Information providing system and information providing method

An object is to provide an information providing system and an information providing method in which an information providing device can provide information personalized for a user without an input of identification information of the user into the information providing device.A server device receives, from a terminal device that has acquired device identification information identifying the information providing device, the device identification information and user identification information identifying a user. The server device transmits information for the user identified by the user identification information to the information providing device identified by the device identification information. The information providing device receives the information for the user. The information providing device provides information based on the information for the user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2019/028089 filed Jul. 17, 2019.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a technical field of an information providing system and an information providing method to provide information personalized for a user.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, systems have been known in which, with login operation by a user on a specific device such as a terminal device owned by a user, a server device distributes information personalized for the user to the specific device and the specific device performs displaying or the like of the personalized information (for example, Patent Literature 1). The user generally needs to input identification information of the user, a password, or the like for login.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, there may be a case where an information providing device to perform displaying or the like of information is in a situation where unspecific people can use it since it has been put in a public place or the like, for example. Inputting identification information of a user into such an information providing device is not preferable in terms of security when considering that other users can also use the information providing device.

The present invention is provided in view of the above points, and is to provide an information providing system and an information providing method in which an information providing device can provide information personalized for a user without an input of identification information of the user into the information providing device.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the above problem, one approach includes an information providing system comprising: a server device that can communicate with a terminal device carried by a user; and an information providing device that can communicate with the server device, wherein the server device includes an identification information receiving means that receives, from the terminal device that has acquired device identification information identifying the information providing device, the device identification information and user identification information identifying the user, and a transmission means that transmits information for the user identified by the received user identification information to the information providing device identified by the received device identification information, and the information providing device includes a for-user information receiving means that receives information for the user transmitted from the server device, and a providing means that provides information based on the received information for the user.

According to this invention, device identification information that identifies an information providing device that a user intends to use and user identification information that identifies the user are transmitted from a user terminal to a server device. The server device transmits information for the user to the information providing device based on the received identification information. The information for the user may be, for example, information to be provided itself or information indicating what information should be provided. Then, the information providing device provides information based on the information for the user. Thus, the information providing device can provide information personalized for the user without an input of the identification information of the user into the information providing device.

Another aspect includes an information providing system, wherein the information providing device further includes an output means that outputs the device identification information.

According to this invention, a terminal device can acquire device identification information output from an information providing device that a user intends to use.

Another aspect includes an information providing system, wherein the output means changes the device identification information to be output each time a predetermined period passes, and the transmission means transmits the information for the user when the received device identification information is device identification information corresponding to a period in which the device identification information is received.

According to this invention, even when a terminal device of a user who used an information providing device in the past transmits device identification information acquired at that time to a server device later, the server device does not transmit information for the user to the information providing device. Thus, it is possible to prevent provision of information personalized for a user different from a user who intends to use the information providing device currently.

Another aspect includes an information providing system, wherein the output means outputs a signal indicating the device identification information, and the identification information receiving means receives the device identification information and the user identification information transmitted from the terminal device when the signal indicating the device identification information has been received by the terminal device.

According to this invention, it is possible to save a user the trouble of inputting device identification information into a terminal device.

Another aspect includes an information providing system, wherein the information providing device is put in a predetermined space separated from the outside, and the output means outputs the signal indicating the device identification information only when a door for entering the predetermined space is closed.

According to this invention, since a signal indicating device identification information hardly reaches the outside of a predetermined space, it is possible to increase the probability that the device identification information is received only by a terminal device of a user in the predetermined space.

The invention according to claim6is the information providing system according to claim5, wherein the information providing device is put in a vehicle, and the output means outputs the device identification information when a movement of the vehicle has been detected.

According to this invention, it is possible to output a signal indicating device identification information when the probability that a user is using a vehicle is high.

The invention according to claim7is the information providing system according to any one of claims4to6, wherein the output means outputs a sound wave indicating the device identification information.

According to this invention, since a sound wave is blocked by an obstacle or the sound wave reaching an opposite side of the obstacle is weakened, it becomes easy to limit an area in which a signal indicating device identification information reaches.

Another aspect includes an information providing system, wherein the server device further includes an association means that associates the device identification information and the user identification information received by the identification information receiving means with each other, and the for-user information transmitting means transmits, to the information providing device, the information for the user identified by the user identification information associated with the device identification information of the information providing device.

According to this invention, since an information providing device used by a user and the user are associated, the information providing device can provide information personalized for the user while the association is maintained.

Another aspect includes an information providing system, wherein the server device further includes a dissolving request receiving means that receives, when a predetermined signal transmitted from either one of the information providing device and the terminal device is no longer received by the other device, a dissolving request transmitted from the other device, and a dissolving means that dissolves the association between the device identification information and the user identification information when the dissolving request is received.

According to this invention, when a user moves away from an information providing device and a signal transmitted from either one of the information providing device and a terminal device does not reach the other, association between the information providing device and the user is dissolved. Thus, association can be dissolved when the probability that the user has ended use of the information providing device.

Another aspect includes an information providing system, wherein the information providing device is put in a vehicle in which a fare is paid when a passenger ends use of the vehicle, the information providing device further includes a dissolving request transmitting means that transmits a dissolving request to the server device when an operation to pay the fare is detected, and the server device further includes a dissolving request receiving means that receives the dissolving request from the information providing device, and a dissolving means that dissolves, when the dissolving request is received, the association between the device identification information of the information providing device that has transmitted the dissolving request, and the user identification information.

According to this invention, when a user ends use of a vehicle, association between an information providing device and the user is dissolved. Thus, the association can be dissolved when the probability that a user ends use of the information providing device is high.

Another aspect includes an information providing system, wherein the information providing device further includes an input means to which an operation by the user is input, and a transmission request transmitting means that transmits, to the server device, a transmission request for coupon information to the user based on the input operation, and the server device further includes a transmission request receiving means that receives the transmission request from the information providing device, and a coupon information transmitting means that transmits, when the transmission request is received, the coupon information for the user identified by the user identification information associated with the device identification information of the information providing device that has transmitted the transmission request.

According to this invention, a user can receive coupon information without inputting identification information of the user into an information providing device.

