Information delivering method, information delivering device, information delivery program, and computer-readable recording medium containing the information delivery program recorded thereon

[0001] The present invention relates to an information delivering method and information delivering device for delivering information such as advertising and music to an information terminal such as mobile phone.

[0002] The followings are examples of prior art that relates to an advertising method using a telephone.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-24786 (published on Jan. 26, 2001) discloses call-holding device for telephone set and advertising method using the device which uses a message having an advertisement previously recorded therein in a call-holding device for telephone set, as holding tones during a hold period or call redirection.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-352403 (published on Dec. 21, 2001) discloses advertisement method and advertisement system utilizing mobile telephone, in which incoming voice data as well as an incoming call signal are received at the reception, ring tones are used for advertising as advertisement ring tones, and the discounting is provided according to the use of the advertisement ring tones.

[0005] Thus, the conventional advertising method using a telephone binds telephone users for a predetermined period of time so as to make them listen to advertisements.

[0006] As prior art that relates to a method for offering information to receivers of the information offered (telephone users, etc) without binding them, the followings are prior art using a subliminal effect, for example.

[0007] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 112829/1998 (Tokukaihei 10-112829; published on Apr. 28, 1998) discloses image broadcast system and television receiver, in which a subliminal image is used to stop exclusion deed to an advertising image, value added information is offered, and an audience rating state is grasped.

[0008] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 184112/1995 (Tokukaihei 7-184112; published on Jul. 21, 1995) discloses television receiver, in which in order to eliminate mental fatigue of a viewer, a picture is inserted to be displayed on the receiver or music is aired for a moment of time.

[0009] In addition, the followings are examples of prior art that relates to a method for offering information to information terminals such as mobile phone.

[0010] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-325522 (published on Nov. 22, 2001) discloses internet live text radio advertisement, in which character information is displayed on a display screen (status bar) of information terminal, and audio information such as music is also offered.

[0011] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-211270 (published on Aug. 3, 2001) (counterpart publication: U.S. patent application Publication Ser. No. 2002/0000984A1) discloses electrical device, advertisement means to electric deice, fee charging system and fee charging method, in which a user can receive discount at purchase of the electrical device and discount of the user charge by displaying advertisements on a display panel of mobile phone, etc.

[0012] As described above, the conventional advertising method using a telephone replaced ring tones and holding tones other than speech voice with advertisements. Further, a method for stopping music and sound output from radio upon a reception of a call exists more than before.

[0013] However, the conventional advertising method just replaces ring tones and holding tones with advertisements, which makes it difficult to air long-time advertisements and a plurality of advertisements.

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide an information delivering method and information delivering device which can deliver information such as advertisement to a mobile phone, or the like while a telephone call is in progress. Another object of the present invention is to provide an information delivery program which realizes the above information delivering device, and a computer-readable recording medium having the information delivery program stored thereon.

[0015] In order to achieve the above object, an information delivering method of the present invention includes the steps of (a) relaying conversation data for a conversation of a first information terminal with a second information terminal, between the first and second information terminals; and (b) adding audio data to the conversation data which is sent at least in one direction so that the audio data and the conversation data can be reproduced simultaneously, while relaying the conversation data by the step (a).

[0016] Further, an information delivering device of the present invention includes a conversation relaying section for relaying conversation data for a conversation of a first information terminal with a second information terminal, between the first and second information terminals; and an audio adding section for adding audio data to the conversation data so that the audio data and the conversation data can be reproduced simultaneously, while the conversation relaying section sends the conversation data from the second information terminal to the first information terminal (or while the conversation relaying section sends the conversation data from the first information terminal to the second information terminal).

[0017] According to the above method and arrangement, when conversation data of a telephone conversation between a user of mobile phone, or the like (a first information terminal) and other party (a second information terminal) are relayed by a switching equipment, or the like in a mobile phone service provider, the conversation data sent in any one or both directions of the user and the other party is transmitted with separately prepared audio data which is added to the conversation data so that they can be reproduced simultaneously.

[0018] Therefore, it is possible to air additional information by sound, such as advertisement and music, like background music during a telephone conversation between mobile phones, and others. This allows additional information to be reproduced for an overwhelmingly long time as compared to the time period of receiving a call and holding a call, which makes it possible to air a long-time advertisement or a plurality of advertisements for a certain period of time (during one telephone conversation). In addition, information terminals used by the user and other party may only include the same function as that of a conventional information terminal and do not require special functions.

[0019] In this respect, it was conventionally common that the user does not favor sound other than voices aired during a telephone conversation. Therefore, audio information such as advertisement was not aired like background music during a telephone conversation between mobile phones. However, even during a telephone conversation, the user usually enjoys listening to music, live broadcast of night games, news, and others from a radio and compact disc player by his side. That is, an information delivery during a telephone conversation was a blind spot in the conventional advertising method, but it has plenty of potential by adding a twist.

[0020] Further, according to the present invention, not only a user of mobile phone, or the like but also other party can listen to information such as advertisement and music. In this respect, conventionally, only a user who receives an information delivery can listen to the information. However, the user sometimes wanted to listen to music, live broadcast of night games, news, and others with other party during a telephone conversation.

