Information providing system and information providing method

A portable terminal obtains a first code used to obtain provision information and a second code, different from the first code, from a communication device. The portable terminal transmits the first and second codes to an information processing device, receives the provision information from the information processing device as a response to the transmission, and outputs the received provision information. The information processing device includes a first storage unit storing the first code and a second storage unit storing, by associating, the second code and the provision information. The information processing device receives the first and second codes from the portable terminal, obtains provision information associated with the received second code from the second storage unit when the received first code is stored in the first storage unit, and transmits the obtained provision information to the portable terminal. The first code is deleted in exiting from a specific area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to and incorporates by reference the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-058765 filed in Japan on Mar. 20, 2015.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information providing system and an information providing method.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally in an exhibition hall such as a museum and an aquarium, a method of providing information concerning an exhibition hall by causing a portable terminal carried by a user to read an QR Code® has been known.

It is preferable that information concerning an exhibition hall be only available while a user stays in the exhibition hall. However, the conventional technique is not intended such that the information is available only in the period during which the user stays in the exhibition hall.

Therefore, there is a need for an information providing system and an information providing method capable of making provision information available only while a user stays in a specific area such as an exhibition hall.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment, there is provided an information providing system that includes a portable terminal; and an information processing device. The portable terminal includes a first obtaining unit configured to obtain a first code used to obtain provision information; a second obtaining unit configured to obtain a second code different from the first code from a communication device arranged in a specific area; a code transmitting unit configured to transmit the first code and the second code to the information processing device; a provision information receiving unit configured to receive the provision information from the information processing device as a response to the transmission of the first code and the second code; and a provision information output unit configured to output the received provision information. The information processing device includes a first storage unit configured to store the first code; a second storage unit configured to store the second code and the provision information in association with each other; a first receiving unit configured to receive the first code and the second code from the portable terminal; a first determining unit configured to determine whether the first code received from the portable terminal is stored in the first storage unit; and a provision information transmitting unit configured to obtain provision information associated with the second code received from the portable terminal from the second storage unit when the first code is determined to be stored in the first storage unit, and to transmit the obtained provision information to the portable terminal. The first code is deleted in exiting from the specific area.

According to another embodiment, there is provided an information providing method to be executed in an information providing system including a portable terminal and an information processing device. The information providing method includes obtaining, by the portable terminal, a first code used to obtain provision information; obtaining, by the portable terminal, a second code different from the first code from a communication device arranged in a specific area; transmitting, by the portable terminal, the first code and the second code to the information processing device; receiving, by the portable terminal, the provision information from the information processing device as a response to the transmission of the first code and the second code; outputting, by the portable terminal, the received provision information, the information processing device including a first storage unit configured to store the first code and a second storage unit configured to store the second code and the provision information in association with each other; receiving, by the information processing device, the first code and the second code from the portable terminal; determining, by the information processing device, whether the first code received from the Portable terminal is stored in the first storage unit; obtaining, by the information processing device, provision information associated with the second code received from the portable terminal from the second storage unit when the first code is determined to be stored in the first storage unit; and transmitting, by the information processing device, the obtained provision information to the portable terminal, the first code being deleted in exiting from the specific area.

According to still another embodiment, there is provided an information providing system that includes a portable terminal; and an information processing device. The information providing system executes a program causing the portable terminal to perform: obtaining a first code used to obtain provision information; obtaining a second code different from the first code from a communication device arranged in a specific area; transmitting the first code and the second code to the information processing device; receiving the provision information from the information processing device as a response to the transmission of the first code and the second code; and outputting the received provision information. The information processing device includes a first storage unit configured to store the first code; a second storage unit configured to store the second code and the provision information in association with each other; a first receiving unit configured to receive the first code and the second code from the portable terminal; a first determining unit configured to determine whether the first code received from the portable terminal is stored in the first storage unit; and a provision information transmitting unit configured to obtain provision information associated with the second code received from the portable terminal from the second storage unit when the first code is determined to be stored in the first storage unit, and to transmit the obtained provision information to the portable terminal. The first code is deleted in exiting from the specific area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of an information providing system and an information providing method according to the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments below. Besides, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined within a scope not causing inconsistency in contents.

First Embodiment

System Configuration According to First Embodiment

A configuration of an information providing system according to a first embodiment will be explained with reference toFIG. 1.FIG. 1illustrates an example of a configuration of an information providing system according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, an information providing system1is provided with a code providing device50, communication devices60, a portable terminal100, and an information processing device200. The number of each of those devices is not limited to what is illustrated. The information providing system1is used in an exhibition hall such as a museum and an aquarium. A user who visits an exhibition hall carries the portable terminal100. In the exhibition hall, the communication device60is arranged. An exhibition article is assumed to be present at a place where the communication device60is arranged. A range surrounded by a dash line around the communication device60indicates a valid area of a wireless communication such as the Bluetooth®.