Another aspect includes an information providing method performed by an information providing system comprising: a server device that can communicate with a terminal device carried by a user; and an information providing device that can communicate with the server device, the method comprising: an identification information receiving step in which the server device receives, from the terminal device that has acquired device identification information identifying the information providing device, the device identification information and user identification information identifying the user; a transmission step in which the server device transmits information for the user identified by the received user identification information to the information providing device identified by the received device identification information, and a for-user information receiving step in which the information providing device receives information for the user transmitted from the server device; and a providing step in which the information providing device provides information based on the received information for the user.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, device identification information that identifies an information providing device that a user intends to use and user identification information that identifies the user are transmitted from a user terminal to a server device. The server device transmits information for the user to the information providing device based on the received identification information. The information for the user may be, for example, information to be provided itself or information indicating what information should be provided. Then, the information providing device provides information based on the information for the user. Thus, the information providing device can provide information personalized for the user without an input of the identification information of the user into the information providing device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. An embodiment described in the following is an embodiment of a case where the present invention is applied to a system in which information provision is performed by an information providing device installed in a taxi.

1. Configuration of Information Providing System

First, a configuration of an information providing system S according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.1.FIG.1is a view illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the information providing system S according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the information providing system S includes a server1, one or a plurality of information providing devices2, and a plurality of user terminals3. The server1is an example of an information processing device of the present invention.

The server1, the information providing devices2, and the user terminals3can transmit and receive data to each other through a network NW by using TCP/IP or the like as a communication protocol, for example. Note that the network NW is built, for example, with the Internet, a dedicated communication line (such as community antenna television (CATV) line), a mobile communication network (including base station or the like), a gateway, and the like.

The server1stores information related to users registered as members in the information providing system S. Also, the server1performs processing for causing the information providing device2to provide information personalized for a user who uses the information providing device2.

The information providing device2provides information personalized for a user. Each information providing device2may be put in a predetermined place, for example. The place where the information providing device2is put is not specifically limited. For example, the information providing device2may be put in a space separated from the outside or may be put in the outside. Examples of a space separated from the outside include the inside of a building, a room, a vehicle, and the like. Examples of the vehicle include an automobile, a ship, an aircraft, and the like. Each information providing device2is put in a taxi4in the present embodiment. A user can use the taxi4as a passenger. When the user ends use of the taxi4, the user makes a payment of a fare. The information providing device2is preferably installed at a position where a passenger can perform operation thereof. For example, the information providing device2may be installed on the back of a headrest or a backrest of a driver seat or a passenger seat, or may be installed between the driver seat and the passenger seat, or the like.

Each of the user terminals3is carried by a user registered as a member in the information providing system S. The user uses a taxi as a passenger and receives information provision from an information providing device2in the taxi. Examples of the user terminal3include a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, and the like.

FIG.2is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of the information providing system S according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.2, a user terminal3acquires a device ID of an information providing device1that a user intends to use (step S1). The device ID is information that identifies the information providing device2. The device ID may be, for example, an IP address, a media access control (MAC) address, or other information or the like of an information providing device2. For example, the device ID may be printed on paper or the like, or may be output by the information providing device2. The user terminal3transmits, to a server1, the acquired device ID and a user ID of the user who owns the user terminal3(step S2). The user ID is information that identifies the user.

The server1transmits custom information for the user identified by the user ID received from the user terminal3to the information providing device2identified by the device ID received along with the user ID (step S3). The custom information is information for causing the information providing device2to provide information personalized for the user. The custom information may be information itself to be provided to the user or information indicating what information is to be provided to the user. The information providing device2provides information based on the custom information received from the server1(step S4).

In such a manner, in the information providing system S, the information providing device2provides information personalized for a user without an input of authentication information such as a user ID and a password by the user into the information providing device2. Also, the server1needs not transmit authentication information or other information related to the user to the information providing device2.

Prior to the transmission of the custom information, the server1may execute processing for check-in (or login). In the present embodiment, the check-in means that the user declares that he/she will use the information providing device2. The processing for the check-in is, for example, associating a device ID with a user ID. Also, the server1may execute processing for checkout (or logout). The checkout means that user declares that he/she will end use of the information providing device2. The processing for the checkout is to dissolve association between a device ID and a user ID, for example. Accordingly, the user can receive provision of information, which is personalized for the user, from the information providing device2in a period from the check-in to the checkout.

After the check-in, the information providing device2may provide information related to coupon information. The coupon information is information indicating a discount ticket, a complimentary ticket, or the like that can be used by the user, for example, in purchasing an item for sale or use of a service. Based on a request transmitted from the information providing device2based on a user operation on the information providing device2, the server1may transmit the coupon information for the user. Accordingly, the user terminal3receives the coupon information. The user can receive a discount, preferential treatment, or the like by causing the user terminal3to display the coupon information and presenting the coupon information.

2. Configuration of Server

Next, a configuration of a server1will be described with reference toFIG.3AandFIG.4.FIG.3Ais a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the server1according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.3A, the server1includes a system controller11, a system bus12, an input/output interface13, a storage unit14, and a communication unit15. The system controller11and the input/output interface13are connected through the system bus12.

The system controller11includes a central processing unit (CPU)11a, a read only memory (ROM)11b, a random access memory (RAM)11c, and the like. The CPU11ais an example of a processor. Note that the present invention can be also applied to various processors different from the CPU. Each of the storage unit14, the ROM11b, and the RAM11cis an example of a memory. Note that the present invention can be also applied to various memories different from a hard disk, the ROM and the RAM.

The input/output interface13performs interface processing between the storage unit14and the communication unit15, and the system controller11.

The storage unit14includes, for example, a hard disk drive or the like. This storage unit14stores databases such as a user DB14aand a check-in management DB14b. “DB” is an abbreviation for a database.

FIG.4is a view illustrating an example of contents stored in databases. The user DB14astores user information related to users registered as members in the information providing system S. More specifically, user attributes such as a user ID, a name, a date of birth, gender, an address, and an e-mail address are stored in association with each user in the user DB14a.

The check-in management DB14bstores information related to users who check in in the information providing system S. More specifically, a user ID and a device ID are stored in the check-in management DB14bfor each user that checks in the information providing system S. The user ID indicates a user that checks in the information providing system S. The device ID indicates an information providing device2that provides information to a user indicated by the associated user ID.

In addition to the user information, the storage unit14may further store a database in which information with which characteristics, attributes, interest, preferences, and the like of users can be specified is registered. As examples of such information, histories of usage of information providing devices2by users, histories of usage of contents by the users, histories of purchase of items for sale by the users at shopping sites or shops, histories of usage of services by the users, information indicating favorites of the users, answers to questionnaires, information input or set by the users, and the like may be stored. Based on such information, the server1may determine what information will be provided to a user.

Also, the storage unit14stores various kinds of content as information to be provided to the users. Examples of the content include moving image data, sound data, music data, image data, text data, web pages, electronic documents, application programs, advertisement information, coupon information, recommendation information, and the like.

Furthermore, the storage unit14stores various programs such as an operating system, a database management system (DBMS), and a server program. The server program is a program for transmitting custom information to an information providing device2. The server program includes various program codes. Note that the server program may be acquired from another server device or the like through a network NW, or may be recorded in a recording medium such as a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or a memory card and read through a drive device, for example. Also, the server program may be a program product.

