Program, information processing device, and information processing method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a program, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method. The accuracy of a geofence determination is improved. An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs: acquiring a current position measured by a positioning module; acquiring a measurement accuracy of the current position; determining whether the current position is inside or outside an object geofence; weighting a determination result of the object geofence with the measurement accuracy; accumulating the weighted determination result by repeatedly performing the acquisition of the current position, the acquisition of the measurement accuracy, the determination of the object geofence, and the weighting of the determination result with the measurement accuracy; in a case where a total of the weights of the determination results of either the inside or the outside exceeds a threshold value among the accumulated determination results, determining a determination result of the object geofence by the determination result of the side that exceeds the threshold value; and outputting information related to the determined determination result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to procedures, information processing apparatus, and information processing methods. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the development of geofencing technology has progressed. A geofencing area is enclosed by an imaginary boundary line. Essentially, geofencing technology determines whether a user (or device) is inside or outside the geofencing area based on their current location. This inside / outside determination can include determining whether the user (or device) has entered or exited the geofencing area. Furthermore, based on the result of this determination, any action can be performed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a system that obtains the location of a user device, determines whether it has entered a geofence based on the obtained location, and issues a warning if it has entered a geofence. Patent Document 2 proposes a system where a server device distributes geofence definition data existing within a predetermined range (a threshold distance range) from the current location of a client device to each client device, and each client device performs geofence determination processing according to the distributed definition data.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-528564

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-507568 Summary of the Invention

[0008] One object of this disclosure is to provide a technique for improving the accuracy of geofencing determination.

[0009] The first aspect of this disclosure relates to a program for causing a computer to perform an information processing method. The information processing method includes: obtaining a current location determined using a positioning module; obtaining the measurement accuracy of the obtained current location; determining whether the obtained current location is inside or outside a geofence; weighting the determination result of the geofence using the obtained measurement accuracy; accumulating weighted determination results by repeatedly obtaining the current location, obtaining the measurement accuracy, determining whether the current location is inside or outside the geofence, and weighting the determination results using the measurement accuracy; if the total weight of either the inside or outside determination result in the accumulated determination results exceeds a threshold, determining the geofence determination result based on the determination result exceeding the threshold; and outputting information related to the determined determination result.

[0010] The information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of this disclosure includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to perform: acquiring a current position measured by a positioning module; acquiring the measurement accuracy of the acquired current position; determining whether the acquired current position is inside or outside a target geofence; weighting the determination result of the target geofence using the acquired measurement accuracy; accumulating weighted determination results by repeatedly acquiring the current position, acquiring the measurement accuracy, determining whether the current position is inside or outside a target geofence, and weighting the determination results using the measurement accuracy; if the total weight of the determination results of either inside or outside the accumulated determination results exceeds a threshold, determining the determination result of the target geofence using the determination result of the one that exceeds the threshold; and outputting information related to the determined determination result.

[0011] The information processing method involved in the third aspect of this disclosure is executed by a computer. The information processing method includes: obtaining the current location determined by a positioning module; obtaining the measurement accuracy of the obtained current location; determining whether the obtained current location is inside or outside a geofence; weighting the determination result of the geofence using the obtained measurement accuracy; accumulating weighted determination results by repeatedly obtaining the current location, obtaining the measurement accuracy, determining whether the current location is inside or outside a geofence, and weighting the determination results using the measurement accuracy; if the total weight of the determination results of either inside or outside the geofence exceeds a threshold, determining the determination result of the geofence using the determination result of the one exceeding the threshold; and outputting information related to the determined determination result.

[0012] According to this disclosure, it is expected that the accuracy of geofencing determination can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 An example of a scenario in which this disclosure is applied is illustrated schematically.

[0014] Figure 2 An example of a scenario illustrating the comparison and determination results and threshold of this disclosure is shown schematically.

[0015] Figure 3 This schematically illustrates an example of a method for defining the geometry (area) of a geofence according to this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 This schematically illustrates an example of a method for defining the geometry (area) of a geofence according to this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 This schematically illustrates an example of a method for defining the geometry (area) of a geofence according to this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 An example of the method for merging the geometry of this disclosure is shown schematically.

[0019] Figure 7 An example of the method for merging the geometry of this disclosure is shown schematically.

[0020] Figure 8 An example of the method for merging the geometry of this disclosure is shown schematically.

[0021] Figure 9 This illustration schematically shows an example of the structure of the geofence definition data of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 10 An example of the hardware structure of the information processing apparatus of this disclosure is schematically shown.

[0023] Figure 11 An example of the software structure of the information processing apparatus of this disclosure is schematically shown.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process related to determining whether a geofence is inside or outside this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Previously, geofencing was determined by whether the current location, as measured by a positioning module, was inside or outside the geofence. However, errors can occur in the location measurement process using the positioning module. Therefore, when determining whether a geofence is inside or outside based on the current location measured by the positioning module, these errors can lead to mistakes in the actual geofencing determination.

[0026] In contrast, the program involved in the first aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing a computer to perform an information processing method. The information processing method includes: obtaining a current location determined using a positioning module; obtaining the measurement accuracy of the obtained current location; determining whether the obtained current location is inside or outside a geofence; weighting the determination result of the geofence using the obtained measurement accuracy; accumulating weighted determination results by repeatedly obtaining the current location, obtaining the measurement accuracy, determining whether the current location is inside or outside the geofence, and weighting the determination results using the measurement accuracy; if the total weight of either the inside or outside determination result in the accumulated determination results exceeds a threshold, determining the geofence determination result using the determination result that exceeds the threshold; and outputting information related to the determined determination result.

[0027] In the first aspect of this disclosure, the geofencing determination result is weighted according to the accuracy of the current location measurement. A final determination result is determined after multiple trials including this weighted determination. Thus, the location measurement accuracy and the number of times the same determination result is obtained can be reflected in the determination result. That is, not only the number of times the same determination result is obtained, but also the quality of the location measurement accuracy is used as an indicator to determine the determination result. By accumulating the quality of the location measurement accuracy along with the number of times the same determination result is obtained, the reliability of the determination result can be improved, for example, by increasing the number of determinations or respecting determination results with high measurement accuracy when the location measurement accuracy is low. Therefore, according to the first aspect of this disclosure, even if errors may occur in the location measurement using the positioning module, it is expected that the geofencing determination accuracy can be improved.

[0028] Furthermore, the present disclosure may not be limited to the procedures described above. As another aspect of the procedures described above, one aspect of this disclosure may be an information processing apparatus that implements all or part of the above-described constituent elements, an information processing method, or a machine-readable storage medium such as a computer storing a program. Here, a machine-readable storage medium refers to a non-transitory medium that can store information such as programs through electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action. Non-transitory storage media may include storage media (CDs, DVDs, semiconductor memories, etc.), auxiliary storage devices for computers, external storage devices connected to computers, etc.

[0029] For example, the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of this disclosure may include a control unit. The control unit may be configured to perform: acquiring the current position measured by the positioning module; acquiring the measurement accuracy of the acquired current position; determining whether the acquired current position is inside or outside a target geofence; weighting the determination result of the target geofence with the acquired measurement accuracy; accumulating weighted determination results by repeatedly acquiring the current position, acquiring the measurement accuracy, determining whether the current position is inside or outside a target geofence, and weighting the determination results with the measurement accuracy; if the total weight of the determination results of either inside or outside the accumulated determination results exceeds a threshold, determining the determination result of the target geofence with the determination result of the one exceeding the threshold; and outputting information related to the determined determination result.

[0030] Additionally, for example, the information processing method involved in the third aspect of this disclosure can be executed by a computer. The information processing method may include: obtaining the current location determined by a positioning module; obtaining the measurement accuracy of the obtained current location; determining whether the obtained current location is inside or outside a geofence; weighting the determination result of the geofence using the obtained measurement accuracy; accumulating weighted determination results by repeatedly obtaining the current location, obtaining the measurement accuracy, determining whether the current location is inside or outside a geofence, and weighting the determination results using the measurement accuracy; if the total weight of either the inside or outside determination result in the accumulated determination results exceeds a threshold, determining the geofence determination result using the determination result that exceeds the threshold; and outputting information related to the determined determination result.

[0031] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment relating to one aspect of this disclosure will be described. However, the embodiments described below are merely illustrative in all respects. Various modifications or variations can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. When implementing this disclosure, specific structures corresponding to the embodiments may also be appropriately adopted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the data presented is described using natural language, but more specifically, it is specified using virtual language, instructions, parameters, machine language, electrical signals, etc., which are recognizable by computers or other machines.

[0032] [1 Application Example]

[0033] Figure 1 An example of a scenario in which this disclosure is applied is illustrated schematically. The information processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is one or more computers configured to store geofence definition data 30 in memory resources and to perform determination processing of geofences defined by the stored geofence definition data 30 at arbitrary intervals.

[0034] The information processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment acquires the current position 20 measured by the positioning module 16. The information processing apparatus 1 acquires the measurement accuracy 25 of the acquired current position 20. The information processing apparatus 1 determines whether the acquired current position 20 is inside or outside a target geofence. Thus, the information processing apparatus 1 obtains a provisional determination result 40 of the target geofence. The information processing apparatus 1 weights the determination result 40 of the target geofence using the acquired measurement accuracy 25. The information processing apparatus 1 compares the sum of the weights of the determination results of being inside and outside with a threshold 45. Until the sum of the weights of either the determination result of being inside or outside exceeds the threshold 45, the information processing apparatus 1 repeatedly acquires the current position 20, acquires the measurement accuracy 25, determines whether the current position 20 is inside or outside a target geofence, and weights the determination result 40 using the measurement accuracy 25, thereby accumulating the weighted determination result 40. If the total weight of either the inner or outer judgment result among the accumulated judgment results 40 exceeds a threshold 45, the information processing device 1 determines the judgment result 50 of the object geofence using the judgment result that exceeds the threshold 45. The information processing device 1 outputs information (result information) 55 related to the determined judgment result 50.

