JP2000311126A - Network system using cable television line - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain information closely related to the living sphere of a user by sending map information and local information to the cable modem of the user having machine identification information through a cable television line. SOLUTION: The server 40 of a center 20 is equipped with a user information database 100, a local information database 200, and an information providing means 300. The local information database 200 stores local information including facility position coordinates (latitude and longitude) for specifying the locations of facilities and the stored local information and user information stored in the user information database 100 are supplied to the computer 32 of the user 30 or the facilities by the information providing means 300 through the cable television line 50. Consequently, information closely related to the living sphere of the user can be obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network system using a cable television line. According to the present invention, in particular, the location of a user can be displayed on a map.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There has been a service that can provide an Internet environment by using a cable television line.

[0003]

However, the Internet connects the world and can communicate with people in all regions. Therefore, a virtual unique community is created. Instead, it is far from real life and local life. In addition, when a user tries to obtain information on a living area on the Internet, the user needs to specify an area where he or she wants the information. Also, at the time of registration, it is necessary to register ancillary information other than the information to be originally provided, such as a place to be registered. We cannot deny the trouble of the procedure and the possibility of information leakage at that time.

On the other hand, on the Internet, CPU
There is a method of assigning a serial number to the machine, identifying the machine from the serial number, and acquiring the information. However, this method only obtains the unique information of the machine, but cannot identify the transmission position. Also, so-called cookies, which are often used to acquire user information on the Internet, originally acquire information of a browser, and cannot specify a transmission position. Also, since the so-called cookie is a simple text file stored in a machine, the so-called cookie must be transmitted to a server in order to obtain information. There is no denying the possibility of stealing the information. Further, if the user rejects the so-called cookie, no user information can be obtained.

Therefore, the inventions described in the respective claims have been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and the objects thereof are as follows. (Claim 1) That is, the invention described in claim 1 is capable of providing information closely related to a user's life zone. (Claim 2) The invention described in claim 2 has the following object in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1.

[0006] That is, the invention according to claim 2 is such that the location of the facility within the living area of the user can be displayed on a map image. (Claim 3) The invention described in claim 3 has the following object in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1 or 2.

[0007] In other words, the invention according to claim 3 enables transmission to a user using a cable television line. (Claim 4) The invention described in claim 4 has the following object in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1 or 2.

[0008] That is, according to the invention described in claim 4, by transmitting the user position coordinates to the user, a map image can be created by the computer on the user side. (Claim 5) The invention according to claim 5 has the following object in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 4.

[0009] That is, the invention according to claim 5 is capable of displaying the location of the facility within the living area of the user in accordance with the map image. (Claim 6) The invention described in claim 6 has the following object in addition to the object of the invention described in any one of claims 2 to 5 described above.

That is, the invention according to claim 6 is such that route information from the location of the user to the location of the facility can be transmitted to the user. (Claim 7) The invention described in claim 7 has the following object in addition to the object of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 6 described above.

[0011] That is, the invention according to claim 7 allows a user to search for facilities within the living area of the user. (Claim 8) The invention described in claim 8 has the following object in addition to the object of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 7 described above.

That is, the invention described in claim 8 is capable of processing a request for an order or a reservation from a user.

[0013]

The inventions described in the respective claims are made to achieve the above-mentioned objects, and the features of the inventions are shown in the drawings. This will be described below using embodiments. In addition, the code | symbol in a parenthesis shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of this invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.

The drawing numbers also indicate the drawing numbers used in the embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. (Claim 1) The invention according to claim 1 has the following features. First, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, the network system (10) includes a server (40) and a cable modem (31).
And a computer (32).

The server (40) provides a user (30) with an environment for connection to the Internet (60). The cable modem (31) is connected to a server (40) via a cable television line (50), for example, as shown in FIG. The computer (32) can
As shown in the figure, it is connected to a cable modem (31).

Second, the server (40) includes a user information database (100), a regional information database (200), and an information providing means (300) as shown in FIG. 1, for example. The user information database (100) is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (2), the machine identification information (for example, Mac address) for specifying the cable modem (31) of the user (30) and the user for specifying the location (for example, address) of the user (30) It stores user information including position coordinates (for example, latitude and longitude).

The area information database 200 stores area information including facility position coordinates (eg, latitude and longitude) for specifying the location of the facility (eg, address), as shown in FIG. 3, for example. It is. The information providing means (3
00) transmits the user information stored in the user information database (100) and the regional information stored in the regional information database (200) to the user (3) via the cable television line (50).
0) to provide to the computer (32) or facility.

