JP7728101B2 - Distribution device, distribution method, and distribution program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a distribution device, a distribution method, and a distribution program.

Conventionally, distribution devices that distribute advertisements to vehicle-mounted terminals are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The distribution device described in Patent Document 1 distributes advertisements to vehicle-mounted terminals, and when the vehicle arrives at the advertised store and receives arrival information from the vehicle-mounted terminal, charges the advertiser an advertising fee.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-343249

However, the above-mentioned conventional technology charges a flat advertising fee if a vehicle is successfully guided to the advertised store, and one problem is that it is not possible to set advertising fees based on the sales effect of the advertisement, such as the amount paid to the store as a result of the advertisement.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a distribution device, distribution method, and distribution program that can set advertising fees according to the sales effect of advertising, for example.

The distribution device described in claim 1 is characterized by comprising a distribution unit that distributes facility advertisements to vehicles, an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility by users riding in vehicles to which the advertisements have been distributed by the distribution unit, and a setting unit that sets the advertisement distribution fee based on the information regarding the amount acquired by the acquisition unit.

Furthermore, the distribution method described in claim 8 is a distribution method executed by a distribution device, and is characterized by including a distribution step of distributing a facility advertisement to a vehicle, an acquisition step of acquiring information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility by a user riding in the vehicle to which the advertisement was distributed, and a setting step of setting a distribution fee for the advertisement based on the acquired information regarding the amount.

Furthermore, the distribution program described in claim 9 is a distribution program executed by a distribution device equipped with a computer, characterized in that it causes the computer to function as a distribution means for distributing facility advertisements to vehicles, an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility by users riding in the vehicle to which the advertisement has been distributed, and a setting means for setting the advertisement distribution fee based on the acquired information regarding the amount.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a distribution system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the distribution device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of advertisement management data according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of advertisement distribution by the distribution system according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the distribution process according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the distribution device according to the embodiment.

Below, a description will be given of a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[Embodiment]
1. General configuration of distribution system 1
1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a distribution system 1 according to an embodiment. The distribution system 1 is a system that distributes advertisements to vehicles VE. The distribution system 1 includes a terminal device 2 and a distribution device 3. The terminal device 2 and the distribution device 3 communicate with each other via a network NE, which is a wireless communication network.

(Regarding terminal device 2)
The terminal device 2 is an information processing terminal used by a user. The terminal device 2 may be, for example, a stationary navigation device installed in the vehicle VE. The terminal device 2 may also be, for example, a portable terminal device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a PDA, etc.) owned by the user. In this embodiment, the terminal device 2 is assumed to be a navigation device installed in the vehicle VE.

(About the vehicle VE)
The vehicle VE is a vehicle such as an automobile capable of traveling on roads. The vehicle VE may be an automobile that burns fuel such as gasoline or diesel in an engine and travels using the driving force of the engine. The vehicle VE may also be an electric vehicle that travels using electricity to drive a motor. The vehicle VE may also be a hybrid vehicle that travels using an engine and a motor in cooperation with each other. The vehicle VE may also be a fuel cell vehicle that travels by generating electricity from hydrogen and using the generated electricity to drive a motor. Examples of energy used by the vehicle VE to travel include fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and hydrogen, as well as electricity. When the vehicle VE travels using electricity to drive a motor, the electricity may be supplied from a secondary cell such as a battery installed in the vehicle VE, may be generated by reacting a fuel such as hydrogen, or may be generated by driving a generator with the engine. The vehicle VE may also be a passenger car, a passenger car such as a bus, or a freight vehicle such as a truck. In this embodiment, the vehicle VE is assumed to be a passenger car.

(Regarding distribution device 3)
The distribution device 3 is a computer such as a server computer. The distribution device 3 distributes advertisements to the terminal devices 2 of the vehicles VE that are the distribution targets. The advertisements may be display data including text, images, and videos. The advertisements may also be audio data such as voice and music. The advertisements may be distributed together with other content data. For example, the advertisements may be distributed together with content such as road directions, images, videos, and music. In this embodiment, the distribution device 3 is described as a single computer, but it may also be implemented as a computer system using multiple computers. For example, the distribution device 3 may be implemented by dividing it into multiple computers for each service or function to be provided.

Note that while Figure 1 illustrates an example in which there is one terminal device 2 communicating with the distribution device 3, there may be multiple terminal devices mounted on multiple vehicles VE. Furthermore, multiple terminal devices 2 may be mounted on a single vehicle VE in order to provide advertisements to multiple users riding in the same vehicle VE.

2. Configuration of terminal device 2
2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2 , the terminal device 2 includes an audio input unit 21, an audio output unit 22, an imaging unit 23, an input unit 24, a display unit 25, a sensor unit 26, and a terminal main body 27.

(Regarding the voice input unit 21)
The audio input unit 21 includes a microphone that receives audio and converts it into an electrical signal, and generates audio information by performing A/D (Analog/Digital) conversion or the like on the electrical signal. In the first embodiment, the audio information generated by the audio input unit 21 is a digital signal. The audio input unit 21 then outputs the audio information to the terminal main body 27.

(Regarding the audio output unit 22)
The audio output unit 22 includes a speaker, converts a digital audio signal input from the terminal main body 27 into an analog audio signal by D/A (Digital/Analog) conversion, and outputs audio corresponding to the analog audio signal from the speaker.