[0035] Furthermore, in one example, the geofence determination result (determination result 40, 50) can be configured to indicate whether the current location (current location 20) is inside or outside the geofence. Additionally, the geofence determination can continue. When continuing the geofence determination, the information processing device 1 can also determine the migration state relative to the current location (current location 20) of the geofence based on the previous and current determination results (determination result 50). The category of migration state can be appropriately defined according to the implementation method. In one example, the category of migration state can include at least one of staying outside the geofence, entering from outside the geofence, staying inside the geofence, and exiting from inside the geofence. Furthermore, in the following description, the determination of whether the current location is inside or outside the geofence (i.e., the geofence determination) is also referred to as "geofence inside / outside determination".

[0036] As described above, in this embodiment, the geofencing determination result 40 is weighted based on the measurement accuracy 25 of the current location 20. After multiple trials including this weighted determination, a final determination result 50 is determined. Thus, the location measurement accuracy 25 and the number of times the same determination result is obtained can be reflected in the determination result 50. That is, not only the number of times the same determination result is obtained, but also the quality of the location measurement accuracy 25 is used as an indicator to determine the determination result (the determined determination result 50). By accumulating the quality of the location measurement accuracy 25 along with the number of times the same determination result is obtained, the reliability of the determination result 50 can be improved, for example, by increasing the number of determinations or respecting determination results 40 with high measurement accuracy 25 when the location measurement accuracy 25 is low. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if errors may occur in the location measurement performed using the positioning module 16, it is expected that the geofencing determination accuracy can be improved.

[0037] [Information processing device]

[0038] The object of a geofencing decision can be any movable object (including people). In one example, the information processing device 1 can be one or more computers configured to monitor the location of movable objects that may become geofencing decisions. The information processing device 1 can be arbitrarily configured for the object. In one example, the information processing device 1 can be configured at least temporarily for the object. In another example, the information processing device 1 can also be configured outside the object. Being configured outside the object can include being configured at a distance from the object. Additionally, in one example, when configured for the object, the information processing device 1 can also constitute at least a part of the object. Thus, the information processing device 1 can also be considered as the object itself. In another example, the information processing device 1 can also be provided independently of the object. When the object includes other computers, the information processing device 1 can be connected to or not connected to the other computers included in the object.

[0039] In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 is configured to obtain the current position (current position 20) determined by the positioning module 16. The positioning module 16 can be disposed in any location where the position of the object can be determined. In one example, the information processing device 1 may also have the positioning module 16 internally (i.e., it may be built-in). In another example, if the information processing device 1 is provided independently of the object, the positioning module 16 may not be disposed in the information processing device 1, but may be disposed in the object (i.e., external to the information processing device 1). The information processing device 1 may be directly or indirectly connected to the externally disposed positioning module 16. Indirect connection can be configured by connecting via a network (Controller Area Network, etc.), other computers, etc.

[0040] Furthermore, the current position 20 can be the original position measured by the positioning module 16, the position obtained by correcting the measurement results of the positioning module 16 using any method, or the position predicted based on the measurement results of the positioning module 16. In one example, when the information processing device 1 is provided independently of the object, the information processing device 1 equipped with the positioning module 16 is attached to the object (i.e., the positioning module 16 is attached to the information processing device 1 attached to the object), thereby the positioning module 16 indirectly determines the current position of the object. In another example, the positioning module 16 can also be attached to the object, thereby directly determining the current position of the object.

[0041] The positioning module 16 is configured to determine location. There is no particular limitation on the type of positioning module 16 as long as it can determine location, and it can be appropriately selected according to the implementation method. For example, the positioning module 16 can be configured using a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor, etc. Alternatively, for example, the positioning module 16 can be configured to estimate the distance to each base station (wireless access point) based on the signal strength received from each base station. The positioning module 16 can be configured to determine location using any method (three-point measurement, etc.) based on the estimated distance to each base station. In this case, in one example, the positioning module 16 can also utilize processor resources ( Figure 10 CPU) and communication module Figure 10 The external interface 13) constitutes the base station. The type of base station can be appropriately selected according to the implementation method.

[0042] (Object)

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, in one example, the movable object can be a mobile body (MB). There are no particular restrictions on the type of mobile body (MB) as long as it is movable, and it can be appropriately selected according to the implementation method. Examples of mobile bodies (MB) include people (MH), vehicles (MV), flying objects (MD), robotic devices (MR), and other mobile bodies (ships, etc.). Flying objects (MD) can include drones. Robotic devices (MR) can include all types of movable robotic devices.

[0044] In one example, the positioning module 16 can be equipped on the vehicle MV. The arrangement of the positioning module 16 is not particularly limited as long as the position of the vehicle MV can be determined, and can be appropriately determined according to the implementation method. The positioning module 16 can be directly equipped on the vehicle MV, or indirectly equipped on the vehicle MV by being mounted on the information processing device 1, which is at least temporarily equipped on the vehicle MV. Correspondingly, the obtained current position 20 can be constructed from the current position of the vehicle MV. According to an example of this embodiment, when performing geofencing determination based on the current position of the vehicle MV, it is expected that the accuracy of geofencing determination can be improved.

[0045] Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the type of vehicle MV, which can be appropriately selected according to the implementation method. Vehicle MVs can include manually driven vehicles and autonomously driven vehicles. Vehicle MVs can be selected from, for example, two-wheeled, three-wheeled, and four-wheeled vehicles. The power source of the vehicle MV can be selected from, for example, electricity or fuel. When the vehicle MV is a car, the size of the vehicle MV can be selected from large, medium, semi-medium, ordinary, large-special, and small-special vehicles. When the vehicle MV is a two-wheeled vehicle, the size of the vehicle MV can be selected from large and ordinary vehicles.

[0046] In one example, when the mobile unit MB is a human MH, the information processing device 1 can be any computer portable by the human MH. When the mobile unit MB is a vehicle MV, a flying vehicle MD, a robotic device MR, or a similar device, the information processing device 1 can be any computer temporarily mounted on that device. For example, when the mobile unit MB is a vehicle MV, the information processing device 1 can be a vehicle-mounted unit installed on the vehicle MV, or a terminal device (user terminal, etc.) temporarily mounted on the vehicle MV when a user uses it. The information processing device 1 can be a computer constituting at least a part of the mobile unit MB, or a computer connected to the mobile unit MB. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can also be configured to be externally mounted to the mobile unit MB to control its operation.

[0047] [Weighted method]

[0048] The weighting method based on a measurement precision of 25 is configured such that the higher the measurement precision of 25, the greater the weight of the corresponding judgment result 40, and the lower the measurement precision of 25, the smaller the weight of the corresponding judgment result 40. If configured in this way, the weighting method based on the measurement precision of 25 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately defined according to the implementation method. The value of the measurement precision of 25 can be used as is. Alternatively, a value calculated based on the measurement precision of 25 using any operation can be used as the weight.

[0049] There are no particular limitations on the method for measuring the accuracy 25, and the type of positioning module 16 can be appropriately selected according to the implementation method. Known methods can be used in the method for measuring the accuracy 25. In one example, the obtained accuracy 25 may include a Dilution of Precision (DOP) value. Hereinafter, the DOP value will also be referred to as the "DOP value". The DOP value can represent the degree of degradation of positioning accuracy in a satellite positioning system. Correspondingly, the positioning module 16 can be configured, for example, using a satellite positioning module such as a GPS sensor or a GNSS sensor. The satellite positioning module can be appropriately configured to determine position using a satellite positioning system.

[0050] The DOP value can be measured using known methods. For example, the DOP value can be determined based on its position relative to a satellite. Since the satellite's position can be determined based on time, the DOP value can be determined based on the positioning location and time. The DOP value can include, for example, GDOP (Geometric Dilution of Precision), PDOP (Position Dilution of Precision), HDOP (Horizontal Dilution of Precision), and VDOP (Vertical Dilution of Precision). In one example, the DOP value can be included in the output information of the positioning module 16 (satellite positioning module). The information processing device 1 can obtain both the current position 20 and the measurement accuracy 25 from the positioning module 16.

[0051] Based on the DOP value, the accuracy of location measurement (measurement accuracy 25) can be appropriately evaluated. Therefore, according to an example of this embodiment, by using the DOP value, the location measurement accuracy 25 can be appropriately reflected in the determination result 50. As a result, it is expected that the determination accuracy of geofencing can be improved.

[0052] The method of reflecting DOP values ​​in weights is configured such that the higher the degree of degradation represented by the DOP value (i.e., the lower the measurement accuracy), the smaller the weight assigned to the corresponding judgment result 40, and the lower the degree of degradation, the larger the weight assigned to the corresponding judgment result 40. If configured in this way, there are no particular limitations on the method of weighting using DOP values, and it can be appropriately defined according to the implementation method.

