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

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure, provided are an information management device, information management system, information management method, and program that assign rarity to image data and to opportunities to print the image data. The information management device comprises a processor and a memory in which a program executed by the processor is stored. The processor includes: an information processing unit that acquires various types of information; a selection unit that selects some of the reception devices from a plurality of reception devices present in a first region on the basis of unique data of the plurality of reception devices; and a transmission unit that transmits image data to the selected the reception devices.

Description

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

[0001] The present invention relates to an information management device, an information management system, an information management method, and a program, and more particularly to a technique for selectively transmitting images to a plurality of receiving devices.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Techniques for transmitting images to user terminals at an event venue are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a system for selling printed materials such as photographs at sporting facilities, concert venues, and other event venues. The system includes a user terminal that allows customers to view the photographs for sale and pre-select the images they wish to purchase, a management device that manages the images for sale, an image printing device that automatically prints out printed materials when the customer deposits a fee, and a transmitter that emits radio waves.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-164482

[0005] One embodiment of the technique disclosed herein provides an information management device, an information management system, an information management method, and a program that assign rarity to image data and opportunities to print the image data.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the information management device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a processor and a memory in which a program to be executed by the processor is stored, and the processor is an information management device having an information processing unit that acquires various information, a selection unit that selects some receiving devices from a plurality of receiving devices present in a first area based on unique data of the plurality of receiving devices, and a transmission unit that transmits image data to the selected some receiving devices.

[0007] An information management device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the information management device according to the first aspect, wherein the unique data includes at least one of an attribute of the receiving device and a usage status.

[0008] In an information management device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the information management device according to the first or second aspect, it is preferable that the selection unit selects some of the receiving devices based on information regarding the owners of the receiving devices.

[0009] In an information management device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the information management device according to the third aspect, it is preferable that the information about the owner includes at least one of seat information, preference information, history information, and status information.

[0010] In the information management device of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the information management device of the fourth aspect, it is preferable that the information processing unit acquires shooting information taken within the first area, and the selection unit selects some of the receiving devices based on the shooting information.

[0011] An information management device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the information management device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the photographing information preferably includes at least one of clothing, luggage, and clothing worn by the owner of the receiving device.

[0012] In the information management device of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the information management device of any of the third to sixth aspects, it is preferable that the selection unit selects a portion of receiving devices that have information regarding the owner associated with the image data.

[0013] An information management device according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the information management device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the transmission unit preferably transmits image data for printing.

[0014] In an information management device according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the information management device according to the eighth aspect, it is preferable that the selection unit randomly selects a portion of receiving devices from receiving devices present in a second area within the first area.

[0015] In an information management device according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the information management device according to the ninth aspect, it is preferable that the selection unit selects some of the receiving devices and / or the transmission unit transmits image data at a specific timing.

[0016] An information management device according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is an information management device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the first area is an event venue and the multiple receiving devices are each preferably held by a visitor to the event.

[0017] An information management device according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is an information management device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the receiving device has a printing control function for printing image data, and the transmitting unit preferably transmits image data for printing.

[0018] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the information management system relating to the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an information management system including an information management device and a receiving device, wherein the information management device has a processor and a memory in which a program to be executed by the processor is stored, and the processor has an information processing unit that acquires various information, a selection unit that selects some receiving devices from some receiving devices present in a first area based on unique data of the plurality of receiving devices, and a transmission unit that transmits image data to the selected some receiving devices.

[0019] In order to achieve the above object, an information management method according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an information management method in which a processor acquires various information, selects some receiving devices from a plurality of receiving devices present in a first area based on the unique data of each of the plurality of receiving devices, and transmits image data to the selected some of the receiving devices.

[0020] A program according to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute the information management method according to the fourteenth aspect. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which the program according to the fifteenth aspect is stored is also included in the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an information management system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an information management method. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of an information management system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of an information management system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of an information management system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which an image of the entire communication area is captured by a plurality of cameras. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of an information management system according to a fifth embodiment.

