JP6527337B2 - Information gathering and diffusion equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information collection and diffusion apparatus capable of acquiring, accumulating, and distributing (spreading) information such as direct mail, advertisements, and leaflets.

  Advertisements by direct mail and product information are widely used. With the spread and development of the Internet in recent years, direct mail using the Internet is also widely used. Generally, when trying to realize direct mail on the Internet, it is conceivable to realize direct mail using so-called electronic mail.

  However, when trying to send a direct mail using this e-mail, it is necessary to know the e-mail address of the other party who is the transmission destination. Therefore, it is necessary to have the person who wants to send direct mail provide an e-mail address. Here, the e-mail address is a type of typical personal information, and an individual may be reluctant to provide it. Furthermore, if a large number of direct mails are to be sent, the number of e-mail addresses will increase, so a large number of e-mail addresses must be managed, and personal information protection will be more strongly demanded. As a result, various personal information protection means and strict rules for protection need to be formulated, and it may be difficult to easily transmit direct mail.

  Therefore, it is desirable to realize a system capable of distributing direct mail and advertisements in a wide range while securing security. Furthermore, a mechanism capable of delivering direct mail etc. is desired without using servers such as mail servers on the network (this is referred to herein as "no infrastructure", "infraless" etc.) There is.

Prior patent literature for example, the following Patent Document 1, a method of distributing flyers using mobile E-mail is disclosed. In particular, a distribution method capable of designating a distribution area is disclosed.

  Further, Patent Document 2 below discloses a mechanism in which anyone can use a destination e-mail address in an electronic direct mail system. In particular, a mechanism is disclosed in which a person who wants to send a direct mail receives permission to use the address to a person who has registered a destination e-mail address.

  Further, Patent Document 3 below discloses a system capable of grasping the effect of electronic mail as direct mail. In particular, with respect to the guidance of the secondary e-mail included in the primary e-mail, there is a mechanism for acquiring the situation where the user desires the secondary e-mail, and calculating the effect of the e-mail based on the desired situation. It is disclosed.

JP 2001-189748 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-099666 JP, 2005-128640, A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to realize a mechanism capable of accumulating and spreading information without using an infrastructure such as a server.

  (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a storage unit that stores digital post information that is information to be distributed to an external terminal, and a first communication unit that receives a distribution request from the external terminal. And control means for extracting the digital post information from the storage means based on the request received by the first communication means, and outputting the digital post information to the first communication means, the first communication Means for transmitting, to the external terminal, the digital post information output by the control means to the external terminal, and second communication means for communicating with another information collection / diffusion device other than the own device; The control unit communicates with the other information collection and diffusion apparatus via the second communication unit, and is digital post information stored in the storage unit, and the other information collection apparatus stores The digital post information not via the second communication means, the information collecting diffuser apparatus characterized by transmitting to the other information collecting diffuser.

  (2) Further, in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to the above (1), in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to the present invention, when the second communication unit receives the digital post information from the other information collection and diffusion apparatus, the control unit The information collecting and diffusing apparatus is characterized by storing the received digital post information in the storage means.

  (3) Further, in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to the above (1) or (2), the control means may receive the digital post information transmitted by the external terminal by the first communication means. In this case, the information collecting and diffusing apparatus is characterized in that the received digital post information is stored in the storage means.

  (4) Further, in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (3), the control unit is based on the request received by the first communication unit. When the digital post information is extracted from the storage means and output to the first communication means, the control means distributes the digital post information corresponding to the extracted digital post information. It is an information collection and diffusion apparatus characterized by storing distribution information including information on the apparatus and information on time of distribution in the storage means as information attached to the digital post information.

  (5) Further, in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to the above (4), the control unit may perform the distribution when the first communication unit receives a distribution status request from the external terminal. The delivery status of the digital post information is extracted from the storage unit based on the identifier of the digital post information included in the request for the status, and is sent to the first communication unit, and the first communication unit is the control unit. And transmitting to the external terminal the distribution status of the digital post information sent from the terminal.

  (6) Further, in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (5), the present invention provides at least the temporal condition at the time of distributing to the external terminal in the digital post information. The distribution condition is included, and the control means distributes the digital post information to the external terminal when the distribution condition added to the digital post information is satisfied. It is an apparatus.

  (7) Further, according to the present invention, in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (6), a storage condition is given to the digital post information, and the control means is The information collecting and diffusing apparatus may delete the digital post information if the digital post information has passed a storage period based on a storage condition given to the digital post information.

  (8) Further, in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (7), the present invention further includes position measurement means for measuring a geographical position, the control means The information collecting and diffusing apparatus is characterized in that the digital post information is extracted from the storage means based on the geographical position measured by the position measurement means.

  (9) Further, in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (8), the first communication means may use Wi-Fi communication or Bluetooth communication (Bluetooth is registered). It is an information gathering spread device characterized by communicating with the above-mentioned external terminal by either communication method of a trademark.

  (10) Further, in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (9), the second communication unit according to any one of the above (1) to (9) may use the wired or wireless fixed communication method. Communicating with the information gathering and spreading apparatus of

  (11) Further, in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (9), the second communication unit according to the present invention collects the other information according to a mobile communication system. It is an information gathering diffusion device characterized by communicating with a diffusion device.

  (12) Further, in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (9), in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (9), the second communication unit may It is an information gathering diffusion device characterized by communicating with the device.

  (13) Further, in the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (12), the present invention further includes a portal site providing unit, and the portal site unit is an external terminal When the first communication unit receives an access request to the portal site provided by the portal site providing unit, digital post information relating to the access request, the digital being permitted to be published on the portal site The post information is extracted from the storage means and sent to the first communication means via the control means, and the first communication means sends the sent digital post information to the external terminal. It is an information gathering diffusion device characterized by transmitting.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to collect and spread information in a so-called infrastructureless environment that does not require a server or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a whole schematic diagram of the regional communication system which concerns on this embodiment.

It is a block diagram showing composition of a digital post of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, it is a schematic diagram which shows the operation | movement in the case of posting digital post information.

In this embodiment, it is a schematic diagram which shows the operation | movement in the case of analyzing the delivery condition of digital post information.

In this embodiment, it is a schematic diagram which shows the operation | movement in the case of delivering digital post information to a smart phone.

In this embodiment, it is a mimetic diagram showing operation in the case of providing information on area information to a specified spot.

  Hereinafter, a regional communication system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

1st. Overview of Configuration of this Embodiment FIG. 1 shows an overall schematic diagram of a regional communication system 100 of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the regional communication system 100 includes a plurality of digital posts 10 disposed within a predetermined area. The digital post 10 is a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment, and is a preferred example of the information collection and diffusion device fixedly disposed at a predetermined place. By arranging such a digital post 10 in the area, the user of the area can distribute information to be distributed to the area by “posting” on the digital post 10. Also, users of this area can receive the distribution of desired information from this digital post 10, and can obtain various information, for example, information in the area.

