SERVER APPARATUS, PROGRAM, DATA TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION METHOD, AND TERMINAL DEVICE

To increase the chance of discovering a person desired by a user. A management server includes a user information table that stores a user name and user information about the user in association with each other, a proximity user table that stores identification information about a portable terminal device carried by a first user and identification information about a terminal device of a second user located in proximity of the first user obtained from short distance communication, each in association with user identification information, an extraction unit that refers to the user information table and the proximity user table and extracts, from the user information table, the user information about the keyword and associated with the user identification information present in the proximity user table when the extraction unit receives a keyword with which a predetermined user is searched from the portable terminal device carried by the first user, and a display unit that causes a display of the portable terminal device carried by the first user to display the extracted user information.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a server apparatus, a program, a data transmission and reception method, and a terminal device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A method to meet and contact a person who is present in a proximity area by using a terminal device such as a mobile phone and a smart phone is known.

For example, an apparatus provided with matching means for performing collation for determining whether, if there is another user at a close location, key data about a person with whom it is desired to meet or contact matches or related to the “key data about the user”, and notification means provided on a computer connected to a mobile communication terminal or network used by the user on the basis of an output from this matching means and notifying, when the matching means determines that there is one in “key data” of both of the user and the other user that match each other or related to each other, the user to that effect is known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a prior art document, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-24113, an ID and a name of a person with whom it is desired to meet and talk to when the person is present in proximity by accident, and a hobby club name and an academy name which the person belongs to are recorded in advance. Therefore, when a user suddenly thinks of a keyword and wants to search the keyword, the above prior art document cannot cope with such case.

According to one aspect, it is an object of the present invention to increase the chance of discovering a person desired by a user.

In order to achieve the above object, a server apparatus disclosed herein is provided. This server apparatus includes a first storage unit that stores user identification information and user information about a user in association with each other, a second storage unit that stores identification information about a portable terminal device carried by a first user and identification information about a terminal device of a second user located in proximity to the first user obtained from short distance communication each in association with the user identification information, an extraction unit that refers to the first storage unit and the second storage unit, and extracts, from the first storage unit, user information about a keyword and associated with the user identification information present in the second storage unit when the extraction unit receives the keyword with which a predetermined user is searched from the portable terminal device carried by the first user, and a display unit that causes a display of the portable terminal device carried by the first user to display the extracted user information.

According to one aspect, the chance of discovering a person desired by a user can be increased.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a communication support system according to an embodiment will be explained in details with reference to drawings.

Embodiment

FIG. 1is a figure illustrating a communication support system according to an embodiment.

The communication support system1includes portable terminal devices2,2a, a management server (computer)3for managing information about a user holding the portable terminal device2, and a communication server4enabling chat and communication between the portable terminal devices2and2a. The portable terminal devices2,2a, the management server3, and the communication server4are connected to each other via a network such as the Internet.

The portable terminal devices2,2aare located within, for example, an area10in which a short distance communication can be performed over about several meters to several dozen meters. Examples of portable terminal devices2,2ainclude a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet type terminal device, an audio/video device, toy (a game machine, a robot, a toy controller, and the like), a wearable terminal device, devices for health and medicine (a blood pressure meter, a pulse meter, a thermometer, and the like), and the like. Examples of methods of short distance communication include area search and the like using Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), and Global Positioning System (GPS) functions. Hereinafter, for example, a case where a short distance communication is performed by using Bluetooth (registered trademark) will be explained.

For example, a user holding the portable terminal device2(hereinafter referred to as a user A) logs in an application supporting communication (hereinafter referred to as communication application) by operating the portable terminal device2. The portable terminal device2searches a terminal device located in proximity to the portable terminal device2by using the short distance communication. The terminal device referred to herein includes not only the portable terminal device explained above but also a notebook computer, a fixed type installation PC, and the like. Then, the portable terminal device2transmits the MAC ID (MAC address) of the found terminal device to the management server3. A user A inputs, in real time, a keyword for identifying a person with which the user A wants to communicate into the portable terminal device2in accordance with a screen displayed on a display of the portable terminal device2.