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same components are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0023] First Embodiment [Information Management System] The information management system disclosed herein is a system that distributes image data to receiving devices such as small printers carried by attendees at an event venue according to an algorithm specified by event organizers. The information management system distributes image data on-site as intended by the organizers and imparts rarity to the image data and opportunities to print the image data.

[0024] An event venue may be, for example, a concert hall where a concert is held, an outdoor stage where a music festival is held, a stadium where a sports game such as baseball is held, an exhibition hall where an exhibition is held, etc. In addition, an event venue may be any place where people gather, whether indoors or outdoors, such as a theater, movie theater, theme park, amusement park, shopping center, outlet mall, public stadium, train station, airport, or highway rest area.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information management system 10 according to a first embodiment. The information management system 10 includes an information management device 20 used by event organizers and multiple receiving devices 40-1, 40-2, and 40-3 held by event attendees. The receiving devices 40-1, 40-2, and 40-3 are held by different attendees at the event venue. Although FIG. 1 illustrates three receiving devices 40-1, 40-2, and 40-3, any number of receiving devices 40 may be used. Note that, hereinafter, when the multiple receiving devices 40-1, 40-2, and 40-3 are not to be distinguished from one another, they may be referred to as receiving devices 40.

[0026] Receiving devices 40-1, 40-2, and 40-3 have unique data DU1, DU2, and DU3, respectively. The unique data includes at least one of the attributes and usage status of receiving device 40. The attributes of receiving device 40 include at least one of the body color of receiving device 40 (an example of "casing color"), model name, individual identification number (such as MAC address), and serial number. The usage status of receiving device 40 includes at least one of the remaining battery level of receiving device 40, image data reception history, number of past prints, and number of startups.

[0027] The receiving device 40 is placed within a communication area A1 (an example of a "first area") within the event venue. The information management device 20 and the receiving device 40 can communicate wirelessly within the communication area A1, for example, via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication area A1 may be the entire event venue.

[0028] The receiving device 40 is a communication device that has a print control function for receiving image data and printing the received image data. The receiving device 40 may be a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a portable game console, or a digital camera. In this case, the receiving device 40 causes a printer (not shown) to print the received image data using an application program. Here, an example will be described in which the receiving device 40 is a small, portable mobile printer. The mobile printer is equipped with a print function for printing the received image data.

[0029] The information management device 20 includes a processor 22 and a memory 30 .

[0030] The processor 22 executes instructions stored in the memory 30. The hardware structure of the processor 22 is various processors as shown below. The various processors include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various functional units, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which is a processor specialized for image processing, a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a dedicated electrical circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing specific processing.

[0031] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU). Multiple functional units may also be configured with a single processor. Examples of multiple functional units configured with a single processor include: a first configuration, as typified by a client or server computer, in which a single processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor operates as multiple functional units; and a second configuration, as typified by a SoC (System on Chip), in which a processor is used to realize the functions of an entire system including multiple functional units on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. In this way, the various functional units are configured with one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0032] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit made up of a combination of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0033] The processor 22 includes an information processing unit 24, a transmission / reception unit 26, and a selection unit 28. The functions of the information processing unit 24, the transmission / reception unit 26, and the selection unit 28 are realized by the processor 22 executing a program stored in the memory 30.

[0034] The information processing unit 24 acquires various types of information. The various types of information include data unique to the receiving device 40. The various types of information may include information about the owner, who is a visitor who owns the receiving device 40. The information about the owner includes at least one of the owner's seat information, preference information, history information, and status information.

[0035] The seat information includes position information of each seat, and may be information about a block of seats such as the left stand, the front row, the second floor seats, and the S seats.

[0036] The preference information includes the performers of the event that the owner likes. The preference information may also include information on the team that the owner supports, the player that the owner likes among the players of the supported team, the idol group that the owner supports, and the member of the supported idol group that the owner likes.