1-1. Digital post 10
The digital post 10 temporarily sends the information acquired by itself to the other digital post 10 other than itself. Also, information sent from the other digital posts 10 is also temporarily stored internally and sent to the other digital posts 10. As a result, the digital posts 10 included in the regional communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1 share information with each other.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the information that the digital post 10 accumulates and sends out is referred to as “digital post information”. The digital post information may be any information, but as a typical example, as described above, in addition to the information that the local residents want to distribute and the information in the area, there are direct mail information and the like. In addition, various types of information such as public information and communication from the school to the parents can be used as digital post information. In addition to text information, image data (still image data), moving image data, audio data, and the like can also be used.

  Now, examples of means for sharing digital post information include (a) fixed communication, (b) wide area communication beyond the Internet, etc., and (c) in-vehicle (mobile) communication. Various other communication means are available. The means for sharing such information will be described in the following sections 1-3, 1-4 and 1-5, respectively. Information sharing of digital post information is realized by such means.

  In the main text, "information sharing", "information sharing", in the information text, that information collection and diffusion devices such as digital post 10 communicate with each other and digital post information to be distributed is shared among digital posts 10 and the like. Or it is called "sharing of digital post information" etc. And although "sharing" of this digital post information is performed between the information collection and diffusion devices, as the information collection and diffusion devices, two types of configurations will be described as an example in the text. The first type is a digital post 10, and the second type is an on-vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18. These differ from the point that the digital post 10 is “fixed type” and the on-vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18 is “mobile type”, but has many common points as a role. For the on-vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18, see 1-7. (Function 3) and the like in FIG.

  Note that the information collection and diffusion apparatus described in the present embodiment is only a suitable example, and it is also preferable to adopt a configuration obtained by appropriately modifying, combining, and modifying the two types of configurations mentioned as an information collection and diffusion apparatus It is.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, diffusion of digital post information is performed while communication by these means is performed not only between the digital posts 10 but also between the digital post 10 and another type of terminal. Go. As such, delivering digital post information to a user's terminal is called "spreading" or "delivery" of digital post information.

1-2. Digital post information posting and diffusion As shown in Figure 1, by distributing digital posts 10 in a given area, it is possible to easily spread digital post information, and it is widely present in that area It is possible to share information between digital posts 10. As described above, the digital posts 10 are distributed in principle as described above, but may be concentrated at places with many users.

1-2-1 A posting user can transmit digital post information that he / she wants to diffuse to the nearest digital post 10. This operation is referred to as "posting" in the present embodiment. The user posts the digital post information to be diffused to the nearest digital post 10.

  Posting can be done in various ways. As a typical example, the user 12 of the smartphone 12a performs posting using the smartphone 12a owned by the user (see FIG. 1). As the posting operation, posting is performed, for example, in the following flow. The following example outlines an operation of posting using the application program of the smartphone 12 for posting. Here, the application program is called a "posting application".

1-2-2 Outline of the operation example of posting (step 1) First, the user 12 activates the posting application installed in the smartphone 12a. Then, the user 12 creates direct mail information on the screen of the smartphone 12a. The direct mail information is text data containing, for example, sales promotion to users in the area. Note that this direct mail information is a suitable example of digital post information, and may be other types of data such as moving image data and voice messages. In addition, it is also preferable to set various conditions and attributes regarding the delivery of direct mail information. It is possible to set the limitation of the area, the age of the user of the distribution destination, the preference of the user, the period of distribution, and the like.

  (Step 2) The user 12 touches the send button on the screen of the posting application, and sends the created direct mail information to the digital post 10a in the vicinity.

  (Step 3) When the digital post 10 receives the direct mail information, it stores it in the internal storage means.

  Now, the digital post 10 that has acquired digital post information in this way temporarily stores internally (posted) digital post information to be diffused, and sends it out to other digital posts 10 other than itself. .

  Thereby, the digital posts 10 included in the regional communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1 can mutually share information of digital post information. Since there are several types of information sharing operations, the details of the operations will be described later in Chapter 2.

1-2-3 Overview of Spreading (Distribution) of Digital Post Information Digital post information is shared among information collection and diffusion devices such as digital posts 10 in the area by the above-described operation. The shared information is appropriately distributed (diffused) to the user. The diffusion of the digital post information is performed after the operation of sharing digital post information or in parallel with the sharing operation in the following flow.

  First, when the digital post 10b detects a smartphone 12a or the like approaching the vicinity, the digital post 10b transmits digital post information based on the condition or the like transmitted from the smartphone 12a. Alternatively, it is also preferable to establish a connection link when the smartphone 12a detects the presence of the digital post 10b in the vicinity, and then transmit the condition of digital post information to be distributed and the like. In any case, the digital post 10b or the like distributes digital post information based on the conditions transmitted by the smartphone 12a side, the profile (age, gender, etc.) of the user 12, and the like. In this distribution, conditions (such as age and gender of the person to be distributed) and attributes (such as advertisement and public information) attached to the digital post information are considered.

  By such an operation, the user 12 of the smartphone 12a can view digital post information on the smartphone 12a.

  Furthermore, when the smartphone 12a approaches another digital post 10c as the user 12 moves, the smartphone 12a similarly transmits a request including a predetermined condition to the digital post 10c. The digital post 10c transmits digital post information to the smartphone 12a according to the condition of the request.

  In this manner, the smartphone 12a can appropriately receive digital post information from each of the digital posts 10 as it moves. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, digital post information can be received in real time, and direct mail, regional information, public information, and the like can be rapidly distributed.

Control of conditions of diffusion, target of diffusion, time of diffusion Here, when transmitting digital post information to the smartphone 12 a of the user 12, the smartphone 12 a side can set various conditions etc., and the user It is also possible to limit the transmission to the information desired by 12 and transmit. For example, when it is desired to receive music-related information, it is preferable to set various conditions such as when receiving public information.

  Such an operation causes digital post information to be diffused to users in the area.

  A system as shown in FIG. 1 can be considered to be used to deliver information to a certain number of people, as in conventional so-called direct mail. That is, direct mail information can be considered as an example of digital post information. Direct mail is an advertising e-mail notifying product information and the like to customers having a clear e-mail address and the like in advance, and the person to be transmitted is often a specific person and a large number of people.

  In addition, it can be used when targeting not specific people but specific people, or targeting a small number of people. That is, it is also possible to control so as to transmit all to the smartphone 12a or the like approaching the digital post 10 without setting restrictions on the person who receives the diffusion. As such, it is also a preferable example to add the attribute of the person to be distributed to the digital post information.

  Moreover, it is also possible to use for the application which delivers digital post information for a limited time. In particular, it is suitable for promoting seasonal products, sales for a certain period, and the like.

Location of Digital Post 10 Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the digital post 10 according to the present embodiment is basically placed outdoors like a conventional so-called post, but it is a private residence or public facility It can be installed in various places such as shopping streets and meeting places. Also, it can be installed along with a real post, or can be installed in a telephone box or a telephone pole.

  In particular, when installed outdoors like this, it is called an outdoor digital post 10. The digital posts 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f represented with postal marks in FIG. 1 and the digital posts 10g associated with the house are the outdoor digital posts 10.

Chapter 2 Details of Information Sharing Operation in the Present Embodiment In the first chapter, the smart phone 12a or the like submits digital information to be diffused, the digital information is shared among the digital posts 10, and the user It has been described that the terminal is spread to, for example, the smartphone 14a.