The management server3searches a user who is carrying a terminal device located in proximity to the portable terminal device2and for which the input keyword (or a keyword related to the input keyword) is registered in advance.

In the example as illustrated inFIG. 1, it is assumed that a user who is carrying the portable terminal device2a(hereinafter referred to as a user B) registers, into the management server3, a keyword related to the keyword which is input by the user A in advance.

The management server3transmits, to the portable terminal device2, information about the user B such as a profile about the user B. Then, the information about the user B is displayed on the display of the portable terminal device2.

The user A who is carrying the portable terminal device2selects, for example, information displayed on the monitor, so that a message for asking a contact can be sent to the user B. Accordingly, the message for asking the contact is displayed on the display of the portable terminal device2a.

When the user B wants to contact the user A upon seeing the message sent from the portable terminal device2, the user B replies messages of “chat OK” and “telephone call OK”.

The management server3collates the MAC ID obtained from Bluetooth (registered trademark) with the server information, and when data exists in the management server3, the management server3converts the obtained MAC ID into an account of the Internet.

Accordingly, the user A can communicate with the user B of the portable terminal device2avia the communication server4by operating the portable terminal device2.

Alternatively, the users who are carrying the portable terminal devices2,2amay communicate with each other by using Bluetooth (registered trademark).

According to this communication support system1, a person with whom communication is to be performed is identified in real time, and a contact can be made with the person.

The location where this communication support system1is used is not particularly limited, but examples of places where the communication support system1can be used include a space that is not divided by a partition such as a town, a space that is divided by a partition such as a party venue, a train, and an airplane. For example, when a user is in an airplane to San Francisco, the user selects keywords such as “San Francisco guide” and “San Francisco sightseeing”, so that the user can identify other user related to these keywords in real time. The chance of finding a user sought for can be increased in a shorter time by inputting keywords in real time. When a user comes to a town and has a little bit of waiting time, for example, the user can enjoy some chat by inputting a keyword for the purpose of killing time. The communication support system1can also be used as means for meeting a person for an appointment.

Hereinafter, processing of the communication support system1will be explained in details.

FIG. 2is a figure illustrating a hardware configuration of a portable terminal device according to an embodiment.

In the portable terminal device2, a Central Processing Unit (CPU)101controls the entire apparatus.

The CPU101is connected to a Random Access Memory (RAM)102and multiple peripheral devices via a bus107.

The RAM102is used as a main storage device of the portable terminal device2. The RAM102temporarily stores at least some of the programs of an Operating System (OS) and an application program to be executed by the CPU101. The RAM102stores various kinds of data used for the processing with the CPU101.

The bus107is connected to an internal memory103, a graphic processing apparatus104, an input interface105, and a communication interface106.

The internal memory103writes and reads data. The internal memory103is used as a secondary storage device of the portable terminal device2. The internal memory103stores programs of the OS, application programs, and various kinds of data. Examples of internal memories include semiconductor storage devices such as a flash memory.

The graphic processing apparatus104is connected to a display104a. The graphic processing apparatus104displays an image on a screen of the display104ain accordance with a command from the CPU101. The display104amay be, for example, a liquid crystal display apparatus and the like. The display104aalso includes a touch panel function.

The input interface105is connected to a display104aand an input button105. The input interface105transmits a signal sent from the input button105aand a touch panel of the display104ato the CPU101.

The communication interface106is connected to a network50. The communication interface106transmits and receives data to and from other computer or communication device via the network50.

According to the hardware configuration explained above, the processing functions of the present embodiment can be realized.

FIG. 3is a figure illustrating a hardware configuration of a management server according to an embodiment.

In the management server3, a CPU201controls the entire apparatus. The CPU201is connected to a RAM202and multiple peripheral devices via a bus208. Hereinafter, portions that are different from the portable terminal device2will be explained, and portions denotes with the same names will not be explained again since they achieve the same functions.

The bus208is connected to a hard disk drive203, a graphic processing apparatus204, an input interface205, a drive apparatus206, and a communication interface207.

