JP2008085381A - Information providing system, program, and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transfer information effectively by composing a virtual counter installed at a street corner in an information terminal unit having videophone and browser functions together. <P>SOLUTION: Partner information that can be read for each genre, and partner page configuration information including the portable telephone number information of a partner terminal 30 that can be read based on a partner ID are stored, as a database, in a server 10 capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from a virtual counter 20 and the partner terminal 30 that are information terminals capable of television telephone call mutually while having a television telephone function via a communication network 9, thus outputting the partner page configuration information by receiving a request from the virtual counter 20. Further, when the information of a specified genre is provided to the virtual counter 20, the terminal telephone number of the virtual counter 20 is transmitted to the partner terminal 30 for prompting a call utilizing the videophone. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information providing system and method using an information terminal device having a videophone function and a web page browsing function.

  Conventionally, it is installed in facilities such as station concourses, terminals, buildings, theaters, convenience stores, etc. and in the suburbs. An information terminal device is known that performs procedures such as ticket purchase and accommodation reservation, and displays necessary information such as various procedure methods, maps, tourist attractions, and accommodation facilities (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .)

On the other hand, in recent years, high-speed communication networks have been developed, and videophones that can talk while looking at the other party's face by combining a video camera and a monitor screen with a telephone are becoming popular. Videophones can be used not only for fixed lines using ISDN, analog lines, or IP networks, but also for mobile phones and PHS using public lines.
As a video phone device, a dedicated device in which a liquid crystal monitor and a camera are integrated in a telephone, a set top box type video phone device equipped with a camera, a microphone, etc. attached to a TV monitor, For example, a videophone application installed on a computer.

  There is also known a video teleconference system in which a number of videophones are connected simultaneously via a multipoint control unit so that a plurality of persons can make a face-to-face call on each videophone (for example, patents). Reference 2).

Furthermore, a videophone device that combines a videophone function and a web page browsing function is known. In order to provide a web page browsing function, means for describing the contents of the screen for videophone operation in HTML and converting the link destination file name of the link portion in the HTML file displayed on the screen into the telephone number of the videophone connection In addition to the purpose of specifying the file of the link destination file name of the link part as a processing command, a video phone having a means for interpreting it as a processing command has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 3).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-22427 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-122589 JP 2000-350175 A

  In the present invention, in view of the above-described conventional technology, an information terminal device having both a videophone function and a browser function is configured to constitute a virtual counter installed at a street corner and to exchange information more easily. .

  The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, means for solving the problems will be described.

  That is, in claim 1, a virtual counter and a partner terminal, which are information terminals having a videophone function and capable of making a videophone call to each other, and transmission and reception of information to and from the virtual counter and the partner terminal via a communication network. A partner information database storing partner information including at least a terminal ID of the partner terminal so as to be readable according to a preset genre, and at least a terminal phone of the partner terminal Partner page configuration information for displaying information including a number on the virtual counter in association with a terminal ID of the partner terminal is stored in a readable manner, and an information provision request is received from the virtual counter, The partner information of the genre that matches the information provision request is extracted from the toner information database, read out, and transmitted to the virtual counter. The partner page output is received from the partner page database in response to the partner page output request from the virtual counter. The server includes means for extracting and reading out partner page configuration information that matches the terminal ID included in the request, and transmitting the extracted information to the virtual counter.

  In Claim 2, when the genre that has received the information provision request corresponds to a predetermined genre, the terminal phone number of the virtual counter is assigned to the partner terminal that matches the terminal ID included in the extracted partner information. The server further includes means for urging the user to call using a videophone.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, information can be transmitted / received to / from a virtual counter and a partner terminal, which are information terminals having a videophone function and capable of making a videophone call to each other via a communication network. Partner information database that stores at least partner information that can be read out by preset genre, and partner page configuration information that causes the virtual counter to display information including at least the terminal phone number of the partner terminal. A partner page database stored in a readable manner in association with the terminal ID, and a computer functioning as a network server receives an information provision request from the virtual counter and receives the information from the partner information database. A process of extracting and reading partner information of a genre that matches a provision request, sending it to a virtual counter, and receiving a partner page output request from the virtual counter, and a terminal ID included in the partner page output request from the partner page database The partner page configuration information matching the above is extracted, read, and transmitted to the virtual counter.