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to deliver audio information, such as advertisement and music, to information terminals such as mobile phones in a flexible manner, which enables an information delivery service richer than ever before.

[0022] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram schematically showing an information delivery system using an information delivering device shown in FIG. 3.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing an information delivery service according to the information delivery system shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an information delivering device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an information terminal shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a functional block schematically showing a configuration of a delivered information supplier system shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing sound volume adjustment and frequency adjustment of audio data by the information delivery device shown in FIG. 3.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing steps for setting information for a user in the information delivery service of the information delivery system shown in FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing one example of a display screen presented on an information terminal in the setting for the user as shown in FIG. 7.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing steps for setting information for other party in the information delivery service of the information delivery system shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a data flow in the delivered information supplier-system shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing other example of information delivery system using the information delivering device shown in FIG. 3.

[0034] The following will explain one embodiment of the present invention with reference to drawings.

[0035] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing an information delivery service for information such as advertisement and music by an information delivering method according to the present embodiment.

[0036] The above information delivery service is a service that offers information such as advertisement and music by audible sound like background music or by inaudible sound for mobile phones (user U (a user of the mobile phone, etc.) and other party P) signing up in advance for the service, during their telephone conversation. This information such as advertisement and music is solicited from delivered information suppliers including an advertiser A such as advertising broker, shop, and manufacturer; a television/radio station B; and music distributing company C.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, in case of the delivery of advertisements by a mobile phone service provider T, the mobile phone service provider T makes a contract in advance with the advertiser A about a content of advertisement, a setting of charge for the advertisement (advertising rate), and a manner of payment for the charge (p1). After the contract, the advertiser A transmits over the Internet to the mobile phone service provider T, audio data, etc. to be delivered including an advertisement and questionnaire, and pays for the advertisement to the mobile phone service provider T (p2).

[0038] The mobile phone service provider T, which receives the audio data, etc. of advertisement, stores this data in a database (additional information storage section 41 in FIG. 3), collects the user U who wants to get an advertisement delivery, and sets delivery conditions, etc. for the user (p3). Here, in the case where the information delivery service is a fee-based service, the user U pays for the service (p3).

[0039] After the setting for the user, the mobile phone service provider T crosses audio data of the advertisement with the telephone conversation between the user U and unspecified number of other parties P (p4: conversation relaying step and audio adding step). At this moment, the other party P receives the same advertisement as that set for the user U during a telephone conversation with the user U (p6: conversation relaying step and audio adding step). Incidentally, the other party P may refuse to receive the advertisement during the telephone conversation or preset so that advertisement can be refused to receive. Moreover, in the case where the other party P is also a user who signs on for the information delivery service like the user U, the mobile phone service provider T switches delivery conditions to delivery conditions set for the other party T so that the delivery to the other party P can be performed according to the conditions for the other party P.

[0040] The mobile phone service provider T causes a mobile phone to display link data for guiding to a Web site of the advertiser A and questionnaire data, on a display screen for setting information deliver service and on a display screen during a telephone conversation. The mobile phone service provider T offers a discount (including a cashback) on a charge for a call by a mobile phone for the user U and other party P in accordance with a content of the conditions set on the information delivery service, a conversation time in which delivered information has been received, a sound volume of the audio data, access to the Web site of the advertiser A, answers to the questionnaire, and others (p5, p7). Of course, the advertiser A can offer the user U and other party P a discount service on the purchase of products featured in the advertisement.

[0041] Further, in case of the delivery of fee-based information other than advertisements by the mobile phone service provider T, for example, the mobile phone service provider T makes a contract in advance with the television/radio station B and music distributing company C about a content of information to be delivered and a setting of charge for the information, and a manner of payment for the charge (p1). After the contract, the music distributing company C transmits music data, etc. to the mobile phone service provider T over the Internet (p2). The mobile phone service provider T registers received music data in a database (additional information storage section 41 in FIG. 3). Note that, this step is performed every time new piece of music is published.

[0042] The television/radio station B, after the contract with the mobile phone service provider T, has constant access to the Internet so as to enable information such as news, etc. to be delivered at any time via the mobile phone service provider T (p2). This allows the television/radio station B to deliver various kinds of information such as news and live broadcast of current night games.

[0043] For the user U, the payment of the charge (use fee) for the service can be processed in such a manner that the use fee is added to the charge for a call by the mobile phone (p3).

[0044] Even in the case of the delivery of information other than advertisements, the other party P receives the same delivered information (audio data) as that set for the user U during a telephone conversation with the user U. In such a case, there is no fee (use fee) for other party P's receipt of various kinds of information such as music. However, unlike the delivery of advertisements, the other party P cannot take a service such as cashback, by listening to the information with the user U.

[0045] Moreover, the mobile phone service provider T reports past records of the delivery by the information delivery service and the results of questionnaires. Further, the mobile phone service provider T orders and pays for products featured in the advertisement and music data to stand in for the delivered information suppliers (p8). Finally, the products are transmitted/sent to the user U in a conventional manner from the delivered information suppliers such as the advertiser A, the television/radio station B, and the music distributing company C (p9). Procedures such as discounting, cashback, payment of the charge for the products are made to the user U and the other party P through a financial institution which is designated at the time of sign-up to the mobile phone service provider T.

