U.S. patent application number 10/690528 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-29 for service system and service method employing portable terminal.
Invention is credited to Doi, Miwako, Sugiyama, Hiroshi.
Application Number | 20040082387 10/690528 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18249728 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040082387 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doi, Miwako ; et
al. |
April 29, 2004 |
Service system and service method employing portable terminal
Abstract
This service system includes a portable terminal for acquiring a
game character to be distributed, and then, executing a game in
collaboration with a processor main body, an external station for
making communication with the portable terminal via a short
distance wireless equipment, and a service server for distributing
the game character to the external station. The portable terminal
transmits to the external station the contents of a history
information storage section for storing history information
concerning a game and a game character depending on a user that
possesses the portable terminal. The external station receives the
history information transmitted from the portable terminal, and
then transmits to the portable terminal the game character
information transmitted by referring to the history.
Inventors: |
Doi, Miwako; (Kawasaki-Shi,
JP) ; Sugiyama, Hiroshi; (Kawasaki-Shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
18249728 |
Appl. No.: |
10/690528 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10690528 |
Oct 23, 2003 |
|
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09716317 |
Nov 21, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/12 20130101;
A63F 2300/204 20130101; A63F 13/92 20140902; A63F 2300/513
20130101; A63F 13/352 20140902; A63F 2300/208 20130101; A63F 13/79
20140902; A63F 13/327 20140902; A63F 2300/5553 20130101; A63F
2300/552 20130101; A63F 2300/405 20130101; A63F 2300/406
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/042 |
International
Class: |
G06F 019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 22, 1999 |
JP |
11-331973 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A service system comprising: a portable terminal device
configured to execute predetermined processing solely or in
collaboration with an external device, portable terminal device
including: a communication section configured to make communication
with an external station; a storage section configured to store
personal history information of a user that possesses the portable
terminal device; and an information management section configured
to read the personal history information stored in said storage
section, transmit the personal history information to said external
station, and receive predetermined service information; said
external station including: a communication section configured to,
when said portable terminal device is close, make communication
with the portable terminal device; and a distribution control
section configured to receive the personal history information
transmitted from said portable terminal device via said
communication section, and distribute predetermined service
information to said portable terminal device according to the
received history information.
2. A service system comprising: a portable terminal device
configured to execute a game solely or in collaboration with a game
machine mainframe, said portable terminal device including: a
storage section configured to store history information concerning
a game and a game character depending on a user that possesses the
portable terminal device; a communication section configured to
make communication with an external station; and an information
management section configured to read the history information
concerning a game and a game character stored in said storage
section, transmit the history information to said external station,
and receive information on said game character from said external
device; said external station including: a communication section
configured to, when said portable terminal device is close, make
communication with the portable terminal device; and a distribution
control section configured to receive history information
concerning a game and a game character transmitted from said
portable terminal device via said communication section, and
distribute information on said game character to said portable
terminal device according to the received history information.
3. A service system comprising: a portable terminal device
configured to acquire coupon device to be distributed, said
portable terminal device including: a storage section configured to
store history information concerning coupon information acquisition
and application for coupon depending on a user that possesses the
portable terminal device; a communication section configured to
make communication with an external station; and an information
management section configured to read the history information
concerning coupon acquisition and application for coupon stored in
said storage section, transmit the history information to said
external station, and receive coupon information from said external
station; the external station including: a communication section
configured to, when said portable terminal device is close, make
communication with the portable terminal device; and a distribution
control section configured to receive the history information
concerning coupon acquisition and application for coupon
transmitted from said portable terminal device via said
communication section, and distribute said coupon information to
said portable terminal device according to the received history
information.
4. A service system comprising: a broadcasting station configured
to broadcast a broadcasting wave with service information; and a
portable terminal device configured to acquire predetermined
service information to be distributed, and then, execute
predetermined processing solely or in collaboration with an
external device, said portable terminal device including: a
broadcasting receiving section configured to receive the
broadcasting wave from said broadcasting station; a storage section
configured to store service information included in said received
broadcasting wave, and store history information depending on a
user; a communication section configured to make communication with
an external station; an information management section configured
to read the history information depending on a user that was stored
in said storage section, transmit the history information to said
external station, and receive coupon information from said external
station; the external station including: a communication section
configured to, when said portable terminal device is close, make
communication with the portable terminal device; and a distribution
control section configured to receive the history information
transmitted from said portable terminal device via said
communication section, and distribute said coupon information to
said portable terminal device according to the received history
information.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said portable terminal
device or external device includes a section configured to, when a
predetermined condition is met, instruct a user to acquire said
service information, said game character information, or coupon
information.
6. The system according to claim 2, wherein said portable terminal
device or game machine mainframe includes a section configured to,
when a predetermined condition is met, instruct a user to acquire
said service information, said game character information, or
coupon information.
7. The system according to claim 3, wherein said portable terminal
device includes a section configured to, when a predetermined
condition is met, instruct user to acquire said service
information, said game character information, or coupon
information.
8. The system according to claim 4, wherein said portable terminal
device or external device includes a section configured to, when a
predetermined condition is met, instruct a user to acquire said
service information, said game character information, or coupon
information.
9. The service system according to claim 3, wherein said portable
terminal device or external device includes a section configured to
indicate a user said external station at which said portable
terminal device acquires said service information, said game
character information, or said coupon information.
10. The service system according to claim 2, wherein said portable
terminal device or game machine mainframe includes a section
configured to indicate a user said external station at which said
portable terminal device acquires said service information, said
game character information, or said coupon information.
11. The service system according to claim 3, wherein said portable
terminal device includes a section configured to indicate a user
said external station at which said portable terminal device
acquires said service information, said game character information,
or said coupon information.
12. The service system according to claim 4, wherein said portable
terminal device or external device includes a section configured to
indicate a user said external station at which said portable
terminal device acquires said service information, said game
character information, or said coupon information.