  5. The virtual counter according to claim 4, wherein when the genre that has received the information provision request corresponds to a predetermined genre, the virtual counter is assigned to a partner terminal that matches a terminal ID included in the extracted partner information. The terminal telephone number is transmitted, and a process for prompting a call using a videophone is executed.

  In claim 5, a virtual counter and a partner terminal, which are information terminals having a videophone function and capable of making a videophone call to each other, and transmission and reception of information to and from the virtual counter and the partner terminal via a communication network are possible. In the information providing system comprising a server, the server stores a partner information database in which partner information including at least the terminal ID of the partner terminal is stored in a readable manner for each preset genre, and at least the terminal phone of the partner terminal A partner page database that stores the partner page configuration information for displaying information including a number on the virtual counter in association with the terminal ID of the partner terminal in a readable manner. Receiving the information provision request from the computer, extracting the partner information of the genre that matches the information provision request from the partner information database, reading the partner information and transmitting it to the virtual counter, and at the server, the partner page from the virtual counter. Receiving the output request, extracting the partner page configuration information matching the terminal ID included in the partner page output request from the partner page database, reading it, and transmitting it to the virtual counter.

  7. The virtual counter according to claim 6, wherein when the genre that has received the information provision request corresponds to a predetermined genre at the server, the virtual counter is added to the partner terminal that matches the terminal ID included in the extracted partner information. The method further includes the step of urging the user to call using the videophone by transmitting the terminal phone number.

  As effects of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, in addition to receiving information on the partner page, the user of the virtual counter can exchange information using a videophone, and can obtain more information more easily. . Furthermore, the partner can call the virtual counter user using a videophone, and can provide effective information.

Next, embodiments of the invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the information providing system, FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of another form of the information providing system, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the virtual counter.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the partner terminal, FIG. 6 is a flowchart of server processing, FIG. 7 is a flowchart of virtual counter processing, FIG. 8 is a flowchart of virtual counter processing, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart of virtual counter processing. 10 shows an example of an initial screen, FIG. 11 shows an example of a partner list screen, FIG. 12 shows an example of a partner page screen, and FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen on which a videophone window is displayed. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a connection permission window is displayed, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when calling by a partner, and FIG. 16 is a screen of a screen during a three-party call with an interpreter. It is a figure which shows an example.

[Information provision system]
As shown in FIG. 1, the information providing system according to the present invention includes a virtual counter 20 and a partner terminal 30 which are information terminals having a videophone function and capable of making a videophone call to each other, and the virtual counter 20 and the partner. A server 10 capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the terminal 30 via the communication network 9, and a multipoint connection device 40 that enables the virtual counter 20 and a large number of partner terminals 30, 30. Is done.
The server 10 is an information terminal device managed by the service entity A, the virtual counter 20 is an information terminal device used by a user B, and the partner terminal 30 is a partner C that is a source of information. Is an information terminal device managed by.

Since both the virtual counter 20 and the partner terminal 30 are terminal devices having a videophone function, the person in charge of the user B and the partner C uses video and audio between the virtual counter 20 and the partner terminal 30. Remote face-to-face calls are possible. In addition, the virtual counter 20 and the partner terminal 30 can be simultaneously connected by a plurality of videophones in response to the intervention of the multipoint connection device 40.
Furthermore, both the virtual counter 20 and the partner terminal 30 have a web page browsing function, and can connect to the server 10 that is a network server to transmit and receive information.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the virtual counter 20 and the partner terminal 30 are connected to a communication network 9 such as the Internet. The virtual counter 20 and the partner terminal 30 are, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) type. Functions as a videophone. A server 10 and a multipoint connection device 40 are connected to the communication network 9.