[0053] In one example, the reciprocal of the DOP value can be used as a weighting metric. That is, weighting the judgment result 40 with the measurement precision 25 can include determining the weight based on the reciprocal of the DOP value. The reciprocal of the DOP value can be used as a weight, or a value calculated from the reciprocal of the DOP value using any operation can be used as a weight.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In one example, imagine a scenario where four geofencing decisions are made. The first and fourth decisions result in a "behind" decision, while the remaining two decisions result in a "back" decision. Furthermore, imagine that in the two decisions resulting in a "behind" decision, the DOP values ​​are "12" and "6," and in the two decisions resulting in a "back" decision, the DOP values ​​are "20" and "30." Also, imagine that the threshold 45 is "0.2." When the reciprocal of the DOP value is used as the weight, in the fourth decision decision, the total weight of the "behind" decision becomes "1 / 12 + 1 / 6 = 1 / 4." On the other hand, the total weight of the "back" decision becomes "1 / 20 + 1 / 30 = 1 / 12." Therefore, in... Figure 1 In one example, during the fourth trial decision, the total weight assigned to the "inside" decision exceeded the threshold of 45. Therefore, a decision 50 was obtained that the current location 20 is inside the geofence.

[0055] A smaller DOP value indicates a higher location measurement accuracy 25. A higher DOP value indicates a lower measurement accuracy 25. Therefore, according to an example of this embodiment, by using the reciprocal of the DOP value as the index, the location measurement accuracy 25 can be appropriately reflected in the determination result 50. This can be expected to improve the accuracy of geofencing determination.

[0056] (The total weights exceed the threshold)

[0057] The total weights assigned to the object determination result 40 exceeding the threshold 45 correspond to a state where "the reliability of the object determination result 40 exceeds a certain level, based on the accuracy of the location measurement 25 and the number of times the same determination result is obtained." Therefore, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 determines the object geofence determination result 50 based on the determination result where the total weights exceed the threshold 45.

[0058] In one example, determining whether the total weights exceed the threshold of 45 can be constructed using the following calculation method. That is, as the first calculation method, such as... Figure 1 In one example, the weight based on a measurement accuracy of 25 can be defined as a higher reliability (higher measurement accuracy) for a larger value. The information processing device 1 can calculate the sum of the weights assigned to each determination result for both "internal" and "external" reasons, thereby calculating the total weights of all determination results. Then, the information processing device 1 can determine whether the calculated total weights are greater than a threshold. In this example, a total weight greater than the threshold corresponds to a total weight exceeding the threshold 45.

[0059] However, the calculation method for determining whether the total weights exceed the threshold 45 in order to evaluate whether the reliability of the judgment result 40 of the object exceeds a certain level can be arbitrarily changed depending on the definition of the weights, the way the operators are provided, etc. For example, in the second calculation method, the weights based on the measurement accuracy 25 can be provided with negative values, and can be defined as follows: the smaller the value (the larger the absolute value), the higher the reliability. In this case, the smaller the total weights, the higher the reliability of the corresponding judgment result. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can determine whether the calculated total weights are less than the threshold (i.e., whether the absolute value of the total weights is greater than the threshold). In this example, the total weights being less than the threshold corresponds to the total weights exceeding the threshold 45.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, in the third calculation method, initial values ​​for the index can be provided for each determination result of "inner" and "outer," and the weight based on the measurement accuracy of 25 can be defined as a higher reliability for a larger value. The total weights can be calculated by subtracting the weights from the index value. In this case, the more repeatedly the determination with high measurement accuracy is performed, the more repeatedly the larger the weight is subtracted, so the index value of the corresponding determination result becomes smaller. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can determine whether the calculated index value is less than a threshold. In this example, an index value less than the threshold corresponds to a total weight exceeding the threshold of 45.

[0061] As described above, determining whether the total weights exceed the threshold 45 can be achieved not only through simple addition like the first calculation method described above, or by determining whether the total exceeds the threshold, but also through various other operators. Therefore, determining whether the total weights exceed the threshold 45 can include not only the first calculation method described above, but also all calculation methods, such as the second and third calculation methods described above, that can evaluate whether the reliability of the determination result 40 of the object exceeds a certain level, in a manner equivalent to the first calculation method. Determining whether the total weights exceed the threshold 45 can also include operations that appear different from subtraction or the determination of being less than the threshold, such as the second and third calculation methods described above.

[0062] [Threshold]

[0063] Figure 2 This illustration schematically depicts an example of a scenario involving the comparison determination result 40 and the threshold 45 according to this embodiment. The threshold 45 serves as the benchmark for determining the geofence determination result (determination result 50) based on the "inside" or "outside" determination result. The threshold 45 can be arbitrarily defined. The threshold 45 may also include a first threshold 450 for determining that the current location 20 is inside the target geofence, and a second threshold 455 for determining that the current location 20 is outside the target geofence. The weights of the first threshold 450 and the "inside" determination result 400 are compared. The weights of the second threshold 455 and the "outside" determination result 405 are compared. The first threshold 450 and the second threshold 455 can be the same or different.

[0064] In one example, the first threshold 450 can be set to be less than the second threshold 455. According to an example of this embodiment, by setting the first threshold 450 to be less than the second threshold 455, it is easy to determine that the current location 20 is inside the object geofence. Therefore, it is possible to preferentially determine that the current location 20 is inside the object geofence. In another example, the second threshold 455 can also be set to be less than the first threshold 450. According to an example of this embodiment, by setting the second threshold 455 to be less than the first threshold 450, it is possible to preferentially determine that the current location 20 is outside the object geofence.

[0065] Furthermore, a threshold of 45 (first threshold 450, second threshold 455) corresponds to a high level of reliability required to determine the judgment result. The correspondence between the threshold 45 and the actual value can be appropriately determined based on the implementation method, such as whether the total weights used for judgment exceed the threshold 45. In one example, a large actual value used as the threshold 45 can correspond directly to a threshold of 45 being large. In another example, a small actual value used as the threshold 45 can also correspond to a threshold of 45 being large.

[0066] [Geofencing]

[0067] A geofence is an area enclosed by imaginary boundaries set on a map. Arbitrary actions can be performed based on detection of events such as entering the area. Therefore, in one example, a geofence can be defined by the geometry of the area (geographical extent) and the actions associated with that area.

[0068] (Geometric figures)

[0069] There are no particular restrictions on the method for defining geometric figures; it can be appropriately selected based on the implementation method. Well-known methods can also be used to define geometric figures. The information of the geometric figures can include arbitrary information used to delineate the area (geographical extent).

[0070] Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 This schematically illustrates an example of a method for defining the geometry GM (region) of a geofence according to this embodiment. In one example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the geometric shape GM can be defined by its center coordinates CC and radius r. In this case, the geofence area can be defined as a circular area with radius r starting from the center coordinates CC. The circumference of the circle with radius r centered at the center coordinates CC is the boundary line of the geofence area. When a pathway RP is provided, the intersection point BD of the geofence boundary line and the pathway RP is the boundary of the geofence on the pathway RP. Furthermore, the pathway RP can be provided in any way. The pathway RP can be, for example, a road, airway, or flight path. The pathway RP can be provided physically or imaginary. The pathway RP can also be omitted.

[0071] In one example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the geometry GM can be defined by the coordinates of feature points FC. In this case, the geofence area can be demarcated as the extent of a closed polygon formed by connecting adjacent feature points FC to each other. The lines connecting the feature points FC are the boundary lines of the geofence area. The pathway RP and the boundary (intersection BD) are... Figure 3 The examples are the same. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In one example, six feature points FC are specified. However, the number of feature points FC is not limited to this example and can be appropriately selected according to the implementation method. The number of feature points FC can be any number greater than three.

[0072] In one example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the geometry GM can be defined by the road segment LC and the distance d from the road segment LC. In this case, the geofence area can be defined as a capsule-shaped region at a distance d from the road segment LC. The outer perimeter of the capsule shape at a distance d from the road segment LC is the boundary line of the geofence area. The pathway RP and the boundary (intersection BD) are... Figure 3 The same applies to the example. Furthermore, the road segment LC can be appropriately defined. The road segment LC can be provided as a pathway RP such as a road segment, or it can be provided independently of the pathway RP. The information of the road segment LC can be appropriately constructed. For example, the information of the road segment LC can include identification information such as a road segment ID. The range information representing the extent of the road segment LC can be associated with the identification information and stored in any storage area. Thus, the information of the road segment LC can be constructed to indirectly represent the extent of the road segment LC. Alternatively, for example, the information of the road segment LC can also be constructed to include the aforementioned range information, thereby directly representing the extent of the road segment LC. For example, the extent of the road segment LC can be defined by endpoints (LC1, LC2). The endpoints (LC1, LC2) can also be referred to as the start point or the end point, respectively. According to an example of this geometry GM, by increasing the width of the road segment LC by a distance d, compared to the case where only road segment LCs are used to construct a geofencing, it is easier to perform geofencing determination processing (detection of events in the area).

[0073] (Merging of geometric figures)

[0074] A geofence can be defined using either a single geometric shape or multiple geometric shapes. When defining an area using multiple geometric shapes, these shapes can be appropriately combined (merged). There are no particular restrictions on the method of combining geometric shapes; it can be chosen appropriately depending on the implementation method. In one example, the combination of geometric shapes can be defined using logical operators such as logical sum, logical product, and XOR.