The form of provision to the facility by the information provision means (300) may be on a homepage, a document may be automatically created and transmitted by e-mail or facsimile, or a voice message may be automatically transmitted. May be created and contacted by phone. Third, the information providing means (300) includes, for example, FIG.
As shown in (1), it includes a user information obtaining means (330), a local information obtaining means (340), a map information creating means (350), and a map information transmitting means (360).

The user information acquiring means (330) is a user
The user information database (100) is searched on condition that the machine identification information (eg, Mac address) is received from (30), and the user of the user (30) having the machine identification information (eg, Mac address) is searched. This is for acquiring position coordinates (for example, latitude / longitude). The area information acquisition means (34
0) searches the local information database (200) based on the user position coordinates (eg, latitude / longitude) acquired by the user information acquisition means (330) and retrieves the user position coordinates (eg, latitude / longitude). This is for acquiring regional information having facility position coordinates (eg, latitude / longitude) having position coordinates (eg, latitude / longitude) separated by a predetermined range around (longitude).

The map information creation means (350) is based on the user position coordinates (eg, latitude / longitude) acquired by the user information acquisition means (330) and the computer (32) of the user (30). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, this is for creating map information for displaying a map image showing the location (for example, name) of the user (30) on a display (not shown).

The map information transmitting means (360) transmits the map information created by the map information creating means (350) and the area information acquired by the area information acquiring means (320) via a cable television line (50). This is for transmitting to the cable modem (31) of the user (30) having the machine identification information (for example, Mac address). (Claim 2) The invention of claim 2 has the following features in addition to the features of the invention of claim 1 described above.

That is, the map information creating means (350) uses the facility position coordinates (eg, latitude / longitude) acquired by the area information acquiring means (340) to execute the computer of the user (30).
For example, as shown in FIG. 12, map information for displaying a map image showing the location (for example, place name) of the facility is created on a display (not shown) of (32). (Claim 3) The invention according to claim 3 has the following features in addition to the features of the invention described in claim 1 or 2.

That is, the map information is a map image. (Claim 4) The invention according to claim 4 has the following features in addition to the features of the invention described in claim 1 or 2. First, the map information is user position coordinates (for example, latitude and longitude).

Second, the computer (32) of the user (30) is provided with a map image creating means (not shown). The map image creating means (not shown) is a map information transmitting means.
Based on the user location coordinates (eg, latitude and longitude) sent to (360), the location (eg, name) of the user (30)
Is for creating a map image displaying. (Claim 5) The invention of claim 5 has the following features in addition to the features of the invention of claim 4 described above.

First, the map information is facility location coordinates (eg, latitude and longitude). Secondly, the map image creating means (not shown) of the computer (32) of the user (30) transmits the facility position coordinates (for example, latitude and longitude) transmitted to the map information transmitting means 360.
Based on the longitude, a map image displaying the location (for example, a place name) of the facility is created. (Claim 6) The invention of claim 6 has the following features in addition to the features of the invention of any one of claims 2 to 5 described above.

That is, the map information creation means (350)
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a route information creating means (351) is provided. For example, as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, when the location (for example, the place name) of the facility displayed on the map image is selected by the user (30), the route information Based on facility location coordinates (for example, latitude and longitude) corresponding to the location of the facility (for example, address) and user location coordinates (for example, latitude and longitude) of the user (30), the location (for example, This is for creating map information including route information from the address (for example, address) to the location (for example, address) of the facility. (Claim 7) The invention according to claim 7 is characterized by the following features in addition to the features of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 6 described above.

First, the information providing means (300) includes a local information search means (370) as shown in FIG. 2, for example.
The local information search means (370) searches the user information database (100) on condition that a search key is specified by the user (30) as shown in FIGS. And facility position coordinates (eg, latitude / longitude) separated by a predetermined range around the user position coordinates (eg, latitude / longitude) acquired by the user information acquisition means (330). For example, it is for acquiring latitude / longitude).

Note that the user (3
0) input and selection of a search key. Secondly, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the map information transmitting means (360) transmits the local information searched by the local information searching means (370) to the machine identification information (50) via the cable television line (50). For example, the transmission is made to the cable modem (31) of the user (30) having the Mac address). (Claim 8) The invention according to claim 8 is characterized by the following features in addition to the features of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 7 described above.