[0037] The history information includes the number of times a person has previously attended the same or similar event. The history information may include fan history. The status information includes membership rank information. The membership rank may include ranks such as "normal," "silver," and "gold," which are determined based on, for example, the annual membership fee for the fan club of the event's performers or the number of years of membership. The status information may also include the amount of merchandise purchased.

[0038] The transmitting / receiving unit 26 (an example of a "transmitting unit") receives information such as unique data from the receiving device 40. The transmitting / receiving unit 26 also transmits image data to the receiving device 40. The image data may be print image data used for printing. The image data may be image data related to an event. The image data may be image data of performers at the event, or image data taken at the event venue.

[0039] The selection unit 28 selects some of the receiving devices 40 from the plurality of receiving devices 40 present in the communication area A1. The selection unit 28 selects some of the receiving devices 40 based on, for example, unique data of the plurality of receiving devices 40. The transmission / reception unit 26 transmits image data to the receiving device 40 selected by the selection unit 28.

[0040] The memory 30 stores instructions to be executed by the processor 22. The memory 30 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), not shown. The processor 22 uses the RAM as a working area, executes software using various programs and parameters stored in the ROM, and also executes various processes of the information management device 20 by using parameters stored in the ROM, etc.

[0041] The memory 30 also stores the unique data transmitted from the receiving device 40. That is, the receiving device 40 transmits the unique data of the receiving device 40 to the information management device 20. The information management device 20 receives the unique data transmitted from the receiving device 40 using the transmitting / receiving unit 26 and stores the data in the memory 30. Note that the information management device 20 may store the unique data in a server or the like different from the information management device 20.

[0042] [Information Management Method] The information management method by the information management device 20 will be described using Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the information management method. The information management method is realized by the processor 22 executing an information management program stored in the memory 30. The information management program may be provided by a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. In this case, the information management device 20 may read the information management program from the non-transitory storage medium and store it in the memory 30.

[0043] In step S1, the information management device 20 acquires various pieces of information. Here, the information processing unit 24 of the processor 22 acquires the unique data DU1, DU2, and DU3 received by the transceiver 26 from the multiple receiving devices 40-1, 40-2, and 40-3. The information processing unit 24 may acquire the unique data DU1, DU2, and DU3 from a visitor registration terminal (not shown) installed within the event venue. In this case, the owners of the receiving devices 40-1, 40-2, and 40-3 may register the unique data DU1, DU2, and DU3 in the visitor registration terminal installed at the event venue after arriving at the event venue.

[0044] Here, the information management device 20 acquires the body color associated with the serial number as unique data DU1, DU2, and DU3 of the receiving devices 40-1, 40-2, and 40-3.

[0045] In step S2, the information management device 20 acquires image data. Here, the information processing unit 24 of the processor 22 acquires image data DG1 that has been stored in advance in the memory 30. The information processing unit 24 may acquire the image data DG1 from a device different from the information management device 20. The image data DG1 may include multiple images.

[0046] In step S3, the information management device 20 selects a receiving device 40 to which image data is to be transmitted. Here, the selection unit 28 selects some of the receiving devices 40 from the three receiving devices 40-1, 40-2, and 40-3 present within the communication area A1 based on the unique data DU1, DU2, and DU3 stored in the memory 30. For example, if the unique data DU1 has a body color of "pink," the unique data DU2 has a body color of "light blue," and the unique data DU3 has a body color of "orange," and the transceiver 26 determines that the data should be transmitted to the pink and light blue receiving devices 40, the selection unit 28 selects the receiving devices 40-1 and 40-2.

[0047] In step S4, the information management device 20 transmits the image data to the receiving device 40 selected in step S3. Here, the transmitting / receiving unit 26 establishes communication with the receiving devices 40-1 and 40-2 selected as the destinations based on the serial numbers, and transmits the image data DG1. The transmitting / receiving unit 26 does not transmit the image data DG1 to the receiving device 40-3.