The code providing device50is arranged in a vicinity of an entrance gate of the exhibition hall and receives a payment of an admission fee, a selection on whether to receive provision information, and the like. When receiving a selection of receiving provision information, the code providing device50displays an information-embedded pattern including a first access code that allows obtaining the provision information. For example, the information-embedded pattern is a QR Code® and the like. The user carrying the portable terminal100uses the portable terminal100to image the information-embedded pattern. The portable terminal100is a terminal device such as a smart phone and a tablet terminal. The portable terminal100obtains the first access code by the imaging of the information-embedded pattern. The user enters the exhibition hall via an entrance gate after the image capturing of the information-embedded pattern. The code providing device50transmits, to the information processing device200, the first access code included in the displayed information-embedded pattern. The information processing device200thus registers the first access code in a storage unit.

The user who enters the exhibition hall moves to a place where an exhibition article is present. At a place where an exhibition article is present, the communication device60is arranged. When the portable terminal100comes within a communication range of the communication device60, the communication device60transmits a second access code, which is different from the first access code, to the portable terminal100. When receiving the second access code, the portable terminal100transmits, to the information processing device200, the first access code obtained via the image capturing of the information-embedded pattern and the second access code received from the communication device60. The portable terminal100transmits the first access code and the second access code to the information processing device200based on address information, obtained in the image capturing of the information-embedded pattern together with the first access code, of the information processing device200.

The information processing device200is an information device such as a personal computer (PC) or a server device. The information processing device200stores the first access code transmitted by the code providing device50and stores in advance second access codes and pieces of provision information corresponding to the respective second access codes. When receiving the first access code and the second access code from the portable terminal100, the information processing device200determines whether or not the received first access code is registered in the storage unit. When the first access code is registered in the storage unit, the information processing device200obtains the provision information which is associated with the second access code from the storage unit. The information processing device200then transmits the obtained provision information to the portable terminal100.

When receiving the provision information form the information processing device200, the portable terminal100outputs the provision information to a display unit and the like. In this manner, whenever the portable terminal100comes within the communication range of the communication device60, provision information concerning each article is provided. The user then exits the exhibition hall. In exiting, the user uses the portable terminal100to capture an image of an information-embedded pattern displayed in a display device arranged in a vicinity of an exit gate. This information-embedded pattern includes information that invalidates the first access code. The portable terminal100deletes the first access code from the portable terminal100in response to the image capturing of the information-embedded pattern including the information that invalidates the first access code.

The first access code obtained in entering the exhibition hall and the second access code obtained from the communication device60arranged in the vicinity of an exhibition article are transmitted from the portable terminal100to the information processing device200, so that the provision information concerning each exhibition article is provided in the information providing system1. The information that invalidates the first access code is then obtained in exiting the exhibition hall, so that the first access code is deleted from the portable terminal100in the information providing system1. As a result of this, it is possible in the information providing system1to make the information concerning the exhibition hall available only while the user stays in the exhibition hall.

Hardware Configuration of Portable Terminal According to First Embodiment

Next, a hardware configuration of the portable terminal100according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the portable terminal100according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the portable terminal100is provided with a CPU (central Processing Unit)12, a RAM (Random Access Memory)13, a ROM (Read Only Memory)14, a communication I/F15, and an operation display unit16. Those units are connected via a bus11.

The CPU12controls an entire operation of the portable terminal100. The CPU12uses the RAM13and the like as a work area and executes programs stored in the ROM14and the like to control the entire operation of the portable terminal100. The RAM13is a work area in an execution of the programs stored in the ROM14and the like. The ROM14stores programs that enable realizing processes by the portable terminal100. The communication I/F15is an interface that controls a communication with each unit. The operation display unit16receives inputs of various kinds depending on operations by a user and displays information of various kinds depending on the operations by the user. The operation display unit16is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) device equipped with a touch-sensitive panel function, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, and the like.

Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Device According to First Embodiment

Next, a hardware configuration of the information processing device200according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference toFIG. 3.FIG. 3is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device200according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the information processing device200is provided with a CPU22, a RAM23, a ROM24, and a communication I/F25. Those units are connected via a bus21.

The CPU22controls an entire operation of the information processing device200. The CPU22uses the RAM23and the like as a work area and executes programs stored in the ROM24and the like to control the entire operation of the information processing device200. The RAM23is a work area in an execution of the programs stored in the ROM24and the like. The ROM24stores programs that enable realizing processes by the information processing device200. The communication I/F25is an interface that controls a communication with each unit.