That is, the information providing means (300) includes, for example, a request receiving means (380) and a request data transmitting means (390) as shown in FIG. The above request receiving means (38
0) is for receiving a request (for example, order or reservation) from the user (30) as shown in FIG. 22, for example. The request data transmitting means (390) includes a request receiving means (38
Based on the request data received by (0), the local information database (200) is searched to obtain the local information of the facility of the request destination (for example, the order destination or the reservation destination), and using the local information, The request data received by the request receiving means (380) and the user information database (100) are searched, and the machine identification information (for example, Mac address) of the user (30) is searched.
For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the user information acquired based on the information is transmitted to the facility.

[0030]

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS (Description of the drawings) FIGS. 1 to 23 show an example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the outline of the network system, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing details of the information providing means shown in FIG.

FIGS. 3 to 7 are for explaining the registration of the area information. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the registration of the area information. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the user information database shown in FIG. 5 and 5 are enlarged views of the added data shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the information registration screen shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the registration confirmation screen shown in FIG. Fig. 8-
10 is for explaining the display of the location of the user, FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the display of the location of the user, FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the access screen shown in FIG.
8 shows enlarged views of the displayed homepage screen shown in FIG.

FIGS. 11 to 12 are views for explaining the display of the location of the facility. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the display of the location of the facility. FIG. 12 is a home page displayed in FIG. It is each showing the enlarged view of a screen. 13 to 15 are diagrams for explaining a facility search, and FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a facility search.
FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the search screen shown in FIG. 13, and FIG.
3 is an enlarged view of a search result display screen shown in FIG.

16 to 18 are views for explaining the display of the route, FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the display of the route, and FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the information selection screen shown in FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the detailed information screen shown in FIG. 19 to 23 are for explaining reservation or order, FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram for explaining reservation or order, FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the order data shown in FIG. 19, and FIG. FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the reservation screen shown in FIG. 19, and FIG.
3 is an enlarged view of the order data transmission screen shown in FIG.

FIGS. 24 to 33 show another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 shows a 3D map display screen, and FIG.
5 is a search result display screen, FIG. 26 is an advertisement display screen, FIG. 27 is a hotel WebTV display screen, FIG. 28 is a route display screen, FIG. 29 is a mail order display screen, FIG. 30 is an original MAP display screen, FIG. 31 shows a chat display screen, FIG. 32 shows a humanoid icon display screen, and FIG. 33 shows a virtual race display screen. (Network System 10) In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a network system.

As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 10 has the following members. (1) Center 20 (2) User 30 The members of the network system 10 are the above (1) to
It is not limited to (2). (Center 20) As shown in FIG. 1, the center 20 has a server 40 described later. (User 30) As shown in FIG. 1, the user 30 includes a cable modem 31 and a computer 32.

The cable modem 31 is connected to a server 40 via a cable television line 50, as shown in FIG. The computer 32 is connected to a cable modem 31, as shown in FIG. Although not shown, the computer 32 includes a display, input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and output devices such as a printer.

Although not shown, the user 30 has a television connected to the cable modem 31 described above. (Server 40) The server 40 provides the user 30 with an environment for connecting to the Internet 60.

Specifically, the server 40 is connected to Web sites 61, 62,... On the Internet 60 via a telephone line 70, as shown in FIG. Also server 40
Has the following databases and means as shown in FIG. Specifically, when the server 40 reads the program, the memory of the server 40 functions as the next database, and the CPU of the server 40 functions as the next unit.

(1) User information database 100 (2) Regional information database 200 (3) Information providing means 300 The database and means of the server 40 are not limited to the above (1) to (3). (User information database 100) The user information database 100 is a user including machine identification information for specifying the cable modem 31 of the user 30 and user position coordinates for specifying the location of the user 30. This is for storing information.

Specifically, the user information includes the following information as illustrated in FIGS. The “database” may be described as “DB” in the drawings. (1) ID (2) Mac address (machine identification information) The machine identification information is not limited to the Mac address.

(3) Name In the case of a corporation, the name may be a name. (4) Address (Location) Note that the location is not limited to an address, and a residence may be used. (5) Position coordinates (user position coordinates) The position coordinates are indicated using latitude and longitude. The position coordinates are automatically calculated from the address.

Note that the user position coordinates are not limited to the latitude / longitude position coordinates described above. (6) Telephone number (7) Occupation (8) Email address The user information is not limited to (1) to (8) described above. (Regional Information Database 200) The regional information database 200 stores regional information including facility position coordinates for specifying the location of the facility.

Specifically, the area information includes the following information, as shown in FIG. (1) Information ID (2) Expiration date (3) Registration date and time (4) Category (5) Small category (6) Start time (7) End time (8) Place name (9) Address (location) Is not limited to an address, and a residence may be used.