  In the present embodiment, one of the characteristic matters is that the deposited digital information is sequentially communicated among the plurality of digital posts 10 or the like, and automatically information among the plurality of digital posts 10 or the like in the area. It is to be shared. The information sharing operation is preferably performed subsequently to the posting operation described above. For example, the digital post 10a transmits the digital post information stored in the internal storage means to the surrounding other communicable digital post 10b to perform information sharing.

  However, posting and an information sharing operation are performed for each digital post information. Therefore, it is preferable that a plurality of operations are performed in parallel on one digital post 10 in practice, since one digital post information is posted while another digital post information is shared.

  Hereinafter, digital post information is sequentially propagated by communication between digital posts 10, and information is shared among digital posts 10a to 10g in the area. As described in 1-1, the digital information communication method may include (a) fixed communication, (b) wide area communication beyond the Internet, etc., and (c) vehicle-mounted (mobile) communication, etc. . Various other communication means are available. The following is a method for sharing information: 2-1.2-2.2-3. In the above, the three types of information sharing methods described above will be described in detail.

2-1. Information sharing using mobiles from digital post 10 to digital post 10 As means for diffusing information from digital post 10 to other digital posts 10, as described in (c) above, means for using mobiles It is also preferred to adopt In the present embodiment, the moving object is one that moves along with the movement of a person accompanying (to be carried by a human being) a human being, and moves along with the movement of a vehicle accompanying a vehicle (car, bicycle, various transportation facilities) The following two will be described as an example.

(1) What the user carries (in the case of the smartphone 12a, etc.)
As a first example of a mobile object, an example of a smartphone 12a carried by a human will be described. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the information is diffused via, for example, the smartphone 12a of the user 12.

  First, in FIG. 1, when the smartphone 12a (and its user 12) approaches the vicinity of the digital post 10a and enters, for example, an area where Wi-Fi communication can be performed, the smartphone 12a communicates with the digital post 10a. Communication for sharing such digital post information is called "digital post communication".

  Digital post communication is communication performed in the following flow.

  (I) When new digital post information not stored in the smartphone 12a is stored in the digital post 10a, the smart phone 12a captures the new digital post information and stores it inside.

  (Ii) On the other hand, when new digital post information not stored in the digital post 10a is stored in the smartphone 12a, the digital post 10a captures and stores the new digital post information internally.

  (Iii) Such operations (i) and (ii) are repeated with the various digital posts 10 as the smartphone 12a moves.

  By performing such digital post communication, sharing of digital post information is performed.

  Although digital post communication can be performed for all digital post information, it is also preferable to set restriction based on the performance of the smartphone 12a or the like and the selection of the user.

  That is, depending on the performance and other limitations of the smartphone 12a and the like, it may be preferable in some cases to set the digital post communication to be performed only for the information that the user 12 wants to receive the distribution. In such a case, in the step (i), the digital post information is limited to the digital post information that the user 12 designates to receive the distribution. In the step (ii), in principle, it is preferable not to limit or limit the type of digital post information.

  In addition, although the smart phone 12a was made into an example and demonstrated here, the mobile telephone which a human carries, a tablet-type computer, a game device, and other various personal communication apparatuses can be used besides.

(2) Vehicles (vehicle type information collection and diffusion device 18 etc.)
In the above example, the smartphone 12a carried by the user (human) is an example of a moving body, but in the following, an example of a moving body attached to a vehicle such as a bus, taxi, public car or courier truck explain. For example, it is preferable to be configured to be attached to or incorporated into a car navigation device or the like. A mobile body attached to this bus or taxi is called an on-vehicle type information gathering and spreading device 18 in this embodiment. It is also possible to carry out digital post communication using the type information gathering and spreading device 18. The operation is basically the same as that of the smartphone 12a described in the above (1). However, in the case of the information collection and diffusion device provided accompanying the vehicle, there are many cases where the performance is high compared to the smartphone 12a carried by a person, etc., so unlike the case of the smartphone 12a etc. in the above (1) It is preferable not to carry out restrictions by the type of digital post information, but in some cases various restrictions may be provided.

  Now, in FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the mail collection and delivery vehicle is equipped with the on-vehicle information collection and diffusion devices 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e described in this section (2). Here, the vehicle-mounted information collection and diffusion apparatus 18 can adopt various configurations as the information collection and diffusion apparatus, and basically, the configuration similar to that of the digital post 10 described above is adopted.

  However, the on-vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18 is configured to have a function of transmitting and receiving information similar to the smartphone 12 a and the like in order to perform substantially the same operation as the smartphone 12 a described above and bridge information sharing. Is preferred.

  The operation in the case of performing information sharing using the on-vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18 is as follows, for example.

  As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the mail collection and delivery vehicle 19 moves, and the on-vehicle type information collection and diffusion device 18 c also moves in the area. As a result, when the on-vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18 approaches the vicinity of the digital post 10a and enters an area where Wi-Fi communication can be performed, the digital post communication described above is performed, and the digital post 10 and the digital post information are transmitted. Make a replacement. As a result, information sharing of digital post information is realized. The specific operation at this time is described in the above-mentioned 2-1. It is the same as the step of (i) (ii) (iii) described in (1).

  In particular, in the case of using the mail collection and delivery vehicle 19 as shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that the digital post 10 be juxtaposed to a so-called post. The postal mark in FIG. 1 represents a postal post. As described above, in the case of using the on-vehicle type information collection and diffusion device 18, it is desirable that the vehicle on which the device is mounted be set its traveling route so as to pass as much as possible the point where the digital post 10 is disposed. Alternatively, it is also preferable to devise setting the placement point of the digital post 10 as close as possible to the travel route of the vehicle. Although an example of the mail collection and delivery vehicle 19 has been shown as the vehicle, a bus or the like is also preferable because it travels a predetermined course. Moreover, although it does not drive | work a fixed course, it is possible to use various vehicles, such as a taxi and a delivery truck, etc. Also, personal vehicles may be used.

  Thus, information sharing is realized using the smartphone 12a or the like carried by a person or the on-vehicle type information collection and diffusion device 18 attached to the vehicle.

2-2. Information sharing using fixed communication from digital post 10 to digital post 10 As a means for transmitting information from digital post 10 to another digital post 10 and realizing information sharing, as described in (a) above, It is also preferable to employ means that utilize fixed communication. The fixed communication includes wired connection and wireless connection, but FIG. 1 shows an example of wireless connection.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of sharing digital post information using inter-station wireless communication 22. In this case, digital post communication is performed by the following operation.

  (I) First, when new digital post information not stored in the digital post 10c is stored in the digital post 10d, the digital post 10c captures the new digital post information from the digital post 10d and internally stores the new digital post information Remember.

  (Ii) On the other hand, when new digital post information not stored in the digital post 10d is stored in the digital post 10c, the digital post 10d captures the new digital post information from the digital post 10c and internally stores the new digital post information Remember.

  (Iii) Information sharing of digital post information is performed by the digital posts 10 c and 10 d constantly (or periodically) performing such an operation (i) (ii). Alternatively, it is also preferable that the digital post 10c or 10d performs the above operation (i) (ii) each time it acquires new digital post information.