13. The system according to claim 1, wherein said external station
includes a section configured to transmit to said portable terminal
device, guidance information for indicating another external
station at which said portable terminal acquires said service
information, said game character information, or said coupon
information.
14. The system according to claim 2, wherein said external station
includes a section configured to transmit to said portable terminal
device, guidance information for indicating another external
station at which said portable terminal acquires said service
information, said game character information, or said coupon
information.
15. The system according to claim 3, wherein said external station
includes a section configured to transmit to said portable terminal
device, guidance information for indicating another external
station at which said portable terminal can acquire said service
information, said game character information, or said coupon
information.
16. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a service
server configured to distribute said service information to said
external station, the service server adaptively distributing said
service information based on at least one of connection information
on a portable terminal device accessed from said external station
to the external station and history information transmitted from
the portable terminal device to the external station.
17. The system according to claim 2, wherein said external station
includes a section configured to transmit to said portable terminal
device, guidance information for indicating another external
station at which said portable terminal acquires said service
information, said game character information, or said coupon
information.
18. The system according to claim 3, wherein said external station
includes a section configured to transmit to said portable terminal
device, guidance information for indicating another external
station at which said portable terminal acquires said service
information, said game character information, or said coupon
information.
19. A portable terminal device comprising: a history information
memory configured to store personal history information of a user
that possesses said portable terminal device; a transmitter
configured to transmit the personal history information stored in
said history information memory to the outside; a receiver
configured to receive predetermined service information transmitted
from the outside in response to the transmission of said personal
history information to the outside; and a section configured to
perform predetermined processing solely or in collaboration with an
external device based on said received predetermined service
information.
20. A service information distributing apparatus comprising: a
receiver configured to receive personal history information
transmitted from a portable terminal device for acquiring
predetermined service information to be distributed, and then,
execute predetermined processing solely or in collaboration with an
external device; a transmitter configured to transmit said service
information to said portable terminal device according to the
history information received by said receiver.
21. A service method in a service system comprising: a portable
terminal device for acquiring predetermined service information to
be distributed, and then executing predetermined processing solely
or in collaboration with an external device; and an external
station for, when the portable terminal device is close, making
communication with the portable terminal device, said service
method comprising the steps of: storing personal history
information of a user that possesses said portable terminal device
by means of said portable terminal device; transmitting said stored
personal history information to said external station by means of
said portable terminal device; receiving the personal history
information transmitted from said portable terminal device by means
of said external station; and transmitting and distributing said
service information to said portable terminal device according to
said history information by means of said external station.
22. A service method in a service system comprising: a portable
terminal device for acquiring game character information to be
distributed, and then executing a game solely or in collaboration
with a game machine mainframe; and an external station for, when
the portable terminal is close, making communication with the
portable terminal, said service method comprising the steps of:
storing history information depending on a user that possesses said
portable terminal device by means of said portable terminal device;
transmitting said stored history information to said external
station by means of said portable terminal; receiving the history
information transmitted from said portable terminal device by means
of said external station; and transmitting and distributing said
service information to said portable terminal device according to
said history information by means of said external station.
23. A service method in a service system comprising: a portable
terminal device for acquiring coupon information to be distributed;
and an external station for, when the portable terminal device is
close, making communication with the portable terminal, said
service method comprising the steps of: storing history information
concerning coupon information acquisition and application for
coupon depending on a user that possesses the portable terminal
device, by means of said portable terminal device; transmitting
said stored history information to said external station, by means
of said portable terminal; and transmitting and distributing coupon
information to said portable terminal by means of said external
station as a result of referring to said history information.
24. A service method in a service system comprising: a portable
terminal device for acquiring predetermined service information to
be distributed, and then executing predetermined processing solely
or in collaboration with said external device; an external station
for, when the portable terminal device is close, making
communication with the portable terminal device; and a broadcasting
station for broadcasting said service information and distributing
the information to said portable terminal device, said service
method comprising the steps of: storing history information
depending on a user that possesses the portable terminal device by
means of said portable terminal device; transmitting said stored
history information to said external station by means of said
portable terminal device; receiving the history information
transmitted from said portable terminal device by means of said
external station; and executing predetermined service according to
said received history information.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 11-331973,
filed Nov. 22, 1999, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains to a service system that
acquires service information such as game characters by means of a
portable terminal, thereby performing processing such as game. In
particular, the present invention relates to a service system and
service method designed so as to promote outgoing for a user who
possesses the portable terminal.
[0003] In a game machine for home use, a user mounts a storage
medium such as CD-ROM in which game software is stored in a game
machine mainframe, thereby enjoying a game. History information
depending on individual users such as a game in progress is stored
in a storage medium such as a memory card independent of such
storage medium as CD-ROM storing game software. For example,
information such as weapons or characters that are available by
being acquired through a match play game is also stored in this
memory card. In addition, recently, by storing game software in a
memory card, a user can enjoy a game easily even in a car or any
location where a game machine mainframe cannot be used. Further,
the user connects a game machine to a telephone line, and downloads
game software, whereby the user can enjoy a match play game.
[0004] The game software used in such game machine can be purchased
at various locations such as game shop, game selling corner at
department store or the like, and shopping station in a convenience
store. However, in some types of game software, all of the game
characters used here cannot be always purchased at a general
selling corner. Thus, there is proposed a sales strategy in which a
system for selling a specific game character at an event space or
through communication selling only is established, thereby
enhancing the value of the game. As a result, there is a problem
that many users that a promoter cannot expect gather and make a
long line at such event location, and the promoter cannot treat
such plenty of users satisfactorily.
[0005] In addition, there is a problem that the user continues
playing a game to clear (end) the game at midnight or by sitting up
through the night, and as a result of this, a student is absent
from school or a worker is absent from office. That is, in playing
a conventional game machine, a user continuously sits at the game
machine and looks at the display all the times.