Functional Configuration of Each Unit According to First Embodiment

Next, a functional configuration of the portable terminal100and the information processing device200according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference toFIG. 4.FIG. 4is a block diagram of an example of a functional configuration of the portable terminal100and the information processing device200according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the portable terminal100is provided with an image capturing unit101, a first obtaining unit102, a storage unit103, a second obtaining unit104, a reception controller105, a communication unit106, a transmission controller107, an output controller108, and a deletion unit109. A part or all of the first obtaining unit102, the second obtaining unit104, the reception controller105, the transmission controller107, the output controller108, and the deletion unit109may be realized by software (program) or realized by hardware.

The image capturing unit101captures an image of an information-embedded pattern. For example, the image capturing unit101captures an image of an information-embedded pattern including the first access code that allows obtaining provision information as information concerning the exhibition hail, an address for a communication with the information processing device200, and the like. The information-embedded pattern is a QR Code® and the like. The user uses the portable terminal100to image the QR Code® displayed in the code providing device50and the like arranged in the vicinity of the entrance gate of the exhibition hall. On this occasion, the code providing device50transmits the first access code included in the displayed QR Code® to the information processing device200.

The image capturing unit101captures an image of a QR Code® including information that invalidates the first access code. The user uses the portable terminal100to image the QR Code® displayed in the display device and the like arranged in the vicinity of the exit gate of the exhibition hall. In other words, the user uses the portable terminal100to image QR Code® in entering and exiting the exhibition hall.

The first obtaining unit102obtains the first access code. For example, the first obtaining unit102obtains the first access code, an address of the information processing device200, and the like in response to the image capturing of the QR Code® by the image capturing unit101. The first obtaining unit102then stores the obtained first access code in the storage unit103. After this, the portable terminal100uses the first access code stored in the storage unit103to execute a processing for obtaining provision information.

The second obtaining unit104obtains the second access code, which is different from the first access code, from the communication device60arranged in a specific area like the exhibition hall. For example, when the portable terminal100comes within the communication range of the communication device60arranged in the vicinity of an exhibition article, the second obtaining unit104obtains the second access code transmitted by the communication device60. The second access code is obtained by being received from the communication device60via the communication unit106in accordance with the control by the reception controller105.

The transmission controller107transmits the first access code and the second access code to the information processing device200. The transmission controller107is an example of a “code transmitting unit”. For example, the transmission controller107transmits the first access code obtained by the first obtaining unit102and the second access code obtained by the second obtaining unit104to the information processing device200via the communication unit106in accordance with the address of the information processing device200obtained by the first obtaining unit102.

The reception controller105receives provision information from the information processing device200. The reception controller105is an example of a “provision information receiving unit”. For example, the reception controller105receives, from the information processing device200via the communication unit106, provision information concerning an exhibition article in the vicinity of the place where the communication device60from which the second access code is obtained is arranged as a response to the transmission of the first access code and the second access code by the transmission controller107.

The output controller108performs a control of outputting provision information. The output controller108is an example of a “provision information output unit”. For example, the output controller108displays the provision information received by the reception controller105in a display unit (the operation display unit16and the like, for example) to notify the user. The provision information is audio information, video information, textual information, and the like.

The deletion unit109deletes the first access code from the portable terminal100. The deletion unit109is an example of a “terminal code deleting unit”. For example, the deletion unit109deletes the first access code stored in the storage unit103in response to the image capturing, by the image capturing unit101, of the QR Code® and the like including information that invalidates the first access code. The processing of deleting the first access code by the deletion unit109is executed by the image capturing of the QR Code® displayed in the display device and the like arranged in the vicinity of the exit gate of the exhibition hall.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the information processing device200is provided with a first storage unit201, a reception controller202, a communication unit203, a second storage unit204, a determination unit205, and a transmission controller206. A part or all of the reception controller202, the determination unit205, and the transmission controller206may be realized by software (program) or by a hardware circuit.

The first storage unit201stores the first access code. The reception controller202receives the first access code from the code providing device50via the communication unit203and stores the received access code in the first storage unit201.FIG. 5illustrates an example of information stored in the first storage unit201according to the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the first storage unit201stores information of the first access code. To cite an instance, the first storage unit201stores a first access code “1AC001”.

The second storage unit204stores, by associating, the second access code and the provision information.FIG. 6illustrates an example of information stored in the second storage unit204according to the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the second storage unit204stores, by associating with each other, a communication device name of the communication device60that provides the second access code, the second access code, the provision information, and positional information of the communication device60. To cite an instance, the second storage unit204stores, by associating, a communication device name “Bt001”, a second access code “2AC001”, provision information “AUDIO INFORMATION (EXHIBITION ARTICLE A)”, and positional information “(X, X)”.

The reception controller202performs a control of receiving the first access code and the second access code from the portable terminal100. The reception controller202is an example of a “first receiving unit”. For example, the reception controller202receives the first access code and the second access code from the portable terminal100via the communication unit203.