[0075] Figure 6 This schematically illustrates an example (logical AND) of a method for merging the geometric figures (GM1, GM2) involved in this embodiment. Figure 6In this scenario, we envision a logical summation operation used to merge two geometries (GM1, GM2). In this case, the geofence area is defined as the region encompassing at least one of geometries GM1 or GM2. If the current position (current position 20) belongs to the region of at least one of geometries GM1 and GM2, it is determined to be inside the geofence. If the current position does not belong to the region of either geometries GM1 or GM2, it is determined to be outside the geofence. Figure 6 In the case where a path RP is provided, the outer perimeter (boundary line) of the combined geometry (GM1, GM2) and the two intersection points BD of the path RP form the boundary of the geofence on the path RP.

[0076] Figure 7 This illustration schematically shows an example (logical product) of a method for merging the geometric figures (GM1, GM2) involved in this embodiment. Figure 7 Imagine a scenario where a logical product is used as a logical operator to merge two geometries (GM1, GM2). In this case, the geofence is defined as the overlapping area of ​​geometries GM1 and GM2. If the current position belongs to both geometries GM1 and GM2, it is determined to be inside the geofence. If the current position belongs to only one of geometries GM1 and GM2, or does not belong to either, it is determined to be outside the geofence. Figure 7 In the case where a path RP is provided as shown, the outer perimeter of the repeating range of the two geometries (GM1, GM2) and the two intersection points BD of the path RP become the boundary of the geofence on the path RP.

[0077] Figure 8 This schematically illustrates an example (XOR) of a method for merging the geometric figures (GM1, GM2) involved in this embodiment. Figure 8 In this scenario, consider a situation where the logical operator XOR is used to merge two geometries (GM1, GM2). In this case, the geofence area is defined as the region belonging only to either geometry GM1 or GM2. If the current location belongs only to either geometry GM1 or GM2, it is determined to be inside the geofence. If the current location belongs to the overlapping region of geometry GM1 and GM2, or does not belong to either region, it is determined to be outside the geofence. Figure 8In the case where a pathway RP is provided as shown, the boundary lines of each geometry (GM1, GM2) and the two intersection points BD of the pathway RP, as well as the outer perimeter of the overlapping range of the two geometry (GM1, GM2) and the two intersection points BD of the pathway RP, constitute the boundary of the geofence on the pathway RP.

[0078] (action)

[0079] There are no particular restrictions on the method for defining actions; it can be appropriately selected based on the implementation method. Well-known methods can be used to define actions. In one example, an action can be defined by its execution content (action content) and execution conditions (action execution conditions). That is, an action can be defined as providing information on "when" (execution conditions) to perform "what" (execution content) for a given geographical area (geometry).

[0080] (A) Action content

[0081] The actions can be appropriately determined based on the implementation method, such as the scenario and purpose of utilizing the geofencing. Actions may include, for example, the operation of the control device, information generation, and information output. The controlled device can be the information processing device 1 itself, or any device connected to the information processing device 1 (mobile MB, other computers, etc.). The operation of the control device may include, for example, causing it to operate in a specific mode among multiple modes, causing it to perform a predetermined task, allowing the execution of a predetermined task, or prohibiting the execution of a predetermined task. Information generation may include, for example, generating information to notify an external computer. Information output may include, for example, providing prompts to the user or sending information to an external computer. When the information processing device 1 is installed inside or outside the mobile MB, the actions may also include any actions related to the mobile MB.

[0082] For example, when the mobile entity MB is a vehicle MV, the geofence can be set to a low-emission zone. The vehicle MV can be a hybrid vehicle. In this case, the action content may include switching the vehicle MV's operating mode from hybrid mode to EV (Electric Vehicle) mode when the vehicle MV enters the geofence and the vehicle MV's operating mode is hybrid mode. Additionally, for example, if at least one of the vehicle MV and the information processing device 1 has a camera, the action content may include prohibiting the use of the camera to take pictures. Furthermore, for example, the action content may include notifying an external computer (server, etc.) of the movement status of the vehicle MV. The movement status of the vehicle MV may include, for example, approaching the destination, arriving at the destination, stopping at the destination, or departing from the destination. In one example, the vehicle MV can be a truck delivering goods, and the destination can be the delivery destination of the goods (shop, etc.). Additionally, for example, the action content may include sending data to the output device of the information processing device 1 (…). Figure 10 The advertisement can be output from at least one of the following: the output device 15 and an external output device. For example, the external output device may be an output device (display, speaker, etc.) that is independently equipped on the vehicle MV, separate from the information processing device 1. The advertisement may include coupon information for enjoying discounts at the target store.

[0083] Furthermore, the number of actions to be executed within the action content can be either one or multiple. When multiple actions are defined within the action content, each action can be called a sub-action. Action content can be defined through a combination of multiple sub-actions. When defining action content through a combination of multiple sub-actions, the execution priority of each sub-action can be set. Additionally, at least some of the sub-actions can have execution dependencies, such as controlling whether a second sub-action can be executed or determining the execution content of a second sub-action based on the execution result of the first sub-action.

[0084] Furthermore, the content of the action can be determined statically in advance or dynamically based on predetermined conditions. Dynamic determination of the action content can be based on various conditions such as time period, date, weather, presence or absence of events, user status, and device status (information processing device 1, mobile device MB, vehicle MV, etc.). As an example, the action content can be defined as outputting advertisements based on time periods (outputting coffee advertisements in the morning, and Western restaurant advertisements in the evening, etc.).

[0085] (B) Conditions for Action Execution

[0086] Action execution conditions are the conditions used to determine whether to execute an action. Action execution conditions can be appropriately defined as conditions relating to events related to a geofence. Events related to a geofence can be appropriately detected based on the result of a geofence-inside / outside determination (determination result 50). In a simple example, conditions relating to geofence events can include being inside or outside the geofence at least one of the following: being inside the geofence. Additionally, the evolution of the geofence's positional relationship can be monitored by continuing to execute geofence-inside / outside determinations. Correspondingly, in one example, conditions relating to geofence events can also be detected based on the result of monitoring the evolution of the geofence's positional relationship. For example, geofence events can include at least one of staying outside the geofence, entering from outside the geofence, staying inside the geofence, and exiting from inside the geofence. Staying inside (outside) the geofence can also include staying inside (outside) the geofence for more than a predetermined time and performing a predetermined movement inside (outside) the geofence.

[0087] Action execution conditions may also include any conditions other than those related to events related to the geofence. In one example, action execution conditions may also include conditions related to the execution environment of the action. The execution environment may include all elements related to the state of the action. For example, the execution environment may include dynamic elements such as time period, date, weather, and the presence or absence of any events. In another example, action execution conditions may include at least one of conditions related to the state of the device and conditions related to the state of the user of the device. The device may be the information processing device 1 itself or any device connected to the information processing device 1. The device may also be a mobile body (MB). When determining whether any condition is met, the information processing device 1 may appropriately obtain information for the determination from any information source. For example, when the action execution conditions include conditions related to the state of the device, the information processing device 1 may determine whether the conditions related to the state of the device are met based on at least one of the information held within the device and information obtained from other devices connected to the device. Other devices may include computers connected via a network, such as external servers. Other devices may include various sensors, such as vehicle-mounted sensors. The same applies when the action execution conditions include conditions related to the state of the user.

[0088] As an example, in the above-described scenario where the information processing device 1 is equipped with a vehicle MV, the action execution conditions may also include conditions related to the state of the vehicle MV. The information processing device 1 can determine whether the conditions related to the state of the vehicle MV are met based on vehicle information obtained from the vehicle MV. For example, regarding a geofence related to a low-emission zone, the conditions related to the state of the vehicle MV may include the vehicle MV being in hybrid mode. Correspondingly, if the vehicle MV is in EV mode before entering the geofence, the information processing device 1 may determine that the action execution conditions are not met and omit the action of switching the vehicle MV's operating mode to EV mode. Additionally, for example, the conditions related to the state of the vehicle MV (including the information processing device 1) may include the camera device being started. Correspondingly, if the camera device stops before entering the geofence, the information processing device 1 may determine that the action execution conditions are not met and omit the action of prohibiting the use of the camera device for recording. Furthermore, for example, the conditions related to the state of the vehicle MV (including the information processing device 1) may include the absence of sound generation from applications other than the application through which the action was performed. Correspondingly, the information processing device 1 may determine that the action execution conditions are not met during the sound output performed through another application, and omit the execution of the action. Alternatively, in response to the end of the sound output performed through another application, the information processing device 1 may determine that the action execution conditions are met and execute the action defined in the action content.

[0089] Furthermore, after the action execution conditions are met, the action defined in the action content can be executed at any time. In one example, the action can be executed immediately at the time the action execution conditions are met, or it can be executed after a predetermined delay time. Additionally, there is no particular limitation on the number of times the action is executed in response to the fulfillment of the action execution conditions, and this can be appropriately determined according to the implementation method. In one example, the action can be executed only once, or it can be executed repeatedly under predetermined conditions.

[0090] In an action execution condition, one or more conditions can be defined. An action execution condition can also be a combination of multiple conditions. When composed of multiple conditions, the action execution condition is deemed satisfied if any of the included conditions are met. In one example, the action execution condition can be deemed satisfied if any one condition is met, or if all at least two conditions are met. A priority order can also be set for each condition. The priority order can be set statically or dynamically based on the execution environment. In this case, the judgment and processing of each condition can be performed according to the priority order. An action execution condition can also be called a triggering event.