[0006] Further, in selling the game characters in the
aforementioned event location as well, there occurs a case in which
a person who wants to purchase the game continuously playing a game
by a portable type game machine while he or she is waiting.
[0007] As described above, in the current use mode of the game
machine, there is a large disadvantage that a user is likely to
continue a game at home for a long time from the start to the end
without outgoing, thus causing disordered daily life or shortage of
exercise.
[0008] In addition, in selling game characters utilizing an event
location, users gather at one part, and must wait for a long time,
which is inefficient for users or game sellers. On the other hand,
if such game characters can be purchased anywhere, its added value
is lost for the users or game sellers.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention has been made in order to solve the
aforementioned problem with the use of a game machine. It is an
object of the present invention to provide a service system and
service method employing a portable terminal designed to promote
outgoing.
[0010] In order to solve the foregoing problem, a service system
according to the present invention comprises a portable terminal
configured to acquire predetermined service information to be
distributed, and then execute predetermined processing solely or in
collaboration with an external device and an external station
configured to make communication with the portable terminal when
the portable terminal is close.
[0011] In addition, according to a service method in such service
system comprising a portable terminal for acquiring predetermined
service information to be distributed, and then, executing
predetermined processing solely or in collaboration with an
external device and an external station for making communication
with the portable terminal when the portable terminal is close,
history information depending on a user who possesses the portable
terminal is stored by means of the portable terminal; the stored
history information is transmitted to the external station by means
of the portable terminal; the history information transmitted from
the portable terminal is received by the external station, the
history information is referred to by the external station, and the
service information is transmitted and distributed to the portable
terminal.
[0012] Communication between a portable terminal and an external
station is made via a short distance wireless equipment known as
Bluetooth.
[0013] Then, the portable terminal stores history information
depending on a user who possesses the portable terminal, and
transmits the history information to an external station. In
addition, the external station receives the history information
transmitted from the portable terminal, refers to the history
information, and transmits and distributes service information to
the portable terminal.
[0014] Specifically, for example, in the case where service
information includes game characters, the portable terminal
acquires game character information to be distributed, and executes
the game solely or in collaboration with the game machine
mainframe. Then, the portable terminal stores history information
concerning a game depending on a user who possesses the portable
terminal and game characters, and transmits the information to an
external station. On the other hand, the external station receives
history information transmitted from the portable terminal, refers
to the history information, and transmits and distributes game
character information to the portable terminal.
[0015] In addition, in the case where service information includes
coupon information, a portable terminal receives coupon information
from another portable terminal for acquiring such coupon
information to be distributed. Then, the portable terminal acquires
coupon information depending on a user who possesses the portable
terminal, stores history information concerning application for
coupon, and transmits the history information to an external
station. The external station refers to the history information
transmitted from the portable terminal, and transmits and
distributes coupon information to the portable terminal.
[0016] With such system configuration, a user takes a portable
terminal, and goes to a location that enables communication with an
external station, whereby the user can receive distribution of
service information such as game characters or coupon, thus making
it possible to prompt the user to go out positively.
[0017] Another service system according to the present invention
includes: a portable terminal configured to acquire predetermined
service information to be distributed, and then execute
predetermined processing solely or in collaboration with an
external device; an external station that makes communication with
the portable terminal when this portable terminal is close; and a
broadcast station configured to broadcast service information to
distribute it to a portable terminal. In this case as well,
communication between a portable terminal and an external station
is made via a short distance wireless equipment.
[0018] Then, a portable terminal stores history information
depending on a user who possesses the portable terminal, and
transmits the history information to an external station. The
external station receives history transmitted from the portable
terminal, refers to the history information, and execute
predetermined service.
[0019] Thus, a broadcast station distributes service information to
each portable terminal, and an external station executes service,
whereby many users can receive service information simultaneously.
Moreover, the user must go to an external station that enables
communication with the portable terminal in order to receive the
service. This makes it possible to prompt the user to go out, to
provide service information inexpensively at a service provider
side, and to accelerate sales at shop with a low cost.
[0020] A portable terminal or an external device desirably includes
a function for instructing the user to acquire service information
such as game character information or coupon information when a
predetermined condition is met. This makes it possible to prompt
the user to go to an external station in order to receive the
distribution of service information to be acquired.
[0021] In addition, a portable terminal or an external device may
comprise a function for indicating the user an external station at
which the portable terminal can acquire service information such as
game character information or coupon information, for example, the
nearest external station. In this manner, the user can acquire
service information efficiently.
[0022] An external station may comprise a function for transmitting
to a portable terminal the guidance information for indicating
anther external station at which a portable terminal can acquire
service information such as game character information or coupon
information. This makes it possible to provide the user with
game-like entertainment in acquiring service information by the
user going to a plurality of such presented external stations.
[0023] A service system employing a portable terminal according to
the present invention further comprises a service server configured
to distribute service information to an external station, wherein
service information may be distributed adaptively (to a person who
visits an external station) under the control of this service
server based on at least one of connection information on a
portable terminal that has provided an access to the external
station and history information transmitted from the portable
terminal to the external station.
[0024] In this manner, in a service server, distribution and
delivery control of service information such as game characters is
performed for a portable terminal according to regional congestion
state or history information between the portable terminal and an
external station, whereby service information such as game
characters to be distributed from the external station to the
portable terminal can be properly distributed to the external
station. Alternatively, the history is provided from the portable
terminal via the external station, thereby making it possible to
change adequate service activities.
[0025] In addition, according to the present invention, there is
provided a portable terminal comprising: a history information
memory configured to store history information depending on a user
who possesses a portable terminal as a portable terminal for
acquiring predetermined service information to be distributed, and
then to execute predetermined processing solely or in collaboration
with an external device; and a transmitter configured to externally
transmit the history information stored in the history information
memory.
