JP7561520B2 - Information providing device, information providing method, and information providing program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information provision device, an information provision method, and an information provision program.

As information processing advances, technologies have been proposed that provide users with various content that corresponds to products. One example of such technology is a technology that reads an AR (Augmented Reality) marker attached to an absorbent article such as a diaper, and displays content such as a video that corresponds to the read AR marker on a screen.

JP 2019-024936 A

However, the above conventional techniques leave room for more effective promotion of absorbent articles.

For example, the above-mentioned conventional technologies merely display content that makes the wearer, such as a child, feel attached to the absorbent article. For this reason, it cannot be said that information about the absorbent article is effectively conveyed to the purchasers who actually purchase the absorbent article, such as the wearer's parents and the childcare workers who look after the child.

Furthermore, these issues are not limited to diapers for infants and children, but also apply to various absorbent articles such as adult diapers for elderly people and other people receiving care, and napkins and panty liners for users who are about to have their first period, and it cannot be said that information about absorbent articles is being effectively communicated to purchasers.

Furthermore, even when the same user purchases and uses the absorbent article, this issue only results in content being provided that makes the user feel attached to the absorbent article, and does not provide an explanation of the functions of the absorbent article to the user who purchases the absorbent article.

This application was made in light of the above, and aims to promote absorbent articles more effectively.

The information providing device according to the present application is characterized by having a receiving unit that receives identification information associated with a specific absorbent article, the identification information being indicated by code information photographed by a terminal device used by a user, and a providing unit that, when the identification information is received, provides composite content in which a specific content is combined with an image photographed by the terminal device, or related content related to the absorbent article associated with the identification information, in response to an operation by the user.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, by providing information about the absorbent article rather than simply making people feel attached to the absorbent article, the absorbent article can be promoted more effectively.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information providing process according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of content provided by the information providing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information providing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information registered in the identification information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of information registered in a user database according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of an information providing process executed by the information providing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration.

The present specification and accompanying drawings make clear at least the following:

An information providing device characterized by having a reception unit that receives identification information associated with a specific absorbent article, the identification information being indicated by code information photographed by a terminal device used by a user, and a provision unit that, when the identification information is received, provides composite content by combining a specific content with an image photographed by the terminal device, or related content related to the absorbent article associated with the identification information, in response to an operation by the user.

According to this information providing device, among users who are interested in absorbent articles and have photographed code information, those who want to know information about absorbent articles are provided with related content, while composite content is provided to other users. As a result of this processing, the information providing device, for example, can explain the features and functions of absorbent articles to users who want to know information about absorbent articles and encourage them to purchase, while branding the absorbent articles for other users through the composite content. As a result, the information providing device 10 can provide information to each user in an appropriate manner, thereby promoting the absorbent articles.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the providing unit may provide integrated content indicating the composite content and the related content, and provide content selected by the user from the integrated content.

With such an information providing device, it is possible to identify, via the integrated content, whether a user is requesting the provision of composite content or related content, and as a result, information can be provided to each user in an appropriate manner, thereby improving the appeal of the information.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the providing unit may provide content for children who wear absorbent articles as composite content, and provide content for purchasers who purchase absorbent articles as related content.

With this kind of information providing device, for example, among users shopping in a store, composite content for children can be provided to those who wish to soothe their children, and content for purchasers can be provided to those who wish to learn about absorbent articles. As a result of this processing, the information providing device can induce a favorable impression of the absorbent article in the wearer and purchaser, even when the wearer and purchaser of the absorbent article are different people.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the providing unit may provide content explaining the functions of the absorbent article as related content.

With this type of information providing device, it is possible to provide information explaining the functions of absorbent articles to users who wish to know the functions of absorbent articles, encouraging them to purchase them.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the providing unit may provide, as the composite content, a content that is composited with a predetermined content for soothing a child wearing an absorbent article.

This type of information providing device can induce a favorable impression of the absorbent article in the child who wears the absorbent article. As a result, it is possible to motivate the parent who is the purchaser to purchase the absorbent article that is the child's favorite.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the providing unit may provide synthetic content that includes audio as the synthetic content.

With this type of information providing device, it is possible to provide composite content that will attract a child's attention, even if the child is still too young to recognize characters.

The information providing device described above may also have a recognition unit that recognizes a person's face from an image captured by the terminal device, and a synthesis unit that synthesizes a predetermined content with the image when a person's face is recognized from the image, and the providing unit may provide the image with the predetermined content synthesized by the synthesis unit as the synthetic content.

This type of information providing device can provide AR content with various contents superimposed on it as composite content, which can entertain users and induce a favorable impression of the absorbent article in the user.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the synthesis unit may synthesize a predetermined content in an area of the image that is different from the area in which the recognition unit recognizes the person's face.

Such an information providing device can provide various information to the user without hiding the user's face, which can induce a favorable impression of the absorbent article in the user.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the synthesis unit may synthesize content in which a character corresponding to a specified absorbent article moves around a person's face.

Such an information providing device can entertain users, thereby eliciting a favorable impression of the absorbent article in the user.

The information providing device described above may also have a granting unit that grants a predetermined benefit to a user to whom the composite content is provided by the providing unit when the user performs a predetermined action.

This type of information providing device can motivate users to take various actions using the composite content, encouraging them to take a picture of the code information, etc., thereby making an impression on users about the absorbent article.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the providing unit may further provide an image or a moving image generated from the composite content in response to a user's operation when providing the composite content, and the granting unit may grant a predetermined benefit to the user when the providing unit provides the image or the moving image generated from the composite content.

This type of information providing device can provide benefits such as points to users who download the composite content, thereby providing motivation for viewing the composite content.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the providing unit may further provide an image or a moving image generated from the composite content in response to a user's operation when the composite content is provided, and the granting unit may grant a predetermined benefit to the user when the user posts the image or the moving image generated from the composite content on a predetermined social network service.

This type of information providing device can motivate users to post images of captured composite content on social media, allowing the composite content to be made widely known to the general public via social media, thereby improving the branding of absorbent articles, for example.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the granting unit may grant a predetermined benefit to a user when the user posts an image or a video generated from the composite content to an account related to a predetermined absorbent article.

With such an information providing device, the composite content can be made widely known to the general public via the absorbent article itself or the account of the business providing the absorbent article, thereby improving the branding of the absorbent article or the business, for example.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the granting unit may grant a predetermined benefit to a user when the composite content is provided and the user purchases a predetermined absorbent article.