  Information sharing can be realized by performing the operations of the steps (i), (ii), and (iii).

  The inter-station “wireless” communication 22 shown in FIG. 1 can use various frequency bands and various communication schemes. Moreover, it is also preferable to use not only radio waves but also optical communication (laser optical communication etc.).

  Although an example using inter-station wireless communication 22 has been described as an example of fixed communication in FIG. 1, the same operation as the above (i) (ii) (iii) may be performed even with fixed “wired” connection. It is possible. The wired connection may be a connection using a cable using a so-called metal wire or a connection using an optical fiber is also preferable.

2-3. Information Sharing from the Digital Post 10 to the Digital Post 10 Using a Network Using Wide Area Communication Beyond the Internet Etc. As a means to diffuse information from the digital post 10 to other digital posts 10 and realize information sharing, As described in (b), it is also preferable to use wide area communication beyond the Internet or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the digital post 10 b and the digital post 10 c are connected using wide area communication 20 using the Internet. As described above, it is also preferable to share information of digital post information by using the wide area communication 20. The information sharing operation in this case is basically the same as 2-2. (I) to (iii) in the case of using the inter-station wireless communication of

2-4. Environment construction In this way, by arranging various communications between digital posts 10, information sharing of digital post information is performed, and further, the spread of digital post information to (the users of) the area. Can be In addition, the maintenance of such various communication is called the adjustment of the digital post environment (maintenance of the digital post environment).

  By preparing such a digital post environment, it is possible to provide an environment in which digital post information can be shared with each other even if a so-called carrier communication line widely used at present is damaged due to a disaster or the like.

Chapter 3 Usage of this embodiment and characteristic functions
3-1. Mode of Use In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the digital post 10 is placed in a predetermined area, and digital post information is shared among the digital posts 10, thereby making it possible to Digital post information can be distributed (diffused). For example, according to the present embodiment, even when the e-mail address of the distribution destination is unknown, it is possible to perform information distribution close to direct mail, and it is possible to perform more convenient advertisement and the like. That is, in the case of distributing advertisement information such as direct mail using the system of the present embodiment, there is control of distribution by the type of information, etc., but the personal e.g. It is easy to make information unnecessary. Therefore, information similar to direct mail such as advertisement can be distributed to the users in that area while the other party's mail address is unknown.

  Furthermore, even when a failure occurs in the existing so-called carrier communication line, information sharing of digital post information is performed by the various communication means (the above-mentioned 2-1. 2-2.2-3 etc.). It is possible to deliver digital post information such as public information, fault information and disaster information to the area. Therefore, for example, it is possible to use for communication at the time of disaster.

3-2. Characteristic Functions As the characteristic functions in the present embodiment, the following functions may be mentioned.
(Function 1) In the information distribution system 100 of the present embodiment in which the digital post 10 has a function of transmitting / receiving digital post information to / from a wireless terminal outside the digital post 10, the digital post 10 A function is provided to provide information to the smartphone 14a and the like, and to acquire information from a wireless terminal (the smartphone 14a and the like).

  The function of this (function 1) is described in FIG. That is, the outdoor digital post 10c distributes the acquired information as the information related to the place where the outdoor digital post 10c is placed. This means that the outdoor digital post 10c functions as a fixed point portal site. For example, when the smartphone 14a carried by the user 14 moves along with the movement of the user 14 and approaches the vicinity of the outdoor digital post 10c, the outdoor digital post 10c is a digital post that the smartphone 14a wishes to deliver Information is distributed to the smartphone 14a.

  In order to realize such a function, it is necessary to have a communication function with which the smartphone 14a and the outdoor digital post 10c can communicate. For example, the smart phone 14a is equipped with a Wi-Fi connection means, and the outdoor digital post 10c is equipped with a function such as a Wi-Fi router (Wi-Fi base station, Wi-Fi master device) corresponding thereto. It is suitable. As communication means, various communication means are possible, and it is also possible to adopt means conforming to Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1) or other various communication standards. It is also preferable that one outdoor digital post 10c be provided with a plurality of communication means. For example, the outdoor digital post 10c may be configured to be capable of communicating with a mobile having Bluetooth communication means in addition to the Wi-Fi communication means and having any communication means.

  At the time of delivery of the digital post information, it is preferable that the outdoor digital post 10c acquire the type of digital post information desired to be delivered from the smartphone 14a and deliver the digital post information matching the type. . For example, if only public information or an advertisement for home appliances is desired, the smartphone 14a transmits such a type to the outdoor digital post 10c.

  Furthermore, depending on digital post information, it may be considered that the delivery target is limited. For example, there are also cases where it is desirable to limit the delivery destination of women's cosmetics advertisements etc. In such a case, the smartphone 14a transmits the profile of the user 14 to the outdoor digital post 10c, and the outdoor digital post 10c delivers digital post information matching the profile of the user 14c to the smartphone 14a.

  In addition, the digital post 10c and the like can receive the provision of digital post information that it is desired to distribute from the smartphone 12a instead of distribution. Calling this action "posting" is as described above.

  In addition, in this embodiment, although a smart phone 14a etc. are mainly demonstrated as a mobile radio | wireless terminal, it can utilize also with another kind of mobile radio | wireless terminal. For example, it may be a notebook personal computer or a tablet computer.

  Note that the external wireless terminal (mobile wireless terminal) described in the present embodiment, for example, the smartphone 14a, various computers, and the like correspond to preferable examples of the external terminal in the claims.

(Function 2) Web Server Function For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor digital post 10f has a function of disclosing the digital post information stored therein at a portal site (information bulletin board). The outdoor digital post 10f has a function of making the Web open to the wireless terminal (smartphone 16a or the like) connected to the outdoor digital post 10f from the outside.

  The outdoor digital post 10f has a so-called web server function in order to realize the web publishing function. Then, predetermined digital post information is released on this web server. As shown in FIG. 1, when the smartphone 16a comes in the vicinity of the outdoor digital post 10f, the smartphone 16a detects a web server provided by the outdoor digital post 10f. Once detected, the smartphone 16a, so-called web browser, can be accessed in the same manner as a normal web server on the Internet to obtain desired information.

  In addition, when publishing digital post information on a web server, in general, there are many cases where browsing is performed without restriction to many unspecified users, so an attribute that can be published by a web server is added to digital post information It is preferable to configure as possible. Digital post information to which such an attribute or the attribute is added is called "public information". Then, it is preferable that the outdoor digital post 10 f publish on the web server only digital post information to which the attribute of such public information (possible to be published by the web server) is given.

  In addition, the user 16 can use the smartphone 16a to check, at any time, whether or not there is an outdoor digital post 10f that provides a web server around it. The smartphone 16a is configured to notify the user 16 that the web server has been detected by sounding a buzzer, activating a vibration, blinking a lamp, or the like when the web server that can be connected in the vicinity is detected. You may The user 16 notified of the detection of the web server can operate the web browser of the smartphone 16a to search for desired data on the web server provided by the outdoor digital post 10f.