[0026] Further, according to the present invention, there is
provided a service information distributing apparatus comprising: a
receiver configured to receive history information transmitted from
a portable terminal for acquiring predetermined service information
to be distributed, and then, to execute predetermined processing
solely or in collaboration with an external device; and a
transmitter configured to transmit and distribute to the portable
terminal, service information by referring to the history
information received by the receiver.
[0027] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the flow of
customers in a region is guided by coupon distribution or
advertisement distribution and the like by utilizing the face that
a user can be prompted for physical movement at the outside,
thereby making it possible to accelerate product selling.
[0028] Moreover, according to the present invention, broadcasting
service is used for distributing service information such as
advertisement or coupon, whereby service information can be
distributed to many users inexpensively, and thus, the cost
associated with promotion of sales at regional shops can be
significantly reduced.
[0029] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the
general description given above and the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles
of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a
service system employing a portable terminal according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting a detailed configuration
of the service system according to the same embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing procedures for writing
history information into a history information storage section in a
portable terminal according to the same embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing procedures for distributing a
game character based on history according to the same
embodiment;
[0035] FIGS. 5A and 5B are views showing an example of the storage
content of the history information storage section according to the
same embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a
service system employing a portable terminal according to a second
embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a view showing a service system employing a
portable terminal according to a third embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a view showing a service system employing a
portable terminal according to a fourth embodiment; and
[0039] FIG. 9 is a block diagram depicting a detailed configuration
of the service system according to the same embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0041] (First Embodiment)
[0042] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an entire service
system employing a portable terminal according to a first
embodiment of the present invention. This service system roughly
comprises a portable terminal 1, a processor main body 2, an
external station 3, and a service server 4. The portable terminal 1
is coupled with the processor main body 2 to enable information
exchange with each other. In addition, the portable terminal 1 and
the external station 3 enable communication with each other via a
short distance wireless equipment such as Bluetooth. A
communication between the external station 3 and the service server
4 can be made each other via a public line network, for
example.
[0043] Hereinafter, each of the sections shown in FIG. 1 will be
described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.
[0044] [Portable Terminal 1]
[0045] A portable terminal 1 is a card type device of size suitable
for a user to hold in hand, for example. This terminal consists of
an input section 11, a history information storage section 12, an
information exchange section 13, a transmitting and receiving
section 14, an information presenting section 15, and an
information management section 16. The input section 11 is intended
to execute and control applications such as game for the processor
main body 2. Specifically, the input section is composed of
operating buttons.
[0046] The history information storage section 12 is intended to
store history information dependent on a user who possesses a
portable terminal. For example, the storage section is composed of
a small-sized memory card in which EEPROM is employed for a storage
medium. Here, the history information includes: information on the
user's game history (game result, game execution time, game
progress, or type of acquired game characters); information on
coupon history (coupon acquisition history indicating type of
acquired coupon or coupon application history indicating what type
of acquired coupon the user made an application). Information on
game characters or coupon is generally referred as service
information.
[0047] The information exchange section 13 is intended to exchange
information with the processor main body 2 with or without wires
when the information exchange section is coupled with the processor
main body by being inserted into a slot of the processor main body
2, for example. Specifically, this section supplies service
information such as acquired game characters to the processor main
body 2 or receives information concerning game processing progress
or the like from the processor main body 2.
[0048] The transmitting and receiving section 14 is intended for
data communication with the external station 3 by employing a short
distant wireless equipment such as Bluetooth. Specifically, this
section transmits history information stored in the history
information storage section 12 to the external station 3 or
receives service information such as game characters or coupon
transmitted from the external station 3.
[0049] The information presenting section 15 is a display unit such
as liquid crystal display device, for example. This section
displays the contents of history information stored in the history
storage section 12 or service information acquired game characters
or coupon via the transmitting and receiving section 14 for user's
check.
[0050] The information management section 16 controls exchange of
various information with the aforementioned input section 11,
history information storage section 12, information exchange
section 13, transmitting and receiving section 14, and information
presenting section 15, and manages the information exchanged with
them.
[0051] [Processor Mainframe 2]
[0052] A processor main body 2 is a device that is installed at a
game center or convenience store on street and that executes a game
or any other applications. When an application is directed to a
game, the mainframe serves as a game machine mainframe. This
processor main body 2 can be used by executing applications such as
game even if it is not coupled with the portable terminal 1.
[0053] The processor main body 2 is composed of an application
software storage section 22, an information presenting section 23,
an information exchange section 24, and an information management
section 25.
[0054] The input section 21 is intended to execute and operate
applications such as game. For example, this section is composed of
a game pad, a joystick and the like. The application software
storage section 22 consists of: a storage medium such as CD-ROM,
for example, that stores application software such as game
software; and a drive unit such as CD-ROM drive that reads data on
application software from this storage medium. The information
presenting section 23 is intended to present the user with
applications such as game to be executed. For example, this section
is composed of a liquid crystal display.
[0055] The information exchange section 24 is intended to exchange
information with or without wires via the portable terminal 1 and
the information exchange section 13 by receiving the portable
terminal 1 in, for example, a slot. Specifically, this section
receives supply of service information such as game characters
acquired from the portable terminal 1, and supplies information
concerning game processing process or the like to the portable
terminal 1.
[0056] The information management section 25 controls distribution
of various information with the aforementioned input section 21,
application software storage section 22, information presenting
section 23, and information exchange section 24 and manages the
information exchanged with them. Further, the information
management section 25 determines an acquisition period of service
information such as new game characters as described later. In the
case of the acquisition period of service information, this section
writes into the history information storage section 12 in the
portable terminal 1 the attribute information represented by type
of service information such as game characters as part of the
history information.
[0057] [External Station 3]
[0058] An external station 3 is a service information distributing
device that is installed at a retail shop or convenience store that
sells storage media such as CD-ROM for storing application software
such as game software, and that distributes service information
such as game characters required for continuing a game to the
portable terminal 1 that a user brings. This station is compatible
with a station for downloading application software such as game
software.