[0046] The foregoing information delivery service has the following advantages. The user U can get a discount on the charge for a call by the mobile phone and a discount (cashback) on the product purchase. Further, the other party P can take a service such as cashback from the mobile phone service provider T.

[0047] Further, the delivered information suppliers can obtain, in real time, the report on the past record of the delivery of information such as advertisements. The foregoing information delivery system is bi-directional information delivery system and information gathering system through the Internet, which can take inquiries, answers to the questionnaire, and orders from the user U. Various kinds of information that has passed in real time to systems of the delivered information suppliers such as the advertiser A is registered in the database after a process such as classification. Therefore, the delivered information suppliers can judge clearly the effectiveness brought by the advertisement, and others, so that a user fee (such as advertising rate) for the information delivery service can be paid according to the effectiveness.

[0048] On the other hand, the mobile phone service provider T can supply the material for the judgment of the effectiveness brought by the advertisement, and others and set the use fee (advertising rate) for the information delivery service according to the effectiveness. In addition to the use fee for the information delivery service, the mobile phone service provider T can obtain a profit margin, etc. by offering various additional services such as providing link information to the mobile phone and questionnairing.

[0049] Note that, the foregoing information delivery service is available whichever of the user U or the other party P initiates a call. Specifically, the user U can use the information delivery service in the case when the user U initiates a call to the other party P as well as when the user U receives a call from the other party P. The other party P can also use the information delivery service in a similar manner.

[0050] Further, audio data which an information delivering device 10 receives from the delivered information suppliers may be data containing a sound itself, such as WAV file, or data which can be converted into data containing a sound itself by an information delivering device 10 or an information terminal 80, so as to be outputted from the information terminal 80. For example, it may be data which specifies a WAV file stored in advance in the information delivering device 10.

[0051] The following description will assume that a communication network N is the Internet in the present embodiment; however, the present invention is not limited to this. Further, a way of providing the delivered information from the delivered information suppliers is not limited to the transmission via the communication network N.

[0052] Further, the following description will assume that calling means between the user U and the other party P is a mobile phone in the present embodiment; however, the present invention is not limited to this. Examples of the calling means include other mobile phone such as automobile telephone, or Internet telephone. That is, an entity that communicates by relay is not also limited to the mobile phone service provider T.

[0053] Next, referring to FIG. 1, and FIGS. 3 through 11, the following will explain an information delivery system which realizes the foregoing information delivery service.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the foregoing information delivery system includes information terminals 80 which are used by the user U and the other party P (the information terminal 80 used by the user U is a first information terminal, and the information terminal 80 used by the other party P is a second information terminal), an information delivering device 10 of the mobile phone service provider T, and delivered information supplier systems 90 held by the delivered information suppliers such as the advertiser A, the television/radio station B, and the music distributing company C.

[0055] First, as shown in FIG. 3, the information terminals 80 which are used by the user U and the other party P are mobile phones, or the like, which has a well-known structure. Specifically, the information terminal 80 includes at least a speaker 81, a microphone 82, a display 83, an operation input section 84, a control section 85, and a transmitting/receiving section 89. The information terminal 80 is subjected to general control by the control section 85.

[0056] This allows the user U and the other party P to converse with each other by inputting/outputting their voices with the speaker 81 and the microphone 82. At this moment, the audio data of the conversation transmitted from the transmitting/receiving section 89 is relayed by a conversation relaying section 11 in the information delivering device 10, which is provided to the mobile phone service provider T.

[0057] Further, the user U and the other party P can input information other than voices, such as telephone numbers and other information, using the operation input section 84 such as key and dial buttons, and the display 83 such as LCD (liquid crystal display). The information terminal 80 is further provided with a browser 86, so that the user U and the other party P can access Web sites of the advertiser A, the television/radio station B, the music distributing company C, etc. to browse their homepages, using the operation input section 84 and the display 83.

[0058] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the information delivering device 10, which is provided to the mobile phone service provider T, includes a conversation relaying section 11, additional information delivering section 12, an information delivery service managing section 13, a data base section 14, and a network connecting section 15.

[0059] The conversation relaying section (conversation relaying means) 11, which is a switching equipment, or the like, relays conversation data for a voice conversation between two information terminals 80. Namely, the conversation relaying section transmits conversation data that has been received from the information terminal 80 used by the user U to the information terminal 80 used by the other party P.

[0060] The additional information delivering section 12 includes an information adding section 21, a delivery control section 22, and a user management section 26.

[0061] The information adding section (audio adding means) 21, while the conversation relaying section 11 relays the conversation data, adds audio data to the conversation data sent at least in one direction through the synthesis by lapping the audio data over the conversation data so that they can be reproduced simultaneously. In the present embodiment, the information adding section 21 adds audio data to conversation data so that both the user U and the other party P, or only the user U can hear information such as advertisement and music.

[0062] More specifically, the information adding section 21, under the control by the delivery control section 22, adds (synthesizes) audio data such as advertisement and music, which are obtained from the additional information storage section 41, to conversation data relayed by the conversation relaying section 11 by superposing the audio data upon the conversation data so that advertisement, music, etc. can be heard in the background of the conversation when the information terminal 80 receives the audio data. At this moment, the sound volume and frequency of the added audio data are controlled by a synthesis conditions control section 23.

