they try to take an item out of the refrigerator 5A, an advertisement for a product related to the item in the refrigerator 5A will be displayed. Therefore, the advertising effect can be further enhanced, and unnecessary displays can be reduced because advertisements will not be displayed when the customer is not within the predetermined range.

[0115] <3. Addendum> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0116] Furthermore, depending on other aspects of implementation, this may also include disclosing an overview of the management server and distribution method as follows: (1) The management server according to the embodiment is a management server that manages the distribution of advertisements to equipment related to the store's products and installed in the store for the sale of the products, and comprises memory and a processor connected to the memory, wherein the memory stores an equipment database in which equipment is registered in association with first information including information about the store, and an advertisement database in which advertisements are registered in association with identification data used to identify the equipment to which they should be displayed, and the processor distributes advertisements to the equipment obtained in accordance with the result of comparing the identification data associated with the advertisements stored in the advertisement database with the first information associated with the equipment.

[0117] Equipment installed in a store for the purpose of selling goods includes devices used for handling goods and the goods themselves that are sold in the store. Devices used for handling goods include, for example, store fixtures used for displaying goods, specifically shelves, refrigerators, freezers, etc. The goods themselves that are sold in the store also include items used as product samples.

[0118] The information about a store included in the first piece of information includes identifying information that can identify the store, such as the store name, as well as information about the goods and services handled at that store. Information about the goods and services handled at the store includes information that identifies the goods and services sold and provided at the store (hereinafter referred to as "goods, etc."), and information about how the goods, etc. are handled at the store. Identifying information includes information that identifies the name of the goods, etc., the type of goods, etc., and the manufacturer of the goods, etc. Information about how the goods, etc. are handled includes the quantity of goods, etc. at the store, the period for which they are handled, the quantity sold, etc.

[0119] Identification data is data used to identify the device to be output, and includes information about the device itself, information that identifies the type of device, usage attributes such as the time of day the device is used and the location where it is installed, and attributes of the device user such as gender, place of residence, age group, and family structure, in addition to, or instead of, information about products related to the advertisement. Information about products related to the advertisement includes information such as the name, type, and manufacturer of the advertised product, attributes such as gender, age group, and region of the user who is expected to be the target of the advertised product, and information about products that may be used together with the advertised product.

[0120] Advertisements obtained based on the comparison of identification data with primary information include, for example, advertisements where the identification data and primary information perfectly match, advertisements where the information contained in the identification data matches at least part of the primary information, similar advertisements, advertisements where the information contained in the primary information matches at least part of the identification data, and similar advertisements.

[0121] By distributing advertisements to equipment installed in stores, the advertisements are displayed within the stores, eliminating the need for stores to prepare dedicated advertising output devices, and allowing them to show the advertisements to their customers. Furthermore, by distributing advertisements derived from the results of comparing identification data with primary information, advertisements related to the store's products are displayed to the store's customers. Therefore, there is a high possibility of promoting the advertised products, and the effectiveness of advertising and promotion can be improved for both advertisers and stores.

[0122] (2) Preferably, the equipment is used for handling the store's merchandise and includes an output unit for outputting advertisements. This allows the store to output advertisements without having to install a separate output device, and the advertisements are output to the store's customers, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of advertising.

[0123] (3) Preferably, the equipment used for handling goods has a storage section for storing goods. Equipment having a storage section for storing goods is equipment installed as store fixtures, such as shelves, refrigerators, freezers, etc. This eliminates the need for stores to prepare separate devices for displaying advertisements, and allows them to utilize equipment installed as store fixtures.

[0124] (4) Preferably, the information about the store includes information about the store's products. This allows for the output of advertisements targeting products related to the store's products. Therefore, it is likely to lead to the promotion of products related to the store's products, and the effectiveness of advertising and promotion for both the advertiser and the store can be improved.

[0125] (5) Preferably, the identification data includes information about products related to the advertisement. Products related to the advertisement include products that may be used together with the advertised product, similar products, upgraded versions of products, etc. This allows the device to output advertisements for related products such as products that may be used together with the store's products, similar products, upgraded versions of products, etc.

[0126] (6) Preferably, the information about the product related to the advertisement includes information about products that are used together with the product that is the subject of the advertisement. This allows the device to output advertisements for products that may be used together with the store's products, etc.

[0127] (7) Preferably, the advertisement obtained in accordance with the result of comparing the identification data with the first information includes advertisements in which the information contained in the identification data matches or is similar to the first information. This makes it possible to output advertisements for products that match the store's products, or advertisements for products that are similar or related to them, to the device.

[0128] (8) Preferably, the information relating to the store includes information indicating the quantity of goods in the store, and distribution includes distributing advertisements at a timing corresponding to the result of comparing the quantity of goods with a predetermined number stored in advance. The timing described above is, for example, the timing at which it is detected that the number of goods stored in the device is greater than the predetermined number. This ensures that advertisements are output to the device at an effective timing, thereby enhancing the advertising effect.

[0129] (9) Preferably, the information relating to the store includes information indicating the period during which the product is available at the store, and distribution includes distributing advertisements at a time corresponding to the period of availability. The above timing is, for example, the timing corresponding to the schedule when the product is stored in the device according to a predetermined schedule. This ensures that advertisements are output to the device at an effective time, thereby enhancing the advertising effect.