[0091] (map)

[0092] Maps (map data) may be provided appropriately. Map data may be appropriately structured to represent a map. Known structures may be used in the structure of the map data. In one example, map data may be structured to include latitude / longitude coordinates, road network information, facility information, etc. Road network information may also include the IDs (road segment IDs) of each road (road segment). Map data may be stored in any storage area. Map data may be stored in at least one of the memory resources of information processing device 1 and an external storage device. External storage devices may include storage devices of external computers such as NAS (Network Attached Storage).

[0093] In the information processing device 1, map data can be used for any purpose, such as displaying a designated area or location, or providing route guidance. If map data is not stored in advance and is used for any purpose, the information processing device 1 can appropriately obtain data of at least the area to be used from an external storage device. Known methods can be used to obtain the map data. In the information processing device 1, the geofencing determination process can be performed either in conjunction with the map data usage process or independently of it.

[0094] [Geofencing definition data]

[0095] As long as the geofence definition data 30 is configured to define a geofence (geometry and actions), its structure is not particularly limited and can be appropriately determined according to the implementation method. In one example, the geofence definition data 30 may be configured to include information on both the geometry and actions.

[0096] Figure 9An example of the structure of the geofence definition data 30 according to this embodiment is schematically shown. In one example, the geofence definition data 30 may include action data 303 that defines actions within a geofence, and body data 301 that includes identification information (action ID) of the action data 303. The action data 303 is associated with the body data 301 by including the identification information of the action data 303. As the number of geofences increases, the data volume of the geofence definition data 30 may increase. In contrast, in one example of this embodiment, the geofence definition data 30 is divided into body data 301 and action data 303. In other words, the action data 303 is separated from the body data 301. Thus, the action data 303 is configured to be reusable. That is, by associating the action data 303 with other body data, the same action defined by the action data 303 can also be set for other geofences. Therefore, according to an example of this embodiment, the duplication of data for the definition of the same action can be suppressed, so the data volume of the geofence definition data 30 can be reduced. Improving reuse rates can help reduce the amount of data.

[0097] In another example, the geofence definition data 30 may also include geometric data 305 that defines the geometry of the area where the geofence is defined. The main data 301 may also include identification information (geometric ID) of the geometric data 305. By including the identification information of the geometric data 305 in the main data 301, the geometric data 305 is associated with the main data 301. In one example of this embodiment, similar to the action data 303, the geometric data 305 is also separated from the main data 301. Therefore, the geometric data 305 is also configured to be reusable. That is, by associating the geometric data 305 with other main data, the same area definition (geometric) based on the geometric data 305 can be applied to other geofences. Therefore, according to one example of this embodiment, when multiple geofences are set as the same area, duplication of data for the same area definition can be suppressed. Therefore, regarding the geofence definition data 30, a reduction in data volume can be achieved.

[0098] (Main Data)

[0099] The subject data 301 can be appropriately configured to represent a geofence. In one example, the subject data 301 can be configured to represent the definition of a geofence together with the associated action data 303 and geometric data 305, through identification information (action ID, geometric ID) including action data 303 and geometric data 305. Figure 9As shown, in one example of this embodiment, the main data 301 may have fields storing various information such as main data ID, action ID, geometric shape ID, description information, judgment execution conditions, validity period, and management information. The order of the fields is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed according to the embodiment. In one example, one piece of main data 301 may correspond to one geofence.

[0100] The subject ID can be used to identify geofences. The subject ID is an example of the identification information in subject data 301. The data format of the identification information (subject ID) is not particularly limited and can be appropriately determined according to the implementation method. The subject ID value can be provided in accordance with the time when the geofence is registered by creating subject data 301. The time can include year, month, and day. The object unit of the time can be arbitrarily chosen. Thus, the subject ID can be configured to determine the registration order through its value.

[0101] Action IDs are used to identify actions applied to a geofence (action data 303). An action ID is an example of the identification information in action data 303. The data format of the action identification information (action ID) is not particularly limited and can be appropriately determined according to the implementation method. Figure 9 As shown, in one example of this embodiment, the action data 303 identified by the action ID can be associated with the action data 301 by including the action ID in the main data 301.

[0102] A geometry ID is used to identify the geometry applied to a geofence (geometric data 305). The geometry ID is an example of the identification information in geometry data 305. The data format of the geometry identification information (geometric ID) is not particularly limited and can be appropriately determined according to the implementation method. For example... Figure 9 As shown, in one example of this embodiment, the geometric data 305 identified by the geometric data ID can be associated with the main data 301 by including the geometric data ID in the main data 301.

[0103] Here, as mentioned above, in one example, the area of ​​a geofence can be defined by either a single geometry or multiple geometries. Figures 6-8 Correspondingly, the identification information including geometric data 305 can be constructed by including the identification information of the geometric data 305 of one or more geometric figures. In the case of including the identification information of the geometric data 305 of multiple geometric figures, the main data 301 may also include a logical operator for merging multiple geometric figures.

[0104] exist Figure 9In one example, more than one geometry ID can be stored in the geometry ID field of the main data 301. Thus, more than one geometry data 305 can be associated with the main data 301. By including multiple geometry IDs in the main data 301, multiple geometries can be associated with the main data 301 for delineating the defined geofence area. Additionally, the main data 301 may also have a field for storing logical operators. When the main data 301 includes multiple geometry IDs, this field can store the logical operators used to merge the geometries corresponding to each geometry ID. Therefore, the main data 301 can include logical operators for merging associated geometries.

[0105] According to one example of this embodiment, multiple geometric data 305 (multiple geometric shapes) can be used to delineate geofencing areas. This further improves the reusability of the geometric data 305, thus potentially reducing the data volume further. Furthermore, complex region definitions can be easily generated not only through simple region definitions based on a single geometric shape, but also through combinations of multiple geometric shapes.

[0106] Furthermore, in one example, such as Figure 9 As shown, when merging multiple geometric shapes is permitted, the main data 301 may also include a field storing a merged graphic formed by merging multiple geometric shapes using logical operators. Therefore, in the case of including the geometric shape IDs of the individual geometric shape data 305 of multiple geometric shapes, the main data 301 may also include the merged graphic formed by merging multiple geometric shapes. The merged graphic can be used for any purpose, such as distance calculation. According to an example of this embodiment, by including the merged graphic in the main data 301, it is not necessary to perform the operation of merging geometric shapes every time a geofence is used. Therefore, improved processing efficiency can be expected.

[0107] Descriptive information is used to depict geofences on a map. In one example of this embodiment, the main data 301 may also include descriptive information for depicting geofences on a map in the information processing device 1 by having a field for storing this descriptive information. As described above, in the information processing device 1, the map can be used for any purpose, such as displaying a specified area or location, or providing route guidance. Map data can be used in the depiction of the map. The descriptive information may include any information used to depict geofences on the map. For example, the descriptive information may include information such as representative locations (coordinates, etc.), names, and descriptive attributes. Descriptive attributes may include the geofence's display ON / OFF, coloring, border color, transparency, and icon attributes. Icon attributes may include the icon's display ON / OFF, content information (such as the destination where the icon image is saved), etc. The representative location can be used as the location where the icon is displayed. According to an example of this embodiment, the geometric data 305 of the defined geometry is separated from the main data 301, while the descriptive information is retained in the main data 301. Therefore, in the information processing device 1, even without referring to the geometric data 305, a geofence can be drawn by referring to the descriptive information of the subject data 301. As a result, the efficiency of the geofence drawing process can be expected to be improved.

[0108] The decision execution condition is used to select whether to perform the geofencing decision process. In one example of this embodiment, the main data 301 may also include a decision execution condition for selecting whether to perform the geofencing decision by having a field that stores the decision execution condition. The above-mentioned action execution condition determines whether to perform an action based on the result of the geofencing inside / outside determination, etc., in contrast to the decision execution condition which originally determines whether to perform the geofencing inside / outside determination. According to an example of this embodiment, even without referring to the action data 303 (and the geometric data 305), it is possible to determine whether to perform the geofencing decision by referring to the decision execution condition of the main data 301. Therefore, the efficiency of the geofencing decision process can be expected to be improved.

[0109] Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the decision execution conditions, which can be appropriately set according to the implementation method. The decision execution conditions can be set for static information or for dynamic information such as the aforementioned execution environment. Static information may include, for example, the category of the mobile entity MB (vehicle category, etc.) and user attributes. User attributes may include, for example, the user's age and gender. In one example, in the case described above where the information processing device 1 is equipped with a vehicle MV, the decision execution conditions may also specify whether to perform geofence ingress / exgress determination based on vehicle information obtained from the vehicle MV. Additionally, in one example, the decision execution conditions may include a hysteresis condition, which specifies that after performing ingress / exgress determination, a predetermined insensitivity zone (hysteresis) is set, and the ingress / exgress determination process is not performed again until the distance is moved. By including this hysteresis condition in the decision execution conditions, it is possible to suppress frequent execution of decision processing near the boundary of the geofence.

[0110] The validity period indicates the duration for which the geofence defined by the geofence definition data 30 is valid. In one example of this embodiment, the main data 301 may also include the geofence's validity period by having a field that stores this validity period. According to an example of this embodiment, the period for which the geofence is applied can be specified by the validity period included in the main data 301. Furthermore, even without referring to the motion data 303 and geometry data 305, the validity of the geofence can be determined by referring to the validity period of the main data 301. Thus, the efficiency of the process for verifying the validity of the geofence can be expected to be improved.

