Information provision device, information provision system, information provision method, and program

Abstract

To appropriately set a region for providing information about a moving body to a user, and appropriately provide information to a user who enters or exits from the set region.SOLUTION: An information provision device 100 includes: a moving body position acquisition unit 1011 that acquires positional information about a movable moving body; a region setting unit 1013 that sets one or more regions for providing information about the moving body to a user terminal, on the basis of a position of the moving body; a terminal position acquisition unit 1014 that acquires positional information about a movable user terminal; and an information provision control unit 1017 that controls whether to provide information about the moving body associated with the region to the user terminal, on the basis of a positional relationship between the acquired positional information about the user terminal and the set region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information providing apparatus, an information providing system, an information providing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of communication devices such as smartphones, services using location information called geofencing have been started. Geofencing is an area surrounded by a virtual fence (boundary line) provided on a map. By setting such a geofence, information about stores such as advertisements and coupons is provided to the user terminal possessed by the user who enters the fence from stores within the geofence.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes that a management server provides event information about a facility to a mobile terminal device in response to a request from the mobile terminal device. Further, the document describes that when the mobile terminal device moves along a route, a geofence boundary line is dynamically created.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional technologies are intended to provide information about facilities, which are immovable properties, to mobile terminal devices possessed by users. Therefore, it is impossible to appropriately set a geofence or an area for providing information about a moving body such as a food truck that moves or stops at the time of service provision to a user.

[0006] This disclosure is made to solve these problems and aims to provide an information provision device, information provision system, information provision method, and program that can appropriately set an area for providing information about a mobile object to a user, and appropriately provide information to a user who enters or exits the set area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information provision device relating to one aspect of this disclosure is: A mobile object position acquisition unit that acquires the position information of a movable object, A region setting unit sets one or more regions for providing information about the moving object to a user terminal based on the position of the moving object, A terminal location acquisition unit that acquires location information of a mobile user terminal, An information provision control unit controls whether or not to provide the user terminal with information about the moving object associated with the region, based on the positional relationship between the acquired location information of the user terminal and the set region. It is equipped with.

[0008] The information provision system relating to one aspect of this disclosure is A mobile object position acquisition unit that acquires the position information of a movable object, A region setting unit sets one or more regions for providing information about the moving object to a user terminal based on the position of the moving object, A terminal location acquisition unit that acquires location information of a mobile user terminal, An information provision control unit controls whether or not to provide the user terminal with information about the moving object associated with the region, based on the positional relationship between the acquired location information of the user terminal and the set region. It is equipped with.

[0009] The method of providing information relating to one aspect of this disclosure is: Obtain location information of movable objects, Based on the position of the moving object, one or more regions are set for providing information about the moving object to the user terminal. Obtain location information of mobile user terminals, Based on the positional relationship between the acquired location information of the user terminal and the set area, the system controls whether or not to provide the user terminal with information about the moving object associated with the area.

[0010] A program relating to one aspect of this disclosure is Obtain location information of movable objects, Based on the position of the moving object, one or more regions are set for providing information about the moving object to the user terminal. Obtain location information of mobile user terminals, The computer is instructed to control whether or not to provide the user terminal with information about the moving object associated with the region, based on the positional relationship between the acquired location information of the user terminal and the configured region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an information provision device, information provision system, information provision method, and program, etc., that can appropriately set an area for providing information about a moving object to a user, and appropriately provide information to a user who enters or exits the set area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates an example configuration of an information providing device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates an example configuration of the information provision system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of a server configuration according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the server hardware configuration according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5]It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit of the moving body according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart for explaining the geofence setting and content providing method for the moving body according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] It is a table showing the geofence definition information for the moving body. [Figure 9] It is a table showing the content definition information according to the speed of the moving body. [Figure 10] It is a table showing the content definition information according to the relative angle between the moving body and the user. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining an example of setting the geofence according to the moving speed of the moving body. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining an example of setting the geofence according to the moving speed of the moving body. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining an example of setting the geofence according to the moving speed of the moving body. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining an example of setting the geofence when the planned travel route of the moving body is determined. [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining the change of the geofence position based on the moving direction. [Figure 16] It is a diagram for explaining the change of the geofence position based on the moving direction. [Figure 17] It is a diagram for explaining an example of setting the geofence when the moving speed becomes zero. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart for explaining the content selection method according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining an example of outputting the right-side content when the relative angle is within a predetermined range. [Figure 20] It is a diagram for explaining an example of outputting the front-side content when the relative angle is within a predetermined range. [Figure 21] It is a diagram for explaining an example of outputting the left-side content when the relative angle is within a predetermined range. [Figure 22] This diagram illustrates another example of calculating relative angles. [Figure 23] This diagram illustrates the geofence setup method and its problems in a comparative example. [Figure 24] This figure illustrates a method for setting up geofences according to several embodiments. [Figure 25] This figure illustrates a method for setting up geofences according to several embodiments. [Figure 26] This figure illustrates a method for setting up geofences according to several embodiments. [Figure 27] This diagram illustrates the method for setting up a geofence according to the embodiment. [Figure 28] This diagram explains how to set the direction of entry into a geofence. [Figure 29] This diagram explains how to determine the direction of entry into a geofence. [Figure 30] This diagram explains how to determine the direction of exit to a geofence. [Figure 31] This is a table showing the adjustment values ​​for each time period. [Figure 32] This diagram explains how to determine the direction of movement after entering a geofence. [Figure 33] This diagram illustrates an example of not delivering content when re-entering a geofence. [Figure 34] This figure shows an example of changing the type of content associated with the same geofence. [Figure 35] This diagram illustrates examples of multiple geofences associated with a facility. [Figure 36] This figure shows an example of changing the type of content associated with the same geofence. [Figure 37] This diagram illustrates the problems that arise when a user passes through and exits a geofence. [Figure 38] This diagram explains how to handle situations where a user passes through a geofence and exits. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiment 1 Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The information-providing device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. The information providing device 100 according to this embodiment may be used to distribute information about a movable mobile object to one or more user terminals. The information providing device 100 may also be used to dynamically set an area (e.g., a geofence) associated with a mobile object in order to provide information about the mobile object. The information providing device 100 may be implemented by a computer equipped with a processor such as a CPU (central processing unit), memory, interface circuits, etc. The information providing device 100 may also include a control unit 101, a storage unit, etc.

[0014] The control unit 101 includes a mobile object position acquisition unit 1011, a region setting unit 1013, a terminal position acquisition unit 1014, and an information provision control unit 1017.

[0015] The mobile object position acquisition unit 1011 acquires location information of a mobile object. The mobile object position acquisition unit 1011 acquires the location of the mobile object over time and can calculate the movement route over a predetermined period. The mobile object may be equipped with, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, and the mobile object position acquisition unit 1011 can acquire the location information of the mobile object from the GPS receiver via a wired or wireless network. The mobile object referred to here may include, but is not limited to, various mobile objects capable of making voice notifications, such as food trucks and other mobile sales vehicles, penguin processions, mascot character parades, and festival floats. The mobile object may be intended to provide information about the mobile object (e.g., advertisements, promotions, announcements, etc.) to the user terminal.

[0016] The area setting unit 1013 sets one or more areas for providing information about the mobile object to the user terminal, based on the position of the mobile object. In this specification, areas may be referred to as geofences or zones. Areas have various parameters such as distance from the mobile object, size, width, and shape, and this information can be stored in a storage unit inside or outside the information providing device.

[0017] The terminal location acquisition unit 1014 acquires location information of a mobile user terminal. The user terminal may be various devices such as a smartphone, wearable device, or smartwatch. The user terminal may be equipped with a GPS receiver, for example, and the terminal location acquisition unit 1014 can acquire location information of the user terminal from the GPS receiver via a wired or wireless network. The terminal location acquisition unit 1014 can acquire the location of the user terminal over time and calculate the travel route over a predetermined period.

[0018] The information provision control unit 1017 controls whether or not to provide the user terminal with information about the mobile object associated with the area, based on the positional relationship between the acquired location information of the user terminal and the set area. The information provision control unit 1017 can provide the user terminal with information about the mobile object if it determines from the acquired location information of the user terminal that the user has entered the set area. Alternatively, the information provision control unit 1017 can provide the user terminal with information about the mobile object if it determines from the acquired location information of the user terminal that the user has left the set area. The information about the mobile object may include, but is not limited to, advertising, promotional, or notice information related to the mobile object. The information about the mobile object associated with the area may be stored in a storage unit inside or outside the information provision device.

[0019] According to this embodiment, an area for appropriately providing content information to a user can be appropriately set for a movable mobile object, and information about the mobile object can be appropriately provided to the user.

[0020] As a modification of Embodiment 1, at least some of the components of the above-described information providing device can be implemented in collaboration with other information providing devices. The information providing system 1 according to this modification comprises: a mobile body position acquisition unit 1011 that acquires position information of a movable mobile body; a region setting unit 1013 that sets one or more regions for providing information about the mobile body to a user terminal based on the position of the mobile body; a terminal position acquisition unit 1014 that acquires position information of a user terminal; and an information providing control unit 1017 that controls whether or not to provide information about the mobile body associated with the region to the user terminal based on the positional relationship between the acquired user terminal position information and the set region.