The determination unit205determines whether or not the first access code received from the portable terminal100is stored in the first storage unit201. The determination unit205is an example of a “first determining unit”. For example, when the first access code and the second access code are received by the reception controller202from the portable terminal100, the determination unit205determines whether or not the received first access code is stored in the first storage unit201. The determination unit205then notifies the transmission controller206of a result of the determination.

The transmission controller206performs a control of transmitting provision information to the portable terminal100. The transmission controller206is an example of a “provision information transmitting unit”. For example, when the first access code is determined to be stored in the first storage unit201by the determination unit205, the transmission controller206obtains, from the second storage unit204, provision information associated with the second access code received by the reception controller202from the portable terminal100. The transmission controller206then transmits the obtained provision information to the portable terminal100via the communication unit203.

Entire Processing According to First Embodiment

Next, a flow of an entire processing according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference toFIG. 7FIG. 7is a sequence diagram of an example of a flow of an entire processing according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the code providing device50receives a throw in of a fee when a user enters the exhibition hall (step S101). The code providing device50also receives a selection on whether or not the user gets a service of the provision information (step S102). Here, the user is assumed to have made a selection of getting the service of the provision information. The code providing device50transmits the first access code included in the QR Code® to the information processing device200(step S103). When receiving the first access code from the code providing device50, the information processing device200registers the received first access code in the first storage unit201(step S104).

The code providing device50displays the QR. Code® including the first access code, the address of the information processing device200, and the like (step S105). The portable terminal100captures an image of the QR Code® displayed by the code providing device50in accordance with an operation by the user (step S106). The portable terminal100thus obtains the first access code and the address of the information processing device200. After this, the user carrying the portable terminal100enters the exhibition hall and moves to an exhibition article around which the communication device60is arranged.

The communication device60transmits the second access code to the portable terminal100when the portable terminal100comes within its own communication range (step S107). When receiving the second access code from the communication device60, the portable terminal100transmits the first access code obtained in the entry and the second access code received from the communication device60to the information processing device200in accordance with the address obtained in the entry (step S108).

When receiving the first access code and the second access code from the portable terminal100, the information processing device200determines whether or not the received first access code is stored in the first storage unit201and obtains, from the second storage unit204, the provision information associated with the received second access code when determining that the first access code is stored (step S109). The information processing device200then transmits the provision information obtained from the second storage unit204to the portable terminal100(step S110). When receiving the provision information from the information processing device200, the portable terminal100outputs the received provision information (step S111). After this, the user carrying the portable terminal100moves to the exit gate to exit the exhibition hall.

The portable terminal captures an image of a QR Code® which is displayed in the display device and the like arranged in the vicinity of the exit gate and includes the information that invalidates the first access code in response to the operation by the user (step S112). The portable terminal100then deletes the first access code from the portable terminal100in response to the image capturing of the QR Code® including the information that invalidates the first access code (step S113).

In the information providing system1, relevant provision information is provided based on the first access code obtained from the code providing device50in entering the exhibition hall and the second access code obtained from the communication device60arranged in the vicinity of an exhibition article, the portable terminal100is made to obtain the information that invalidates the first access code in exiting the exhibition hall, and the first access code is deleted from the portable terminal100. As a result, it is possible in the information providing system1to make the information concerning the exhibition hall available only while the user stays in the exhibition hall.

Second Embodiment

System Configuration According to Second Embodiment

A configuration of an information providing system according to a second embodiment will be explained with reference toFIG. 8.FIG. 8illustrates an example of a configuration of an information providing system according to the second embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, an information providing system1ais provided with the communication device60, a charging server70, an entrance device80, an exit device90, a portable terminal100a, and an information processing device200a. The number of each of those devices is not limited to what is illustrated. The information providing system1ais used in an exhibition hall such as a museum and an aquarium. A user who visits an exhibition hall carries the portable terminal100a. In the exhibition hall, the communication devices60are arranged. An exhibition article is assumed to be present at a place where the communication device60is arranged. A range surrounded by a dash line around the communication device60indicates a valid area of a wireless communication such as the Bluetooth®.

The portable terminal100aactivates an application to be used in the exhibition hall in response to an operation by a user and transmits, to the information processing device200a, information to the effect of starting to get a service of provision information. When receiving the information of starting the service, the information processing device200aresponds to the portable terminal100awith the first access code. The information processing device200atransmits charging information to the charging server70depending on the service. The charging server70manages charging information. When obtaining a first access code from the information processing device200a, the portable terminal100agenerates information-embedded pattern including the first access code. The information-embedded pattern is a QR Code® and the like. The user operates the portable terminal100ato display the QR Code® including the first access code in entering the exhibition hall through the entrance gate.