Such an information providing device can motivate people to purchase absorbent articles.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, when the providing unit receives identification information indicated by code information printed on a printed matter installed in a store that sells a specified absorbent article, the providing unit may provide composite content that is different from the composite content that is provided when other identification information is received.

With this type of information providing device, secret AR content can be provided to users who visit a specific store, thereby providing users with an incentive to visit the specific store, making it possible to realize promotions via the specific store, for example.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, when the providing unit receives code information attached to a specified absorbent article or the contents of a package packaged as a specified absorbent article, the providing unit may provide composite content that is different from the composite content provided when other identification information is received.

With this type of information providing device, secret AR content can be provided to users who have actually purchased absorbent articles, thereby motivating them to purchase absorbent articles.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the reception unit may receive location information indicating the location of the terminal device along with the identification information, and the provision unit may provide the composite content if the location indicated by the location information is within a predetermined range from the store where the printed material is installed.

With this type of information providing device, AR content can be provided only to users who have actually visited the store where the printed material is installed, thereby giving users an incentive to visit the specified store.

In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the receiving unit may further receive an image captured by the terminal device, and the providing unit may deliver composite content, which is a composite of the image received from the terminal device and a specified content, to the terminal device and display the composite content on a screen of the terminal device.

This type of information providing device can provide AR content to terminal devices in the so-called WebAR format, which reduces the effort required to install applications in stores, sales areas, etc., making it easier to provide users with various types of information and AR content.

Below, an example of a form for implementing an information providing device, an information providing method, and an information providing program (hereinafter, referred to as an "embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information providing device, the information providing method, and the information providing program are not limited to this embodiment. Also, in the following embodiments, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[Embodiment]
[1. An example of an information provision system]
An information providing process realized by the calculation device or the like of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the information providing process according to the embodiment. The information providing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 has an information providing device 10 and a terminal device 100, which are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly via a network N (see, for example, FIG. 3). In addition, the information providing device 10 and the terminal device 100 are connected to any external server such as a social networking service (SNS) server SS or a point server PS so as to be able to communicate with each other. Note that the information providing system 1 may include any number of information providing devices 10 and any number of terminal devices 100.

The information providing device 10 is an information processing device that controls the information providing process described later, and is realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the information providing device 10 provides the user with content including various information related to absorbent articles. Here, the absorbent article is an absorbent article having an absorbent body that absorbs excrement, and may be, for example, a disposable diaper, an incontinence pad, or a sanitary product (napkin, liner, tampon, etc.). The absorbent article may be a diaper for infants or a diaper for adults. The absorbent article may also be a diaper worn using an adhesive tape, or a disposable pants-type diaper.

The terminal device 100 is an information processing device used by a purchaser who purchases absorbent articles. The terminal device 100 is realized, for example, by a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like. The terminal device 100 also displays information distributed by the information providing device 10 or the like using a web browser or an application. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 100 is a smartphone used by a user U.

Here, the terminal device 100 has a camera for taking various kinds of photographs, and has a function of transmitting still images or moving images (hereinafter simply referred to as "images") taken using the camera onto a network. For example, the terminal device 100 has a camera (a so-called outside camera) installed on the side opposite the screen, and a camera (a so-called inside camera) installed on the same side as the screen. The terminal device 100 then displays the images taken using the camera on a screen such as a touch panel.

For example, when a user takes a picture using an outside camera, the terminal device 100 will take a picture of a subject other than the user who is operating the device, and display the result of the picture on the screen. When a user takes a picture using an inside camera, the terminal device 100 will take a picture of the user viewing the screen as a subject, and display the result of the picture on the screen.

The terminal device 100 also has a function of identifying various pieces of information indicated by the captured code information when it photographs various pieces of code information using various cameras. For example, when a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) is photographed, the terminal device 100 identifies the character string or numerical value indicated by the photographed barcode or QR code as identification information. Note that the terminal device 100 may also identify, for example, the character string or numerical value indicated by code information (such as a digital watermark or steganography) embedded invisibly in various illustrations or figures as identification information.

The SNS server SS is an information processing device that provides various SNS services, and is realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. For example, when the SNS server SS accepts various content posted by users, such as still images and moving images, it makes the posted content available to other users.

The point server PS is a service related to absorbent articles, and provides a point service that awards a predetermined benefit to the user. For example, the point server PS awards points to the user when the user purchases a predetermined absorbent article, posts various information related to the absorbent article on SNS, uses a point service, etc. The points awarded in this way can be used, for example, to exchange for new absorbent articles, coupons that can be used when purchasing various absorbent articles, or exchange for various other products. The awarding and use of such points can be achieved using the same technology as various known point awarding services.

[2. Overview of information provision processing]
An overview of the information provision process for providing information about absorbent articles will be described below. Note that in the following description, an example of the information provision process for providing information about baby diapers will be described as an example of absorbent articles, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. As will be described later, the information provision process described below is also applicable to various feminine products such as adult diapers and napkins.

In order to promote the purchase and use of diapers, a technology is known in which an AR marker is printed on a baby's diaper, and when the AR marker is read by a terminal device, a character related to the diaper is displayed. In such technology, content is provided in which the character guides the child to the toilet, thereby encouraging the child to become attached to the diaper.

However, the above-mentioned technology leaves room for further appealing information about diapers. For example, while the above-mentioned technology can appeal information about diapers to children who wear the diapers, it cannot appeal to the parents who put the diapers on their children, i.e., the purchasers who actually buy the diapers. For this reason, even if a certain diaper has a different function from other diapers, such as reducing leakage compared to other diapers, and this function is useful to the purchaser, it is not possible to provide information about that function to the user.

On the other hand, in order to appeal information about diapers to purchasers, one possible approach would be to place tablet devices or the like in storefronts or on display shelves where diapers are displayed, and provide information about the diapers, such as their functions. However, this approach requires the time and effort of installing and setting up the tablet devices. Also, there are cases where diapers from multiple businesses are displayed on the same display shelf, making it difficult to install tablet devices.

The information providing device 10 of this embodiment therefore executes the following information providing process. First, the information providing device 10 receives identification information that is indicated by code information photographed by the terminal device 100 used by the user and that is linked to a specific absorbent article. Then, in response to an operation by the user, the information providing device 10 provides composite content in which a specific content is combined with the image photographed by the terminal device 100, or related content relating to the absorbent article that is linked to the identification information.