[0021] This disclosure may also take the form of an information provision method. This information provision method acquires location information of a movable object, sets one or more regions for providing information about the object to a user terminal based on the location of the object, acquires location information of a movable user terminal, and controls whether or not to provide information about the object associated with the region to the user terminal based on the positional relationship between the acquired location information of the user terminal and the set regions. The program is a program that causes a computer to execute such an information provision method.

[0022] Embodiment 2 Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information provision system. Information provision system 1 is a system that uses geofencing to provide various information content, such as stores or mobile devices including sales vehicles, to user terminals owned by users. Information provision system 1 comprises a server 10 (sometimes also called an information provision device) and user terminals 20 and mobile devices 30 connected to the server 10 via a wired or wireless network N. Network N may include local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), such as the Internet and mobile communication networks. Server 10 is an example of an information provision device according to Embodiment 1.

[0023] Server 10 provides users who enter the geofence with information about, for example, movable objects (e.g., sales vehicles), or specific targets, facilities, or stores on a map that are not movable (e.g., coupons, events), or a guidance service (sometimes called a content service) that combines "video AR" and "sound AR". These movable objects or targets are associated with a pre-defined geofence. A geofence is an area enclosed by a virtual fence (boundary) on a map. In this specification, a geofence may also be simply called an area or zone.

[0024] The user terminal 20 may be any user device owned by the user, such as a smartphone, wearable device, or smartwatch. The user terminal 20 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver and can transmit the user terminal's location information (i.e., the location information of the moving user) to the server 10. The user terminal 20 may also be equipped with a computer including memory and a processor.

[0025] The mobile device 30 may be intended to provide various types of content to multiple user terminals. Examples of the mobile device 30 include, but are not limited to, various mobile devices capable of providing voice notifications, such as food trucks and other mobile sales vehicles, penguin processions, mascot character tours, and festival floats. The mobile device 30 is equipped with a GPS receiver and can transmit its location information to the server 10. The mobile device 30 may also be equipped with a computer including memory and a processor.

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a server configuration. Server 10 is a computer having a control unit 101 and a storage unit 102. The control unit 101 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 101 includes a mobile object position acquisition unit 1011, a mobile object state acquisition unit 1012, an area setting unit 1013, a terminal position acquisition unit 1014, an entry determination unit 1015, a relative angle calculation unit 1016, and an information provision control unit 1017. The storage unit 102 includes a map information database 1021, a registered location information database 1022, a mobile object information database 1023, a user information database 1024, a geofence database 1025, a content database 1026, and a history information database 1027.

[0027] The mobile object position acquisition unit 1011 acquires position information of a movable object. The mobile object position acquisition unit 1011 can acquire position information of the mobile object at predetermined intervals based on the received signal transmitted from a GPS receiver attached to the mobile object.

[0028] The mobile body status acquisition unit 1012 acquires the status of the mobile body, including its direction of movement and speed. The mobile body status acquisition unit 1012 can acquire the status of the mobile body, including its direction of movement and speed, from a compass sensor and speed sensor attached to the mobile body. The mobile body status acquisition unit 1012 can also acquire a status indicating whether the mobile body is moving or stationary at predetermined intervals.

[0029] The area setting unit 1013 sets one or more areas (e.g., geofences or zones) for providing information about the mobile object to the user terminal, based on the position of the mobile object acquired by the mobile object position acquisition unit 1011. In some embodiments, the area setting unit 1013 can set various areas associated with map information according to the current position, direction of movement, and speed of movement of the mobile object. In this embodiment, the area setting unit 1013 dynamically sets one or more areas (e.g., geofences, zones) according to the position of the mobile object. Details on how to set the areas will be described later.

[0030] The terminal location acquisition unit 1014 acquires location information of user terminals owned by multiple users. The terminal location acquisition unit 1014 can acquire location information of user terminals based on signals from GPS receivers built into the user terminals.

[0031] The entry determination unit 1015 determines whether or not the user has entered a geofence that has been set. Details regarding the entry determination will be described later.

[0032] The relative angle calculation unit 1016 calculates the relative angle between the user (i.e., the user terminal) and the moving object. For example, the relative angle calculation unit 1016 calculates the relative angle between the user and the moving object when entering an area (e.g., a geofence). Details of the relative angle calculation method will be described later.

[0033] The information provision control unit 1017 provides the user terminal with information about a moving object associated with a set area, based on the positional relationship between the acquired location information of the user terminal and the set area. For example, when the user terminal moves from outside the set area to inside the area, the information provision control unit 1017 can provide the user terminal with information about a moving object associated with the area (e.g., audio content). Also, when the user terminal moves from inside the set area to outside the area, the information provision control unit 1017 can provide the user terminal with information about the moving object associated with the area. The information provision control unit 1017 can provide different content (e.g., content with different content or playback time) depending on the speed of movement of the moving object. Also, the information provision control unit 1017 can provide different content (e.g., different video content such as viewpoint, field of view, or sound source location) depending on the relative angle threshold between the user and the moving object. When the information provision control unit 1017 provides audio content, the information provision system may also be called an audio notification system.

[0034] Next, we will explain the details of the memory unit 102. The map information database 1021 can include information on road networks including roadways and sidewalks, intersections and junctions including T-junctions, traffic lights, traffic signs, various buildings, and facilities. The map information database 1021 can store information separately on roads that the mobile body 30 can move on and areas that it cannot move on.

[0035] The registered location information database 1022 stores information about registered targets such as shops, buildings, museums, cinemas, historical sites, and tourist attractions. The registered location information database 1022 can also store location information for various objects such as signs, billboards, mannequins, mascots, animals, and fireworks. By pre-registering this information in the information provision system 1, facility personnel can provide this information to user terminals 20 of users who have entered a geofence associated with the facility. Content data that integrates information related to registered location information with video augmented reality (AR) or audio augmented reality (AR) may also be provided.

[0036] The mobile object information database 1023 stores information about various mobile objects that can provide voice notifications, such as mobile sales vehicles like food trucks, penguin processions, mascot character parades, and festival floats. The mobile object information database 1023 can also store mobile object IDs and information about the mobile object (e.g., vehicle type, purpose). The mobile object information database 1023 can also store current or past location information of the mobile object.

[0037] The user information database 1024 can include user information (user identification information) such as user ID, password, terminal ID, age, gender, hobbies, and preferences for users who wish to receive content information via the user terminal 20. The user information database 1024 can also include information about targets or moving objects such as stores, buildings, museums, cinemas, historical sites, tourist attractions, signs, billboards, mannequins, mascots, animals, fireworks, and various other objects from which the user wishes to receive information. The user ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies a user. The terminal ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies a user terminal.

[0038] The geofence database 1025 may include the geofence ID, latitude, longitude, range, size, entry angle threshold, and exit angle threshold of the configured geofence, associated with the registered location information described above. The geofence ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the geofence. The entry angle threshold and exit angle threshold are arbitrarily set by the content provider. The entry angle threshold and exit angle threshold each have an upper threshold and a lower threshold. The entry angle threshold and exit angle threshold are compared with the user's actual entry angle and exit angle, and if the user's entry angle and exit angle are within the threshold, i.e., within the range of the upper threshold and lower threshold, the content is provided to the user. If the user's entry angle and exit angle are outside the threshold, i.e., outside the range of the upper threshold and lower threshold, the content is not provided to the user.

[0039] Furthermore, the geofence database 1025 may include the geofence ID, latitude, longitude, range, size, entry angle threshold, and exit angle threshold of the geofence to be set in association with the aforementioned mobile object information. The geofence database 1025 stores a table showing geofence definition information (e.g., placement, size, number, distance from the mobile object) that applies to the mobile object (e.g., corresponding to the mobile object speed threshold).

[0040] The content database 1026 can include various content information associated with the mobile object ID, geofence ID, and user ID. The content information may be content with sound AR having a predetermined playback time, or content data with a predetermined playback time that fuses video AR and sound AR. The length of such content, i.e., the predetermined playback time, can be arbitrarily set considering the user's walking speed, the distance between the geofence and the store, etc. The content database 1026 also stores tables showing content definition information by mobile object speed, and tables showing content definition information by relative angle between the mobile object and the user.

[0041] Furthermore, the history information database 1027 can store the user terminal ID, mobile device ID, geofence ID, and content provision history information. The history information database 1027 can also store the content provision time. The history information database 1027 is also called the history information storage unit.

[0042] In the above example, the storage unit 102 is located inside the server 10, but the storage unit 102 may be located outside the server 10. In that case, within the information provision system, the present invention can also be realized by a server connected via a network to a storage unit located outside the server 10.

[0043] The user terminal 20 is, for example, a computer that a user walking around town might carry with them, and can be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, wearable device, smartphone watch, or hearable device.