The communication unit15is connected to a user terminal3through the network NW and controls a communication state to the user terminal3.

3. Configuration of Information Providing Device

Next, a configuration of an information providing device2will be described with reference toFIG.5.FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the information providing device2according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.5, the information providing device2includes a system controller21, a system bus22, an input/output interface23, a storage unit24, a mobile radio communication unit25, a short-range radio communication unit26, an operation input unit27, a display unit28, and a sound output unit29. The system controller21and the input/output interface23are connected through the system bus22.

The system controller21includes a CPU21a, a ROM21b, a RAM21c, and the like.

The input/output interface23performs interface processing between the storage unit24to the sound output unit29and the system controller21. Also, a door sensor41, a vehicle speed sensor42, a taxi meter43, and a payment terminal44may be connected to the input/output interface23. The door sensor41to the payment terminal44are provided in the taxi4. The door sensor41detects an opened/closed state of a door of the taxi4. For example, the door sensor41may be provided in each door. The vehicle speed sensor42detects a vehicle speed of the taxi4. The taxi meter43automatically calculates and displays a fare according to traveling time or passenger loaded time of the taxi4. The taxi meter43includes a display unit that displays the fare, a payment button for fixing the fare, and the like. The payment terminal44is a terminal device for a payment of a fare with a credit card, an electronic money, or the like. The payment terminal44includes, for example, a reader unit that reads a credit card number, identification information of a member of an electronic money, and the like, a payment button for execution of payment, and the like.

The storage unit24includes, for example, a hard disk drive or the like. This storage unit24stores content downloaded from the server1. The information providing device2may previously store all content stored in the server1in the storage unit24, or may previously store a part of the content in the storage unit24. For example, the information providing device2may download the content when connected to a wireless local area network (LAN) of a taxi company. Alternatively, the information providing device2may download the content timely when necessary.

Moreover, the storage unit24stores various programs such as an operating system and an information providing program. The information providing program is a program for providing information to the user. The information providing program includes various program codes. Note that the information providing program may be acquired from a server device such as the server1through the network NW, or may be recorded in a recording medium such as a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or a memory card and read through a drive device, for example. Also, the information providing program may be a program product.

The mobile radio communication unit25has a radio communication function to use a mobile communication network. The mobile communication network includes, for example, a telephone circuit switching network, and a data communication packet switching network for connection to the Internet. The mobile radio communication unit25performs radio communication with the nearest base station through an antenna, and is connected to the network NW through the base station and the mobile communication network. The information providing device2communicates with the server1by using the mobile radio communication unit25.

The short-range radio communication unit26has a short-range radio communication function having a communication distance of around a several millimeters to a several meters. A standard for short-range radio may be, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy (BLE), ZigBee (registered trademark), near field radio communication (NFC), or the like. Through an antenna, the short-range radio communication unit26performs radio communication with another radio communication device having a short-range radio communication function. The information providing device2communicates with a user terminal3by using the short-range radio communication unit26.

The operation input unit27receives operation by a user and outputs a signal corresponding to operation contents to the system controller21. Examples of the operation input unit27include a button, a switch, a touch panel, and the like.

The display unit28displays information such as images, characters, and the like under control by the system controller21. Examples of the display unit28include a liquid crystal panel, an organic light emitting (EL) panel, and the like.

The sound output unit29outputs a sound wave under control by the system controller21. In the present embodiment, the sound wave may include an ultrasonic wave. For example, the sound output unit29may include at least one of a speaker that can output a sound wave of an audible frequency and a speaker that can output an ultrasonic wave.

4. Configuration of User Terminal

Next, a configuration of a user terminal3will be described with reference toFIG.7A.FIG.7Ais a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the user terminal3according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.7A, the user terminal3includes a system controller31, a system bus32, an input/output interface33, a storage unit34, a mobile radio communication unit35, a short-range radio communication unit36, an operation input unit37, a display unit38, a sound input unit39, and a camera unit40. The system controller31and the input/output interface33are connected through the system bus32.

The system controller31includes a CPU31a, a ROM31b, a RAM31c, and the like.

The input/output interface33performs interface processing between the storage unit34to the camera unit40and the system controller31.

The storage unit34includes, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive, or the like. This storage unit34stores various programs such as an operating system and a terminal program. The terminal program is a program for performing processing to use the information providing system S. Note that the terminal program may be acquired from a server device such as the server1through the network NW, or may be recorded in a recording medium such as a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or a memory card and read through a drive device, for example. Also, the terminal program may be a program product.

The mobile radio communication unit35has a radio communication function to use a mobile communication network. The mobile radio communication unit35performs radio communication with the nearest base station through an antenna, and is connected to the network NW through the base station and the mobile communication network. The user terminal3communicates with the server1by using the mobile radio communication unit35.

The short-range radio communication unit36has a short-range radio communication function having a communication distance of around a several millimeters to a several meters. A standard for short-range radio may be, for example, BLE, ZigBee (registered trademark), NFC, or the like. Through an antenna, the short-range radio communication unit36performs radio communication with another communication device having a short-range radio communication function. The user terminal3communicates with an information providing device2by using the short-range radio communication unit36.

The operation input unit37receives operation by a user and outputs a signal corresponding to operation contents to the system controller31. Examples of the operation input unit37include a button, a switch, a touch panel, keys, and the like.

The display unit38displays information such as images and characters under control by the system controller31. Examples of the display unit38include a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and the like.

The sound input unit39is a device that converts a sound wave into a sound signal, and outputs the sound signal to the system controller31. The sound input unit39may be a microphone, for example.

The camera unit40captures a still image or a moving image. The camera unit40, for example, includes a colony collapse disorder (CCD) image sensor or the like.

5. Functional Outline

Next, functional outlines of the system controller11of the server1, the system controller21of the information providing device2, and the system controller31of the user terminal3will be described with reference toFIG.3B,FIG.6, andFIG.7B.

FIG.3Bis a view illustrating an example of functional blocks of the system controller11of the server1according to the present embodiment. The CPU11a reads and executes various codes included in the server program and thereby the system controller11functions as a check-in request receiving unit111, a check-in processing unit112, a custom information transmitting unit113, a checkout request receiving unit114, a checkout processing unit115, a coupon information transmission request receiving unit116, a coupon information transmitting unit117, and the like, as illustrated inFIG.3B. The check-in request receiving unit111is an example of an identification information receiving means of the present invention. The check-in processing unit112is an example of an association means of the present invention. The custom information transmitting unit113is an example of a transmission means of the present invention. The checkout request receiving unit114is an example of a dissolving request receiving means of the present invention. The checkout processing unit115is an example of a dissolving means of the present invention. The coupon information transmission request receiving unit116is an example of a transmission request receiving means of the present invention. The coupon information transmitting unit117is an example of a coupon information transmitting means of the present invention.