For example, the information providing device 10 not only provides composite content (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "AR content") in which a character related to diapers is superimposed on an image captured by the terminal device 100, but also provides related content related to diapers, such as explanatory content explaining the functions of diapers, in response to an operation. In other words, when the terminal device 100 reads the code information, the information providing device 10 provides not only AR content to appeal to children wearing diapers, but also explanatory content to appeal to parents who are purchasing diapers about the diapers.

As a result of this processing, the information providing device 10 can provide information about diapers not only to children who wear diapers, but also to parents who purchase diapers. Furthermore, the information providing device 10 can provide AR content and related content without installing tablet terminals on display shelves, simply by installing signs with code information printed on them in stores or POPs with code information printed on them on display shelves.

[3. An example of information provision processing]
An example of information provision processing executed by the information provision device 10 will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. In the example shown in Fig. 1, it is assumed that a user P1, who is a parent, is using the terminal device 100 and is purchasing or intending to purchase diapers for a user B1, who is a child.

First, user P1 uses the camera of terminal device 100 to photograph a QR code indicating identification information that has been previously associated with a diaper (step S1). For example, user P1 photographs a QR code attached to the diaper itself or the diaper packaging, a QR code printed on a sign installed in front of a store selling diapers, or a QR code printed on a POP installed on a display shelf where diapers are displayed.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, a QR code DQ1 is printed or attached by a sticker or the like to the package of diaper D1, and indicates identification information previously linked to the product name, size, etc. of diaper D1. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1, a pop PA1 is installed on a display shelf ML on which a plurality of diapers D1 are arranged. On such a pop PA1, a message such as "Take a photo!" is printed together with an image of a character associated with diaper D1, and QR code PQ1 indicating identification information linked to diaper D1 is printed. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1, a signboard B1 installed in a storefront is printed together with an image of a character associated with diaper D1 and QR code BQ1 indicating identification information linked to diaper D1.

Using the terminal device 100, the user P1 photographs one of the QR codes DQ1, PQ1, or BQ1. In such a case, the terminal device 100 identifies the identification information indicated by the photographed QR code, i.e., the identification information indicating the diaper D1. The terminal device 100 then notifies the information providing device 10 of the identification information indicated by the QR code (step S2).

For example, each QR code DQ1, PQ1, BQ1 indicates a uniform resource locator (URL) set for each corresponding absorbent article. The terminal device 100 then accesses the URL indicated by the QR code DQ1, PQ1, BQ1 and requests content delivery. As a result of this processing, the information providing device 10 can recognize the identification information indicated by the QR code DQ1, PQ1, BQ1 photographed by the terminal device 100. Note that, if the QR code DQ1, PQ1, BQ1 indicates the product name of the diaper D1 or a character string for identifying the product, the terminal device 100 may actually transmit such a character string to the information providing device 10.

When the terminal device 100 identifies the identification information indicated by the QR codes DQ1, PQ1, and BQ1 captured in this manner, the information providing device 10 identifies the absorbent article linked to the identification information, i.e., the diaper D1. Then, the information providing device 10 provides AR content for children or explanatory content for parents related to the diaper D1 (step S3).

Here, the information providing device 10 provides, as AR content, content in which a specific content is superimposed on an image of user B1 captured by the terminal device 100. The information providing device 10 also provides an image captured from the AR content to the terminal device 100, and suggests that the provided image be posted on the SNS. Then, if user P1 agrees to the posting, the terminal device 100 posts the image to the SNS server SS (step S4). As a result, the image captured from the AR content is shared with each user by the SNS server SS.

When an image of such AR content is posted on SNS, information about diaper D1 is shared among users, which is thought to have an advertising effect. Therefore, when an image capturing the AR content is posted, the information providing device 10 provides various points to the user P1. For example, the information providing device 10 identifies the posting result indicating that an image has been posted based on the posting status of each account on the SNS server SS (step S5).

If the posting is confirmed, the information providing device 10 instructs the point server PS to award points to the user P1 (step S6). In such a case, the point server PS awards various points to the account of the user P1 (step S7). In this way, the information providing device 10 can promote the use of AR content and provide an incentive to post images, thereby making it possible to widely advertise information about the diaper D1.

Next, an example of content provided by the information providing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of content provided by the information providing device according to the embodiment. For example, the information providing device 10 distributes and displays to the terminal device 100 integrated content C10, which is content corresponding to the diaper D1 indicated by the received identification information and indicates AR content corresponding to the diaper D1 and explanatory content explaining the functions of the diaper D1.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, integrated content C10 includes content C11 indicating AR content and content C13 indicating explanatory content. Content C11 includes buttons C12 and the like that are set with a link to the AR content, such as "Children's AR," indicating that the AR content is content for children and that the AR is an AR that displays a character corresponding to diaper D1. Content C13 includes buttons C14 and the like that are set with a link to the explanatory content, such as "Product Fully Explained Video," indicating that the explanatory content is a video showing the functions of diaper D1.

For example, when a user selects button C12 arranged in content C11, the information providing device 10 delivers AR content AR1 to the terminal device 100. For example, the information providing device 10 can provide AR content using WebAR technology without requiring the terminal device 100 to install a special application.

On the other hand, when the user selects button C14 provided in content C13, the information providing device 10 delivers to the terminal device 100 explanatory content C40 in which moving images showing the functions of diaper D1 are arranged. That is, when user P1 reads the QR code to soothe user B1, the information providing device 10 provides AR content AR1, which is content for children, and when user P1 reads the QR code to learn the functions of diaper D1, the information providing device 10 delivers explanatory content C40, which is content for adults.

In this way, when the terminal device 100 reads the QR code corresponding to the diaper D1, the information providing device 10 does not simply provide the AR content AR1 for children, but also provides either the AR content AR1 for children or the explanatory content C40 for adults depending on the operation. As a result, for example, when user P1 wants to soothe his/her child, user B1, while shopping, the information providing device 10 provides the AR content AR1 for soothing the child, and when user P1 wants to know the functions of the diaper D1, the information providing device 10 provides the explanatory content C40 explaining the functions of the diaper D1. As a result, the information providing device 10 can improve the appeal of the information about the diaper D1.

Next, the AR content AR1, which is content for children, will be described. For example, the information providing device 10 activates the inside camera of the terminal device 100 and acquires an image captured by the inside camera. In such a case, the information providing device 10 identifies the face of the child who will be wearing the diaper from the image. If the child's face is identified, the information providing device 10 generates AR content AR1 by combining the diaper D1 and the corresponding character images CC1 and CC2 around the child's face. The information providing device 10 then provides the generated AR content AR1 to the terminal device 100 and causes it to be displayed.