The hard disk drive203magnetically writes and reads data to and from a disk provided therein. The hard disk drive203is used as a secondary storage device of the management server3. The hard disk drive203stores programs of the OS, application programs, and various kinds of data. Examples of secondary storage devices include semiconductor storage devices such as a flash memory.

The graphic processing apparatus204is connected to a monitor204a. The graphic processing apparatus104displays an image on a screen of the monitor204ain accordance with a command from the CPU201. The monitor204aincludes a display apparatus using a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display apparatus, and the like.

The input interface205is connected to a keyboard205aand a mouse205b. The input interface205transmits a signal sent from the keyboard205aand the mouse205bto the CPU201. The mouse205bis an example of a pointing device. Alternatively, the mouse205bmay be another pointing device. Other examples of pointing devices include a touch panel, a tablet, a touchpad, a trackball, and the like.

For example, the drive apparatus206reads data recorded on an optical disk recorded with data so that the data can be read by reflection of light, and reads data recorded on a portable recording medium such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory. In a case where, for example, the drive apparatus206is an optical drive apparatus, a laser light and the like is used to read data recorded on the optical disk300. The optical disk300may be Blu-ray (registered trademark), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), DVD-RAM, Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), CD-Recordable (CD-R)/ReWritable (RW), and the like.

According to the hardware configuration explained above, the processing function according to the present embodiment can be realized.FIG. 3illustrates the hardware configuration of the management server3, but the communication server4also has the same hardware configuration.

Subsequently, the functions provided in the portable terminal devices2,2awill be explained.

The following functions are provided in the portable terminal devices2,2ahaving the hardware configuration as illustrated inFIG. 2.

FIG. 4is a block diagram illustrating the functions of a portable terminal device according to an embodiment.

The portable terminal device2includes an application execution unit21and a short distance communication execution unit22.

The application execution unit21includes log in-log out functions to log in and log out from a communication application and functions for supporting matching between users. More specifically, the application execution unit21displays a user profile screen on the display104aduring log in.

FIG. 5is a figure for explaining a user profile screen after log in.

The user profile screen5is provided with a picture display unit51, a comment message input field52, a name display field53, an ID display field54, a search keyword input field55, and a search start button56.

The picture display unit51displays a face picture and the like which is registered in the management server3by the user.

The name display field53can display a user name which is registered in the management server3by the user.

The ID display field54displays the user ID of the user who is logging in to the communication application.

The search keyword input field55can input a keyword for searching another user with which communication is to be performed, when the user wants to communicate with the another user who is present in proximity. Examples of search keywords include “believing in Buddhism”, “working for XX Corporation”, “graduating from OO University”, “using SNS”, “living in Hachioji City”, “born in Heisei OO”, and the like. Examples of input methods of a search keyword include a type input method for using a keyword displayed on a screen, an audio input, a braille input, and the like.

The search start button56is a button which the user presses down when the user inputs a search keyword.

The short distance communication execution unit22obtains the MAC ID of the terminal device present in proximity to the portable terminal device2by using Bluetooth (registered trademark).

When the user inputs a search keyword to the search keyword input field55, and presses down the search start button56, the application execution unit21associates the input search keyword with the user ID and transmits the input search keyword to the management server3. The management server3determines whether a terminal device of a user who matches a condition is present in the proximity of the portable terminal device2or not. This determination method will be explained in details later with reference to the flowchart.

In a case where a terminal device of a user who matches the condition is present in the proximity of the portable terminal device2, the management server3transmits information about the user who matches the condition (matching information) to the portable terminal device2.

The application execution unit21displays a matching screen illustrating a list of information about the users who match the condition (hereinafter referred to as “communication candidate”) on the display104aon the basis of the received matching information.

FIG. 6is a figure for explaining of a matching screen.

The matching screen6displays a picture display unit61, a name display unit62, and a message display unit63for each user of the communication candidate. In a case where a user of the communication candidate cannot be found, for example, a text such as “no user matches the condition” is displayed.