(Function 3) Function for Spreading and Collecting Information Stored in On-vehicle Type Information Collection and Diffusion Device 18 (also called on-vehicle Digital Post) In this embodiment, two types of configurations will be described as the information collection and diffusion device.

  (A) One of them is a digital post 10, which is a so-called "fixed" information gathering and spreading device. In particular, the one placed outdoors is called the outdoor digital post 10, but the basic functions are the same. In any case, it is assumed that the digital post 10 is one that is constantly placed at the location without assuming movement basically.

  (B) Another type of information collection and diffusion apparatus is an on-vehicle type information collection and diffusion apparatus 18, which is an example of a "mobile type" information collection and diffusion apparatus. As described above, the on-vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18 plays a role of “sharing” digital post information by transmitting and receiving information to and from the digital post 10. Therefore, the basic function is configured by adding the information sharing function by the smartphone 12 a to the function of the digital post 10.

  Therefore, the operation in the case of performing information sharing is the above 1-3. It is almost the same as the operation of the smartphone 12a described above.

  However, the above 1-3. The smartphone 12a is owned by the individual user 12 and may not transmit or receive all digital post information. For example, as described in (Function 1) above, the type may be set in digital post information, and the delivery destination may be limited. It is also preferable to configure such digital post information so as to be shared only by the smartphone 12a that is permitted to distribute the digital post information.

  On the other hand, the on-vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18 described in the present (function 3) basically transmits and receives all kinds of digital post information with the fixed digital post 10, and shares all kinds of digital post information Contribute to

  Furthermore, the on-vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18 has the same function as the digital post 10, and the smartphone 12a and the like can “post” digital post information to the on-vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18 is there. This operation is described in the above 1-2-1. And the like.

Chapter 4 Configuration of Individual Apparatus So far, the mechanism for sharing and spreading regional information, public information and direct mail (digital post information) has been described for the entire regional communication system 100. The configuration and operation of each device for realizing these operations will be described below.

4-1. (Internal) Configuration of Digital Post 10 As described above, in the present embodiment, the fixed digital post 10 and the mobile on-board information collection and diffusion device 18 are described as preferable examples as the information collection and diffusion device. It has been. Among these, the configuration of the digital post 10 is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the digital post 10 mainly includes a power supply 30 and a main unit 32. The power source 30 is connected to a commercial power source or the like and supplies predetermined power to the main unit 32. The main body unit 32 includes an information storage storage medium 40, a communication unit 42, an information processing unit 44, and a Web server 46. In addition, a GPS unit 48 may be connected to the information processing unit 44 (see FIG. 2).

  The information storage medium 40 is preferably constructed using a solid state drive (SSD) or the like, but any means may be used as long as certain data can be stored. Semiconductor storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, and the like can also be used. The capacity also depends on the amount of data handled in the area, but several hundred MB to several TB are considered appropriate. Moreover, if it is a small municipality, it is considered that it can be effectively used even from about 1 TB.

  The information storage medium 40 corresponds to a preferable example of the storage unit in the claims.

  In addition, in this information storage medium 40, digital post information such as direct mail and regional information is stored together with its attribute information. When the communication unit 42 detects the smartphone 12a or the like in the communicable area, digital post information is extracted from the inside of the information storage medium 40 based on the condition transmitted from the smartphone 12a, and the smartphone 12a is extracted. Deliver to (diffuse). The information processing unit 44 executes this extraction and distribution operation.

  In addition, when digital post information (including distribution conditions such as distribution time and attributes of a target person for distribution, etc.) is posted from the smartphone 12a or the like approaching to the vicinity, the communication unit 42 performs the digital post information Receive information The information processing unit 42 stores the received digital post information in the information storage medium 40 together with predetermined distribution conditions and the like. The stored digital post information is an object of information sharing, and is transmitted to another digital post 10 or the like through the communication unit 42.

  Communication unit 42 is a communication unit that supports various communications. (A) wireless terminal connection with a smartphone or the like, (b) inter-station wireless between the digital posts 10, (c) mobile wireless communication for connection with the on-vehicle type information gathering and spreading device 18 (see FIG. 1), (D) A wide area connection function (such as the wide area communication 20 in FIG. 1) is supported.

  First, the communication unit 42 supports communication (terminal communication in FIG. 1) of terminal wireless connection with a terminal on the user side (for example, the smartphone 12 a or the like). This communication is, for example, a communication method such as Wi-Fi communication or Bluetooth, and communication with the terminal on the user side is performed using these communication methods. By supporting this communication, receiving postings from the smartphone 12 a of the user 12, distributing digital post information to the smartphone 14 a of the user 14, and the like are performed. This function is represented as "terminal radio" in FIG.

  Second, communication unit 42 supports communication with other digital posts 10. This corresponds to inter-station radio communication in FIG. 1, and is represented as “inter-station radio” in FIG. However, depending on the use and the size of the area (city or city), wired connection may be used.

  Third, the communication unit 42 supports communication with the onboard information gathering and spreading device 18 and this function is represented as "mobile radio" in FIG. The mobile radio preferably uses a communication method called mobile communication such as so-called mobile telephone. Various communication methods are known for mobile communication, and are widely used for automobiles, ships, aircrafts, and the like, but it is also preferable to adopt those communication methods.

  Fourth, the communication unit 42 supports a wide area connection function (such as the wide area communication 20 in FIG. 1). Various types of wide area connection functions are known. However, for example, a method of connecting in a wide area via the Internet or the like is known, and it is also preferable to use a regional IP network or the like. In FIG. 2, this function is represented as "wide area network connection".

  Although the communication methods supported by the communication unit 42 have been described above, depending on the application, it is not necessary to support all the communication methods described above, and the communication methods corresponding to the application and the scale of the area are supported. It should just be. In addition, it is also preferable to adopt another communication method according to the application or purpose.

  The communication unit 42 corresponds to a preferable example of the first communication unit and the second communication unit in the claims.

  The information processing unit 44 is a unit that processes the entire processing of the digital post 10, and generally comprises a processor such as a CPU and a storage device storing a program executed by the CPU. The storage device for storing the program may be shared with the information storage storage medium 40 described above. The processing operation of the digital post 10 is realized by the CPU executing this program.

  One of the main processes of the information processing unit 44 is reception and delivery of digital post information. The information processing unit 44 appropriately stores the digital post information that has been posted from the outside via the communication unit 42 in the information storage storage medium 40 as appropriate. Also, in response to an external request, digital post information extracted from the information storage storage medium 40 is sent out via the communication unit 42 according to the conditions included in the request. Thus, the information processing unit 44 performs necessary filtering for receiving and distributing digital post information.

  The information processing unit 44 corresponds to a preferred example of the control means in the claims.

  In addition, the digital post information stored in the information storage storage medium 40 often has a valid period (also called a survival period or lifetime) as attribute information. This is a device to prevent delivery of old data. The information processing unit 44 also executes an operation such as deleting the digital post information according to an elapsed time after the digital post information is posted (after being sent). This can prevent old data from remaining.

  The Web server 46 is described in 3-2. It is a means for realizing the Web server function described in (Function 2) in the inside. Some digital post information is provided for viewing by an unspecified number of users without particular limitation on the delivery destination. Such digital post information is given an attribute (public information) that can be published by the Web server. Then, the Web server 46 releases the digital post information to which the attribute with such public information is given.