FIG.6is a view illustrating an example of functional blocks of the system controller21of the information providing device2according to the present embodiment. The CPU21areads and executes various codes included in the information providing program and thereby the system controller21functions as a device ID output unit211, a custom information receiving unit212, an information providing unit213, a signal transmitting/receiving unit214, a checkout request transmitting unit215, a coupon information transmission request transmitting unit216, and the like, as illustrated inFIG.6. The device ID output unit211is an example of an output means of the present invention. The custom information receiving unit212is an example of a for-user information receiving means of the present invention. The information providing unit213is an example of a providing means of the present invention. The checkout request transmitting unit215is an example of a dissolving request transmitting means of the present invention. The coupon information transmission request transmitting unit216is an example of a coupon information transmitting means of the present invention.

FIG.7Bis a view illustrating an example of functional blocks of the system controller31of the user terminal3according to the present embodiment. The CPU31areads and executes various codes included in the terminal program and thereby the system controller31functions as a device ID acquiring unit311, a check-in request transmitting unit312, a signal transmitting/receiving unit313, and the like, as illustrated inFIG.7B.

5-1. Output and Acquisition of Device ID

The device ID output unit211of the information providing device2outputs a device ID of the information providing device2including a system controller21that functions as the device ID output unit211. If a user terminal3acquires the device ID printed on paper or the like, the device ID output unit211is not necessary.

The device ID output unit211may cause the short-range radio communication unit26to output a signal indicating the device ID by short-range radio, for example. As described above, a standard for the short-range radio may be BLE, ZigBee (registered trademark), NFC, or the like. Alternatively, the device ID output unit211may cause the sound output unit29to output a device ID with a sound wave. Since the sound wave is blocked by an obstacle or the sound wave reaching an opposite side of the obstacle is weakened, it becomes easier to limit an area that the signal indicating the device ID reaches. For example, a sound reading the device ID may be output, or an ultrasonic signal indicating the device ID may be output. Alternatively, the device ID output unit211may cause the display unit28to display the device ID. For example, characters, a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like indicating the device ID may be displayed.

The device ID output unit211may output the device ID when predetermined operation is performed by a user, or may output the device ID continuously or intermittently.

The device ID output unit211may output a signal indicating the device ID only when a door for entering a space in which the information providing device2has been put is closed. Accordingly, the signal indicating the device ID hardly reaches the outside of the space. Thus, the probability that the device ID is received only by a user terminal3of a user in the space can be increased. That is, the probability that the device ID is received only by a user terminal3of a user who is in a situation of being able to use the information providing device2can be increased. Specifically, if the signal indicating the device ID is output with the sound wave, the signal hardly reaches the outside. For example, the device ID output unit211acquires an opened/closed state of each door of a taxi4from a door sensor41. The device ID output unit211outputs the signal indicating the device ID when all the doors are closed.

The device ID output unit211may output the signal indicating the device ID only when the door for entering a vehicle in which the information providing device2has been put is closed and movement of the vehicle has been detected. When the vehicle moves at once in a state in which the door is closed, it indicates that someone is on the vehicle. Thus, the signal indicating the device ID can be output when the probability that the user is using the vehicle is high. Once the vehicle moves, the device ID output unit211may output the signal indicating the device ID as long as the door is closed even after the vehicle stops thereafter. For example, based on a vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor42, the device ID output unit211determines whether the taxi4moves.

The device ID output unit211may change a device ID to be output each time a predetermined period passes. That is, the device ID output unit211generates a so-called one-time ID as the device ID. This enhances security. More specifically, the server1that receives the device ID from a user terminal3may permit check-in and transmit custom information to the information providing device2only in a case of determining that the received device ID is the device ID corresponding to a period in which the device ID is received. Thus, even when a user terminal3of a user who used the information providing device2in the past but who is not currently using the information providing device2transmits the device ID, which is acquired from the information providing device in the past, to the server1now, the server1does not transmit custom information for the user to the information providing device2. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent provision of information personalized for a user different from a user who is currently about to use the information providing device2.

Various methods for changing or generating the device ID are conceivable. For example, the device ID output unit211may generate the device ID by using a current date and time. In this case, time synchronization is preferably performed between the information providing device2and the server1. For example, the device ID output unit211may extract a part, which is necessary for specifying a current period, from current date and time information and generate key information from the extracted part by using predetermined algorithm. The device ID output unit211may encrypt an original device ID such as an IP address, a MAC address, or other information of the information providing device by symmetric-key cryptography using the generated key information. The device ID output unit211may output the encrypted device ID.

The device ID acquiring unit311of the user terminal3acquires a device ID that identifies an information providing device. For example, if the information providing device2transmits the signal indicating the device ID by short-range radio, the device ID acquiring unit311causes the short-range radio communication unit36to receive this signal. If the information providing device2outputs the device ID with the sound wave, the device ID acquiring unit311acquires the device ID through the sound input unit39. In order to control power consumption, the device ID acquiring unit311may periodically turn on an input by the sound input unit39only for a short period of time. If the information providing device2displays the characters indicating the device ID, or if the characters indicating the device ID are printed on the paper or the like, the user inputs the displayed device ID by using an operation input unit37. If the information providing device2displays the two-dimensional code or the barcode indicating the device ID, or when the two-dimensional code or the barcode is printed on the paper or the like, the device ID acquiring unit311photographs the two-dimensional code or the barcode with the camera unit40and decrypts the device ID from an image.

When the device ID is acquired by the device ID acquiring unit311, the check-in request transmitting unit312of the user terminal3transmits, to the server1, the device ID and a user ID that identifies a user who uses the user terminal3. The user ID to be transmitted may be previously input by the user and stored in the user terminal3, or may be input by the user each time transmission is performed.

The check-in request receiving unit111of the server1receives the device ID and the user ID transmitted from the user terminal3.

The check-in processing unit112of the server1associates the received device ID with the user ID. For example, the check-in processing unit112may store the device ID and the user ID in the check-in management DB14bin association with each other.

The check-in processing unit112may associate the device ID with the user ID only when user authentication is successful. For example, the check-in request transmitting unit312transmits a check-in request including the device ID, the user ID, and a password to the server1. The password to be transmitted may be previously input by the user and stored in the user terminal3, or may be input by the user each time transmission is performed. The check-in processing unit112performs user authentication by using the user ID and the password included in the check-in request and a user ID and a password stored in the user DB14a.