[0048] The receiving devices 40-1 and 40-2 each start printing the received image data DG1 using their built-in printing functions, thereby allowing the owner of the receiving device 40-1 and the owner of the receiving device 40-2 to obtain printed matter P1, which is a printed image of the image data DG1.

[0049] According to the first embodiment, it is possible to distribute printed images locally as intended by the operator. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, it is easy to impart scarcity to image data and opportunities to print the image data.

[0050] Here, the selection unit 28 selects the receiving device 40 using the body color of the receiving device 40, but it is also possible to select the receiving device 40 using at least one of the body color, model name, individual identification number, and serial number. The selection unit 28 may also refer to the history of past image data reception by the receiving device 40, and exclude receiving devices 40 that have already received similar image data from the selection. The selection unit 28 may also select only receiving devices 40 that have participated in related events in the past and have a history of receiving images.

[0051] Second Embodiment [Information Management System] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of an information management system 10A according to a second embodiment.

[0052] The information management system 10A includes a wireless router 50. The wireless router 50 is placed at the event venue. The information management device 20 is placed at a location different from the event venue.

[0053] The information management device 20 and the wireless router 50 are communicably connected via the Internet. The receiving device 40 and the wireless router 50 are communicably connected via a wireless LAN in the communication area A1. This allows the information management device 20 located in a location other than the event venue to communicate with the receiving device 40 via the wireless router 50 only in the communication area A1.

[0054] According to the second embodiment, even if the information management device 20 is placed in a location other than the event venue, the information management system 10A can distribute image data locally as intended by the management and impart rarity to the image data and opportunities to print the image data.

[0055] So far, an example has been described in which the information management device 20 communicates with the receiving device 40 via a wireless LAN, but the information management device 20 may also communicate with the receiving device 40 within the event venue via a mobile phone communication network. In this case, the information management device 20 acquires location information of the receiving device 40 using a GPS (Global Positioning System) function provided in the receiving device 40, and communicates with the receiving device 40 whose location information is within the event venue.

[0056] The information management device 20 may also acquire the entry and exit records for the event venue stored in the receiving device 40, and communicate with receiving devices 40 that have entered the event venue but have not yet left.

[0057] Third Embodiment The selection unit 28 may select some of the receiving devices 40 based on information about the owners of the receiving devices 40 .

[0058] 4 is a diagram showing an outline of an information management system 10B according to a third embodiment. The event venue in the third embodiment is a stadium where a red team and a blue team compete against each other. The information management system 10B includes multiple receiving devices 40-11 to 40-18 that are held by attendees of the event. The receiving devices 40-11 to 40-18 each have unique data DU11 to DU18.

[0059] Each visitor has information about their owner. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the seat information of the owners of receiving devices 40-11 to 40-18 is seats A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H, respectively. The owners of receiving devices 40-11 to 40-14 are supporters of the red team, and the owners of receiving devices 40-15 to 40-18 are supporters of the blue team. Information about these owners is registered in advance by the visitor using a visitor registration terminal (not shown) installed in the event venue. Information about the owners may also be stored in advance in receiving devices 40-11 to 40-18.

[0060] The information processing unit 24 acquires the unique data DU11 to DU18 from the receiving devices 40-11 to 40-14. The information processing unit 24 also acquires information about the owners of the receiving devices 40-11 to 40-18 from the visitor registration terminal. The information processing unit 24 associates the acquired information about the owners with the unique data DU11 to DU18 as registered data and stores it in the memory 30.

[0061] Here, the information about the owner is seat information and information about the team they are supporting. In the example shown in Fig. 4, owner information IU1 is stored in memory 30 as information about the owners of receiving devices 40-11 to 40-14. As shown in owner information IU1, for example, the information about the owner of receiving device 40-11 is "Seat A" and "Supporting the Red Team," and the information about the owner of receiving device 40-12 is "Seat B" and "Supporting the Red Team."