However, the form of the communication network that connects the server 10, the virtual counter 20, the partner terminal 30, and the multipoint connection device 40 is not limited to the above, but a public telephone line, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), CA television network, or the Internet Such a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN) can be appropriately combined.
As shown in FIG. 2, the virtual counter 20 and the partner terminal 30 are connected by a public switched telephone network 7 such as ISDN including a connection line and an exchange, etc., and the virtual counter 20 and the partner terminal 30 are, for example, ISDN type It can also function as a videophone. In this case, a multipoint connection device 40 is connected to the public switched telephone network 7, and the public switched telephone network 7 is connected to a communication network 5 such as the Internet via an ISP (Internet Service Provider) 6. Is connected to the server 10.

[Virtual counter 20]
Here, the configuration of the virtual counter 20 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the virtual counter 20 is an information terminal device having a videophone function. For example, the virtual counter 20 may be a computer in which a videophone application is installed on a computer capable of network communication.

  The virtual counter 20 includes a control means 21 such as a CPU for controlling the entire apparatus, a recording means 22 such as a hard disk for recording information such as computer programs and data, and a temporary storage means 23 such as a RAM for temporarily storing information. Panel-type input / output means 24 for performing image output and input, such as a touch panel, audio output means 25, such as a speaker, imaging means 26, such as a camera for acquiring a user's video, and sound of the user by acquiring the user's voice Electroacoustic conversion means 27 such as a microphone that converts system signals into electrical signals, user detection means 28 that detects the presence or absence of a user such as a human sensor, and information connected to the communication network 9 The communication means 29 etc. for performing transmission / reception of are provided. Note that a print output unit such as a printer may be further provided.

The recording means 22 of the virtual counter 20 stores a videophone program and has a videophone function.
The recording means 22 of the virtual counter 20 stores a program for browsing web pages (hereinafter referred to as “browser”), and has a web page browsing function.

[Server 10]
Next, the configuration of the server 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the server 10 includes a control means 11 such as a CPU for controlling the entire apparatus, a recording means 13 such as a hard disk for recording information such as computer programs and data, and a RAM for temporarily storing information. A temporary storage means 14 such as a mouse and a keyboard, an output means 16 such as a monitor, a printer and a speaker, and a communication means 17 for connecting to the communication network 9.
The server 10 includes auxiliary storage means such as a CD-ROM drive for reading information from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM in which information such as a computer program and data is recorded, and the computer program read by the auxiliary storage means Or the like can be stored in the recording means 13.

A part of the recording area of the recording means 13 is used as a database.
Specifically, the recording means 13 includes various databases such as an installation counter database 101, a partner information database 102, a partner page database 103, and a display screen database 104. The various databases are accessed by the control means 11 as necessary, and information recording processing or reading processing is performed.

  In the installation counter database 101, a unique terminal ID is assigned to each virtual counter installed in each place, and information (terminal ID, location, contact address, terminal phone number, etc.) of each virtual counter is stored.

  The partner C is registered in advance as a partner of the information providing system, and the partner information database 102 includes partner information including at least the terminal ID of the partner terminal 30 (partner terminal ID, genre, partner name, location, contact information, Partner terminal phone numbers and the like) are stored so as to be readable by preset genre or region.

  In the partner page database 103, partner page configuration information that causes the virtual counter to display information including at least the terminal phone number of the partner terminal is stored in a readable manner in association with the terminal ID of the partner terminal. The terminal phone number of the partner terminal included in the partner page does not necessarily need to be visible. For example, a link to the terminal phone number of the partner terminal can be set on the displayed button. In addition, on the partner page, it is possible to publish the business contents of each partner, the location, accommodation facilities, and vacant seat information when it is a restaurant. The contents of the partner page configuration information can be updated by the person in charge of partner C accessing the server 10 using the partner terminal 30.

  The server 10 reads information such as computer programs and data recorded in the recording means 13, stores the information in the RAM 14 that stores the information, and executes it by the CPU 11. Provide information service.