[0063] The delivery control section 22 controls the operation of adding information to a conversation in accordance with setting data that has been preset and stored in the user information storage section 46. Here, examples of the setting data include a sound volume, frequency, content of audio data, and addition conditions such as an addition order of multiple audio data (if they exist), which are preset for each information terminal 80 (or the user U and the other party P) and stored in the user information storage section 46.

[0064] Especially, the delivery control section 22 includes the synthesis conditions control section 23 and a conversation sound volume measuring section 29. The synthesis conditions control section (volume control means, frequency control means) 23, in accordance with a conversation sound volume measured by the conversation volume measuring section 29, controls a sound volume and/or frequency of the audio data added to the conversation data in the information adding section 21, as described below.

[0065] The user management section 26 includes a setting registering section 27 and a display information providing section 28. The setting registering section 27 registers in the user information storage section 46 setting information (FIG. 7) of the user U who uses the information delivery service and setting information (FIG. 9) of the other party P. When the setting registering section 27 displays a setting screen on the display 83, a display information providing section 28 provides link data that are accessible to Web sites of the delivered information suppliers such as the advertiser A, the television/radio station B, and the music distributing company C and questionnaires from the delivered information suppliers. Note that, the display information providing section 28 may obtain display information, such as characters and images associated with additional information transmitted during a telephone conversation, from the display information storage section 42 in which the display information is stored in advance, and then, the display information providing section 28 may transmit the display information thus obtained to the information terminal 80 so that it is displayed on the display 83 of the information terminal 80.

[0066] The information delivery service managing section 13 includes an additional information managing section 31, a display information managing section 32, and a service status reporting section 36. Note that, data exchange between the information delivery service managing section 13 and the delivered information supplier system 90 is carried out via the communication network N.

[0067] The additional information managing section (audio data obtaining means) 31 stores and manages in the additional information storage section 41, audio data, such as audio advertisement data and music data, which are provided by the delivered information suppliers such as the advertiser A, the television/radio station B, and the music distributing company C, so as to be added to the conversation data between the information terminals 80. Especially, in the case where the audio data that the information adding section 21 adds to the conversation data are obtained from the delivered information supplier system 90 such as the television/radio station B every time the information adding section 21 adds the audio data to the conversation data, the additional information managing section 31 obtains the audio data via the network connecting section 15.

[0068] The display information managing section 32 stores and manages in the display information storage section 42, display data, such as text and image of link data, questionnaire data, etc., which are provided by the delivered information suppliers so as to be displayed appropriately on the display 83 of the information terminal 80.

[0069] The service status reporting section 36 reports on a delivery service use of the audio data, which are provided by the delivered information suppliers such as the advertiser A, the television/radio station B, and the music distributing company C, to the delivered information supplier system 90 held by the above delivered information suppliers. At this moment, a converting section 37 converts information such as a used hours of the delivery service and a sound volume into a value such as an amount of money or point, so as to report it as a material for the service offered to the user U. Note that, converted data such as an amount of money may be used in the delivery control section 22, as material data to control the delivery operation.

[0070] The database section 14, which is an information storage device such as hard disk, includes the additional information storage section 41, the display information storage section 42, and the user information storage section 46.

[0071] The additional information storage section (audio data storage means) 41 stores therein audio data such as audio advertisement data and music data, which are provided by the delivered information suppliers such as the advertiser A, the television/radio station B, and the music distributing company C, so as to be added to the telephone conversation between the information terminals 80. Note that, in the case where the user U desires to receive audio data, such as message and music, which are prepared by the user U, the additional information storage section 41 stores such audio data therein.

[0072] The display information storage section 42 stores therein display data such as text and image of link data and questionnaire data that are provided by the delivered information suppliers.

[0073] The user information storage section 46 stores therein setting data associated with users, such as conditions for the information addition, which are necessary when the information delivery service is performed, and use status data such as use history of the information delivery service. The user information storage section 46 manages data for each user.

[0074] The network connecting section 15 is an interface device which is connected to the communication network N such as Internet. This allows the information delivering device 10 to carry out data exchange with the delivered information supplier systems 90, etc., which are connected to the communication network N. Further, the information terminal 80 is connected to the communication network N through the conversation relaying section 11 and the network connecting section 15 in the information delivering device 10, which makes it possible to carry out data exchange with the delivered information supplier systems 90, etc.

[0075] Here, the information delivering device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which executes instructions from a program (information deliver program) for realizing the functions of the additional information delivering section 12, the information delivery service managing section 13, and the data base section 14; ROM (read only memory) which has a boot logic stored therein; RAM for using to run the above program; a storage device (recording medium), such as hard disk, for storing the above program and various kinds of data; an input device such as keyboard and mouse; an output device such as monitor and speaker; a communication device for communicating with other devices; and others. The information delivery program is computer-readably recorded in a recording medium including a media such as floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic disk, and CD-ROM/optical disk/magneto-optical disk/MD; and ROM/RAM memory.

[0076] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the delivered information supplier system 90, which is provided to the delivered information suppliers including the advertiser A, the television/radio station B, and the music distributing company C, includes at least a delivery information supplying section 91, a database 92, a site server section 93, and a network connecting section 95.

[0077] The delivered information supplying section 91 obtains audio data, which is added to the conversation data in the information delivering device 10, and display data, which is transmitted so as to be presented on the information terminal 80, and transmits them via the communication network N from the network connecting section 95 to the information delivering device 10.

[0078] The database section 92 stores therein audio data such as advertisement, sound, and broadcast, which is added to the conversation data in the information delivering device 10, and display data such as link information to the site server section 93 and questionnaire, which is transmitted so as to be presented on the information terminal 80.

[0079] The site server section 93 has files constituting a home page stored therein. The home page can provide the user U who is guided to the home page by the audio data, which is added to the conversation data by the information delivering device 10, and link data, which is presented on the information terminal 80, detailed description and order processing for the products featured in the advertisement, order processing for music data of all songs trial-listened by the user U, program guide, etc.

[0080] The network connecting section 95 is an interface device which is connected to the communication network N such as Internet. This allows the delivered information supplier system 90 to carry out data exchange with the information delivering device 10, which is connected to the communication network N. Further, the delivered information supplier system 90 can carry out data exchange with the information terminal 80, connecting to the communication network N through the information delivering device 10.

[0081] In addition, the delivered information supplier system 90 may be provided with related systems such as a marketing system using questionnaire results received from the information delivering device 10, an order-receiving system for processing orders received from the information delivering device 10, and a user support system using the information delivery by the information delivering device 10.

[0082] Next, the following will explain processes performed in the information delivering device 10. When the conversation relaying section 11 relays conversation data between the information terminals 80 used by the user U and the other party P, the information adding section 21 synthesizes the conversation data with audio data which is read out from the additional information storage section 41, in accordance with setting data for the user U, and transmits the synthesized data to the user U. At this time, the information adding section 21 also synthesizes audio data for the other party P in accordance with the setting data for the user U. Incidentally, in the case when the other party P refuses a delivery of audio data during a conversation and when the other party P preset so as to refuse a delivery of audio data, the information adding section 21 does not synthesize audio data with conversation data to the other party P. Further, in the case where setting data for the other party P is registered in the user information storage section 46, the delivery control section 22 carries out information delivery to the other party P in accordance with the setting data for the other party P. Note that, in the case where the information terminal 80 is a mobile phone, the user (user U) of the information terminal 80 can be identified from a telephone number of a calling party.

[0083] Next, the following will explain the synthesis conditions control section 23's control of synthesis conditions when audio data is added to a conversation in the information adding section 21.

[0084] First, in the case where the user U hates to hear added audio data, which is an advertisement, etc., the synthesis conditions control section 23 synthesize the audio data with the conversation in the order of 20 Hz, which is said a frequency of an inaudible sound for human, and then delivers the synthesized data. This prevents the user U from hearing the audio data; however, subliminal effect is expected. A delivery content by inaudible sound may be the same as that by an audible sound, or may be a content like a message which is prepared exclusively for the delivery by inaudible sound. Note that, at the step S44 (FIG. 7), i.e. at the time of checking a delivery content, audio data having a delivery content by inaudible sound can be converted into audio data by audible sound so as to be subjected to a trial listening.

[0085] Next, referring to FIG. 6, the following will explain automatic volume setting performed by the synthesis conditions control section 23.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 6, the conversation sound volume measuring section 29 measures a sound volume of a conversation data relayed by the conversation relaying section 11, for example, an average conversation sound volume which is an average value of a conversation sound volume for a predetermined period of time (e.g. five seconds). Then, the synthesis conditions control section 23 automatically makes this average conversation sound volume followed by a sound volume of audio data. That is, the synthesis conditions control section 23 changes a sound volume level of added audio data every time the average conversation sound volume for a predetermined period of time varies.

[0087] Further, the synthesis conditions control section 23 can automatically change a frequency of the added audio data from an audible sound to an inaudible sound (for example, 20 Hz or less). Such a change is effective for an advertisement delivery, for example. Note that, what steps a sound volume is decreased in from the average conversation sound volume can be preset by the user U.

[0088] Referring to a flowchart in FIG. 7 and an example of display screen in FIG. 8, the following will explain a setting registration by the user U.

[0089] First, the user U causes the information terminal 80 to display a menu screen (S41). Next, the user U selects a setting for information delivery service, which is preset as an item on the menu screen (S42).

[0090] On a setting screen for the information delivery service, the user U selects a type of delivery from advertisement delivery, music delivery, and information delivery in selection a (S43). At this moment, the user U can do list browsing, trial listening, etc. in order to check details of the deliveries (S44). Note that, a fee (use fee) may be set by listening hours, or by each song or each program.

[0091] For example, as shown in the display screen of FIG. 8, a list is displayed so that details of selection a can be browsed. Also, it is possible to select a plurality of items. Further, when trial listening is selected, the user U can take a short time trial listening of only a part of audio data to be aired during a conversation. At this moment, a simple setting of sound volume (a level of audible sound) is possible. Note that, even in case of audio data by inaudible sound, this trial listening can be done by audible sound.

[0092] Further, a link is set so that the user U can enter into a Web site of manufacturer (advertiser A) when manufacture's name is clicked. This function can guide the user U to the site server section 93 of the advertiser A, etc. so that detailed description and processing of questionnaire, ordering, inquiry, etc. can be made for the user U, using a bi-directional communication such as Internet (S45).