[0062] The information processing unit 24 also acquires image data DG2 that has been stored in advance in the memory 30. The image data DG2 is, for example, image data relating to the red team. The image data relating to the red team is, for example, image data showing players of the red team.

[0063] The selection unit 28 selects some of the receiving devices 40 based on the registered data of each of the multiple receiving devices 40. Here, the selection unit 28 selects some of the receiving devices 40 that have registered data related to the image data DG2.

[0064] 4, image data DG2 is image data related to the red team, so receiving device 40 whose registered data is "support the red team" is selected. The receiving devices 40 for "support the red team" are receiving devices 40-11, 40-12, 40-13, and 40-14. Therefore, selector 28 selects receiving devices 40-11, 40-12, 40-13, and 40-14, as shown by the dashed-line frames in FIG.

[0065] The transmitting / receiving unit 26 transmits the image data DG2 to the receiving devices 40-11, 40-12, 40-13, and 40-14 selected by the selecting unit 28, with reference to the serial numbers of the unique data of each of the receiving devices. As a result, the owners of the receiving devices 40-11, 40-12, 40-13, and 40-14 can obtain printed materials, which are print images on which the image data DG2 is printed.

[0066] Here, the receiving device 40 is selected based on the supported team, but the selection unit 28 can also select a specific block, such as the left stand or the front row, based on seat information. For example, if image data is to be transmitted to the receiving device 40 in the front row, the receiving devices 40-11, 40-13, 40-15, and 40-17 whose registered data are in the front row, "Seat A," "Seat C," "Seat E," and "Seat G," can be selected.

[0067] According to the third embodiment, it is possible to distribute a print image related to information about the owner. This allows for variations in the method of selecting a destination. Furthermore, the owner's preferences can be reflected in the method of selecting a destination.

[0068] Fourth Embodiment In a fourth embodiment, the selection unit 28 selects a receiving device 40 based on image information captured within an event venue.

[0069] 5 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an information management system 10C according to a fourth embodiment. The information management system 10C includes a camera 60. The camera 60 captures an image of a communication area A1 within an event venue and acquires image information (an example of "various information") about the communication area A1. The image information may be the captured image itself or the results of analyzing the captured image.

[0070] The photographing information includes at least one of the clothing, luggage, and clothing worn by the owner of the receiving device. The photographing information may be color information of the clothing, luggage, and clothing worn by the owner of the receiving device. The clothing, luggage, and clothing may be colors corresponding to the performers, participating teams, etc. of the event. The clothing includes uniforms, T-shirts, hoodies, and hats. The luggage includes bags and the receiving device 40. The clothing includes goods such as megaphones, fans, headbands, towels, and penlights.

[0071] 5, the information processing unit 24 acquires photographic information IS including the owners of receiving devices 40-11 to 40-18 from the camera 60. Here, it is assumed that the photographic information IS acquired indicates that the color of the clothing of the attendees in seats A, B, C, and D is "red," and the color of the clothing of the attendees in seats E, F, G, and H is "blue." From this photographic information IS, the information processing unit 24 may infer that the attendees in seats A, B, C, and D are "supporting the red team," and that the attendees in seats E, F, G, and H are "supporting the blue team."

[0072] The information processing unit 24 associates the information about the owner of the receiving device 40 and the shooting information IS as registered data with the unique data DU11 to DU18 and stores them in the memory 30. The shooting information may be included in the information about the owner.

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 5, the information processing unit 24 acquires the following seat information as owner information IU2: the owner of receiving device 40-11 is in "Seat A," the owner of receiving device 40-12 is in "Seat B," ..., the owner of receiving device 40-17 is in "Seat G," and the owner of receiving device 40-18 is in "Seat H."

[0074] Furthermore, the information processing section 24 acquires image data DG3 that is stored in advance in the memory 30. The image data DG3 is, for example, image data relating to the blue team.