The entrance device80, which is arranged in the vicinity of the entrance gate of the exhibition hall, controls to open the entrance gate and includes an image capturing unit that captures an image of the information-embedded pattern. The information-embedded pattern is a QR Code® and the like. The first access code is included in the QR Code® whose image is to be captured by the entrance device80. In other words, the user operates the portable terminal100ato display the QR Code® including the first access code and causes the QR Code® to be captured by the entrance device80. The entrance device80thereby obtains the first access code by the image capturing of the QR Code®.

The entrance device80having obtained the first access code requests the information processing device200ato determine the presence/absence of the first access code. The information processing device200arefers to the first access code stored in itself to determine the presence/absence of the first access code in response to the request from the entrance device80. The information processing device200ainstructs the entrance device80to perform a control of opening the entrance gate when the stored first access code corresponds. The entrance device80thus executes a control of opening the entrance gate. When the entrance gate is opened, the user enters the exhibition hall.

The user having entered the exhibition hall moves to a place where an exhibition article is present. At the place where the exhibition article is present, the communication device60is arranged. When the portable terminal100acomes within the communication range of the communication device60, the communication device60transmits a second access code, which is different from the first access code, to the portable terminal100a. When receiving the second access code, the portable terminal100atransmits, to the information processing device200a, the first access code obtained from the information processing device200aand the second access code received from the communication device60.

The information processing device200astores the first access code, and stores in advance second access codes and pieces of provision information corresponding the respective pieces of provision information. When receiving the first access code and the second access code from the portable terminal100a, the information processing device200adetermines whether or not the received first access code is stored in the storage unit. The information processing device200aobtains provision information associated with the second access code from the storage unit when the first access code is stored in the storage unit. The information processing device200athen transmits the obtained provision information to the Portable terminal100a.

When receiving the provision information from the information processing device200a, the portable terminal100aoutputs the provision information to the display unit and the like. In this manner, provision information concerning each exhibition article is provided whenever the Portable terminal100acomes within the communication range of the communication device60. After this, the user exits the exhibition hall through the exit gate. In the exit, the user operates the portable terminal100ato display the QR Code® including the first access code.

The exit device90, which is arranged in the vicinity of the exit gate of the exhibition hall, controls to open the exit gate and includes an image capturing unit that captures an image of an information-embedded pattern. The information-embedded pattern is a QR Code® and the like. The first access code is included in the QR Code® to be imaged by the exit device90. In other words, the user operates the portable terminal100ato display the QR Code® including the first access code and causes the QR Code® to be captured by the exit device90. The exit device90thus obtains the first access code by the image capturing of the QR Code®.

The exit device90having obtained the first access code requests the information processing device200ato delete the first access code. The information processing device200adeletes the first access code which is stored in itself and corresponds to the first access code as a target of the deletion requested by the exit device90from the storage unit. The information processing device200ainstructs the exit device90to perform a control of opening the exit gate after deleting the first access code. The exit device90thus executes the control to open the exit gate. When the exit gate is opened, the user exits the exhibition hall.

In the information providing system1a, the portable terminal100ais made to generate and display the QR Code® including the first access code obtained from the information processing device200a, the entrance device80is made to capture the image of the QR Code® and executes the control to open the entrance gate when the first access code obtained by the image capturing corresponds to the first access code stored in the information processing device200a. Besides, in the information providing system1a, the first access code which is stored in the information processing device200aand corresponds to the first access code obtained by the image capturing by the exit device90is deleted and the control of opening the exit gate is executed in response to the deletion. As a result, it is possible in the information providing system1to make information concerning the exhibition hall available only while the user stays in the exhibition hall.

Functional Configuration of Each Device According to Second Embodiment

Next, a functional configuration of the portable terminal100aand the information processing device200aaccording to the second embodiment will be explained with reference toFIG. 9.FIG. 9is a block diagram of an example of a functional configuration of the portable terminal100aand the information processing device200aaccording to the second embodiment. InFIG. 9, the same function as the functional configuration of each device according to the first embodiment is assigned with the same reference symbol.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the portable terminal100ais provided with a first obtaining unit102a, the storage unit103, the second obtaining unit104, a reception controller105a, the communication unit106, a transmission controller107a, an output controller108a, and a generator110a. A part or all of the first obtaining unit102a, the second obtaining unit104, the reception controller105a, the transmission controller107a, the output controller108a, and the generator110amay be realized by software (program) or may be realized by hardware.

The transmission controller107atransmits information to the effect of using a service to the information processing device200avia the communication unit106in response to an activation of an application for using the service of provision information or the reception of the selection of the service. The reception controller105athus receives the first access code from the information processing device200avia the communication unit106. The first obtaining unit102aobtains the first access code obtained by the reception controller105a.

The generator110agenerates an information-embedded pattern including the first access code. The information-embedded pattern is a QR Code® and the like. For example, the generator110agenerates a QR Code® including the first access code obtained by the first obtaining unit102afrom the information processing device200a. For the generation of the QR Code®, known techniques may be used.

The output controller108aperforms a control of displaying information-embedded pattern. The output controller108ais an example of the “display unit”. For example, the output controller108adisplays the QR. Code® which includes the first access code and is generated by the generator110ain the operation display unit16and the like depending on the operation by the user. The user operates the portable terminal100ato display the QR Code® to cause the QR Code® to be imaged by the entrance device80in the entry through the entrance gate. The QR Code® is captured by the entrance device80, so that the entrance device80obtains the first access code. The entrance device80then transmits the obtained first access code to the information processing device200a.

The user operates the portable terminal100ato display the QR. Code® to cause the QR Code® to be captured by the exit device90in the exit through the exit gate. The QR Code® is captured by the exit device90, so that the exit device90obtains the first access code. The exit device90then requests the information processing device200ato delete the first access code which corresponds to the obtained first access code and is stored in the information processing device200a.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the information processing device200ais provided with the first storage unit201, a reception controller202a, the communication unit203, the second storage unit204, a determination unit205a, a transmission controller206a, an entrance gate open instructing unit207a, an exit gate open instructing unit208a, and a deletion unit209a. A part or all of the reception controller202a, the determination unit205a, the transmission controller206a, the entrance gate open instructing unit207a, the exit gate open instructing unit208a, and the deletion unit209amay be realized by software (program) or may be realized by a hardware circuit.

The reception controller202areceives the first access code from the entrance device80. The reception controller202ais an example of the “second receiving unit”. For example, the reception controller202areceives the first access code from the entrance device80via the communication unit203. The reception controller202athen notifies the determination unit205aof the received first access code.

The determination unit205adetermines whether or not the first access code received from the entrance device80is stored in the first storage unit201. The determination unit205ais an example of the “second determining unit”. For example, the determination unit205adetermines whether or not the first access code received from the entrance device80is stored in the first storage unit201and notifies the entrance gate open instructing unit207aof a result of the determination.

The entrance gate open instructing unit207ainstructs the entrance device80to open the entrance gate. For example, when the first access code received from the entrance device80is determined by the determination unit205ato be stored in the first storage unit201, the entrance gate open instructing unit207ainstructs the entrance device80to open the entrance gate via the communication unit203. The entrance device80thus controls to open the entrance gate. The user then becomes able to enter the exhibition hall

The reception controller202areceives a request for deleting the first access code from the exit device90. The reception controller202ais an example of a “third receiving unit”. For example, the reception controller202areceives the first access code and the request for deleting the first access code from the exit device90via the communication unit203. The reception controller202anotifies the deletion unit209aof the received first access code.

The deletion unit209adeletes the first access code from the first storage unit201. The deletion unit209ais an example of an “information code deleting unit”. For example, when the request for deleting the first access code from the exit device90is received by the reception controller202a, the deletion unit209adeletes the first access code from the first storage unit201.

The exit gate open instructing unit208ainstructs the exit device90to open the exit gate. For example, when the first access code is deleted by the deletion unit209afrom the first storage unit201, the exit gate open instructing unit208ainstructs the exit device90to open the exit gate via the communication unit203. The exit device90thus controls to open the exit gate. The user then becomes able to exit the exhibition hall.

Entire Processing According to Second Embodiment

Next, a flow of an entire processing according to the second embodiment will be explained with reference toFIG. 10.FIG. 10is a sequence diagram of an example of a flow of an entire processing according to the second embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the portable terminal100areceives an operation, by the user, of activating an application for using a service of getting provision information (step S201). The portable terminal100athen receives a selection of a service to use after the activation of the application (step S202). The portable terminal100athen transmits user information and service information concerning the selected service (information to the effect of using the service) to the information processing device200a(step S203).

When receiving the information to the effect of using the service from the portable terminal100a, the information processing device200atransmits the first access code to the portable terminal100a(step S204). The information processing device200atransmits the user information and charging information to the charging server70depending on the service to use (step S205). When receiving the first access code from the information processing device200a, the portable terminal100agenerates a QR Code® including the received first access code (step S206). The portable terminal100athen displays the generated QR Code® (step S207).

The entrance device80captures an image of the QR Code® displayed by the portable terminal100ato obtain the first access code included in the QR Code® (step S208). The entrance device80then transmits the obtained first access code to the information processing device200a(step S209). When receiving the first access code from the entrance device80, the information processing device200adetermines the presence/absence of the first access code by determining whether or not the received first access code is stored in the first storage unit201(step S210). Here, the first access code received form the entrance device80is assumed to be stored in the first storage unit201. The information processing device200athen instructs the entrance device80to open the entrance gate (step S211). When receiving the instruction to open the entrance gate from the information processing device200a, the entrance device80controls to open the entrance gate (step S212). The user thus enters the exhibition hall through the entrance gate and moves to an exhibition article around which the communication device60is arranged.

The communication device60, when the portable terminal100acomes within the communication range of oneself, transmits the second access code to the portable terminal (step S213). When receiving the second access code from the communication device60, the portable terminal100atransmits the first access code obtained from the information processing device200aand the second access code received from the communication device60to the information processing device200a(step S214).

When receiving the first access code and the second access code from the portable terminal100a, the information processing device200adetermines whether or not the received first access code is stored in the first storage unit201and obtains provision information associated with the received second access code from the second storage unit204when determining that the received first access code is stored (step S215). The information processing device200athen transmits the provision information obtained from the second storage unit204to the portable terminal100a(step S216). When receiving the provision information from the information processing device200a, the portable terminal100aoutputs the received provision information (step S217). After this, the user carrying the portable terminal100amoves to the exit gate to exit the exhibition hall.

The portable terminal100adisplays the generated QR Code® depending on the operation by the user (step S218). The exit device90captures an image of the QR Code® displayed by the portable terminal100aand obtains the first access code included in the QR Code® (step S219). The exit device90then transmits, to the information processing device200a, the request for deleting the first access code together with the first access code obtained by the image capturing (step S220). When receiving the request for deleting the first access code from the exit device90, the information processing device200adeletes the relevant first access code stored in the first storage unit201(step S221). The information processing device200athen instructs the exit device90to open the exit gate (step S222). When receiving the instruction to open the exit gate from the information processing device200a, the exit device90controls to open the exit gate (step S223). The user thereby exits through the exit gate.

In the information providing system1a, the portable terminal100ais made to generate and display the information-embedded pattern including the first access code obtained from the information processing device200a, and the entrance device80is made to image the information-embedded pattern to perform a control of opening the entrance gate depending on the presence/absence of the obtained first access code. Besides, in the information providing system1a, the exit device90is made to image the information-embedded pattern to delete the obtained first access code and control to open the exit gate. As a result, it is possible in the information providing system1ato make the information concerning the exhibition hall available only while the user stays in the exhibition hall.

Third Embodiment

While embodiments of the information providing system1according to the present invention are explained so far, the invention may be implemented in various forms different from the above-explained embodiments. So, a different embodiment as for (1) Output and notification of provision information, (2) Additional information, (3) Configuration, and (4) Programs will be explained.

(1) Output and Notification of Provision Information

It is possible in a third embodiment to limit conditions that allow an output of provision information by the portable terminal100. For example, the portable terminal100confirms a connection with the communication device60and outputs provision information while the connection with the communication device60is confirmed. The function of the portable terminal100is an example of a “connection confirming unit” and a “provision information output unit”. In other words, the portable terminal100outputs the provision information concerning an exhibition article in the vicinity of the communication device60only while being within the communication range of the communication device60.

In the third embodiment, the provision information to be transmitted by the information processing device200may be transmitted depending on time. For example, the information processing device200is provided with a storage unit that stores provision information concerning a venue of an exhibition article, positional information of the exhibition article, a notification time indicating a time of notifying the provision information in advance, and communication identifying information that identifies a communication device60corresponding to the exhibition article, in association with each other. The storage unit is an example of a “third storage unit”. When the notification time comes, the information processing device200transmits the provision information to the portable terminal100locating within a predetermined range including the positional information. Therefore, the information processing device200obtains the positional information of each portable terminal100from each portable terminal100and determines the portable terminal100to which the provision information is to be provided. The function of the information processing device200is an example of a “prior transmission unit”.

FIG. 11illustrates an example of information stored in the third storage unit according to the third embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the third storage unit stores, by associating with each other, the provision information concerning the venue of the exhibition article, a venue position indicating positional information of the exhibition article, a start time of the exhibition article, an end time of the exhibition article, a notification time indicating a time of a prior notification, a notification method indicating a method of the prior notification, and notification target information indicating communication identifying information that identifies the communication device60arranged in the vicinity of the exhibition article. To cite an instance, the third storage unit stores, by associating with each other, provision information “AUDIO INFORMATION (EVENT A)”, a venue position “(A, A)”, a start time “10:00”, an end time “12:00”, a notification time “9:30”, and a notification target “Bt001, Bt003”.

For example, the provision information “AUDIO INFORMATION (EVENT A)” is notified to the portable terminal100in the vicinity of the venue position “(A, A)” thirty minutes before the start time as for the “EVENT A” illustrated inFIG. 11. Provision information may be notified via the communication device60and provision information may be notified via communication devices60(Bt001 and Bt003) each as a notification target, for example. On this occasion, positional information of each portable terminal100may not be obtained. In other words, the provision information is notified to the portable terminal100included in the communication range of the communication devices (Bt001 and Bt003). The user recognizes the fact that it becomes thirty minutes before the start time as for the EVENT A. As a notification target, a communication device60at a position at which the user is able to arrive before the start time is assumed to be determined based on a travelling time to visit the event to be held. Therefore, there is a possibility that provision information of different events is notified to one portable terminal100when there are some events whose start time is the same, for example.

FIG. 12is a flowchart of an example of a flow of a prior notification processing according to the third embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 12, when a notification time of a certain event comes (“Yes” at step S301), the information processing device200obtains positional information from each portable terminal100(step S302). On the other hand, when it is not the notification time yet (“No” at step S301), the information processing device200stands ready until the notification time. The information processing device200identifies a user who is able to reach before the start time, i.e., a portable terminal100as a notification target of the provision information based on the venue position of the event (step S303). The information processing device200then notifies the identified portable terminal100of the provision information (step S304).

In the third embodiment, a history of an exhibition article visited by the user may be notified in providing the provision information. For example, when receiving the first access code and the second access code from the portable terminal100, the information processing device200registers, as a history by associating with each other, user information of the user carrying the portable terminal100, the first access code, the second access code, and communication identifying information that identifies the communication device that provides the second access code in a history storage unit. The function of the information processing device200is an example of a “history registering unit”. The information processing device200refers to the history storage unit and transmits visit history information of exhibition articles visited by the user together with the provision information. The function of the information processing device200is an example of the “provision information transmitting unit”.

FIG. 13illustrates an example of information stored in the history storage unit according to the third embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 13, the history storage unit stores, by associating with each other, the user information, the first access code, the second access code, and an access point indicating communication identifying information of the communication device arranged in the vicinity of the exhibition article visited by the user. To cite an instance, the history storage unit stores, by associating with each other, user information “USER A”, the first access code “1AC001”, the second access code “2AC001”, and access points “Bt001, Bt002”. For example, since the user A has already visited two exhibition articles (exhibition articles in the vicinity of communication devices60“Bt001 and Bt002”), the information processing device200notifies the portable terminal100of the already-visited point.

In the third embodiment, an exhibition article which has not been visited by the user may be notified in exiting. For example, when instructing the exit device90to open the exit gate, the information processing device200refers to the history storage unit, generates information that notifies an exhibition article not visited by the user, and transmits the generated information to the portable terminal100. The function of the information processing device200is an example of a “generated information transmitting unit”. In other words, the information processing device200identifies an exhibition article which has not been visited by the user based on access point information included in the history information, generates information indicating that the identified exhibition article has not been visited, and transmits the information to the portable terminal100. It is thereby possible to promote a next visit.

(2) Additional Information

It is possible in the third embodiment to provide additional information by arranging an information-embedded pattern in the vicinity of an exhibition article and imaging the information-embedded pattern. The user uses the portable terminal100to capture an image of the information-embedded pattern such as the QR Code® arranged in the vicinity of the exhibition article. Additional information, different from the provision information, concerning the exhibition article is configured to be included in the QR Code®.

The processing procedure, the control procedure, the specific names, and information including data and parameters of various kinds explained in the specification and illustrated in the drawings may be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. Each of constituents of the illustrated devices is conceptually illustrated in function and is not necessarily required to be configured physically as illustrated in the drawings. In other words, a specific form of disintegration and integration of each device is not limited to what is illustrated in the drawings and a Part or all thereof may be disintegrated or integrated functionally or physically by an arbitrary unit depending on loads and usage conditions of various kinds.

While the example of arranging the charging server70is taken as an example in the third embodiment, it is possible to appropriately change to a configuration of charging depending on the number of visited exhibition articles (the number of communication devices60) as for the charging.

Programs to be executed in the portable terminal100and the information processing device200according to an embodiment may be provided by being recorded in a file of an installable format or of an executable format in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) as a computer program product. The programs to be executed in the portable terminal100and the information processing device200may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The programs to be executed in the portable terminal100and the information processing device200may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. The programs to be executed in the portable terminal100and the information processing device200may be provided by being preloaded in a ROM and the like.

The programs to be executed in the portable terminal100have a module configuration including the units explained above (the first obtaining unit102, the second obtaining unit104, the reception controller105, the transmission controller107, the output controller108, and the deletion unit109) and, as an actual hardware, the units are configured to be loaded on a main storage device to generate on the main storage unit the first obtaining unit102, the second obtaining unit104, the reception controller105, the transmission controller107, the output controller108, and the deletion unit109when the CPU reads out from a storage medium and execute the programs.

The programs to be executed in the information processing device200have a module configuration including the units explained above (the reception controller202, the determination unit205, and the transmission controller206) and, as an actual hardware, the units are configured to be loaded on a main storage device to generate on the main storage unit the reception controller202, the determination unit205, and the transmission controller206when the CPU reads out from a storage medium and execute the programs.

According to the embodiments, provision information is available only while a user stays in a specific area such as an exhibition hall.