(10) Position Coordinates (Facility Position Coordinates) The position coordinates are indicated using latitude and longitude. The position coordinates are automatically calculated from the address. The facility position coordinates are not limited to the latitude / longitude position coordinates. (11) Contents (12) Inquiry (13) Reservation (order) (14) Email address (15) Telephone number The local information is not limited to the above (1) to (15). (Information providing means 300) The information providing means 300 converts the user information stored in the user information database 100 illustrated in FIG. 4 and the regional information stored in the local information database 200 illustrated in FIG. The information is provided to the computer 32 or the facility of the user 30 via the line 50.

The form of provision to the facility by the information provision means 300 may be, for example, on a home page as shown in FIG.
Or a voice message may be automatically created and contacted by telephone. Specifically, the information providing unit 300 includes the following units as shown in FIG.
That is, by the server 40 reading the program,
The CPU of the server 40 functions as the following means.

(1) User information registration means 310 (2) Regional information registration means 320 (3) User information acquisition means 330 (4) Local information acquisition means 340 (5) Map information creation means 350 (6) Map information Transmitting means 360 (7) Regional information searching means 370 (8) Request receiving means 380 (9) Request data transmitting means 390 The information providing means 300 is not limited to the above (1) to (9). (User information registration means 310) User information registration means 310
This is for registering the following user information (1) to (8) exemplified above in the user information database 100 exemplified in FIG.

(1) ID (2) Mac address (machine identification information) (3) Name (4) Address (location) (5) Location coordinates (user location coordinates) (6) Phone number (7) Occupation (8) ) E-mail address The registration of the user information itself may be performed manually. (Regional information registering means 320) The regional information registering means 320 is for registering the following regional information (1) to (15) exemplified above in the regional information database 200 exemplified in FIG. .

(1) Information ID (2) Expiration date (3) Registration date and time (4) Category (5) Small category (6) Start time (7) End time (8) Place name (9) Address (location) ( 10) Location coordinates (facility location coordinates) (11) Contents (12) Inquiries (13) Reservation (order) (14) Email address (15) Phone number Note that the registration of the regional information itself must be performed manually. Is also good. (User information acquisition means 330) The user information acquisition means 330
The user information database illustrated in FIG. 4 on condition that the “Mac address” (machine identification information) is received from the user 30.
100 is searched to obtain “position coordinates” (user position coordinates) of the user 30 having the “Mac address” (machine identification information). (Regional Information Acquisition Means 340) The regional information acquisition means 340 is based on the “position coordinates” (user position coordinates) of the user 30 acquired by the user information acquisition means 330, and is a regional information database illustrated in FIG. Searching 200, regional information having "position coordinates" (facility position coordinates) of facilities having position coordinates separated by a predetermined range around "position coordinates" (user position coordinates) of the user 30 Is to get (Map Information Creation Means 350) The map information creation means 350 uses the “position coordinates” (user position coordinates) of the user 30 acquired by the user information acquisition means 330 to As illustrated in FIG. 10, the display (not shown) is for creating map information for displaying a map image displaying the “address” (location) of the user 30.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, the "name" of the user 30 is displayed on the map image. In addition, not only the “name” of the user 30 but also a picture, a photo, a mark, an icon, or the like may be displayed. Further, a map image is used as it is as the map information.

The map information is not limited to the map image, and the "position coordinates" (user position coordinates) of the user 30 may be used as they are. At this time, although not shown, the computer 32 of the user 30 needs to be provided with a map image creating means. The map image creating means (not shown), based on the “position coordinates” (user position coordinates) of the user 30 transmitted to the map information transmitting means 360 described below, “address” of the user 30 This is for creating a map image displaying (location).

Specifically, the map image includes, for example, a user
Display 30 "names", pictures, photos, marks, icons, etc. On the other hand, the map information creating means 350
"Position coordinates" of the facility acquired by 40 (facility location coordinates)
On the display (not shown) of the computer 32 of the user 30, as shown in FIG. 12, map information for displaying a map image showing the "address" (location) of the facility is displayed. Creating.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, the "place name" of the facility is displayed on the map image.
Not only the facility's "place name" but also pictures, photos, marks,
An icon or the like may be displayed. Also, as map information,
The map image is used as it is.

The map information is not limited to the map image, and the "position coordinates" (facility position coordinates) of the facilities may be used as they are. At this time, the computer of the user 30 described above
The 32 map image creating means (not shown) converts the “address” (location) of the facility based on the “location coordinates” (facility location coordinates) of the facility transmitted to the map information transmitting means 360 described later. Creating the displayed map image.