[0075] The selection unit 28 selects a receiving device 40 based on the shooting information IS. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the image data DG3 is image data related to the blue team, so the selection unit 28 selects the receiving device 40 whose registered data is "blue." The "blue" receiving devices 40 are receiving devices 40-15, 40-16, 40-17, and 40-18 of the attendees in seats E, F, G, and H. Therefore, the selection unit 28 selects receiving devices 40-15, 40-16, 40-17, and 40-18, as shown by the dashed-line frames in Fig. 5.

[0076] The transmitting / receiving unit 26 transmits the image data DG3 to the receiving devices 40-15 to 40-18 selected by the selecting unit 28.

[0077] According to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to construct an algorithm that recognizes characteristics such as which seats a visitor is a fan of which team from the photographed information, and real-time information can be used for judgment rather than registered information. According to the fourth embodiment, variations are created in the method of selecting the destination, and visitor preferences can be reflected in the method of selecting the receiving device 40 as the destination.

[0078] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the camera 60 captures the entire communication area A1, but it is sufficient for the camera 60 to capture at least a part of the communication area A1.

[0079] Alternatively, the entire communication area A1 may be photographed using multiple cameras. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of photographing the entire communication area A1 using multiple cameras. In FIG. 6, three cameras 60-1, 60-2, and 60-3 each photograph a portion of the communication area A1, thereby photographing the entire communication area A1. The information processing unit 24 acquires photographic information of the entire communication area A1 from the images photographed by the three cameras 60-1, 60-2, and 60-3. The photographic areas of the three cameras 60-1, 60-2, and 60-3 may partially overlap each other.

[0080] Fifth Embodiment In a fifth embodiment, the information management device 20 transmits image data to a selected receiving device 40 at a specific spot in an event venue and at a specific timing.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of an information management system 10D according to a fifth embodiment. A communication area A2 (an example of a "second area") is set at a specific spot in the event venue. The information management device 20 and the receiving device 40 can perform short-range communication in the communication area A2, for example, by infrared communication or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication area A2 may be an area existing within the communication area A1. The communication area A2 may be an area of ​​a specific range, an individual seat position, or a specific block including multiple seats.

[0082] The timing for transmitting image data is preset in the information management device 20. For example, three transmission times are set each day: 10:00, 15:00, and 20:00. The transmission times are notified to attendees of the event in advance. The attendees move around the specific spot with the receiving device 40 before the transmission times.

[0083] In the example shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of receiving devices 40-21 to 40-28 are arranged within a communication area A2.

[0084] The selection unit 28 selects some of the receiving devices 40 that transmit image data from among the multiple receiving devices 40 that are connected for communication with the information management device 20 at the set transmission timing. Here, the transmission / reception unit 26 receives the unique data DU21 to DU28 from the receiving devices 40-21 to 40-28 at the set transmission timing. The selection unit 28 randomly selects a receiving device 40 from the receiving devices 40-21 to 40-28 that were able to receive the unique data DU21 to DU28. The transmission / reception unit 26 transmits the image data to the selected receiving device 40.

[0085] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the receiving devices 40-22 and 40-25 enclosed by dashed lines are selected, and image data DG4 is transmitted to the receiving devices 40-22 and 40-25.

[0086] As an example, if distribution timings are limited to three times a day in a specific area within a theme park, not only will a person feel joy if their own receiving device 40 is selected from multiple receiving devices 40 and they receive image data, but the image data will also be given a sense of rarity.

[0087] According to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to create variations in the method of selecting a destination, and to impart scarcity to image data and opportunities to receive image data.

[0088] Here, the selection unit 28 selects the receiving device 40 and the transmitting / receiving unit 26 transmits the image data at the set transmission timing, but the selection of the receiving device 40 and the transmission of the image data may be performed at different times, as long as one of them is performed at the transmission timing.

[0089] The selection unit 28 may also randomly determine the number of receiving devices 40 to select. The selection unit 28 may also randomly determine the image data to transmit. The selection unit 28 may take into account past reception history included in the unique data, and make adjustments such as not transmitting the same image data twice to one receiving device 40.