(Regarding the imaging unit 23)
The imaging unit 23 captures an image of the surroundings of the vehicle VE and generates a captured image under the control of the terminal main body 27. Then, the imaging unit 23 outputs the generated captured image to the terminal main body 27.

(Regarding the input unit 24)
The input unit 24 includes input devices such as a touch panel, input buttons, a keyboard, and a mouse, and receives input of various data in response to user operations. The input unit 24 then outputs the received input data to the terminal main body 27.

(Regarding the display unit 25)
The display unit 25 is configured with a display using a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and displays various images under the control of the terminal body 27 .

(Regarding the sensor unit 26)
The sensor unit 26 includes various sensor devices that detect the state of the vehicle VE in which the terminal device 2 is mounted. The sensor unit 26 detects the state of the vehicle VE using the various sensor devices. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 26 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor. The GPS sensor receives GPS signals from GPS satellites to measure information indicating the latitude, longitude, and altitude of an object. The information acquired by the GPS sensor is also referred to as "position information" below. The sensor unit 26 may also include a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a direction sensor, etc.

(Regarding the terminal body 27)
As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal main body 27 includes a communication unit 271, a control unit 272, and a storage unit 273.

(Regarding the communication unit 271)
The communication unit 271 communicates with external devices. For example, the communication unit 271 includes a communication unit capable of communicating using various communication methods, such as mobile communication, short-range communication such as DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications), and short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and communicates with external devices. For example, under the control of the control unit 272, the communication unit 271 transmits and receives information to and from the distribution device 3 via the network NE using mobile communication. Furthermore, the communication unit 271 transmits and receives information to and from surrounding devices using short-range communication, for example. Furthermore, the communication unit 271 transmits and receives information to and from a portable terminal device such as a smartphone by setting the communication unit 271 to be able to communicate with the portable terminal device using short-range wireless communication, for example.

The communication unit 271 may be provided in multiple parts, each for a different communication method. Alternatively, the communication unit 271 may be provided as a separate device from the terminal main body 27 and connected to the terminal main body 27. Some communication methods may be provided in a separate device connected to the terminal main body 27, and communication may be performed via that separate device.

(Regarding the control unit 272)
The control unit 272 is realized by a controller such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the storage unit 273, and controls the overall operation of the terminal device 2. Note that the control unit 272 is not limited to a CPU or an MPU, and may be configured by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

(Regarding the storage unit 273)
The storage unit 273 stores various programs executed by the control unit 272, data required when the control unit 272 performs processing, and the like.

When the terminal device 2 receives an advertisement or content from the distribution device 3 via the communication unit 271, it outputs the received advertisement or content. For example, if the advertisement or content is image data, the terminal device 2 displays an image of the advertisement or content on the display unit 25. Furthermore, if the advertisement or content is audio data, the terminal device 2 outputs the audio of the advertisement or content from the audio output unit 22.

The terminal device 2 also detects the state of the vehicle VE using the sensor unit 26. For example, the terminal device 2 periodically detects the current location information of the vehicle VE using the sensor unit 26. The terminal device 2 transmits information about the state of the vehicle VE detected by the sensor unit 26 to the distribution device 3 via the communication unit 271.

The terminal device 2 also acquires payment information related to payments made by users riding in the vehicle VE. The payment information may include, as necessary, the amount paid by the user, facility information such as the location information of the facility where the payment was made, and advertising information such as the advertising ID of the advertisement used for the payment. The payment information may be stored in the terminal device 2 or in another device.

For example, if the terminal device 2 has a payment function, account information used for payment, such as a credit card number or account number, is registered in the terminal device 2. Alternatively, software for making electronic payments, such as electronic money, is installed in the terminal device 2, and the electronic money is charged to the terminal device 2. When making a payment, the terminal device 2 communicates with surrounding devices using various communication methods, such as short-range communication or short-range wireless communication, and accepts a payment request from the surrounding devices. The payment request includes information on the amount to be paid by the user. The payment request may also include facility information, such as the location information of the facility where the payment is made, and advertising information, such as the advertising ID of the advertisement used for the payment, as necessary. Upon accepting the payment request, the terminal device 2 pays the amount to be paid using the account information or the charged electronic money. When making a payment, the terminal device 2 may output payment details, such as the amount to be paid and the account to be used for payment, as images or audio from the audio output unit 22 or the display unit 25. Furthermore, when making a payment, the terminal device 2 may perform voice authentication of the user by having the user approve the payment via the input unit 24 or by inputting the user's voice into the voice input unit 21.

On the other hand, for example, if the other device has a payment function, terminal device 2 acquires payment information from the other device with payment function. For example, if a portable terminal device such as a smartphone owned by the user has a payment function, terminal device 2 communicates with the portable terminal device using various communication methods such as short-range wireless communication to acquire payment information.

The terminal device 2 acquires the payment information in this way. The terminal device 2 then transmits the acquired payment information from the communication unit 271 to the distribution device 3.

The terminal device 2 also detects a user riding in the vehicle VE in which the terminal device 2 is installed. For example, a user riding in the vehicle VE configures the terminal device 2 to communicate with the user's portable terminal device via short-range wireless communication or the like. When the user is located inside or near the vehicle VE, the terminal device 2 becomes capable of communicating with the user's portable terminal device via the communication unit 271. The terminal device 2 assigns identification information such as an ID to the portable terminal device configured to be capable of communication and stores the information in the memory unit 273, and identifies the user based on the identification information of the portable terminal device. The terminal device 2 identifies the user from the identification information of the portable terminal device that has become capable of communication, and detects the identified user as a user riding in the vehicle VE. The terminal device 2 may also identify the user by performing facial recognition on an image captured by the imaging unit 23, and detect the identified user as a user riding in the vehicle VE.