When providing such AR content AR1, the information providing device 10 can provide AR content AR1 in which characters are moving around the user B1. As a result, the information providing device 10 can comfort the user B1 and make the wearer of the diaper D1, such as a child, feel an attachment to the diaper D1.

Considering that the AR content AR1 is content for children, it is desirable that the character images CC1, CC2 superimposed on the image are images that attract children's attention, such as moving images. It is also desirable that the images CC1, CC2 are positioned so as not to hide the face of the photographed child. The information providing device 10 may generate AR content AR1 that includes sound corresponding to the movement of the superimposed character, thereby more strongly attracting the child's attention. By generating such AR content AR1, the information providing device 10 can provide content AR1 for soothing a child, user B1, while user P1 is purchasing diapers D1 at a store, for example.

Here, the information providing device 10 displays a shooting button SB1 for taking a photo together with the AR content AR1. When the user selects the shooting button SB1, the information providing device 10 provides a captured image of the AR content AR1. For example, the information providing device 10 generates shooting content PC in which nine frames of still images, including the timing when the shooting button SB1 was selected, are arranged, and delivers it to the terminal device 100.

Here, the photographed content PC shown in FIG. 2 is provided with a download button DB1 for downloading one of the still images to the terminal device 100 together with the nine frames of still images, a download button DB2 for downloading a GIF moving image generated using the nine frames of still images, and a retake button BB for retaking the image. For example, when a user selects one of the still images and the download button DB1, the information providing device 10 transmits data of the selected still image to the terminal device 100. When the user selects the download button DB2, the information providing device 10 generates a GIF moving image that sequentially switches between still images and displays them, and transmits the generated GIF moving image to the terminal device 100. On the other hand, when a user selects the retake button BB, the information providing device 10 starts up the inside camera again and distributes the AR content AR1.

In addition, when various images are downloaded, the information providing device 10 provides suggested content C30 that suggests posting the images. For example, the suggested content C30 shown in FIG. 2 includes a button MB1 with a link to explanatory content C40 in which a moving image showing the functions of the diaper D1 is arranged, an access button PB1 for accessing the point service provided by the point server PS, and an upload button UB1 for uploading the downloaded image to an SNS.

When button MB1 is selected, the information providing device 10 provides explanatory content C40. When button PB1 is selected, the terminal device 100 accesses the point server PS and prompts the user P1 to log in and join the point service. When button UB1 is selected, the terminal device 100 accesses the SNS server SS and prompts the user P1 to post the downloaded image.

Here, when posting an image on the SNS, the terminal device 100 posts the image not through the personal account of the user P1, but through an account that was created in advance for the diaper D1 or through the account of the company that provides the diaper D1. As a result of this processing, the SNS server SS can further improve the advertising effectiveness.

Furthermore, when user P1 selects button C14 of integrated content C10 or button MB1 of suggested content C30, information providing device 10 provides explanatory content C40. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, explanatory content C40 includes moving images M1, M2, etc. that explain the mechanism by which diaper D1 corresponding to the identification information prevents body waste from leaking, and the moving images are played in response to user operation. By providing such explanatory content C40, information providing device 10 provides functions related to diaper D1 to user P1, who is the purchaser, and can encourage the purchase of diaper D1.

In this way, the information providing device 10 does not simply provide AR content, but provides AR content or explanatory content from QR codes attached to the sales floor, such as display shelves, or absorbent articles. As a result of this processing, the information providing device 10 can provide explanatory content to users who have an issue with the functionality of the absorbent article, such as leakage, among users who have become interested in absorbent articles at the sales floor, and can brand the absorbent article for other users via the AR content.

4. Variations in Processing Executed by the Information Providing Device
In the above example, an example of the information providing process provided by the information providing device 10 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Variations in the process executed by the information providing device 10 will be described below.

[4-1. About AR content]
The information providing device 10 may provide AR content of any content other than the AR content for soothing a child. For example, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content in accordance with a desire of a parent user P1 to take a cute picture of his/her child user B1.

For example, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content in which images or videos different from characters, such as flowers or stars, are arranged. The information providing device 10 may also provide AR content in which a character is superimposed on an image taken using an outside camera instead of an inside camera, making it easier for parent user P1 to take a photo of child user B1. That is, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content using the inside camera when soothing a child, and provide AR content using the outside camera when a parent takes a photo of the child. By providing such AR content, the information providing device 10 can increase user P1's favorable impression of diapers D1 and the business that provides diapers D1.

The information providing device 10 may also recognize a person's face from a captured image and provide AR content according to the recognition result. For example, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content in which an image or video of a character is superimposed so as not to overlap with the person's face. The information providing device 10 may also provide AR content for comforting or cheering up the user B1 by having a character perform actions such as shaking a pom-pom, blowing soap bubbles, or appearing with confetti. The information providing device 10 may also provide AR content that cheers up the person being photographed, for example, if the recognized face of the person looks sad.

The information providing device 10 may also estimate whether the person being photographed is a child or a parent from the face of the person photographed, and provide AR content according to the estimation result. For example, if the person being photographed is a child, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content on which a character image is superimposed. For example, if both a parent and a child are photographed, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content on which an image for a parent and child is superimposed.

[4-2. Regarding the distribution of AR content]
Here, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content randomly selected from a plurality of AR contents. For example, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content in which a different character appears or in which a character performs a different action each time a QR code is read. For example, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content randomly selected from AR content in which a character associated with the diaper D1 comforts or cheers up the photographed user B1, AR content in which a character blows soap bubbles, AR content in which a character moves around the user B1, and the like.

The information providing device 10 may also provide different AR contents based on other information. For example, the information providing device 10 may change the content of the AR content depending on the date and time when the AR content is delivered to the terminal device 100. To give a more specific example, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content with content for comforting or playing with a child when the date and time when the AR content is delivered is daytime, and may provide AR content with content for putting a child to sleep when the date and time when the AR content is delivered is nighttime.

The information providing device 10 may also change the content of the AR content according to the attributes (e.g., demographic attributes and psychographic attributes) of a user who is registered in advance as a user who uses the terminal device 100. The information providing device 10 may also change the content of the AR content based on the attributes of not only the user of the terminal device 100 (e.g., user P1 who is a parent) but also a user who the user of the terminal device 100 puts in a diaper (e.g., user B1 who is a child). For example, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content in which a character that the parent likes appears, or may provide AR content in which a character that the child likes appears.