[0111] Management information may include any information used in the application of subject data 301. In one example, management information may include creation time, update time, etc. Time may also include year, month, and day. The object unit of time can be arbitrarily selected. Creation time may represent the time when subject data 301 was created. Update time may represent the time when geofence definition data 30 was updated. In one example, update time may be configured to represent the time when at least any one of subject data 301, associated motion data 303, and associated geometry data 305 was updated. Thus, in one example of this embodiment, subject data 301 may also include an overall update time representing the time when at least any one of subject data 301, motion data 303, and geometry data 305 was updated. According to an example of this embodiment, by aggregating update times into subject data 301, it is possible to determine whether at least any one of subject data 301, motion data 303, and geometry data 305 has been updated, even without referring to motion data 303 and geometry data 305, simply by referring to subject data 301. Therefore, the efficiency of the process for determining whether the geofence definition data 30 has been updated can be expected to be improved. However, the update time included in the main data 301 is not limited to this example and can be appropriately changed according to the implementation. In another example, the update time may also be configured to indicate the time when the main data 301 is updated, rather than the time when the motion data 303 and the geometry data 305 are updated. In yet another example, the main data 301 may also independently include the overall update time and the individual update times of the main data 301.

[0112] Furthermore, the specific structure of the main data 301 can be appropriately omitted, replaced, or added to depending on the implementation method. For example, at least one of the logical operators, merged graphics, depiction information, decision execution conditions, validity period, and management information can be omitted. The depiction information, decision execution conditions, and validity period can be maintained in at least one of the action data 303 and the geometric data 305. At least one of the creation time and update time can also be maintained independently of the management information. In the management information, at least one of the creation time and update time can also be omitted. The management information can also include other information besides the creation time and update time (e.g., creator, updater, deletion time, deleter, etc.). The main data 301 can also include other information such as the scope of the action, whether it is public, and the type of information processing device 1 that provides the geofence definition data.

[0113] (Motion data)

[0114] Action data 303 can be appropriately configured to represent a defined action by including action definition information. For example... Figure 9As shown, in one example of this embodiment, the action data 303 may have fields for storing various information such as action ID, action execution conditions, action content, and management information. The order of the fields is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed according to the embodiment. In one example, one piece of action data 303 may correspond to the definition of one action.

[0115] An action ID is used to identify action data 303. The action execution condition specifies the conditions under which the action is performed. The action content specifies the content of the action being performed. The action execution condition and action content can be defined as described above. The action execution condition and action content are examples of action definition information. Management information can include any information used in the application of action data 303. The management information of action data 303, except for the point where the object is replaced by action data 303 from subject data 301, can be constructed in the same way as the management information of subject data 301. In one example, management information can include creation time, update time, etc. Creation time can indicate the time when action data 303 was created. Update time can indicate the time when action data 303 was updated.

[0116] Furthermore, the specific structure of motion data 303 can be appropriately omitted, replaced, or added to depending on the implementation method. For example, management information can also be omitted. At least one of the creation time and update time can be maintained independently of the management information. In the management information, at least one of the creation time and update time can also be omitted. The management information can also include other information besides the creation time and update time (e.g., creator, updater, deletion time, deleter, etc.). Motion data 303 can also include other information such as the scope and name of the action.

[0117] (Geometric data)

[0118] Geometric data 305 can be appropriately configured to represent the defined geometry by including definition information of the geometry (information about the defined region). For example... Figure 9 As shown, in one example of this embodiment, the geometric data 305 may have fields for storing various information such as geometric ID, geometric (definition information), and management information. The order of the fields is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed according to the embodiment. In one example, one piece of geometric data 305 may correspond to one geometric definition.

[0119] The geometry ID is used to identify geometry data 305. The geometry (definition information) delineates the area of ​​a geofence. In one example, the geometry can be a circle (…). Figure 3 ), polygons ( Figure 4 ), road section ( Figure 5The management information can include any information used in the application of geometric data 305, as defined above. The management information of geometric data 305, except for the points where the object is replaced, can be structured similarly to the management information of the main data 301. In one example, the management information may include the creation time, update time, etc. The creation time can indicate the time when geometric data 305 was created. The update time can indicate the time when geometric data 305 was updated.

[0120] Furthermore, the specific structure of the geometric data 305 can be appropriately omitted, replaced, or added to depending on the implementation method. For example, management information can also be omitted. At least one of the creation time and update time can be maintained independently of the management information. In the management information, at least one of the creation time and update time can also be omitted. The management information may also include other information besides the creation time and update time (e.g., creator, updater, deletion time, deleter, etc.). The geometric data 305 may also include other information such as the scope and name of the action.

[0121] (An example of the reference process for determining internal and external factors)

[0122] In the information processing device 1, when performing the determination process of geofence, the fields of the geofence definition data 30 (main data 301, action data 303 and geometric data 305) can be appropriately referenced.

[0123] As an example, in the first step, the information processing device 1 can determine whether the determination execution conditions of the main data 301 are met. In the second step, regarding the geofence determined to meet the determination execution conditions, the information processing device 1 can access the geometric data 305 associated with the main data 301 by referring to the geometric ID (identification information) of the main data 301. The information processing device 1 can refer to the geometry of the geometric data 305 to determine whether the current location 20 is inside or outside the area defined by the geometry. In one example of this embodiment, this determination process corresponds to the inside / outside determination of the geofence.

[0124] In one example, when multiple geometric data pieces 305 are associated with main data 301, the information processing device 1 can determine the geofence area by merging the individual geometric figures of the multiple geometric data pieces 305 using logical operators of the main data 301. Alternatively, in another example, when information about the area demarcated after merging multiple geometric figures is stored as a merged figure in the main data 301, the information processing device 1 can omit accessing the geometric data pieces 305. The information processing device 1 can also determine the merged area by referring to the merged figure in the main data 301. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can determine whether the current position 20 is inside or outside the determined area.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 can accumulate weighted judgment results 40 by repeatedly performing trials and weighting of the second process. If the total weight of either the inner or outer judgment result in the accumulated judgment results 40 exceeds a threshold 45, the information processing device 1 can determine the object geofence judgment result 50 based on the judgment result that exceeds the threshold 45. In addition, while continuing to perform geofence judgment processing, the information processing device 1 can also further determine the migration status of the current position (current position 20) relative to the object geofence based on the previous and current judgment results (judgment result 50).

[0126] In the third step, the information processing device 1 can access the action data 303 associated with the main data 301 by referring to the action ID (identification information) of the main data 301. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can determine whether the action execution conditions of the action data 303 are met. In the fourth step, regarding the geofence determined to meet the action execution conditions, the information processing device 1 can execute the action specified by the action content of the action data 303.

[0127] (Geofencing defines the path to obtain data)

[0128] Information processing device 1 can appropriately obtain geofence definition data 30 for each geofence. In one example, the geofence definition data 30 can also be pre-embedded in the memory resources of information processing device 1. In another example, information processing device 1 can appropriately obtain the geofence definition data 30 from an external storage device such as a server. For example, information processing device 1 can obtain the stored geofence definition data 30 from an external storage device at the same time. Alternatively, for example, the geofence definition data can also be stored in a database. The server can be configured to access the database. The database can be stored either in the server's memory resources or in an external storage device accessible to the server. Information processing device 1 can notify the server of its current location and request geofence definition data 30. The server can extract geofences existing within a predetermined distance from the current location. The predetermined distance can be arbitrarily defined. The server can provide the geofence definition data 30 of the extracted geofences to information processing device 1. Thus, information processing device 1 can also obtain the geofence definition data 30. In yet another example, information processing device 1 can directly access the database or obtain the geofence definition data 30 from the database.

[0129] (other)

[0130] Furthermore, the data format of the geofence definition data 30 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the implementation method. In addition, the data structure of the geofence definition data 30 (main data 301, motion data 303, and geometric data 305) can be appropriately modified according to the implementation method.

[0131] For example, in Figure 9 In one example, motion data 303 and geometry data 305 are separated from the main data 301. However, the structure of the geofencing definition data 30 is not limited to this example. In another example, only either motion data 303 or geometry data 305 may be separated from the main data 301, while the other is included (embedded) in the main data 301. For example, only motion data 303 may be separated from the main data 301, while geometry data 305 may be included in the main data 301. Alternatively, only geometry data 305 may be separated from the main data 301, while motion data 303 may be included in the main data 301. In yet another example, without ensuring the reusability of motion and geometry, both motion data 303 and geometry data 305 may be included in the main data 301.

[0132] [2 Structural Examples]

[0133] [Hardware Structure Example]

[0134] Figure 10An example of the hardware structure of the information processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is schematically shown. In one example, the information processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment may be configured as a computer electrically connected to a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an external interface 13, an input device 14, an output device 15, and a positioning module 16.

[0135] The control unit 11 may include a CPU (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., which are hardware processors, and is configured to perform information processing according to programs and various data. The control unit 11 (CPU) is an example of processor resources.

[0136] Storage unit 12 may include, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, a semiconductor memory, etc., configured to hold arbitrary data. Storage unit 12, RAM, and ROM are examples of memory resources of information processing device 1. In one example, storage unit 12 may store various information such as program 81 and geofence definition data 30.

[0137] Program 81 is used to cause the information processing device 1 to perform information processing related to the determination of geofencing (described later). Figure 12 The program 81 comprises a series of commands for the information processing. Program 81 is an example of a program disclosed herein.