  Specifically, the Web server is realized by a Web server program (called an HTTP server or the like) for realizing the Web server 46. The Web server 46 appropriately takes out, in the information storage storage medium 40, digital post information to which the attribute that the Web server can be released is given, and provides it to the accessing user. Communication with the accessing user is performed via the communication unit 42 and the information processing unit 44. Further, the user 12 can access the web server 46 via, for example, the smartphone 12a, and can browse information published on the web on the smartphone 12a. Such an operation enables the user to use a portal site on the digital post 10, so to speak.

  Note that the information processing unit 44 executes an operation such as converting the accumulated information that can be disclosed into a Web format (HTML format etc.) for publication and supplying it to the Web server 46, but the Web server 46 It is also suitable to carry out.

  In addition, it is also preferable to have the smartphone 12a search the surroundings sequentially to detect that any digital post 10 is providing a portal site through the web server 46, if the user desires. When the smartphone 12 a is set as described above, it is also preferable to be configured to notify the user 12 by ringing or the like that the smartphone 12 a has detected the digital post 10 providing the portal site.

  In addition, the web server 46 corresponds to a preferable example of “portal site providing means” in the claims.

4-2. Configuration of on- vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18 The configuration of the on- vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18 is basically the above-described 4-1. It is almost the same as the digital post 10 described above. However, a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit 48 is provided outside the main body unit 32 from the viewpoint of moving along with the vehicle. The GPS unit 48 is connected to the information processing unit 44, takes in the position and time of the on-vehicle type information collection and diffusion device 18, and appropriately transmits the information and the information to the information processing unit. As a result, the on-vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18 can grasp the current time, and thus the information processing unit 44 deletes the digital post information based on the lifetime of the digital post information or the digital post to be distributed for a limited time. It is possible to execute control of delivery of information and the like. For example, it is possible to perform control such as delivery only on holidays and delivery only on weekday evenings. In this case, for example, an attribute such as distribution is required to be added only to holidays on the digital post information.

  Further, since the GPS unit 48 detects the current position, the information processing unit 44 can control the delivery of digital post information based on the current position. For example, when traveling on an expressway, providing traffic information on the expressway to surrounding drivers or providing tsunami information if near the sea may be considered. It is also preferable to provide regional information specific to that location. In such a case, such digital attribute information needs to be attached to the digital post information.

  Although the GPS unit 48 literally uses the GPS, any means may be used as long as it is a means for obtaining a position, time, etc. by a so-called satellite positioning system. Further, it is also preferable to use various means used for so-called GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) survey or the like. Any other means capable of measuring the current position can be used. The GPS unit 48 is a preferred example of the position measuring means in the claims.

4-3. Other Configurations / Modifications (1) GPS Unit 48
Although the GPS unit 48 is described as being included in the on-vehicle information collection and diffusion device 18, it is also preferable to be included in the fixed digital post 10. When the arrangement of the digital post 10 is changed, it is also possible to input the point to the digital post 10 each time, but it is provided with the GPS unit 48 and configured to automatically acquire the position of the own device. Is also suitable. In addition, if the GPS unit 48 is provided, the time can also be detected, which facilitates the delivery based on the time or time.

  Although the GPS unit 48 is provided outside the main body unit 32 in the above example, it may be built in the main body unit 32.

(2) Information storage storage medium 40
In the above example, the information storage storage medium 40 is built in the main unit 32, but may be stored in storage means outside the leaf. In addition, it is also possible for the administrator to supply the digital post information from the external storage device by connecting the external storage device instead of the information storage storage medium 40 or together with the information storage storage medium 40 as appropriate.

(3) Communication unit 32
If the existing building is already equipped with a communication facility such as Wi-Fi, it is also preferable to omit the communication unit 42 and install the digital post 10 using the existing facility, for example. is there.

(4) Web server 46
Further, depending on the individual digital post 10 and the on-vehicle information collection and diffusion apparatus 18, the Web server function may not be necessary. In that case, the web server 46 can be omitted.

Chapter 5 Digital Post Information Posting Method, Analysis Method of Information Distribution Status (Distribution Status), and Other Operations (1) Digital Post Information Posting Posting of digital post information was briefly explained in Figure 1 The detailed operation will be described based on FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the state of the smart phone 52a posting the digital post information to be distributed to the digital post 10 on the digital post 10. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, the user 52 who intends to submit digital post information operates the smartphone 52a, and the desired digital post information, along with the delivery conditions, storage conditions, and other attributes, is digital post information. Send (post) to 10 (refer to the posting access 54a in FIG. 3).

  The desired digital post information is, for example, advertisement information such as direct mail, or public information such as a notice from a municipality. The distribution condition indicates the type of the user who is the target of distribution, etc., and is a condition basically attached to the digital post information. For example, gender and age. In addition, the preferences and interests of the user may be included in the conditions. In addition, geographical conditions, conditions of buildings, etc. may be included. For example, it distributes only in the town of X town, distributes only to the customer who came to the store. The delivery condition is a condition basically attached to digital post information, but it is not essential. For example, when it is delivered to many unspecified people like "public information" described later, it may be considered that there is no delivery condition.

  The storage condition means the lifetime (storage period) of the digital post information. For example, in the case where a sale is performed for one week in an advertisement or the like, the storage condition is set to one week after posting. Moreover, it is also preferable to set this period so that the start time can be specified. This makes it possible to make a reservation for advertisement start. For example, it is also preferable to make settings such as starting distribution from next month.

  The digital post information whose storage period has passed is deleted by the information processing unit 44 as needed or periodically. Even in the case of digital post information to which the storage condition is not assigned, it is conceivable that the information processing unit 44 appropriately deletes the digital post information if the storage period becomes excessive or the like.

  Also, it is preferable to add various other attributes to digital post information. The attribute of "public information" that permits the web server 46 to be targeted for distribution, the attribute of being information for a specific private group, the attribute of indicating that it is information of a special format, and so on Various attributes can be added to indicate the nature of the post information.

  In the case where the digital post 10 does not exist in the vicinity of the smartphone 52a, that is, in the range in which communication is possible, it is also preferable to temporarily store the digital post 10 in a storage device inside the smartphone 52a. Thereafter, it is also preferable to configure the smart phone 14a to transmit digital post information to the digital post 10 as soon as the digital post 10 can be detected.

  As described above, it is preferable to configure a posting application for posting digital post information, including an operation for temporarily storing digital post information.

  Thus, when the posting access 54a is performed, the digital post 10 receives the posted contents via the communication unit 42, and the information processing unit 44 stores the contents in the information storage storage medium 40. . Next, the digital post 10 sends back a posting reception access 54b to the smartphone 52a to indicate that the posting access 54a has been successfully received. As shown in FIG. 3, the posting reception access 54b is a distribution reception record, and when the posting reception access 54b is received, the smartphone 52a displays that effect on the screen. The user 52 can confirm that the posting has been successfully performed by confirming the screen display.

  In FIG. 3, the term “data” means data that mainly includes digital post information and also includes distribution conditions and the like.