In addition to the QR code, the information providing device 10 may provide different information depending on various types of information that the terminal device 100 can detect. For example, the information providing device 10 acquires, together with identification information from the terminal device 100, location information indicating a location determined by the terminal device 100 using various positioning systems such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) or a beacon. Then, when the identification information is linked to a specific store and the location information is within a specific range from the specific store, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content that is exclusive to that store.

In addition, for example, when the information providing device 10 acquires identification information not linked to a store and location information, the information providing device 10 may provide different AR content from AR related to absorbent articles linked to the identification information according to the location indicated by the location information. Through such processing, the information providing device 10 can provide, for example, AR content that is limited to a certain area. For example, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content that soothes a child in a dialect according to the location indicated by the location information.

The details of the AR content that the information providing device 10 provides may be explained to the user in advance, for example, via storefront signs, POPs, or web content. By providing such AR content, the information providing device 10 can, for example, prompt the user to read the QR code.

[4-3. About objects that can be linked with AR codes]
Furthermore, the information providing device 10 may provide different AR content depending on the QR code read by the terminal device 100. For example, when different QR codes are set for different brands or sizes of the diaper D1, the information providing device 10 may provide different AR content for each captured QR code, i.e., AR content with different content for each brand or size of the diaper D1.

For example, when providing AR content to soothe the wearer, user B1, it may be better to provide AR content with different content depending on the age of user B1. For example, depending on whether user B1 is a few months old or a few years old, the cognitive ability and preferences will change, and it may be better to change the character provided as the AR content.

The information providing device 10 may provide different AR content depending on the size of the diaper D1 linked to the QR code. For example, if the photographed QR code is linked to an S-size diaper, the wearer, user B1, is considered to be a few months old. If the photographed QR code is linked to an S-size diaper, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content including audio or AR content including characters that can be identified by a child a few months old. On the other hand, if the photographed QR code is linked to an L-size diaper, the wearer, user B1, is considered to be 12 months old or older. If the photographed QR code is linked to an L-size diaper, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content including characters from animation programs, comics, etc.

Here, if a different QR code is set for each installation location, the information providing device 10 can identify the context of users P1 and B1 in more detail from the QR code photographed by the terminal device 100. For example, if the QR code DQ1 attached to the package of diaper D1, the QR code PQ1 attached to the POP on the display shelf, and the QR code BQ1 attached to the signboard B1 in the store are all different, it is possible to classify user P1 as having purchased diaper D1, being about to purchase diaper D1, or having visited a store that sells diaper D1, based on the QR code photographed by the terminal device 100.

Therefore, the information providing device 10 provides different AR content depending on the installation position of the QR code photographed by the terminal device 100. More specifically, the information providing device 10 estimates the state of the user P1 depending on the installation position of the QR code, and provides AR content according to the estimated state.

For example, if a QR code BQ1 placed on a signboard B1 in a store is photographed, it is considered that user P1 has a desire to soothe user B1, rather than to learn the functions of diaper D1. Therefore, for example, when the QR code photographed by terminal device 100 is QR code BQ1 placed in a store, information providing device 10 may provide AR content C10 for soothing a child from the beginning without displaying integrated content C40, or may provide AR content C10 using an inside camera.

In addition, when the QR code PQ1 attached to the POP on the display shelf is photographed, it is considered that the user P1 wishes to know the functions of the diaper D1. Therefore, for example, when the QR code photographed by the terminal device 100 is the QR code PQ1 attached to the POP, the information providing device 10 may display the integrated content C40, or may provide the explanatory content C40 without providing the AR content C10. In addition, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content that is different from the case where the QR code BQ1 is photographed. For example, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content for the user P1 to photograph the user B1 using an outside camera.

In addition, if a QR code PQ1 attached to the package of diaper D1, for example a QR code attached to diaper D1 itself, or a QR code attached to the contents of a package of a product sold as an absorbent article, is photographed, it is considered that user P1 has purchased a diaper. Therefore, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content exclusive to the purchaser when a QR code PQ1 attached to the package of diaper D1, a QR code attached to diaper D1 itself, or a QR code attached to the contents of a package of an absorbent article is photographed.

In addition, when the QR code is different for each store, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content with different content for each store. In addition, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content that is displayed only when a specified condition is met. For example, the information providing device 10 may provide AR content in which a secret character appears when a QR code that is exclusively assigned to a specific store or product is photographed.

In this way, the information providing device 10 provides AR content that is only available in stores or to purchasers, that is, secret AR content. As a result, the information providing device 10 can encourage customers to visit specific stores, make purchases at specific stores, purchase specific absorbent products, etc.

[4-4. Regarding the presentation of explanatory content]
Furthermore, the information providing device 10 may provide explanatory content with different contents depending on the captured QR code. For example, the information providing device 10 may provide a video with different contents depending on the function, size, etc. of the absorbent article linked to the captured QR code.

Considering that the explanatory content is intended for user P1 who is purchasing diaper D1, while the AR content is intended for user B1 who is the wearer, when a certain QR code is photographed, the information providing device 10 will select the explanatory content and the AR content according to different conditions.

The content provided by the information providing device 10 together with the AR content is not limited to explanatory content for explaining the functions of absorbent articles. For example, the information providing device 10 may provide any content that is related to absorbent articles, such as a correspondence table between the size of absorbent articles and the age of the wearer, the material of the absorbent article, and coupons that can be used when purchasing absorbent articles, and is information that the information is intended to appeal to purchasers who purchase absorbent articles, that is, related content.

[4-5. Points]
Here, the information providing device 10 provides points of a point service when the user posts a captured image of AR content on the SNS. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the information providing device 10 may provide points when the user P1 downloads a captured image. Furthermore, the information providing device 10 may provide additional points when the user P1 posts a captured image on the SNS.

In addition, the information providing device 10 may not award points when the user P1 posts a captured image using his/her own account, but may award points only when the image is posted via an account that is related to the absorbent article linked to the QR code, such as the account of a business that provides diapers D1.

In addition, the information providing device 10 may award points when multiple QR codes are photographed. For example, the information providing device 10 may award points when QR code BQ1 is photographed to display AR content, and then QR code PQ1 is photographed to display explanatory content. In addition, the information providing device 10 may award points when user P1 purchases diaper D1 after AR content is displayed by photographing a QR code linked to diaper D1.

For example, the information providing device 10 may award points when the QR code DQ1 attached to the package of diaper D1 or the QR code attached to the diaper D1 itself is photographed after the QR codes BQ1 and PQ1 are photographed and the AR content is displayed and the captured image is posted. The information providing device 10 may also award points when it determines that user P1 has purchased diaper D1 by linking with various POS (Point Of Sales) systems, for example.