[0138] In one example, at least one of program 81 and geofence definition data 30 may be stored separately from storage unit 12 or stored together with storage unit 12 on storage medium 91. Storage medium 91 is configured to store various information (stored programs, etc.) through electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical means, making the information readable by a computer or other machine. Storage unit 12 and storage medium 91 are examples of non-transitory storage media. Information processing device 1 can obtain at least one of program 81 and geofence definition data 30 from storage medium 91. Storage medium 91 can be a disk-type storage medium (CD, DVD, etc.) or a storage medium other than a disk-type semiconductor memory (flash memory, etc.). Any drive device can be used to read information stored in storage medium 91. The type of drive device can be selected according to storage medium 91. The drive device can be connected to information processing device 1 in any way (e.g., via external interface 13). Storage medium 91 may include an external storage device.

[0139] External interface 13 is configured to connect to external devices via wired or wireless means. External interface 13 may be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, a communication port (communication module), or a dedicated port. The type and number of external interfaces 13 can be appropriately determined according to the implementation method. The communication standard of the communication port (communication module) can be arbitrarily selected. For example, the communication standard can be appropriately selected from the Internet, wireless communication network, mobile communication network, telephone network, dedicated network, etc. The dedicated network may include a Controller Area Network (MAN). In one example, information processing device 1 can be connected to a mobile unit MB (vehicle MV, etc.) via external interface 13.

[0140] Input device 14 is configured to receive information input. Input device 14 can be configured as, for example, a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, operator, etc. Output device 15 is configured to output information. Output device 15 can be configured as, for example, a display, speaker, etc. The user can operate information processing device 1 by using input device 14 and output device 15. Input device 14 and output device 15 may not be directly connected to information processing device 1, or they may be indirectly connected via external interface 13. Input device 14 and output device 15 may also be configured as an integral part of a touch panel display, etc.

[0141] As described above, the positioning module 16 is configured to determine position. There are no particular limitations on the type of positioning module 16; it can be appropriately selected depending on the implementation method. The positioning module 16 may not be built into the information processing device 1, or it may be connected to the information processing device 1 via an external interface 13.

[0142] Furthermore, the specific hardware structure of the information processing device 1 can be appropriately omitted, replaced, or added depending on the implementation method. For example, the control unit 11 may include multiple hardware processors. The hardware processors can be constructed using microprocessors, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), ECUs, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), etc. At least one of the external interface 13, input device 14, and output device 15 may also be omitted. At least one of the program 81 and the geofence definition data 30 may also be stored on an external storage device such as a NAS. An external storage device is also an example of a non-transitory storage medium. The information processing device 1 can be constructed using multiple computers. In this case, the hardware structures of each computer may be identical or different. In addition to computers specifically designed for the services provided, the information processing device 1 may also be a general-purpose server device, a general-purpose PC (Personal Computer), a laptop PC, a terminal device, etc. The terminal device may include user terminals such as smartphones and tablets. In another example, when the information processing device 1 is equipped in a vehicle MV, it can also be an in-vehicle device (vehicle unit, terminal device, etc.).

[0143] [Software Structure]

[0144] Figure 11 An example of the software structure of the information processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is schematically shown. The control unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 1 executes commands contained in the program 81 stored in the storage unit 12 using the CPU. Thus, the information processing apparatus 1 operates as a computer, which includes a first acquisition unit 111, a second acquisition unit 112, a determination unit 113, a weighting unit 114, a result determination unit 115, and an output processing unit 116 as software modules. That is, in this embodiment, each software module of the information processing apparatus 1 is implemented by the control unit 11 (CPU).

[0145] The first acquisition unit 111 is configured to acquire the current position 20 measured by the positioning module 16. The second acquisition unit 112 is configured to acquire the measurement accuracy 25 of the acquired current position 20. The determination unit 113 is configured to determine whether the acquired current position 20 is inside or outside the object geofence. The weighting unit 114 is configured to weight the determination result 40 of the object geofence using the acquired measurement accuracy 25. The result determination unit 115 is configured to compare the sum of the weights of the determination results of inside and outside with a threshold 45. The process of acquiring the current position 20 by the first acquisition unit 111, acquiring the measurement accuracy 25 by the second acquisition unit 112, determining whether the current position 20 is inside or outside the object geofence by the determination unit 113, and weighting the determination result 40 by the measurement accuracy 25 by the weighting unit 114 is repeated until the sum of the weights of either the inside or outside determination result exceeds the threshold 45. Thus, the weighted determination result 40 is accumulated. The result determination unit 115 is configured to determine the object geofence determination result 50 based on the determination result that exceeds the threshold 45 if the total weight of either the inner or outer determination result in the accumulated determination results 40 exceeds the threshold 45. The output processing unit 116 is configured to output information 55 related to the determined determination result 50.

[0146] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is described where each software module of the information processing device 1 is implemented using a general-purpose CPU. However, some or all of the aforementioned software modules may also be implemented using one or more dedicated processors or chipsets. Each of the aforementioned modules may also be implemented as a hardware module. Regarding the software structure of the information processing device 1, modules may be appropriately omitted, replaced, or added depending on the implementation method.

[0147] [3 working examples]

[0148] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure related to geofencing determination as described in this embodiment. The following processing procedure is an example of an information processing method executed by a computer (information processing device 1). However, the following processing procedure is only an example, and each step can be modified as much as possible. In addition, regarding the following processing procedure, steps can be appropriately omitted, substituted, or added according to the embodiment.

[0149] (Step S101)

[0150] In step S101, the control unit 11 operates as a first acquisition unit 111, acquiring the current position 20 determined by the positioning module 16. In one example, the positioning module 16 may be equipped with a vehicle MV. Correspondingly, the acquired current position 20 may be constituted by the current position of the vehicle MV. After acquiring the current position 20, the control unit 11 causes the processing to proceed to the next step S102.

[0151] (Step S102)

[0152] In step S102, the control unit 11 operates as the second acquisition unit 112, acquiring the measurement accuracy 25 of the current position 20. In one example, the acquired measurement accuracy 25 may include a deviation in accuracy (DOP) value. After acquiring the measurement accuracy 25, the control unit 11 causes the process to proceed to the next step S103. Furthermore, the timing of executing the process in step S102 is not limited to this example and can be appropriately changed according to the embodiment. The process in step S102 can be executed at any time before step S104 described later. In another example, the process in step S102 may also be executed after the process in step S103 described later. In another example, the process in step S102 may also be executed before step S101. The process in step S102 may also be executed at least partially in parallel with the process in step S101.

[0153] (Step S103)

[0154] In step S103, the control unit 11 functions as a determination unit 113. The control unit 11 determines whether the acquired current position 20 is inside or outside the object geofence defined by the maintained geofence definition data 30. Thus, the control unit 11 obtains a provisional determination result 40 for the object geofence. In one example, if the geofence definition data 30 consists of main data 301, motion data 303, and geometric data 305, the processing in step S103 can be performed using the second step of the reference process described above for inside / outside determination. Regarding the geofence determined after processing, the control unit 11 proceeds to the next step, S104.

[0155] Furthermore, in one example, when a determination execution condition is set for the object geofence, the control unit 11 can determine whether the set determination execution condition is met at any time before executing step S103. The determination of whether the determination execution condition is met can be appropriately made. For geofences determined to meet the determination execution condition, the control unit 11 can execute the processing after step S103. On the other hand, for geofences determined not to meet the determination execution condition, the control unit 11 can also omit the processing after step S103, returning the processing to step S101, and re-executing the processing from step S101. If all geofences do not meet the determination execution condition, the control unit 11 can also omit at least one of the processing steps S101 and S102. In one example, when the geofence definition data 30 consists of main data 301, motion data 303, and geometric data 305, the processing for determining whether the determination execution condition is met can be constructed using the first step of the reference process during the aforementioned internal and external determinations.

[0156] (Step S104)

[0157] In step S104, the control unit 11 operates as a weighting unit 114, weighting the determination result 40 of the object geofence using the obtained measurement accuracy 25. In one example, weighting the determination result 40 using the measurement accuracy 25 may include determining the weight based on the reciprocal of the accuracy degradation value (DOP value). After weighting the determination result 40, the control unit 11 causes the processing to proceed to the next step S105.

[0158] (Step S105)

[0159] In step S105, the control unit 11 operates as a result determination unit 115, comparing the sum of the weights of the determination results for "inner" and "outer" with a threshold 45. In one example, the threshold 45 may include the aforementioned first threshold 450 and second threshold 455. The control unit 11 may compare the sum of the weights of the determination results for "inner" 400 with the first threshold 450, and the sum of the weights of the determination results for "outer" 405 with the second threshold 455. The first threshold 450 may be set to be less than the second threshold 455. The second threshold 455 may also be set to be less than the first threshold 450. The first threshold 450 may also be set to be equal to the second threshold 455 (i.e., the thresholds may be the same). Based on the comparison result, the control unit 11 determines whether the sum of the weights of either the inner or outer determination results exceeds the threshold 45.

[0160] If the total weight of both the inner and outer determination results does not exceed the threshold, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S101 and executes the process again from step S101. The control unit 11 repeatedly executes steps S101 to S104 until the total weight of either the inner or outer determination result exceeds the threshold 45. Thus, a weighted determination result 40 is accumulated regarding the object geofence. On the other hand, if the total weight of either the inner or outer determination result in the accumulated determination result 40 exceeds the threshold 45, the control unit 11 proceeds to the next step, S106.

[0161] Furthermore, in one example, according to the implementation method based on the definition of the weight based on the measurement accuracy 25 and the setting of the threshold 45, corresponding to the extremely high measurement accuracy 25, there is a possibility that the weight of either the inner or outer determination result exceeds the threshold 45 in a single processing step. Therefore, there is a possibility that steps S101 to S104 may not be repeated. Through such a single processing step, it is permissible to proceed to the next step S106 (determination of the determination result).

[0162] (Step S106)

[0163] In step S106, the control unit 11 operates as a result determination unit 115, determining the object geofence determination result 50 based on the determination result of the one that exceeds the threshold 45. That is, the control unit 11 selects the determination result of the one that exceeds the threshold 45 between the inner determination result and the outer determination result as the object geofence determination result 50.

[0164] In one example, regarding at least a portion of the geofence, by continuing to perform the inside / outside determination, a previously determined determination result 50 may exist. If a previously determined determination result 50 exists, the control unit 11 can also determine the migration status relative to the current location 20 of the geofence based on both the previous and current determination results 50. This migration status determination result can also be included in the determined determination result 50. After determining the determination result 50, the control unit 11 causes the process to proceed to the next step, S107.

[0165] (Step S107)

[0166] In step S107, the control unit 11 operates as an output processing unit 116, outputting information 55 related to the determined judgment result 50.

[0167] The output destination and the content of the output information 55 can be appropriately selected according to the implementation method. In one example, the control unit 11 can output the determined determination result 50 as is. The output destination can be, for example, RAM, storage unit 12, output device 15, other computer (including external storage device), etc. For example, the control unit 11 can save the determined determination result 50 to memory resources for use in the next internal or external determination.

[0168] In another example, the control unit 11 can determine whether the action execution conditions for a geofence are met based on the determined judgment result 50. Regarding a geofence determined to meet the action execution conditions, the control unit 11 can execute the action specified by the action content. The information output related to the geofence determination result can include whether the action execution conditions are met, and the execution of the action for the geofence that meets the action execution conditions. The executed action can include controlling the operation of the vehicle MV, such as controlling the working mode, controlling photography prohibition, or outputting advertisements. When the executed action includes the output of information such as advertisements, the information 55 related to the determined judgment result 50 can include the information output through that action. In one example, when the geofence definition data 30 consists of main data 301, action data 303, and geometric data 305, the processing related to the execution of this action can be configured using the third and fourth steps of the reference process during the internal and external determination described above. After the information 55 is output, the control unit 11 proceeds to the next step, S108.

[0169] In step S108, the control unit 11 determines whether to terminate the process. The determination criteria can be set arbitrarily. In one example, the control unit 11 may determine that the process should not be terminated until an end instruction is provided. On the other hand, the control unit 11 may determine that the process should be terminated when an end instruction is provided. The end instruction can be provided by any method, such as application termination / interruption or device shutdown.

[0170] If the process is determined not to terminate, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S101 and resumes the process from step S101. Thus, the control unit 11 can continue to perform the inside / outside determination regarding the geofence defined by the maintained geofence definition data 30. On the other hand, if the process is determined to terminate, the control unit 11 terminates the processing related to the inside / outside determination of the geofence in this example. Furthermore, the timing of terminating the process is not limited to this example. The control unit 11 can terminate the processing related to the inside / outside determination of the geofence at any time. Additionally, in one example, the control unit 11 can execute a series of processes from steps S101 to S108 in real time.

[0171] [feature]

[0172] In this embodiment, through the processing of steps S102 and S104, the geofencing determination result 40 is weighted according to the measurement accuracy 25 of the current location 20. Following the processing of steps S101 to S104, the final determination result 50 is determined in step S106. Thus, not only the number of times the same determination result is obtained, but also the quality of the location measurement accuracy 25 is used as an indicator of the determined determination result 50. By accumulating the quality of the location measurement accuracy 25 along with the number of times the same determination result is obtained, the reliability of the determination result 50 can be improved, for example, by increasing the number of determinations or respecting determination results 40 with high measurement accuracy 25 when the location measurement accuracy 25 is low. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if errors may occur in the location measurement performed using the positioning module 16, it is expected that the determination accuracy of the geofencing can be improved.

[0173] [4 Variations]

[0174] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above, but the above description is merely illustrative in any respect. The processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as they do not create technical contradictions. Furthermore, various modifications or alterations can be appropriately made to the above embodiments.

[0175] [5 Supplements]

[0176] The processing and methods described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as they do not create technical contradictions.

[0177] Furthermore, it can be shown that processing intended for one device can also be performed by multiple devices. Alternatively, it can be shown that processing intended for different devices can also be performed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware architecture used to implement various functions can be flexibly changed.

[0178] This disclosure can also be implemented by providing a computer program with the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors read and execute the program. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer either through a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media may include, for example, any type of disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic card, flash memory, optical card, semiconductor driver, or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic commands. Disks may include, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, etc. Magnetic disks may include, for example, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc. Optical disks may include, for example, CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc. Semiconductor drivers may include, for example, solid-state drives, etc.

[0179] (Symbol Explanation)

[0180] 1: Information processing device; 11: Control unit; 12: Storage unit; 16: Positioning module; 20: Current location; 25: Measurement accuracy; 30: Geofencing definition data; 40: Judgment result; 45: Threshold; 450: First threshold; 455: Second threshold; 50: (Determined) judgment result; 55: Information; MB: Moving body; MV: Vehicle.

Claims

1. A program for causing a computer to perform an information processing method, wherein, The information processing method includes: Obtain the current position determined by the positioning module; Obtain the measurement accuracy of the current position; Determine whether the obtained current location is inside or outside the object's geofence; The determination results of the object geofence are weighted using the obtained measurement accuracy; By repeatedly obtaining the current location, obtaining the measurement accuracy, determining whether the current location is inside or outside the object's geofence, and weighting the determination result with the measurement accuracy, the weighted determination result is accumulated. If the total weight of either the inner or outer judgment result in the accumulated judgment results exceeds a threshold, the judgment result of the object geofence is determined by the judgment result of the one exceeding the threshold; and Output information related to the determined judgment result.

2. The procedure according to claim 1, wherein, The obtained measurement accuracy includes accuracy degradation values.

3. The procedure according to claim 2, wherein, Weighting the determination result using the measurement accuracy includes determining the weight based on the reciprocal of the accuracy degradation value.

4. The procedure according to claim 1, wherein, The positioning module is equipped in the vehicle. The obtained current position is constituted by the current position of the vehicle.

5. The procedure according to claim 1, wherein, The threshold includes: The first threshold is used to determine that the current location is within the geofence of the object; and The second threshold is used to determine whether the current location is outside the geofence of the object. The first threshold is set to be less than the second threshold.

6. The procedure according to claim 1, wherein, The threshold includes: The first threshold is used to determine that the current location is within the geofence of the object; and The second threshold is used to determine whether the current location is outside the geofence of the object. The second threshold is set to be less than the first threshold.

7. An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit configured to execute: Obtain the current position determined by the positioning module; Obtain the measurement accuracy of the current position; Determine whether the obtained current location is inside or outside the object's geofence; The determination results of the object geofence are weighted using the obtained measurement accuracy; By repeatedly obtaining the current location, obtaining the measurement accuracy, determining whether the current location is inside or outside the object's geofence, and weighting the determination result with the measurement accuracy, the weighted determination result is accumulated. If the total weight of either the inner or outer judgment result in the accumulated judgment results exceeds a threshold, the judgment result of the object geofence is determined by the judgment result of the one that exceeds the threshold. as well as Output information related to the determined judgment result.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The obtained measurement accuracy includes accuracy degradation values.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, Weighting the determination result using the measurement accuracy includes determining the weight based on the reciprocal of the accuracy degradation value.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The positioning module is equipped in the vehicle. The obtained current position is constituted by the current position of the vehicle.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The threshold includes: The first threshold is used to determine that the current location is within the geofence of the object; and The second threshold is used to determine whether the current location is outside the geofence of the object. The first threshold is set to be less than the second threshold.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The threshold includes: The first threshold is used to determine that the current location is within the geofence of the object; and The second threshold is used to determine whether the current location is outside the geofence of the object. The second threshold is set to be less than the first threshold.

13. An information processing method executed by a computer, wherein, include: Obtain the current position determined by the positioning module; Obtain the measurement accuracy of the current position; Determine whether the obtained current location is inside or outside the object's geofence; The determination results of the object geofence are weighted using the obtained measurement accuracy; By repeatedly obtaining the current location, obtaining the measurement accuracy, determining whether the current location is inside or outside the object's geofence, and weighting the determination result with the measurement accuracy, the weighted determination result is accumulated. If the total weight of either the inner or outer judgment result in the accumulated judgment results exceeds a threshold, the judgment result of the object geofence is determined by the judgment result of the one that exceeds the threshold. as well as Output information related to the determined judgment result.

14. The information processing method according to claim 13, wherein, The obtained measurement accuracy includes accuracy degradation values.

15. The information processing method according to claim 14, wherein, Weighting the determination result using the measurement accuracy includes determining the weight based on the reciprocal of the accuracy degradation value.

16. The information processing method according to claim 13, wherein, The positioning module is equipped in the vehicle. The obtained current position is constituted by the current position of the vehicle.

17. The information processing method according to claim 13, wherein, The threshold includes: The first threshold is used to determine that the current location is within the geofence of the object; and The second threshold is used to determine whether the current location is outside the geofence of the object. The first threshold is set to be less than the second threshold.

18. The information processing method according to claim 13, wherein, The threshold includes: The first threshold is used to determine that the current location is within the geofence of the object; and The second threshold is used to determine whether the current location is outside the geofence of the object. The second threshold is set to be less than the first threshold.

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