3. Configuration of distribution device 3
3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the distribution device 3 according to the embodiment. The distribution device 3 is, for example, a server device. The distribution device 3 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33.

(Regarding the communication unit 31)
The communication unit 31, under the control of the control unit 33, transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 2 (communication unit 271) via the network NE.

(Regarding the storage unit 32)
The storage unit 32 stores various programs including a distribution program that executes the distribution process described below. The storage unit 32 also stores data required for processing the various programs. For example, the storage unit 32 stores advertisement data 321, advertisement management data 322, and distribution fee data 323.

(Regarding advertisement data 321)
The advertisement data 321 is data of the advertisement to be distributed.

(Regarding advertising management data 322)
The advertisement management data 322 is data that stores management information related to advertisements, such as advertisement distribution conditions. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the advertisement management data 322 according to the embodiment. The advertisement management data 322 has fields such as "advertisement ID,""distributionconditions,""advertisingfacility," and "requester."

The "Advertising ID" field is an area that stores identification information that identifies an advertisement. Each advertisement in the advertising data 321 is assigned a unique advertising ID as identification information that identifies it. The "Advertising ID" field stores the advertising ID of each advertisement.

The "Delivery Conditions" item is an area that stores the conditions for delivering an advertisement. The advertisement in the advertising data 321 has delivery conditions defined for the advertisement. The delivery conditions may be any conditions that determine whether the advertisement will be delivered. In this embodiment, the delivery conditions are defined by the delivery area and delivery time period. The delivery area may be defined in any way. For example, the delivery area may be defined as a predetermined range that includes the advertised facility. For example, if the advertisement is for a refueling facility such as a gas station, the delivery area may be defined by location information within a radius of the refueling facility. The delivery time period may also be defined in any way. For example, the delivery time period may be defined as the business hours of the advertised facility.

The "Advertised Facility" field is an area that stores information about the advertised facility. The "Advertised Facility" field stores information about the facility, such as the location information of the advertised facility. Each facility, such as an advertised facility, may be assigned identification information that identifies it. The facility identification information may be a unique ID, or a number that is predetermined for the facility, such as a number indicating the facility's telephone number or address. The "Advertised Facility" field may store the facility's identification information.

The "Requester" field is an area that stores the source of the advertisement request. The "Requester" field stores information about the source that requested the distribution of the advertisement.

(Regarding distribution fee data 323)
Returning to Fig. 3, the distribution fee data 323 is data that stores the cumulative distribution fee for advertisements distributed over a certain period for each advertisement requester.

(Regarding the control unit 33)
The control unit 33 is realized by a controller such as a CPU or an MPU executing various programs stored in the storage unit 32, and controls the overall operation of the distribution device 3. Note that the control unit 33 is not limited to a CPU or an MPU, and may be configured by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 33 includes a first acquisition unit 331, a distribution unit 332, a second acquisition unit 333, a setting unit 334, and a billing unit 335.

(Regarding the first acquisition unit 331)
The first acquisition unit 331 sequentially acquires information about the state of the vehicle VE from the terminal device 2 mounted on the vehicle VE via the communication unit 31. For example, the first acquisition unit 331 sequentially acquires position information from the vehicle VE.

(Regarding the distribution unit 332)
The distribution unit 332 distributes advertisements to vehicles VE. Based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit 331, the distribution unit 332 determines whether to distribute an advertisement to the vehicle VE from which the information was acquired. For example, the distribution unit 332 determines whether the acquired information satisfies the distribution conditions of any advertisement. The distribution unit 332 determines that a vehicle VE from which the acquired information satisfies the distribution conditions of the advertisement is a target vehicle VE to which the advertisement is to be distributed. The distribution unit 332 reads out an advertisement whose distribution conditions are satisfied from the advertisement data 321. Then, the distribution unit 332 distributes the read advertisement from the communication unit 31 to the vehicle VE determined to be a target vehicle VE. In this way, if there is an advertisement whose information acquired by the first acquisition unit 331 satisfies the distribution conditions, the distribution unit 332 distributes the advertisement that satisfies the distribution conditions to the vehicle VE from which the information was acquired.

(Regarding the second acquisition unit 333)
The second acquisition unit 333 acquires information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility by a user riding in the vehicle VE to which the advertisement was distributed by the distribution unit 332. For example, the second acquisition unit 333 acquires payment information from the terminal device 2 mounted on the vehicle VE via the communication unit 31. When the acquired payment information includes advertisement information such as an advertisement ID, the second acquisition unit 333 identifies the advertisement used from the advertisement ID and acquires the amount included in the payment information as the amount paid by the user at the identified advertised facility. Furthermore, when the acquired payment information includes location information of the facility, the second acquisition unit 333 identifies the advertised facility used from the facility location information and acquires the amount included in the payment information as the amount paid by the user at the identified facility.

(Regarding the setting unit 334)
The setting unit 334 sets a delivery fee for the delivered advertisement. The setting unit 334 sets the delivery fee for the advertisement based on the information on the amount acquired by the first acquisition unit 331. For example, the setting unit 334 sets a higher delivery fee for the advertisement as the amount paid at the advertised facility increases.