In addition, the information providing device 10 may award points according to various evaluations of the posted image. For example, the information providing device 10 may award points according to the number of positive evaluations such as "likes" given to an image posted by user P1, the number of comments given, the number of times an image posted by user P1 has been reposted by other users, etc.

5. Configuration of the information providing device
Next, the configuration of the information providing device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information providing device according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the information providing device 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

(Regarding communication unit 20)
The communication unit 20 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC) etc. The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information between the terminal device 100, the SNS server SS, the point server PS, etc.

(Regarding the storage unit 30)
The storage unit 30 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 30 has an identification information database 31, a user database 32, and a content database 33.

(Regarding the identification information database 31)
The identification information indicated by the QR code and information related to the absorbent article linked to the identification information are registered in the identification information database 31. For example, Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information registered in the identification information database according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 4, the identification information database 31 has items such as "QRID", "URL", "compatible product", "compatible store information", and "compatible AR".

"QRID" indicates identification information for identifying the QR code. "URL" is information indicated by the QR code, and indicates the URL accessed by the terminal device 100 that photographed the QR code. By linking such a URL to an absorbent article or the like, the information providing device 10 uses the URL as identification information for identifying the absorbent article or the like. "Corresponding product" is information indicating the absorbent article corresponding to the identification information. "Corresponding store information" is information indicating the store where the QR code is installed. "Corresponding AR" is information indicating AR content provided to the terminal device 100 that photographed the QR code, and is, for example, information indicating the type of character superimposed on the image and the character's movement. In addition to the information shown in FIG. 4, the identification information database 31 may also register information indicating, for example, whether the QR code is attached to the product package, the POP, or the signboard.

For example, in FIG. 3, the QR code identified by the QRID "QR1" indicates the URL "URL #1", indicating that the URL is linked to the corresponding product "Diapers #1". In addition, the QR code identified by the QRID "QR1" is installed in the store indicated by the corresponding store information "Store Information #1", indicating that the AR content provided to the terminal device 100 that photographed the QR code is the corresponding AR "AR #1".

In the example shown in Figure 3, conceptual values such as "URL #1", "Diapers #1", "Store Information #1", and "AR #1" are listed, but in reality, character strings indicating URLs, character strings for identifying diapers, stores, and AR content, etc. will be registered.

(Regarding the user database 32)
Information about users is registered in the user database 32. For example, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of information registered in the user database according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 5, the user database 32 has items such as "user ID", "user information", and "point information".

"User ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user. "User information" indicates various information related to a user, and may include information such as the user's gender and age. "Point information" is information indicating the points owned by a user in a point service. For example, in FIG. 5, the information of the user indicated by user ID "U1" is user information "user information #R1", which indicates that the user has points indicated by point information "points #U1". Note that in the example shown in FIG. 5, conceptual values such as "user information #R1" and "points #U1" are listed, but in reality, character strings indicating various information about the user and numerical values indicating points will be registered.

(Regarding the content database 33)
Various types of content to be provided as AR content and explanatory content are registered in the content database 33. Note that, since data is registered in the content database 33 in various known formats, a description using drawings will be omitted.

(Regarding the control unit 40)
Returning to Fig. 3, the description will be continued. The control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU) executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the information providing device 10 using a RAM as a working area. The control unit 40 is also a controller, and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 40 according to the embodiment has a reception unit 41, a recognition unit 42, a synthesis unit 43, a provision unit 44, and an assignment unit 45, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of the information processing described below.

(Regarding the reception unit 41)
The reception unit 41 receives identification information associated with a specific absorbent article, which is indicated by code information photographed by the terminal device 100 used by the user. For example, the reception unit 41 receives identification information indicated by a two-dimensional code such as a QR code printed on a printed matter installed in a store that sells the specific absorbent article. More specifically, the reception unit 41 receives access to a URL indicated by the QR code, which differs depending on the type or size of the absorbent article and the store. The reception unit 41 may also receive location information indicating the location of the terminal device along with the identification information.

(Regarding the recognition unit 42)
The recognition unit 42 recognizes a person's face from an image captured by the terminal device 100. For example, when the recognition unit 42 receives an image captured by the terminal device 100, the recognition unit 42 recognizes a person's face from the image using various known recognition techniques.

For example, the recognition unit 42 detects the user's eyes, nose, mouth, and ears from the image. The recognition unit 42 may also identify the shape of the user's jaw line, the direction of the user's face, and the like, and may also identify the size of the face. The recognition unit 42 may recognize the face of a user who satisfies a predetermined condition, such as a child, or may recognize the faces of multiple users. For example, the recognition unit 42 may estimate the age of the person photographed based on the positional relationship between the eyes and nose, and recognize that a child has been photographed if the estimated age is below a predetermined threshold. The recognition unit 42 may also recognize the faces of multiple users who satisfy a predetermined condition, such as a parent and child.

(Regarding the synthesis unit 43)
When a person's face is recognized from the image, the synthesis unit 43 synthesizes a predetermined content with the image. For example, the synthesis unit 43 acquires the content for superimposition designated by the provision unit 44 from the content database 33, and generates AR content by superimposing the acquired content on the image.

For example, the synthesis unit 43 may superimpose content in which a character corresponding to the identification information performs an action around a person's face onto the image. Furthermore, if there are multiple character actions, the synthesis unit 43 may superimpose a character performing an action randomly selected from these actions onto the image. Note that the synthesis unit 43 may superimpose the content onto an area other than the area in which the person's face is recognized. Furthermore, the synthesis unit 43 may synthesize, for example, content to which a specified sound has been added, or content in which the sound or character movement is appropriately controlled according to the recognized facial expression or direction.

(Regarding the providing unit 44)
When the identification information is received, the providing unit 44 provides, in response to an operation by a user, AR content in which a predetermined content is combined with an image captured by the terminal device, or explanatory content related to an absorbent article linked to the identification information. For example, when the providing unit 44 receives the identification information, the providing unit 44 refers to the identification information database 31 and identifies an absorbent article corresponding to the identification information. Then, the providing unit 44 delivers to the terminal device 100 an integrated content indicating the AR content related to the identified absorbent article and explanatory content explaining the function of the absorbent article.