[0059] This external station 3 is composed of an input section 31,
a transmitting and receiving section 32, a transmitting and
receiving section 33, an information presenting section 34, and an
information management section 35. The input section 31 is intended
to input an instruction for distributing service information such
as game characters. For example, this section consists of operating
buttons, for example.
[0060] The transmitting and receiving section 32 makes
communication with the transmitting and receiving section 14 in the
portable terminal 1 via a short distance wireless equipment such as
Bluetooth in order to receive history information stored in the
history information storage section 12 from the portable terminal 1
that the user brings into the station 3 or in order to distribute
service information such as game characters to the portable
terminal 1.
[0061] Another transmitting and receiving section 33 is intended to
make communication between the external station 3 and the service
server 4 via a public line network, for example. Specifically, this
section receives from the service server 4 the distribution of
service information such as new game characters to be distributed
from the external station to the user.
[0062] Further, the transmitting and receiving section 33 transmits
to the service server 4 within an allowable range of the portable
terminal 1 information or the like useful to distribute service
information such as subsequent game characters from among the
connection state of the portable terminal 1 that makes
communication with the external station 3 relevant to the external
station 3 or the history information stored in the history
information storage section 12 in the portable terminal 1 that
makes communication with the external station 3. This communication
between the transmitting and receiving section 33 and a
transmitting and receiving section 41 of the service server 4 is
made via a network composed of a wired public line network or
wireless public line network.
[0063] The information presenting section 34 is intended to present
a state of distributing service information to the portable
terminal 1. For example, this section is composed of a liquid
crystal display or the like. A distribution control section 35
distributes various information to the aforementioned input section
31, transmitting and receiving section 32, transmitting and
receiving section 33, and information presenting section 34, and
manages the information exchanged with them.
[0064] [Service Server 4]
[0065] A service server 4 includes: a transmitting and receiving
section 41 for making communication with a transmitting and
receiving section 33 of an external station 3 via a public line
network, for example; and a control section 42 for controlling
distribution of service information such as game characters
according to degree of regional congestion between the portable
terminal 1 and the external station 3.
[0066] This service server 4 functions as a central server to
distribute to the external station 3 the service information such
as game characters to be distributed from the external station 3 to
the portable terminal 1 in order to control distribution of service
information such as game characters to the portable terminal 1; and
to receive provision of history information or the like from the
portable terminal 1 via the external station 3, thereby changing
service activities.
[0067] The entire service system must not always be divided into
the aforementioned portable terminal 1, processing mainframe 2,
external station 3, and service server 4. For example, functions of
the processing mainframe 2 may be integrated with the portable
terminal 1 or the external station 3 and the service server 4 may
be integrated with each other. Further, in particular, in the case
where service information distributed to the portable terminal is
directed to coupon, this system does not generally execute
applications corresponding to a game in the case of game
characters. Thus, what corresponds to the processing mainframe 2 is
not always required.
[0068] Now, an operation of a service system according to the
present embodiment will be described by way of example in which a
game character is distributed as service information to a portable
terminal 1. In this case, a processing mainframe 2 is directed to a
game machine mainframe that exists at home or the like.
[0069] FIG. 3 shows procedures for writing history information into
a history information storage section 12 in a portable terminal 1
based on a game character acquisition state in the case where a
user is playing a game by coupling the portable terminal 1 to a
processing mainframe 2.
[0070] First, prior to starting a game, it is checked as to whether
or not game characters required for continuing the game are
acquired in an information management section 25 in the processing
mainframe 2 (step S101). For example, in the case where an
instruction is supplied to acquire a new game character at a time
when a previous game is executed, if this game character is not
acquired after a user has brought the portable terminal 1 into the
external station 3, the game cannot be continued. When game
characters are acquired for such continuation, the user can enjoy
the game (step S102).
[0071] Next, at the information management section 25 in the
processor main body 2, it is determined whether or not the portable
terminal 1 should acquire a new game character from the external
station 3 based on the history information already stored in the
history information storage section 12 in the portable terminal 1,
for example, information on user's game result or game execution
time (step S103).
[0072] During this determination, the information on the executed
game result or execution time is obtained by application software
(game software) stored in the application software storage section
22 in the processor main body 2. The obtained information is
captured from the information management section 25 in the
processor main body 2 to the portable terminal 1 through the
information exchange section 24. In this manner, at the portable
terminal 1, these items of information are written into the history
information storage section 12 via the information exchange section
13 and the information management section 16.
[0073] Although there is a variety of rules on determination of the
acquisition period, the following rule can be employed as an
example.
[0074] Game result.times.game execution time>.alpha.
[0075] That is, a product between the game result and the game
execution time exceeds a threshold .alpha., it is determined that
the acquisition period of a new game character has come. This means
that, if the game result is good, the acquisition period of a new
character has come within a short time of game execution, and if
the game result is bad, the acquisition period of a new game
character has come by the user playing the game over a long
time.
[0076] As a result of the determination of the acquisition period
of a new game character, in the case where such acquisition time
has not come yet, it returns to the step S102 to continue the game.
In the case where such acquisition time has come, it goes to step
S104. At this step, attribute information such as type of service
information including game characters to be acquired is written as
history information into the history information storage section 12
via the information exchange section 24 and the information
exchange section 13 and information management section 16 in the
portable terminal 1. In addition, an instruction of acquiring game
characters is indirectly performed by application software (game
software) stored in the application software storage section 22 in
the processor main body 2.