[0130] (10) Preferably, the distribution includes distributing the advertisement when the presence of a person is detected by the device within a predetermined range. This ensures that the advertisement is displayed when a person is within the predetermined range and not displayed when there is no person. As a result, it is possible to ensure advertising effectiveness while suppressing the output of unnecessary advertisements.

[0131] (11) The distribution method according to the embodiment is a method for distributing advertisements to equipment related to the products of a store, which is installed in the store for the purpose of selling the products, wherein the advertisements are registered in memory in association with identification data used to identify the equipment to which they should be output, and the method includes determining which advertisements to be distributed to the equipment from among the advertisements registered in memory, based on a comparison between the associated identification data and information about the store associated with the equipment. As a result, advertisements for products related to the store are output in the store. Therefore, the store does not need to prepare a dedicated output device for advertisements, and can show the advertisements to its customers. Furthermore, it is highly likely to lead to the promotion of the advertised products, and can improve the effectiveness of advertising for both the advertiser and the store.

[0132] Furthermore, depending on other aspects of implementation, this may also include the following disclosures: (12) A management server that manages the distribution of advertisements to equipment related to the products of a store, which is installed in the store for the purpose of selling the said products, Memory and A processor connected to the memory, The aforementioned memory is A device database that registers the aforementioned device in association with first information including information about the device and information about the store, It stores an advertising database that registers advertisements in association with identification data used to identify the devices on which they should be displayed, The aforementioned processor, Advertisements are delivered to the aforementioned device based on the results of comparing the identification data associated with the advertisements stored in the advertisement database with the first information associated with the device. Management server.

[0133] (13) The equipment is the product of the store itself, Includes an output unit for outputting the aforementioned advertisement. The management server described in (12).

[0134] (14) The information relating to the equipment includes product information of the equipment as a product of the store. The management server described in (12) or (13).

[0135] (15) The equipment is equipment obtained by the store on the condition that the cost is reimbursed by the sponsor, The information relating to the aforementioned equipment includes information relating to the aforementioned sponsor. The management server described in (12).

[0136] (16) Information relating to the advertisement includes information that identifies the manufacturer of the product. The management server listed in any one of (12) to (15).

[0137] (17) A method for delivering advertisements to equipment related to the products of a store, which is installed in the store for the purpose of selling the said products, The advertisement is stored in memory in association with identification data used to identify the target device for displaying it. This includes determining, among the advertisements registered in the memory, that are associated with the device and the identification data, which includes information about the device and information about the store, to be delivered to the device. Distribution method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0138] 1: Management Server 3: Communication Network 5:Equipment 5A: Refrigerator 5B: Washing machine 6: Remote control 7: Processing Unit 9: Processing unit 11: Processor 12: Memory 13: Communication device 20: Advertisement 21: Button 50: Control device 51: Processor 52: Memory 53: Communication device 54: Display 55: Input device 56: Sensor 57: Refrigerator 100: System 111: Distribution Processing 112: Selection process 113: Registration process 114: Purchase Processing 121: Equipment Database 122: Advertising Database 123: Distribution results 124: Computer Programs 511: Detection process 512: Request Processing 513: Output Processing 514: Operation control processing 521: Unique Data 522: Computer Program

Claims

1. An advertising distribution system consisting of sponsored equipment and a management server, The aforementioned sponsored equipment is a stationary device installed in a store, on the condition that the sponsor reimburses the cost of acquiring the sponsored equipment. The aforementioned sponsors include manufacturers other than the manufacturer of the sponsored equipment, The aforementioned management server A device database for registering the aforementioned sponsored devices, An advertising database that registers the advertisements of the aforementioned sponsors, and stores the following: The system is configured to deliver advertisements selected from the advertising database to the sponsored devices registered in the device database. The aforementioned equipment database registers information about equipment, including unique identification information, and information about sponsors, in association with each other. The aforementioned advertising database contains an advertising ID, which is unique identification information for each advertisement, advertising data for displaying the advertisement, and identification data for identifying the device on which the advertisement is to be displayed. The identification data includes attributes relating to the use of the sponsored equipment, The aforementioned management server Based on the device identification information included in the request from the aforementioned device, the information of the aforementioned device registered in the device database is referenced. The device type included in the identification data of the advertisement registered in the aforementioned advertisement database is compared with the device type of the target device registered in the aforementioned device database. The system includes in its identification data the type of equipment that matches the equipment type of the target equipment, and selects advertisements that match the attributes related to the use from the advertising database as advertisements to be delivered. Distributed to the aforementioned device, The aforementioned sponsored equipment is The store has a detection means for detecting when a user who is a customer of the store is unable to see at least a portion of the advertisement on the sponsored device and / or is unable to hear the advertisement as sound. An advertising distribution system for an advertising distribution system, wherein the detection means restricts at least a portion of the functions of the sponsored device during the period in which the state is detected.

2. The sponsored device includes a display that shows the advertisement, The advertising distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor which is the detection means for detecting the presence of an obstruction that obstructs at least a portion of the display.

Images