At a lower part of the matching screen6, a search keyword input field64and a re-search button65are provided.

The picture display unit61displays a face picture and the like of the user of the communication candidate.

The name display unit62displays the user name which the user of the communication candidate registered in the management server3.

The message display unit63displays a message which the user of the communication candidate registered in the management server3by inputting it to the comment message input field52. InFIG. 6, for example, message indicating “when you want to talk to me, please search with a keyword ‘Ramen”’ is displayed. As explained later, the user of the communication candidate can find out which keyword is used to access the user. Therefore, the user who sees this message can easily contact with the user of the communication candidate by inputting the keyword “Ramen” in the search keyword input field55.

In another example, a message indicating that “please input ‘OO’ in the first word of the chat” is displayed. Accordingly, the user who sees this message can easily contact with the user of the communication candidate by inputting “OO” into the first word when chatting with the communication candidate.

When the user selects any one of the picture display unit61, the name display unit62, and the message display unit63with a tap and the like (receives an appointment request), the application execution unit21accesses the communication server4to display a chat screen in which a chat with the selected user can be performed on the display104a.

The functions of the search keyword input field64and the re-search start button65are the same as the functions of the search keyword input field55and the search start button55, respectively.

FIG. 7is a figure for explaining a chat screen.

The application execution unit21displays an input message on the chat display unit74when the user inputs a message to the message input unit71. This message is also displayed on a terminal device with whom a chat is to be performed (a selected user) via the communication server4.

When a reply is returned from the user, the application execution unit21displays the reply content on the chat display unit74.

Further, the communication server4also stores a chat history, and when a chat has already been conducted with the user in the past, the application execution unit21also displays the history on the chat display unit74.

When the user selects the communication button72, the application execution unit21makes a telephone call to the terminal device of the user with which a chat is to be conducted via the communication server4. A publicly known conventional method can be used as the mechanism for making the telephone call to the terminal device of the user with which a chat is to be conducted, and therefore, detailed explanation thereabout is omitted.

The keyword display unit73displays a matching keyword and a keyword registered as a comment message.

More specifically, when the user with which a chat is to be conducted sees the keyword display unit73, the user can find which keyword of the keywords registered in advance matches. When the user with which a chat is to be conducted sees the keyword display unit73, the user can find that someone accesses the user in response to the comment message of the message display unit63.

Accordingly, this can enhance the chance of smoothly conducting the chat after that.

In the present embodiment, a communication method, a chat, and a communication have been shown as an example, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and a fighting game (Othello etc.) may be performed.

Subsequently, the functions of the management server3will be explained.

FIG. 8is a block diagram for illustrating the functions of the management server.

The management server3includes a control unit31and a storage unit32.

The control unit31performs the processing explained above. More specifically, when the control unit31receives the search keyword transmitted by the portable terminal device2, the control unit31determines whether the terminal device of the user matching the condition is present in proximity to the portable terminal device2. In a case where the terminal device of the user matching the condition is present in proximity to the portable terminal device2, the control unit31transmits the matching information to the portable terminal device2.

Subsequently, information stored in the storage unit32will be explained.

FIG. 9,FIG. 10,FIG. 11,FIG. 12are figures for explaining information stored in the storage unit.

FIG. 9is a figure for explaining an authentication information table.

The authentication information table T1is used when the user logs in to the communication application.

The authentication information table T1is provided with fields of a user name and a password. Pieces of information arranged in the horizontal direction are associated with each other.

The user names which the user A and the user B registers in advance are set in the fields of the user name.

The passwords which the user A and the user B registers in advance are set in the fields of the password.

FIG. 10is a figure for explaining a proximity user table.

A proximity user table T2is a table generated for each user who logs in to this system. For example, when the user A logs in to this system, the proximity user table T2for the user A is generated. When the user B logs in to this system, a proximity user table T2for the user B is generated. The proximity user table T2is an example of a second storage unit.

For example, the proximity user table T2for the user A is a table used when the user A searches a portable terminal device of a user who is present in proximity to the user A.