[0044] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 10 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the server 10 is a computer (information processing device) having a CPU 101a, RAM 102a, ROM 103a, etc. The CPU 101a performs calculations and control according to the software stored in RAM 102a, ROM 103a, or hard disk 104a (the CPU is also simply called a processor). RAM 102a is used as a temporary storage area when the CPU 101a performs various processes. The hard disk 104a stores the operating system (OS) and registered programs, etc. The display 105a consists of a liquid crystal display and a graphics controller, and displays objects such as images and icons, and a GUI, etc. The input unit 106a is a device for the user to give various instructions to the server 10, and consists of, for example, buttons, a keyboard, an on-screen keyboard, a mouse, etc. The I / F (interface) unit 107a can control wireless LAN communication and wired LAN communication compliant with standards such as IEEE 802.11a, and communicates with external devices via the same communication network and the internet based on protocols such as TCP / IP. The system bus 115a controls data exchange with the CPU 101a, RAM 102a, ROM 103a, and hard disk 104a.

[0045] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the user terminal 20 is a computer (information processing device) having a CPU 201a, RAM 202a, ROM 203a, etc. The CPU 201a performs calculations and control according to the software stored in RAM 202a, ROM 203a, or hard disk 204a (the CPU is also simply called a processor). RAM 202a is used as a temporary storage area when the CPU 201a performs various processes. The hard disk 204a stores the operating system (OS) and registered programs, etc. The display 205a consists of a liquid crystal display and a graphics controller, and the display 205a displays objects such as images and icons, and a GUI, etc. The input unit 206a is a device for the user to give various instructions to the user terminal 20, and consists of, for example, buttons, a keyboard, an on-screen keyboard, a mouse, etc. The I / F (interface) unit 207a can control wireless LAN communication and wired LAN communication compliant with standards such as IEEE 802.11a, and communicates with external devices via the same communication network and the internet based on protocols such as TCP / IP. The position detection unit 208a includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver and can detect the current location and time of the user terminal on Earth by receiving radio waves transmitted by artificial satellites. The direction detection unit 209a is equipped with a 9-axis sensor including a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, and a 3-axis compass sensor to acquire the direction of the user terminal. The system bus 215a controls data exchange with the CPU 201a, RAM 202a, ROM 203a, and hard disk 204a.

[0046] In the example hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 described above, there is a display 205a for displaying video and image data such as video AR. However, in the case of audio services that provide audio data such as sound AR, the display 205a is not required. In addition, earphones, headphones, headsets, hearable devices, etc., connected by wired or wireless connection to the I / F (interface) unit 207a of the user terminal may be used to listen to the audio service.

[0047] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit mounted on the mobile unit 30 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the control unit of the mobile unit 30 is a computer (information processing device) having a CPU 301a, RAM 302a, ROM 303a, etc. The CPU 301a performs calculations and control according to the software stored in the RAM 302a, ROM 303a, or hard disk 304a (the CPU is also simply called a processor). The RAM 302a is used as a temporary storage area when the CPU 301a performs various processes. The hard disk 304a stores the operating system (OS) and registered programs, etc. The display 305a consists of a liquid crystal display and a graphics controller, and the display 305a displays objects such as images and icons, and a GUI, etc. The input unit 306a is a device for the user to give various instructions to the user terminal 20, and consists of, for example, buttons, a keyboard, an on-screen keyboard, a mouse, etc. The I / F (interface) unit 307a can control wireless LAN communication and wired LAN communication compliant with standards such as IEEE 802.11a, and communicates with external devices via the same communication network and the internet based on protocols such as TCP / IP. The position detection unit 308a includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver and can detect the current location and time of the user terminal on Earth by receiving radio waves transmitted by artificial satellites. The direction detection unit 309a is equipped with a 9-axis sensor including a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, and a 3-axis compass sensor to acquire the direction of the user terminal. The system bus 315a controls data exchange with the CPU 301a, RAM 302a, ROM 303a, and hard disk 304a. The speed detection unit 310a is equipped with a vehicle speed detection sensor and other suitable speed sensors.

[0048] Next, we will explain in detail how to set up geofences for moving objects. Geofences are sometimes abbreviated as GF in Figure 7, etc. Let's use a food truck as an example of a mobile vehicle. The food truck travels to the food service location (destination), stops upon arrival, and begins providing food and beverages. This situation will be explained using Figures 7 and 8.

[0049] The food truck used as an example here is expected to be both moving (e.g., providing service) and stationary, and in either state, it is expected to provide guidance audio content to users (e.g., customers). Furthermore, it is expected that the provision and notification of guidance audio content will continue both while the vehicle is moving and while food and beverage service has begun after it has stopped. Therefore, other examples of mobile entities include, but are not limited to, penguin processions, mascot character tours, parades, and floats. This can be applied to any other mobile entity that can provide audio content.

[0050] First, while the food truck is in motion, the mobile object position acquisition unit 1011 of the server 10 in the information provision system 1 periodically acquires the location information of the food truck using a GPS or the like installed on the food truck (Step 1). The mobile object state acquisition unit 1012 periodically acquires state information such as speed and direction of movement using various sensors, acceleration sensors, etc., installed on the food truck (Step 2). Regarding the state information, the speed and direction of movement may be calculated based on multiple location information, or if the food truck is equipped with an acceleration sensor or the like, speed information and direction of movement may be acquired from that sensor.

[0051] In the information provision system 1, if the location information and status information (e.g., direction of movement, speed of movement) acquired from the food truck exceeds the speed threshold defined in the table in Figure 8 (YES in Step 3), the area setting unit 1013 sequentially updates the geofence setting information to be set for the food truck by referring to the geofence definition information in Figure 8 (Step 4). If the location information and status information (e.g., direction of movement, speed of movement) acquired from the food truck does not exceed the speed threshold defined in the table in Figure 8 (NO in Step 3), the location information and status information (e.g., direction of movement, speed of movement) of the food truck are continuously acquired (Step 1, Step 2).

[0052] Here, the geofence setting information set for the food truck will be explained using the table in Figure 8. First, as an initial state, when the food truck starts moving at a speed of less than 10 km / h, the area setting unit 1013 places three geofences GF1 to GF3 at a distance d2 in front of and on both sides of the food truck in the direction of movement, according to the table in Figure 8 (see Figure 11). Here, the front geofence GF2 is placed at a distance d2 from the front of the food truck, and as the food truck moves forward, the geofence setting position will also change. As shown in Figure 8, in this example, the front geofence is, for example, an elongated shape formed by overlapping m circles with radius r2. Similarly, the geofences on both sides of the food truck are set to move forward as the food truck moves forward. In this example, the geofences on both sides are also, for example, an elongated shape formed by overlapping m circles with radius r2.

[0053] On the other hand, when the food truck starts moving at a speed of 10 km / h or more, the area setting unit 1013 places a geofence at a distance d1 in front of the direction of movement of the food truck, according to the table in Figure 8 (see Figure 12). As shown in Figure 8, in this example, the forward geofence is, for example, an elongated shape formed by stacking n circles with radius r1.

[0054] Furthermore, when the food truck is stopped (i.e., when its speed is 0 km / h), the area setting unit 1013 places a circular geofence around the entire perimeter of the food truck according to the table in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, in this example, the geofence is, for example, a circle with radius r3 (for example, number l=0, GF distance d3=0).

[0055] The terminal location acquisition unit 1014 of server 10 periodically acquires the location of the user terminal owned by user U. When the location of user U's user terminal enters the geofence (YES in Step 5), that is, when the geofence includes the pedestrian's location, the information provision control unit 1017 selects the corresponding audio content according to the status information of the kitchen car at that time (Step 6). The selected content is output to the user terminal via the network (Step 8).

[0056] The information provision control unit 1017 may output a message instructing content playback. Based on the speed-based content definition information in Figure 9 or the movement angle-based content definition information in Figure 10, the information provision control unit 1017 can select the optimal content and output it to the user terminal. As shown in Figure 9, the information provision control unit 1017 can provide different content depending on whether the movement speed of the food truck exceeds a threshold (for example, 10 km / h). Furthermore, the information provision control unit 1017 can provide different content depending on whether the food truck is stopped (i.e., moving at 0 km / h) or in motion. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the relative angle between the user and the moving object may be calculated, and the information provision control unit 1017 may output different content according to the calculated relative angle. The different content may be, for example, audio content with sound localization according to the relative angle. Details of these will be described later.

[0057] By adopting this configuration, the geofence setting location is dynamically adjusted based on the location and status information of the food truck. Therefore, whether the user is walking or standing still, the user can listen to audio content at the optimal timing according to the movement status of the mobile food truck. Even if the mobile object to which the geofence has been set passes by a standing user, the user can still obtain information about that mobile object via their device.

[0058] Refer to Figures 8, 12, and 13 to explain an example of setting up a geofence according to the movement speed of a moving object.

[0059] As shown in Figures 8 and 12, when the moving object 30 approaches the vicinity of its destination and decelerates, but is still traveling at a relatively high speed, a geofence GF2 is set up in response to the moving object's speed threshold (e.g., 10 km / h) or higher. That is, as shown in Figure 8, in response to the moving object's speed threshold (e.g., 10 km / h) or higher, a geofence of a predetermined shape (e.g., a geofence composed of n circles with radius r1) is placed at a distance d1 from the moving object in a predetermined geofence arrangement (e.g., in front). In this example, as shown in Figure 12, the geofence GF2 has an elongated shape and is positioned so as to extend beyond the edge of the road on which the moving object is traveling.