[Partner terminal 30]
Next, the configuration of the partner terminal 30 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the configuration of the partner terminal 30 is substantially the same as that of the virtual counter 20, and is a control means 31 such as a CPU for controlling the entire apparatus, and a recording means 32 such as a hard disk for recording information such as computer programs and data. Temporary storage means 33 such as a RAM for temporarily storing information, image output means 34a such as a monitor, input means 34b such as a mouse or keyboard, audio output means 35 such as a speaker, a camera for acquiring a user's video, etc. Imaging means 36, electroacoustic conversion means 37 such as a microphone for acquiring a user's voice and converting the acoustic signal into an electric signal, and communication for transmitting and receiving information connected to the communication network 9 Means 39 and the like are provided.

The recording means 32 of the partner terminal 30 stores a videophone program and has a function as a videophone.
The recording means 32 of the partner terminal 30 stores a program for browsing a web page and has a web page browsing function.
Further, the recording means 22 of the partner terminal 30 has a function of accessing the server 10 through the communication network 9 and updating its own partner individual information stored in the partner page database 103 of the server 10.

  Note that the virtual counter 20 or the partner terminal 30 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the virtual counter 20 or the partner terminal 30 includes a television monitor and a set-top box type videophone terminal device that is used by being connected to the television monitor. 20 can also be configured. The set-top box type videophone terminal device is, for example, a connection between a set-top box, imaging means connected to the set-top box, such as a camera, electroacoustic conversion means such as a microphone, and a TV monitor. It has a network communication function and a videophone function by including an image output means from the front and a sound output means from a connection destination such as a speaker.

[Multipoint connection device 40]
Next, the multipoint connection device 40 will be described.
The multipoint connection device 40 is an MCU (Multipoint Control Unit) that provides a video conference service by connecting multipoint videophone terminals. The virtual counter 20 and one or a plurality of partner terminals 30... Are simultaneously connected by a video phone by the multipoint connection device 40, and a user B and a plurality of partners C and C. Remote face-to-face calls using video and audio can be performed.

[Virtual counter station]
In the information providing system configured as described above, a “virtual counter station” is realized by arranging virtual counters at important points in towns such as stations and plazas.
In this virtual counter station, anyone can freely use the virtual counter.

  “Partner C” in this example refers to hotels, restaurants, stores, public facilities, sports / leisure facilities, technical schools, city halls, play guides, interpreter services, insurance companies, etc., hospitals, police And fire stations. However, the business type of Partner C is not limited to the above.

  Next, the processing flow of the information providing system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the process of the server 10, and FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts of the process of the virtual counter 20.

As shown in FIG. 7, a standby screen is displayed and output on the panel type input / output means 24 of the virtual counter 20 in the standby state (S51). A message prompting the use of the virtual counter 20 can be displayed on the standby screen. In order to save power, the panel type input / output unit 24 of the virtual counter 20 in the standby state can be turned off.
Thus, in the virtual counter 20 in the standby state, when the user detection means 28 detects that the user B stands in front of the virtual counter 20 (YES in S52), the initial screen is a panel type. A display is output to the input / output means 24 (S53).

  As shown in FIG. 11, the initial screen is provided with a genre input unit for selecting a desired genre from a plurality of genres. The genre includes, for example, gourmet, travel / accommodation, medical care, beauty / fashion, shopping, education, ceremonial occasions, hobbies / sports, learning, entertainment, various services, money / insurance, public institutions / organizations, foreign services, Classified into police, fire department, emergency hospital, etc. Further, the initial screen is provided with a region input unit for selecting a desired region from pre-registered regions.

When the virtual counter 20 obtains the genre input information and the regional input information input to the genre input unit and the regional input unit by the user B (S54), the genre input information is a genre requiring urgent. It is determined whether it is a police station, a fire department, or an emergency hospital in this embodiment (S55).
When the genre input information is other than the genre requiring urgent (NO in S55), the genre input information and the regional input information are transmitted together as inquiry data from the virtual counter 20 to the server 10 (S56).