The proximity user table T2is provided with fields for the MAC ID, the user name, and the keyword. Pieces of information arranged in the horizontal direction are associated with each other.

The MAC ID of the terminal device searched by the portable terminal device2carried by the user A having logged in to this system is set in the field of the MAC ID.

By the way, the MAC ID is transmitted from the portable terminal device while it is associated with the user name.

The user name associated with the MAC ID that is set in the field of the MAC ID is set in the field of the user name.

The keyword which the user fills in the search keyword input field55is set in the field of the keyword.

FIG. 11is a figure for explaining a user information table.

Information about the user himself or herself which the user who logs in to the communication application registered in advance is stored in the user information table T3. The user information table T3is an example of the first storage unit.

birthplace, picture, and profile are provided in the user information table T3. Pieces of information arranged in the horizontal direction are associated with each other.

The content of the user information table T3can be, for example, newly registered and modified by using a user information registration screen (not shown) and the like executed by the application execution unit21.

The user ID of the user is set in the field of the user name.

The real name, a nickname, and the like of the user is set in the field of the name.

The age of the user is set in the field of the age.

The birthday of the user is set in the field of the birthday.

The sex of the user is set in the field of the sex.

The birthplace of the user is set in the field of the birthplace.

A picture which is displayed in the picture display unit51and which another person displays in the picture display unit61of the matching screen6is set in the field of the picture.

A keyword and the like desired to be matched when another person inputs a search keyword is set in the field of the profile.

An appeal text which the user wants to be displayed on the message display unit63is set in the field of the appeal.

Subsequently, information stored in the communication server4will be explained.

FIG. 12is a figure for explaining a communication table.

Fields of a user name and a chat text is set in the communication table T4. Pieces of information arranged in the horizontal direction are associated with each other.

The user ID of the user is set in the field of the user name.

A text of a chat and information about a person with whom the user talks are set in the field of the chat text.

Subsequently, the processing of the communication support system1will be explained with reference to a flowchart. First, pre-processing for allowing the user to logs in to the system will be explained.

FIG. 13is a flowchart for explaining pre-processing.

[Step S1] When the user touches an icon for activating an application displayed on the display104a, the communication application is activated.

[Step S2] The application execution unit21receives inputs of authentication information (user name and password) and user information. The input of the user information is arbitrary.

[Step S3] The application execution unit21determines whether a transmission button is pressed down or not. In a case where the transmission button is pressed down (Yes in step S3), step S4is subsequently performed. In a case where the transmission button is not pressed down (No in step S3), the application execution unit21waits for a pressing down of the transmission button.

[Step S4] The application execution unit21transmits the authentication information to the management server3. The management server3stores the received authentication information to the authentication information table T1.

[Step S5] The application execution unit21determines whether an input of user information is received or not. In a case where an input of user information is received (Yes in step S5), step S6is subsequently performed. In a case where an input of user information is not received (No in step S5), the processing as illustrated inFIG. 9is terminated.

[Step S6] The application execution unit21transmits the user information to the management server3. The management server3stores the received user information to the user information table T3.

Subsequently, the processing performed when the user actually tries to perform communication will be explained.

FIG. 14is a flowchart for explaining processing of a portable terminal device according to an embodiment.

(Processing of Portable Terminal Device)

[Step S11] When the user activates the communication application, the application execution unit21receives the authentication information.

[Step S12] When the application execution unit21receives the authentication information, the application execution unit21transmits the authentication information to the management server3. When the management server3determines that the authentication information received by the user is correct, the communication application is logged in. Thereafter, step S13is subsequently performed.

[Step S13] The application execution unit21transmits the MAC ID of the portable terminal device2to the management server3in association with the user name of the user who has logged in. Thereafter, step S14is subsequently performed.

[Step S14] According to a command of the application execution unit21, the short distance communication execution unit22obtains a list of MAC IDs of portable terminal devices capable of performing short distance communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark). Thereafter, step S15is subsequently performed.

[Step S15] The application execution unit21uses a search result of the short distance communication execution unit22to display a list of MAC IDs of terminal devices in the proximity on the display104a.