[0060] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 8 and 13, when the moving object 30 approaches the vicinity of its destination, slows down, and travels slowly, geofence GF2 is set in response to the moving object's speed being below a threshold (e.g., 10 km / h). That is, as shown in Figure 13, geofences of a predetermined shape (e.g., a geofence composed of m circles with radius r2) are placed at a distance d2 from the moving object in a predetermined geofence arrangement (e.g., in front and on both sides). In this example, geofences GF1, GF2, and GF3 are each elongated in shape and are arranged to surround the front and both sides of the moving object 30. In this example, as shown in Figure 13, geofence GF2 is elongated in shape and is arranged to extend beyond the edge of the road on which the moving object is traveling.

[0061] In some embodiments, the faster the moving object is moving, the further away the geofence is set from the object. This is to prevent the object from passing the user's location before the user has finished listening to the audio content after entering the geofence. In other words, the user can visually confirm the object passing in front of them while they are entering the geofence set up in association with the object and listening to the audio content (for example, announcing that a service will be provided at the destination). Then, when the object provides a service at the destination, for example, the user can travel to the destination, visually confirm the object, and receive the service.

[0062] In some embodiments, the slower the moving object's speed, the more geofences are set. This is because increasing the number of geofences as the object approaches its destination provides more users with information about the object, thereby encouraging traffic to the destination.

[0063] If the moving object is, for example, a car, its speed depends on the driver, and adjusting the length of playback via a voice notification system becomes complicated. Therefore, if content is associated with a moving object and the timing of content playback is determined independently of the object's speed, the faster the object moves, the shorter the time it takes for the content to reach the user's location after playback begins, increasing the likelihood that the object will pass by before it can capture the user's attention.

[0064] This adjustment method will now be explained. The system constantly measures the speed of the moving object and detects at least the position and speed of the object. Based on the detection results, the pre-configured geofence definition information is modified based on the movement speed of the moving object. For example, as shown in Figure 12, when the moving object 30 is moving westward at a speed of 15 km / h, at a certain position (x, y), the geofence is set at a distance d in front of the movement direction, and that position is defined as, for example, (x-d1, y). Here, if the movement speed of the moving object decreases as shown in Figure 11, the geofence will be at a position d2, which is smaller than the value of d1, at (x-d2, y). This makes it possible to optimize the timing of user voice acquisition according to the movement speed of the moving object. The distance value is adjusted similarly whether the movement is decelerating or accelerating.

[0065] For example, if a food truck is moving at 30 km / h when entering a geofence, the user can acquire audio when the food truck is 30 meters away from the user. Conversely, if the food truck is moving at 10 km / h when entering a geofence, the user can acquire audio when the food truck is 10 meters away.

[0066] This allows the playback start timing to be adjusted so that, regardless of the speed of the moving object, the object's position is at the optimal distance for the user who has finished listening to the audio data at the time playback ends. While the timing is described here as the start of playback, it could also be the time when the system outputs the audio content or when the system instructs the audio playback device to allow playback to begin.

[0067] The table in Figure 8, which defines this geofence setting information, may be arbitrarily modified by the user, and the system adjusts the geofence setting position according to the information in the table. Note that this example shows both a change in geofence position based on the direction of movement and a change in geofence distance, but either one of them may be performed.

[0068] In other embodiments, the longitudinal width W of the elongated geofence may be changed according to the speed of the moving object. For example, if the speed of the moving object is relatively fast (Figure 12), the width W of the geofence may be expanded, and if the speed of the moving object is relatively slow (Figure 13), the width W of the geofence may be reduced. In other embodiments, the widths W1 and W2 of the geofence that extend beyond the road may be changed according to the speed of the moving object. For example, if the speed of the moving object is relatively fast (Figure 12), the widths W1 and W2 of the geofence may be expanded, and if the speed of the moving object is relatively slow (Figure 13), the widths W1 and W2 of the geofence may be reduced.

[0069] Figure 14 illustrates an example of setting up a geofence when the planned route of a moving object is predetermined. Let's assume that the planned route of the mobile object 30, a food truck, extends westward to a crossroads, where it turns right and heads north. The information provision system holds a set of information for the mobile object 30: its planned route, current location, and speed. The system continuously acquires and updates the current location and speed values ​​of the mobile object from these sets. This causes the geofence settings to change. Specifically, if the food truck initially moves westward, geofence GF1 is set to the west, which is in front of the food truck's direction of travel. If the direction of travel then changes to the north, where Park A is located, geofence GF2 is set to the north relative to the food truck's location. In this way, the position and orientation of the geofences change each time the direction of travel of the mobile object changes. These geofences GF1 and GF2 may be set to provide promotional audio content to the user terminal that has entered the system, informing it that "lunch boxes will be sold at Park A from 11:00."

[0070] In other embodiments, if the travel route of the moving object is predetermined as described above, a geofence may be defined along the planned travel route.

[0071] Next, referring to Figures 15 and 16, we will explain how to change the geofence position based on the direction of movement. The information provision system 1 continuously measures the position of the moving object and detects at least the position and direction of movement of the moving object. The area setting unit 1013 modifies the geofence based on the detected position information and direction of movement of the moving object, according to the pre-set geofence definition information. For example, if a moving object moving westward as shown in Figure 15 changes its position to the northward at a certain position (x,y), as shown in Figure 16, the position coordinates of the distance d from the moving object to the geofence will change from (x,y+d) to (x+d,y) along the direction of movement. As a result, a geofence GF will be set in front of the moving object 30 along its direction of movement, allowing the user to acquire output audio content via the user terminal only in front of the moving object. Note that while this example describes setting a geofence in front of the moving object in its direction of movement, Figures 15 and 16 merely show which direction d is set relative to the direction of movement. In other words, geofences may also be set to the left or right of the moving object's direction of movement, or behind the moving object. If the moving object is moving backward, the direction of movement of the object is backward, so the geofence may be set behind the moving object.

[0072] Refer to Figure 17 to see an example of how to set up a geofence when the movement speed becomes zero (i.e., when the moving object stops). If the moving object slows down, the value of the distance d from the moving object to the geofence will decrease according to the moving speed. MIN If the movement speed becomes extremely slow, falling below the associated movement speed threshold, or if the object stops, content corresponding to the stopped state (e.g., zero movement speed) (e.g., content C) may be provided according to the speed-based content definition information described above. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 17, the stopping position of the moving object 30 and the surrounding area corresponding to that position (e.g., a circle with radius r3 centered on the moving object) can be set as a geofence GF.

[0073] For example, audio content associated with a mobile food truck might be audio content informing the user of the planned stopping location or opening time (e.g., content A or B in Figure 9). On the other hand, audio content when the food truck is stationary (e.g., content C in Figure 9) could be audio content indicating that the food truck is open or audio content about the menu being offered.

[0074] This allows users to obtain audio content tailored to the moving object's situation, not only by dynamically changing geofence settings based on the object's movement, but also by changing the type of audio content.

[0075] The process of changing the distance d to the geofence based on movement speed may be performed together with the geofence position change process, or it may be performed independently.

[0076] <Embodiment 3: Content Selection Method> Next, we will explain the content selection method with reference to Figure 18. As mentioned earlier, this example illustrates a case where a user with a user device enters a geofence set up in association with a mobile food truck.

[0077] When a user approaches a food truck, the system performs an entry check to determine whether the user has entered the geofence associated with the food truck. If the entry check determines that the user has entered the geofence (YES in Step 1), the system proceeds to the next content selection process (Step 2). The information provision system specifies an audio content group associated with the moving object. If this content group contains multiple content items, it may have content items corresponding to different relative angle threshold information. Here, "entered state" means that the system determines that the user has entered the geofence or that the user's position is within the geofence. Details of the entry check method will be described later. The angle threshold information used in the entry check may or may not be used here.

[0078] Information provision system 1 identifies the corresponding audio content type based on the movement status of the food truck (Step 2). Here, it is determined whether direction-specific processing is required (Step 3). If the moving object is a car, the flag indicating that direction-specific processing is required is set only when the car is moving. Specifically, it is determined whether the aforementioned content group has audio content based on relative angle. If there is audio content based on relative angle associated with the food truck (YES in Step 3), the audio content type to be identified will be a type group containing multiple audio contents.

[0079] If there is no relative angle audio content associated with the food truck (NO in Step 3), output the identified audio content (Step 6).

[0080] If audio content is available at different relative angles, the information provision system acquires location information between the food truck and the user, and calculates the relative angle between the user and the moving object based on that location information. The relative angle refers to the direction in which the moving object is located, measured clockwise with the user's front direction as the reference (0°).

[0081] Referring to the table in Figure 10, identify the type of audio content to be output for the moving object corresponding to the acquired relative angle. Here, the audio content is shown as being different for each relative angle, but it is not limited to this; for example, depending on the relative angle, there may be audio to indicate the right direction or audio to indicate the left direction. Also, in a situation where the user is standing still and the moving object is approaching the user from behind, the geofence of the moving object may enter from the direction behind the user. In that case, the information provision system may output warning audio content indicating the rear direction to the user terminal.

[0082] Figure 19 illustrates an example of outputting content for the right when the relative angle is within a predetermined range. As mentioned above, a geofence GF is set in front of the direction of travel of the mobile body 30. User U moves toward the geofence GF associated with the mobile body 30. The positions of user U and the mobile body are acquired over a predetermined period of time. The processing after it is determined that the user has entered the geofence of the mobile body is as follows: When it is determined that entry into the geofence associated with the mobile body is possible, the relative angle calculation unit 1016 of the information provision system executes the relative angle calculation process.

[0083] The relative angle calculation process is as follows: 1. The movement direction of the user and the moving object is calculated based on the user's position when entering the geofence and their previous movement path, as well as the position of the moving object and its previous movement path. 2. Calculate the latitude and longitude of the intersection point P along the respective directions of movement of the user and the moving object. 3. Using the user's position, the moving object's position, and the latitude and longitude of the intersection point, a triangle is drawn as shown in Figure 19. The direction θ from the user's direction of travel to the moving object's position, the direction δ from the moving object's direction of travel to the user's position, and the angle φ generated at the intersection P are calculated. 4. Refer to the relative angle threshold information set for the moving object and select the audio content information corresponding to the determined relative angle θ.

[0084] Let P be the point where the line in the direction of travel of user U intersects with the line in the direction of travel of the moving object 30. Let θ be the direction between the line in the direction of travel of user U and the line connecting the user and the moving object's position. Calculate this angle θ, and if θ is within a predetermined range (for example, -30 degrees < θ < -180 degrees), the information provision control unit 1017 in the information provision system outputs right-side content to the user terminal of user U. Right-side content may be, for example, audio content with the sound source set to the right side from the user's perspective. Right-side content may be audio content that informs the user that the moving object is approaching from the right.

[0085] Figure 20 illustrates an example of outputting front-facing content when the relative angle is within a predetermined range. Similar to Figure 19, the angle θ between the line in the direction of travel of user U and the line connecting the user and the moving object is calculated. If θ is within a predetermined range (for example, -30 degrees < θ < 30 degrees), the information provision control unit 1017 in the information provision system outputs front-facing content to the user terminal of user U. Front-facing content may be, for example, audio content in which the sound source is set in front of the user. Front-facing content may be audio content that informs the user that a moving object is approaching from the front.

[0086] Figure 21 illustrates an example of outputting left-facing content when the relative angle is within a predetermined range. Similar to Figure 19, the angle θ between the straight line in the direction of travel of user U and the straight line connecting the user and the position of the moving object is calculated. If θ is within a predetermined range (for example, 30 degrees < θ < 180 degrees), the information provision control unit 1017 in the information provision system outputs left-facing content to the user terminal of user U. Left-facing content may be, for example, audio content in which the sound source is set to the left side from the user's perspective. Left-facing content may be audio content that informs the user that a moving object is approaching from the left.

[0087] In the above explanation, the relative angle was measured based on the user's position and the mobile object's position. However, if the user's head orientation can be detected, the direction from the head orientation to the mobile object's position may be used instead of the relative angle. In Figures 19 to 21, the center point of the geofence is shown as the position of the mobile object 30 for convenience, but in reality, the geofence is installed a predetermined distance in front of the mobile object.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above explanation, the selection of audio content by angle was performed after selecting the audio content type group according to the speed of movement in Step 2 of Figure 18, but this selection may be omitted. For example, in the case of an advertising vehicle where changes in speed are not expected to occur much, a fixed geofence may always be set for the moving object, and the selection of audio content may be performed according to the relative angle.

[0089] Refer to Figure 22 to explain other methods for calculating relative angles. It is assumed that all users who pass the geofence entry detection will be subject to audio output. Therefore, the user's position and the relative position of the moving object at the time the user enters the geofence can be calculated, and the angle obtained from the positions of these two points can be defined as the relative angle θ. As shown in Figure 22, the region AR2 containing the moving object and geofence GF2 are regions where no audio is output. In some embodiments, the shape of the geofence may be the shape of geofence GF1 only, without geofence GF2. Furthermore, when using angle thresholds for entry detection in the geofence, as described later, it may be configured so that audio content is output when the user enters geofence GF1, and no audio content is output when the user enters geofence GF2. The following information is used to calculate the relative angle θ. User position: (x1, y1) Moving object position:(x2,y2) The relative angle between the user and the moving object is θ = (y² - y¹) / (x² - x¹).

[0090] Assuming the user's direction of movement is θ0, θ1 represents the angle threshold corresponding to the left sound source, and θ2 represents the angle threshold corresponding to the right sound source. The calculated relative angle θ and the output content are as follows. If θ2 < θ < θ0, content for the right side will be output. If θ0 < θ < θ1, left-hand content is output. θ1 and θ2 are defined to arbitrary values ​​by the moving object.

[0091] The embodiments described above mainly explain methods for setting up geofences and providing content for mobile objects, but these embodiments can also be combined with embodiments for fixed targets such as stores and facilities, as shown below.

[0092] Figure 23 illustrates the geofence setup method and its problems in a comparative example. Here, we will set up a geofence GF for facility 400 (for example, a store). In this comparative example, a circular geofence GF is set up with facility 400 as the center. That is, an area with a predetermined radius is set up as the geofence with the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of facility 400 as the center. In this way, by inputting the latitude and longitude of the facility and the radius of the geofence into the information provision system, the geofence can be easily set up so that the facility is included within the geofence. When the location detection unit 208 (e.g., GPS receiver) of the user terminal carried by the user detects that the user has entered the geofence G, information about facility 400 (e.g., coupons and event information) is provided to the user terminal. However, when developing a service that provides voice data to the user terminal, the following three problems arise. (1) Even if a road is not on the route leading to the store, if part of the geofence area overlaps with the road, voice services may be inappropriately provided to users who should not be targeted. It is difficult to set the radius of the geofence in a way that avoids such false positives. (2) Voice services may be inappropriately provided to U8 users who are far away from the store. (3) Even if user U9 suddenly changes direction after entering a geofence, the voice service may be provided inappropriately. In addition to the issues mentioned above, GPS-based services, in particular, cannot avoid GPS measurement errors (approximately 10m). Therefore, geofencing needs to be set up taking measurement errors into account to ensure that information is provided appropriately.

[0093] Figure 24 illustrates an exemplary method for setting up a geofence according to several embodiments. In the voice service, when a user enters a geofenced area, the user is provided with a voice service (for a predetermined period of time) about the store via their terminal. The solutions to the three problems mentioned above are as follows: (1) Geofences GF1, GF2, GF3, and GF4 are placed at a predetermined distance from the store along the user's route to the store. To smoothly guide the user to the store, it is preferable that the user arrives at the store almost simultaneously with the end of the predetermined voice service. (2) Set the direction of entry into the geofence. This will prevent audio services from being provided to facilities on the opposite side of the direction of entry into the geofence. This prevents audio services from being provided to users who are moving away from the store. (3) When detecting entry into a geofence, the system confirms that the user has stayed within the geofence for a certain period of time, and then provides voice services. This prevents voice services from being provided to users who suddenly change direction. The following provides a detailed explanation of how to address each of the problems.

[0094] Figure 25 shows an example of setting up geofences GF1 and GF2 at a predetermined distance from facility 400. As shown in Figure 25, a single road R extends left and right in front of facility 400. Assuming that a customer of the store (the user) reaches the store by traveling along road R, two geofences GF1 and GF2 are set at a predetermined distance from the store. Arrows A1 and A2 in Figure 25 schematically indicate the start and end of the voice service. When the location information of the user terminal detects that the user has entered the geofence, the voice service starts and ends just as the user reaches the store, in accordance with the user's walking speed. In other words, the distance between the store and the geofence is set arbitrarily, taking into account the predetermined time for content such as the voice service and the user's walking speed. The walking speed may be set taking into account the user's age, gender, etc. The server 10 may dynamically change the distance between the facility (store) and the geofence, taking into account the user's age, gender, etc., by obtaining the user ID and terminal ID. Also, the geofence may be set so as not to overlap with the facility.

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, geofences GF1 and GF2 are set to be elongated in a direction approximately perpendicular to the road. This is to account for measurement errors caused by GPS. Although not shown in the figure, there are usually many buildings and skyscrapers along the road. Therefore, it is thought that the GPS deviation due to reflection from buildings tends to be larger in the direction perpendicular to the road.

[0096] The elongated shape of a geofence can be any suitable shape, including rectangles, ellipses, or combinations of multiple circles (described later in Figure 26). To set up a rectangular geofence, simply input the coordinates (latitude and longitude information) of four points.

[0097] In this example, we assumed a single road extending to the left and right of the store. However, if one of the roads is impassable due to a dead end or other reason, a geofence can be set only on the road on the opposite side.

[0098] Figure 26 is a detailed view of an exemplary elongated geofence. Figure 26 shows the geofence set up assuming a single path as shown in Figure 25.

[0099] A circular geofence GF11 with radius Rm is installed with its center at a point Xm away from line L1 extending from the target facility 400 in a direction perpendicular to line L1. A circular geofence GF12 with radius Rm is installed overlapping geofence GF11 with a predetermined radius Rm offset. Furthermore, a circular geofence GF13 with radius Rm is installed overlapping geofence GF12 with an Rm offset. In this way, multiple circular geofences GF11, GF12, and GF13 are grouped together to form an elongated geofence GF1.

[0100] Similarly, on the opposite side of line L1 from the multiple circular geofences GF11, GF12, and GF13, multiple circular geofences GF21, GF22, and GF23 are installed. That is, a circular geofence GF21 with radius Rm is installed with its center at a position Xm away from line L1, which extends from the target facility 400, in a direction perpendicular to line L1. A circular geofence GF22 with radius Rm is installed, overlapping this geofence GF21 with a predetermined radius Rm offset. Furthermore, a circular geofence GF3 with radius Rm is installed, overlapping this geofence GF22 with an Rm offset. In this way, multiple circular geofences GF21, GF22, and GF23 are grouped together to form an elongated geofence GF2.

[0101] As explained above, by using a long, narrow geofence, content information can be properly provided to the user's terminal even if GPS errors occur.

[0102] In Figure 26, three circular geofences are grouped together as a single geofence; however, considering pedestrian traffic flow and path width, two or more circular geofences may be grouped together.

[0103] In this example, the distance Xm from facility 400 to the center of the circular geofence is approximately 15m, and the radius of the circular geofence is approximately 3m. The overlapping portion of adjacent circular geofences (minimum width in Figure 26) should preferably be 4.5m or more. The length L in the longitudinal direction of a long, narrow geofence should be 10m or less. It is preferable that the long, narrow geofence extends from both ends of the road (or walking area) by a length at least equal to the width of the road (or walking area). If the long, narrow geofence is rectangular, the length in the longitudinal direction may be 10m or less, and the width may be 4.5m or more. These specifications are determined considering factors such as road width, average walking speed of pedestrians, GPS measurement interval (approximately 1 second interval), and content duration, and this disclosure is not limited to these.

[0104] As described above, for example, the predetermined distance for setting the area is determined based on the playback time of the audio data. Therefore, if the playback time of the audio data changes due to updates to the content database of the storage unit 102, or due to additions or deletions, the control unit 101 may change the predetermined distance between the facility and the geofence accordingly.

[0105] In the example above, the single road in front of the store was assumed to be a pedestrian area. However, regardless of the actual width of the road, any area where pedestrians are expected to walk (including sidewalks) can be defined as a pedestrian area, and geofences can be set up corresponding to that pedestrian area. In cases where the area where pedestrians (users) are expected to walk is large, such as in a theme park, for example, the route connecting the theme park entrance and the entrance to an attraction reserved by the user could be defined as a pedestrian area.

[0106] The longitudinal length L of the elongated geofence can be determined considering the width of the walking area and the GPS measurement error. Specifically, it is preferable that the longitudinal length L of the elongated geofence extends outward from both ends of the walking area by a predetermined width that allows for the measurement error. In other words, if the GPS measurement error is 10m, the longitudinal length L of the elongated geofence will be the width of the walking area plus 20m. More preferably, it may extend outward from both ends of the walking area by the amount of the GPS measurement error.

[0107] Figure 27 shows an example of setting up geofences GF1, GF2, GF3, and GF4 at a predetermined distance from the facility along the road network R1, R2, R3, and R4, which includes intersection C1. In this example as well, as mentioned above, geofences are set up at a predetermined distance from the target facility 400. However, if the facility is located along road R4 near a branching point such as an intersection or T-junction (within a predetermined distance from the branching point), geofences are set up on each of the branched roads R1, R2, and R3 (roads away from the road where the facility is located). That is, as shown in Figure 27, if facility 400 is at a predetermined distance Xm from intersection C1, geofence GF2 is set up on road R2 on the opposite side of intersection C1 from facility 400, geofence GF3 is set up on road R3 which turns right from facility 400 at the intersection, and geofence GF1 is set up on road R1 which turns left from facility 400 at the intersection.

[0108] In other words, if the path to the facility branches (for example, at an intersection or T-junction), geofences GF1, GF2, and GF3 are set at a predetermined distance (Xm) before the branching point. To put it another way, if there is a branching point between the target object (facility) and the predetermined distance along the path, the geofence (area) is set at a position along the path that is a second predetermined distance, which is longer than the predetermined distance relative to the target object. The second predetermined distance is set to be longer than the predetermined distance by the length of the path that passes through the branching point.

[0109] Furthermore, arrows A1 to A4 in Figure 27 indicate that content such as audio services is being played. As indicated by arrows A1, A2, and A3, content playback ends before a user who can approach facility 400 via the branching point enters intersection C1. Also, as indicated by arrow A4, if a pedestrian walks along road R4 where the facility is located, content playback ends before reaching the facility. In this way, by installing a geofence before the branching point of the route to the facility and ending the playback of facility-related content before the branching point, it is possible to prevent unnecessary information from being provided to users who are not certain to move to the facility.

[0110] In the information provision system 1, as shown in Figure 24, the geofence may be automatically and appropriately set when the user places the cursor 5 over the target facility 400 on the map information displayed on the screen and clicks the mouse.

[0111] Note that in Figure 27, circular geofences GF1 to GF4 were used for illustrative purposes, but as mentioned above, GPS measurement errors can be compensated for by forming geofences GF1 to GF4 that are elongated and extend approximately perpendicular to the road.

[0112] Next, we will explain how to set the direction of entry into the geofence, referring to Figure 28. In Figure 28, a circular geofence is shown for the sake of simplicity, but as mentioned above, a long, narrow geofence extending from the width of the road may also be used.

[0113] As shown in Figure 28, geofences GF1 to GF4 all define the direction of entry (indicated by a circle in Figure 28) as the direction toward facility 400 (i.e., the direction toward intersection C1). Therefore, an audio service is provided to the user terminal of a user who enters from that direction. The content of the audio service regarding facility 400 may be set to differ for each geofence. For example, the audio service played when a user enters geofence GF1 may announce, "The facility is on your right after turning right at the next intersection." The audio service played when a user enters geofence GF2 may announce, "The facility is on your right after going straight at the next intersection." The audio service played when a user enters geofence GF3 may announce, "Turn left at the next intersection, and it is on your right." Furthermore, the audio service played when a user enters geofence GF4 may announce, "It is on your left after going straight."

[0114] On the other hand, the direction away from facility 400 (i.e., the direction away from intersection C1) is defined as a non-entry direction (indicated by X in Figure 28), and voice services are not provided to users who enter from this non-entry direction.

[0115] Figure 29 illustrates how to determine the direction in which a user is entering a geofence. In this information provision system, GPS measurements are explained as being taken at approximately 1-second intervals, but you may set the measurement interval to any desired interval.

[0116] When a user with a user terminal enters geofence G, assume that they moved from position P1 to position P2 using GPS. In this case, the entry angle θ from position P1 to position P2 is calculated based on a predetermined direction (in this example, the north direction). If the calculated entry angle is within a predetermined angle threshold, for example, 180 degrees < θ < 360 degrees, the user can be considered to have entered the geofence from an appropriate entry direction (indicated by a circle in Figure 29).

[0117] On the other hand, when a user with a user terminal enters geofence G, assume that they move from position P3 to position P4 at a GPS measurement interval (approximately 1 second). In this case, the entry angle θ from position P3 to position P4 is calculated based on a predetermined direction (in this example, the north direction). If the entry angle is within a predetermined angle threshold, for example, 0 degrees < θ < 180 degrees, the user can be considered to have entered the geofence from an inappropriate entry direction (non-entry direction, shown as X in Figure 29).

[0118] Alternatively, as a modified method, the user's direction of entry may be determined as follows: First, as shown in Figure 29, a portion of the boundary line of geofence G, QRS, is defined as the entry boundary line, and a portion of the boundary line of geofence G, QTS, is defined as the non-entry boundary line.

[0119] When a user with a user terminal enters geofence G, assume that the user has moved from position P1 to position P2 within a GPS measurement interval (approximately 1 second). In this case, since the user has crossed the entry boundary line QRS of geofence G, the control unit 101 can determine that the user entered from a predetermined entry direction within the geofence. In this case, content information is provided.

[0120] On the other hand, suppose a user with a user terminal enters geofence G, and moves from position P3 to position P4 at a GPS measurement interval (approximately 1 second). In this case, since the user has entered beyond the non-entry boundary QTS of geofence G, the control unit 101 can determine that the user entered from a non-entry direction defined by the geofence. In this case, no content information is provided.

[0121] Figure 30 illustrates a method for determining the direction in which a user is exiting a geofence. Next, let's assume that when a user with a user terminal exits from inside geofence G, they move from location P1 to location P2 using GPS. The exit angle θ from location P1 to location P2 is calculated based on a predetermined direction (in this example, north). If the calculated exit angle is outside the exit angle threshold (for example, 180 degrees < θ < 360 degrees), the user can be considered to have exited the geofence in an inappropriate direction (non-exit direction, shown as X in Figure 30). In this case, no content information is provided.

[0122] On the other hand, when a user with a user terminal exits from inside geofence G, assume that they moved from position P3 to position P4 at a GPS measurement interval (approximately 1 second). In this case, the exit angle θ from position P3 to position P4 is calculated based on a predetermined direction (in this example, north). If the entry angle is outside the exit angle threshold (for example, 0 degrees < θ < 180 degrees), the user can be considered to have exited the geofence in an appropriate exit direction (indicated by a circle in Figure 30). In this case, content information is provided.