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the server 10 that acquired the inquiry data from the virtual counter 20 (S91), a unique inquiry ID is assigned to the inquiry data (S92). Subsequently, with reference to the partner information database 102, partner information that matches the condition of the inquiry data is searched (S93), and partner list display data for displaying the corresponding partner information as a list is created (S94). ). Then, the inquiry ID and the list display data are transmitted to the virtual counter 20 (S95).

  In the above description, the server 10 receives an information provision request (inquiry data) from the virtual counter 20, extracts and reads partner information of a genre that matches the information provision request from the partner information database 102, and reads the virtual counter 20. It will function as a means to transmit to.

Returning to FIG. 7, in the virtual counter 20 which acquired the partner list display data, a partner selection screen is displayed and output on the panel type input / output means 24 (S57).
On the partner selection screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the names of partners in the genre desired by the user B are displayed in a list together with additional information such as location and category, and a partner selection unit is provided. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, when the partner selection information input to the partner selection unit by the user B is acquired by the virtual counter 20 (YES in S59), the partner selection information (partner ID) is The data is transmitted from the counter 20 to the server 10 (S67).

Returning to FIG. 6, in the server 10 that acquired the partner selection information (YES in S98), the partner page configuration information matching the partner terminal ID is read with reference to the partner page database 103 (S99), This is transmitted to the virtual counter 20 as partner page display data (S100).
Note that a link destination is set in a partner selection section provided on the partner selection screen displayed on the virtual counter 20, the link destination selected by the virtual counter 20 is read, and page configuration information is sent to the server 10. It can also be configured to request transmission. In this case, the corresponding partner page configuration information is transmitted to the virtual counter 20 from the server 10 that has received the page configuration information transmission request.

  In the above, the server 10 receives a partner page output request (partner terminal ID) from the virtual counter 20, and extracts partner page configuration information that matches the terminal ID included in the partner page output request from the partner page database 103. Thus, it functions as a means for reading and transmitting to the virtual counter 20.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the virtual counter 20 that acquired the partner page display data (YES in S68), the partner page screen is displayed and output on the panel type input / output means 24 (S69). On the partner page screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, information related to the partner such as the location of the partner (store or facility), contact information, features, sales items, PR, etc. is posted. Also, a link for displaying another web page can be provided.

Furthermore, a videophone activation unit is provided on the partner page screen. A link to the terminal phone number of the partner terminal 30 of the partner C displayed on the partner page screen is set in the videophone activation unit.
As shown in FIG. 9, when the videophone activation unit is operated by the user B and a videophone connection request is detected by the virtual counter 20 (YES in S71), the videophone function of the virtual counter 20 is used. The terminal telephone number of the partner terminal 30 is called from the virtual counter 20 (S73).
When the video phone connection between the virtual counter 20 and the partner terminal 30 is established (S74), the panel type input / output means 24 of the virtual counter 20 includes, for example, a video phone operation panel as shown in FIG. A videophone window including a video display frame is displayed and output (S75). When the videophone is disconnected (S76), it is detected by the user detection means 28 that there is no user (S77), a series of processing is terminated, and the initial screen is restored.

When a videophone is connected between the virtual counter 20 and the partner terminal 30, video signals created by each terminal device are transmitted to each other through the network. In the virtual counter 20 that has received the video signal, the video of the person in charge of the partner C imaged by the imaging means 36 of the partner terminal 30 is displayed on the videophone window of the panel type input / output means 24, and the person in charge of the partner C A person's voice is output from the voice output means 25. Similarly, in the partner terminal 30, the video of the user B captured by the imaging unit 26 of the virtual counter 20 is displayed on the image output unit 34 a and the voice of the user B is output from the audio output unit 35. In this way, a face-to-face call (interview) by videophone is possible between the user B and the person in charge of the partner C.
In connection with a videophone, since the corresponding audio is normally output at the terminal together with the video screen display, the description of the audio is omitted in the following description.