[Step S16] The application execution unit21determines whether a search keyword is input to the search keyword input field55and the search start button56is pressed down or not. In a case where a search keyword is input and the search start button56is pressed down (Yes in step S16), step S17is subsequently performed. In a case where the search start button56is not pressed down (No in step S16), the application execution unit21waits for a press down of the search start button56.

[Step S17] The application execution unit21transmits a generation request of matching information to the management server3.

[Step S18] When matching information generated by the management server3is received, the application execution unit21displays the matching information on the display104a.

[Step S19] The application execution unit21determines whether an appointment request by the user is received or not. In a case where the appointment request is received (Yes in step S19), step S20is subsequently performed. In a case where the appointment request is not received (No in step S19), the application execution unit21waits for the appointment request.

[Step S20] The application execution unit21displays a chat screen7obtained by accessing the communication server4on the display104a.

When the portable terminal device2receives an input of a search keyword, and every time the re-search start button65is pressed down, repeatedly executes the processing after step S16.

In the present embodiment, a list of MAC IDs of terminal devices in proximity is displayed in step S15. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a list of MAC IDs of terminal devices in proximity may not be displayed until a search keyword is received.

Although not shown in the drawings, in a case where the search start button56is pressed down when a search keyword is not input into the search keyword input field55, a list of MAC IDs of terminal devices in proximity may be displayed, and in a case where the search start button56is pressed down when a search keyword is input, the matching screen6may be displayed.

Subsequently, the processing of the management server3will be explained.

(Processing of Management Server)

[Step S21] The management server3stores, into the proximity user table T2, the MAC ID and the user name of the portable terminal device2received.

[Step S22] When the management server3receives a matching information generation request, processing for generating matching information (matching information generation processing) is executed. The management server3transmits the generated matching information to the portable terminal device2.

Subsequently, the matching information generation processing of step S22will be explained with reference to a flowchart.

FIG. 15is a flowchart for explaining the matching information generation processing.

[Step S22a] The management server3receives a list of MAC IDs of terminal devices capable of performing short distance communication. Thereafter, step S22bis subsequently performed.

[Step S22b] The management server3determines whether a user name corresponding to the list of MAC IDs obtained in step S22a(hereinafter referred to as a corresponding user name) exists in the user information table T3or not. In a case where the corresponding user name exists in the user information table T3(Yes in step S22b), step S22cis subsequently performed. In a case where the corresponding user name does not exist in the user information table T3(No in step S22b), the processing as illustrated inFIG. 13is terminated.

[Step S22c] The management server3refers to the field of the profile of the corresponding user name in the user information table T3. Then, a determination is made as to whether the profile matching the search keyword in step S22bis set in the field of the profile of the corresponding user name. In a case where the profile matching the search keyword in step S22bis set in the field of the profile of the corresponding user name (Yes in step S22c), step S22dis subsequently performed. In a case where the profile matching the search keyword in step S22bis not set in the field of the profile of the corresponding user name (No in step S22c), the processing as illustrated inFIG. 15is terminated.

The method of search of the profile matching the search keyword can use a publicly known conventional algorithm such as exact match and partial match.

[Step S22d] The management server3determines whether an appeal text is set in the field of the appeal of the corresponding user name in the user information table T3. In a case where an appeal text is set in the field of the appeal of the corresponding user name (Yes in step S22d), step S22eis subsequently performed. In a case where an appeal text is not set in the field of the appeal of the corresponding user name (No in step S22d), step S22fis subsequently performed.

[Step S22e] The management server3adds an appeal text to the matching information. Thereafter, step S22fis subsequently performed.

[Step S22f] The management server3transmits the matching information to the portable terminal device2. Thereafter, the matching information generation processing is terminated.

As described above, according to the communication support system1of the present embodiment, a search keyword can be determined in real time, and therefore, the keyword can be determined freely in accordance with the feeling of the user at that moment. The comment message is displayed on the message display unit63, so that this can enhance the chance that the users can communicate with each other.