(2) Analysis of Delivery Status Once submission has been made, the user 52 can analyze the delivery status in a timely manner. As shown in FIG. 4, the user 52 who is going to confirm and analyze the distribution status of the posted digital post information operates the smartphone 52a to execute the analysis access 56a of the posted digital post information. At that time, it is preferable that the analysis access 56a includes a request for a distribution status including the distribution reception record transmitted by the posting reception access 54b.

  The digital post 10 receiving the analysis access 56 a via the communication unit 42 specifies the posting of digital post information to be analyzed based on the distribution reception record included in the access by the information processing unit 44. Then, the information processing unit 44 reads out the delivery status of the identified posting from the information storage storage medium 40, and sends the delivery status to the smartphone 52a via the communication unit 42 (delivery status access 56b in FIG. 4). The distribution status access 56 b includes the distribution status of the posted digital post information.

  Such an analysis access 56 a is a message for requesting a delivery status for analysis of the delivery status, and corresponds to a preferable example of “request for delivery status” in the claims. Further, the distribution reception record included in the distribution status request is an identifier for specifying the target digital post information, and corresponds to a preferable example of the “digital post information identifier” in the claims. . Of course, as an identifier for identifying digital post information, it is also preferable to assign a predetermined ID to each digital post information, or to use a predetermined serial number or a timestamp including geographical conditions or time.

  In this way, after posting the digital post information, the user 52 obtains the “delivery status” which is analysis information on how many users were delivered, and at what time intervals they were delivered. can do. The distribution status may include geographical information such as a distributed area.

  For example, when the provision of digital post information is received from the smartphone 52a of the user 52 for "providing information", the digital post 10 updates the reception history to construct a "delivery status" which is a so-called log. I will. Further, when the digital post information is distributed to the smartphone 52a of the user 52, the “distribution status” can be constructed also by the digital post 10 updating the distribution history. This delivery status is information accompanying digital post information, and information is shared with other digital posts 10 as with digital post information. It is preferable that the sharing of the distribution status is also realized by setting a time stamp at the time of acquisition of digital post information as a target of information sharing. The delivery status will be described in detail in the next section (4).

  Now, upon receiving the delivery status access 56b, the smartphone 52a displays the delivery status contained therein on the display. As a result, the user 52 can know the delivery status of the posted digital post information.

(3) Distribution of Digital Post Information The distribution of digital post information has been briefly described with reference to FIG. 1, but the detailed operation will be described based on FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing how the digital post 10 distributes digital post information to the smartphone 52a.

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, when the smart phone 52a detects the digital post 10 within the range in which communication is possible, the user 52 who tries to post digital post information operates the smart phone 52a and delivers his / her own The conditions and the like are transmitted to the digital post 10 (see connection access 58a in FIG. 5). Delivery conditions are gender, age, etc. as described above, but other various conditions may be used. Users who like coffee may want to be of different age, as long as they have digital post information that has coffee attributes.

  The connection access 58a is an access for requesting delivery of digital post information, and is a person who transmits various delivery conditions to the digital post 10. Therefore, the connection access 58a corresponds to a preferred example of the "delivery request" in the claims.

  The digital post 10 receives the connection access 58a via the communication unit 42, and the information processing storage unit 44 refers to the conditions included in the content to obtain digital post information matching the conditions from the information storage storage medium 40. Take out. Next, the information processing unit 44 of the digital post 10 sends the retrieved digital post information back to the smartphone 52a via the communication unit 42 (distribution access 58b in FIG. 5). In this way, digital post information is distributed.

(4) Recording of Delivery Status Furthermore, what is characteristic of this embodiment is that such a delivery is recorded. Such a record may be called, for example, a "log".

  For example, in Chapter 5 (1), although the delivery reception record is sent back to the smartphone 52a, it is preferable to record this in the information storage storage medium 40 as a log. In the present embodiment, this log is called a distribution status.

  Further, for example, when the distribution access 58b in Chapter 5 (3) and FIG. 5 is returned, the information processing unit 44 stores the record of the distribution in the information storage storage medium 40. In this way, by recording when, where, and to whom the digital post information has been distributed, it is possible to analyze the distribution situation described above with reference to FIG. The content recorded in this manner is the distribution status.

  The distribution status is, in principle, information including the distributed device (which digital post 10 has distributed) and the distributed time. In addition, various information, conditions used for extraction, etc. may be included. Furthermore, it is preferable to include the geographical position of the delivered digital post. The geographical position is also preferably registered, for example, when the digital post 52a is installed, and may be determined by the own device using the GPS unit 48 or the like.

  The distribution status is recorded when the digital post information is distributed by the distribution access 58b, but the exact timing is various. For example, the distribution information may be recorded at the timing when the information processing unit 44 extracts the digital post information, or the distribution information may be recorded at the timing when the digital post information is sent to the communication unit 42. Further, the communication unit 42 may record the distribution information at the timing when the digital post information is distributed to the smartphone 52a by the distribution access 58b.

  Also, the distribution status recorded in this way is information associated with each digital post information. That is, the delivery status is the information attached to the digital post information as in the delivery condition and the like described with reference to FIG. Therefore, when the digital post information is shared among the digital posts 10, the distribution condition is also shared as the distribution condition and the like. That is, even if the digital post 10a and the digital post 10b store the same digital post information, if the stored distribution status is different, the newer distribution status is updated. As a result, the record that the delivery has been made can also be widely shared among the digital posts 10 in the regional communication system 100.

  As a result, the smartphone 52a which has posted predetermined digital post information can request the status of distribution of the digital post information posted by itself to the digital post 10b different from the posted digital post 10a (FIG. 4). reference).

  In FIG. 5, the term “data” mainly refers to digital post information, but may include other distribution conditions, distribution status, and various attribute information (for example, lifetime) regarding the digital post information. .

Chapter 6 Provision of regional information to designated spots To a designated designated spot (region where the regional communication system 100 is constructed) using the regional communication system 100 including the digital post 10 described in the present embodiment It is possible to provide information intensively. An explanatory diagram showing this situation is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a regional information provision server 62 that provides regional information on a certain region may be placed on the Internet 60. As the area information providing server 62, for example, a weather information server 62a, a traffic information server 62b, etc. may be mentioned, but in addition, a disaster information server, an area advertisement server, etc. may be included.

Now, in the configuration as shown in FIG. 6, the regional information provision server 62 posts the information to be provided on the digital post 10 as digital post information (indicated by 70a). The digital post information posted here is public information transmitted by the regional information providing server 62 in a fixed format. As described in FIG. 1, since the regional communication system 100 can be connected by the wide area communication 20 using Interene t 60 or the like, the regional information influence server 62 transmits the digital post 10 to the digital post 10 via this wide area communication network. The public information can be posted 70a as digital post information.

  When the digital post 10 i receives the posting 70 a of the digital post information, which is the public information, from the area information providing server 62, the digital post 10 i shares the digital post 10 with each other. This sharing operation is similar to the operation described in FIG. 1 and Chapter 2. In FIG. 6, broken arrows 70 b and 70 c indicate how digital post information, which is public information, is propagated by this sharing operation. Although various communication systems are available between the digital posts 10, in the example of FIG. 6, an example of fixed communication is shown between the digital posts 10i and the digital posts 10h. Communication between the digital post 10 h and the smartphone 52 used by the user 52 is performed by general mobile communication. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, mobile radio is used.