Specifically, the map image includes, for example, a user
Display 30 "names", pictures, photos, marks, icons, etc. On the other hand, the map information creating means 350 includes a route information creating means 351 as shown in FIG. When the “address” (location) of the facility displayed on the map image, for example, “place name”, is selected by the user 30, the route information creating unit 351 selects the “address” (location) of the facility.
As shown in FIG. 18, based on the “position coordinates” (facility position coordinates) of the facility corresponding to and the “position coordinates” (user position coordinates) of the user 30, as shown in FIG. This is for creating map information including route information from the "address" (location) to the "address" (location) of the facility. (Map information transmitting means 360) The map information transmitting means 360 transmits the map information created by the map information creating means 350 and the area information acquired by the area information acquiring means 320 via the cable TV line 50 to the "Mac address". This is for transmitting to the cable modem 31 of the user 30 having (machine identification information). (Regional information search means 370)
As exemplified in 3 to 15, the user information database 100 is searched under the condition that the search key is specified by the user 30 and matches the search key, and the user information acquisition means 33
This is for acquiring “position coordinates” (facility position coordinates) of facilities having position coordinates separated by a predetermined range around the “position coordinates” (user position coordinates) of the user 30 acquired by 0. is there.

The search key is specified by the user 30
And input and selection of a search key. At this time, the map information transmitting means 360 has the “Mac address” (machine identification information) via the cable television line 50, based on the area information searched by the area information searching means 370, as illustrated in FIG. The data is transmitted to the cable modem 31 of the user 30. (Request Accepting Means 380) The request accepting means 380 is for accepting a request for an order or a reservation from the user 30, as exemplified in FIG. (Request data transmission means 390) The request data transmission means 390
Based on the request data received by the request receiving means 380, the local information database 200 is searched to obtain, for example, the local information of the requested facility such as the ordering destination or the reservation destination, and using the local information, FIG. 23 illustrates user information obtained by searching the request data received by the request receiving unit 380 and the user information database 100 based on, for example, a Mac address (machine identification information) of the user 30. As described above. (Method of Use) Next, a method of using the network system 10 having the above-described configuration will be roughly described as follows, and will be described below.

(1) Registration of regional information (see FIGS. 3 to 7) (2) Display of the location of the user (see FIGS. 8 to 10) (3) Display of the location of the facility (see FIGS. 11 to 12) (4) ) Facility search (see FIGS. 13 to 15) (5) Route display (see FIGS. 16 to 18) (6) Reservation or order (see FIGS. 19 to 23) The method of using the network system 10 is described above (see FIGS. It is not limited to 1) to (6). (Registration of regional information) About registration of regional information, FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The registration of the area information is controlled by using area information registration means 320 shown in FIG. Specifically, registration of the regional information is performed in the following procedure as illustrated in FIG. Access the homepage (see Fig. 6) User 30 can access the Internet via computer 32
One of the 60 websites 61, 62,..., For example, the center 20
Access websites sponsored, sponsored, and sponsored.

Transmission of registration information The user 30 can select “category”, “small category”, “date and time”, “place name”, “address”, “telephone number”, “description”, and “net reservation” illustrated in FIG. ". If the "address" and "telephone number" are the same as those of the user,
It is not necessary to specify.

The "date and time" is, for example, from 9:00 to 2
When 3:00 is input, “9:00” is entered in the “start time” column of the regional information database 200 illustrated in FIG.
“23:00” is also automatically entered in the “end time” field. "Description" is also automatically entered in the "Content" column. Addition of position coordinates (user position coordinates) to user information (FIG. 4)
The server 40 is a user information database illustrated in FIG.
With reference to 100, the assignment data illustrated in FIG. 5 is acquired.

The assignment data includes, in addition to the “address” and “telephone number” of the user 30 not specified on the screen illustrated in FIG. 6, position coordinates (user position coordinates). Regional information registration (see FIG. 7) The "address" of the user 30 is entered in the "address" column of the regional information database 200 illustrated in FIG. 3, and the position coordinates (user position coordinates) of the user 30 are the same. The "telephone number" of the user 30 is also automatically entered in the "telephone number" column in the "position coordinates" (facility position coordinates) column.

The “date and time” is, for example, 9:00 to 2
When 3:00 is input, “9:00” is entered in the “start time” column of the regional information database 200 illustrated in FIG.
“23:00” is also automatically entered in the “end time” field. "Description" is also automatically entered in the "Content" column. The procedure for registering local information is as follows:
The present invention is not limited to the above. (Display of Location of User) The display of the location of the user will be described with reference to FIGS.

The display of the location of the user is controlled by using the user information acquisition means 330, the area information acquisition means 340, the map information creation means 350, and the map information transmission means 360 shown in FIG. Specifically, the display of the location of the user is performed according to the following procedure as illustrated in FIG.

Access to the homepage (see FIG. 9) User authentication server 40, based on the “ID” and “Mac address” (machine identification information) of user 30, user information database illustrated in FIG. Reference 100. As a result, the user 30
If both "ID" and "Mac address" (machine identification information) match, the process proceeds to the next "user information acquisition".

On the other hand, if the “ID” of the user 30 matches, but the “Mac address” (machine identification information) does not match, the process proceeds to the next “acquisition of user information”. ”Is omitted. In addition,
As a restriction on the use, a default map may be displayed, or a display such as out of office may be displayed.

If the "ID" of the user 30 does not match, the process ends with "user authentication". The user information acquisition server 40 includes a user information database illustrated in FIG.
Refer to 100 and acquire user information.

The map generation server 40 generates a map image of the surrounding area based on the position coordinates (user position coordinates) of the acquired user information. Homepage generation including map and user information (Fig. 10
The server 40 adds the previously acquired user information to the generated map image of the surrounding area, and generates a home page illustrated in FIG.

The procedure for displaying the location of the user is not limited to the above. (Indication of the location of the facility)
This will be described with reference to FIGS. The display of the location of the facility is performed by using the user information acquisition unit 330, the area information acquisition unit 340, the map information creation unit 350, and the map information transmission unit 360 shown in FIG. Controlling.

Specifically, the display of the location of the facility is shown in FIG.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the following procedure is performed. Access to the homepage User authentication User information acquisition New regional information search The server 40 uses the regional coordinates database illustrated in FIG. 11 based on the position coordinates (user position coordinates) of the acquired user information. Search 200.

At this time, the server 40 acquires new area information with reference to the registration date column of the area information database 200 illustrated in FIG. Map generation Home page generation (see FIG. 12) The server 40 adds the previously acquired user information and the previously acquired area information to the generated map image of the surrounding area, and creates a home page illustrated in FIG. Generate

The procedure for displaying the location of the facility is not limited to the above. (Facility Search) The facility search will be described with reference to FIGS. The above facility search is controlled using the local information search means 370 shown in FIG.

Specifically, the facility search is performed in the following procedure as illustrated in FIG. Search Key Specification (See FIG. 14) The user 30 inputs or selects and specifies a search key as illustrated in FIG.

Transmission of search key The specified search key is transmitted to the server 40. Searching and Obtaining Local Information The server 40 searches the local information database 200 illustrated in FIG. 13 based on the search key.

At this time, the server 40 calculates the “position coordinates” (facility position coordinates) of the facilities having the position coordinates separated by a predetermined range around the “position coordinates” (user position coordinates) of the user 30. Search for. As a result of the search, when there is matching area information, the server 40 acquires the area information.

If there is no matching area information as a result of the search, the server 40 displays that fact. Map generation Map and area information transmission Display (see FIG. 15) The procedure for searching for a facility is not limited to the above-mentioned. (Display of route) Regarding the display of the route, FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The display of the route is controlled by using the route information creating means 351 of the map information creating means 350 shown in FIG. Specifically, the route is displayed in the following procedure as illustrated in FIG. Selection (see FIG. 17) As shown in FIG. 17, the user 30 selects the regional information by clicking on the regional information on a map or the like.

Transmission The selected area information is transmitted to the server 40. The regional information search server 40 acquires the regional information based on the selected regional information by referring to the regional information database 200 illustrated in FIG.

The map generation server 40, as exemplified in FIG.
Then, a map is created in which route information from the “address” (location) of the facility to the “address” (location) of the facility is added. Transmission display (see FIG. 18) Note that the procedure for displaying the route is not limited to the above. (Reservation or order) About reservation or order, FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The reservation or order is controlled by using the request receiving means 380, request data transmitting means 390, etc. shown in FIG. Specifically, the route is displayed in the following procedure as illustrated in FIG. Transmission of order data (see FIGS. 20 and 22) As shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, the user 30 inputs order data such as “reservation date”, “reservation time”, and “number of people”. To the server 40.

User Information Assignment (See FIG. 21) The server 40 acquires the assignment data shown in FIG. 21 with reference to the user information database 100 shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 21,
Includes "reserved person name", "telephone number", etc. "Reservation person name"
Enter the “name” of the user information database 100 illustrated in FIG. 19 as it is.

Transmission of Order Data (See FIG. 23) As shown in FIG. 23, the server 40 transmits the order data with the added data to the order destination, ie, the facility. Note that the procedure of reservation or order is not limited to the above. Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. (Display screen of 3D map shown in FIG. 24) "New arrival information" is displayed on the screen shown in FIG.

That is, the latest information of the area near the user (user 30) is provided. Specifically, information around the home is displayed as new arrival information with priority. Also,
A 3D map is displayed on the screen shown in FIG. (Display screen of search result shown in FIG. 25) On the screen shown in FIG. 25, “search result” is displayed, that is, information search for hospitals, nursery schools, various schools, cram schools, etc. The search can be performed with priority given to the shortest distance of the road, instead of the straight-line distance from. (Advertising Display Screen shown in FIG. 26) On the screen shown in FIG. 26, "advertising signboard" and "shop information" are displayed.

That is, shops and companies (facilities) can carry out advertising and information provision in limited areas. Specifically, the shop / company (facility) designates an address (region), performs advertisement or information provision, and information is displayed on the screen of the user 30 in the corresponding region. (Display screen of hotel WebTV shown in FIG. 27) FIG.
"Search result" is displayed on the screen shown in FIG.

That is, local information can be retrieved from a hotel terminal. Specifically, by installing a WebTV in each room of a hotel in a cable TV area, a user of the hotel can browse nearby shops and local information from the WebTV. (Route display screen shown in FIG. 28) On the screen shown in FIG. 28, "route display" and "detailed information" are displayed.

That is, the route to the place designated by the user (user 30) is displayed. Specifically, when a user (user 30) requests detailed information, a route to that location is displayed. (Display screen of mail order shown in FIG. 29) A "mail order screen" is displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 29, that is, when a store (facility) on the map is clicked, details of the store (facility) are displayed. Not only information display but also mail order can be done. (Display screen of original MAP shown in FIG. 30) The screen shown in FIG. 30 displays the original MAP.

That is, the original MAP can be created while leaving the information reference history of the user (user 30). Specifically, by referring to the information, impressions and the like when actually going to the shop (facility) are stored, and an original map can be created. (Chat display screen shown in FIG. 31) "Friend's house" and "chat" are displayed on the screen shown in FIG.

That is, a friend's / acquaintance's house is displayed on the map, and if the friend / acquaintance is a member, it can be displayed whether or not the user is connected to the Internet. That is, by registering a friend's / acquaintance's house, if the friend / acquaintance is a member, if the friend / acquaintance is connected to the Internet, the conversation can be performed by chat. If you are not connected to the Internet, your mail software will be launched,
You can send mail. (Display screen of humanoid icon shown in FIG. 32) On the screen shown in FIG. 32, "humanoid icon" and "chat" are displayed.

That is, a human icon is displayed on the map. Specifically, when the user (user 30) is searching on the map, the user (user
30) is displayed as a humanoid icon, and you can chat by clicking the icon. It will be a new meeting place. (Display screen of virtual race shown in FIG. 33) The screen shown in FIG. 33 displays a virtual race on a 3D map.

That is, the driving method includes a real cruising mode and a race mode. In the race mode, only a start and a goal are set. In the real cruising mode, other vehicles and passersby appear in a pseudo manner.

[0089]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. (Claim 1) According to the invention described in claim 1, the following effects are obtained.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide information closely related to the user's life zone. (Claim 2) According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the following effect is exerted.

That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display the location of the facility within the living area of the user on the map image. (Claim 3) According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the following effect is exerted.

That is, according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to transmit to a user using a cable television line. (Claim 4) According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the following effect is obtained.

That is, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by transmitting the user position coordinates to the user, a map image can be created by the computer on the user side. (Claim 5) According to the invention set forth in claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 4, the following effect is obtained.

That is, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display the location of the facility within the living area of the user in accordance with the map image. (Claim 6) According to the invention of claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention of any one of claims 2 to 5, the following effect is exerted.

That is, according to the present invention, route information from the location of the user to the location of the facility can be transmitted to the user. (Claim 7) According to the invention described in claim 7, in addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 6, the following effect is exerted.

That is, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to search for facilities in the living area of the user. (Claim 8) According to the invention described in claim 8, in addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 7, the following effect is exerted.

That is, according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to process a request for an order or a reservation from a user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an outline of a network system.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing details of an information providing unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating registration of regional information.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the user information database shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the assignment data shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the information registration screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the registration confirmation screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the display of the location of the user.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the access screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the displayed homepage screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating display of the location of a facility.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the displayed homepage screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a facility search.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the search screen shown in FIG.

15 is an enlarged view of the search result display screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram for explaining display of a route.

17 is an enlarged view of the information selection screen shown in FIG.

18 is an enlarged view of the detailed information screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram for explaining reservation or order.

20 is an enlarged view of the order data shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the user information to be given shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the reservation screen shown in FIG.

23 is an enlarged view of the order data transmission screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention,
The figure shows a display screen of a 3D map.

FIG. 25 is a display screen of a search result.

FIG. 26 is a display screen of an advertisement.

FIG. 27 is a display screen of a hotel WebTV.

FIG. 28 is a route display screen.

FIG. 29 is a display screen of a mail order.

FIG. 30 is a display screen of an original MAP.

FIG. 31 is a chat display screen.

FIG. 32 is a display screen of a humanoid icon.

FIG. 33 is a display screen of a virtual race.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Network system 20 Center 30 User 31 Cable modem 32 Computer 40 Server 50 Cable TV line 60 Internet 61, 62 ... Web site 70 Telephone line 100 User information database 200 Regional information database 300 Information providing means 310 User information Registration means 320 Regional information registration means 330 User information acquisition means 340 Regional information acquisition means 350 Map information creation means 351 Route information creation means 360 Map information transmission means 370 Regional information search means 380 Request reception means 390 Request data transmission means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04L 11/20 B

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A server at a center capable of providing an Internet environment, a cable modem of a user connected to the server via a cable television line, and a computer of a user connected to the cable modem. A server that stores machine identification information for specifying the cable modem of the user and user information including user position coordinates for specifying the location of the user; and An area information database storing area information including facility position coordinates for specifying the location of the facility; the user information stored in the user information database; and the area information stored in the area information database Is provided to the computer or the facility of the user via the cable television line. Information providing means for receiving the machine identification information from the user on condition that the user information database is searched, and the use having the machine identification information is performed. User information obtaining means for obtaining user position coordinates, based on the user position coordinates obtained by the user information obtaining means, searching the local information database,
Area information obtaining means for obtaining the area information having the facility position coordinates having position coordinates separated by a predetermined range around the user position coordinates, and the use obtained by the user information obtaining means Map information creating means for creating map information for displaying a map image showing the location of the user on the display of the computer of the user based on the user position coordinates; Means for transmitting the map information created by the means and the area information acquired by the area information acquiring means to the cable modem of the user having the machine identification information via the cable television line. And a network system using a cable television line. 2. The map information creating means, based on the facility position coordinates acquired by the area information acquiring means, displays a map image displaying the location of the facility on the display of the computer of the user. 2. The network system according to claim 1, wherein map information to be displayed is created. 3. The network system using a cable television line according to claim 1, wherein the map information is the map image. 4. The map information is the position coordinates of the user. The computer of the user, based on the position coordinates of the user transmitted to the map information transmitting means, 3. The network system using a cable television line according to claim 1, further comprising a map image creating means for creating a map image indicating a location. 5. The map information is the facility location coordinates, and the map image creation means of the computer of the user is configured to perform the map information creation based on the facility location coordinates transmitted to the map information transmission means. The network system using a cable television line according to claim 4, wherein a map image showing the location of the facility is created. 6. The map information creating means, wherein, when the location of the facility displayed on the map image is selected by the user, the facility location coordinates corresponding to the location of the facility. And route information creating means for creating the map information including route information from the location of the user to the location of the facility based on the user location coordinates of the user. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
Network system using the cable TV line described in the section. 7. The information providing means searches the user information database on condition that a search key is specified by the user, and matches the search key,
And centering on the user position coordinates obtained by the user information obtaining unit, a region information search unit for obtaining the region information having the facility position coordinates having position coordinates separated by a predetermined range, The map information transmitting means transmits the local information searched by the local information searching means to the cable modem of the user having the machine identification information via the cable television line. A network system using a cable television line according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 8. The information providing unit includes: a request receiving unit that receives a request from the user; and a search unit that searches the local information database based on request data received by the request receiving unit. Acquiring the area information of the facility, searching for the request data received by the request receiving means and the user information database using the area information, and obtaining the machine identification information of the user. Request data transmitting means for transmitting the user information acquired to said facility to said facility.
Network system using the cable TV line described in the section.