When the user selects explanatory content, the providing unit 44 refers to the content database 33 and delivers the explanatory content. When the user selects AR content, the providing unit 44 identifies the details of the AR content corresponding to the identification information from the identification information database 31. The providing unit 44 then controls the synthesis unit 43 to generate the identified AR content. As a result of this processing, the synthesis unit 43 reads data of the character to be superimposed from the content database 33, and generates the AR content by superimposing it on the image.

For example, the providing unit 44 may generate, as the AR content, content that combines predetermined content for soothing a child wearing an absorbent article, or may generate AR content that includes audio. The providing unit 44 then distributes the AR content. As a result of such processing, the providing unit 44 can provide, as the AR content, content for a child wearing an absorbent article, and, as the explanatory content, content for a purchaser who purchases an absorbent article.

Here, when the user selects the capture button SB1 in the AR content, the providing unit 44 generates a still image or a moving image capturing the AR content, and provides the terminal device 100 with a captured content PC showing the generated still image or moving image. In addition, when the terminal device 100 downloads a still image or a moving image, the providing unit 44 provides suggested content C30 and encourages the user to post the still image or moving image.

The providing unit 44 may provide AR content when the position indicated by the position information is within a predetermined range from the store where the printed matter is installed. For example, the providing unit 44 may identify the position of the store associated with the identification information, and provide AR content that is different from normal content when the identified position and the position indicated by the position information are within a predetermined range. That is, the providing unit 44 may change the manner in which the AR content is provided as appropriate based not only on the identification information indicated by the QR code, but also on the absorbent article and size associated with the QR code, store information, and the like.

In addition, when the providing unit 44 receives identification information indicated by code information printed on a printed matter installed in a store selling a specified absorbent article, the providing unit 44 may provide AR content that is different from the AR content that is provided when other identification information is received.In addition, when the providing unit 44 receives code information attached to a specified absorbent article or the contents of a package packaged as a specified absorbent article, the providing unit 44 may provide AR content that is different from the AR content that is provided when other identification information is received.In other words, the providing unit 44 may provide AR content that is exclusive to the store or AR content that is exclusive to the purchaser.

The various processes described above can be flexibly configured as appropriate depending on whether a QR code is set for each store or each absorbent article, and which AR content is linked to the QR code.

(Regarding the granting unit 45)
The granting unit 45 grants a predetermined benefit to a user who has been provided with AR content and who has performed a predetermined action. For example, when the user downloads an image or a moving image generated from the AR content, the granting unit 45 notifies the point server PS and grants a predetermined point to the user. In addition, when the user posts an image or a moving image generated from the AR content on a predetermined social network service, the granting unit 45 grants a predetermined benefit to the user.

In addition, the granting unit 45 grants a predetermined benefit to a user when the user posts an image or video generated from AR content to an account related to a predetermined absorbent article. In addition, the granting unit 45 grants a predetermined benefit to a user when AR content is provided and the user purchases a predetermined absorbent article. The granting unit 45 may grant points of different values depending on the content of various actions performed by the user.

6. Information provision processing procedure
Next, a procedure of the information providing process executed by the information providing device 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the information providing process executed by the information providing device according to the embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the information providing device 10 determines whether or not identification information has been received (step S101), and if not (step S101: No), waits until it is received. On the other hand, if the information providing device 10 receives identification information (step S101: Yes), it provides integrated content indicating the AR content and explanatory content corresponding to the identification information (step S102). Then, the information providing device 10 determines whether the AR content has been selected via the integrated content (step S103).

Next, if AR content is selected (step S103: Yes), the information providing device 10 acquires the image captured by the terminal device 100 (step S104). The information providing device 10 then identifies the child's face from the acquired image (step S105) and synthesizes AR information such as a character to avoid the child's face (step S106). The information providing device 10 then provides the image with the AR information synthesized, i.e., the AR content, to the terminal device 100 (step S107).

The information providing device 10 also determines whether the image capturing the AR content has been posted or downloaded (step S108), and if it has been posted or downloaded (step S108: Yes), it awards points (step S109) and ends the process. On the other hand, if the image capturing the AR content has not been posted or downloaded (step S108: No), the information providing device 10 skips step S109 and ends the process.

If AR content has not been selected (step S103: No), the information providing device 10 determines whether explanatory content has been selected (step S110). If explanatory content has been selected (step S110: Yes), the information providing device 10 provides a moving image explaining the functions of the absorbent article as explanatory content (step S111) and ends the process. On the other hand, if explanatory content has not been selected (step S110: No), the information providing device 10 executes step S102.

7. Modifications
The information providing device 10 described above may be embodied in various different forms other than the above embodiment.

[7-1. About users]
In the above description, the information providing device 10 provides the related content for the user P1 who is a purchaser of the absorbent article and the AR content for the user B1 who is a wearer of the absorbent article. However, the embodiment is not limited to this.

For example, the information providing device 10 may provide related content and AR content aimed at a user who is both a purchaser and a wearer. To give a more specific example, the information providing device 10 may provide related content to a user who requests an explanation of the various functions of absorbent articles for women, such as napkins and liners, to explain the functions, etc., and provide AR content to other users to perform branding.

The information providing device 10 may also provide AR content for absorbent articles for adults. For example, the information providing device 10 may provide content on the functions of absorbent articles for adults as related content, and provide content that assists in putting on the absorbent articles as AR content. More specifically, the information providing device 10 may estimate whether the user is standing or sitting, etc., from an image captured by the terminal device 100, and provide AR content that provides assistance in how to move the body to put on the absorbent articles according to the estimation result.

In other words, the information providing device 10 may provide any content as long as it can distinguish between related content that shows information about absorbent articles and AR content that has a relationship with absorbent articles.

[7-2. About the implementing body]
In the above example, the information providing device 10 provides AR content to the user in the form of so-called WebAR. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the above information providing process may be realized by the terminal device 100 having a predetermined application installed in advance. Such an application causes the terminal device 100 to operate as the reception unit 41, the recognition unit 42, the synthesis unit 43, the provision unit 44, and the attachment unit 45 shown in FIG. 3.

The above-mentioned information provision process may be performed by the terminal device 100 and the information provision device 10 in cooperation with each other. For example, the terminal device 100 may provide AR content generated by itself, and the information provision device 10 may perform other processes. In such a case, the terminal device 100 may install an application that causes the terminal device 100 to operate as the recognition unit 42, the synthesis unit 43, and the provision unit 44.

In addition to the above-mentioned aspects, the above-mentioned information provision process may be realized in any embodiment. That is, the various functional units shown in FIG. 3 may be possessed by the information provision device 10 or the terminal device 100 in any combination.