(Regarding the accounting unit 335)
The charging unit 335 charges a delivery fee for the advertisement. The charging unit 335 charges the requester of the delivered advertisement the delivery fee set by the setting unit 334. For example, the charging unit 335 adds the delivery fee set by the setting unit 334 to the cumulative delivery fee of the requester of the delivered advertisement in the delivery fee data 323.

[4. Specific examples of distribution methods]
Next, a specific example of advertisement distribution by the distribution system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of advertisement distribution by the distribution system 1 according to the embodiment.

A business that wishes to distribute advertisements prepares the advertisement to be distributed. The business also determines the conditions for distributing the advertisement. For example, we will explain the case where an advertisement is distributed for a business that operates gas stations or other gas stations. Business A, which operates the gas stations, prepares an advertisement for the gas stations it operates. Business A also determines the distribution conditions as a distribution area that includes the gas stations it operates, and a distribution time period that corresponds to the business hours of the gas stations.

The advertisement is stored in the advertisement data 321 in the memory unit 32 of the distribution device 3. The advertisement distribution conditions are stored in the advertisement management data 322 in the memory unit 32. For example, if an advertisement is to be distributed to vehicles VE in area A between 7:00 and 21:00, the distribution conditions would be "<Distribution area> Area A, <Distribution time zone> 7:00 to 21:00", as in advertisement ID "A001" in Figure 4.

In the vehicle VE, the terminal device 2 periodically detects the vehicle VE's status, such as its location information, and sequentially transmits the detected vehicle VE status information to the distribution device 3.

The distribution device 3 sequentially acquires information about the status of the vehicle VE from the terminal device 2 installed in the vehicle VE via the communication unit 31. For example, the distribution device 3 sequentially acquires the location information of the vehicle VE from the vehicle VE. Based on the acquired information, the distribution device 3 determines whether the vehicle VE from which the information was acquired satisfies the distribution conditions of each advertisement, and distributes an advertisement to the vehicle VE that satisfies the distribution conditions. For example, the distribution device 3 determines whether the location of the vehicle VE in the acquired location information is within any of the distribution areas in the advertisement management data 322. If the location of the vehicle VE is within the distribution area of any advertisement, the distribution device 3 determines whether the current time is within the distribution time period of the advertisement for which the vehicle VE is within the distribution area. If the current time is within the distribution time period of the advertisement, the distribution device 3 distributes the advertisement to the vehicle VE that is within the distribution area. As a result, for example, in FIG. 5, an advertisement with advertisement ID "A001" is distributed to vehicles VE in area A.

In this way, the distribution device 3 can distribute advertisements effectively by distributing advertisements to vehicles VE that meet the distribution conditions. For example, a business operator of a gas station can distribute advertisements for the gas station to vehicles VE that pass through area A that includes the gas station during a period that includes the gas station's business hours.

The distributed advertisement is displayed on the display unit 25 of the terminal device 2 of the vehicle VE, or on a portable terminal device of the user that can communicate with the terminal device 2. The user of the vehicle VE references the distributed advertisement, goes to the advertised gas station, and uses the advertisement to fill up with gas. The advertisement may, for example, be a coupon that can be used at the gas station, and a discount can be received by reading the advertisement with a reading device at the gas station. The user of the vehicle VE pays for the gas refueling fee using the payment function of the terminal device 2 or the payment function of the user's portable terminal device. For example, when the terminal device 2 receives a payment request from the gas station device, it pays the amount to be paid using account information or charged electronic money. Also, for example, the portable terminal device pays for the gas refueling fee using its payment function. The terminal device 2 communicates with the portable terminal device using various communication methods, such as short-range wireless communication, to obtain payment information. In the terminal device 2, the communication unit 271 transmits the payment information to the distribution device 3. Payment information may include, as needed, information such as the amount paid by the user, facility information such as the location of the facility where the payment was made, and the advertising ID of the advertisement used for the payment.

The distribution device 3 acquires payment information from the terminal device 2 mounted on the vehicle VE via the communication unit 31. The distribution device 3 identifies the advertisement used from the advertisement ID of the advertisement in the acquired payment information, and acquires the amount included in the payment information as the amount paid by the user at the advertised facility identified. The distribution device 3 sets an advertisement distribution fee based on the amount paid at the advertised facility. The distribution device 3 sets a higher advertisement distribution fee the larger the amount paid at the advertised facility. The distribution device 3 charges the set distribution fee to the requester of the distributed advertisement. In this way, the distribution device 3 can set an advertising fee for the distributed advertisement according to the sales effect of the distributed advertisement, and charge the set advertising fee.

5. Processing Procedure
Next, a procedure of a distribution process executed by the distribution device 3 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the distribution process according to the embodiment. Note that the flow shown in the flowchart of Fig. 6 is repeatedly executed, for example, every time information on the state of the vehicle VE is received from the terminal device 2 mounted on the vehicle VE.

The first acquisition unit 331 acquires information about the state of the vehicle VE (step S10).

Based on the acquired information, the distribution unit 332 determines whether to distribute an advertisement to the vehicle VE from which the information was acquired. For example, the distribution unit 332 determines whether the acquired information satisfies the distribution conditions of any advertisement (step S11). If the acquired information does not satisfy the distribution conditions of any advertisement (step S11: No), the processing ends.