The check-in processing unit112may associate the device ID with the user ID only when the device ID received from the user terminal3is correct. For example, the storage unit14of the server1may store a list of device IDs. The check-in processing unit112may associate the device ID with the user ID when the received device ID corresponds to any of the device IDs in the list.

If the device ID to be output is changed by the information providing device2in each predetermined period, the check-in processing unit112may perform association only when the device ID received from the user terminal3is a device ID corresponding to a period in which this device ID is received. For example, the check-in processing unit112extracts a part, which is necessary for specifying a current period, from current date and time information and generates key information from the extracted part by using algorithm that is the same as the algorithm used by the information providing device2. The check-in processing unit112decrypts the device ID by using the generated key information. When the decrypted device ID corresponds to any of the device IDs in the list, the check-in processing unit112determines that the device ID received from the user terminal3is the device ID corresponding to the period in which this device ID is received.

5-3. Transmission of Custom Information

The custom information transmitting unit113of the server1transmits custom information, which is for a user identified by the user ID received from the user terminal3, to the information providing device2identified by the device ID received from the user terminal3. For example, the custom information transmitting unit113transmits custom information, which is for the user identified by the user ID stored in the check-in management DB14b, to the information providing device2identified by the device ID stored in the check-in management DB14bin association with the user ID.

As described above, the custom information may be information (content) itself provided to the user, or information indicating what information is provided to the user (and in what order pieces of information are provided). Based on the user DB14aand other information that can specify characteristics, attributes, interest, preferences, and the like of the user, the custom information transmitting unit113determines what information should be provided. That is, the custom information transmitting unit113determines to provide information corresponding to the characteristics, the attributes, the interest, the preferences, and the like of the user identified by the user ID. A method for personalizing the provided information may be any method.

Examples of transmission timing of the custom information includes a time of check-in, a timing when personalized information becomes necessary according to operation on the information providing device2by the user, a timing when provided information is automatically changed, and the like.

5-4. Information Provision

The custom information receiving unit212of the information providing device2receives the custom information transmitted from the server1. The information providing unit213of the information providing device2provides information based on the received custom information. For example, the information providing unit213may cause content included in the custom information to be displayed on the display unit28or output by the sound output unit29. Alternatively, the information providing unit213may acquire content indicated by the custom information from the storage unit14and cause the acquired content to be displayed on the display unit28or output by the sound output unit29.

Note that the check-in processing unit112of the server1may issue an access token of the user indicated by the user ID when user authentication is successful. The access token may be what is prescribed in OAuth 2.0. The custom information transmitting unit113of the server1may transmit the custom information to the information providing device2along with the issued access token. Then, the information providing unit213may verify the access token received from the server1and provide information based on the received custom information only when the access token is valid. For example, the check-in processing unit112may generate an access token by using a private key, and the information providing unit213may verify validity of the access token by using a public key. Accordingly, security can be improved.

5-5. Transmission of Coupon Information

The coupon information transmission request transmitting unit216of the information providing device2transmits, to the server1, a transmission request for coupon information for a user based on operation input into the operation input unit27by the user. For example, information related to a coupon that can be used in a facility corresponding to characteristics, attributes, interest, preferences, and the like of the user may be displayed on the display unit28. When the user performs operation for requesting issue of this coupon, the coupon information transmission request transmitting unit216may transmit a coupon information transmission request. Alternatively, when a map around a current position or a destination of the user is displayed on the display unit28, marks of facilities where coupons can be used may be displayed on this map. When the user designates any mark, the coupon information transmission request transmitting unit216may transmit the coupon information transmission request. The coupon information transmission request may include the device ID and a coupon ID, for example.

The coupon information transmission request receiving unit116of the server1receives the coupon information transmission request transmitted from the information providing device2. When the coupon information transmission request is received, the coupon information transmitting unit117of the server1transmits coupon information for a user identified by a user ID associated with a device ID of the information providing device2that has transmitted this coupon information transmission request. The coupon information transmitting unit117acquires the device ID from the coupon information transmission request and acquires a user ID associated with this device ID from the check-in management DB14b. The coupon information transmitting unit117may directly transmit coupon information to a user terminal3used by a user identified by the acquired user ID, or may transmit the coupon information by an e-mail addressed to the user. In a case of transmitting an e-mail, the coupon information transmitting unit117acquires an e-mail address corresponding to the acquired user ID from the user DB14a.

The checkout processing unit115of the server1dissolves association between the device ID and the user ID when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, the checkout processing unit115may delete the device ID and the user ID stored in association with each other from the check-in management DB14b.

For example, an information providing device2or a user terminal3may transmit a checkout request to the server1when a user performs checkout operation on the information providing device2or the user terminal3. If the information providing device2transmits the checkout request, this checkout request may include a device ID of the information providing device2. The checkout processing unit115dissolves association between the device ID included in the checkout request and a user ID associated with this device ID. If the user terminal3transmits the checkout request, this checkout request may include a user ID of a user that uses the user terminal3. The checkout processing unit115dissolves association between the user ID included in the checkout request and a device ID associated with this user ID.

The checkout processing unit115may automatically dissolve the association without the user operation. For example, the information providing device2or the user terminal3may automatically transmit the checkout request to the server1based on a communication condition between the information providing device2and the user terminal3. For example, when a predetermined signal transmitted from either one of the information providing device2and the user terminal3(hereinafter referred to as signal transmission-side device) is not received by the other device (hereinafter referred to as signal reception-side device), the signal reception-side device transmits the checkout request to the server1. Accordingly, automatic checkout becomes possible when the user ends use of the information providing device2and moves away from the information providing device2. When the user moves away from the information providing device2and a signal transmitted from the signal transmission-side device does not reach the signal reception-side device, the association is dissolved. Thus, the association can be automatically dissolved when there is high probability that the user has ended use of the information providing device2.

For example, the signal transmitting/receiving unit214of the information providing device2may output an information providing device existing signal continuously or intermittently. The information providing device existing signal is, for example, a signal notifying existence of the information providing device2or a signal requesting a response from the user terminal3. The information providing device existing signal may or may not be a signal indicating the device ID. The information providing device existing signal may be transmitted, for example, by short-range radio or an ultrasonic wave.

A signal transmitting/receiving unit313of the user terminal3receives the information providing device existing signal output from the information providing device2. In a case of receiving the information providing device existing signal, the signal transmitting/receiving unit313outputs a terminal existing signal in response thereto. The terminal existing signal is a signal notifying existence of the user terminal3, for example. The terminal existing signal may be transmitted, for example, by short-range radio.

The signal transmitting/receiving unit214of the information providing device2receives the terminal existing signal transmitted from the user terminal3as a response to the information providing device existing signal. The checkout request transmitting unit215of the information providing device2transmits the checkout request to the server1when the terminal existing signal is no longer received from the user terminal3.

Alternatively, instead of the information providing device transmitting the checkout request, the signal transmitting/receiving unit313of the user terminal3may transmit the checkout request to the server1when the information providing device existing signal is no longer received from the information providing device2.

Alternatively, the signal transmitting/receiving unit214of the information providing device2may not transmit the information providing device existing signal, and the signal transmitting/receiving unit313of the user terminal3may output the terminal existing signal continuously or intermittently. The checkout request transmitting unit215of the information providing device2may transmit the checkout request to the server1when the terminal existing signal is no longer received from the user terminal3.

Note that by using a sound wave to transmit the signal indicating the device ID from the information providing device2for check-in, it is possible to limit an area this signal can reach, and by periodically turning on a sound input through the sound input unit39of the user terminal3, it is possible to control electric power consumed by the user terminal3. On the other hand, by using a low-power radio signal standard such as BLE for transmission of the information processing device-existing signal or the terminal existing signal for checkout, it is possible to control electric power consumed by the information providing device2or the user terminal3.

The checkout processing unit115may automatically dissolve the association by other methods. For example, the checkout request transmitting unit215may transmit the checkout request to the server1when operation for paying a fare has been detected. In this case, when the information providing device2has been put in a vehicle in which a passenger pays a fare at the end of use of the vehicle, it is possible to appropriately identify the end of use of the information providing device2by the user and to dissolve association between the device ID and the user ID. For example, the checkout request transmitting unit215may transmit the checkout request when the payment button of the taxi meter43is operated. Alternatively, the checkout request transmitting unit215may transmit the checkout request when the payment button of the payment terminal44is operated.

6. Operation of Information Providing System

Next, an operation of the information providing system S will be described with reference toFIG.8toFIG.13. In an operation example described in the following, the information providing device2outputs the signal indicating the device ID with the sound wave. Also, the information providing device2outputs the signal indicating the device ID when the door of the taxi4is closed and it is detected that the taxi4starts moving. Also, the information providing device2automatically transmits the checkout request based on the communication condition between the information providing device2and the user terminal3.

FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating an example of device ID transmission processing executed by the system controller21of the information providing device2according to the present embodiment. For example, when power of the information providing device2is turned on, the system controller21executes device ID transmission processing according to the information providing program.

As illustrated inFIG.8, the device ID transmitting unit211sets a departure flag to FALSE (step S101). The departure flag indicating FALSE indicates that the taxi4does not depart yet. A departure flag indicating TRUE indicates that the taxi4has departed.

Then, the device ID transmitting unit211determines whether the check-in flag is TRUE (step S102). The check-in flag indicating TRUE indicates that a certain user finishes check-in and is using the information providing device2. The check-in flag indicating FALSE indicates a state in which no user has checked in. Setting of the check-in flag is performed in checkout request processing and information providing processing described later. In a case of determining that the check-in flag is TRUE (step S102: YES), the device ID transmitting unit211advances the processing to step S110. On the other hand, in a case of determining that the check-in flag is not TRUE (step S102: NO), the device ID transmitting unit211advances the processing to step S103.

In step S103, the device ID transmitting unit211determines whether all doors of the taxi4are closed based on opened/closed states of the doors detected by the door sensor41. When not determining that all the doors are closed (step S103: NO), the device ID transmitting unit211advances the processing to step S104. In step S104, the device ID transmitting unit211sets the departure flag to FALSE and advances the processing to step S110. On the other hand, when determining that all the doors are closed (step S103: YES), the device ID transmitting unit211advances the processing to step S105.

In step S105, the device ID transmitting unit211determines whether the departure flag is TRUE. When determining that the departure flag is TRUE (step S105: YES), the device ID transmitting unit211advances the processing to step S106. On the other hand, when determining that the departure flag is not TRUE (step S105: NO), the device ID transmitting unit211advances the processing to step S108.

In step S106, the device ID transmitting unit211determines whether a vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor42is 0 km/h. When determining that the vehicle speed is 0 km/h (step S106: YES), the device ID transmitting unit211advances the processing to step S110. On the other hand, when determining that the vehicle speed is not 0 km/h (step S106: NO), the device ID transmitting unit211advances the processing to step S107. In step S107, the device ID transmitting unit211sets the departure flag to TRUE and advances the processing to step S110.

In step S108, the device ID transmitting unit211generates a device ID corresponding to a current period by using a current date and time. Then, the device ID transmitting unit211causes the sound output unit209to output, with a sound wave, a signal indicating the generated device ID (step S109) and advances the processing to step S110.

In step S110, the device ID transmitting unit211determines whether the power of the information providing device2is turned off. When determining that the power is not turned off (step S110: NO), the device ID transmitting unit211advances the processing to step S102. On the other hand, when determining that the power is turned off (step S110: YES), the device ID transmitting unit211ends the device ID transmission processing.

FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating an example of checkout request processing executed by the system controller21of the information providing device2according to the present embodiment. For example, when the power of the information providing device2is turned on, the system controller21executes checkout request processing according to the information providing program.

As illustrated inFIG.9, the signal transmitting/receiving unit214determines whether the check-in flag is TRUE (step S121). When determining that the check-in flag is not TRUE (step S120: NO), the signal transmitting/receiving unit214advances the processing to step S126. On the other hand, when determining that the check-in flag is TRUE (step S120: YES), the signal transmitting/receiving unit214advances the processing to step S122.

In step S122, the signal transmitting/receiving unit214causes the short-range radio communication unit26to transmit the information providing device existing signal. Then, the signal transmitting/receiving unit214determines whether the terminal existing signal is received from the user terminal3within a predetermined time from the transmission of the information providing device existing signal (step S123). When determining that the terminal existing signal is received (step S123: YES), the signal transmitting/receiving unit214advances the processing to step S126. On the other hand, when determining that the terminal existing signal is not received (step S123: NO), the signal transmitting/receiving unit214advances the processing to step S124.

In step S124, the checkout request transmitting unit215transmits a checkout request to the server1. Next, the checkout request transmitting unit215sets the check-in flag to FALSE (step S125), and advances the processing to step S216.

In step S126, the signal transmitting/receiving unit214determines whether the power of the information providing device2is turned off. When determining that the power is not turned off (step S126: NO), the signal transmitting/receiving unit214advances the processing to step S121. On the other hand, when determining that the power is turned off (step S126: YES), the signal transmitting/receiving unit214ends the checkout request processing.

FIG.10is a flowchart illustrating an example of information providing processing executed by the system controller21of the information providing device2according to the present embodiment. For example, when the power of the information providing device2is turned on, the system controller21executes information providing processing according to an information providing program.