The processing performed by the management server3can be processed in a distributed manner by multiple apparatuses.

A digital signage can be applied to the communication support system1. The digital signage is an advertising medium for displaying video and information by using a flat display and a projector by making use of digital technique for display and communication.

More specifically, when the short distance communication execution unit22obtains the MAC ID of the digital signage when the short distance communication execution unit22obtains the MAC IDs of terminal devices which are present in proximity to the portable terminal device2by using Bluetooth (registered trademark), the management server3obtains, on the basis of the obtained MAC ID, advertisement information about an advertisement content from a storage device storing various kinds of advertisement information displayed on a digital signage present in proximity to the portable terminal device2. Then, the management server3displays the obtained information at a portion of the matching screen6, for example, a content attached to the advertisement displayed on the digital signage (for example, an icon and the like having an image (image data) obtained by cropping a part of the advertisement content displayed on the digital signage). This icon is associated with a predetermined URL (for example, a URL describing a product of sales target), and when the user selects an icon, the content of the URL is displayed on the display104a.

The management server3has a function of counting accesses to the URL from the advertisement displayed on the matching screen6, and for example, in accordance with the number of counts, a predetermined amount of money is paid from an advertisement company to the management company of the management server3.

According to the modification, the digital signage is adopted as the source of transmission of the advertisement, but the modification is not limited thereto. For example, a portable terminal device carried by an advertisement sales person may be the source of transmission of the advertisement. The portable terminal device carried by this advertisement sales person stores data of advertisement displayed on a portion of the matching screen6. In this case, the display104adisplays an advertisement alone (push sales). An advertisement as well as the user name of the portable terminal device carried by the advertisement sales person are displayed. The advertisement sales person preferably stores, for example, information capable of identifying the appearance of himself or herself in a comment message.

For example, on the basis of type information (class information) about Bluetooth (registered trademark), the type (for example, earphone, smart phone, portable terminal, PC) and the like of the terminal device is identified, and an advertisement according to the identified device may be displayed. For example, when the device is an earphone, music related, a newly released earphone, and the like is displayed as an advertisement. Further, an advertisement of audio, which is a superordinate conception thereof, may be displayed. In another example, when the device is a game, a newly-released game and an advertisement about a toy, which is a superordinate conception thereof, may be displayed.

The short distance communication may be a communication using microwave.

In the present embodiment, the short distance communication is used as the means for communicating. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. When short distance communication cannot be performed with each other, the portable terminal device may be configured to notify the user.

The server apparatus, the program, the data transmission and reception method, and the terminal device according to the present invention have been hereinabove explained with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The configuration of each unit can be replaced with one having the same function and having any given configuration. Also, any other constituent elements and steps may be added to the present invention.

The present invention may be a combination of two or more constituent elements (features) of the embodiments described above.

The above processing function may be realized by a computer. In this case, a program describing a processing content of a function possessed by the portable terminal device2is provided. When the program is executed by a computer, the processing function is realized by the computer. The program describing the processing content can be recorded on a recording medium that can be read by the computer. Recording media that can be read by the computer include a magnetic storage device, an optical disk, an optical magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor memory, and the like. Magnetic storage devices include a hard disk drive, a flexible disk (FD), a magnetic tape, and the like. Optical disks include DVD, DVD-RAM, CD-ROM/RW, and the like. Optical magnetic recording media include a Magneto-Optical disk (MO), and the like.

When the program is circulated, for example, movable recording media such as DVD and CD-ROM recorded with the program are sold. The program may be stored to a storage device of a server computer, and the program may be transferred from the server computer to another computer via a network.

The computer executing the program stores, for example, a program recorded in a movable recording medium or a program transferred from a server computer, into a storage device of the computer. Then, the computer reads the program from the storage device of the computer itself, and executes the processing according to the program. The computer may directly read the program from the movable recording medium, and may execute the processing according to the program. The computer can successively execute the processing according to the received program every time a program is transferred from the server computer connected via the network.

At least some of the processing functions may be realized by electronic circuits such as Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and Programmable Logic Device (PLD).