[0123] As described above, content providers can set predetermined entry angle thresholds and exit angle thresholds for geofences. The control unit 101 of the server 10 continuously receives location information from the user terminal 20, calculates the entry angle to the geofence and the exit angle from the geofence, and can determine the appropriate entry direction and exit direction. As a result, the control unit 101 of the server 10 can provide appropriate content information to the user terminal 20.

[0124] In the example above, the direction of entry was determined from two measurement points at the interval before and after entering the geofence. However, the direction of entry may also be determined from two or more measurement points, for example, three or four points.

[0125] Figure 31 is a table showing the adjustment values ​​for each time period. As shown in Figure 31, an arbitrary adjustment value is set for each time period. The adjustment values ​​(a to e in Figure 31) can take any value. The adjustment value may also be zero. The time acquisition unit 1018 of the control unit 101 acquires the time (e.g., 10:20) when the location information from the user terminal 20 enters the geofence. The control unit 101 acquires the adjustment value (e.g., b) for the time period (e.g., 7:00 to 11:00) corresponding to the acquired time. The adjustment unit of the control unit 101 adjusts the entry angle threshold by multiplying it by the adjustment value. The degree of congestion on the road where the geofence is set changes depending on the time period. For example, in situations where the user can walk in a relatively straight line (e.g., the road is empty), the adjustment value may be set to narrow the angle threshold. On the other hand, in situations where the user is likely to meander (e.g., the road is congested), the adjustment value may be set to widen the angle threshold.

[0126] In the example above, the entry angle threshold was multiplied by the adjustment value, but the entry angle threshold may also be increased by the adjustment value (a positive or negative value). Furthermore, the adjustment value can be used not only for the entry angle threshold but also for the exit angle threshold. The adjustment value used for the entry angle threshold and the exit angle threshold may be different.

[0127] Note that the time slots shown in Figure 31 are merely examples and can be set arbitrarily.

[0128] As a variation, the control unit 101 may acquire the GPS accuracy and, if the GPS accuracy is worse than the accuracy threshold, control it to increase the adjustment value for the angle threshold.

[0129] As another variation, the control unit 101 of the server 10 may obtain the user's schedule from the calendar application on the user terminal 20 and change the adjustment value for the angle threshold according to the obtained user schedule. For example, if there is a schedule, the adjustment value may be increased.

[0130] Simply determining the direction of entry is insufficient, as it would result in inappropriate voice service being provided to users who suddenly change direction after entering a geofence. Therefore, this document explains how to solve this problem.

[0131] Referring to Figure 32, we will explain how to determine the direction of movement after entry. After detecting that the user has entered the geofence from a predetermined entry direction, the control unit 101 further receives continuous GPS measurement values ​​(at least two measurement values) over a GPS measurement interval. This allows the control unit to determine the user's direction of movement after entering the geofence.

[0132] For example, as shown in Figure 32, after the user's location P1 and location P2 have been measured at the GPS measurement interval, if it is detected that the next location P3 is within the geofence G, the control unit 101 of the server 10 provides voice service to the user terminal. In other words, if the user stays within the geofence G for a predetermined time (approximately 2 seconds in this example) or longer, the control unit 101 of the server 10 provides voice service.

[0133] On the other hand, if, after the user's location P4 and location P5 have been measured by GPS, the next location P6 is detected to be outside the geofence G, the control unit 101 of the server 10 will not provide voice service to the user terminal. This ensures that if the user terminal's location temporarily and mistakenly enters the geofence, the control unit 101 of the server 10 will not deliver content to the user terminal.

[0134] In the example above, two measurements were taken to determine the direction of movement after entry, but it is also possible to measure three or more points within the geofence before playing the content. Furthermore, the interval from immediately after determination to the start of audio output can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the distance between the geofence and the target facility and the content playback time. As described above, the information provision control unit 1017 may determine that the user has entered the area (geofence) after a predetermined time has elapsed after the user has entered the area (geofence). Alternatively, the information provision control unit 1017 may determine that the user has entered the area (geofence) after the user has moved a predetermined distance further from the entry position on the boundary of the area.

[0135] Furthermore, once content has been delivered to a user who has entered the geofence, it does not need to be delivered to the same user again even if they enter the geofence again. Specifically, as shown in Figure 33, after measuring the location P1 outside the geofence and locations P2 and P3 inside the geofence, content associated with facility 400 is played. Suppose the user then moves from location P4 inside the geofence to locations P5, P6, and P7 outside the geofence, and then moves again to locations P8 and P9 inside the geofence. In this case, the information provider can choose not to deliver the same content again to a user who has already received it, for a predetermined period of time.

[0136] The control unit 101 of the server 10 can associate the provided content information with user identification information and geofence identification information and store it as historical information in the history information database 1027 of the storage unit 102.

[0137] Specifically, a playback status flag is set for the audio information (content information) for acoustic AR. The information providing device (user terminal or cloud-side server) sets a predetermined time (e.g., 1 hour) for the playback status flag for the audio information for acoustic AR output by the user terminal. When a user enters a geofence, the information providing device checks the user ID or terminal ID and also checks for the presence or absence of a flag for the audio information for acoustic AR corresponding to the geofence ID. Then, if the flag is present, the information providing device does not play the content for the user terminal; if the flag is absent, it plays the content for the user terminal. In this way, the storage unit 102 further stores history information of the user terminal group and whether or not information about the target object has been transmitted, and the control unit 101 can transmit information about the moving object or target object to the user terminal 20 based on the history information. The storage unit 102 further stores the transmission time of the information about the moving object or target object, and the control unit can transmit information about the moving object or target object based on the transmission time.

[0138] Furthermore, the information provision control unit 1017 of the server 10 may change the type of content associated with the same geofence based on the user's traversal history information. In this case, the content is changed based on the user's traversal history information, which shows what path the user has taken, regardless of whether the content is played or not.

[0139] Server 10 further includes a history information storage unit (history information database 1027) that associates user terminal identification information, identification information of multiple areas, and location information of the user terminal in multiple areas, and stores this as history information regarding the user's traversal path. The information provision control unit 1017 modifies content information based on the history information. Figure 34 shows an example of changing the type of content associated with the same geofence. For example, as shown in Figure 34, if the user has previously passed through geofence GF1 and then entered geofence GF3, the information provision control unit 1017 of Server 10 may provide content A. On the other hand, if the user has previously passed through geofence GF2 and then entered geofence GF3, the control unit 101 of Server 10 may provide content B. In this way, by storing previously traversed geofences as history information, content services can be provided to the user more flexibly.

[0140] Furthermore, the information provision control unit 1017 of the server 10 may change the type of content associated with the same geofence based on the user's traversal path and the history information of the content provided.

[0141] Server 10 further includes a history information storage unit (history information database 1027) that associates user terminal identification information, identification information of multiple areas, user location information in the multiple areas, and content information provided for the multiple areas, and stores this information as history information regarding the user's traversal route and provided content. Information provision control unit 1017 modifies content information based on the history information in the history information storage unit.

[0142] Figure 35 illustrates an example of multiple geofences associated with a facility. Figure 36 illustrates an example of changing the type of content associated with the same geofence. In Figure 35, multiple geofences GF2 and GF3 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the path taken by user 8 to facility 400. For example, as shown in Figure 36, the information provision control unit 1017 of server 10 may provide content C if the user previously entered geofence GF2 outside the angular threshold, and no content associated with geofence GF2 was provided, and then, after passing through geofence GF2, entered geofence GF3 within the angular threshold. On the other hand, the information provision control unit 1017 of server 10 may provide content D if the user previously entered geofence GF2 within the angular threshold, content associated with geofence GF2 was provided, and then, after passing through geofence GF2, entered geofence GF3 within the angular threshold. For example, content C can be more comprehensive content about the target object than content D. In this way, by storing historical information such as whether geofences previously passed and the content associated with those geofences were played, content services can be provided to the user more flexibly.

[0143] Other embodiments Figure 37 illustrates the problems that arise when a user passes through and exits a geofence. If a user enters geofence G from outside the entry angle threshold set for geofence G, the information provision control unit 1017 will not provide content information. When a user moves through geofence G and exits from inside to outside the geofence, malfunctions due to false detections occurred. For example, if a user stops at a traffic light or the like near the exit position of the geofence (for example, position P5 in Figure 37), GPS errors or user swaying may cause the user's terminal's location information to be considered as having entered the geofence within the entry angle threshold, and content information is unnecessarily provided to the user. To eliminate such false detections, even if a user enters the geofence from outside the angle threshold and then re-enters the angle threshold, the information provision control unit 1017 will not provide content if it is within a predetermined time from the initial entry. This predetermined time can be arbitrarily set considering the user's average walking speed and the size of the geofence. In this way, the information provision control unit 1017 can ignore cases like the one shown in Figure 37 within the predetermined time.