As illustrated inFIG.10, the information providing unit213sets the check-in flag to FALSE (step S141). Then, the information providing unit213determines whether the check-in flag is TRUE (step S142). When determining that the check-in flag is TRUE (step S142: YES), the information providing unit213advances the processing to step S145. On the other hand, when determining that the check-in flag is not TRUE (step S142: NO), the information providing unit213advances the processing to step S143.

In step S143, the information providing unit213determines whether a check-in notice is received from the server1. When determining that the check-in notice is received (step S143: YES), the information providing unit213advances the processing to step S144. In step S144, the information providing unit213sets the check-in flag to TRUE and advances the processing to step S153. On the other hand, when determining that the check-in notice is not received (step S143: NO), the information providing unit213advances the processing to step S153.

In step S145, the custom information receiving unit212determines whether custom information is received from the server1. When determining that the custom information is received (step S145: YES), the custom information receiving unit212advances the processing to step S146. In step S146, the information providing unit213outputs content based on the received custom information and advances the processing to step S153. On the other hand, when determining that the custom information is not received (step S145: NO), the custom information receiving unit212advances the processing to step S147.

In step S147, the information providing unit213determines whether user operation is detected by the operation input unit27. When determining that no user operation is detected (step S147: NO), the information providing unit213advances the processing to step S153. On the other hand, when determining that the user operation is detected (step S147: YES), the information providing unit213advances the processing to step S148.

In step S148, the coupon information transmission request transmitting unit216determines whether the detected operation is operation indicating a coupon issuing request. When determining that the detected operation is the operation indicating the coupon issuing request (step S148: YES), the coupon information transmission request transmitting unit216advances the processing to step S149. In step S149, the coupon information transmission request transmitting unit216transmits the coupon information transmission request to the server1and advances the processing to step S153. On the other hand, when determining that the detected operation is not the operation indicating the coupon issuing request (step S148: NO), the coupon information transmission request transmitting unit216advances the processing to step S150.

In step S150, the information providing unit213determines whether custom information for outputting content is necessary according to the detected operation. When determining that the custom information is necessary (step S150: YES), the information providing unit213advances the processing to step S151. In step S151, the information providing unit213transmits a custom information request to the server1and advances the processing to step S153. The custom information request may include, for example, a device ID and information indicating a kind of content to be output. On the other hand, when determining that the custom information is not necessary (step S152: NO), the information providing unit213advances the processing to step S152. In step S152, the information providing unit213outputs content according to the detected operation and advances the processing to step S153.

In step S153, the information providing unit213determines whether the power of the information providing device2is turned off. When determining that the power is not turned off (step S153: NO), the information providing unit213advances the processing to step S141. On the other hand, when determining that the power is turned off (step S153: YES), the information providing unit213ends the information providing processing.

FIG.11is a flowchart illustrating an example of terminal processing executed by the system controller31of the user terminal3according to the present embodiment. For example, the system controller31starts the terminal program based on user operation, or the system controller31automatically starts the terminal program when the power of the user terminal3is turned on. The system controller31executes the terminal processing according to the terminal program.

As illustrated inFIG.11, the device ID receiving unit311determines whether a signal indicating a device ID is received from any information providing device2based on detection of a sound wave by the sound input unit39(Step S201). When determining that the signal indicating a device ID is not received (step S201: NO), the device ID receiving unit311advances the processing to step S208. On the other hand, when determining that the signal indicating a device ID is received (step S201: NO), the device ID receiving unit311advances the processing to step S202.

In step S202, the check-in request transmitting unit312transmits, to the server1, a check-in request including the received device ID, and a user ID and a password stored in the storage unit34. Then, the check-in request transmitting unit312receives a response to the check-in request from the server1in (step S203). Then, the check-in request transmitting unit312determines whether the received response is a check-in success response (step S204). When determining that the received response is not the check-in success response (step S204: NO), the check-in request transmitting unit312advances the processing to step S201. On the other hand, when determining that the received response is the check-in success response (step S204: YES), the check-in request transmitting unit312advances the processing to step S205.

In step S205, the signal transmitting/receiving unit313determines whether an information providing device existing signal is received from the information providing device2. When determining that the information providing device existing signal is received (step S205: YES), the signal transmitting/receiving unit313advances the processing to step S206. In step S206, the signal transmitting/receiving unit313transmits a terminal existing signal and advances the processing to step S207. On the other hand, when determining that the information providing device existing signal is not received (step S205: NO), the signal transmitting/receiving unit313advances the processing to step S207.

In step S207, the device ID receiving unit311determines whether a checkout notice is received from the server1. When determining that the checkout notice is not received (step S207: NO), the device ID receiving unit311advances the processing to step S205. On the other hand, when determining that the checkout notice is received (step S207: YES), the device ID receiving unit311advances the processing to step S201.

In step S208, the device ID receiving unit311determines whether to end the execution of the terminal program based on user operation. When determining not to end the execution of the terminal program (step S208: NO), the device ID receiving unit311advances the processing to step S201. On the other hand, when determining to end the execution of the terminal program (step S208: YES), the device ID receiving unit311ends the terminal processing.

FIG.12andFIG.13are flowcharts illustrating an example of server processing executed by the system controller11of the server1according to the present embodiment. For example, when the power of the server1is turned on, the system controller11executes the server processing according to a server program.

As illustrated inFIG.12, the check-in request receiving unit111determines whether a check-in request is received from any user terminal3(step S301). When determining that a check-in request is not received (step S301: NO), the check-in request receiving unit111advances the processing to step S321. On the other hand, when determining that a check-in request is received (step S301: YES), the check-in request receiving unit111advances the processing to step S302.

In step S302, the check-in processing unit112determines whether a device ID included in the received check-in request is correct. For example, the check-in processing unit112generates key information by using a current date and time and decrypts the device ID by using the key information. The check-in processing unit112determines that the device ID is correct when the decrypted device ID corresponds to a device ID of any of information providing devices2. When determining that the device ID is not correct (step S302: NO), the check-in processing unit112advances the processing to step S305. On the other hand, when determining that the device ID is correct (step S302: YES), the check-in processing unit112advances the processing to step S303.

In step S303, the check-in processing unit112performs user authentication by using a user ID and a password included in the received check-in request. Then, the check-in processing unit112determines whether the user authentication is successful (step S304). When determining that the user authentication is not successful (step S304: NO), the check-in processing unit112advances the processing to step S305. In step S305, the check-in processing unit112transmits a check-in failure response to the user terminal3that has transmitted the check-in request, and advances the processing to step S332. On the other hand, when determining that the user authentication is successful (step S304: YES), the check-in processing unit112advances the processing to step S306.