[0077] When an instruction is thus supplied to acquire a new game
character, the user first goes to the nearest external station 3
with the portable terminal 1. In a state in which communication
between the portable terminal 1 and the external station 3 is
enabled via the transmitting and receiving section 14 and the
transmitting and receiving section 32 by means of short distance
wireless equipment such as Bruetooth, for example, when a distance
between them is within 10 m, service information such as game
characters is distributed along the flow of operation as shown in
the flow chart in FIG. 4, for example.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 4, in a state in which the portable
terminal 1 is connected to the external station 3, namely, in a
state in which communication is enabled when a distance between the
portable terminal 1 and the external station 3 reaches the range of
enabling short distance wireless communication (step S201), a
distribution control section 35 in the external station 3
determines that communication with the portable terminal 1 is thus
enabled from a reception state of the transmitting and receiving
section 32. The distribution control section 35 reads and fetches
history information from the history information storage section 12
via the transmitting and receiving section 32 and the transmitting
and receiving section 14 and information management section 16 in
the portable terminal 1 (step S202).
[0079] The distribution control section 35 determines whether or
not the user of the portable terminal 1 is qualified to acquire a
new game character from the fetched history information (step
S203). The determination of whether or not the user is qualified to
acquire such game character is performed by determining whether or
not the progress of a game reaches a predetermined stage or whether
or not the level of game characters appearing in the game reaches a
predetermined level. If it is determined that the user is not
qualified to do that, processing terminates. In this case, the
current step goes to another step, for example, game purchase
processing. These steps are irrelevant to the scope of the present
invention, a description of which is omitted here.
[0080] At the step S203, when it is determined that the user is
qualified to acquire the game character, the distribution control
section 35 continuously determines whether or not the external
station 3 is proper as a distribution source of the game character
(step S204). This is because an arrangement is provided such that
the user cannot acquire a game character as long as a plurality of
external stations are accessed, in order to provide game-like
entertainment to game character distribution itself.
[0081] Specifically, in the case where an arrangement is provided
such that a new game character cannot be acquired as long as a
plurality of external stations are accessed, there is recorded in
the history information storage section 12 in the portable terminal
1 the number of external stations that the portable terminal 1 has
accessed as part of the history information by type of game
character as shown in FIG. 5A, namely, the number of external
stations that were connected at the step S201. The distribution
control section 35 determines whether or not the user is qualified
to acquire a game character based on the number of thus accessed
external stations.
[0082] By further referring to FIG. 5A, .alpha.1, .alpha.2,
.alpha.3, . . . are described in a field for type of game character
to be acquired. Of these descriptions, .alpha.1 denotes a type of
game character that the user was already qualified to acquire. In a
field for the date of qualification, there is described the date
when the user was qualified to acquire character type of .alpha.1
(Oct. 27, 1999). In a field for the number of accessed external
stations, there is stored the number of external stations (2 in
this example) that have been accessed on and after the date.
[0083] Of these items of history information, character type to be
acquired and the date of qualification (including time in more
detail) are written into the history information storage section 12
in the portable terminal 1 coupled with this processor main body 2
when the user plays a game at the processing mainframe 2, namely,
when the processing of the step S104 is performed. The number of
characters instructed for acquisition is not always one. In
addition, if the user is playing another game, there is a case in
which the user is instructed to acquire a plurality of game
characters. The number of accessed external stations is incremented
every time the portable terminal 1 makes communication with the
external station 3.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 5B, a list of accessed external stations as
well as the number of external stations may be stored in the
history information storage section 12 in the portable terminal 1.
In this field for the list of external stations, for example, (P1,
P2) is stored. This (P1, P2) may be an identification number of
accessed external station 3 or may be a position (for example,
longitude and/or latitude) at which the external station 3
exists.
[0085] The distribution control section 35 makes it possible to add
game-like entertainment such that a bonus point is further provided
to the portable terminal 1 depending on the identification numbers
or positions in the accessed external station list thus stored in
the history information storage section 12. For example, a variety
of game-like entertainment factors can be added, for example, such
that the tail ends of identification numbers are in the same number
or a shape similar to star, rectangle or character contour is
formed by connecting positions. These factors are unlikely to occur
when the user plays a game at home. By positively employing the
above factors, there can be provided an arrangement such that the
user becomes active by leaving a game machine at home or the user
is invited to visit regional shop.
[0086] By referring now to FIG. 4 again, when an external station 3
is accessed at the step S204, in the case where the external
station is not proper as a distribution source of a game character,
for example, if the predetermined number of external stations
cannot be accessed at this time, processing goes to the step S209.
At the step S209, the number of external stations that were
accessed in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the external stations being stored
in the history information storage section 12, is incremented by 1.
Further, if the contents of the history information storage section
12 are as shown in FIG. 5B, the identification number or position
of currently accessed external station is added to the external
station list. Then, how many external stations should be accessed
is indicated, and processing terminates. In addition, if another
specific external station 3 needs to be accessed, navigation
information such as route to the external station 3 is downloaded
to the portable terminal 1, and processing terminates.
[0087] On the other hand, at the step S204, in the case where the
accessed external station 3 is proper as a distribution source of a
game character, namely, in the case where the number of external
stations to be accessed has been met at a time when the above
external station 3 is accessed, processing goes to the step S205.
At this step, a game character is distributed from the external
station 3 to the portable terminal 1.
[0088] After this game character has been distributed, the external
station 3 notifies the information on distribution of the game
character from the transmitting and receiving section 33 to the
service server 4 via a public line network, for example (step
S206). At the service server 4, this notification is received by
the transmitting and receiving section 41, and is checked
there.
[0089] Further, if the history information stored in the history
information storage section 12 includes history information on
which the user specifies that external distribution is permitted
(step S207), the external station 3 notifies the history
information from the transmitting and receiving section 33 to the
service server 4 via a public line network, for example (step
S208). Then, at the service server 4, the thus notified history
information is received by means of the transmitting and receiving
section 41.
[0090] Although not shown in the flow chart in FIG. 4 in
particular, at a control section 42 in the service server 41, it is
possible to dynamically change a distribution method based on the
history information (including game character distribution
information) notified from the external station 3.