  In this way, digital post information which is public information is temporarily stored in the internal information storage storage medium 40 at each digital post 10i and 10h.

  In this embodiment, in order to indicate that the digital post information is public information, an attribute of public information is added. Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the digital post information to which the attribute of public information is added is the target of the public in the Web server 46. The digital post information to which the attribute of public information is given corresponds to a preferable example of “digital post information permitted to be published on a portal site” in the claims.

  As a result of such processing, the user terminal such as the smart phone 52a accesses the Web server 46 in the digital post 10h via the Web, thereby various information related to the area / location provided by the area information providing server 62. It is browsable. This web access corresponds to a preferred example of the "access request" in the claims.

  As described above, according to the example of FIG. 6, any terminal can access the Web server 46 as long as it has a function to access the Web, and can browse predetermined public information. . If the URL of the Web server in the digital post 10 is determined in advance, it is possible for anyone to browse regional information of a predetermined region by accessing the URL.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to include link data to the regional information providing server 62 in digital post information which is public information. The user 52 can access the web server 46 of the digital post 10 and can browse various information related to the area, and particularly by using the link data when wanting to know detailed information. It is possible to make a so-called redirect connection to the regional information provision server 62. This redirect connection 80 is shown in FIG.

  By the way, in a general Internet connection environment, a user often connects to the regional information provision server 62 by keyword search from an integrated site using a search engine called a portal site. However, when it is desired to obtain highly regional information specific to the area, such a method using a general portal site may be time-consuming and cumbersome.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the area information providing server 62 provided on the Internet 60 transmits the public information to the area communication system 100 of the area as shown in FIG. It is possible to view various information associated with the place where the user is located, without considering the location (area) of the user. Then, when the user 52 wants to know more detailed information, as described above, based on the link data to the area information providing server 62, the user 52 is connected to the Internet 60 side and the place (the area communication system 100 is located It is possible to provide more real-time information to users in the area / place). As a result, it is possible to construct a more convenient system for the user 52 who wants to know regional information. In addition, the public information can also be sent directly to the designated spot (designated area) for the side that provides the information (local information providing server 62), so improvement in the provision efficiency of the regional information can be expected. it can.

10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10h, 10i Digital Post 12, 14, 16, 52 Users 12a, 14a, 16a, 52a Smartphones 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e Vehicle type information Collection and diffusion device 19 Mail collection and delivery vehicle 20 Wide area communication 30 Power supply 32 Main unit 40 Information storage storage medium 42 Communication unit 44 Information processing unit 46 Web server 48 GPS unit 54a 70a Submission access 54b Submission reception access 56a Analysis access 56b Distribution status access 58a connection Access 58b Delivery access 60 Internet 62 Area information server 62a Weather information server 62b Traffic information server etc. 70b, 70c Digital post information propagation 80 Relocation to area information server Irekuto connection 100 regional communication system

Claims (12)

Storage means for storing digital post information which is information to be delivered to an external terminal;
First communication means for receiving a distribution request from the external terminal;
A control unit that extracts the digital post information from the storage unit based on the request received by the first communication unit and outputs the digital post information to the first communication unit;
The first communication unit transmits the digital post information output from the control unit to the external terminal,
Second communication means for communicating with other information collection and diffusion devices other than the own device,
And further
The control means communicates with the other information collection and diffusion apparatus via the second communication means, and is digital post information stored in the storage means, and the other information collection and diffusion apparatus stores Sending the digital post information not received to the other information collecting and spreading device via the second communication means,
When the control means extracts the digital post information from the storage means based on the request received by the first communication means and outputs the digital post information to the first communication means, the control means may The storage condition as information accompanying the digital post information, including the information on the own apparatus that delivered the digital post information and the information on the time when the delivery was performed, corresponding to the extracted digital post information, as the information associated with the digital post information Stored in the means,
The control means is the delivery situation accompanying the digital post information stored in the storage means, and the delivery situation not stored in another information collection and diffusion apparatus through the second communication means. An information collection and diffusion apparatus, which transmits to the other information collection and diffusion apparatus; The information collection and diffusion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means stores the received digital post information when the second communication means receives the digital post information from the other information collection and diffusion apparatus. An information collection and diffusion apparatus characterized by storing in a means. In the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The control means causes the storage means to store the received digital post information when the first communication means receives the digital post information transmitted by the external terminal. apparatus. In the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to claim 1,
The control means, when the first communication means receives a request for distribution status from the external terminal, transmits the digital post information from the storage means based on an identifier of digital post information included in the request for distribution status. The delivery status of the information is extracted and sent to the first communication means,
An information collection and diffusion apparatus, wherein the first communication unit transmits the distribution status of the digital post information sent from the control unit to the external terminal. In the information collection and diffusion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further,
Position measurement means for measuring the geographical position of the own device,
An information collection and diffusion apparatus, wherein the control means extracts the digital post information from the storage means based on the geographical position measured by the position measurement means. In the information collection and diffusion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further,
Equipped with portal site provision means,
When the first communication means receives, from the external terminal, an access request to the portal site provided by the portal site providing means, the portal site means receives the request.
The digital post information related to the access request, which is permitted to be disclosed at the portal site, is extracted from the storage means and sent out to the first communication means via the control means And
An information collection and diffusion apparatus, wherein the first communication means transmits the transmitted digital post information to the external terminal. The external terminal capable of communicating with the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to claim 6;
An external terminal characterized in that when detecting the information collection / diffusion device providing the portal site, the user is notified of the detection by ringing, activation of vibration, or blinking of a lamp. An information collection and diffusion apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein
The control means communicates with the external terminal via the first communication means, and is digital post information stored in the storage means, which is not stored by the external terminal. An information collection and diffusion apparatus, which transmits to the external terminal via the first communication means. 9. The external terminal in communication with the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
An external terminal transmitting digital post information stored in the external terminal, which is not stored in the storage unit of the information collection and diffusion apparatus, to the information collection and diffusion apparatus. The information collection and diffusion apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The control means communicates with the external terminal via the first communication means, and is digital post information stored by the external terminal, and is not stored by the storage means of the information collection and diffusion apparatus. An information collection and diffusion apparatus, wherein digital post information is fetched from the external terminal and stored in the storage unit. The external terminal in communication with the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to claim 9;
The external terminal communicates with the information collection and diffusion device, and the digital post information stored by the storage unit of the information collection and diffusion device, the digital post information not stored by the external terminal is collected An external terminal characterized in that it is fetched from a diffusion device and stored. 11. The external terminal for posting the digital post information to be spread on the information collection and diffusion apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 8 and 10.
If the information collection and diffusion apparatus does not exist within the communicable range, the digital post information is temporarily stored in a storage device in the external terminal, and then the external terminal transmits the information collection and diffusion An external terminal characterized by transmitting digital post information to the information gathering and spreading device as soon as the device can be detected.