In step S306, the check-in processing unit112stores the device ID and the user ID, which are included in the check-in request, in the check-in management DB14bin association with each other. Then, the check-in processing unit112transmits a check-in success response to the user terminal3that has transmitted the check-in request (step S307). Then, the check-in processing unit112transmits a check-in notice to an information providing device2identified by the device ID included in the check-in request (step S308). Then, based on the user ID included in the check-in request, the custom information transmitting unit113acquires information related to a user identified by the user ID. Based on the acquired information, the custom information transmitting unit113determines what information should be provided as information personalized for the user identified by the user ID (step S309). Then, the custom information transmitting unit113generates custom information based on this determination, and transmits the custom information to the information providing device2identified by the device ID included in the check-in request (step S310). Then, the custom information transmitting unit113advances the processing to step S332.

As illustrated inFIG.13, the custom information transmitting unit113determines in step S321whether a custom information request is received from any of the information providing devices2. When determining that the custom information request is received (step S321: YES), the custom information transmitting unit113advances the processing to step S322. In step S322, the custom information transmitting unit113acquires, from the check-in management DB14b, a user ID associated with a device ID included in the custom information request. Then, the custom information transmitting unit113determines what information should be provided as information personalized for the user based on the acquired user ID and information indicating a kind of content included in the custom information request (Step S323). Then, the custom information transmitting unit113generates custom information based on this determination, and transmits the custom information to the information providing device2that has transmitted the custom information request (step S324). Then, the custom information transmitting unit113advances the processing to step S332. On the other hand, when determining that the custom information request is not received (step S321: NO), the custom information transmitting unit113advances the processing to step S325.

In step S325, the coupon information transmission request receiving unit116determines whether a coupon information transmission request is received from any of the information providing devices2. When determining that the coupon information transmission request is received (step S325: YES), the coupon information transmission request receiving unit116advances the processing to step S326. In step S326, the coupon information transmitting unit117acquires, from the check-in management DB14b, a user ID associated with a device ID included in the coupon information transmission request. Then, the coupon information transmitting unit117acquires an e-mail address from user information stored in association with the acquired user ID in the user DB14a(step S327). Then, the coupon information transmitting unit117transmits an e-mail which includes the acquired e-mail address as a receiver address and to which coupon information is attached (step S328). Then, the coupon information transmitting unit117advances the processing to step S332. On the other hand, when determining that the coupon information transmission request is not received (step S325: NO), the coupon information transmission request receiving unit116advances the processing to step S329.

In step S329, the checkout request receiving unit114determines whether a checkout request is received from any of the information providing devices2. When determining that the checkout request is received (step S329: YES), the checkout request receiving unit114advances the processing to step S330. In step S330, the checkout processing unit115deletes, from the check-in management DB14b, a device ID included in the checkout request and a user ID associated with this device ID, and dissolves the association. Then, the checkout processing unit115transmits a checkout notice to a user terminal3used by a user indicated by the deleted user ID (step S331), and advances the processing to step S332. On the other hand, when determining that the checkout request is not received (step S329: NO), the checkout request receiving unit114advances the processing to step S332.

In step S332, the custom information transmitting unit113determines whether the power of the server1is turned off. When determining that the power is not turned off (step S332: NO), the custom information transmitting unit113advances the processing to step S301. On the other hand, when determining that the power is turned off (step S332: YES), the custom information transmitting unit113ends the server processing.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the server1receives, from a user terminal3that has acquired a device ID identifying an information providing device2, the device ID and a user ID identifying a user. Also, the server1transmits custom information for the user identified by the received user ID to the information providing device2identified by the received device ID. Also, the information providing device2receives the custom information transmitted from the server1. Also, the information providing device2provides information based on the received custom information. Thus, the information providing device2can provide information personalized for the user without an input of identification information of the user into the information providing device2.

Also, the information providing device2may output a device ID. In this case, the user terminal3can acquire the device ID output from the information providing device2that the user intends to use.

Also, the information providing device2may change a device ID to be output each time a predetermined period passes. Also, the server1may transmit custom information when the device ID received from the user terminal3is a device ID corresponding to a period in which the device ID is received. In this case, it is possible to prevent provision of information personalized for a user different from a user who is currently about to use the information providing device2.

Also, the information providing device2may output a signal indicating a device ID. Also, the server1may receive a device ID and a user ID transmitted from the user terminal3when the user terminal3receives the signal indicating the device ID. In this case, it is possible to save the user the trouble of inputting the device ID into the user terminal3.

Also, the information providing device2may have been put in a predetermined space separated from the outside. Also, the information providing device2may output a signal indicating the device ID only when a door for entering the predetermined space is closed. In this case, since the signal indicating the device ID hardly reaches the outside of the predetermined space, the probability that the device ID is received only by a user terminal3of a user in the predetermined space can be increased.

Also, the information providing device2may have been put in a vehicle. Also, the information providing device2may output a device ID when movement of the vehicle is detected. In this case, when the probability that the user is using the vehicle is high, the signal indicating the device ID can be output.

Also, the information providing device2may output a sound wave indicating a device ID. In this case, since a sound wave is blocked by an obstacle or a sound wave reaching an opposite side of the obstacle is weakened, it becomes easy to limit an area that a signal indicating the device ID reaches.

Also, the server1may associate a device ID and a user ID received from the user terminal3with each other. Also, the server1may transmit custom information for a user identified by a user ID associated with a device ID of an information providing device2to the information providing device2. In this case, the information providing device2can provide information personalized for the user while the association is maintained.

Also, when a predetermined signal transmitted from either one of the information providing device2and the user terminal3is not received by the other device, the server1may receive a checkout request transmitted from the other device. Also, when the checkout request is received, the server1may dissolve association between the device ID and the user ID. In this case, association can be dissolved when the probability that the user has ended use of the information providing device2is high.

Also, the information providing device2may be put in a vehicle in which a fare is paid when a passenger ends use of the vehicle. Also, the information providing device2may transmit a checkout request to the server1when operation for paying the fare has been detected. In this case, association can be dissolved when the probability that the user has ends use of the information providing device2is high.

Also, the information providing device2may include an operation input unit27to which operation by a user is input. Also, the information providing device2may transmit a coupon information transmission request to the server1based on the operation input through the operation input unit27. Also, the server1may receive the coupon information transmission request from the information providing device2. Also, when receiving the coupon information transmission request is received, the server1may transmit coupon information for a user identified by a user ID associated with a device ID of the information providing device2that has transmitted the coupon information transmission request. In this case, the user can receive the coupon information without inputting the user ID of the user into the information providing device2.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST