JP7520943B2 - APPLICATION PROGRAM, INFORMATION PROVIDING METHOD, AND INFORMATION PROVIDING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an application program, an information providing method, and an information providing device.

A map data update system has been disclosed that communicates between a center that holds a map database and an in-vehicle terminal that has vehicle-to-vehicle communication capabilities and a map data storage unit, and updates unupdated parts of the map data in the map data storage unit of the in-vehicle terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 4807010

However, the above conventional technology does not take into account cases where communication failure occurs, and there are cases where useful information cannot be provided to users.

The present invention has been developed in consideration of the above circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an application program, an information providing method, and an information providing device that can provide useful information to users. For example, even if a failure occurs in a network, which is a communications infrastructure, useful information can be provided to users.

One aspect of the present invention is an application program that, when a terminal device computer is unable to display specific information related to a map of an area designated by a user on a display unit due to a failure in a network, which is a communications infrastructure, causes an application program installed on another terminal device to request the provision of the specific information of the area using a communication means other than the network, and causes the specific information provided in response to the request to be displayed on the display unit.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide useful information to the user.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information providing system 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of specific information 284. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen IM1. FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of a screen IM2 displayed on the display unit 220 when the map application 282 acquires map information and a hazard map. FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of a screen IM3 displayed on the display unit 220 when the map application 282 acquires map information and a hazard map. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen IM4. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen IM5 including a flood hazard map. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen IM6 including an earthquake hazard map. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen IM7 including map information associated with evacuation sites (evacuation facilities). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen IM8 for setting a display. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen IM9. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen IM10 including route information. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen IM11 of a home surroundings map. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of processes executed by a map application 282 and the information processing device 100. FIG. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of a terminal device 200A according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of information included in specific information 284 in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen when map information of a specified area can be displayed. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen when map information of a specified area cannot be displayed. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a request for specific information 284. 11 is an interface screen IM23 for integrated map information. This is an interface screen IM24 for designating specific information 284. This is an interface screen IM25 for specifying specific information 284 to be provided. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process executed by the terminal device 200 and another terminal device. 13 is a diagram for explaining the process of requesting specific information 284 using a communication network and providing the specific information 284. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen including location information including input information.

Below, embodiments of the application program, information providing method, and information providing device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

An application program according to one aspect of this embodiment causes a computer to obtain, via a network when the network is online or when there is no delay, specific information related to a map that is useful for a user to deal with an event that affects human life when the network goes offline or a predetermined state in which communication on the network is delayed, and to display the specific information on a display unit when the network goes into the predetermined state due to the event. An event is, for example, a disaster, such as a natural disaster or a man-made disaster. An event is not limited to a disaster and may be another occurrence.

In one aspect of this embodiment, when a terminal device computer is unable to display specific information related to a map of an area specified by a user on a display unit due to a failure in a network, which is a communications infrastructure, the application program uses a communication means other than the network to request the provision of the specific information of the area from an application program installed on another terminal device, and displays the specific information provided in response to the request on the display unit.

A network that is a communication infrastructure is a communication network that is laid or operated as a social infrastructure, such as the Internet or a network for mobile terminals. A failure is when communication in the above network is delayed or malfunctions occur for some reason. A failure can be of various types, such as a failure caused by a disaster or a failure caused by technical factors. The communication means different from the network may be, for example, wireless communication or wired communication. The communication means different from the network may be, for example, short-distance wireless communication between unspecified or specific users.

First Embodiment
[Information provision system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information providing system 1. The information providing system 1 includes, for example, an information processing device 100 and one or more user terminal devices 200. The information processing device 100 and the terminal devices 200 communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a provider device, a wireless base station, a dedicated line, or some or all of the above. Note that some of the functions of the information processing device 100 described below may be possessed by the terminal device 200 or by other devices.

[Information processing device]
The information processing device 100 is, for example, a server that provides a user with a service related to a map. The information processing device 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 110, an information processing unit 120, an estimation unit 130, a route search unit 140, and a storage unit 180. The information processing unit 120, the estimation unit 130, and the route search unit 140 are realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory (a storage device with a non-transient storage medium), or may be stored in a removable storage medium (non-transient storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed in the storage device by inserting the storage medium into a drive device.

The storage unit 180 is realized, for example, by a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an SD card, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), a register, etc. Furthermore, a part or all of the storage unit 180 may be a NAS (Network Attached Storage) or an external storage server device, etc. The storage unit 180 stores, for example, map information 182, specific information 184, and user information 186. The specific information 184 is information similar to the specific information 284, or information that includes the specific information 284.

The communication unit 110 is a communication interface for connecting to the network NW. The communication unit 110 is, for example, a network interface card.

The information processing unit 120 executes various processes in cooperation with the map application 282. The information processing unit 120 acquires information in response to a request from the map application 282, and provides the acquired information to the map application 282.

The estimation unit 130 estimates places that the user is interested in and places that the user is likely to go to (places that the user is likely to visit). Details of this process will be described later.

The route search unit 140 derives routes for each mode of transportation from the target location to another location, and provides the derived routes to the map application 282. Details of this process will be described later.

[Terminal Device]
The terminal device 200 is a computer device having a communication function, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. The terminal device 200 includes a communication unit 210, a display unit 220, an operation unit 230, a positioning unit 240, a control unit 250, and a storage unit 280.

The communication unit 210 is a wireless communication module that performs wireless communication with a wireless base station connected to the network NW. The display unit 220 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The operation unit 230 is a device that accepts operation instructions from a user. The display unit 220 and the operation unit 230 are configured as, for example, a touch panel display.

The positioning unit 240 is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. The positioning unit 240 performs positioning based on radio waves received from a satellite to identify the position of the terminal device 200 (i.e., the user's position). The terminal device 200 may also estimate the position of the terminal device 200 from the position of a wireless base station with which the communication unit 210 can communicate.

The control unit 250 is realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a map application program (map app 282) stored in the storage unit 280. The control unit 250 cooperates with the information processing device 100 to provide the user with information related to the map. When the terminal device 200 is in a state where it is unable or difficult to communicate with the information processing device 100 via the network NW (when offline or when there is a delay in communication), the display unit 220 displays specific information 284 acquired in advance to provide the user with useful information. The specific information 284 is information related to the map, such as map information (details will be described later).

The storage unit 280 is realized, for example, by a RAM, a ROM, a HDD, a flash memory, or a hybrid storage device that combines two or more of these. The storage unit 280 stores a map application 282 and specific information 284.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of specific information 284. Specific information 284 is information in which map information of the vicinity of a location associated with a user, including that location, various hazard maps (map information) of the vicinity of the location, including that location, evacuation sites (or evacuation shelters) and locations where lifelines are provided in an area corresponding to the map information, POIs (Points of Interest), and routes to each location (route from a first location to a second location, routes between specified points) are associated with each other.

The location associated with the user (first location or second location) may include, for example, one or more of the following: the location of the user's home, the location of the user's workplace, the location of a facility that the user uses with a certain frequency or more, a location specified by the user, and a location that the user is estimated to visit in the future. Details of this will be described later.

A hazard map is map information that shows the scope and extent of damage that may occur due to predicted disasters. Disasters include floods, earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis (see Figures 7 and 8 below).

An evacuation site (or evacuation shelter) is a place or facility to which people evacuate in the event of a disaster. Evacuation sites may include facilities designated in advance by the government, such as parks, schools, and community centers, as well as places or facilities deemed appropriate as evacuation sites or facilities. These evacuation sites may be designated for each type of disaster.

Lifelines are facilities and supplies necessary for daily life. Locations where lifelines are provided include locations that provide the necessary supplies for daily life such as food, water, and cold weather gear, locations that provide energy such as electricity, gas, and oil, locations that provide communication facilities, and locations that provide various types of information. POI is information about facilities and locations that are associated with map information.

A route is, for example, a route from work to home, a route from a frequently visited place to home, or a route from a likely place to home. A route is, for example, a route by various means of transportation. Means of transportation include a car, a motorcycle (two-wheeled vehicle), a bicycle, walking, and public transportation such as a bus, a train, or a subway.

[Regarding acquisition of specific information]
When the user performs an operation to start the map application 282, a home screen of the map application 282 is displayed on the display unit 220. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the home screen IM1. The home screen IM1 may be, for example, a screen displayed on the display unit 220 when communication is delayed or offline, or may be a screen displayed when communication is not delayed or offline. When communication is delayed or offline, a button for starting the disaster prevention mode may be more prominent than when communication is not delayed. In the following description, the use of the disaster prevention mode when offline will be described, but the same applies when communication is delayed.

The home screen IM1 includes a button B1 for using the map application 282 in disaster prevention mode. When the user operates the button B1, the map application 282 operates in disaster prevention mode. The disaster prevention mode is a mode in which information is provided to the user using the specific information 284 even when offline and communication using the network NW is delayed or not possible. The disaster prevention mode can also be used online. In this case, information may be provided to the user using one or both of information obtained online when communication using the network NW is possible and the specific information 284. When online, the specific information 284 is acquired or updated by operation in the disaster prevention mode.

When online, the map application 282 acquires the specific information 184 from the information processing device 100 and stores the acquired specific information 184 in the storage unit 280 as the specific information 284. For example, when the user operates the map application 282 to specify an arbitrary location such as the location of the home or the workplace and performs a predetermined operation, map information of the area including the location of the home and its surroundings, and map information of the area including the location of the workplace and its surroundings are acquired. The acquisition of the map information may be performed automatically without depending on the user's operation. In this case, the user's home or workplace may be estimated based on the history of the location information of the terminal device 200 acquired by the map application 282. In addition, the map application 282 manually or automatically acquires a hazard map corresponding to the map information from the information processing device 100. For example, when the map application 282 acquires the above map information, it automatically acquires a hazard map corresponding to the map information. FIG. 4 is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of a screen IM2 displayed on the display unit 220 when the map application 282 acquires the map information and the hazard map.

When online, the map application 282 acquires from the information processing device 100 map information and hazard maps including locations that the user frequently uses (frequently visited locations) or locations that the user is likely to visit in the future, as well as surrounding areas. FIG. 5 is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of the screen IM3 displayed on the display unit 220 when the map application 282 acquires map information and hazard maps. Frequently used locations and locations that the user is likely to visit in the future may be specified by the user, or may be identified by referring to the history of location information of the terminal device 200 acquired by the map application 282, the usage history of other services via the user's network NW, etc.

A frequently used location is, for example, a location that is estimated to have been visited a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined period of time by referring to the location information history (a location that is estimated to have been visited with a predetermined frequency). In addition, a location that the user has searched for a predetermined number of times or more by operating the map application 282 may be considered to be a frequently used location.

The likely place to go in the future (the location where the user is estimated to visit in the future) is a location obtained based on one or more of the location information history of the terminal device 200 in which the map application 282 is installed, the usage history of the map application 282, and the user's behavior history in the network. The likely place to go in the future may be, for example, a location searched for by the user operating the map application 282, a location searched for in another service of the network NW, a location estimated from the location information history of the terminal device 200, or a location obtained by integrating these pieces of information.

The other services are, for example, services that can be linked to the services provided by the map application 282, such as locations searched for by the user in an information search service or locations of facilities reserved in a travel reservation service, or services that belong to the same group. The identity of the user when using these services is guaranteed by, for example, the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the terminal device 200, or identification information (e.g., a login ID) shared between the services provided by the map application 282 and other services.

The estimation unit 130 estimates likely locations to go next using the user's behavior history in the network NW as described above, the location information history of the terminal device 200, the usage history of the map application 282, and the like. For example, when input information such as the behavior history, location information history, and usage history is input, the likely locations to go next may be estimated using a trained model that outputs likely locations to go next (e.g., locations likely to be visited within the next month).

The trained model is a model generated by learning the training information. The training information is information in which input information is associated with a location that is the correct answer data corresponding to the input information. The trained model is a model that has been trained so that when input information is input, a location associated with the input information is output. In addition to the above information, other specific information 284 is also automatically or manually stored in the storage unit 280. Note that the map application 282 or another server device may estimate a location that is likely to be visited in the future. A frequently visited location or a location that is likely to be visited in the future may be specified by the user.

In the above example, if frequently visited places or places likely to be visited in the future are added, specific information 284 corresponding to these places may be acquired automatically, or may be acquired automatically if the user has set it to be acquired automatically.

As described above, the map application 282 can acquire in advance specific information 284 corresponding to the user's home and other places the user is likely to visit. This allows the map application 282 to provide useful information to the user even when offline, as described below, thereby improving user convenience.

In the above example, the process of the user activating the disaster prevention mode while online has been described, but if the user is offline when activating the map application 282, the disaster prevention mode may be set automatically. The map application 282 also has a function of downloading and saving the content that the map application 282 has displayed on the display unit. Furthermore, the map application 282 has a function of displaying a list of the downloaded content on the display unit 220. The map application 282 may display on the display unit 220 a button for activating the disaster prevention mode along with this list. For example, when the user goes offline due to a disaster or the like and attempts to view downloaded content that can be viewed offline, the user can easily recognize the button for activating the disaster prevention mode, improving user convenience.

[About the disaster prevention mode when offline (offline mode)]
The map application 282 causes the display unit 220 to display an interface screen IM4 showing a list of specific information available in offline mode. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the interface screen IM4. The interface screen IM4 includes, for example, a button B2 for specifying a position of interest, and when this button B2 is operated, the position of interest changes. In the example of Fig. 6, the home (or the vicinity of the home) is specified as the position of interest.

The interface screen IM4 includes buttons corresponding to specific information 284 that can be provided in the vicinity of the home. In the interface screen IM4, among the buttons B3, B4, and B5, the button corresponding to the specific information 284 in a state in which the button B4 is operated is preferentially displayed. The buttons corresponding to the specific information 284 are buttons for displaying content for checking disaster prevention facilities (for example, a button for displaying the location of evacuation sites, a hazard map, etc.), buttons for displaying content for supporting returning home in the event of a disaster (for example, a button for displaying information about the vicinity, the location of an EV charging station, and a route to the home (not shown)), buttons for displaying information about lifelines that is useful in times of trouble (for example, a button for displaying information about electricity, gas, water, first aid for injuries, etc.), and buttons for displaying information about disaster occurrence that is useful in times of trouble (for example, a button for displaying information about earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, heavy snowfall, river floods, landslides, tornadoes, heat stroke, etc.).

Button B3 is a button for displaying all of the specific information 284. Button B4 (second priority button) is a button for displaying specific information 284 (dynamic specific information) updated within a predetermined time (within 24 hours), or a button for preferentially displaying specific information 284 (dynamic specific information) updated within a predetermined time (within 24 hours). In other words, button B4 is a button for preferentially displaying the second button corresponding to the specific information of a dynamic type over the first button corresponding to the specific information of a static type. "Preferentially" means that the specific information 284 updated within a predetermined time is displayed so that the user can easily recognize it, rather than the specific information 284 that has not been updated within the predetermined time. For example, it is a mode in which the user can recognize the specific information 284 updated within the predetermined time without scrolling the screen. Note that the interface screen IMIM4 is a screen in a state in which button B3 is operated.

Button B5 (first priority button) is a button that displays specific information 284 corresponding to offline. When button B5 is operated, specific information 284 (static specific information) that does not change even if online is displayed, or specific information 284 (static specific information) that does not change even if online is displayed preferentially. In other words, button B5 is a button that displays a first button corresponding to a static type of specific information with priority over a second button corresponding to a dynamic type of specific information.

In the interface screen IM4, information indicating the timing of the update is associated with specific information 284 that has been updated within a predetermined time. For example, the fact that the information was updated 15 minutes ago or the date on which the information was updated may be associated with the specific information 284. Furthermore, if the user has not viewed the updated information, information indicating that the information has not been viewed may be associated with the specific information 284.

For example, when online, specific information 284 is updated at a predetermined interval. If the system goes offline within a predetermined time after an update, the updated information within the predetermined time can be displayed, and if specific information 284 has been updated when communication becomes temporarily possible and the system goes online, specific information 284 is updated. As described above, specific information 284 is updated as appropriate, and the user can easily check the updated specific information 284.

Depending on the user's settings, the specific information 284 may be updated automatically when online, or when the information processing device 100 updates the specific information 184, the user may be notified of the update, and the specific information 284 may be updated with the user's permission.

[Displaying hazard maps offline]
When a user operates a button to display a flood hazard map, the hazard map is displayed on the display unit 220, and when a user operates a button to display an earthquake hazard map, the hazard map is displayed on the display unit 220.

Figure 7 shows an example of an interface screen IM5 including a flood hazard map. The interface screen IM5 displays information indicating areas expected to be flooded in the event of a flood and the level of flooding for each area in association with map information.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen IM6 including an earthquake hazard map. Information indicating the degree of susceptibility of the ground to shaking when an earthquake occurs is displayed in association with map information on the interface screen IM6. Hazard maps are prepared according to the type of event, and various other hazard maps, such as landslide hazard maps and tsunami hazard maps, may be prepared in addition to the above.

[Displaying evacuation locations when offline]
When the user operates a button for displaying the evacuation site, information in which the evacuation site is associated with map information is displayed on the display unit 220. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen IM7 including map information in which the evacuation site (evacuation facility) is associated. The interface screen IM7 also includes information indicating details of the evacuation site. The information indicating details is, for example, information indicating which disaster the evacuation site is for, the name of the evacuation site, the distance from a target location (such as a home or workplace) to the evacuation site, the time required to reach the evacuation site from the target location, and the like.

[Display settings when offline]
The user can operate the map application 282 to display content on which the selected specific information 284 is superimposed on the display unit 220. For example, when the user selects the specific information 284 to be displayed on the display unit 220 on a screen for setting the display and performs an operation to apply the selection result, the content on which the selected specific information 284 is superimposed is displayed on the display unit 220. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen IM8 for setting the display. When the user selects to superimpose a hazard map of a landslide disaster on the map information in addition to the information on the evacuation site on the interface screen IM8, the interface screen IM9 of FIG. 11 is displayed on the display unit 220. The interface screen IM9 is an interface screen including the content of the interface screen IM7 of FIG. 9 described above and the hazard map of a landslide disaster superimposed. The above is an example, and an interface screen including a content on which an evacuation site and a water supply station location are superimposed, a medical institution location are superimposed on an evacuation site, or any specific information 284 is superimposed can be displayed on the display unit 220.

By referring to the interface screen IM9, the user can easily identify evacuation sites that are less likely to be affected by landslides, or evacuation sites that can be reached from the target location without being affected by landslides.

In the above example, only the specific information 284 available offline may be used, or if online, the specific information 284 and other information acquired online may be used. That is, the specific information 284 available offline may be superimposed on the information acquired online. Also, in the above example, if offline, the selection button for displaying information that is not available offline may be displayed in an unselectable manner (e.g., grayed out).

[Displaying route information when offline]
For example, when the user operates a button for displaying route information on the interface screen IM4, the user can display the route information on the display unit 220. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen IM10 including route information. The interface screen IM10 displays information such as a route from work to home, a route from a frequently visited place to home, and information such as the time when the route was acquired. The route is a route by various means of transportation such as a route by car, a route by motorcycle, a route by bicycle, a route by public transportation such as a train or bus, and a walking route.

The route is a route previously searched by the route search unit 140 of the information processing device 100, or a route obtained by the information processing device 100 requesting a search from another device. The routes included in the specific information 284 include a route (second route) different from the normal route (first route) provided to the user in normal transfer guidance, route search, etc. The normal route is a route that efficiently leads to the desired location (from the first location to the second location). The different route is a route that can be used to reach the desired location (from the first location to the second location) by detouring when it is assumed that the means of transportation or route used in the normal route cannot be used due to an event.

A different route is, for example, a route that assumes that there are routes or roads that cannot be used due to a disaster or the like. In other words, in normal transfer guidance or route search, inefficient routes may not be suggested or may be given a low suggestion rank, but in specific information 284, even inefficient routes may be suggested or may be given a high suggestion rank. If it is efficient to use Line A-Line B-Line C, a different route is, for example, a route that uses Line A-Line D-Line C or a route that uses Line E-Line B-Line C, which assumes that a specific route or station cannot be used. Inefficient routes for car routes, walking routes, etc. may also be included in specific information 284.

In addition, a route (second route) may be prepared for each hazard map or type of disaster. For example, routes that can be taken in the event of a landslide or a flood may be prepared, and when the user selects the type of disaster, a route that corresponds to the selected disaster may be provided to the user. For example, in the event of a landslide, the user may be provided with a route that avoids Route F or a route that avoids National Route XX.

Depending on the user's settings, the specific information 284 including the route may be automatically updated when online, or when the information processing device 100 updates the specific information 184, the user may be notified of information indicating that an update has been made, and the specific information 284 including the route may be updated with the user's permission.

[About displaying maps around your home when offline]
When the user performs a predetermined operation on the map application 282 while offline, the user can display a home surroundings map on the display unit 220. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen IM11 of the home surroundings map. The interface screen IM11 includes information in which the position of the home is associated with map information, buttons (e.g., B6 in Fig. 13) for selecting a POI to be displayed on the map information, and a search window for searching for a POI in the displayed map information.

Buttons for selecting POIs are provided for each category of facilities that can be displayed on the map information. Buttons for selecting POIs of categories that are expected to be searched for by users in the event of a disaster are preferentially displayed on the interface screen IM11. For example, buttons for POIs such as facilities that sell food, convenience stores, gas stations, and evacuation shelters are displayed. When a button for a facility that sells food is operated, facilities that sell food near the user's home are displayed on the map information. When the user enters a keyword in the search box and performs an operation to search, facilities or places related to the keyword are displayed on the map information.

The facilities, places, and POIs corresponding to categories related to the above keywords displayed on the map information are the same as those displayed when online. When online, the map application 282 acquires information on POIs that can be provided when online as specific information 284. For example, if the area is within the map information included in the specific information 284, POIs can be searched for in the same way as when online.

As described above, by utilizing the home surroundings map, users can refer to the information on the home surroundings map in the same way as when they are online. This improves user convenience.

[Sequence Diagram]
14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the map application 282 and the information processing device 100. The processing of S100-S108 and S206 is online processing, and the processing of S200-S204 is offline processing.

First, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the map application 282 (for example, an operation to start the application or an operation to specify a target location such as the user's home), the map application 282 requests the information processing device 100 to provide the specific information 284 (S102). The information processing device 100 acquires the specific information 184 in response to the request, and transmits the acquired specific information 184 to the map application 282 (S104, S106). Next, the map application 282 stores the transmitted specific information 184 in the storage unit 280 as the specific information 284 (S108). This marks the end of the operation of the map application 282.

When offline, it is assumed that the user performs an operation to start up the map application 282, and the offline mode is set (S200, S202). The map application 282 extracts specific information corresponding to the user's operation from the storage unit 280, and displays the extracted specific information on the display unit 220 (S204). This allows the user to refer to the specific information 284 and obtain information even when offline.

For example, when communication is restored and the device is online, the map application 282 and the information processing device 100 execute the processes of S102-S108 described above to update the specific information (S206). For example, even if the map application 282 is not running, the map application 282 may automatically start at a predetermined timing and update the specific information 284.

As described above, the map application 282 and the information processing device 100 can work together to provide or assist in providing useful information to the user not only when online but also when offline.

According to the first embodiment described above, the map application 282 obtains the specific information 284 via the network when the network is online, and when the network goes offline due to an event or when a delay occurs in communication, displays the specific information 284 on the display unit, thereby providing the user with useful information and improving user convenience.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, specific information is acquired from another device. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. The process of this embodiment may be performed not only when a disaster occurs, but also when a failure occurs in the network of the communication infrastructure. The process of this embodiment may be performed when the map application 282 is in disaster prevention mode or offline mode, or when it is not in the above modes.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 200A of the second embodiment. The terminal device 200A includes a control unit 250A instead of the control unit 250 of the terminal device 200, and the other functional configuration is the same. The control unit 250A includes, for example, a cooperation processing unit 252 and a display control unit 254.

16 is a diagram showing an example of information included in the specific information 284 of the second embodiment. The specific information 284 is specific information of a position associated with a user. This specific information 284 is information for each map tile divided into tiles. For example, map information for each of a plurality of map tiles, a hazard map, evacuation sites (information on places for evacuation), locations where lifelines are provided (information on facilities related to lifelines), POIs, etc. are stored as specific information 284 in the storage unit 280. In addition, the specific information 284 includes a route between predetermined points as described in the first embodiment. The predetermined points are, for example, positions associated with a user (for example, a home or workplace such as a first position or a second position), and are positions included in an area corresponding to the map tiles of the specific information 284. The data format may be a format different from the map tiles, such as a data format using latitude and longitude, or a data format using links and nodes. These pieces of specific information 284 are an example of "specific information related to a map" and an example of "the specific information acquired via the network when the network is online". Specific information 284 is an example of "information that is useful for users to deal with events that affect human life when the network goes offline."

When the display control unit 254 cannot cause the display unit 220 to display specific information 284 of the area specified by the user, the cooperation processing unit 252 cooperates with a map app of another terminal device. Cooperation involves sending a request to establish communication to an application program of the other terminal device, and establishing communication with the application program that responds to the request. The cooperation processing unit 252 transmits and receives information to and from the application program of the other terminal device. The communication means used at this time is a communication means different from the network that is the communication infrastructure. The different communication means is, for example, wireless communication that uses a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The different communication means is not limited to wireless communication, and may be, for example, wired communication.

The display control unit 254 uses the specific information 284 stored in the memory unit 280 to display map information, hazard maps, and the like on the display unit 220. The display control unit 254 displays map information on the display unit 220 by arranging and linking map tiles, and displays specific information 284 such as evacuation sites and POIs by superimposing them on the map information.

[Example of display when specific information is included]
When the display control unit 254 is offline and has specific information 284 of an area designated by the user, it causes the display unit 220 to display map information of the designated area. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen when map information of the designated area can be displayed. The display control unit 254 causes the display unit 220 to display an interface screen IM20. The interface screen IM20 displays map information of the areas of map tiles A1-A3, B1-B3, and C1-C3.

When the user performs an operation to display map information to the right, the display control unit 254 acquires a tile map corresponding to the map information to the right, and causes the display unit 220 to display an interface screen IM21 including the acquired tile map. The interface screen IM21 acquires tile maps of A4, B4, and C4 in the specific information 284, and displays map information of the area of the acquired map tile and the map tiles A2, A3, B2, B3, C2, and C3.

In this way, even when offline, in offline mode, the display control unit 254 causes the display unit 220 to display the desired map information, which is specific information 284 stored in the memory unit 280, and other specific information 284, allowing the user to obtain useful information and improving user convenience.

[Example of display when no specific information is available]
When the display control unit 254 is offline (or in a state where communication is delayed) and does not have specific information 284 for the area specified by the user, it causes the display unit 220 to display information indicating that the specific information 284 is not available or information indicating that information will be obtained from another terminal device.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen when map information for a specified area cannot be displayed. Furthermore, if the user performs an operation to display map information to the right, but a tile map for the area to the right is not stored in the memory unit 280, the display control unit 254 causes the display unit 220 to display the interface screen IM22. The interface screen IM22 displays map information for the areas of map tiles A3, A4, B3, B4, C3, and C4, as well as information indicating that the specific information 284 as described above is not available and information indicating that information will be obtained from another terminal device.

When specific information 284 such as map information of the area specified by the user's operation as described above is not stored in the storage unit 280, the collaboration processing unit 252 requests the provision of the specific information that could not be provided to the user from the map app installed in another nearby terminal device. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the request for specific information 284. For example, the collaboration processing unit 252 requests the map app of another terminal device to provide map tiles A5, B5, and C5, and acquires the above map tiles from the map app of the other terminal device that responds to the request and has the above map tiles.

When the display control unit 254 acquires the map tiles from a map app of another terminal device, it causes the display unit 220 to display map information generated by integrating the map tiles stored in the memory unit 280 with the acquired map tiles. FIG. 20 shows an interface screen IM23 of the integrated map information. Map tiles A3, A4, B3, B4, C3, and C4 (IF1 in the figure) in the map information on the interface screen IM23 are specific information 284 stored in the memory unit 280 of the terminal device 200, and map tiles A5, B5, and C5 (IF2 in the figure) are map tiles provided from the other terminal device.

[Specifying the specific information you would like to request]
A user can operate the map application 282 to specify specific information 284 to be requested from another terminal device. Fig. 21 shows an interface screen IM24 for specifying specific information 284. For example, a user can request the provision of necessary information. For example, information on a route when heading from a specific area to another area can be requested. In this way, by requesting the information to be provided, the communication load can be reduced and the necessary information can be obtained quickly.

[Designation of specific information to be provided]
The user can operate the map application 282 to specify specific information 284 to be provided in response to a request from another terminal device. Fig. 22 shows an interface screen IM25 for specifying the specific information 284 to be provided. In this way, the user can specify the information to be provided, which improves convenience for the user.

For example, the map application 282 can request the map application 282 of another terminal device to provide a route between specific points specified by the user, and can display information on the route between the specific points provided in response to the request on the display unit 220. For example, when the user does not need map information but does need a route between specific points, the user can quickly obtain information on the route between the specific points.

It may be set so that all or part of the specific information 284 is sent regardless of the user's designation if certain conditions are met. The certain conditions include the other terminal device that sent the request being in offline mode or disaster prevention mode, the terminal device 200 being in offline mode or disaster prevention mode, or information that a disaster has occurred being notified by an information providing device that provides disaster information.

[flowchart]
23 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the terminal device 200 and another terminal device. The following description will be given assuming that a map application is also installed in the other terminal device, and that the map application executes the processing in the flowchart.

First, the map application 282 of the terminal device 200 displays the specific information 284 on the display unit 220 in offline mode (S300). Next, the map application 282 determines whether the user has performed an operation to change the specific information displayed on the display unit 220 (S302).

When an operation to change the specific information is performed, the map application 282 searches the specific information 284 stored in the memory unit 280 (S304) and determines whether or not the specific information corresponding to the operation is held (S306). When the specific information corresponding to the operation is held, the map application 282 causes the display unit 220 to display the specific information corresponding to the operation (S308).

If the specific information corresponding to the operation is not held, the map application 282 transmits a request to the other terminal device for specific information corresponding to the operation (S310). When the other terminal device acquires the request, it provides the map application 282 with specific information corresponding to the request (S400). Note that in this process, it is assumed that the other terminal device holds specific information corresponding to the request. In addition to the specific information corresponding to the request, the other terminal device may also provide other specific information held by the other terminal device to the terminal device 200. For example, when the capacity of the memory area of the terminal device 200 is less than a threshold value, the map application 282 may store the other specific information in the memory unit 280.

In a request for the provision of map information, the type of map information may be specified. For example, the type of map information may be the map scale or the map resolution. If the map application 282 does not have map information of the type corresponding to the request, it may provide map information of a type similar to the type of the requested map information. Whether or not the types are similar can be determined using a correspondence table prepared in advance.

The map application 282 acquires the specific information provided by the other terminal device (S312) and displays the acquired specific information on the display unit 220 (S308). This completes one routine of this flowchart.

As described above, the map application 282 can obtain specific information 284 that is not stored in the storage unit 280 from the map application 282 of another terminal device. This allows the user to obtain useful information, improving convenience.

[Process for forming a communication network]
In addition to (or instead of) displaying on the display unit 220 specific information 284 provided from another terminal device in response to a request (specific information stored in the memory unit of the other terminal device), the map application 282 installed on the other terminal device may also display on the display unit 220 information acquired from a map application 282 installed on a terminal device other than the communication destination device or the other terminal device, by using a network or a communication means other than a network that is a communication infrastructure available to the map application 282 installed on the other terminal device.

A terminal device in which the map application 282 is installed may provide specific information to a request source by forming a communication network such as a tree type or a mesh type. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the process of requesting specific information 284 using a communication network and providing specific information 284. For example, the map application 282 of the terminal device 200 uses short-range wireless communication to request the provision of specific information 284 from terminal devices 200-1 to 200-3 in which the map application 282 in the vicinity is installed. If the terminal devices 200-1 to 200-3 do not have the requested map information, for example, the map application 282 of the terminal device 200-1 uses short-range wireless communication to request the provision of specific information 284 from terminal device 200-4 in which the map application 282 in the vicinity is installed. If the terminal device 200-4 has the specific information 284, the map application 282 of the terminal device 200-1 acquires the specific information 284 from the map application 282 of the terminal device 200-4, and provides the acquired information to the map application 282 of the terminal device 200.

In this way, even if the terminal device 200 in the vicinity of the terminal device 200 does not have the specific information 284, the specific information 284 can be provided from the distant terminal device 200 by forming a communication network. This allows the user to obtain useful information more reliably.

In the above example, information may be transmitted and received between unspecified users, but information may be transmitted and received between specific users. For example, when establishing communication between terminal devices, the user may operate the terminal device to input authentication information issued by the map application 282 of the communication destination terminal device, or the terminal device 200 may read code information such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) generated by the map application 282 displayed on the display unit of the communication destination terminal device. In addition, information may be transmitted and received between users by the user setting the map application 282 to an information sharing mode, or the display unit 220 may be notified that there is a user who has a map application 282 that can transmit and receive information nearby, and information may be transmitted and received when a specified operation is performed in response to the notification. This process may be performed when providing specific information instead of (or in addition to) when communication is established. In addition, instead of (or in addition to) using authentication information or code information, communication may be established with a terminal device performing a specified behavior, or transmission and reception of information may be permitted. The specified behavior is, for example, a behavior in which the terminal device is being shaken or shaken. This behavior is detected by the map application 282, which then transmits it to the map application 282 of the communication destination, which in turn communicates with the terminal device exhibiting the specified behavior.

In the above example, the explanation was given with a focus on the map application 282 that receives the information provided, but when the map application 282 receives a request, it provides the specific information 284 to the other terminal device that sent the request, as in the above map application 282-1 or map application 282-4. That is, when the map application 282 receives a request for the specific information from the application program (map application 282) of the other terminal device, it provides the specific information stored in the storage unit in response to the request to the application program of the other terminal device. Also, the map application 282 "acquires a request for the specific information from the application program (map application 282) of the other terminal device, and when the specific information in response to the request is not stored in the storage unit, it acquires the specific information in response to the request from the application program (map application 282) installed in the communication destination device or a specified terminal device using a network that is an available communication infrastructure or a communication means different from the network, and provides the acquired specific information to the application program of the other terminal device in response to the request." In this way, by providing specific information 284 in response to a request, the map application 282 can provide useful information to users of other terminal devices, thereby improving user convenience.

[Masking personal information]
As described above, the specific information 284 stored in the storage unit 280 may include personal information related to the user of the terminal device 200. The personal information may be, for example, the location of the user's home or workplace, a place the user frequently visits, or a place the user is likely to visit in the future. When providing the specific information 284 to another device, the map application 282 provides the specific information 284 excluding the personal information to the other terminal device. The map application 282 may also provide the specific information after a masking process so that the personal information cannot be identified to the other terminal device. The masking process is a process for preventing the personal information from being identified, and any known method may be used. The process for removing the personal information or the masking process may be executed by the map application 282 of the terminal device that receives the specific information 284.

As described above, the map application 282 provides the specific information 284 in a manner that prevents the user receiving the specific information 284 from identifying the personal information of the user who provided the specific information 284, thereby allowing the user to use the service with peace of mind, thereby improving user convenience.

[Provision of information associated with map information by users]
In response to a user's operation, the map application 282 associates the information input by the user with a position designated by the user in the map information of the specific information 284 stored in the storage unit 280, and displays the information input at the above position in the map information when displaying the map information on the display unit 220. When providing map information including the above position as specific information 284 in response to a request to the map application 282 of another terminal device, the map application 282 provides the map information, the above input information, and the above position information. This process will be described below.

The user can associate information that the user has input (or selected) with a position specified by the user in the map information of the specific information 284. The information may be text, or may be information such as a mark, icon, or symbol. For example, information indicating caution such as "Watch out for flooding," "Watch out for falling rocks," "Collapsed buildings," "Scattered objects," and "Raid groups have appeared" can be associated with a specific position (or area) in the map information and stored in the storage unit 280. For example, a sticky note, speech bubble, pin, symbol, or the like indicating caution is added to the area associated with the information in the map information and displayed on the display unit 220. The above-mentioned information indicating caution may be information input while online or offline.

When providing map information including a position associated with the above-mentioned input information as specific information 284 in response to the request to the map application 282 of another terminal device, the map application 282 provides the map information, the input information, and the position information to the map application 282. Upon receiving the specific information, the map application 282 displays on the display unit 220 map information that associates the input information with a position corresponding to this information.

Figure 25 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen including location information including input information. When the interface screen IM26 does not have map information of the area specified by the user, and the map application 282 acquires map information of the area specified by the user from another terminal device and information input by the user of the other terminal device for a specific position on the map information, the map information and the input information are associated with each other, as shown in interface screen IM27, and the map information and the input information are displayed on the display unit 220.

In this way, in addition to map information, the user can also recognize information that is not reflected in the map information entered by the user, improving user convenience.

Note that the user may input information such as "Place where I traveled with XX" or "X lunch is delicious" that is different from disaster-related information such as "Beware of flooding." When providing the information input to another terminal device, the map application 282 may extract disaster-related information by referring to predetermined keywords or the genre of information specified by the user, and provide the extracted information to the other terminal device. This process may be performed by the map application 282 that receives the information, and the extracted information may be provided in the map information.

[Regarding incentives]
The information processing device 100 may provide an incentive to a user who has provided the specific information 284. For example, the map application 282 stores the content of the specific information 284 provided to another terminal device in the storage unit 280. When the communication failure is removed, the information processing device 100 acquires the content of the specific information 284 provided by the map application 282 from the map application 282. The information processing device 100 may provide an incentive to a user of the map application 282 by referring to the acquired information. For example, a larger incentive may be provided to a user who has provided more information. The incentive may be a coupon that can be used after the communication failure is removed, a right to use a service provided for a fee free of charge, points that can be used in a service that operates the map application 282 or a service related to the map application 282, or the like.

Furthermore, as described above, when a user associates information with map information and this information is provided to another user, the user who associated the information with the map information may be given a greater incentive than a user who simply provided the specific information 284.

In this way, by providing incentives, the motivation of users who provide specific information 284 is increased, and it is expected that more useful information will be shared with other users.

In the above example, information related to a disaster is described as being obtained from another terminal device. Alternatively, for example, if a user performs an operation to view map information at a larger scale (more detailed map information) but the terminal device 200 does not have the detailed map information, a request may be made to the other terminal device to provide the detailed map information. The "specific information related to the map" may be any information that the user wishes to view. For example, information that can be provided by the map app 282 is the "specific information related to the map."

According to the second embodiment described above, when the map application 282 is unable to display specific information related to a map of an area specified by the user on the display unit due to a failure in the network, which is the communications infrastructure, the map application 282 can provide useful information to the user by using a communication means other than the network to request an application program installed on another terminal device to provide specific information 284 of the area, and displaying the specific information 284 provided in response to the request on the display unit 220.

The above describes the form for carrying out the present invention using an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1. Information providing system 100. Information processing device 200. Terminal device 210. Communication unit 220. Display unit 230. Operation unit 240. Positioning unit 250. Control unit 252. Collaboration processing unit 254. Display control unit 280. Storage unit 282. Map application 284. Specific information

Claims (7)

The terminal device computer
when a failure of a network, which is a communication infrastructure, makes it impossible to display specific information related to a map of an area designated by a user on a display unit, the communication means being different from the network, and making an application program installed in another terminal device request the provision of the specific information of the area;
displaying the specific information provided in response to the request on the display unit ;
storing the specific information acquired via the network in a storage unit when the network is online or communication on the network is not delayed;
When the network becomes offline or communication on the network becomes delayed and specific information related to a map of an area designated by the user is stored in the storage unit, displaying the specific information stored in the storage unit on a display unit;
making the request when the network is offline or communication on the network is delayed and specific information related to a map of the area specified by the user is not stored in the storage unit;
The specific information is information that is useful for a user to deal with an event when an event that affects human life causes the network to go offline or communication on the network to be delayed,
The specific information provided in response to the request includes one or more of map information, route information between predetermined points, information on evacuation sites in the area, and information on facilities related to lifelines in the area.
Application program. The terminal device computer
when a failure of a network, which is a communication infrastructure, makes it impossible to display specific information related to a map of an area designated by a user on a display unit, the method utilizes a communication means other than the network to request an application program installed in another terminal device to provide the specific information of the area;
displaying the specific information provided in response to the request on the display unit ;
storing the specific information acquired via the network in a storage unit when the network is online or communication on the network is not delayed;
When a request for provision of the specific information is acquired from the application program of another terminal device, the specific information stored in the storage unit is provided to the application program of the other terminal device in response to the request;
the specific information stored in the storage unit includes personal information related to a user of the terminal device,
providing the specific information excluding the personal information from the specific information stored in the storage unit to the application program of the other terminal device, or providing the specific information after a masking process so that the personal information cannot be identified to the application program of the other terminal device;
Application program. The terminal device computer
making the application program of the other terminal device request the provision of a route between predetermined points designated by the user;
causing the display unit to display information on the route between the predetermined points provided in response to the request;
3. The application program according to claim 1 . The specific information provided in response to the request is:
The information is stored in a storage unit of the other terminal device, or the information is acquired by an application program installed in the other terminal device from a device or the application program of a communication destination by using a network that is a communication infrastructure available to the application program installed in the other terminal device or a communication means different from the network.
3. The application program according to claim 1 . The terminal device computer
when a failure of a network, which is a communication infrastructure, makes it impossible to display specific information related to a map of an area designated by a user on a display unit, the communication means being different from the network, and making an application program installed in another terminal device request the provision of the specific information of the area;
displaying the specific information provided in response to the request on the display unit ;
storing the specific information acquired via the network in a storage unit when the network is online or communication on the network is not delayed;
When a request for provision of the specific information is obtained from the application program of another terminal device, the specific information stored in the storage unit is provided to the application program of the other terminal device in response to the request;
In response to an operation by the user, the information input by the user is associated with a position designated by the user in map information of the specific information stored in the storage unit;
When the map information is displayed on the display unit, the input information is displayed at the position on the map information;
When providing map information including the location as the specific information in response to the request to the application program of the other terminal device, providing the map information, the input information, and information on the location.
Application program. The terminal device computer
When a failure of a network, which is a communication infrastructure, makes it impossible to display specific information related to a map of an area designated by a user on a display unit, a communication means other than the network is used to request provision of the specific information of the area from an application program installed in another terminal device;
displaying the specific information provided in response to the request on the display unit ;
storing the specific information acquired via the network in a storage unit when the network is online or communication on the network is not delayed;
When a request for provision of the specific information is obtained from the application program of another terminal device, the specific information stored in the storage unit is provided to the application program of the other terminal device in response to the request;
In response to an operation by the user, the information input by the user is associated with a position designated by the user in map information of the specific information stored in the storage unit;
When the map information is displayed on the display unit, the input information is displayed at the position on the map information;
When providing map information including the location as the specific information in response to the request to the application program of the other terminal device, providing the map information, the input information, and information on the location.
How to provide information. When a failure of a network, which is a communication infrastructure, makes it impossible to display specific information related to a map of an area designated by a user on a display unit, a communication means other than the network is used to request provision of the specific information of the area from an application program installed in another terminal device;
displaying the specific information provided in response to the request on the display unit ;
storing the specific information acquired via the network in a storage unit when the network is online or communication on the network is not delayed;
When a request for provision of the specific information is obtained from the application program of another terminal device, the specific information stored in the storage unit is provided to the application program of the other terminal device in response to the request;
In response to an operation by the user, the information input by the user is associated with a position designated by the user in map information of the specific information stored in the storage unit;
When the map information is displayed on the display unit, the input information is displayed at the position on the map information;
When providing map information including the location as the specific information in response to the request to the application program of the other terminal device, providing the map information, the input information, and information on the location.
Information providing device.

Images