Information delivery system, information delivery apparatus, program, and information delivery method

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to deliver certain information effectively on the basis of the movement of a beacon device and not the movement of a user. An information delivery system 1 comprises a wireless device 550 installed onboard a vehicle 500, a user terminal 200, and a server 100, in which the wireless device 550 comprises an emitting means 551 that emits a predetermined radio wave into the surroundings while moving with the vehicle 500, and in which the server 100 comprises a storage means 115 storing certain information, an identifying means 113 that identifies a user terminal 200 that has detected the radio wave, and a delivery means 114 that delivers the certain information to the user terminal 200 identified by the identifying means 113.

Description

Information distribution system, information distribution device, program, and information distribution method

[0001] The present invention relates to an information distribution system, an information distribution device, a program, and an information distribution method in which a wireless device that transmits predetermined radio waves into the surrounding area is mounted on a mobile body and moved, and information is distributed to a user terminal that detects the radio waves.

[0002] Mobile advertising, also known as wrapping advertising or ad trucks, is known, in which advertisements are displayed on vehicles and travel around town to show them to people on the streets. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose technologies relating to vehicles (wrapped cars) and buses that display predetermined information on a display device installed facing the outside. Patent Document 3 discloses a system that acquires and distributes traffic information, congestion information, and estimated travel time to a destination by matching the vehicle's position and travel speed obtained by a beacon device installed on a road with a road map database. Regarding beacon devices, Patent Document 4 discloses a technology for distributing predetermined advertisements to information terminals that communicate with a beacon device installed in front of a store or the like via short-range wireless communication.

[0003] JP 2020-052072 A JP 2009-80341 A JP 2008-134957 A JP 2019-67311 A

[0004] However, when it comes to mobile advertising, many users do not see the wrapping advertisement even when a wrapping vehicle passes nearby. For example, users who are browsing or operating their smartphones in the street may miss the wrapping advertisement because they are concentrating on browsing or operating the smartphone. Furthermore, it is technically common knowledge that beacon devices must be installed in a fixed location, and the range of reception for short-range wireless communication is limited. Therefore, if you want to deliver advertisements specific to a specific area to many users in that area, you need to install as many beacon devices as the area is large, which poses challenges in terms of time and cost.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an information distribution system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information distribution system comprising a wireless device mounted on a mobile body, a user terminal, and a server, wherein the wireless device comprises a transmitting means for transmitting predetermined radio waves to the surrounding area while moving in accordance with the movement of the mobile body, and the server comprises a memory means for storing predetermined information, an identification means for identifying a user terminal that has detected the radio waves, and a distribution means for distributing the predetermined information to the user terminal identified by the identification means.

[0006] In addition, another aspect of the present invention is an information distribution device that is mounted on a mobile body and distributes information to a specified user terminal in cooperation with a wireless device that moves as the mobile body moves and emits specified radio waves into the surrounding area, and is equipped with a storage means for storing the specified information, an identification means for identifying the user terminal that detected the radio waves, and a distribution means for distributing the specified information to the user terminal identified by the identification means.

[0007] In addition, a program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the steps of storing specified information, a step of a wireless device mounted on a mobile body transmitting specified radio waves while moving along with the movement of the mobile body, a step of identifying a user terminal that has detected the radio waves, and a step of delivering the specified information to the identified user terminal.

[0008] Furthermore, an information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention is an information distribution method for distributing information to a specified user terminal, which includes the steps of storing the specified information, a wireless device mounted on a mobile body emitting specified radio waves while moving along with the movement of the mobile body, identifying a user terminal that detects the radio waves, and distributing the specified information to the identified user terminal.

[0009] According to the present invention, predetermined information can be distributed effectively.

[0010] 1 is a schematic diagram of an information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a server. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a vehicle. FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of an information distribution system. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing how the reception range of beacon radio waves moves along a specific route as a vehicle moves along the specific route. The upper diagram shows the reception range at a first point in time, and the lower diagram shows the reception range at a second point in time. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing how the reception range of beacon radio waves moves throughout a specific area as a vehicle moves within the specific area. FIG. 7 is an example of advertising information displayed on a user terminal located along a specific route (National Route X). FIG. 8 is an example of advertising information displayed on a user terminal located in a specific area (Area A). FIG. 9 is a first sequence diagram showing the processing procedure of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a second sequence diagram showing the processing procedure of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a case where a vehicle moves across multiple areas. FIG. 12 is an example of an advertising information DB in which areas and advertising information are associated. FIG. 13 is an example of advertising information displayed on a user terminal located in Area B.