[0144] Figure 38 illustrates how to handle situations when a user passes through a geofence. If the user's position is detected at multiple locations outside the geofence (e.g., P6, P7, P8) after the user has left the geofence, the information provision control unit 1017 may determine that the user has left the geofence. Subsequently, if the user changes direction and continues walking, and re-enters the geofence within the entry angle threshold (position P11 in Figure 38), the information provision control unit 1017 may provide content. As described above, the information provision control unit 1017 may determine that the user has left the area (geofence) after a predetermined time has elapsed after the user has left the area (geofence). Alternatively, the information provision control unit 1017 may determine that the user has left the area (geofence) after the user has moved a predetermined distance further from the exit position on the boundary of the area.

[0145] In the above example, the program can be stored and supplied to the computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable medium. Non-transitory computer-readable medium includes various types of tangible storage medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable medium include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), BDs (Blu-ray® Discs), and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, RAMs (Random Access Memory)). Alternatively, the program may be supplied to the computer using various types of transient computer-readable medium. Examples of transient computer-readable medium include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Temporary computer-readable media can supply programs to a computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication channels.

[0146] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. The multiple embodiments described above can be combined arbitrarily. For example, the above-described audio service can also output audio information for acoustic AR, in which the sound image localization position is set to the position of a moving object or target object using sound image localization technology. Generally, audio information for acoustic AR is audio information processed based on the user's position relative to a moving object or target object, and output to a hearable device held by the user. In the information provision system according to this embodiment, when geofence entry is detected, the positional relationship between the user's position and the target object is almost the same, so it is possible to output audio information for acoustic AR that has been processed based on the geofence position in advance directly to the user terminal without processing based on the user's position information.

[0147] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note 1) A mobile object position acquisition unit that acquires the position information of a movable object, A region setting unit sets one or more regions for providing information about the moving object to a user terminal based on the position of the moving object, A terminal location acquisition unit that acquires location information of a mobile user terminal, An information provision control unit controls whether or not to provide the user terminal with information about the moving object associated with the region, based on the positional relationship between the acquired location information of the user terminal and the set region. An information-providing device equipped with the following features. (Note 2) The system further includes a moving body state acquisition unit that acquires the state of the moving body, including its direction of movement and speed of movement. The information providing device as described in Appendix 1, wherein the area setting unit sets different areas for providing information about the moving body to a user terminal according to the position, direction of movement, and speed of movement of the moving body. (Note 3) The information providing device described in Appendix 2, wherein the area setting unit sets areas at different distances from the moving body according to the direction and speed of movement of the moving body. (Note 4) The information providing device described in Appendix 2, wherein the area setting unit sets the area at a location farther away from the moving body as the moving speed of the moving body increases. (Note 5) The area setting unit sets areas of different sizes according to the movement speed of the moving body, as described in Appendix 2 of the information providing device. (Note 6) The information providing device according to Appendix 2, wherein the area setting unit sets one or more areas that are arranged in a different direction relative to the direction of travel of the moving body, according to the moving speed of the moving body. (Note 7) The information providing device described in Appendix 2, wherein the area setting unit sets a different number of areas according to the movement speed of the moving body. (Note 8) The information providing device described in Appendix 2, wherein the area setting unit sets a larger number of areas as the moving speed of the moving body decreases. (Note 9) The area setting unit sets a different area when the moving body is stopped than when the moving body is moving, as described in Appendix 2 of the information providing device. (Note 10) The information provision control unit provides different information to the user terminal according to any one of the appendices 1 to 9. (Note 11) An entry determination unit that determines whether or not the user has entered the designated area based on the location information of the user terminal, The system further includes a relative angle calculation unit that calculates the angle of the moving body with respect to the user's direction of travel when the user enters the designated area, The information provision control unit provides different information to the user terminal according to the calculated angle of the moving body relative to the user's direction of travel, as described in Appendix 2. (Note 12) The information provision control unit provides the user terminal with audio content information for the right, forward, and left, according to the calculated angle of the moving body relative to the user's direction of travel, as described in Appendix 11. (Note 13) The information providing device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 12, further comprising a storage unit that stores in association the identification information of the said region, the identification information and speed information of the said moving body, the identification information of the said user terminal, and the information to be provided to the said user terminal. (Note 14) The information providing device according to Appendix 1, wherein the area setting unit sets an area that does not include the moving body at a position away from the moving body. (Note 15) A mobile object position acquisition unit that acquires the position information of a movable object, A region setting unit sets one or more regions for providing information about the moving object to a user terminal based on the position of the moving object, A terminal location acquisition unit that acquires location information of a mobile user terminal, An information provision control unit controls whether or not to provide the user terminal with information about the moving object associated with the region, based on the positional relationship between the acquired location information of the user terminal and the set region. An information provision system equipped with the following features. (Note 16) Obtain location information of movable objects, Based on the position of the moving object, one or more regions are set for providing information about the moving object to the user terminal. Obtain location information of mobile user terminals, An information provision method that controls whether or not to provide the user terminal with information about the moving object associated with the region, based on the positional relationship between the acquired location information of the user terminal and the set region. (Note 17) Obtain location information of movable objects, Based on the position of the moving object, one or more regions are set for providing information about the moving object to the user terminal. Obtain location information of mobile user terminals, A program that causes a computer to control whether or not to provide the user terminal with information about the moving object associated with the region, based on the positional relationship between the acquired location information of the user terminal and the set region. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1. Information Provision System 5 Cursors 10 servers 20 User Terminals 30 Mobile Units 100 Information provision device 101 Control Unit 102 Storage section 400 facilities 1011 Mobile object position acquisition unit 1012 Mobile object status acquisition unit 1013 Area setting unit 1014 Terminal location acquisition unit 1015 Entry judgment section 1016 Relative Angle Calculation Unit 1017 Information Provision Control Unit 1021 Map Information Database 1022 Registered Location Information Database 1023 Mobile Information Database 1024 User Information Database 1025 Geofence Database 1026 Content Database 1027 History Information Database U User N Network GF Geofence

Claims

1. a mobile object position acquisition unit that acquires position information of a mobile object that can be moved; a region setting unit that sets one or more regions for providing information about the moving object to a user terminal based on a position of the moving object; A terminal location acquisition unit that acquires user location information; an information provision control unit that controls whether or not to provide information about the moving object associated with the set area to the user terminal based on a positional relationship between the acquired position information of the user and the set area; An information providing device comprising:

2. A moving object state acquisition unit that acquires a state of the moving object including a moving direction and a moving speed of the moving object, The information providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the area setting unit sets different areas for providing information about the moving object to a user terminal according to a position, a moving direction, and a moving speed of the moving object.

3. The information providing device according to claim 2 , wherein the region setting unit sets the regions at positions at different distances from the moving object depending on a moving direction and a moving speed of the moving object.

4. The information providing device according to claim 2 , wherein the region setting unit sets the region at a position farther away from the moving object as the moving speed of the moving object increases.

5. The information providing device according to claim 2 , wherein the region setting unit sets regions having different sizes depending on a moving speed of the moving object.

6. The information providing device according to claim 2 , wherein the region setting unit sets one or more regions whose arrangement with respect to a traveling direction of the moving object differs depending on a moving speed of the moving object.

7. The information providing device according to claim 2 , wherein the region setting unit sets a different number of regions depending on a moving speed of the moving object.

8. The information providing device according to claim 2 , wherein the region setting unit sets a larger number of regions as the moving speed of the moving object decreases.

9. The information providing device according to claim 2 , wherein the area setting unit sets an area different from an area when the moving object is stopped compared to an area when the moving object is moving.

10. 10. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the information provision control unit provides different information to the user terminal depending on a moving speed of the mobile object.

11. an entry determination unit that determines whether or not a user has entered the set area based on position information of the user; a relative angle calculation unit that calculates an angle of the moving object with respect to a moving direction of the user when the user enters the set area, The information providing device according to claim 2 , wherein the information provision control unit provides different information to the user terminal depending on the calculated angle of the moving object with respect to a traveling direction of the user.

12. The information providing device according to claim 11 , wherein the information provision control unit provides the user terminal with right-hand, front-hand, and left-hand audio content information in accordance with the calculated angle of the moving object with respect to the user's traveling direction.

13. The information providing device according to claim 2 , further comprising a memory unit that stores, in association with each other, identification information of the area, identification information and speed information of the moving body, identification information of the user terminal, and information to be provided to the user terminal.

14. The information providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the region setting unit sets a region that does not include the moving object at least in a position away from the moving object.

15. a mobile object position acquisition unit that acquires position information of a mobile object that can be moved; a region setting unit that sets one or more regions for providing information about the moving object to a user terminal based on a position of the moving object; A terminal location acquisition unit that acquires user location information; an information provision control unit that controls whether or not to provide information about the moving object associated with the set area to the user terminal based on a positional relationship between the acquired position information of the user and the set area; An information provision system comprising:

16. Acquire location information of a movable object; setting one or more areas for providing information about the mobile object to a user terminal based on the location of the mobile object; Obtain the user's location information, An information providing method for controlling whether or not to provide information regarding the moving object associated with the set area to the user terminal based on the positional relationship between the acquired user's location information and the set area.

17. Acquire location information of a movable object; setting one or more areas for providing information about the mobile object to a user terminal based on the location of the mobile object; Obtain the user's location information, A program that causes a computer to control whether or not to provide information about the moving object associated with the set area to the user terminal based on the positional relationship between the acquired user's location information and the set area.

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