[0090] Furthermore, the selection unit 28 selected some of the receiving devices 40 from among the multiple receiving devices 40 that can communicate in the communication area A2. However, some of the receiving devices 40 may be selected from among the multiple receiving devices 40 registered in a registration terminal (not shown) installed at a specific spot. In this case, the attendee registers the receiving device 40 that he or she holds in the registration terminal. The registration terminal receives unique data from the receiving device 40. This allows the receiving device 40 to be entered as a target for image data transmission.

[0091] <Summary> Conventionally, when event organizers at an event venue, such as an idol concert, wanted to distribute event-related images to attendees as printed materials to keep on hand, they were limited to (1) distributing printed materials printed by the organizers or (2) distributing printable image data for attendees to print themselves, making it difficult to specify or randomize the distribution destinations. According to the present disclosure, the organizers can select a method for specifying the distribution destination of image data for small printers carried by event attendees at the event venue. This makes it possible to distribute printed images on-site as intended by the organizers and makes it easier to impart rarity to image data and opportunities to print the image data.

[0092] <Others> The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. The configurations of the respective embodiments can be appropriately combined with each other within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0093] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D... Information management system 20... Information management device 22... Processor 24... Information processing unit 26... Transmitting / receiving unit 28... Selecting unit 30... Memory 40... Receiving device 40-1 to 40-3... Receiving device 40-11 to 40-18... Receiving device 40-21 to 40-28... Receiving device 50... Wireless router 60, 60-1 to 60-3... Camera A1, A2... Communication area DG1 to DG4... Image data DU1 to DU3... Unique data DU11 to DU18... Unique data DU21 to DU28... Unique data IS... Shooting information IU1, IU2... Owner information P1... Printed matter S1 to S4... Steps of information management method

Claims

1. An information management device comprising: a processor; and a memory in which a program to be executed by the processor is stored, wherein the processor has: an information processing unit that acquires various information; a selection unit that selects some receiving devices from a plurality of receiving devices present in a first area based on unique data of the plurality of receiving devices; and a transmission unit that transmits image data to the selected some receiving devices.

2. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the unique data includes at least one of an attribute and a usage status of the receiving device.

3. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the part of the receiving devices based on information relating to owners of the receiving devices.

4. The information management device according to claim 3, wherein the information about the owner includes at least one of seat information, preference information, history information, and status information.

5. The information management device according to claim 4, wherein the information processing unit acquires photographic information taken within the first area, and the selection unit selects the part of the receiving devices based on the photographic information.

6. The information management device according to claim 5, wherein the photographic information includes at least one of the clothing, luggage, and clothing of the owner of the receiving device.

7. The information management device according to claim 3, wherein the selection unit selects the part of receiving devices that have information about the owner associated with the image data.

8. The information management device according to claim 7, wherein the transmission unit transmits image data for printing.

9. The information management device according to claim 8, wherein the selection unit randomly selects the part of the receiving devices from the receiving devices present in a second area within the first area.

10. The information management device according to claim 9, wherein the selection unit selects the part of the receiving devices and / or the transmission unit transmits image data at a specific timing.

11. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the first area is an event venue, and the plurality of receiving devices are each held by a visitor to the event.

12. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving device has a print control function for printing image data, and the transmitting unit transmits the image data for printing.

13. An information management system including an information management device and a receiving device, wherein the information management device comprises a processor and a memory in which a program to be executed by the processor is stored, and the processor comprises an information processing unit that acquires various information, a selection unit that selects some receiving devices from a plurality of receiving devices present in a first area based on unique data of the plurality of receiving devices, and a transmission unit that transmits image data to the selected some receiving devices.

14. An information management method in which a processor acquires various information, selects some receiving devices from a plurality of receiving devices present in a first area based on the unique data of each of the plurality of receiving devices, and transmits image data to the selected some receiving devices.

15. A program that causes a computer to execute the information management method according to claim 14.

16. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 15 is recorded.

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