[0011] An information distribution system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the information distribution system 1 of this embodiment, a wireless device 550 is mounted on a vehicle 500. As the vehicle 500 moves, the wireless device 550 transmits beacon radio waves to the surrounding area, enabling the distribution of advertising information to identified nearby user terminals 200 via short-range wireless communication between the wireless device 550 and the user terminals 200. The vehicle 500 is an example of a "mobile body" in the present invention, and other mobile bodies such as electric motorcycles and drones may also be used. The advertising information is an example of "predetermined information" in the present invention, and other information such as local government information, regional information, disaster information, and disaster prevention information may also be used.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information distribution system 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the information distribution system 1 is configured by including a server 100, a user terminal 200 carried by a user, an advertiser terminal 300, and a vehicle 500 equipped with a wireless device 550, and is configured by the cooperation of each component. Each component is connected to be able to communicate via a communication line such as the Internet 900.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the server 100. The server 100 is an information distribution device of the present invention, and is an information processing device owned and managed by an advertisement distribution company engaged in advertisement distribution business. The server 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, and a communication device 104. The processor 101 controls each unit of the server 100 by executing a program and performs processing to realize the functions of the server 100. The processor 101 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The memory 102 is a computer-readable recording medium that stores programs and data executed by the processor 101 for development. The memory 102 may be, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM). The storage 103 is a computer-readable recording medium that stores various data and programs used by the processor 101. The storage 103 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The communication device 104 is connected to the Internet 900 and performs data communication with the user terminal 200 , the advertiser terminal 300 , the vehicle 500 , and the wireless device 550 via the Internet 900 , for example.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 is an information terminal owned by a user to whom advertisements are delivered, and corresponds to a smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like. The user terminal 200 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, a storage 203, an operation device 204, a display device 205, and a communication device 206. The processor 201 controls each unit of the user terminal 200 by executing a program and performs processing to realize the functions of the user terminal 200. The memory 202 is a computer-readable recording medium that stores programs and data executed by the processor 201 for development. The storage 203 is a computer-readable recording medium that stores various data and programs used by the processor 201. The storage 203 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The operation device 204 is a device used to operate the user terminal 200, and corresponds to, for example, a touch panel. The display device 205 displays various screens. For example, a liquid crystal display is used as the display device 205. The display device 205 may be integrated with a touch sensor to form a touch panel. The communication device 206 is connected to the Internet 900 and performs data communication with the server 100 and the wireless device 550 via the Internet 900.

[0015] The advertiser terminal 300 is an information terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, etc. owned by the advertiser. The advertiser terminal 300 has the same hardware configuration as the user terminal 200, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0016] Vehicle 500 can be exemplified by automobiles such as internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles (hereinafter also referred to as EVs) used by advertisement distribution businesses for advertisement distribution. Internal combustion engine vehicles burn fuel such as gasoline and use the resulting combustion gas to drive an engine, thereby enabling travel. EVs are equipped with a storage battery such as a lithium-ion battery, and are able to travel by driving a motor with electricity stored in the storage battery through charging.

[0017] There are EVs called ultra-compact EVs, which are the same size as light vehicles. Examples of ultra-compact EVs include those with a seating capacity of four or less, a maximum speed of 60 km / h or less, a rated output of 0.6 kW or more, a length of 2.5 m or less, a width of 1.3 m or less, a height of 2.0 m or less, and a maximum load capacity of 350 kg or less. The batteries installed in ultra-compact EVs have a capacity of 9 to 10 kWh (single cell type), a charging time of 5 to 16 hours, and a driving range of approximately 100 to 150 km when fully charged.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the vehicle 500. The vehicle 500 includes a processor 501, a memory 502, a storage 503, a communication device 504, a display device 505, a positioning device 506, a driving device 507, and a wireless device 550. The processor 501 executes a program to control each part of the vehicle 500 and the wireless device 550, and performs processing to realize the functions of the vehicle 500 and the wireless device 550. The memory 502 is a computer-readable recording medium that stores programs and data executed by the processor 501 for development. The storage 503 is a computer-readable recording medium that stores various data and programs used by the processor 501. The communication device 504 is, for example, a router, and performs data communication with the server 100 via the Internet 900. The router performs wireless communication in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication standard (e.g., 4G or 5G such as LTE (Long Term Evolution)). The display device 505 displays various screens. The display device 505 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display device 505 is provided on a dashboard or an instrument panel, and allows the driver to visually confirm displayed information while driving. The positioning device 506 is, for example, a positioning means such as a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) including GPS, and measures the current position information (latitude and longitude) of the vehicle 500. The position information of the vehicle 500 can be combined with map information provided by a map API (not shown) or pre-stored map information to identify which area and route the vehicle 500 is on. This position information can be used for automated driving on a specific route or in a specific area, and can also be displayed to support manual driving. The driving device 507 is an accelerator, steering wheel, brake, and other devices that drive the vehicle 500.