[7-3. About distribution based on operation]
The information providing device 10 may provide related content or AR content in response to any user operation other than the user operation when providing related content or AR content. For example, the information providing device 10 estimates whether the user wants to know the functions of the absorbent article when the user photographs the QR code from the user's operation history of the terminal device 100, participation status in a point program, purchase history, and SNS posting history.

For example, if the user has not purchased an absorbent article within a specified period and has children, the information providing device 10 may infer that the user wishes to know the functions of absorbent articles for children, etc. Also, if the user has purchased an absorbent article within a specified period, the information providing device 10 may infer that the user does not wish to know the functions of absorbent articles for children, etc.

Then, when the information providing device 10 estimates that the user wishes to know the functions of the absorbent article, it may provide explanatory content without providing integrated content when the QR code is photographed, and when it estimates that the user does not wish to know the functions of the absorbent article, it may provide AR content.

[7-4. Other]
Among the above-mentioned processes, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically may be performed manually. Also, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually may be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure. Furthermore, each component may be configured by distributing and integrating functionally or physically in any unit, in whole or in part, depending on various loads and usage conditions. Furthermore, each process described above may be executed in appropriate combination to the extent that there is no contradiction.

8. Hardware Configuration
The information providing device 10 and the terminal device 100 in the above-described embodiment are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and is connected to a calculation device 1030, a cache 1040, a memory 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 by a bus 1090.

The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in the cache 1040 or memory 1050, or programs read from the input device 1020, and executes various processes. The cache 1040 is a cache such as a RAM that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The memory 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is a memory realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, or the like.

The output IF 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a monitor or a printer, and may be realized, for example, by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface). On the other hand, the input IF 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc., and may be realized, for example, by a USB.

For example, the input device 1020 may be realized by a device that reads information from an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase change rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The input device 1020 may also be realized by an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

The network IF 1080 has the function of receiving data from other devices via the network N and sending it to the computing device 1030, and also transmitting data generated by the computing device 1030 to other devices via the network N.

Here, the arithmetic device 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic device 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the memory 1050 onto the cache 1040, and executes the loaded program. For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information providing device 10, the arithmetic device 1030 of the computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 40 by executing the program loaded onto the cache 1040.

The above describes the embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the drawings. However, these are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in other forms that incorporate various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the forms described in the Disclosure of the Invention section. In addition, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information providing system 10 Information providing device 20 Communication unit 30 Storage unit 31 Identification information database 32 User database 33 Content database 40 Control unit 41 Reception unit 42 Recognition unit 43 Synthesis unit 44 Provision unit 45 Assignment unit 100 Terminal device

Claims (20)

a reception unit that receives identification information associated with a predetermined absorbent article, the identification information being indicated by code information photographed by a terminal device used by a user;
and a providing unit that, when the identification information is accepted, provides the terminal device with composite content by combining a predetermined content with an image captured by the terminal device, or related content related to an absorbent article linked to the identification information, in accordance with a content selection operation by the user. The information providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the providing unit provides integrated content indicating the composite content and the related content, and provides the content selected by the user from the integrated content. The information providing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the providing unit provides, as the composite content, content for a child who wears the absorbent article, and provides, as the related content, content for a purchaser who purchases the absorbent article. The information providing device according to claim 3 , wherein the providing unit provides, as the related content, content for explaining functions of the absorbent article. 5. The information providing device according to claim 3, wherein the providing unit provides, as the composite content, a content obtained by combining a predetermined content for comforting a child wearing the absorbent article. The information providing device according to claim 5 , wherein the providing unit provides, as the composite content, a composite content including a voice. a recognition unit that recognizes a person's face from an image captured by the terminal device;
a synthesis unit that synthesizes a predetermined content with the image when a human face is recognized from the image,
7. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit provides, as the composite content, an image obtained by combining the predetermined content with the combining unit. The information providing device according to claim 7 , wherein the combining unit combines the predetermined content with an area of the image other than an area in which the recognition unit recognizes a human face. The information providing device according to claim 8 , wherein the synthesis unit synthesizes content in which a character corresponding to the predetermined absorbent article moves around a face of the person. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: an granting unit that grants a predetermined benefit to a user who has been provided with the composite content by the providing unit and who uses the composite content . the providing unit further provides an image or a moving image generated from the composite content in response to a user's operation when the composite content is provided ;
The information providing device according to claim 10 , wherein the granting unit grants the predetermined benefit to the user when the providing unit provides an image or a moving image generated from the composite content. the providing unit further provides an image or a moving image generated from the composite content in response to a user's operation when the composite content is provided ;
The information providing device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the granting unit grants the predetermined benefit to a user when the user posts an image or a moving image generated from the composite content on a predetermined social network service. The information providing device according to claim 12, characterized in that the granting unit grants the specified benefit to a user when the user posts an image or a video generated from the composite content to an account related to an absorbent article related to the composite content . The information providing device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, when the composite content is provided and the user purchases an absorbent article related to the composite content , the granting unit grants the specified benefit to the user. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that when the providing unit receives identification information indicated by code information printed on a printed matter installed in a store that sells the specified absorbent article, the providing unit provides composite content that is different from the composite content that is provided when other identification information is received. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that when the providing unit receives code information attached to the specified absorbent article or the contents of a package packaged as the specified absorbent article, it provides composite content that is different from the composite content that is provided when other identification information is received. The reception unit receives location information indicating a location of the terminal device together with the identification information;
The information providing device according to claim 15 , wherein the providing unit provides the composite content when the position indicated by the position information is within a predetermined range from a store where the printed matter is installed. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the reception unit further receives an image taken by the terminal device, and the provision unit delivers to the terminal device a composite content obtained by combining the image received from the terminal device with a specified content, and displays the composite content on a screen possessed by the terminal device. An information providing method executed by an information providing device, comprising:
a receiving step of receiving identification information associated with a predetermined absorbent article, the identification information being indicated by the code information photographed by a terminal device used by a user;
and if the identification information is accepted, a providing step of providing to the terminal device a composite content in which a predetermined content is combined with an image captured by the terminal device in accordance with a content selection operation by the user, or related content relating to an absorbent article linked to the identification information. a reception step of receiving identification information associated with a predetermined absorbent article, the identification information being indicated by the code information photographed by a terminal device used by the user;
and a provision procedure for providing to the terminal device, when the identification information is accepted, a composite content in which a predetermined content is combined with an image captured by the terminal device, or related content relating to an absorbent article linked to the identification information, in accordance with a content selection operation by the user.

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