[0093] Next, the user U selects delivery items in selection b (S46). More specifically, the user U causes a setting lump, which is at the top of each item, to be lit up by clicking on the setting screen (in FIG. 8).

[0094] Subsequently, if a plurality of delivery items are selected at the step S46, it is selected whether delivered information is aired at random or in order in selection c (S47). Thereafter, whether continuous delivery or intermittent delivery is selected in selection d, and when the intermittent delivery is selected, an intermittent time is set (S48). Note that, in case of a delivery of information such as news program and live program of night games, steps S47 and S48 are skipped.

[0095] Finally, a sound volume, etc. is set (S49). Specifically, it is possible to set a sound volume level (e.g. five levels) of audible sound, inaudible sound, or use of automatic sound volume adjustment in selection e. Note that, in case of the delivery of information other than advertisement, it may be arranged so that the selection of inaudible sound is impossible.

[0096] Further, it is selected whether listening only by the user U or listening by both the user U and the other party P in selection f (S50). Upon a completion of all selections, the user U transmits a setting content to the information delivering device 10 of the mobile phone service provider T, thereby completing a setting registration.

[0097] Next, referring to a flowchart in FIG. 9, the following will explain a setting registration by the other party P.

[0098] The other party P causes a menu screen to be displayed on the information terminal 80 (S61). Subsequently, the other party P selects a setting screen for information delivery service, which is preset as an item on the menu screen (S62). On the setting screen (not shown), it is possible to set a refusal of delivery of information such as advertisement and music and a sound volume adjustment in selection g.

[0099] Note that, selection c to selection f and selection g can be set even during a conversation. In the above information delivery system, for a simple change of such a sound volume and setting content, a display on the information terminal 80 is arranged so that a setting for sound volume, etc. can be completed only with one frame, or functions for setting are assigned beforehand to dial buttons of the information terminal 80. Further, a sound volume information, etc., which is set during a conversation, is transmitted along with conversation data to the information delivering device 10 of the mobile phone service provider T and is processed in the setting registering section 27 to become a criteria of conversion such as charge discount.

[0100] Next, referring to FIG. 10, the following will explain dataflow among the devices of the information delivery system in FIG. 1.

[0101] In the mobile phone service provider T, the user management section 26 collects data such as various setting contents (initial setting, setting of other party) and actual use status (use status, information transmission/receipt and site access history) via a mobile phone line from the information terminal 80 at the time of transmission upon registration, transmission during a conversation, or every time information as needed is transmitted/received. The user management section 26 classifies the collected information into the respective categories for the user U and the other party P, which are stored in the user information storage section 46. Further, such data are converted into an amount of money by the converting section 37. The amount of money obtained, which is associated with the foregoing data, is stored in the user information storage section 46.

[0102] Further, data such as aggregate use status and charge, which are stored in the user information storage section 46, are daily transmitted via the Internet to the delivered information supplier systems 90 such as the advertiser A, television/radio station B, and music distributing company C and finally registered in each of the database sections 92 (FIG. 5).

[0103] The access from the information terminal 80 to the sites (server section 93) of the advertiser A, television/radio station B, music distributing company C, etc. is made immediately through the Internet by the conversation relaying section 11 and the network connecting section 15 of the information delivering device 10. Note that, data for easy confirmation of contents in the communication, such as ordering, even by such an access to the sites may be stored in the database section 14.

[0104] Data such as the use status which is collected by the user management section 26, and the amount of money (point) which is converted by the converting section 37 in accordance with the foregoing data are aggregated again at fixed intervals, for example, on a monthly basis. In accordance with the result of aggregation, carried out are charge discount and cashback to the user U and other party P, and payment and charging to the advertiser A, television/radio station B, music distributing company C, etc.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 11, in the above information delivering system, the user U can air a message, information, etc. for himself during a conversation.

[0106] In such a case, the user U previously registers various messages and information by audio input, etc. from the information terminal 80 to the database section 14 of the mobile phone service provider T. Specifically, in this service, the setting registering section (audio data obtaining means) 27 of the user management section 26 stores and manages audio data provided by the user U in the additional information storage section 41 (FIG. 3). It is possible to set whether messages and information are listened only by the user U or by both the user U and the other party P, and in case of listening only by the user U, the messages and information can be set so as to be aired by inaudible sound.

[0107] This makes it possible for the user U to listen to messages that should be transmitted securely to the other party and music of his own composition with the other party over the phone. In addition, it is possible to listen to messages of encouragement, etc. (self-suggestion) for himself and healing music.

[0108] Further, the messages can be started to air by pushing buttons, etc. of the user U's mobile phone. The use fee for the service is calculated by the used hours of the service and charged in addition to a charge for a call by the user U's mobile phone.

[0109] As described above, the information delivering method of the present embodiment includes the steps of (a) relaying conversation data for a conversation of a first information terminal with a second information terminal, between the first and second information terminals; and (b) adding audio data to the conversation data which is sent at least in one direction so that the audio data and the conversation data can be reproduced simultaneously, while relaying the conversation data by the step (a).

[0110] Further, the information delivering device of the present embodiment includes conversation relaying means for relaying conversation data for a conversation of a first information terminal with a second information terminal, between the first and second information terminals; and audio adding means for adding audio data to the conversation data so that the audio data and the conversation data can be reproduced simultaneously, while the conversation relaying means sends the conversation data from the second information terminal to the first information terminal.

[0111] Still further, in the information delivering device of the present embodiment, the audio adding means adds audio data to the conversation data so that the audio data and the conversation data can be reproduced simultaneously, while the conversation relaying means sends the conversation data from the first information terminal to the second information terminal.

[0112] According to the above method and arrangement, when conversation data of a telephone conversation between a user of mobile phone, or the like (a first information terminal) and other party (a second information terminal) are relayed by a switching equipment, or the like in a mobile phone service provider, the conversation data sent in any one or both directions of the user and the other party is transmitted with separately prepared audio data which is added to the conversation data so that they can be reproduced simultaneously.

[0113] Therefore, it is possible to air additional information by sound, such as advertisement and music, like background music during a telephone conversation between mobile phones, and others. This allows additional information to be reproduced for an overwhelmingly long time as compared to the time period of receiving a call and holding a call, which makes it possible to air a long-time advertisement or a plurality of advertisements for a certain period of time (during one telephone conversation period). In addition, information terminals used by the user and other party may only include the same function as that of a conventional information terminal and do not require special functions.

[0114] In this respect, it was conventionally common that the user does not favor sound other than voices aired during a telephone conversation. Therefore, audio information such as advertisement was not aired like background music during a telephone conversation between mobile phones. However, even during a telephone conversation, the user usually enjoys listening to music, live broadcast of night games, news, and others from a radio and compact disc player by his side. That is, an information delivery during a telephone conversation was a blind spot in the conventional advertising method, but it has plenty of potential by adding a twist.

[0115] Further, according to the present embodiment, not only a user of mobile phone, or the like but also other party can listen to information such as advertisement and music. In this respect, conventionally, only a user who receives an information delivery can listen to the information. However, the user sometimes wanted to listen to music, live broadcast of night games, news, and others with other party during a telephone conversation.

[0116] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to deliver audio information, such as advertisement and music, to information terminals such as mobile phones in a flexible manner, which enables an information delivery service richer than ever before.

[0117] Further, in the information delivering device of the present embodiment, the audio adding means further comprise a sound volume control means for controlling a sound volume of the audio data added to the conversation data.

[0118] According to the above arrangement, it is further possible to turn down the sound volume of information such as advertisement and music to the sound volume at which the user does not feel uncomfortable. For example, a sound volume of audio data added to the conversation data may be automatically adjusted in accordance with an average conversation sound volume for a given length of time, which is measured by a conversation's sound volume measuring means for measuring a sound volume of the conversation data.

[0119] Further, the information delivering device of the present embodiment further comprises: conversation sound volume measuring means for measuring a sound volume of the conversation data; and frequency control means for converting a frequency of the audio data added to the conversation data by the audio adding means into a frequency in inaudible frequency band in a case when the sound volume of the conversation data, measured by the conversation sound volume measuring means, is at a predetermined level or less.

[0120] According to the above arrangement, in the case where a sound volume of conversation goes down to a certain level or less when information such as advertisement and music is aired by audible sound, a sound of audio data is switched to inaudible sound. This makes it possible to air information such as advertisement and music so that the user does not feel uncomfortable. Note that, reproduction by inaudible sound can expect a subliminal effect.

[0121] Further, in the information delivering device of the present embodiment, a frequency of the audio data added to the conversation data by the audio adding means is in inaudible frequency band.

[0122] According to the above arrangement, it is further possible to air information so that the user does not feel uncomfortable even if the user hates to hear audio data, which is information such as advertisement, crossed with a telephone conversation. Note that, reproduction by inaudible sound can expect a subliminal effect.

[0123] Still further, in the information delivering device of the present embodiment, a sound volume, frequency, content of the audio data added to the conversation data by the audio adding means, and conditions for audio addition, which are selected from a group including an addition order of plural audio data, are preset for each of the information terminals or for each of users of the information terminals.

[0124] According to the above arrangement, it is further possible to deliver information that meet user's preferences because the conditions for audio addition, which is conditions for information delivery, are preset for each of the information terminals or for each of users of the information terminals. For example, this allows the user to set a sound volume and frequency. Also, in the case where plural information are aired for a certain period of time (during one telephone conversation period), the user can determine the type, order, etc. of information before information is delivered to the user.

[0125] Further, the information delivering device of the present embodiment further comprises: audio data storage means for storing the audio data in advance, from which the audio adding means obtains the audio data added to the conversation data.

[0126] According to the above arrangement, it is further possible to perform an information delivery with a simple processing since information which is supplied in advance from delivered information suppliers such as advertiser, music distributing company, and television/radio station can be stored, and the information is read out and delivered every time a conversation is produced.

[0127] Further, the information delivering device of the present embodiment further comprises: audio data obtaining means for obtaining the audio data in advance and storing the audio data thus obtained in the audio data storage means, the audio data, transmitted with added to the conversation data, being supplied by a user of an information terminal to which the audio data is transmitted.

[0128] According to the above arrangement, it is possible for the user to listen to user's personal information (e.g. message for himself) by audible sound or inaudible sound and by himself or together with other party during a conversation with other party.

[0129] Further, the information delivering device of the present embodiment further comprises: audio data obtaining means for obtaining the audio data from an external source every time the audio adding means add the audio data to the conversation data.

[0130] According to the above arrangement, it is further possible to deliver the latest information since information can be delivered, which is obtained from delivered information suppliers such as advertiser, music distributing company, and television/radio station every time a conversation is produced.

[0131] Further, an information delivery program of the present embodiment is a computer program for causing a computer to operate as means of the above information delivering device.

[0132] According to the above arrangement, it is possible to realize the above information delivering device by realizing the means of the information delivering device by a computer. This makes it possible to provide a more flexible information delivery service using a mobile phone, or the like.

[0133] Further, a computer-readable recording medium of the present embodiment containing an information delivery program recorded thereon is a computer-readable recording medium of the present-embodiment-containing an information delivery program recorded thereon, for operating the information delivering device by causing a computer to realize means of the information delivering device.

[0134] According to the above arrangement, it is possible to realize the information delivering device on a computer by an information delivery program which is read out from the above recording medium.

[0135] Note that, the present embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the present. Still other variations are possible within the present invention, and the present invention can be arranged as follows.

[0136] An information delivering method of the present invention may be a method for airing various information such as advertisement and music by audible sound during a conversation by mobile phones. This makes it possible to provide information such as advertisement and music during a conversation by mobile phones. Therefore, a long advertising time can be secured, so that a plurality of advertisements can be aired. This can provide advertisement information rich in content over the mobile phone.

[0137] An information delivering method of the present invention may be a method for airing various information such as advertisement and music by inaudible sound during a conversation by mobile phones. This makes it possible to turn down the sound volume of various information such as advertisement and music to the sound volume at which the user does not feel uncomfortable.

[0138] A system for automatically adjusting an advertisement sound volume of the present invention may be arranged such that advertisement sound volume by audible sound may be automatically adjusted in accordance with an average conversation sound volume for a given length of time, or a sound of advertisement is switched to inaudible sound in the case where a sound volume of conversation goes down to a certain level or less. This makes it possible to turn down the sound volume of various information such as advertisement and music to the sound volume at which the user does not feel uncomfortable.

[0139] An information delivery system of the present invention may be arranged such that not only a user but also other party can listen information such as advertisement and music. This allows the user to listen to information, such as advertisement and music, together with the other party during a conversation, although such information could be conventionally listened to only by the user. Therefore, the other party also becomes a target for advertising.

[0140] An advertisement receiving method of the present invention may be a user-initiated advertisement receiving method in which the user can select types and items of information such as advertisement and music. This allows the user to determine the type, order, etc. of plural information such as advertisement and music before information is delivered to the user, so that the user can listen to plural information that meet user's preferences. In this respect, a conventional advertisement, which was unsolicited advertisement provided by an advertiser considering user's preferences, was just an intrusive advertisement for a user.

[0141] An advertisement receiving method of the present invention can set a simultaneous receipt of plural information such as advertisement and music, and may be further arranged so that an order of listening information can be set. This makes it possible to air plural advertisements for a certain period of time (during one telephone conversation period) during an overwhelmingly long time of conversation as compared to the time period of receiving a call and holding a call. Moreover, the user can determine the type, order, etc. of plural information such as advertisement and music before information is delivered to the user, so that the user can listen to plural information that meet user's preferences.

[0142] An information delivery service of the present invention may be a service in which a user can listen to a private message by audible sound or inaudible sound by himself through a mobile phone during a conversation with other party.

[0143] Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to set a service of discount on a charge for a call for a user who listens to information such as advertisement and music and/or answers questionnaire, and other services, by connecting via the Internet, etc. between the user and advertiser, etc. Specifically, the present invention can be further arranged as follows.

[0144] An information delivery system of the present invention may provide a user a discount upon the purchase of products featured in an advertisement, music CDs, etc., depending on a sound volume and length of time for listening information such as advertisement and music, and cashback, various services may be provided in the system. This produces advantages such as discount and cashback upon the purchase of products such as advertisement and music.

[0145] An information delivering method of the present invention may be a bidirectional information delivering method of providing not only information such as advertisement and music but also questionnairing and ordering. Therefore, it is possible to readily grasp reactions and effects brought by the advertisement since checking a status of listening by a user, inquiring, and ordering can be done readily, and questionnairing, etc. from an advertiser can be done readily.

[0146] An information delivery system of the present invention may be arranged so that information on effects such as use status of information such as advertisement and music and order status can be transmitted via the Internet to a source such as advertiser. Therefore, it is possible to readily grasp reactions and effects brought by the advertisement since checking a status of listening by a user, inquiring, and ordering can be done readily, and questionnairing, etc. from an advertiser can be done readily. In this respect, conventionally, it took time and trouble for an advertiser to know by what medium great reactions and effects by the advertisement was brought because there are few methods for knowing that.

[0147] An information delivery system of the present invention may determine an advertising rate and user fee in accordance with a status of listening, the number of orders, etc. This makes it possible to provide a system for determining an advertising rate in accordance with a status of listening and orders.

[0148] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.