[0019] The wireless device 550 is a beacon device mounted on the vehicle 500. The wireless device 550 performs short-range wireless communication with surrounding user terminals 200 while traveling with the vehicle 500. Short-range wireless communication involves transmitting beacon radio waves within a range of several tens of centimeters to several hundred meters, and transmitting or receiving data using the beacon radio waves as carrier waves. When the user terminal 200 enters the reception range (reception area) of the beacon radio waves, it performs short-range wireless communication with the wireless device 550. The wireless device 550 can be configured as a Wi-Fi (registered trademark; the same applies hereinafter) device (hereinafter referred to as a WF device) with a beacon radio wave reception range of several hundred meters, a Bluetooth (registered trademark; the same applies hereinafter) device (hereinafter referred to as a BT device) with a beacon radio wave reception range of several tens of centimeters to several hundred meters, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, a WF device is used as the wireless device 550.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a functional configuration diagram of the information distribution system 1. (Advertiser Terminal) The advertiser terminal 300 is an information terminal owned by the advertiser and is used when requesting advertisement distribution from an advertisement distribution company. Specifically, advertisement request information is sent to the server 100 in response to a predetermined operation on the advertiser terminal 300. Depending on the request content, the advertisement request information may include, for example, advertisement information (video, text, etc.), information indicating the route the vehicle 500 will travel, and information indicating the area. The "advertising information" includes either first advertisement information created and prepared by the advertiser or second advertisement information indicating advertisement information selected by the advertiser from the advertisement information stored in the advertisement information database (hereinafter referred to as advertisement information DB 116) of the server 100. In other words, the advertiser can select the first advertisement information or the second advertisement information as the advertisement information by operating the advertiser terminal 300. The information indicating the "route" may be, for example, route designation information such as national highway number X. Examples of information indicating "area" include area designation information such as area A, area B, and an area including area A and area B.

[0021] (Server) The server 100 includes a receiving unit 111, a movement information transmitting unit 112, a specifying unit 113, a distributing unit 114, and a storage unit 115. The functions of the server 100 are realized by the processor 101 executing a program to control each unit.

[0022] The receiving means 111 receives advertising request information transmitted from the advertiser terminal 300 (transmitting means 553). When the server 100 receives the advertising request information, it temporarily stores the advertising request information in the storage 103 or the like. When the travel information transmitting means 112 receives the advertising request information from the advertiser terminal 300, it transmits travel information based on the advertising request information to the vehicle 500. For example, if the advertising request information includes advertising information, a route, and an area, the server 100 transmits information indicating the route and area to the vehicle 500 in the travel information.

[0023] The storage means 115 stores advertising information (predetermined information). Specifically, advertising information consisting of images and text is stored in the advertising information DB 116. When the advertising request information includes second advertising information indicating selected advertising information, the advertising information selected from the advertising information DB 116 is used for distribution. The advertising information DB 116 categorizes a large number of images and messages to make it easier for advertisers to select. When the advertising request information includes first advertising information indicating advertising information created by the advertiser, the storage means 115 stores the first advertising information and uses it for distribution.

[0024] When the vehicle 500 receives movement information from the server 100, the vehicle 500 moves based on the movement information, and the wireless device 550 (transmission means 551) transmits beacon radio waves to the surrounding area as the vehicle 500 moves. In response to detecting the beacon radio waves, the user terminal 200 transmits specific information indicating the detection of the beacon radio waves to the wireless device 550. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , when the vehicle 500 moves along National Route X, at a first time, the user terminals 200 a to c are within the reception range and detect the beacon radio waves (top diagram of FIG. 6 ). At a second time, the user terminals 200 d to g enter the reception range and detect the beacon radio waves (bottom diagram of FIG. 6 ). As shown in FIG. 7 , when the vehicle 500 moves through an area A (specific area), the wireless device 550 transmits beacon radio waves to the surrounding area while moving within the area A together with the vehicle 500. In this case, the vehicle 500 is moved so that the reception range of the beacon radio waves covers the entire area A without omissions. In this way, many user terminals 200 in area A can detect the beacon radio waves.

[0025] When the wireless device 550 receives the identification information from the user terminal 200, it transmits the identification information to the server 100. The identification information may be any information that can identify the user terminal 200, and may be, for example, destination information such as the MAC address, IP address, email address, or telephone number of the user terminal 200. The identification information is information that is passed to the wireless device 550 via short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 200, and therefore is also information that indicates that the user terminal 200 has detected a beacon radio wave. Therefore, the identification means 113 of the server 100 can identify the user terminal 200 that detected the beacon radio wave and its destination information based on the received identification information.

[0026] The distribution means 114 of the server 100 distributes advertising information to the user terminal 200 identified by the identification means 113. Here, when the user terminal 200 detects a beacon radio wave, it means that a user is present in the vicinity of the vehicle 500. Therefore, in the present invention, advertising information is distributed to the user terminal 200 that detected the beacon radio wave, thereby distributing the advertising information to users present in the vicinity of the vehicle 500. For example, by having the vehicle 500 travel along a specific route, the distribution means 114 can distribute advertising information to users (user terminals 200) present in the vicinity of the specific route identified by the identification means 113. Furthermore, by having the vehicle 500 travel through a specific region, the distribution means 114 can distribute advertising information to users (user terminals 200) present in the specific region identified by the identification means 113. In other words, the identification means 113 identifies the user terminal 200 that detects beacon radio waves while moving through the specific area as the user terminal 200 located in the specific area, and the distribution means 114 distributes advertising information to the user terminal 200 located in the specific area identified by the identification means 113.

[0027] The specific information includes the MAC address, IP address, email address, telephone number, etc. of the user terminal 200, and therefore can directly or indirectly identify the destination of the user terminal 200. For example, if the specific information includes a MAC address or an IP address, advertising information can be delivered using these addresses as destination addresses. If the specific information includes an email address or a telephone number, advertising information can be sent to the email address by email or delivered to the telephone number by short message. Advertising information can also be delivered in cooperation with an SNS. For example, when linking with LINE (registered trademark), the specific information and a LINE account can be linked in advance by friend registration on the LINE server. As a result, the server 100 transfers the specific information and advertising information to the LINE server, and the LINE server can identify the LINE account using the specific information as a key, and can notify (deliver) advertising information to the LINE account.

[0028] (Vehicle) The vehicle 500 includes a movement control unit 511 and a display unit 512 (FIG. 5). The functions of the vehicle 500 are realized by the processor 501 executing a program to control each unit.

[0029] When the vehicle 500 receives travel information from the server 100, it drives based on the travel information. The vehicle 500 may be driven automatically or manually. For example, if the travel information includes a route or an area, the travel control means 511 controls the driving device 507 to travel along the route or area, thereby performing automatic driving. If the travel information includes a route or an area, the processor 501 displays navigation information related to the route or area on the display means 512. This allows the driver to drive (manually drive) in accordance with the navigation information displayed on the display means 512. Note that if the travel information does not include a route or an area, the operator may determine the route or area and have the vehicle 500 move there.

[0030] (Radio Device) The radio device 550 is mounted on the vehicle 500. The radio device 550 includes an originating means 551, a receiving means 552, and a transmitting means 553 ( FIG. 5 ). The functions of the radio device 550 are realized by the processor 501 executing a program to control each unit. Note that the vehicle 500 and the radio device 550 may be controlled by separate processors or the like.

[0031] The transmitting means 551 transmits beacon radio waves to the surroundings as the vehicle 500 moves. As a result, the wireless device 550 and the user terminal 200 present in the vicinity of the moving vehicle 500 (wireless device 550) perform short-range wireless communication. To perform short-range wireless communication, if the wireless device 550 is a wireless device, it is necessary to turn on (enable) "Wi-Fi" in the "Settings" of the user terminal 200. If the wireless device 550 is a Bluetooth device, it is necessary to turn on (enable) "Bluetooth" in the "Settings" of the user terminal 200. For example, if the travel information includes "Route: National Highway No. XX," as shown in FIG. 6 , the vehicle 500 travels along National Highway No. XX based on the positioning information and map information. The wireless device 550 transmits beacon radio waves to the surroundings as it travels with the vehicle 500. Furthermore, when the movement information includes "Area: Area A," as shown in FIG. 7 , the vehicle 500 travels (circulates) within area A based on the positioning information and map information, and drives so that the beacon radio wave reception range covers area A without omission. Specifically, by referring to the map information of the specific area, when the beacon radio wave reception range shifts as the vehicle 500 moves, the processor 501 is caused to perform calculations to select an optimal route that allows the reception range to cover the entire specific area, and the selected route is displayed on the display device 505, or the driving device 507 is caused to automatically drive along the route. In this manner, the transmitting means 551 transmits beacon radio waves toward the specific area while moving through the specific area as the vehicle 500 moves. The receiving means 552 of the wireless device 550 receives, from the user terminal 200, specific information indicating that the user terminal 200 has detected the beacon radio waves. That is, the wireless device 550 receives the specific information from the user terminal 200 located within the beacon radio wave reception range via short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 200. The transmitting means 553 of the wireless device 550 transmits the specific information received from the user terminal 200 to the server 100 .

[0032] (User Terminal) The user terminal 200 includes a communication unit 211 and a display unit 212 (FIG. 5). The functions of the user terminal 200 are realized by the processor 201 executing a program to control each unit.

[0033] The communication means 211 performs data communication with the wireless device 550 and the server 100. Specifically, in short-range wireless communication with the wireless device 550, the communication means 211 detects beacon radio waves transmitted from the wireless device 550 and transmits specific information to the wireless device 550 in response to the detection of the beacon radio waves. The communication means 211 also receives advertising information distributed from the server 100. The display means 212 displays the advertising information received from the server 100. FIG. 8 is an example of advertising information displayed on a user terminal 200 located along National Route X. FIG. 9 is an example of advertising information displayed on a user terminal 200 located in area A. As shown in these figures, as the vehicle 500 moves, information specific to a specific route or area can be distributed to users along that route or area.

[0034] Thus, the information distribution system 1 of the present invention is an information distribution system 1 comprising a wireless device 550 mounted on a vehicle 500 (mobile body), a user terminal 200, and a server 100, wherein the wireless device 550 comprises a transmitting means 551 that transmits beacon radio waves (specified radio waves) to the surrounding area while moving in accordance with the movement of the vehicle 500, and the server 100 comprises a memory means 115 that stores advertising information (specified information), an identification means 113 that identifies the user terminal 200 that detects the beacon radio waves, and a distribution means 114 that distributes the advertising information (specified information) to the user terminal 200 identified by the identification means 113. In addition, the information distribution device of the present invention is a server 100 that is mounted on a vehicle 500 (mobile body) and distributes advertising information (specified information) to a specified user terminal 200 in cooperation with a wireless device 550 that is mounted on the vehicle 500 (mobile body) and transmits beacon radio waves (specified radio waves) to the surrounding area while moving in accordance with the movement of the vehicle 500 (mobile body), and is equipped with a memory means 115 that stores the advertising information (specified information), an identification means 113 that identifies the user terminal 200 that has detected the beacon radio waves, and a distribution means 114 that distributes the advertising information (specified information) to the user terminal 200 identified by the identification means 113.

[0035] (Processing Procedure) The processing procedure for information distribution will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a first sequence diagram showing the processing procedure in the program and information distribution method of the present invention. Note that advertising information is stored in advance in server 100 (storage means 115), and advertisers can select desired advertising information from this.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 10 , first, the advertiser terminal 300 requests advertisement distribution in response to an operation by the advertiser (S101). Accordingly, the advertiser terminal 300 transmits advertisement request information to the server 100. The advertisement request information includes the advertisement format desired by the client, such as advertisement information, route, and region. Upon receiving the advertisement request information from the advertiser terminal 300, the server 100 transmits movement information based on the advertisement request information to the vehicle 500 (S102). For example, if the advertisement request information includes advertisement information, route, and region, the movement information includes the route and region. Note that if the advertisement request information includes first advertisement information created by the advertiser as advertisement information, the first advertisement information is stored in the storage means 115 as distribution information. On the other hand, if the advertisement request information includes second advertisement information prepared by the business operator as advertisement information, advertisement information selected from the advertisement information DB 116 is selected as distribution information.

[0037] When the vehicle 500 receives the movement information, it moves based on the movement information (S103). As the vehicle 500 moves, the wireless device 550 mounted on the vehicle 500 also moves. For example, if the movement information includes a route, the vehicle 500 and the wireless device 550 move along the route, and if the movement information includes an area, the vehicle 500 and the wireless device 550 move through the area. The wireless device 550 transmits beacon radio waves to the surrounding area (S104). That is, the wireless device 550 (transmission means 551) transmits beacon radio waves while moving in accordance with the movement of the vehicle 500.

[0038] The user terminal 200 detects the beacon radio waves (S105) and transmits the identification information to the wireless device 550 (S106). These processes are executed when the user terminal 200 enters the reception range of the beacon radio waves due to the movement of the vehicle 500 (wireless device 550). When the wireless device 550 receives the identification information from the user terminal 200, it transmits the identification information to the server 100 (S107). When the server 100 receives the identification information from the wireless device 550, it identifies the user terminal 200 based on the identification information (S108) and transmits (distributes) the advertising information stored in the storage means 115 to the user terminal 200 (S109). The user terminal 200 displays the advertising information received from the server 100 (S110). When the advertising distribution business has finished distributing the advertising information, it bills the user for the advertising distribution costs. Specifically, it transmits the billing information to the advertiser terminal 300. Upon receiving the expense claim information, the advertiser terminal 300 executes payment processing (S112).

[0039] FIG. 11 is a second sequence diagram showing the processing steps (steps) in the program and information distribution method of the present invention. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 10 with FIG. 11 , steps S201 to S205 in the second sequence are the same as steps S101 to S105 in the first sequence. However, in the second sequence, in step S206, the user terminal 200 transmits specific information directly to the server 100, which differs from the first sequence in which the user terminal 200 transmits specific information to the server 100 via the wireless device 550. Therefore, in the second sequence, during short-range wireless communication between the wireless device 550 and the user terminal 200, a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier), which is location information of the server 100, is transmitted from the wireless device 550 to the user terminal 200. This allows the user terminal 200 to directly access the server 100 based on the location information and to transfer specific information to the server 100. For example, if the user terminal 200 is configured to execute a push notification when it detects a beacon signal and the push notification includes the URI of the server 100, specific information can be sent directly to the server 100 in response to the push operation. Steps S207 to S211 of the second sequence are common to steps S108 to S112 of the first sequence. Explanation of the common parts will be omitted.

[0040] In this way, the program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the steps of storing advertising information (predetermined information), transmitting predetermined radio waves while a wireless device 550 mounted on a vehicle 500 (mobile body) moves along with the movement of the vehicle 500 (S103-S104, S203-S204), identifying a user terminal 200 that has detected the radio waves (S108, S207), and delivering the advertising information (predetermined information) to the identified user terminal 200 (S109, S208). In addition, the information distribution method of the present invention is an information distribution method for distributing information to a specified user terminal 200, and includes the steps of storing advertising information (specified information), a wireless device 550 mounted on a vehicle 500 (mobile body) emitting specified radio waves while moving along with the movement of the vehicle 500 (S103-S104, S203-S204), a step of identifying the user terminal that detected the radio waves (S108, S207), and a step of distributing the advertising information (specified information) to the identified user terminal 200 (S109, S208).

[0041] (Advertising Information Across Multiple Regions) In the information distribution system 1, there are cases where the vehicle 500 is moved across multiple regions, and in this case, while moving within a first region, advertising information specific to the first region is distributed, and when the region of movement changes from the first region to a second region, the advertising information to be distributed can be changed to advertising information specific to the second region. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, when the vehicle 500 moves (circulates) within a region including region A and region B, it is desirable to be able to distribute advertisement A related to region A while moving within region A, and to distribute advertisement B related to region B while moving within region B.

[0042] For this reason, in the information distribution system 1 of this embodiment, the server 100 is configured so that the storage means 115 stores advertisement information in association with each region. Fig. 13 shows an example of the advertisement information DB 116 in which region A is associated with advertisement A (first information) and region B is associated with advertisement B (second information). When an advertiser transmits advertisement A for region A and advertisement B for region B, the association between these advertisements is stored.

[0043] The transmitting means of the wireless device 550 transmits beacon radio waves toward the area A (first specific area) while moving through the area A (first specific area) as the vehicle 500 moves, and transmits beacon radio waves toward the area B (second specific area) while moving through the area B (second specific area) as the vehicle 500 moves. Whether the vehicle 500 (wireless device 550) is "moving through area A" or "moving through area B" can be determined based on the position information of the vehicle 500 measured by the positioning device 506. For example, in the case of the rectangular area A shown in FIG. 12 , position information (latitude and longitude) of points corresponding to the four vertices is specified in advance from map information or the like. Then, when the position information of the vehicle 500 is included in a rectangular area derived from the position information of these four vertices, it can be determined that the vehicle 500 (wireless device 550) is "moving through area A." The shape of the area is not limited to a rectangle, but regardless of the shape, if the measured location information is included within the area identified by the location information indicating the boundary, it can be determined that the vehicle 500 (wireless device 550) is moving within the area.

[0044] The identification means 113 of the server 100 identifies a user terminal 200 that detects a beacon radio wave transmitted from a wireless device 550 moving in an area A (first specified area) as a user terminal 200 located in the area A (first specified area), and identifies a user terminal 200 that detects a beacon radio wave transmitted from a wireless device 550 moving in an area B (second specified area) as a user terminal 200 located in the area B (second specified area). In other words, when the server 100 receives identification information while the vehicle 500 is moving in the area A, the server 100 determines that the user terminal 200 identified based on the identification information is located in the area A, and when the server 100 receives identification information while the vehicle 500 is moving in the area B, the server 100 determines that the user terminal 200 identified based on the identification information is located in the area B.

[0045] The distribution means 114 of the server 100 distributes advertisement A (first information) to user terminals 200 located in area A (first specified area) identified by the identification means 113, and distributes advertisement B (second information) to user terminals 200 located in area B (second specified area) identified by the identification means 113. For example, FIG. 9 is an example of advertisement information distributed to user terminals 200 located in area A, and FIG. 14 is an example of advertisement information distributed to user terminals 200 located in area B. In other words, while the vehicle 500 is traveling in area A, the advertisement information shown in FIG. 9 is distributed, but when the traveling area changes from area A to area B, the advertisement information shown in FIG. 14 is changed. In this case, advertisement A is preferably information related to area A, and advertisement B is preferably information related to area B. This allows the user to be informed of information specific to the area in which the user is located, thereby improving advertising effectiveness.

[0046] As described above, in the present invention, a beacon device is mounted on a mobile object, so that the beacon radio wave reception range moves and captures nearby users to distribute information. Conventionally, beacon devices were installed in a fixed location, requiring users to move, but this allows predetermined information to be distributed without the user having to move. Furthermore, in the present invention, one beacon device is basically sufficient, eliminating the need to install multiple beacon devices as in the past, thereby reducing effort and costs. Furthermore, in the present invention, advertisements can be distributed widely and reliably via popular smartphones, making it easier for users to view advertisements.

[0047] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the configuration of the information distribution system 1 is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and part or all of the configuration of one device may be provided in another device. Furthermore, the processing procedures in the information processing method and program are not limited to the above-described procedures, and some of the procedures may be modified.

[0048] In the above-described embodiment, the server 100 delivers advertising information to the user terminal 200 based on receiving specific information transmitted from the user terminal 200. However, there are problems in that the user may not desire advertising delivery or the specific information may include personal information. To address such problems, for example, the specific information may be transmitted or advertising information may be delivered only when the user terminal 200 is set in advance to allow advertising delivery or the use of personal information (for example, when the "notifications" setting on a smartphone is turned "on"). For example, information may be delivered when a setting is made to "receive push notifications" or when the location information (URI) of the server 100 included in the push notification is directly accessed.

[0049] Depending on the advertiser's wishes, the advertising request information and movement information can include an advertising period and the number of broadcast users. If the movement information includes an advertising period, the vehicle 500 and the wireless device 550 only need to operate in accordance with the advertising period, and the server 100 only needs to broadcast the advertising information in accordance with the advertising period. If the movement information includes the number of broadcast users, the vehicle 500 and the wireless device 550 only need to operate until the number of short-range wireless communications executed reaches the number of broadcast users, and the server 100 only needs to broadcast the advertising information until the number of specific information received and the number of broadcasts of advertising information reach the number of broadcast users. In this case, the advertiser only needs to pay the business operator an advertising broadcast fee according to the advertising period and the number of broadcast users (pay-as-you-go system). In addition to a pay-as-you-go system, a flat-rate system can also be adopted.

[0050] The concept of "area" includes "route." Therefore, by transmitting beacon radio waves while moving along a first route and identifying the user terminal 200 that detects the beacon radio waves, it is possible to distribute first information to the user terminal 200 that exists along the first route, and by transmitting beacon radio waves while moving along a second route and identifying the user terminal 200 that detects the beacon radio waves, it is possible to distribute second information to the user terminal 200 that exists along the second route.

[0051] The wireless device 550 can also have a direction finding function. For example, Bluetooth 5.1 provides a function that allows one of the two devices performing short-range wireless communication to have an array antenna with multiple antennas, thereby determining the direction of radio waves based on their phase information. By utilizing this function, for example, by using the antenna of the wireless device 550 as an array antenna and measuring the phase information of each antenna, the direction of radio waves can be determined based on the phase information. This makes it possible to determine, for example, whether short-range wireless communication is being performed with a user terminal 200 in area A or with a user terminal 200 in area B, when traveling along a route that crosses the boundary between area A and area B. This allows for reliable delivery of advertising information specific to each area. In this case, the wireless device 550 can transmit phase information in addition to the identification information to the server 100. Furthermore, by transmitting the reception strength of the radio waves at the user terminal 200 to the server 100 in addition to the identification information and phase information, the distance between the wireless device 550 and the user terminal 200 can be derived based on the reception strength, thereby more accurately determining which area the user terminal 200 is located in.

[0052] Furthermore, in the information distribution system 1 of this embodiment, the wireless device 550 patrols a specific area to distribute advertisements to user terminals 200 that detect beacon radio waves. However, by patrolling multiple times, rather than just once, it is possible to prevent missed distributions. However, the advertising effect of distributing the same advertisement multiple times to a user terminal 200 that has already received an advertisement once is small. For this reason, when the same specific information is received again, desired settings can be made, such as not distributing an advertisement, distributing a different advertisement, or resending the same advertisement.

[0053] The present invention can be configured without including the advertiser terminal 300. For example, when an operator running some kind of business distributes advertisements for its own business, the advertiser terminal 300 is not necessary.

[0054] Furthermore, the distribution of advertising information can be performed only after the wireless device 550 and the user terminal 200 have performed a process of linking and storing each other's identification information (hereinafter referred to as "pairing"). For example, when the user terminal 200 first enters the reception range of a beacon radio wave, the user terminal 200 (display device 205) displays the wireless device 550's identification number (e.g., SSID) in a selectable format, allowing the user to select one. The wireless device 550 and the user terminal 200 perform short-range wireless communication in response to a user selection operation, exchange specific information, which is the user terminal 200's identification information, with the wireless device 550's identification number, and then link and store the information (pairing). The wireless device 550 transmits the specific information to the server 100 via short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 200. The server 100 then distributes advertising information to the user terminal 200 based on the reception of the specific information. Note that the user terminal 200 may transmit the specific information directly to the server 100 via short-range wireless communication with the wireless device 550, without going through the wireless device 550. When the user terminal 200 enters the reception range of the beacon radio waves again (for the second time or later), the wireless device 550 and the user terminal 200 can confirm that the pairing information (identification information of both parties) is stored. In this case, the wireless device 550 transmits the specific information to the server 100 without a selection operation, and the server 100 delivers advertising information to the user terminal 200 based on the reception of the specific information. In other words, the advertising information cannot be delivered the first time without performing a pairing operation, but from the second time onwards, the advertising information can be delivered without performing a pairing operation.

[0055] 1: Information distribution system, 100: Server, 101: Processor, 102: Memory, 103: Storage, 104: Communication device, 111: Receiving means, 112: Mobile information transmitting means, 113: Identifying means, 114: Distribution means, 115: Storage means, 116: Advertising information DB, 200: User terminal, 201: Processor, 202: Memory, 203: Storage, 204: Operation device, 205: Display device, 2 06: communication device, 211: communication means, 212: display means, 300: advertiser terminal, 500: vehicle, 501: processor, 502: memory, 503: storage, 504: communication device, 505: display device, 506: positioning device, 507: driving device, 511: movement control means, 512: display means, 550: wireless device, 551: transmission means, 552: reception means, 553: transmission means, 900: internet

Claims

1. An information distribution system comprising a wireless device mounted on a moving body, a user terminal, and a server, wherein the wireless device includes a transmitting means for transmitting a predetermined radio wave around while moving along with the movement of the moving body, the server includes a storage means for storing predetermined information, a specifying means for specifying a user terminal that has detected the radio wave, and a distribution means for distributing the predetermined information to the user terminal specified by the specifying means. An information distribution system characterized by the above.

2. The wireless device includes a receiving means for receiving specific information indicating that the user terminal has detected the radio wave from the user terminal, and a transmitting means for transmitting the specific information received by the receiving means to the server. The server includes a receiving means for receiving the specific information transmitted by the transmitting means, and the specifying means specifies the user terminal that has detected the radio wave based on the specific information received by the receiving means. The information distribution system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. In the wireless device, the transmitting means can transmit a predetermined radio wave toward a specific area while moving along with the movement of the moving body and moving the specific area. In the server, the specifying means specifies the user terminal that has detected the radio wave as a user terminal existing in the specific area, and the distribution means distributes the predetermined information to the user terminal existing in the specific area specified by the specifying means. The information distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. In the wireless device, the transmitting means can transmit a predetermined radio wave toward a first specific area while moving along with the movement of the moving body and moving the first specific area, and can transmit a predetermined radio wave toward a second specific area while moving along with the movement of the moving body and moving the second specific area. In the server, the storage means stores first information and second information, the specifying means specifies a user terminal that has detected radio waves transmitted from the wireless device moving in the first specified area as a user terminal existing in the first specified area, and specifies a user terminal that has detected radio waves transmitted from the wireless device moving in the second specified area as a user terminal existing in the second specified area, and the distribution means distributes the first information to the user terminal existing in the first specified area specified by the specifying means, and distributes the second information to the user terminal existing in the second specified area specified by the specifying means. The information distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

5. An information distribution device that is mounted on a moving body and distributes information to a predetermined user terminal in cooperation with a wireless device that transmits predetermined radio waves while moving along with the movement of the moving body, a storage means for storing predetermined information; a specifying means for specifying a user terminal that has detected the radio waves; and a distribution means for distributing the predetermined information to the user terminal specified by the specifying means. The information distribution device is characterized by the above.

6. On a computer, a step of storing predetermined information; a step in which a wireless device mounted on a moving body transmits predetermined radio waves while moving along with the movement of the moving body; a step of specifying a user terminal that has detected the radio waves; and a step of distributing the predetermined information to the specified user terminal. The program is characterized by the above.

7. An information distribution method for distributing information to a predetermined user terminal, comprising: a step of storing predetermined information; a step in which a wireless device mounted on a moving body transmits predetermined radio waves while moving along with the movement of the moving body; a step of specifying a user terminal that has detected the radio waves; and a step of distributing the predetermined information to the specified user terminal. The information distribution method is characterized by the above.