User B can quickly obtain desired information by freely making a face-to-face call with the person in charge of partner C using a videophone. For example, it can be used as follows.
(1) When the genre is shopping and the partner is a retail store, an image of an article desired by the user B can be displayed on the virtual counter 20 to check the stock, size, color, and the like.
(2) When the genre is gourmet, travel / accommodation, medical care, beauty / fashion, and shopping, the user B can negotiate a discount to the person in charge of the partner C.
(3) When the genre is shopping and the partner is a retail store, the person in charge of the partner C can receive the desired item at the desired place at the desired time. You can negotiate. For example, if user B who lives in α station visits a friend's house who lives in β station, if he / she specifies the goods, the packaging form and the receiving time at the souvenir shop near β station, user B You can often visit friends' homes with souvenirs.
(4) If the genre is a public institution / organization and the partner is an election management committee, the person in charge of the election management committee who is the partner and the user of the virtual counter 20 make a face-to-face call through a videophone. In particular, identity verification and electronic voting can be performed. As an electronic voting method and system, for example, an electronic voting system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-40180 “Communication Device Providing System and Communication Device Providing Method” can be used.

The above is the basic processing of the information providing system. According to this information providing system, the user B of the virtual counter 20 can exchange information by using the videophone function in addition to receiving information on the partner page, and can understand more information. It can be easily obtained.
Furthermore, according to the present information providing system, information (service) can be provided for various needs existing in the society regardless of the target distance space from which information is to be obtained.
Subsequently, an additional process of the information providing system will be described.

<Emergency>
As shown in FIG. 7, the processing in the case where the genre input information is a genre requiring urgent in the step 55 will be described.
When the genre input information acquired by the virtual counter 20 is a genre that requires an emergency (for example, police, fire department, emergency hospital, etc.) (YES in S55), the panel type input / output means 24 is connected to the partner C input / output means 24. A partner page screen is output (S80). Note that the page configuration information for displaying the partner page screen is read from the virtual counter 20 in advance, or the link is set and the link destination page configuration information is read through the communication network 9. Can be configured.
At the same time, in the virtual counter 20, the terminal telephone number of the partner terminal 30 of the corresponding partner C is called by the videophone function (S81). When the connection between the virtual counter 20 and the partner terminal 30 is established (YES in S82), the virtual counter 20 pops up a videophone window on the panel type input / output means 24 (S83), and the user B makes a partner by videophone. You can talk face-to-face with the person in charge of C.
That is, only by selecting the genre on the initial screen, the panel type input / output means 24 of the virtual counter 20 shows the partner page screen and the videophone window, and the user B is the location of the partner C. At the same time, the person in charge of the partner C can be face-to-face with the person in charge of the partner C to immediately convey the emergency situation.

<Calling function>
When the genre input information included in the inquiry data acquired from the virtual counter 20 corresponds to a specific genre (for example, gourmet, travel / accommodation, medical care, beauty / fashion, shopping, various services, etc.) that is effective for attracting customers. The processing of the information providing system will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the server 10, it is determined whether or not the genre input information corresponds to a specific genre for which a preset call is valid (S96).
If applicable (YES in S96), the inquiry ID unique to the inquiry data and the terminal telephone number of the virtual counter 20 are transmitted to the partner terminal 30 of the partner C included in the partner list display data (S97). ).

  In the above, when the genre that received the information provision request (inquiry data) corresponds to a predetermined genre, the server 10 sends the virtual counter to the partner terminal that matches the terminal ID included in the extracted partner information. It functions as a means for transmitting the terminal telephone number of the telephone and prompting a call using a videophone.

On the other hand, in the partner terminal 30 that has received the inquiry ID and the terminal telephone number of the virtual counter 20, a window indicating that the information has reached the image output means 34a is displayed in a pop-up, and the person in charge of the partner C notices this. Can do.
The partner terminal 30 is operated by the person in charge of the partner C who wants to call the customer, and the terminal phone number of the virtual counter 20 is called from the partner terminal 30 by videophone.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the virtual counter 20 that has received the call (YES in S60), if the inputted inquiry ID is authenticated (YES in S61), the panel type input / output means 24, for example, as shown in FIG. In this manner, a connection permission window for popping up the intention of the user B to connect the video phone is popped up, such as "Can you accept access from the partner through the video phone?" (S62).
When the connection permission window is operated by the user B and the connection permission is detected by the virtual counter 20 (S63), a videophone connection with the partner terminal 30 is established. As shown in FIG. A window is displayed (S64).

As a result, the person in charge of the user B and the partner C can make a face-to-face call, and the person in charge of the partner C can call the user B of the virtual counter 20 using the videophone function. Effective information can be provided. User B can select a partner from the partner list screen displayed on the panel type input / output unit 24 of the virtual counter 20 through a face-to-face conversation with the person in charge of the partner C through a videophone.
Furthermore, in the category in which user B seeks information, user B can also receive access from partner C, which user B does not directly know, and user B can develop a new partner C. Can get new customers. User B can collect information more smoothly by receiving such positive information.

<Vacancy search / reservation function>
The partner page screen displayed on the panel-type input / output unit 24 of the virtual counter 20 has a specific genre (for example, gourmet, travel / accommodation, beauty / fashion, shopping) that requires vacancy / vacancy information. Is provided with a “vacant seat (vacant) search section”.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the user B operates the vacancy search unit and the virtual counter 20 acquires a vacancy search request (YES in S70), the vacancy search request is transmitted to the server 10 ( S105).
As shown in FIG. 10, in the server 10 that has received the vacancy search request (YES in S110), vacancy information is read from the corresponding partner page configuration information stored in the partner page database 103 (S111), and the virtual counter 20 Vacant seat search result data to be output to the virtual counter 20 is transmitted to the virtual counter 20 (S112).
In the virtual counter 20 that has received the vacant seat search result data (YES in S106), the vacant seat search result is displayed on the panel type input / output means 24 (S107). Thus, after confirming the vacant seat information, the user B operates the videophone button provided in the panel type input / output means 24 to connect the partner terminal 30 of the partner C and the virtual counter 20 by videophone. A reservation can be made through a face-to-face call with the person in charge of partner C.

  In addition, if vacant seat information that is sequentially updated is stored in the partner terminal 30 and configured to transmit the vacant seat information from the partner terminal 30 to the server 10 periodically or whenever the information is changed, Vacant seat information stored in the partner page database 103 is desirable because it is always the latest information.

<Interpretation service>
During a video call using the virtual counter 20 and the partner terminal 30, a “interpretation operation unit” can be provided in the video call window shown in the panel type input / output means 24 of the virtual counter 20.
Here, when the languages used by the user B and the person in charge of the partner C are different from each other, or when sign language interpretation is required, the user B displays on the panel type input / output means 24 of the virtual counter 20. By operating the interpreting operation unit, the interpreter request is acquired by the virtual counter 20. When the interpreter request is transmitted from the virtual counter 20 that has acquired the interpreter request to the server 10, the server 10 receives the terminal telephone number of the partner terminal 30 of the interpreter service (partner) that meets the conditions from the partner information database. Is read and the terminal telephone number is transmitted to the virtual counter 20. The virtual counter 20 that has received the terminal telephone number transmits a connection request with the terminal telephone number to the multipoint connection device 40. As a result, a three-way two-way call using a videophone call between the person in charge of the user B and the partner C and the person in charge of the interpretation service (second partner) is realized.
Note that three-party calls by videophone are, for example, Table 2004/030328 “Videophone Interpretation System and Videophone Interpretation Method” and Table 2004/028163 “Signal Dialogue Video Input Device, Sign Language Video Input / Output” It can be implemented by the system and method proposed by the present applicant, as shown in “Apparatus and Sign Language Interpreting System”.

The conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of an information provision system. The conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of another form of an information provision system. The block diagram which shows the structure of a server. The block diagram which shows the structure of a virtual counter. The block diagram which shows the structure of a partner terminal. Flow chart of server processing. The flowchart of a process of a virtual counter. The flowchart of a process of a virtual counter. The flowchart of a process of a virtual counter. The figure which shows the example of an initial screen. The figure which shows the example of a partner list screen. The figure which shows the example of a partner page screen. The figure which shows the example of the screen as which the videophone window was displayed. The figure which shows the example of the screen as which the connection permission window was displayed. The figure which shows the example of the screen at the time of calling by a partner. The figure which shows the example of the screen at the time of the three-party two-way call with an interpreter.

Explanation of symbols

9 Communication network 10 Server 20 Virtual counter 30 Partner terminal 40 Multipoint connection device

Claims (6)

Information including a virtual counter and a partner terminal, which are information terminals having a videophone function and capable of making a videophone call to each other, and a server capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the virtual counter and the partner terminal via a communication network Providing system,
Partner information database that stores partner information including at least the terminal ID of the partner terminal in a readable manner for each preset genre;
A partner page database that stores, in a readable manner in association with the terminal ID of the partner terminal, partner page configuration information that causes the virtual counter to display information including at least the terminal phone number of the partner terminal;
Means for receiving an information provision request from the virtual counter, extracting and reading out partner information of a genre that matches the information provision request from the partner information database, and transmitting to the virtual counter;
A means for receiving a partner page output request from the virtual counter, extracting and reading out the partner page configuration information that matches the terminal ID included in the partner page output request from the partner page database, and transmitting to the virtual counter;
An information providing system provided in the server. When the genre that received the information provision request corresponds to a predetermined genre, the terminal phone number of the virtual counter is transmitted to the partner terminal that matches the terminal ID included in the extracted partner information, A means to encourage calls using the phone,
The server further comprises:
The information providing system according to claim 1. A virtual counter which is an information terminal having a videophone function and capable of making a videophone call to each other and a partner terminal capable of transmitting and receiving information via a communication network, and partner information including at least the terminal ID of the partner terminal, A partner information database stored in a readable manner for each genre set in advance and partner page configuration information for displaying on the virtual counter at least information including the terminal phone number of the partner terminal is read in association with the terminal ID of the partner terminal. A computer that functions as a network server with a partner page database stored as possible,
A process of receiving an information provision request from the virtual counter, extracting and reading out partner information of a genre that matches the information provision request from the partner information database, and transmitting to the virtual counter;
A process of receiving a partner page output request from the virtual counter, extracting and reading out the partner page configuration information that matches the terminal ID included in the partner page output request from the partner page database, and transmitting to the virtual counter.
An information providing program characterized by being executed. In the computer,
When the genre that received the information provision request corresponds to a predetermined genre, the terminal phone number of the virtual counter is transmitted to the partner terminal that matches the terminal ID included in the extracted partner information, The process of prompting calls using the phone,
The information providing program according to claim 3, wherein the information providing program is executed. A virtual counter and a partner terminal which are information terminals having a videophone function and capable of making a videophone call to each other, and a server capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the virtual counter and the partner terminal via a communication network In the information provision system,
The server displays, on the virtual counter, a partner information database in which partner information including at least the terminal ID of the partner terminal is stored in a readable manner for each preset genre, and information including at least the terminal phone number of the partner terminal. A partner page database storing partner page configuration information in a readable manner in association with the terminal ID of the partner terminal,
In the server, receiving an information provision request from the virtual counter, extracting and reading out partner information of a genre that matches the information provision request from the partner information database, and transmitting to the virtual counter;
In the server, upon receiving a partner page output request from the virtual counter, the partner page configuration information matching the terminal ID included in the partner page output request is extracted from the partner page database, read out, and transmitted to the virtual counter Step and
An information providing method comprising the steps of: In the server, when the genre that received the information provision request corresponds to a predetermined genre, the terminal phone number of the virtual counter is transmitted to the partner terminal that matches the terminal ID included in the extracted partner information. Then, the step to encourage the call using the video phone,
The information providing method according to claim 5, further comprising:

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