[0091] For example, in the case where an access to a specific
external station (referred to as 3A) is heavily congestive, when
the portable terminal 1 provides an access to the other external
stations (referred to as 3B and 3C) in the vicinity of such
station, the control section 42 estimates "the number of accessed
external stations" stored as history information shown in FIG. 5A
and FIG. 5B by weighting it twice of "the number of accessed
external stations" stored as history information when such
congestive external station 3A is accessed. Then, the control
section directly notifies the information on such estimation from
the service server 4 to the portable terminal 1 via a public line,
for example.
[0092] By doing this, the user who possesses the portable terminal
1 determines that it is better to visit the external station 3B or
3C in order to acquire service information such as game characters
easily and advantageously, thus resulting in efficient reduction of
congestion.
[0093] In addition, it is possible to present the user who
possesses the portable terminal 1 with a desired external station 3
by using the following method. First, identification information
(character distribution location ID) indicating a location
(external station) at which each game character is obtainable is
described in the application software (game software) stored in the
application software storage section 22 in the processor main body
2. This character distribution location may not be information
intuitively indicating individual external stations.
[0094] When an instruction is supplied to acquire a game character,
the character distribution location ID corresponding to that game
character is captured from the information management section 25 in
the processor main body 2 to the portable terminal 1 through the
information exchange section 24. Then, at the portable terminal 1,
the captured location ID is inputted to the information management
section 16 via the information exchange section 13. At the history
information storage section 12, there is provided a table showing a
correlation between character distribution location ID and actual
distribution location. When the information management section 16
receives a character distribution location ID, an external station
name or the name of store in which the external station is placed
and the like is displayed on the information presenting section 15
based on this correlation table. In this manner, the user can
recognize an external station at which a desired game character is
obtainable.
[0095] At the control section 42, there may be computed statistical
data including reference information such as next planning of game
to be developed or distributed or planning of game characters to be
distributed by employing notified history information.
[0096] In addition, at the control section 42, in addition to the
purpose of reducing congestion as described above, it is possible
to perform control such that an instruction is supplied for user to
gather at a specific external station, for example, thereby
promoting sales such as other commodities handled at shop at which
the external station is placed.
[0097] Specifically, there may be employed a method for increasing
the number of permissible accesses to an external station that
should be attractive to users (increasing a weight coefficient
concerning access count) or a method for directly specifying for
the portable terminal 1 an external station at which a game
character should be acquired, thereby guiding the user to visit
that external station.
[0098] Further, the control section 42 dynamically changes the
distribution price of a game character according to the external
station 3 (dynamic pricing), and notifies such change to the
portable terminal 1, thereby making it possible to further
accelerate sales promotion.
[0099] Furthermore, the control section 42 performs control such
that, if a game character is acquired via a correct route (namely,
via a list of accessed external stations), the game character
purchase price is reduced, whereby making it possible to further
prompt the user to acquire such game character.
[0100] (Other Application Examples)
[0101] In the aforementioned description of operation, although a
description has been given by way of example of game character
acquisition, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and a
variety of applications can occur as follows.
[0102] (1) As service information, a stamp is distributed instead
of a game character, and an external station 3 is placed at station
instead of shop, thereby making it possible to provide new service
in which stamp rally performed during summer vacation and home-use
game are combined with each other.
[0103] (2) As service information, there is distributed a hint or
evidence required for reasoning or solving a mystery instead of a
game character, and an external station is placed at hotel or in
train instead of shop, thereby making it possible to provide
service as a new electronic mystery drama.
[0104] (3) As service information, medicine is distributed instead
of a game character or user's hobby (for example, classical music)
is distributed instead of a game, whereby, when the user must take
medicine every predetermined period of time, arrangement can be
provided such that the user cannot continuously listen to a desired
music without an evidence that the user took medicine
(corresponding to game character acquisition) (for example, unless
a button indicating that the user took medicine is selected).
[0105] The portable terminal 1 makes communication with the
external station 3 by means of short distance wireless equipment
such as Bluetooth. Thus, such action of taking medicine that the
user is comparatively likely to neglect at home can be executed
continuously, which is efficient.
[0106] (4) In addition, as mentioned previously, the present
invention is applicable to a case in which coupon information or
the like is provided as service information instead of a game
character. A specific example will be described in detail by way of
the following embodiments.
[0107] (Second Embodiment)
[0108] FIG. 6 shows an example of a service system employing a
portable terminal according to a second embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the portable terminal receives distribution of
coupon information or the like as service information from an
external station. Portable terminals 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 are
configured in the same way as the portable terminal 1 described in
the first embodiment, and external station 3 and service server 4
have basically the same configuration as in the first embodiment as
well. In addition, in the present embodiment, the processor main
body 2 described in the first embodiment is not required.
[0109] In FIG. 6, there is shown the contents of information
exchanged between each of the portable terminals 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3
and the external station 3 by means of communication employing a
short distance wireless equipment such as Bluetooth or the content
of processing at the external station 3 and the service server
4.
[0110] For example, from a portable terminal 1-1, there is read
history information such as personal information that the user
possessing the terminal can disclose to the outside, for example,
age, gender, address, or history of purchase from a history
information storage section 12. These items of information are
supplied as prospect customer information to the external station
3. In addition, the history information read from the history
information storage section 12 of another portable terminal 1-2 is
filtered (for example, the user's preference is determined from the
history information). For example, the information such as favorite
games of the user who possesses the portable terminal 1-2 is
transmitted to the external station 3.
[0111] On the other hand, the external station 3 distributes to the
portable terminals 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 the service information
including advertisement, coupon, and time service of commodities
for sale by customer by means of communication equipment. The
external station 3 determines the type, quantity, or price of
commodities for sale according to the inventory state or budget of
each commodity or determines the contents of the presence or
absence, time intervals, or contents of coupon issues and time
service (for example, service for selling commodities that must be
sold by a predetermined time from the viewpoint of expiration such
as foods at supermarket or the like by discounting it after a
predetermined time has expired).
[0112] In addition, the external station 3 acquires customer
information including application for purchase commodities or the
like and the name and code number of available credit card from the
portable terminal 1-3, and performs authentication and accounting
(credit card settlement or the like) based on such customer
information via a carrier (not shown).
[0113] Further, between each of the portable terminals 1-1, 1-2,
and 1-3 and the service server 4, it is possible to directly
transmit and receive information concerning the external station 3
via a public telephone line such as portable cellular phone network
through Internet service via portable phone, for example i-mode
base station. This communication route is employed to notify any
kind of information for inviting a user from the service server 4
to the portable terminals 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 (information on the
number of accessed external stations in which aforementioned
weighting was applied) in order to change a method for dynamically
distributing service information based on the history information
notified from the external station 3 at the control section 42 in
the service server 4, as described previously in the first
embodiment, for example.
[0114] In the present embodiment, there is described an example
when coupon information is distributed as service information from
the external station 3 to the portable terminals 1-1, 1-2, and
1-3.
[0115] For example, in coupon information, there is included the
privilege information such that a discount rate is increased when a
user of a portable terminal who has acquired coupon information
passes through a shop (external station 3) in order along such
coupon information. Such new purchase service method is
implemented, thereby causing users to gather in a specific area
such as street or shopping mall, resulting in regional
prosperity.
[0116] In addition, there is included in coupon information the
privilege information such that, when a user visits museums or art
galleries and the like at a scenery spot and encounters a turn in
which coupon information is distributed, the user can acquire a
souvenir in front of station, thereby inventing the user to these
museums or art galleries.
[0117] (Third Embodiment)
[0118] FIG. 7 shows still another example of a configuration when a
service system employing a portable terminal according to a third
embodiment of the present invention is applied to a coupon
distribution system.
[0119] In the present embodiment, a coupon distribution server 6 is
provided, from which coupon or advertisement information is
distributed to a portable terminal 1 via a public telephone line
such as portable cellular phone network through an i-mode base
station 5, for example. Specifically, when the portable terminal 1
issues a request for searching a coupon or advertisement, this
search request is notified to a coupon distribution server 6 via
the i-mode base station 5. Upon receipt of this request, the coupon
distribution server 6 distributes the requested coupon or
advertisement information to the i-mode base station 5. The
requested information is downloaded at the history information
storage section 12 in the portable terminal 1. When the user who
possesses the portable terminal 1 acquires coupon information and
registers an application for coupon properly by referring to such
downloaded coupon and advertisement information, the fact is
registered in the history information storage section 12.
[0120] Next, when the user who has registered such application for
coupon visits an available shop 7 that handles such coupon, it is
possible to make communication between the portable terminal 1 and
a POS terminal 8 installed at the shop 7 by employing a short
distance wireless equipment such as Bluetooth, for example. Then,
the coupon for which the user has registered an application is
actually acceptable via the POS terminal 8, and coupon check,
providing discount service, or acquisition of customer information
is performed.
[0121] The shop 7 constitutes chain shops. After a chain shop head
office 9 has issued a request for a coupon or advertisement to the
coupon distribution server 6, and the coupon distribution server 6
distributes the coupon, a distribution log indicating the fact is
notified to the chain shop head office. Further, the chain shop
head office 9 makes a request for a coupon to the coupon
distribution server 6, the information on such distributed coupon
(issued coupon) is notified to the shop 7. When the shop 7 receives
the user application for a coupon, the coupon use log indicating
the fact is notified to the chain shop head office 9.
[0122] (Fourth Embodiment)
[0123] FIG. 8 shows a service system employing a portable terminal
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein
a broadcasting station 10 for broadcasting advertisement
information simultaneously to a number of portable terminals is
added. This broadcasting station can take two types of modes. A
first mode is a broadcasting station that transmits a broadcasting
electric wave to a digital television receiver 51. In this case,
the television receiver 51 transmits the advertisement information
received from the broadcasting station to a portable terminal by
employing Bluetooth. A second mode is a local broadcasting station
that transmits (broadcasts) advertisement information directly to a
portable terminal 1 by using Bluetooth.
[0124] FIG. 9 shows the portable terminal 1 and external station 3
shown in FIG. 8 and a service server 4 not shown in FIG. 8 in
detail.
[0125] A local broadcasting station 10 is installed in the building
of railway station or the like, for example, and transmits local
specific advertisement information or the like to be superimposed
on the broadcasting waves. In addition, the broadcasting station 10
may be compatible with radio broadcasting station such as local FM
station. Such advertisement information includes coupon
information, for example.
[0126] A broadcast receiving section 17 for receiving broadcasting
waves from the broadcasting station 10 is newly added to the
portable terminal 1 as shown in FIG. 9. The receiving signal from
this broadcasting receiving section 17, namely, advertisement
information is transmitted to an information management section 16.
The other configuration of the portable terminal 1 and the
configurations of the external station 3 and service server 4 are
similar to those shown in FIG. 2 described in the first
embodiment.
[0127] At the portable terminal 1, the advertisement information
received by the broadcast receiving section 17 is transmitted to an
information presenting section 13 via the information management
section 16, and is displayed there. When a user who possesses the
portable terminal 1 sees the display at this information presenting
section 13, and attempts to utilize the advertisement information,
these items of information are stored in a history information
storage section 12 by inputting an instruction by means of the
input section 11. The thus stored information is utilized in the
same way as that described in the second embodiment.
[0128] As has been described above, according to the present
embodiment, broadcasting waves are used for distributing
advertisement or coupon information or the like, whereby
advertisement information can be distributed to a number of users
inexpensively, and cost required for sales promotion of shops that
exist in a local area can be significantly reduced.
[0129] According to the present invention, various modifications
can occur without limiting to the aforementioned embodiments. For
example, a service system in which the first to fourth embodiments
are combined with each other may be constructed. Service
information is not limited to information on game characters,
coupons, or advertisement.
[0130] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and
representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *