JPH10163991A - Information distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information distribution system capable of distributing the respective kinds of information with high instantanity to a portable information terminal by a highly reliable transmission means at a high speed and at a low cost. SOLUTION: An information distribution center 1 inputs and digitizes the respective kinds of distribution information and data and sends them out by prescribed radio waves. An information distribution post 2 receives the radio waves sent out from the information distribution center 1, demodulates the radio waves, stores them as digital data and sends out prescribed distribution information to the information terminal 3 carried by a user based on the request of the user. The information terminal 3 receives and stores the prescribed distribution information outputted from the information distribution post 2 and appropriately reproduces them based on the demand of the user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention provides various types of news information, stock price information, advertisement information, music information such as music information of karaoke software and new music, and programming data information such as computer software in place of current media. The present invention relates to an information distribution system that is inexpensive, has high reliability, and can be distributed quickly.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various news information, stock price information, advertisement information, and the like have been published, issued, and broadcast through media such as newspapers, magazines, televisions, and radios. Of these media, with regard to text media such as newspapers and magazines, it is difficult to spread newspapers and magazines even on a crowded train or the like when commuting, and it is very difficult to read them. Also, the above-mentioned radios and televisions are also commercially available and are small and portable, and information can be obtained by voice or the like, so that they can be heard with earphones and the like, and information can be obtained even on a crowded train or the like. it can. However, in these broadcasts, it is only necessary to broadcast the information that the receiver wants,
Otherwise, it is difficult to obtain information, and it is not possible to sufficiently receive broadcasts in trains such as when commuting, especially in places where the reception condition of radio waves is poor such as subways. As described above, in the broadcast media via radio waves, since the broadcast is based on the program structure, there is a problem that the interactive nature is low so that the user can select and obtain information desired on the spot. In order to solve the problem, a method has been considered in which news information or the like is digitized and distributed so that a user can obtain only information selected by himself / herself.

[0003] As a method of distributing such digitized information to each user, wired communication using a telephone line has begun to be realized in computer communication represented by the Internet. In order to obtain each type of information, the user must call the center individually and pay the call fee.Because the data transmission speed on the telephone line is low, many It requires time, and therefore has a long waiting time and is complicated.
Recently, various types of information distribution services that have been digitized using wireless data communication have been considered.Each of these services is an individual service, and users can individually transmit data using radio waves. Because of the necessity of transmission, providing services to a large number of users occupies many radio channels and distributes data individually, so costs according to the occupation time of radio waves The user had to bear the cost. In addition to the information described above, information that does not require immediacy has been distributed through media such as magazines. However, due to the demand for computerization in recent years, such information has also been distributed through storage media such as compact disks (CDs). It is being distributed. However, the change cycle of such information also tends to be short, and even though immediacy is not required, a large number of media such as CDs are required despite the need for near-immediate response. At present, much time and costs are required to produce and distribute.

[0004]

As described above, in the information providing service in the current technology, it is possible to read even a paper-based publication such as a newspaper or a magazine or a broadcast such as a radio or television. There are problems such as physical limitations and lack of interactivity. To solve these problems, it is necessary to digitize (digitize) various information and distribute it to dedicated terminals. In the method of distributing the provided information to each user, in the current method, when the user accesses the center or the like using the telephone line as described above, the user bears the cost of the telephone line. In addition, since the data transmission speed over the telephone line is slow, it takes time to receive data, which is very complicated. Also, as mentioned above to solve this problem,
If a method of transmitting data directly to an information terminal using wireless data communication (such as a teleterminal system) is used, the user can access necessary information wirelessly and quickly move necessary information, Although it is possible to take out, as in the case of wired, the data transmission speed is slow, data transmission takes time, and during that time it occupies a wireless channel, so as described above, many users There is a problem in that services are required to use many radio bands, and in order to perform services in a wide range, it is necessary to install radio wave transmission facilities in a wide range. A huge cost is required to install the equipment, so the communication cost is extremely high compared to the wired communication. There was. One solution to these problems is to use the simultaneous broadcast of radio waves to unilaterally transmit each piece of digitized information to each user terminal and store this information in a storage medium. In this case, it is conceivable that the user can take out the information from the storage medium and use it when necessary. In this case, the wireless communication method is 1: n, Since the reception environment changes every moment from carrying around, and when errors occur in the received data, it is not possible to take measures such as resending data according to the situation on the receiving side,
There is a problem that the receiving terminal may be unable to receive radio waves or may receive erroneous data, making it difficult to achieve reliable information distribution.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and it is possible for a user himself / herself to obtain necessary information at any time even on a train during commuting. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information distribution system capable of distributing various types of information with high instantaneousness to a portable information terminal at high speed and at low cost, and with highly reliable transmission means.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, various kinds of distribution information composed of one or a combination of letters and numbers, music, voice, and images are provided. An information distribution center having digital processing means for digitizing, modulating means for digitally modulating a predetermined radio wave corresponding to the digital data, and transmitting means for transmitting the predetermined radio wave subjected to the digital modulation; A receiving unit for receiving the predetermined radio wave transmitted from the distribution center, a demodulation unit for demodulating the received predetermined radio wave, a distribution post storage unit for storing digital data demodulated by the demodulation unit, and a user. A plurality of fixed information distribution posts having output means for outputting digital data stored in the distribution post storage means to a portable information terminal; Input means for receiving digital data from the information distribution post, terminal storage means for storing digital data input by the input means, and reproduction means for reproducing distribution information from the digital data stored in the terminal storage means And an information terminal having:

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the plurality of information distribution posts each have an ID number, and the digital data transmitted from the information distribution center by the predetermined radio wave includes: An ID number of an information distribution post of a distribution destination is included, and only the information distribution post having the ID number can receive and store the digital data.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of information distribution posts are grouped, have a group number belonging to each group, and are distributed by radio waves from the information distribution center. The digital data includes a group number of the information distribution post of the distribution destination, and only the information distribution post having the group number can receive and store the digital data.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, when the information distribution post outputs digital data to the information terminal carried by a user, the information terminal registers the information terminal. A confirmation means for confirming whether or not the terminal is a confirmed information terminal is provided in the information distribution post. In the invention of claim 5, claims 1 to 4
In any of the inventions described above, when the information distribution post outputs digital data to the information terminal carried by a user, the information distribution post confirms whether it is in a state in which digital data can be output for a fee. A confirmation means is provided in the information distribution post.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or fifth aspect, a read / write means of a magnetic recording card is used as the confirmation means. In the invention according to claim 7, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, from the information distribution post and the various types of distribution information stored as digital data in the information terminal or a storage unit provided in the information terminal, It is characterized by having a selection means for selecting distribution information desired by the user.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, after the information distribution post has finished transferring digital data from the information distribution post to the information terminal,
A device for printing related data such as a title of distribution information corresponding to the digital data and a billing fee is provided on the back of the magnetic recording card. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the information distribution post corresponds to the transferred digital data after the data transfer from the information distribution post to the information terminal is completed. It has a built-in device that prints out a form on which related data such as the title of the distribution information and the charging fee are printed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the digital processing step of digitizing the information including the distribution information and processing and storing the digitalized information according to any one of the first to ninth aspects,
The digitized information is compressed by data compression means,
A predetermined radio wave modulated by the compressed data is transmitted by the transmitting means, and the compressed data is transmitted to the information terminal via the information distribution post. The compressed data is decompressed and reproduced by the decompression means corresponding to.

In the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the first to tenth aspects are provided.
In the invention of any one of the above, when the information terminal reproduces the distribution information, text information such as characters and numerals constituting the distribution information is converted into a voice using a voice synthesizing means and reproduced. . According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
In any one of the inventions according to any one of the inventions described above, the predetermined radio wave is a radio wave of a sub-channel using a gap between radio waves used for broadcasting.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the first to twelfth aspects are described.
The invention is characterized in that the output means and the input means between the information distribution post and the information terminal are non-contact optical communication means using an optical signal as a signal medium. According to a fourteenth aspect, in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the function of the information terminal is a portable audio device having one or both of an audio output unit and an image output unit, and a portable visual device. It is characterized in that it is incorporated in portable information equipment such as a device, a portable communication device, a portable electronic stationery, and a portable computer, and the audio output means and the image output means of the portable information equipment are shared and used.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when the digital data is output from the information distribution post to the portable information device incorporating the function of the information terminal, the portable information device is connected to the portable information device. An adapter is provided which is connected to enable data input from the output means of the information distribution post.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an information distribution system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system of the present embodiment. The system configuration of the present embodiment will be described based on this block diagram. It is composed of The three parts are an information distribution center 1 that inputs and digitizes various types of distribution information and data, receives a radio wave transmitted from the information distribution center 1, and demodulates the radio wave. Information distribution post 2 for transmitting predetermined distribution information and data to the information terminal 3 carried by the user based on the user's request, and a predetermined distribution output from the information distribution post 2 The three parts of the information terminal 3 which can receive and store information and data and reproduce the information and data as required by the user.

The information distribution center 1 according to the present embodiment mainly temporarily stores digitized distribution information and data,
A main device 11 that manages transmission information and data transmission; a modulation device 13 that digitally modulates information and data digitized by the main device 11 into radio waves according to a predetermined protocol; A multiplexing unit 14 for multiplexing with a broadcast wave, an amplifier 15 for amplifying a digitally modulated and multiplexed radio wave to a predetermined output, and converting the amplified radio wave to a frequency of a radio wave to be used. In the first embodiment, in order to distribute the processing of the main device 11 and produce efficient contents, the main device 11 includes an image, a sound, and the like. Digitizing and importing characters, editing, creating various types of content, and compressing various types of edited digital data. It is connected to the terminal 12.

The main device 11 and the input terminal 12 include:
In the first embodiment, a commercially available personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer) is used. The main device 11 and the input terminal 12 connect the personal computers with a communication cable, and a LAN.
17 has been built. The contents to be input and edited in the input terminal 12 include, for example, news information, sports information, weather information, comics, entertainment information, software such as game software, letters and numbers, music, voice, images, and programs. There are data and the like, and various types of distribution information are configured by combining one type or a plurality of types of such information. As for the input terminal 12, a scanner 18 for digitizing and capturing an image is connected,
A DSP board for audio compression is mounted.

As the scanner 18 used in the input terminal 12 of the present embodiment, a liquid crystal device is used for the information terminal 3 for reproducing an image. It uses a commercially available scanner with a resolution of 72 dp.
An image that can be sufficiently displayed with i is obtained. These captured images are processed and edited in the input terminal 12, and data compression processing is performed as necessary using a data compression program such as JPEG.

Regarding the voice capture in the input terminal 12, the voice is digitized by using a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) board "HMB-01" manufactured by Interwave Inc. for the extended ISA bus of the personal computer of the input terminal 12. At the same time, the audio file for one second is compressed to 4K bit data to create an audio file.

As shown in FIG. 2, the input terminal 12 edits the image data captured by the scanner 18 and the audio data captured by the personal computer as necessary, and performs compression processing. File compression of directly input (and edited as necessary) characters (numbers) and software digital data using a file editing program to link these compressed data with other control data etc. Further editing is performed to create the contents of the distribution information.

The content data created by the input terminal 12 is transmitted to the main unit 11 via the LAN 17 and temporarily stored on a hard disk as a storage medium in the main unit 11 as shown in FIG. These input terminals 12
The new content from is assigned by the operator using the main unit 11 to determine the configuration such as to which menu it belongs and to which menu the user selects in the information distribution post 2. With this determination, update information including which part of the information distribution post 2 is to be placed with which new content is created, and the update information is sent to the modulator 13 at a predetermined time together with the content data in a form in which the update information is added. .

The update information and the content data sent from the main device 11 to the modulation device 13 are used by the modulation device 13 for error correction and control headers required for transmission based on a predetermined transmission protocol as shown in FIG. The transmission data is created by appropriately adding and interleaving, and a radio wave (carrier) is digitally modulated based on the transmission data, and the digitally modulated radio wave is multiplexed by the multiplexing unit 14.
Then, the signal is sent to an amplifier 15, amplified to a predetermined output, sent to an antenna 16 serving as sending means, and sent out from the antenna 16 as a radio signal.

In this embodiment, a sub-channel of FM broadcasting is used as a carrier, and a multiplexing unit 14 is installed between a modulator 13 and an antenna 16 as shown in FIG. . In the present embodiment, the transmission output is performed using community broadcasting,
Is set to The above-mentioned transmission method is a DARC (Data Radio) developed by NHK Engineering Service, which is a transmission protocol of the FM sub-channel.
Channel 1) system, and the transmission speed is 16 Kbp
s, the modulation scheme is the L-MSK scheme.

In the present embodiment, the FM sub-channel is used as a carrier, but the radio wave (carrier) used in the present invention can be realized as long as one-to-many one-way communication can be performed at least. Therefore, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the FM subchannel.
Radio waves may be transmitted from satellites using S digital broadcast waves, or may be transmitted using bidirectional data communication channels or the like.

The radio wave transmitted from the antenna 16 as described above is received by a plurality of fixed information distribution posts 2. 3 and 4 for the information distribution post 2
This will be described below based on (a) and (b) and FIG. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the information distribution post 2 is a device having an appearance like a general vending machine or an ATM device of a bank. In consideration of the environment, it is installed in, for example, a shop such as a station or a street corner.

As shown in FIG. 3, the information distribution post 2 includes a radio wave receiving unit 22 and a decoding unit that demodulates the received radio wave and extracts update information and content data from the demodulated transmission data based on a transmission protocol. 23, an information storage unit 24 for storing each content data, update information, etc., an information selection unit 25 for enabling a user to select information desired to be obtained from a menu, and whether the balance of a deposit or a prepaid card is sufficient. A confirmation unit 26 for confirming the information and the like, and the information terminal 3
A data output section 27 for outputting information data to the control section, a control section 21 for controlling these sections, and a power supply section (not shown)
It is composed of

An antenna 22 used for the radio wave receiving unit 22
1 is a carrier to be used (FM broadcast wave in the first embodiment)
Any antenna can be used as long as it can receive the signal with high efficiency, and it is preferable that the antenna 221 be fixed so that the reception environment does not change. In the first embodiment, the antenna 221 for FM broadcast waves is set up outdoors,
Is connected to the RF module 222 using a coaxial cable or the like. As the RF module 222, a commercially available FM module may be used. In this case, even if the information distribution post 2 is installed in a place where radio waves cannot reach, such as a subway, the radio waves can be received without any problem. be able to.

Further, the length of the coaxial cable and the like becomes longer,
When the transmission loss of the radio wave is large, it is optional to amplify the received radio wave by using a booster or the like. The radio wave received by the antenna 221 of the receiving unit 22 is detected by the FM broadcast wave RF module 222,
After being demodulated, the data is decoded into digital data by the decoding modem IC 231.

As a modem IC for performing the above-described decoding processing, L-MSK including processing of a DARC transmission protocol is used.
MSM955 provided as a modem IC for demodulation
An IC such as 2 (trade name, manufactured by Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.) may be used. The modem IC 231 is connected to a memory 232 for temporarily storing the decoded digital data. The received and decoded digital data is temporarily stored in the memory 232, and a protocol process is performed inside the modem IC 231. And error correction processing is performed and output as update information or content data.

The update information and the content data obtained by the decoding unit 23 are stored in the information storage unit 24.
As the information storage unit 24, a storage module such as a memory module or a magneto-optical disk which can be written and read at any time may be used, but data reception in the decoding unit 23 and data output to the information terminal 3 occur simultaneously. Because of the possibility, in the present embodiment, as the storage means of the information storage unit 24, in addition to the storage device 242 such as a semiconductor memory or a magnetic recording medium, a dual port memory 241 is provided for the storage device 242 and the decoding unit 23. It is interposed between them. Also, in order to shorten the data output time to the information terminal 3, it is preferable to perform high-speed data output.
Storage devices used for these information storage units 24 include:
It is preferable to be able to access at high speed.

Based on the update information stored in the information storage unit 24, the control unit 21 updates the content data stored in the information storage unit 24 and reconstructs the information menu. The control unit 21 is constituted by a microprocessor or a microcomputer 211, and based on a predetermined program written in the ROM 212, a radio wave receiving unit 22, a decoding unit 23, an information storage unit 24, an information selection unit 25, Unit 26, output unit 2
7 is performed.

The information selection section 25 is composed of a plurality of push button switches 253 provided on the front of the information distribution post 2 and an LED display 252 as shown in FIG. The on / off signal output of these pushbutton switches 253 is connected to a signal input unit (not shown) of the microcomputer 211 of the control unit 21. The microcomputer 211 of the control unit 21 outputs the on / off signal output. Then, it detects which information menu the user has selected. The LED display 252 is connected to the microcomputer 211 of the control unit 21 via the driver IC 251 for driving the display, and displays the content of each information menu, the price, and the like. These prices and the like are also transmitted from the information distribution center 1 as update information.

As shown in FIG. 4B, a CRT display 254 having a transparent touch panel 255 is provided in front of the information distribution
A predetermined area of the T display 254 is divided corresponding to each information menu, and the display 254 pressed by the user is divided.
The information menu selected by the user may be detected from the position.

As shown in FIG. 4 (a) or 4 (b), the confirmation unit 26 includes a coin confirmation slot 261 having a coin insertion slot 263, a bill insertion slot 264, a change return slot 265, and a magnetic recording device such as a prepaid card. And a magnetic recording card confirmation unit 262 having a magnetic recording card insertion slot 266 for inserting a card. Each unit is connected to the microcomputer 211 of the control unit 21, and the control unit 21 transmits confirmation data from the confirmation unit 26. Compare the amount of the information menu selected by the user with the inserted money amount or the usage balance indicated by the magnetic recording card, and the allowable amount of payment, and confirm whether the user can use it, If available, the contents of the distribution information selected by the user are output to the information terminal 3, and the change is returned or the balance is reduced.

The configuration of the confirmation unit 26 is such that an individual ID is assigned to the information terminal 3 carried by the user, this ID data is fetched from the information terminal 3 via the output unit 27, and this ID is registered. A method may be used in which a database of registered users is searched to confirm whether the user is currently available. However, in this case, the database data of the registered user is transmitted from the information distribution center 1 to each information distribution post 2 in advance, and the database data is stored in the information storage unit 24 of the information distribution post 2. Needless to say, these data can be transmitted as a part of the update information.

The output unit 27 is formed as a concave portion on the front surface of the information distribution post 2, and the user inserts his / her own information terminal 3 into this portion. As the output unit 27,
In this embodiment, a non-contact infrared communication system is used. However, the configuration is not limited to this infrared communication system, and the content data may be output by electrical or mechanical connection using a connector or the like. The time required for the output is preferably as short as possible, since if the time is long, the user has to wait during that time. However, even if the information terminal 3 is uncertain to some extent, it is preferable that the data output method be more accurate.

The infrared communication module 271 of the output unit 27 of the present embodiment is preferably a small-sized module because one of the portable information terminals 3 is used. , For example, RY5
FD (trade name of Sharp Corporation) is available. This module has a small external size of 9 × 19 × 8 mm, and its transmission speed is 4 Mbps at the maximum. Thus, in the output unit 27 of the present embodiment, the infrared communication module 271 is arranged on the bottom surface of the concave portion, and
The input terminal 32 composed of an infrared communication module disposed on the side of the information terminal 3 has a structure in which the information terminal 3 is inserted into the concave portion and is brought close to the input terminal 32, and outputs stable data without being affected by external light or the like. You can do it.

Next, the configuration of the information terminal 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B. The information terminal 3 used in the present embodiment includes a control unit 31 and a terminal information storage unit 33.
A data decompression unit 35, an image output unit 36 including an LCD display 362 for reproducing purchased distribution information, an audio output unit 37 including a speaker 372 and an earphone 373, an input unit 32, and an operation unit. 34, and a battery power supply (not shown). The control unit 31 is configured by a microprocessor (MPU) and controls the information terminal 3 as a whole. The terminal information storage unit 33 is configured by a memory to which writing and reading can be performed at any time,
In this embodiment, since the information terminal 3 is a portable device using a battery power source, an SRAM with low power consumption is used. Of course, other than the SRAM, a memory such as a flash memory which consumes less power and whose contents are not erased even when the battery power is consumed may be used. However, in the case where compressed audio or image data is expanded and played back as in the present embodiment, a memory having a relatively high access time may be required.
Uses RAM. Now, in the terminal information storage unit 33,
Digital data of distribution information input from the information distribution post 2 via the input unit 32 is stored. The data decompression unit 35 displays the purchased distribution information on the LCD display 3.
Under the control of the control unit 31, the compressed data part of the digital data of the distribution information read from the terminal information storage unit 33 is expanded under the control of the control unit 31 in order to output and reproduce the data to and from the speaker 62 and the earphone 373. In the first embodiment, a DSP 351 is used for the data decompression unit 35, and high-speed arithmetic processing is performed to perform decompression processing of images, audio data, and the like.

As the DSP 351, for example, a V-chip (trade name, manufactured by Interwave Co., Ltd.) incorporating an expansion processing (decoding) algorithm program for audio or the like is used. The expansion processing of these compressed data
In many cases, the processing algorithm is different depending on the object, such as image, sound or music, and program software data. Therefore, the processing program is stored in an external ROM 352 so that the DSP 351 can execute a plurality of processing algorithm programs. In addition, a method is adopted in which the RAM in the DSP 351 is called and executed as needed. In addition, these external ROM 352
It is also possible to store a program based on a voice synthesis processing algorithm in advance, and by calling it up, it is possible to convert information data such as characters and numbers into voice by voice synthesis and reproduce it.

Since the information terminal 3 is a portable device, the display used for the image output unit 36 in the information terminal 3 is preferably a light-weight, small-sized, and low-power-consumption display. In the first embodiment, the LCD display 362 is used. Is used. The image information and the like and the character and numeral information in the purchased distribution information are displayed as visible images, and the contents of the information stored in the terminal information storage unit 33 are displayed. LCD display 362
Is the control unit 31 via the display driving IC 361.
Is connected to In addition, the speaker 372 and the earphone 373 in the audio output unit 37 output the audio data restored by the data decompression unit 35 via the amplifier 371 as audible audio information.

The operation section 34 is a section for giving an instruction to the control section 31 by a user's operation, and stores various kinds of purchased distribution information stored in the terminal information storage section 33 at an arbitrary place and at an arbitrary time. The user operates the operation unit 34 to select and reproduce any of the information, and the information is reproduced by push buttons 341 to 343 or a touch panel (not shown). , And a control unit 31. The control unit 31 performs control according to an input signal from the operation unit 34. When character information, voice information, image information, and the like are combined by operating the operation unit 34, only the character information is output to the LCD display 362 or stored in the terminal information storage unit 33. If the title of the distribution information being displayed or the information is further divided into several sections, the title can be displayed for each section, and the content of the distribution information to be reproduced can be selected in detail. I can do it.

Next, the operation of the information distribution post 2 and the information terminal 3 in the present embodiment will be described based on the above-described configuration and the flowcharts of FIGS. First, the information delivery post 2 is initialized under the control of the control unit 21 when the power is turned on, the display on the information selection unit 25 is displayed as an initial menu, the flag N is set to 0, and reception of a radio signal is waited. State.

Next, when a radio signal is received, demodulation and decoding are performed, and it is determined whether or not the decoded data is data from the information distribution center 1.
Push button switch 25, which is a selection switch of information selection section 25
The presence / absence of the ON operation is determined, and if there is no ON operation, the process of receiving, demodulating, decoding, and determining the data of the radio signal is repeatedly performed.

When data is transmitted from the information distribution center 1 by the above-mentioned radio signal, an interrupt is generated, data is received, the received data is stored in the information storage unit 24, and the receiving process is completed. After completion of the reception, it is determined whether or not the user is operating or outputting the distribution information. If not (No), the content data is updated based on the update information included in the received data. ,
If the operation is being performed or the data is being output (Yes), the content data is updated based on the update information contained in the received data after the operation or the data output is completed.

When the push button switch 235 is turned on, it is determined whether or not the information terminal 3 is set, and if not, the LED display 2 of the information selection unit 25 is determined.
The recommendation display of the set of the information terminal 3 is performed by 36 (the operation of the push button switch 235), and it is determined whether the flag N is 1 or not. In this case, since N is not set to 1, the flag N is set to 1, and after waiting for a predetermined time, it is determined again whether or not the information terminal 3 is set. The flag N is determined again. In this case, since N is set to 1, the display is returned to the initial menu display, and the flag N is set to 0 to return to the standby state. In other words, when the information terminal 3 is not set when the push button switch 235 is operated, it waits until the information terminal 3 is set until a predetermined time elapses, and if not, returns to the standby state. It has become.

When the push button switch 235 is set, the recommendation of insertion of a magnetic recording card constituting a deposit or a prepaid card is displayed on the LED display 236 of the information selecting section 25 (the display when the push button switch 235 is operated). ) And when the flag N is set to 1, it is set to 0. Then, it is determined based on the data from the confirming unit 26 whether or not the balance stored in the magnetic recording card satisfies the information purchase amount. If the balance is insufficient (No), the insufficient amount is deposited. The recommendation display is performed by the LED display 236 (the operation of the push button switch 235) of the information selection unit 25, and it is determined whether the flag N is 1 or not. In this case, since N is not set to 1, the flag N is set to 1 and after waiting for a predetermined time, it is determined again whether or not the deposit or the balance stored in the magnetic recording card satisfies the information purchase amount. If it is still insufficient, the payment recommendation display of the insufficient amount is performed again, and then the flag N is determined. In this case, since N is set to 1, the display is returned to the initial menu display, and the flag N is set to 0 to return to the standby state. In other words, if the amount is insufficient, it waits until the predetermined time elapses, and waits until the amount is insufficient.

If it is determined that there is no money shortage, the data of the content corresponding to the distribution information selected by the push button switch 253 is read out from the information storage unit 24 and output to the output unit 2.
7 to the information terminal 3 side, and when the output is completed,
An end message is displayed on the LED display 236 of the information selection unit 25 (the one where the push button switch 235 has been operated) for a certain period of time.

As described above, the information distribution post 2 is the information terminal 3
, And data reception from the information distribution center 1 and content data update. On the other hand, the information terminal 3 carried by the user operates based on the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, when the power is turned on, an initialization process is performed under the control of the control unit 31, and then an initial menu is displayed on the LCD display 362 of the image output unit 36. Then, is there a data input from the input unit 34? If no (No), any of the push-button switches 341 to 343 is not operated, the display on the LCD display 362 is terminated and the standby state is set while reducing the power consumption. enter. In this standby state, if any of the push button switches 341 to 343 is operated, the initial menu is displayed again. If any of the push button switches 341 or 342 is not turned on within a predetermined time, the LCD display is displayed. 362
Is completed and the display returns to the standby state. If either of the push button switches 341 or 342 is turned on, L
The screen display is updated together with the movement of the cursor displayed on the CD display 362. If the reproduction push-button switch 342 is not turned on, the process returns to the above-described process of determining whether the push-button switch 341 or 342 has been operated. If the reproduction push-button switch 342 is turned on, the compressed data of the distribution information corresponding to the title of the screen displayed at the time of the on-operation is read from the terminal information storage unit 33 and decompressed by the data decompression unit 35. If the decompressed data is image data, the image information is reproduced on the image display unit 36. If the data is audio data, the image data is reproduced on the audio output unit 37.
The process returns to the determination process of the presence or absence of the ON operation of 43.

When the information terminal 3 is set in the output section 27 of the information distribution post 2 and data is input to the input section 32, the information terminal 3 goes through a data reception standby state, data reception, and reception-in-progress processing to obtain terminal information. A reception process for storing the reception data in the storage unit 33 is performed, and upon completion of the reception, the process returns to the determination process as to whether or not data is input to the input unit 32.

Next, a specific method of using the information distribution system in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8. FIG. The user carries the information terminal 3 and checks whether the power of the information terminal 3 owned by the user is turned on at the place where the information distribution post 2 is installed, and then outputs the information to the output section of the information distribution post 2. 27, the input section 32 of the information terminal 3 is inserted in a predetermined direction. Next, when the user wants to use the prepaid card, for example, he inserts the magnetic recording card constituting the prepaid card he has into the magnetic recording card insertion slot 26 of the confirmation unit 26.
Insert into 6. Then, the user selects the LE of the information selection unit 25.
After examining the display contents of the D display 252, a desired information menu is determined, and a push button switch 253 corresponding to the determined information menu (here, it is assumed that newspaper news is selected) is pressed. Then, the control unit 21 of the information distribution post 2 recognizes from the signal from the push button switch 253 that the user desires to purchase “newspaper news” based on the flowchart of FIG. Check if the balance corresponding to the purchase price of "News" is on the prepaid card. If your balance is sufficient,
The control unit 21 reads out the information data of “newspaper news” in the information content stored in the information storage unit 24, outputs the information data to the information terminal 3 from the output unit 27, and completes the output to the information terminal 3. At this stage, the user is notified that the data transmission has been completed.

As a means for notifying, a message indicating the end of the output may be displayed on the LED display 252, or the end of the output may be notified by a bell sound or voice. Alternatively, a method or the like may be used in which a bar graph-shaped indicator is displayed on the LED display 252 to inform the user of the progress of the output process. The information terminal 3 receives the information data of “newspaper news” output from the output unit 27 of the information distribution post 2 at the input unit 32, and the control unit 31 of the information terminal 3 transmits the data to the input unit 32. The terminal information storage unit 33 stores the transmitted “newspaper news” data upon sensing that the information has been transmitted.

The user who has purchased the desired “newspaper news” data receives the magnetic recording card, which is a prepaid card whose balance has been reduced by the price of the “newspaper news” which is the purchase information, and outputs the information terminal 3. Take it out of the unit 27 and carry it. Then, in order to reproduce the information data of the purchased “newspaper news”, the user operates the information terminal 3 on a train during commuting, for example, to reproduce “newspaper news”.

The information terminal 3 displays the title of the purchase information stored in the terminal information storage unit 33, for example, as shown in FIG.
It is displayed on the display 362. Then, the user operates the operation unit 34 to, for example, read “newspaper news”.
Push buttons 341 and 3 for selecting "1. economy"
The user operates the button 42 to select it, and operates the switch 343 for reproduction to start reproduction. Then, the information terminal 3 displays, for example, the economic information as shown in FIG. 6B on the LCD display 362, and outputs the audio information linked to “1. economy” to the earphone 373 (speaker 372).
Output from

By the way, an ID number is set for each of the plurality of information distribution posts 2, and the digital data transmitted from the information distribution center 1 by radio waves includes the ID number of the information distribution post 2 of the distribution destination. May be configured to be able to receive and store digital data distributed by radio waves from the information distribution center 1.

Alternatively, the plurality of information distribution posts 2 are divided into groups according to installation locations or regions, a group number belonging to each information distribution post 2 is set, and digital data distributed from the information distribution center 1 by radio waves. Including the group number of the information distribution post 1 of the distribution destination,
Only the information distribution post 1 to which the group number is set may be capable of receiving and storing digital data distributed by radio waves from the information distribution center 1.

By setting an ID number or a group number in the information distribution post 2 and selecting a distribution destination from the information distribution center 1, for example, common information is distributed to all the information distribution posts 2. The information specific to a certain area can be distributed only to the information distribution post 2 located in the area. Common information includes, for example, news, English conversation, comics, rakugo, and the like, and information specific to a certain area may include information on a shopping district, information on a government office, information on a school, and the like.

In the above embodiment, the case where the magnetic recording card is a prepare card has been described, but a credit card may be used. In this case, two-way communication is required between the information distribution post 2 and the center to introduce the usage balance to the center of the credit company. By the way, when purchasing distribution information from the information distribution post 2, the purchaser must purchase a beverage,
Since the perception that the purchased item has been securely received, such as in the case of purchasing an article such as a cigarette, is sparse, the purchaser may feel uneasy and eventually purchase the information from the information distribution post 2. The result is hesitation. Therefore, when the data transfer from the information distribution post 2 to the information terminal 3 is completed, it is confirmed by communication that the data transfer is reliably performed between the information distribution post 2 and the information terminal 3,
In addition, the information delivery post 2 may be provided with a printing device for printing related data such as the title and fee of the transferred delivery information on the back surface of the magnetic recording card, or for giving a printed form to the purchaser.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an information terminal of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the information distribution center 1 and the information distribution post 2 use the same system as in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, an information terminal is configured by a commercially available handheld personal computer or pocket computer 41 capable of performing image reproduction and sound reproduction by installing software for implementing the function of the information terminal 3 in the first embodiment. In other words, pocket computer 4
1 uses the image output means and the audio output means provided as the information reproduction means. The pocket computer 41 used in the second embodiment is a commercially available product, and therefore, the output of the information distribution post 2 is performed. Since digital data cannot be directly received from the unit 27, the connection is made using an adapter 42 that connects the pocket computer 41 and the information distribution post 2.

The adapter 42 comprises a control unit 421, an input unit 422, an output unit 423, a memory 424, a ROM 425, and a battery power supply (not shown) as shown in FIG. The control unit 411 includes an MPU for controlling the operation of the adapter 42, detects an output from the information distribution post 2, and controls the input unit 422, the output unit 423, and the memory 424. The input unit 422 uses an infrared communication module in the same manner as the input unit 32 of the information terminal 3 of the first embodiment, and drives the infrared communication module and the infrared communication module or decodes the received infrared signal into digital data. Driver ICs.

The output section 423 is connected to the pocket computer 41.
It is composed of a communication IC for managing data communication with the pocket computer 41 and is connected to the pocket computer 41 by a connection cable 43. Also in the present embodiment, since the speed of the infrared communication in the input unit 422 is high,
A parallel interface is used for data communication with the pocket computer 41, and SC is used as a communication IC.
Using the driver IC for Sl, the connection cable 43
Is connected to an external SCSI terminal of the pocket computer 41 via the. The memory 424 mounted on the adapter 42 is provided with the infrared communication at the input unit 422 and the SCS.
It is used as a buffer memory when the I communication speed cannot be balanced. The ROM 425 stores a user ID in the information distribution system of the present invention. A battery power supply (not shown) is used to supplement a power supply for backup, such as the memory 424, and a power shortage during operation.

The handling operation in this embodiment will be described below. After connecting the adapter 42 to the hockey computer 41, the user turns on the power and activates the pocket computer 41. After starting,
The application for receiving data from the information distribution post 2 stored in the storage medium (memory card) in the pocket computer 41 is started, and the adapter 2 is inserted into the output unit 27 of the information distribution post 2. From the information menu displayed on the LED display 252 of the information selection unit 25 provided on the front of the information distribution post 2,
An arbitrary distribution information is selected, and a push button switch 253 provided corresponding to the LED display 252 displaying the selected information menu is pressed. The information delivery post 2 confirms the selected delivery information by a signal from the information selection unit 25 corresponding to the push operation of the push button switch 253, and the control unit 21 sends the ID sending request signal to the output unit 27. Instruct. Upon receiving the ID transmission request signal from the output unit 21, the control unit 421 of the adapter 42 reads the user ID from the ROM 425, and outputs the user ID from the input unit 422 to the output unit 27 of the information distribution post 2. The control unit 21 of the information distribution post 2 searches the registered user database stored in the information storage unit 24 for the ID information from the adapter 42 received by the output unit 27, and the ID is usable. Check if. In the confirmation, if it is available, the control unit 21 of the information distribution post 2
Reads the information selected by the user from the information storage unit 24,
Instruct the output unit 27 to output. The distribution information content data output from the output unit 27 is
2 is stored in the storage medium of the pocket computer 41. When the output of the information from the output unit 27 is completed, the control unit 21 of the information distribution post 2 notifies the user of the completion of the output as in the first embodiment. After the output is completed, the user connects the adapter 42 to the output unit 27 of the information distribution post 2.
Then, the adapter 42 is removed from the pocket computer 41 and carried. When reproducing the purchased information, the user has a built-in program for data expansion and reproduction of distribution information composed of images and sounds stored in a storage medium (memory card) in the pocket computer 41. By activating the information reproduction application, it is possible to reproduce the information purchased at an arbitrary place and at an arbitrary time as in the first embodiment.

As a device incorporating the information terminal 3, in addition to the pocket computer, a portable radio having a sound reproducing means, a portable cassette player, a portable compact disk player, a mini-disc player, a sound reproducing means and an image reproducing means Portable audio devices such as portable liquid crystal televisions and portable liquid crystal video, portable visual devices, portable communication devices such as mobile phones and pagers, and portable electronic stationery such as electronic organizers. Of course, information equipment may be used.

[0064]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital processing means for digitizing various kinds of distribution information composed of one or a combination of characters and numbers, music, voice, and images, and digital data. An information distribution center having modulation means for digitally modulating a predetermined radio wave and transmission means for transmitting the digitally modulated predetermined radio wave, and receiving the predetermined radio wave transmitted from the information distribution center Receiving means, demodulating means for demodulating the received predetermined radio wave, storing means for a distribution post for storing digital data demodulated by the demodulating means, and storing in the storing means for the distribution post in an information terminal carried by a user A plurality of fixed information distribution posts having output means for outputting digital data, and receiving digital data from the information distribution posts. An information terminal having input means for storing digital data input by the input means, and a reproducing means for reproducing distribution information from digital data stored in the terminal storing means. Therefore, digitalized information can be transmitted to the information distribution post simultaneously using radio waves, so that the radio wave resources can be used effectively and the information can be distributed individually. The distribution cost can be significantly reduced, and the time required for distribution can be extremely shortened, so that the information can be updated with immediacy at any time. Even if broadcast is transmitted without any major changes in the environment, problems associated with changes in the reception status can be resolved, and high-quality data transmission becomes possible. Since the distance between the communication post and the information terminal can be reduced and the connection can be made optically or electrically, data can be output from the information distribution post to the portable information terminal at high speed. This makes it possible to output a great deal of information instantaneously, and as a result, the terminal can take in data at a much higher speed than data transmission using a telephone line or a wireless line. This makes it possible to greatly reduce the complexity of time and the like. Furthermore, since all the contents of the digitized distribution information input and stored in the information terminal are stored in the information terminal storage means, the user can obtain information. An interactive feature that allows the user to select and play the desired delivery information at any time from the delivery information stored in the terminal storage means. There is an effect that activeness can be realized.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the plurality of information distribution posts each have an ID number, and the digital data transmitted from the information distribution center by the predetermined radio wave is When the information distribution center distributes information from the information distribution center, the information distribution post includes the ID number of the information distribution post and only the information distribution post having the ID number can receive and store the digital data. The type of information to be distributed can be selected according to the installation location for each post, the sales status of the distribution information, etc.,
There is an effect that proper operation can be performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of information distribution posts are grouped, and each group has a group number belonging to each of the information distribution posts. Since only the information distribution post having the group number of the distribution post and having the group number can receive and store digital data distributed by radio waves from the information distribution center, information is distributed from the information distribution center. In this case, the information distribution posts to be targeted can be selected in groups, and the information to be distributed to the information distribution posts for each group can be selected according to the installation area (location) of the information distribution posts and the sales status of the distribution information. Can be selected, and there is an effect that appropriate operation can be performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, when the information distribution post outputs digital data to the information terminal carried by a user,
Since the information distribution post is provided with a confirmation means for confirming whether the information terminal is a registered information terminal,
There is an effect that unauthorized use by other than the registered authorized information terminal can be prevented.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, when the information distribution post outputs digital data to the information terminal carried by a user,
Since the information distribution post is provided with a confirmation means for confirming whether it is OK to output digital data for a fee, there is an effect that information can be correctly charged and information can be sold with confidence.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fourth or fifth aspect, since the magnetic recording card reading / writing means is used as the confirmation means, there is an effect that a prepaid card or a credit card can be used. . The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein from the information distribution post and the various types of distribution information stored as digital data in the information terminal or storage means provided in the information terminal, Since there is a selection means for selecting the distribution information desired by the user, the information desired by the user can be purchased from the information distribution post. There is an effect that desired information can be selectively reproduced at an arbitrary place and at an arbitrary time.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the sixth aspect, the information delivery post is provided on the back of the magnetic recording card after the transfer of digital data from the information delivery post to the information terminal is completed. A built-in device that prints related data such as the title of the distribution information and the billing fee corresponding to the digital data, so that the information purchaser can be informed to the purchaser of the information reliably by the printed data. In addition, the user can be informed of the fee, and as a result, there is an effect that a sense of security can be given to the purchaser.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the information distribution post transmits the digital data transferred after the data transmission from the information distribution post to the information terminal is completed. Since a device for printing out a form on which related data such as the title of the distribution information and the billing fee corresponding to the information is printed is built in, the information is reliably purchased by the information purchaser in the same manner as the invention of claim 8. This can be informed by the printed data and the fee can be taught, and as a result, there is an effect that a sense of security can be given to the purchaser.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the digital processing step of digitizing and processing and storing the information including the distribution information according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the digitized information is compressed by data compression means. , And a predetermined radio wave modulated by the compressed data is transmitted by the transmitting means. The compressed data is transmitted to the information terminal via the information distribution post. Since the compressed data is decompressed and reproduced by the decompression means corresponding to the data compression means, the amount of data transmitted by radio waves from the information distribution center can be reduced, the transmission time can be shortened, and similarly from the information distribution post. When outputting data to an information terminal, the amount of data to be output can be reduced, so that the transmission time can be shortened. It is possible to reduce the necessary capacity,
There is an effect that the information storage capacity of the result information distribution post and the information terminal can be enhanced.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, when the distribution information is reproduced by the information terminal, text information such as characters and numerals constituting the distribution information is subjected to speech synthesis. Since it is converted to voice using means and reproduced, it is possible to transmit the information to the user without problems even in a crowded train by outputting character information and numeric information to earphones etc. by voice synthesis. This has the effect.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the predetermined radio wave is a sub-channel radio wave using a gap between radio waves used for broadcasting. By using sub-channels such as waves, there is no need for new infrastructure equipment, so that there is an effect that a system can be constructed at very low cost.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the output means and the input means between the information distribution post and the information terminal use a non-contact optical signal using an optical signal as a signal medium. Since it is a communication means, there is no mechanical connection, so that there is no contact failure or the like, and the reliability can be improved. According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the function of the information terminal is a portable audio device having one or both of an audio output unit and an image output unit, and a portable visual device. It is incorporated in portable information devices such as devices, portable communication devices, portable electronic stationery, portable computers, etc., and shares the audio output means and image output means of the portable information device. The combination with the information device has an effect that the cost can be reduced as a whole by increasing the functionality of the portable information device and sharing the circuit configuration.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when the digital data is output from the information distribution post to the portable information device having the function of the information terminal, the portable information device is connected to the portable information device. Since an adapter is provided to enable data input from the output means of the information distribution post by connection, unnecessary input means can be treated as an adapter in addition to taking in information as an information terminal. Even if you have it on a type information device,
This has the effect of preventing the original portable information device from becoming larger.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual configuration diagram of an information distribution center used in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an information distribution post used in the embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a front view of an example of an information distribution post used in the embodiment. (B) is a front view of another example of the information distribution post used in the above.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the information terminal used in the embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing a use state of the information terminal used in the above. FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing another usage state of the information terminal used in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the information distribution post used in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the information terminal used in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a pocket computer constituting an information terminal used in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an adapter interposed between the information terminal and the information distribution post.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information distribution center 2 Information distribution post 3 Information terminal 11 Main device 12 Input terminal 13 Modulator 14 Multiplexing unit 15 Amplifier 16 Antenna 17 LAN

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masaki Koyama 1048 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Keiichi Yoshida 1048 Kadoma, Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd.

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. Digital processing means for digitizing various kinds of distribution information composed of one or a combination of characters and numbers, music, voice, and images, and digital modulation to a predetermined radio wave corresponding to the digital data. An information distribution center having a modulating means for applying the predetermined radio wave and a transmitting means for transmitting the predetermined radio wave subjected to the digital modulation; a receiving means for receiving the predetermined radio wave transmitted from the information distribution center; A demodulating means for demodulating a predetermined radio wave, a distribution post storage means for storing digital data demodulated by the demodulation means, and outputting the digital data stored in the distribution post storage means to an information terminal carried by a user. A plurality of fixed information delivery posts having output means for receiving digital data from the information delivery posts; An information terminal having storage means for the terminal for storing the digital data input in the stage and reproduction means for reproducing the distribution information from the digital data stored in the storage means for the terminal, Information distribution system. 2. The plurality of information distribution posts each have an ID number, and digital data transmitted from the information distribution center by the predetermined radio wave includes an ID number of an information distribution post of a distribution destination. 2. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein only the information distribution post having the ID number can receive and store the digital data. 3. The plurality of information distribution posts are grouped and have a group number belonging to each of them.
The digital data distributed by the predetermined radio wave from the information distribution center includes the group number of the information distribution post of the distribution destination, and only the information distribution post having the group number can receive and store the digital data. 2. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The information delivery post, when outputting digital data to the information terminal carried by a user, confirms whether or not the information terminal is a registered information terminal by the information delivery post. 4. The information delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the information delivery system is provided in a delivery post. 5. A confirming means for confirming whether said information distribution post is in a state in which digital data can be output for a fee when outputting digital data to said information terminal carried by a user. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the information distribution post is provided in the information distribution post. 6. A magnetic recording card reading / writing means as said confirmation means.
Or the information distribution system according to 5. 7. A selection means for selecting distribution information desired by a user from the information distribution post and various types of distribution information stored as digital data in the information terminal or a storage means provided in the information terminal. The information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: 8. After the transfer of the digital data from the information distribution post to the information terminal is completed, the information distribution post displays a title of the distribution information corresponding to the digital data and a charge on the back of the magnetic recording card. 7. The information distribution system according to claim 6, further comprising a device for printing related data such as a fee. 9. The information distribution post prints related data such as a title of the distribution information and a billing fee corresponding to the transferred digital data after the data transfer from the information distribution post to the information terminal is completed. 9. The information distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising a device for forming a form. 10. In a digital processing step of digitizing and processing information including the distribution information, the digitized information is compressed by data compression means, and a predetermined radio wave modulated by the compressed data is transmitted. The compressed data is transmitted by the transmitting means, and the compressed data is transmitted to the information terminal via the information distribution post. The compressed data is decompressed and reproduced at the information terminal by the decompression means corresponding to the data compression means. The information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: 11. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein, when the distribution information is reproduced, text information such as characters and numerals constituting the distribution information is converted into a voice using a voice synthesizing means and reproduced. 11. The information distribution system according to any one of 1 to 10. 12. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined radio wave is a sub-channel radio wave using a gap between radio waves used for broadcasting. 13. The non-contact optical communication means using an optical signal as a signal medium as an output means and an input means between the information distribution post and the information terminal. Information distribution system described. 14. The function of the information terminal is a portable audio device, a portable visual device, a portable communication device, a portable electronic stationery, a portable electronic stationery having one or both of an audio output unit and an image output unit. 14. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the information delivery system is incorporated in a portable information device such as a computer, and uses the audio output unit and the image output unit of the portable information device in common. 15. When digital data is output from the information distribution post to the portable information device incorporating the function of the information terminal, the digital data is connected to the portable information device and output from the information distribution post output means. 15. The information distribution system according to claim 14, further comprising an adapter capable of inputting data.