On the other hand, if the distribution conditions for any of the advertisements are met (Step S11: Yes), the distribution unit 332 distributes the advertisement to the vehicles VE that meet the distribution conditions (Step S12). For example, the distribution unit 332 determines that the vehicles VE that meet the advertisement distribution conditions are the vehicles VE to which the advertisement should be distributed. The distribution unit 332 reads out the advertisements whose distribution conditions are met from the advertisement data 321. The distribution unit 332 then distributes the read advertisements from the communication unit 31 to the vehicles VE that have been determined to be the distribution targets.

The second acquisition unit 333 acquires information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility by a user riding in the vehicle VE that delivered the advertisement (step S13). For example, the second acquisition unit 333 acquires payment information from the terminal device 2 mounted on the vehicle VE via the communication unit 31. If the acquired payment information includes the advertising ID of the advertisement, the second acquisition unit 333 identifies the advertisement used from the advertising ID and acquires the amount included in the payment information as the amount paid by the user at the identified facility. Furthermore, if the acquired payment information includes location information of the facility, the second acquisition unit 333 identifies the advertised facility used from the facility location information and acquires the amount included in the payment information as the amount paid by the user at the identified facility.

The setting unit 334 sets the advertisement delivery fee based on the information regarding the amount acquired by the first acquisition unit 331 (step S14). For example, the setting unit 334 sets the advertisement delivery fee based on the amount paid at the advertised facility. For example, the setting unit 334 sets the advertisement delivery fee higher the greater the amount paid at the advertised facility.

The billing unit 335 charges the advertisement distribution fee (step S15) and terminates the process. For example, the billing unit 335 charges the distribution fee set by the setting unit 334 to the requester of the distributed advertisement.

As a result, the distribution device 3 according to this embodiment can set advertising fees for advertisements based on the sales effect of the advertisements and charge the set advertising fees.

Note that the advertising management data 322 shown in Figure 4 was described with the example of the case where the distribution conditions were the distribution area and distribution time period. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the distribution conditions may be only one of the distribution area and distribution time period. Furthermore, the distribution conditions may also be other conditions. For example, the distribution conditions may be the characteristics of the vehicle VE, the characteristics of the driver, or the remaining energy of the vehicle VE. The terminal device 2 is configured with pre-set vehicle characteristics, such as the vehicle model and type (e.g., bus, transport vehicle, passenger car), and transmits the set vehicle characteristics to the distribution device 3. The terminal device 2 also captures an image of the driver using the imaging unit 23, analyzes the captured image to identify the driver's characteristics, such as the driver's age group and gender, and transmits the identified driver characteristics to the distribution device 3. The terminal device 2 also directly or indirectly detects the remaining energy using a sensor and transmits the detected remaining energy to the distribution device 3. For example, if the vehicle VE is equipped with a fuel gauge that shows the remaining amount of fuel such as gasoline or diesel, or a fuel gauge that shows the remaining amount of a secondary battery such as a battery, the sensor can indirectly detect the remaining amount of energy from the fuel gauge or fuel gauge. If the received characteristics of the vehicle VE, characteristics of the driver, and the remaining energy amount of the vehicle VE satisfy the distribution conditions of any advertisement, the distribution device 3 may distribute the advertisement to the vehicle VE that satisfies the distribution conditions.

However, the effectiveness of an advertisement for a user decreases over time. Therefore, even if a vehicle VE to which an advertisement has been delivered visits the advertised facility, the longer the time that has passed since the advertisement was delivered, the less likely it is that the advertisement is effective. Therefore, the setting unit 334 may set the advertisement delivery fee based on the amount paid at the advertised facility within a predetermined time after the advertisement was delivered. For example, as described in FIG. 5, when delivering an advertisement for a gas station, the setting unit 334 may set the advertisement delivery fee based on the amount paid at the advertised gas station within a predetermined time (e.g., one hour) after the advertisement was delivered. The terminal device 2 may transmit payment information to the distribution device 3 as needed, and the distribution device 3 may calculate the amount paid within the predetermined time from the payment information received from the distribution device 3 within the predetermined time after the advertisement was delivered. Furthermore, the terminal device 2 may transmit the amount paid at the advertised facility within the predetermined time after the advertisement was delivered as payment information. This allows the distribution device 3 to set the advertisement fee based on the amount that is deemed to have increased due to the delivered advertisement, and charge the set advertisement fee.

In the embodiment, an example was described in which the advertisement delivery fee was set based on the amount paid at the advertised facility. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the advertisement delivery fee may be set based on information regarding the amount paid, such as the amount paid at the advertised facility or a value correlated to the amount paid. For example, at a gas station that refuels a vehicle VE, the amount of fuel supplied correlates with the refueling fee. Also, at a power supply facility that charges the vehicle VE's battery, the power supply time and amount supplied correlate with the power supply fee. Therefore, the setting unit 334 may set the advertisement delivery fee based on the amount of energy supplied to the vehicle VE for driving, such as the amount of fuel supplied, the power supply time, and the amount of power supplied. Also, the setting unit 334 may set the advertisement delivery fee based on the amount of fuel supplied, the amount of energy paid to refuel the vehicle VE for driving, and the amount of energy supplied per refueling fee per power supply amount. For example, the advertisement may be an advertisement related to a fuel supply facility that refuels the vehicle VE with energy for driving, such as a gas station or power supply amount. The distribution unit 332 distributes advertisements for refueling facilities to the vehicle VE. The second acquisition unit 333 acquires information on the amount of energy refueled to the vehicle VE at the refueling facility or the amount of energy paid for the refueling. The setting unit 334 may set an advertisement distribution fee based on the amount of energy refueled or the amount of energy paid for the refueling. For example, the setting unit 334 sets a higher advertisement distribution fee the greater the refueling amount or the amount of energy paid. This allows the distribution device 3 to set an advertisement fee according to the sales effect of the advertised refueling facility and charge the set advertisement fee.

In the embodiment, the facility is a gas station or other gas station, and the advertisement is an advertisement for the gas station. However, this is not limited to this. The facility may be any facility where a user makes a payment. For example, the facility may be a retail store such as a convenience store, a restaurant, or a commercial facility.

Furthermore, if multiple users riding in the vehicle VE view an advertisement delivered to the vehicle VE, become interested in the advertised facility, and each of the users makes a payment at the advertised facility, the delivered advertisement has a sales effect on the multiple users. In such a case, the advertisement delivery fee may be set according to the sales effect on the multiple users. For example, the delivery unit 332 delivers an advertisement to the vehicle VE. The advertisement delivered to the vehicle VE is displayed on the portable terminal device of each user riding in the vehicle VE, which is capable of communicating with the terminal device 2 of the vehicle VE. The advertisement may be, for example, a coupon, and a discount may be received by selecting a button on the coupon screen. Each user uses the advertisement to make payment at the advertised facility. For example, each user makes payment at the facility using the payment function of the portable terminal device. The portable terminal device of each user transmits payment information to the terminal device 2. The payment information may include, as necessary, facility information such as the amount paid by the user, location information of the facility where the payment was made, and advertisement information such as the advertisement ID of the advertisement used for payment. The terminal device 2 transmits the payment information received from each user's portable terminal device to the distribution device 3. In the distribution device 3, the second acquisition unit 333 acquires information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility by each of the multiple users riding in the vehicle VE that distributed the advertisement. For example, the second acquisition unit 333 acquires the amount paid by each user at the advertised facility from the payment information received from the terminal device 2. The setting unit 334 calculates a total amount by adding up the amounts paid by the multiple users and sets the advertisement distribution fee based on that total amount. For example, the setting unit 334 sets a higher advertisement distribution fee the larger the total amount. This allows the distribution device 3 to set a distribution fee according to the sales effect on multiple users and charge the set advertising fee.

Furthermore, if an advertisement delivered to a vehicle VE is viewed by multiple users riding in the vehicle VE, the advertisement can be provided to multiple users with a single advertisement delivery, resulting in high advertising effectiveness. In such cases, the advertisement delivery fee may be increased. For example, the terminal device 2 detects the number of users riding in the vehicle VE and transmits this number of users to the terminal device 2 along with payment information. In the delivery device 3, the second acquisition unit 333 further acquires the number of users riding in the vehicle VE to which the advertisement was delivered. For example, the second acquisition unit 333 acquires the number of users riding in the vehicle VE to which the advertisement was delivered from the number of users riding received along with the payment information. The setting unit 334 increases the advertisement delivery fee accordingly, as the acquired number of users increases. For example, the setting unit 334 sets a higher surcharge rate the greater the number of users, such as 20% if the number of users is two and 40% if the number of users is three, and increases the advertisement delivery fee accordingly. This allows the distribution device 3 to set a distribution fee based on the advertising effectiveness for multiple users and charge the set advertising fee.

In the embodiment, an example has been described in which payment is made using the terminal device 2 or a portable terminal device carried by the user. However, this is not limited to this. Payment may be made using another information processing device, and payment information may be obtained from the other information processing device. If a facility makes payment using a payment terminal such as a POS (Point of Sale) register, payment information may be obtained from the payment terminal. For example, the advertisement may be a coupon, and a discount may be received by reading the advertisement with a reading device on the payment terminal. The payment terminal reads the advertisement with the reading device and settles the user's payment. The payment terminal transmits payment information to the terminal device 2 or the user's portable terminal device. The payment information may include, as necessary, facility information such as the amount paid by the user, location information of the facility where the payment was made, and advertisement information such as the advertisement ID of the advertisement used for payment. The portable terminal transmits the received payment information to the terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 transmits the received payment information to the distribution device 3. Furthermore, if payment is made using a server device using a credit card or the like, payment information may be obtained from the server device that makes the payment. For example, the advertisement may be a coupon, and a discount may be received by selecting a button on the coupon screen or by having the advertisement read by a payment terminal reader. The amount to be paid by the user, facility information such as the location information of the facility where the payment was made, and the advertisement ID of the advertisement used for payment are transmitted from the user's portable terminal device or payment terminal to the server device that performs the payment, and payment is then made. Once payment is complete, the server device that performs the payment transmits payment information to the distribution device 3. The distribution device 3 may periodically request and transmit the payment information from the server device that performs the payment.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, an example has been described in which the distribution device 3 sets the distribution fee for the advertisement and charges the set distribution fee. However, this is not limited to this. The distribution fee may be charged by a separate device.

Furthermore, in the embodiments, the distribution device 3 has been described as a single computer. However, this is not limited to this. The distribution device 3 according to the above-described embodiments may be implemented as a computer system consisting of multiple computers. Furthermore, the distribution device 3 according to the above-described embodiments may be realized within the system Sy described below.

For example, the system Sy may be a system that includes a terminal device installed in the vehicle VE (which may be a navigation terminal pre-installed in the vehicle VE, or an information processing terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user), an edge computer that performs data processing (edge processing) near the terminal device, a cloud computer that exists on the cloud side and provides various information in a push format, and an information processing device that performs consistency processing on information collected from the edge computer and the cloud computer.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned edge computers and cloud computers are devices that provide content to users. For example, one edge computer may be a device that corresponds to an app that detects driving hazards and provides users with content that indicates cautions and warnings. Furthermore, one cloud computer may be a device that corresponds to an app that provides users with tourist information or advertising content.

The information processing device is also a server device incorporating an information matching engine, which performs a matching process on the original content data (e.g., message information) collected from the edge computer and cloud computer in accordance with the information matching engine, and performs audio output control to output content that reads out the message information based on the matching results. For example, the information processing device determines a priority for outputting content based on allowable range information that specifies the time range or geographic range within which content output is permitted, and controls the content to be output from the terminal device according to the determined priority.

Note that the tolerance information may be set for the information processing device by both the edge computer and the cloud computer.

6. Summary
As described above, the distribution device 3 according to the present embodiment includes the distribution unit 332, the second acquisition unit 333, and the setting unit 334. The distribution unit 332 distributes an advertisement for a facility to the vehicle VE. The second acquisition unit 333 acquires information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility by a user riding in the vehicle VE to which the advertisement was distributed by the distribution unit 332. The setting unit 334 sets a distribution fee for the advertisement based on the information regarding the amount acquired by the second acquisition unit 333. This allows the distribution device 3 to set the advertising fee according to the sales effect of the advertisement.

The setting unit 334 also sets the advertisement distribution fee based on information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility within a predetermined time after the advertisement is distributed. This allows the distribution device 3 to set the advertising fee according to the amount that can be considered to have increased as a result of the distributed advertisement.

The advertisement is an advertisement for a refueling facility that refuels the vehicle VE with energy for driving. The second acquisition unit 333 acquires information on the amount of energy refueled or the amount paid for the energy refueling by the vehicle VE that distributed the advertisement at the advertised refueling facility. This allows the distribution device 3 to set advertising fees according to the sales effect of the advertised refueling facility.

The second acquisition unit 333 acquires information regarding the amount paid by each of multiple users riding in the vehicle VE to which the advertisement was distributed at the advertised facility. The setting unit 334 calculates the total amount paid by the multiple users from the acquired information and sets the advertisement distribution fee based on that total amount. This allows the distribution device 3 to set the advertisement distribution fee according to the sales effect on multiple users.

The second acquisition unit 333 further acquires the number of users riding in the vehicle VE to which the advertisement is distributed. The setting unit 334 increases the advertisement distribution fee as the number of people acquired by the second acquisition unit 333 increases. This allows the distribution device 3 to increase the advertisement distribution fee if the number of people to whom the advertisement can be provided is large and a high advertising effect can be achieved.

[7. Other]
(Hardware configuration)
The distribution device 3 according to the embodiment described above is realized, for example, by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the distribution device 3 according to the embodiment. The computer 1000 includes a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM 1300, a HDD 1400, a communication interface (I/F) 1500, an input/output interface (I/F) 1600, and a media interface (I/F) 1700.

The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, and controls each component. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

HDD 1400 stores programs executed by CPU 1100 and data used by such programs. Communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via a specified communication network and sends it to CPU 1100, and transmits data generated by CPU 1100 to other devices via a specified communication network.

The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice, via the input/output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input/output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs generated data to output devices via the input/output interface 1600.

Media interface 1700 reads programs or data stored on recording medium 1800 and provides them to CPU 1100 via RAM 1200. CPU 1100 loads the programs from recording medium 1800 onto RAM 1200 via media interface 1700 and executes the loaded programs. Recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the distribution device 3 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes programs loaded onto the RAM 1200 to realize the functions of the control unit 33. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, the CPU 1100 may obtain these programs from another device via a specified communications network.

(others)
Furthermore, among the processes described in each of the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

Furthermore, the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate to the extent that the processing content is not contradictory.

The above describes in detail some of the embodiments of the present application based on the drawings, but these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that incorporate various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the aspects described in the Disclosure of the Invention section.

Furthermore, the "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be read as "means" or "circuit." For example, an acquisition unit can be read as an acquisition means or an acquisition circuit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Distribution system 2 Terminal device 3 Distribution device 31 Communication unit 32 Storage unit 33 Control unit 321 Advertising data 322 Advertising management data 323 Distribution fee data 331 First acquisition unit 332 Distribution unit 333 Second acquisition unit 334 Setting unit 335 Charging unit VE Vehicle

Claims (10)

a distribution unit that distributes an advertisement for the facility to a vehicle, the advertisement including identification information that identifies the advertisement;
an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility, including the payment amount and identification information of the advertisement used for the payment, identifies the advertisement used from the identification information included in the acquired information regarding the amount, and acquires information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility by a user riding in the vehicle that delivered the advertisement, by regarding the payment amount included in the information regarding the amount as the amount paid by the user at the identified advertised facility;
a setting unit that sets a delivery fee for the advertisement based on the information regarding the amount acquired by the acquisition unit;
Equipped with
the advertisement is an advertisement about a supply facility that supplies a vehicle with energy to be used for traveling,
The acquisition unit acquires information on the amount of energy replenished by the vehicle to which the advertisement was delivered at the advertised refueling facility or the amount of energy replenishment paid for the refueling.
A distribution device characterized by: a distribution unit that distributes an advertisement for the facility to a vehicle, the advertisement including identification information that identifies the advertisement;
an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility, including the payment amount and identification information of the advertisement used for the payment, identifies the advertisement used from the identification information included in the acquired information regarding the amount, and acquires information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility by a user riding in the vehicle that delivered the advertisement, by regarding the payment amount included in the information regarding the amount as the amount paid by the user at the identified advertised facility;
a setting unit that sets a delivery fee for the advertisement based on the information regarding the amount acquired by the acquisition unit;
Equipped with
the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the amount paid by each of a plurality of users riding in the vehicle that delivered the advertisement at the facility advertised;
The setting unit calculates a total amount by adding up the amounts paid by the plurality of users from the acquired information, and sets a delivery fee for the advertisement based on the total amount.
A distribution device characterized by: The distribution device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the setting unit sets the distribution fee for the advertisement based on information about an amount paid at the facility of the advertisement within a predetermined time after the advertisement is distributed. The vehicle is provided with a terminal device having a payment function,
The distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the acquisition unit acquires information on the amount paid at the advertised facility from the terminal device of the vehicle that distributed the advertisement. The distribution device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the amount paid by the user riding in the vehicle at the advertised facility from an information processing device that performed the payment by the user. The acquisition unit further acquires the number of users who will be riding in the vehicle to which the advertisement is distributed,
6. The distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein the setting unit sets a higher advertisement distribution fee as the number of people acquired by the acquisition unit increases. A distribution method executed by a distribution device,
a distribution step of distributing an advertisement for the facility, including identification information for identifying the advertisement, to the vehicle;
an acquisition step of acquiring information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility, including the payment amount and identification information of the advertisement used for the payment, identifying the advertisement used from the identification information included in the acquired information regarding the amount, and acquiring information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility by the user riding in the vehicle that delivered the advertisement, by taking the payment amount included in the information regarding the amount as the amount paid by the user at the identified advertised facility;
a setting step of setting a delivery fee for the advertisement based on the acquired information on the amount;
Including,
the advertisement is an advertisement about a supply facility that supplies a vehicle with energy to be used for traveling,
The acquiring step acquires information on the amount of energy replenished by the vehicle to which the advertisement is distributed at the advertised refueling facility or the amount of energy replenishment paid for the refueling.
A distribution method characterized by: A distribution method executed by a distribution device,
a distribution step of distributing an advertisement for the facility, including identification information for identifying the advertisement, to the vehicle;
an acquisition step of acquiring information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility, including the payment amount and identification information of the advertisement used for the payment, identifying the advertisement used from the identification information included in the acquired information regarding the amount, and acquiring information regarding the amount paid at the advertised facility by the user riding in the vehicle that delivered the advertisement, by taking the payment amount included in the information regarding the amount as the amount paid by the user at the identified advertised facility;
a setting step of setting a delivery fee for the advertisement based on the acquired information on the amount;
Including,
the acquiring step acquires information about the amount paid by each of the users riding in the vehicle that delivered the advertisement at the facility advertised;
The setting step calculates a total amount by adding up the amounts paid by the plurality of users from the acquired information, and sets a delivery fee for the advertisement based on the total amount.
A distribution method characterized by: A distribution program executed by a distribution device having a computer,
The computer
a distribution means for distributing an advertisement for the facility to a vehicle, the advertisement including identification information for identifying the advertisement;
an acquisition means for acquiring information relating to the amount paid at the advertised facility, including the payment amount and identification information of the advertisement used for the payment, identifying the advertisement used from the identification information included in the acquired information relating to the amount, and acquiring information relating to the amount paid at the advertised facility by a user riding in the vehicle that delivered the advertisement, by regarding the payment amount included in the information relating to the amount as the amount paid by the user at the identified advertised facility;
a setting means for setting a delivery fee for the advertisement based on the acquired information on the amount;
It functions as
the advertisement is an advertisement about a supply facility that supplies a vehicle with energy to be used for traveling,
The acquisition means acquires information on the amount of energy replenished by the vehicle to which the advertisement was distributed at the advertised refueling facility or the amount of energy replenishment paid for the refueling.
A distribution program characterized by: A distribution program executed by a distribution device having a computer,
The computer
a distribution means for distributing an advertisement for the facility to a vehicle, the advertisement including identification information for identifying the advertisement;
an acquisition means for acquiring information relating to the amount paid at the advertised facility, including the payment amount and identification information of the advertisement used for the payment, identifying the advertisement used from the identification information included in the acquired information relating to the amount, and acquiring information relating to the amount paid at the advertised facility by a user riding in the vehicle that delivered the advertisement, by regarding the payment amount included in the information relating to the amount as the amount paid by the user at the identified advertised facility;
a setting means for setting a delivery fee for the advertisement based on the acquired information on the amount;
It functions as
the acquiring means acquires information regarding the amount paid by each of the users riding in the vehicle that delivered the advertisement at the facility advertised;
The setting means calculates a total amount by adding up the amounts paid by the plurality of users from the acquired information, and sets a delivery fee for the advertisement based on the total amount.
A distribution program characterized by: