Map information providing system, map information providing method, and map information providing program

Abstract

To provide information with minimal deviation from the current situation.SOLUTION: A map information providing system comprises: an administrator information storage unit which stores information about administrators who have the authority to generate an object; a generation permission unit which permits the input of object information used to generate an object using the administrator information; a worker information storage unit which stores information about a worker who performs tasks in an area on a real space equivalent to the object; an input permission unit which permits the input of status information indicative of the status of the object with respect to the worker's terminal using the worker information; a display determination unit which determines the display of the object in the map using the status information input to the worker's terminal; and a display control unit which causes a map including the object whose display has been determined by the display determination unit to be displayed on the user's terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a map information providing system, a map information providing method, and a map information providing program.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for displaying various information such as facilities and disasters together with a map on a terminal are known. For example, in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 4711577 of Patent Document 1 below, it is described that symbols of facilities are displayed on a map image, and when a symbol is clicked, detailed information about the facility is displayed. The specification of Japanese Patent No. 6084190 of Patent Document 2 below describes a notification system aimed at transmitting disaster information and the like quickly and intuitively. It is desired that the information provided to the user has little deviation from the current situation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a map information providing system for controlling the display of an object included in a map displayed on a display unit of a user's terminal, the system including: an administrator information storage unit that stores information of an administrator who has the authority to generate an object; a generation permission unit that uses the administrator's information to permit the input of object information used for generating the object; a worker information storage unit that stores information of a worker who works in an area in the real space corresponding to the object; an input permission unit that uses the worker's information to permit the input of status information indicating the status of the object to the worker's terminal; a display determination unit that determines the display of the object in the map using the status information input to the worker's terminal; and a display control unit that causes the user's terminal to display a map including the object with the display determined by the display determination unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, since the display of the object is automatically determined based on the status information input to the worker's terminal, it is possible to provide the user with information that has little deviation from the current situation. The present invention can, for example, provide information such as the availability of various facilities in real time, and contribute to the achievement of Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and drive innovation. The present invention can, for example, provide information related to disasters in real time, and contribute to the achievement of Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a map information providing system according to an embodiment. The map information providing system 1 provides a service for displaying a map on a terminal (hereinafter referred to as a map display service as appropriate). The map display service is used, for example, to notify a water supply station and its status during a water cut due to an accident or disaster.

[0008] The service administrator Q1 in FIG. 1 is, for example, a person in charge at the waterworks bureau. The service administrator Q1 logs in to the map display service using, for example, the terminal 2 and registers the water supply station as an object on the map. The status administrator Q2 is, for example, a worker, activist, local person in charge, etc. who conducts activities such as water supply for residents at the actual water supply station. The status administrator Q2 grasps the status of the water supply station while operating at the water supply station. The status administrator Q2, for example, carries a portable terminal 3 and inputs the congestion level of the water supply station, the remaining amount of water, etc. as the status of the water supply station into the terminal 3.

[0009] The map information providing system 1 controls the display form of the objects included in the map displayed on the display unit 4A of the terminal 4 of the user Q3. The elements of the display form of the object include, for example, at least one of color, brightness, shape, presence or absence of display, and presence or absence of blinking. The map information providing system 1 acquires the information input into the terminal 3 of the status administrator Q2 and determines the display form of the water supply station on the map using this information. The map information providing system 1 causes the map including the water supply station in the determined display mode to be displayed on the terminal 4 of the user Q3. For example, the map information providing system 1 acquires map data including geospatial information from the external system 5, arranges objects on the map indicated by the map data, and generates a map for a predetermined use.

[0010] The external system 5 includes, for example, a server or database outside the map information providing system 1. The geospatial information includes one or both of information indicating the position of a specific point in space (appropriately referred to as point information) and information indicating the position of a specific area in space (appropriately referred to as area information). In the following description, a point or an area is appropriately referred to as a location. In the following description, the "location" may be a point or an area.

[0011] The above geospatial information may include information associated with location information or information associated with area information. The geospatial information may also be data of a base map. The base map includes, for example, at least one of information on topography, roads, and administrative boundaries. The external system 5 may be operated by a public institution, a company or other organization, or an individual. The map information providing system 1 may have at least the functions of the external system 5. The map information providing system 1 stores map data including geospatial information and may not need to obtain geospatial information from the external system 5.

[0012] User Q3 is a viewer who views the map displayed on the terminal 4. User Q3 is, for example, a resident of the municipality to which the service administrator Q1 belongs. In the following description, any user who uses the map display service is appropriately referred to as an unspecified user. The terminal 4 of user Q3 displays the map M1 on its display unit 4A. In the map M1, the water supply station is indicated by, for example, an icon R1 indicating that it is in a state where residents can easily receive water supply. Residents can know in real time that the water supply station they plan to use is in a state where it is easy to receive water supply. Residents can check the state of the water supply station and head to the water supply station.

[0013] When the actual water supply station is congested or the remaining amount of water decreases, the status administrator Q2 inputs that information as the status of the water supply station to the terminal 3. The map information providing system 1 determines the display form of the water supply station on the map using the information input to the terminal 3 of the status administrator Q2. The terminal 4 of user Q3 displays the map M2 on its display unit 4A. In the map M2, the water supply station is indicated by, for example, an icon R2 indicating that it is in a state where residents have difficulty receiving water supply. Residents can know in real time that the water supply station they plan to use is in a state where it is difficult to receive water supply. Residents can check the state of the water supply station and wait for the replenishment of water at the water supply station or look for other water supply stations.

[0014] The map display service may be used during normal times in addition to emergencies such as accidents and disasters. For example, the status administrator Q2 is the administrator of a facility in the real space, and may input whether this facility is available or unavailable into the terminal 3. Based on the information input into the terminal 3 of the status administrator Q2, the map information providing system 1 may display on the map an icon indicating that this facility is open or an icon indicating that it is closed. The map display service may also be used to inform whether a road is passable or blocked.

[0015] The map display service is provided, for example, by a web application. The terminal 4 of the user Q3 accesses the site provided by the map display service and displays the map. The Uniform Resource Locator (hereinafter referred to as URL as appropriate) for transitioning to the site provided by the map display service is provided, for example, by a link on a web site. This URL may be provided by a code readable by a display-side terminal such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code (e.g., QR code (registered trademark)), or may be provided by other means.

[0016] An object on the map corresponds to an object or area whose position in the real space can be specified. For example, an object on the map is one with a fixed position and includes at least one corresponding to at least one of commercial facilities, public facilities, residences, buildings, shelters, any other arbitrary facilities, tourist spots, any areas such as squares in the real space. An object on the map may include an object corresponding to a moving object whose position can be specified by GPS or the like, and may include an object corresponding to at least one of vehicles traveling on roads such as buses and ambulances, vehicles traveling on tracks such as railways, aircraft (including drones), and ships.

[0017] Next, each part of the map information providing system 1 will be described. The map information providing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an administrator information storage unit (e.g., storage unit 11), a generation permission unit 12, an operator information storage unit (e.g., storage unit 11), an input permission unit 13, a display determination unit 14, a display control unit 15, a submission permission reception unit 16, and a processing unit 17. At least a part of the map information providing system 1 is realized by a computer executing processing according to a program.

[0018] The storage unit 11 stores service administrator information D1. The service administrator information D1 includes information of an administrator (e.g., service administrator Q1) who has the authority to generate an object. The service administrator information D1 includes information necessary for the service administrator Q1 to use the map display service provided by the map information providing system 1. The service administrator information D1 includes, for example, information used for user authentication when the service administrator Q1 logs in to an account of the map display service. The service administrator information D1 includes, for example, the ID and password of the account of the map display service. The method of user authentication in the map display service may be any method. The method of user authentication in the map display service may be a method in which a user inputs an ID and a password, a method using authentication of another service (e.g., single sign-on), or other methods such as biometric authentication.

[0019] The service administrator information D1 is stored in the storage unit 11 by, for example, a system administrator who manages the map information providing system 1. For example, the service administrator Q1 applies to the system administrator for using the map display service and provides the system administrator with at least a part of the service administrator information D1 (e.g., the ID of the account), which is the email address of the service administrator Q1. The system administrator stores the service administrator information D1 including the email address of the service administrator Q1 in the storage unit 11.

[0020] When a user logs in to the map information providing system 1, an image of the user interface is displayed on the user's terminal. In the following description, the image of the user interface is appropriately referred to as the UI image. The user inputs information necessary for login (appropriately referred to as login information or login authentication information) in the UI image at the time of login. For example, the map information providing system 1 authenticates the user by SSO through the processing unit 17, and the login information includes the email address of the user of the map display service. When the login information is input, the processing unit 17 receives a request to log in to the map display service. The processing unit 17 performs user authentication using the login information. For example, when the login information input by the user matches (for example, is identical to) the login information stored in the storage unit 11, the processing unit 17 determines that this user is a pre-registered user.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a UI image provided by the map information providing system according to the embodiment. The UI image 21 may be called the home screen. The UI image 21 visually represents, for example, the functions provided to the service administrator Q1 by the browser. In the UI image 21, an icon 22 for "type management", an icon 23 for "object management", an icon 24 for "status management", an icon 25 for "user management", and an icon 26 for "post management" are arranged.

[0022] Functions provided by the map information providing system 1 are assigned to the icons 22 to 26 respectively. The service administrator Q1 can use the function assigned to the selected icon by selecting (for example, pressing down) any one of the icons 22 to 26. The icons 22 to 26 are each associated in advance with a command for causing the map information providing system 1 to execute a predetermined process. The map information providing system 1 detects that an icon has been selected and executes a process corresponding to the command associated with this icon. The map information providing system 1 includes a computer, and the computer executes processes according to a program to provide various functions.

[0023] The map information providing system 1 provides a type management function for users authenticated as service administrators. For example, the processing unit 17 collates the login information input to the user's terminal with the service administrator information D1 to determine whether the logged-in user is a service administrator. For example, when the login information input by the user matches the login information stored in the storage unit 11, the processing unit 17 permits the login of this user. For a user whose login has been permitted, when the login information stored in the storage unit 11 includes information (e.g., a flag) indicating that this user is a service administrator, the processing unit 17 determines that this user is a service administrator.

[0024] When it is determined that the user who has logged in to the map display service is a service administrator, the generation permission unit 12 causes a UI image for type management to be displayed on the terminal of this user. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a UI image for type management according to the embodiment. The UI image 31 for type management is displayed on the user's terminal, for example, when the icon 22 for "type management" is selected by the user in the UI image 21 shown in FIG. 2.

[0025] The UI image 31 for type management includes a list 32 of object types. The list 32 corresponds to a list of registered object types. The list 32 includes an item for "name" and an item for "description". The list 32 is, for example, in a table format and includes a column in which the information for "name" is arranged and a column in which the information for "description" is arranged. The information for "name" and the information for "description" arranged in the same row are in a corresponding relationship. The information arranged in one row corresponds to one type of object.

[0026] The information displayed in the "Name" field includes information for distinguishing (e.g., specifying) the type of object. Information for distinguishing the type of object includes, for example, tourist attractions, bus stops, buses, shelters, water level observation points, and water supply points. The information displayed in the "Name" field is, for example, information input by service administrator Q1. The information displayed in the "Description" field includes annotations regarding the type of object. For example, in list 32 of FIG. 3, the type of object in the first row has a name of "tourist attraction" and its annotation is "object for tourist map". The "Description" is, for example, information input by service administrator Q1. The information for distinguishing the type of object is not limited to the information shown in FIG. 3. The information for distinguishing the type of object may or may not include at least a part of the information shown in FIG. 3 (e.g., from "tourist attraction" to "water supply point").

[0027] The UI image 31 for type management may include information different from both the information in the "Name" field and the information in the "Description" field. For example, list 32 may include an image (e.g., thumbnail) corresponding to a sample of icons representing various objects on the map. The UI image 31 for type management may include information different from the information input by service administrator Q1. For example, the UI image 31 for type management may include information registered by the system administrator (e.g., default object types). For example, the UI image 31 for type management may include information imported from outside the map information providing system 1.

[0028] The type management function includes the function of newly creating object types. The object types are arbitrarily defined by service administrator Q1. When it is determined that the user logged in to the map display service is a service administrator, the generation permission unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 provides the function of newly creating object types for this user. For example, the UI image 31 includes the "New Creation" icon 33. When the "New Creation" icon 33 is selected, the generation permission unit 12 causes the user terminal to display a UI image (appropriately called a type registration screen) that accepts the input of the object name and description. The type registration screen includes, for example, a text box that accepts the text input of the object name, a text box that accepts the text input of the object description, and a "Determine" icon to which the function of finalizing the input is assigned. When the "Determine" icon is selected, the generation permission unit 12 associates and stores the information entered in the text box of the object name and the information entered in the text box of the object description in the storage unit 11.

[0029] The type management function includes the function of editing object types and the function of deleting object types. The function of editing object types is the function of specifying an object type and changing at least a part of the information associated with this object type. For example, the function of editing object types is the function of changing one or both of the information of the "name" item and the information of the "description" item for the object type specified by the user. The function of deleting object types is the function of excluding the specified object type from the registered object types.

[0030] The UI image 31 includes an "Edit" icon 34. In the UI image 31, the "Edit" icon 34 is arranged at a position aligned with each row of the list 32. When the user selects the "Edit" icon 34, the type of object arranged in the direction of the rows of the list 32 with respect to this icon 34 is specified as the object to be edited. For example, when it is detected that the icon 34 aligned with the row named "Tourist destination" has been pressed down, the object type of "Tourist destination" is specified as the object to be edited.

[0031] When the type of object to be edited is specified, the generation permission unit 12 causes the type registration screen to be displayed on the user's terminal. When the "OK" icon is selected, the generation permission unit 12 associates the information entered in the text box for the object name and the information entered in the text box for the object description, and updates the information on the type of object stored in the storage unit 11. When the "Delete" icon is selected on the type registration screen, the generation permission unit 12 deletes the information on the specified object type from the storage unit 11.

[0032] When the display of the UI image 31 for type management is requested, the generation permission unit 12 generates the list 32 using the information on the object name and the description information stored in the storage unit 11. The display control unit 15 shown in FIG. 1 causes the UI image 31 including the list 32 generated by the generation permission unit 12 to be displayed on the user's terminal.

[0033] When a user who has logged in to the map display service does not have the authority to use the type management function, the generation permission unit 12 does not provide this user with the functions of newly creating an object type, editing an object type, and deleting an object type. For example, when it is determined that a user who has logged in to the map display service does not have the authority to use the type management function, the generation permission unit 12 sets the "New Creation" icon 33 and the "Edit" icon 34 in a state where the user cannot select them. In this case, the generation permission unit 12 may change the display form of the icon 33 and the icon 34 and invalidate the designation of the icon 33 or the icon 34 by the pointer. In this case, the generation permission unit 12 may set the icon 33 and the icon 34 to a non-display state. When a user who has logged in to the map display service does not have the authority to use the type management function, the map information providing system 1 does not necessarily provide the type management UI image 31 to this user.

[0034] The map information providing system 1 provides an object management function to a user authenticated as a service administrator. When it is determined that a user who has logged in to the map display service is a service administrator, the generation permission unit 12 causes the UI image of object management to be displayed on the terminal of this user. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the UI image of object management according to the embodiment. The object management UI image 35 is displayed on the user's terminal, for example, when the "Object Management" icon 23 is selected by the user in the UI image 21 shown in FIG. 2.

[0035] The UI image 35 for object management includes a list 36 of objects. The list 36 corresponds to a list of registered objects. The list 36 includes an item for "display status", an item for "type", and an item for "name". The list 32 is in, for example, a table format and includes a column where the information on "display status" is arranged, a column where the information on "type" is arranged, and a column where the information on "name" is arranged. The information on "display status", the information on "type", and the information on "name" arranged in the same row are in a corresponding relationship. The information arranged in one row corresponds to one object.

[0036] The information displayed in the "type" item in the list 36 includes information for distinguishing (e.g., specifying) the types of objects. The information displayed in the "type" item is selected from the information registered as information for distinguishing the types of objects. The information for distinguishing the types of objects is registered, for example, by the type management function described in FIG. 3 or the like.

[0037] The information displayed in the "name" item in the list 36 includes information for distinguishing (e.g., specifying) the objects. The information displayed in the "name" item may be a proper noun or a common name of a facility in the physical space corresponding to the object, or may be the name of a region in the physical space corresponding to the object (e.g., a place name). For example, in the map information providing system 1, a plurality of types of objects are registered, and a plurality of objects corresponding to one type of object are registered. The "type" of an object is information for specifying the type of the object, and the "name" of an object is information for specifying each object in a specific type of object. Each object is specified, for example, by a combination of the "type" and "name" of the object. For example, the object in the first row and the object in the second row of the list 36 are distinguished by having the same name of "Shirahama" but different types of "tourist destination" and "bus stop".

[0038] The information displayed in the "display status" item in List 36 is setting information indicating whether each object is to be displayed on the map. The processing unit 17 shown in FIG. 1 arranges icons representing objects whose display status is set to "display" on the map, and does not arrange icons representing objects whose display status is set to "non-display", and generates map data to be displayed on the user's terminal. For example, in List 36 of FIG. 4, the object in the first row has a type of "tourist destination", a name of "Shirahama", and a display status set to "display". The object in the second row has a type of "bus stop", a name of "Shirahama", and a status set to "non-display". In this case, the processing unit 17 generates map data that includes an icon representing "Shirahama" of the "tourist destination" and does not include an icon representing "Shirahama" of the "bus stop".

[0039] The user can extract objects to be included in List 36 from a plurality of registered objects. The UI image 35 includes an input window 37 into which extraction conditions for the objects are input and an icon 38 for "search". The input window 37 is, for example, an area into which text indicating the extraction conditions is input. The information input into the input window 37 may include at least a part of the information specifying the type of the object, or may include at least a part of the information specifying the object (e.g., name). A command for executing extraction (e.g., search) is assigned to the "search" icon 38. When the generation permission unit 12 detects that the icon 38 has been pressed, it extracts information on objects that match the extraction conditions from the storage unit 11 using the text input into the input window 37. The generation permission unit 12 reads out the information on the extracted objects from the storage unit 11 and generates a List 36 indicating the information on the extracted objects.

[0040] The UI image 35 includes icons (39a, 39b, 39c, 39d, 39e, 39f) used for object filtering. The types of objects are associated with icons 39a to 39f respectively. When at least one of icons 39a to 39f is selected, the generation permission unit 12 extracts the objects corresponding to the type of object associated with the selected icon. The generation permission unit 12 generates a list 36 showing the information of the extracted objects.

[0041] The object management function includes a function for creating a new object. The object is arbitrarily defined by the service administrator Q1. When it is determined that the user logged in to the map display service is the service administrator, the generation permission unit 12 provides the function of creating a new object for this user. For example, the UI image 35 includes an icon 40 for "new creation". When the icon 40 for "new creation" is selected, the generation permission unit 12 causes a UI image (appropriately called an object registration screen) for receiving input of various information of the object to be displayed on the user's terminal. The various information of the object includes, for example, information specifying the type of the object, information indicating the name of the object, information indicating the position of the object, and status information indicating the status of the object.

[0042] The object registration screen includes, for example, a drop-down list showing candidates for the type of object, a text box for receiving text input of the name of the object, and an icon for "determination" to which the function of finalizing the input is assigned. The drop-down list may be called a pull-down. When the drop-down list is selected, the generation permission unit 12 generates, for example, a list of the types of registered objects. The generation permission unit 12 causes the generated list to be displayed on the object registration screen. When the icon for "determination" is selected, the generation permission unit 12 associates the type of object selected from the drop-down list with the information input in the text box of the name of the object and stores it in the storage unit 11.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a process of receiving an input of the position of an object. In the process shown in FIG. 5(A), the generation permission unit 12 receives a designation of the position of an object from the user using an image including an icon indicating a candidate of the object. The generation permission unit 12 causes the terminal of the user to display an image 45 of a map including candidates of the object. In FIG. 5(A), reference numerals 46a to 46e are icons indicating candidates of the object.

[0044] Candidates of the object include, for example, facilities included in a range designated by the user on the map. Information on candidates of the object is included in, for example, geospatial information. The information on candidates of the object may include information associated with location information or may include information associated with area information. For example, the generation permission unit 12 extracts information on places (e.g., facilities) included in the range designated by the user from the geospatial information. For example, the user changes one or both of the latitude and longitude of the center of the map displayed on the terminal and the scale of the map so that the place corresponding to the object is included in the map. The generation permission unit 12 sets the range of the map adjusted by the user as the designated range, and extracts candidates of the object from this range. The generation permission unit 12 generates an image 45 of a map including an icon indicating each of the extracted facilities. The generation permission unit 12 causes the terminal of the user to display a UI image including the generated image 45.

[0045] The user can select one icon indicating a candidate of the object by operating the pointer 47 in the image 45. The generation permission unit 12 acquires position information (e.g., latitude, longitude) of the facility corresponding to the selected icon from the geospatial information. The generation permission unit 12 associates the type and name of the object input on the object registration screen with the position information acquired from the geospatial information, and stores the result in the storage unit 11 as one piece of object information.

[0046] In the process shown in FIG. 5(B), the generation permission unit 12 provides a UI that can draw a figure indicating an object on the map image and accepts the specification of the position of the object. For example, the generation permission unit 12 generates a map image 48 within the range specified by the user. The user can specify a line by operating the pointer on the image 48. For example, the user specifies a start point by aligning the pointer 49a with an arbitrary position on the image 48 and specifies an end point by aligning the pointer 49b with an arbitrary position on the image 48, thereby specifying the line 50. The generation permission unit 12 acquires the position of the start point and the position of the end point of the line 50 in the image. The generation permission unit 12 acquires the position information of the object corresponding to the line 50 in the real space by converting the position of the start point and the position of the end point of the line 50 in the image into the position information in the real space respectively. The generation permission unit 12 associates the type and name of the object input on the object registration screen with the position information in the real space and stores it in the storage unit 11 as one piece of object information.

[0047] In the process shown in FIG. 5(C), the generation permission unit 12 provides a UI that can draw a figure indicating an object on the map image and accepts the specification of the position of the object. For example, the generation permission unit 12 generates a map image 51 within the range specified by the user. The user can specify a region surrounded by a line by operating the pointer on the image 51. For example, the user operates the pointer 52 on the image 51 to draw a line and specifies a figure 53 surrounded by the line. The generation permission unit 12 acquires the position of the figure 53 on the image and acquires the position information of the object corresponding to the figure 53 in the real space by converting the position of the figure 53 into the position information in the real space. The generation permission unit 12 associates the type and name of the object input on the object registration screen with the position information in the real space and stores it in the storage unit 11 as one piece of object information.

[0048] Returning to the description of FIG. 4, the object management function includes a function to edit object information and a function to delete object information. The function to edit object information is a function to change at least a part of the information of a specified object (for example, status, type, name, location) by specifying the object. The function to delete object information is a function to exclude the information of a specified object from registration by specifying the object.

[0049] The UI image 35 includes the "Edit" icon 41. In the UI image 35, the "Edit" icon 41 is arranged at a position aligned with each row of the list 36. When the user selects the "Edit" icon 41, the information of the object arranged in the direction of the row of the list 36 with respect to this icon 41 is specified as the editing target. For example, when the "Edit" icon 41 is arranged horizontally beside the list 36 and it is detected that the topmost icon 41 has been pressed down, the object specified as the editing target is an object whose "display status" is "display", "type" is "tourist destination", and "name" is "Shirahama Beach".

[0050] When the editing target is specified, the generation permission unit 12 causes the object registration screen to be displayed on the user's terminal. When the "OK" icon is selected, the generation permission unit 12 associates the type of object selected from the drop-down list with the information entered in the text box of the object name, and updates the object information stored in the storage unit 11. When the "Delete" icon is selected on the object registration screen, the generation permission unit 12 deletes the information of the specified object from the storage unit 11.

[0051] When a user who has logged in to the map display service does not have the permission to use the object management function, the generation permission unit 12 does not provide this user with the functions of creating a new object, editing object information, and deleting object information. For example, when the generation permission unit 12 determines that a user who has logged in to the map display service does not have the permission to use the object management function, the generation permission unit 12 sets the "Create New" icon 40 and the "Edit" icon 41 in a state where the user cannot select them. In this case, the generation permission unit 12 may change the display form of the icons 40 and 41 and invalidate the designation of the icon 40 or the icon 41 by the pointer. In this case, the generation permission unit 12 may set the icons 40 and 41 to a non-display state. When a user who has logged in to the map display service does not have the permission to use the object management function, the map information providing system 1 does not have to provide the object management UI image 35 to this user.

[0052] The map information providing system 1 provides a status management function to a user authenticated as a status administrator. The status management function includes a function of changing at least a part of the status information of a designated object. The status information includes, for example, information input from a user as the state of a facility in the real space corresponding to the object. The processing unit 17 permits the login of this user, for example, when the login information input by the user matches the login information stored in the storage unit 11. The storage unit 11 stores information of status administrators who have the authority to change the status information. In the following description, the information of status administrators is appropriately represented as status administrator information D2. The processing unit 17 determines that this user is a status administrator when information indicating that the user is a status administrator is included in the status administrator information D2.

[0053] When the input permission unit 13 determines that a user who has logged in to the map display service has the authority to manage the status, the input permission unit 13 causes the terminal of this user to display a UI image for status management. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a UI image for status management according to the embodiment. The UI image 55 for status management is displayed on the terminal of the user, for example, when the icon 24 for "status management" is selected by the user in the UI image 21 shown in FIG. 2.

[0054] The UI image 55 for status management includes an input window 56 into which the type of the object is input and an input window 57 into which the name of the object is input. The input window 56 is, for example, a drop-down list. For example, when the input permission unit 13 detects that the input window 56 is selected, the input permission unit 13 generates a list of registered object types. The input permission unit 13 causes the generated list of object types to be displayed on the UI image 55 as a list of candidates. The type of the object selected by the user from the candidates is displayed in the input window 56. The input window 57 is, for example, a drop-down list. For example, when the input permission unit 13 detects that the input window 57 is selected, the input permission unit 13 generates a list of object names that are of the object type displayed in the input window 56 and are registered. The input permission unit 13 causes the generated list of object names to be displayed on the UI image 55 as a list of candidates. The name of the object selected by the user from the candidates is displayed in the input window 57.

[0055] The UI image 55 for status management includes areas (58a, 58b, 58c, 58d) where the status information of the object is displayed. The status information includes, for example, information associated with location information or area information. The status information includes, for example, information indicating the state of a facility in the real space associated with location information or area information. The status information includes, for example, a plurality of items. In FIG. 6, area 58a, area 58b, area 58c, and area 58d are areas where one item of the status information is displayed respectively. The information of each item of the status information may be called attribute information. The information of at least one item of the status information includes, for example, information representing a state that changes over time. The information of at least one item of the status information includes, for example, information representing a state that changes due to natural or artificial factors. The items of the status information are preset according to the type of the object.

[0056] In this embodiment, the status information is represented by information selected from a plurality of options. For example, in each area where the status information is displayed, there are displayed text indicating the content of the item, options for the state, a check box for the options, and a mark indicating which check box is selected. The text indicating the content of the item is information indicating what the state of the object is about. For example, in area 58a representing one item of the state of the object, the text indicating the content of the item is "Please select the operation status". The text in area 58a is information indicating that it is an item representing the state related to the operation of the object. The options for the state of this item are represented by the text "Open" and the text "Closed". A check box 59a is arranged next to the text "Open", and a check box 59b is arranged next to the text "Closed". A mark 60 is arranged in the check box 59a. In this case, the state of the object "Shirahama Second Elementary School" whose type is "Water supply station" is shown as "Open" regarding the item "Operation status".

[0057] The user can update the information indicating the state of this object by selecting any of the options for each item in the status management UI image 55. The input permission unit 13 monitors the user input in the UI image 55 and detects that the status information has been changed. For example, the input permission unit 13 detects that a change has been made to the check box (for example, check box 59a or check box 59b) where the mark 60 is placed in the area (for example, area 58a) where the status information is displayed. When the input permission unit 13 detects that the status information has been changed, it updates the status information of the object information D3 stored in the storage unit 11 (see FIG. 1) to the changed status information in the UI image 55.

[0058] If the user who has logged in to the map display service does not have the permission to use the status management function, the input permission unit 13 does not provide the function to change at least a part of the status information to this user. For example, when the input permission unit 13 determines that the user who has logged in to the map display service does not have the permission to use the status management function, it invalidates the input to change the option where the mark 60 is placed in the area (for example, area 58a) where each item of the status information is displayed. For example, the input permission unit 13 makes the check box 59a and the check box 59b invisible and fixedly displays the mark 60 for the option indicated by the current status information. The input permission unit 13 may display the option indicated by the current status information for each item of the status information and make the other options and the mark 60 invisible. If the user who has logged in to the map display service does not have the permission to use the status management function, the map information providing system 1 may not provide the status management UI image 55 to this user. The service administrator Q1 may or may not have the permission to use the status management function.

[0059] The display determination unit 14 shown in FIG. 1 determines the display of an object on the map using status information. In the present embodiment, the status information includes information selected from a plurality of candidates registered in advance. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the input permission unit 13 causes the terminal 3 of the status administrator Q2 to display an image (for example, the UI image 55 in FIG. 6) for selecting status information from a plurality of candidates. The display determination unit 14 determines the display of the object on the map using the status information input by being selected from a plurality of candidates on the terminal 3 of the status administrator Q2.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the processing of the display determination unit. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of items of status information (see FIG. 6) includes information selected from a plurality of candidates registered in advance. The display form of an object on the map displayed on the user's terminal is associated in advance with a combination of options in the plurality of items of status information. The display determination unit 14 determines the display form of the object to be a display form corresponding to the combination of options of the status information input by the user.

[0061] In FIG. 7, reference numeral D4 indicates display form information. The display form information D4 is information indicating a plurality of display forms of an object. The display form information D4 in FIG. 7 includes data of a plurality of icons (D4a, D4b, D4c, D4d) indicating an object on the map. The plurality of icons (D4a, D4b, D4c, D4d) each have a display form different from that of other icons. The elements of the display form of the icon include at least one of, for example, color, brightness, shape, presence or absence of display, and presence or absence of blinking.

[0062] The plurality of icons (D4a, D4b, D4c, D4d) in FIG. 7 are all used for the display of an object whose object type is "water supply station". The plurality of icons (D4a, D4b, D4c, D4d) have different levels indicating the ease of receiving water. For example, icon D4a represents a water supply station in a state where the level of ease of receiving water is the highest. Icon D4b represents a water supply station in a state where the level of ease of receiving water is lower than that of icon D4a. Icon D4c represents a water supply station in a state where the level of ease of receiving water is lower than that of icon D4b. Icon D4b represents a water supply station that is open but cannot receive water.

[0063] Reference numeral D5 in FIG. 7 indicates corresponding information. The corresponding information D5 is information that associates a combination of information selected from a plurality of candidates for a plurality of items of status information with one of a plurality of display forms. The corresponding information D5 in FIG. 7 is represented in a table format. This corresponding information D5 is information that associates a combination of the information of the "remaining water supply amount" item and the information of the "congestion level" item of the status information with the plurality of icons (D4a, D4b, D4c, D4d) indicating the object. The information of the "remaining water supply amount" item is, for example, information selected from three candidates of "sufficient", "little remaining", and "none" in region 58c in the status management UI image 55 shown in FIG. 6. The information of the "congestion level" item is, for example, information selected from three candidates of "plenty of room", "somewhat congested", and "congested" in region 58b in the status management UI image 55 shown in FIG. 6. In this case, there are nine combinations of the information of the "remaining water supply amount" item and the information of the "congestion level" item, and each combination is associated with one of the plurality of icons (D4a, D4b, D4c, D4d). For example, when the information of the "remaining water supply amount" item is "sufficient" and the information of the "congestion level" item is "plenty of room", icon D4a of the display form information D4 is assigned to this combination.

[0064] The status information of the object information D3 includes, for example, information on items set according to the type of the object. The items of the status information differ depending on whether the type of the object is the first type or the second type different from the first type. For example, the items of the status information differ depending on whether the type of the object is "tourist destination" or "water supply station".

[0065] The display form information D4 includes, for example, information on a plurality of candidates regarding the display form of the object. A plurality of candidates regarding the display form of the object are set according to the type of the object. The candidates for the display form of the object differ depending on whether the type of the object is the first type or the second type different from the first type. For example, the candidates for the display form of the object differ depending on whether the type of the object is "tourist destination" or "water supply station".

[0066] The correspondence information D5 associates, for example, at least one item of information candidate selected from the items of the status information set for each type of the object with the candidate for the display form of the object set according to the type of the object. When the type of the object is the first type The correspondence information D5 regarding the object is different from the correspondence information D5 regarding the object whose type is the second type different from the first type. For example, in FIG. 6, the type of the object is "water supply station", and the items of the status information are four items: "operating status", "congestion level", "remaining water supply amount", and "expected arrival of water supply vehicle". The correspondence information D5 in FIG. 7 corresponding to FIG. 6 associates the combination of the candidate for "remaining water supply amount" and the candidate for "congestion level" among the four items of the status information of the "water supply station" with the display form.

[0067] In the correspondence information D5, the number of items selected from the status information items is 2 in FIG. 7, but it may be 1 or 3 or more. At least one of the status information of the object information D3 may be common to two or more types of objects. At least one of the candidates for the display form of the object may be common to two or more types of two or more types of objects. One of the candidates regarding the display form of the object may be associated with one of the candidates for the status information, or may be associated with a plurality of the candidates for the status information.

[0068] The display form information D4 is stored in advance in the storage unit 11, for example, by a system administrator who manages the map information providing system 1. The display form information D4 may be stored in the storage unit 11 by a user different from the system administrator (for example, service administrator Q1). The storage unit 11 shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a display form storage unit that stores the display form information D4. The display form storage unit may be a storage area of a storage unit different from the storage unit 11. The correspondence information D5 is stored in advance in the storage unit 11, for example, by a system administrator who manages the map information providing system 1. The correspondence information D5 may be stored in the storage unit 11 by a user different from the system administrator (for example, service administrator Q1). The storage unit 11 shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a display form storage unit that stores the correspondence information D5. The display form storage unit may be a storage area of a storage unit different from the storage unit 11.

[0069] When the map information providing system 1 acquires a request for map display, the display determination unit 14 determines the display form of the object. For example, the display determination unit 14 collates the object information D3 stored in the storage unit 11 with the correspondence information D5 for the object to be displayed, and determines the display form of this object. For example, the display determination unit 14 specifies the correspondence information D5 corresponding to the type of the object to be displayed. The display determination unit 14 extracts, for each object to be displayed, the information of the items defined in the correspondence information D5 from the status information. The display determination unit 14 specifies candidates for the display form associated by the correspondence information D5 for the information of the items extracted from the status information of each object to be displayed, and determines the specified candidates as the display form. For example, the object shown in the UI image 55 of FIG. 6 is of the type "water supply station", and the display determination unit 14 acquires the correspondence information D5 corresponding to "water supply station" from the storage unit 11. The display determination unit 14 specifies "remaining water volume" and "congestion level" as the items of the status information defined in the correspondence information D5 corresponding to "water supply station". In the UI image 55 of FIG. 6, "slightly congested" is selected as the "congestion level" of the status information, and "little remaining" is selected as the "remaining water volume" of the status information. The display determination unit 14 determines the icon D4c of the display form information D4 as the display form when the "remaining water volume" is "little remaining" and the "congestion level" is "slightly congested" in the correspondence information D5 shown in FIG. 7.

[0070] The status manager Q2 in FIG. 1 operates at a facility in the real space corresponding to an object on the map, for example. The status manager Q2 grasps the status of the facility through its operations. In the map information providing system 1, the status manager Q2 is registered as a user who can utilize the status management function, and inputs status information (see FIG. 6) using the terminal 3. The map information providing system 1 acquires the status information input to the terminal 3 and updates the status information stored in the storage unit 11. When a request for map display (e.g., new display, display update) is received from the terminal 4 of the user Q3, the map information providing system 1 determines the display form by the display determination unit 14 using the latest status information stored in the storage unit 11, and displays the map on the terminal 4 of the user Q3 by the display control unit 15. For example, in the map displayed on the terminal 4, the object is shown in a display form reflecting the latest status information, and the user Q3 can grasp the latest status of the object.

[0071] The map information providing system 1 provides a user management function to users authenticated as user administrators. In the present embodiment, the service manager has the authority of a user administrator. For example, when the processing unit 17 determines that the user who logged in to the map display service is a service manager, it causes the user management UI image to be displayed on the terminal of this user. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the user management UI image according to the embodiment. The user management UI image 61 is displayed on the user's terminal, for example, when the "user management" icon 25 is selected by the user in the UI image 21 shown in FIG. 2.

[0072] The user management UI image 61 includes a list 62 of registered users. The list 62 includes items of "status", "name", "email address", and "user group". The list 62 is in, for example, a table format, and the information of each item is arranged in the column direction. The information of each item arranged in one row is information about one user.

[0073] The information displayed in the "Name" field is the name of the user used in the map display service. The information displayed in the "Name" field is, for example, the information input by service administrator Q1. The information displayed in the "Email address" field is the information used for authentication when the user logs in to the map display service. The information displayed in the "User group" field is the name of the user's permission pattern.

[0074] A user whose "User group" is "Service administrator" can use the functions defined as having permissions in the permission pattern named "Service administrator". For example, the information "Service administrator" in the "User group" indicates that the user has the permission to use functions such as type management, object management, status management, user management, and post management functions. For example, in List 62, a user whose "Name" is "Yoichi" has a "User group" of "Service administrator", and the user logged in as "Yoichi" can use the above functions. For example, the service administrator information D1 in FIG. 1 includes information identifying a user whose "User group" is "Service administrator".

[0075] A user whose "User group" is "Status administrator" can use the functions defined as having permissions in the permission pattern named "Status administrator". For example, the information "Status administrator" in the "User group" indicates that the user has the permission to use the status management function and does not have the permission to use functions such as type management, object management, user management, and post management functions. For example, in List 62, a user whose "Name" is "Taro" has a "User group" of "Status administrator", and the user logged in as "Taro" can use the status management function. For example, the status administrator information D2 in FIG. 1 includes information identifying a user whose "User group" is "Status administrator".

[0076] The information displayed in the "Status" item indicates whether or not to restrict the user's authority. The information "Valid" displayed in the "Status" item indicates that there are no usage restrictions for each authority in the authority pattern indicated by the "User Group" for this user. The information "Invalid" displayed in the "Status" item indicates that there are usage restrictions for at least a part of the authorities in the authority pattern indicated by the "User Group" for this user.

[0077] The user can extract the objects to be included in List 62 from a plurality of registered users. The UI image 61 includes an input window 64 into which the user's extraction conditions are input and an icon 65 for "Search". The input window 64 is, for example, an area where text indicating the extraction conditions is input. The information input into the input window 64 may include at least a part of the information specifying the authority pattern or at least a part of the information specifying the user. A command for executing extraction (e.g., search) is assigned to the "Search" icon 63. When the processing unit 17 detects that the icon 63 has been pressed, it extracts the information of the users that match the extraction conditions from the storage unit 11 using the text input in the input window 3. The processing unit 17 reads out the information of the extracted users from the storage unit 11 and generates a list 62 indicating the information of the extracted users. The UI image 35 includes an icon 65 used for narrowing down the users to be displayed in the list 62. The icon 65 includes a drop-down list indicating candidates for the authority pattern. When it is determined that the icon 65 has been pressed, the processing unit 17 generates a list of the registered "User Groups". The processing unit 17 arranges the generated list of "User Groups" in the UI image 61. The processing unit 17 creates a list of the users corresponding to the "User Group" selected from the list of "User Groups" and updates the created list as the list 62.

[0078] The user management function includes the function of registering users. When the processing unit 17 determines that the user logged in to the map display service is a service administrator, it provides the function of registering users to this user. For example, the UI image 61 includes the icon 66 of "User Registration". When the icon 66 of "User Registration" is selected, the processing unit 17 causes the user's terminal to display a UI image (appropriately referred to as a user registration screen) for receiving the input of various user information. The various user information includes, for example, the name of the user used in the map display service (e.g., "Name" in the list 62), the information used for user authentication (e.g., "Email Address" in the list 62), the information indicating the user's authority (e.g., "User Group" in the list 62), and the information indicating the restrictions regarding the user's authority (e.g., "Status" in the list 62). The user registration screen includes, for example, a text box for inputting various user information and an icon of "Determine" to which the function of finalizing the input is assigned. When the icon of "Determine" is selected, the processing unit 17 groups the various user information input in the text box and stores it in the storage unit 11.

[0079] The user management function includes the function of editing user information and the function of deleting user registration. The function of editing user information is a function of designating a user and changing at least a part of the various information of this user. The function of deleting user registration is a function of designating a user and excluding this user from the registered users.

[0080] The UI image 61 includes the "Edit" icon 67. In the UI image 61, the "Edit" icon 67 is arranged at a position aligned with each row of the list 62. When the user selects the "Edit" icon 67, the user information arranged in the direction of the rows of the list 62 with respect to this icon 67 is designated as the object to be edited. For example, when it is detected that the icon 67 aligned with the row named "Yoichi" has been pressed down, the user named "Yoichi" is designated as the object to be edited. When the object to be edited is designated, the processing unit 17 causes the user registration screen to be displayed on the user's terminal. When the "Determine" icon is selected, the processing unit 17 updates the various information of the user stored in the storage unit 11 with the various information of the user input into the text box. When the "Delete" icon is selected on the user registration screen, the processing unit 17 deletes the various information of the designated user from the storage unit 11.

[0081] The map information providing system 1 provides a posting function to users of the map display service. The users of the map display service include viewers of the map that the map information providing system 1 causes to be displayed on the user's terminal. The users of the map display service include, for example, unspecified users. For example, unspecified users can use specific functions provided by the map information providing system 1 without logging in to the map display service. The specific functions are, for example, the function of displaying a map including objects and the posting function. The posting function is a function of designating a location (e.g., a point or an area) on the map and posting information regarding the designated location.

[0082] The map information providing system 1 provides a posting management function to users authenticated as posting administrators. The posting management function includes, for example, a function of setting whether to disclose information posted by unspecified users to other users. In the present embodiment, the service administrator has the authority of the user administrator. For example, when it is determined that a user who has logged in to the map display service is a service administrator, the posting permission reception unit 16 causes a posting management UI image to be displayed on the terminal of this user.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing functions related to posting in this embodiment. FIG. 9(A) is a diagram showing a UI image of the posting function according to the embodiment. The UI image 71 includes an icon 72 indicating a location and an information window 73. The map information providing system 1 causes the user's terminal to display an image showing candidates for locations on the map (for example, the image 45 in FIG. 5(A)). The user designates the location to be posted by selecting the location to be posted from the candidates for locations displayed on the terminal. The method for designating the location to be posted is arbitrary, and for example, the methods described in FIGS. 5(B) and 5(C) may be used.

[0084] The map information providing system 1 causes the user's terminal to display an information window 73 including attribute information of an object corresponding to the selected location (for example, the name, location, and status of the location). The information window 73 includes an input window 74, an input window 75, and a "post" icon. The input window 74 is, for example, an area where the title of the post is input as text. The input window 75 is, for example, an area where the content of the post is input as text. The user can post information by inputting text in the input window 74 and the input window 75 and selecting the "post" icon. When the map information providing system 1 detects that the "post" icon has been selected, it acquires the information input in the input window 74 and the information input in the input window 75. The map information providing system 1 associates the information acquired from the user's terminal, the information of the object corresponding to the icon 75, and the time when the "post" icon was selected (for example, a timestamp) and stores them in the storage unit 11.

[0085] FIG. 9(B) is a diagram showing a UI image of the posting management function according to the embodiment. The UI image 75 for posting management is displayed on the user's terminal, for example, when the "posting management" icon 26 is selected by the user in the UI image 21 shown in FIG. 2. The UI image 75 for posting management includes a list 76 of posts and an icon 77.

[0086] List 76 corresponds to a list of posts stored in the storage unit 11. List 76 includes an item of "status", an item of "title", an item of "post content", and an item of "post date and time". List 76 is, for example, in a table format and includes columns in which information of one item is arranged. The information arranged in one row corresponds to one post. The information of the "status" item, the information of the "status" item, the information of the "title" item, the information of the "post content" item, and the information of the "post date and time" item arranged in one row are in a corresponding relationship with each other.

[0087] The information displayed in the "title" item is information intended to indicate the theme of the post content. The information displayed in the "post content" item is information corresponding to the main body of what the poster wants to convey. The information displayed in the "post date and time" item is information indicating the time when the post was executed. "Status" is information indicating the status of each post. For example, when the item of "status" is "public", it indicates that any user using the map display service can view this post. When the item of "status" is "non-public", it indicates that users other than those having the right to view this post cannot view this post. When the item of "status" is "under review", it indicates that the status has not been determined whether it is "public" or "non-public".

[0088] Icon 77 is used for filtering posts. A function of specifying the conditions of the posts to be included in List 76 is assigned to Icon 77. For example, Icon 77 includes a drop-down list and accepts an input for specifying the "status" of the post as a condition to be included in the list. When Icon 77 is selected, the processing unit 17 causes a list of options (e.g., "public", "non-public", "under review") registered in advance as the status of the post to be displayed on the user's terminal. The processing unit 17 extracts posts that match the conditions specified by the user from the storage unit 11 and generates List 76. The conditions for filtering posts may not be the "status", and may be, for example, conditions of characters included in the post or conditions of the post date and time.

[0089] The submission management function includes a function for setting the status of a submission (e.g., change). For example, the submission permission reception unit 16 receives an input for designating a submission and an input for designating the status of this submission from the terminal of a user having the submission management authority. For example, the service administrator Q1 selects the submission to be designated from the list 76 in the submission management UI image 75 displayed on the terminal 2 using the terminal 2. When an input for designating a submission is input to the terminal 2, the submission permission reception unit 16 displays an information window for receiving an input of the status of this submission on the terminal 2, and acquires the information input to this information window from the terminal 2. The submission permission reception unit 16 updates the information indicating the status of the submission stored in the storage unit 11 to the information acquired from the terminal 2 as the status of the designated submission. For example, when a new submission is registered by the terminal of an unspecified user, the map information providing system 1 sets the status of this registration to "under review". A user having the submission management authority causes the submission with the status of "under review" to be displayed in the list 76 in the submission management UI image 75. A user having the submission management authority checks the content of the submission with the status of "under review" and changes the status of this submission to "public" or "non-public".

[0090] When a submission associated with an object is stored in the storage unit 11, the map information providing system 1 causes this submission to be displayed on the terminal of this user in response to a request for displaying the submission from the terminal of an unspecified user. For example, when the object of the map displayed on the terminal of a user is selected and there is information with the status of "public" as a submission associated with this object, the map information providing system 1 arranges an icon of "display submission" in the information window for displaying the attribute information of this object. When it is detected that the icon of "display submission" is selected, the map information providing system 1 reads out the information of the submission associated with this object from the storage unit 11 and displays it on the terminal of the unspecified user.

[0091] When the submission permission reception unit 16 determines that a user who has logged in to the map display service does not have the authority to use the submission management function, the submission permission reception unit 16 does not provide this user with the submission management function. For example, when it is determined that a user who has logged in to the map display service does not have the authority to use the submission management function, the submission permission reception unit 16 does not provide the UI for changing the submission status to the terminal of this user. When a user who has logged in to the map display service does not have the authority to use the submission management function, the map information providing system 1 may not provide the submission management UI image 75 to this user.

[0092] Next, based on the configuration and operation of the above-described map information providing system 1, a map information providing method according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the map information providing method according to the embodiment. In step S1, the map information providing system 1 stores the information of the service administrator in the storage unit 11. For example, the system administrator registers the information of the user specified by the applicant of the map display service as the information of the service administrator in the map information providing system 1.

[0093] In step S2, the map information providing system 1 receives object information from the terminal 2 of the service administrator Q1 (see FIGS. 2 to 5). For example, the generation permission unit 12 provides the object management UI image 35 shown in FIG. 4 to the terminal 2 of the user authenticated as the service administrator Q1 and receives the object information. In step S3, the map information providing system 1 stores the information of the object input from the terminal 2 of the service administrator Q1 in the storage unit 11.

[0094] In step S4, the map information providing system 1 receives the information of the status administrator Q2 from the terminal 2 of the service administrator Q1. For example, when it is determined that the user who has logged in to the map display service is a service administrator, the processing unit 17 causes a user management UI image to be displayed on the terminal of this user (see FIG. 8). The service administrator Q1 uses the terminal 2 to specify a user of the map display service and inputs information indicating that the specified user is a service administrator. For example, in the user management UI image 61, the service administrator Q1 selects the "Edit" icon 67 corresponding to the user to be specified as the service administrator Q1 and changes the authority pattern of this user (e.g., "user group") to "status administrator". In step S5, the map information providing system 1 stores the information of the status administrator. For example, the processing unit 17 stores the information input from the terminal 2 of the service administrator Q1 in step S4 in the storage unit 11 as service administrator information D2.

[0095] In step S6, the map information providing system 1 receives status information from the terminal of the status administrator. For example, the map information providing system 1 authenticates the user defined in the service administrator information D2 stored in the storage unit 11 as a service administrator. When it is determined that the user who has logged in to the map display service has the authority to manage the status, the input permission unit 13 causes a status management UI image 55 (see FIG. 6) to be displayed on the terminal of this user. The status administrator Q2 uses the UI image 55 to input status information into the terminal 2. In step S7, the input permission unit 13 updates the status information of the object information D3 stored in the storage unit 11 using the status information input into the terminal 2.

[0096] When the map information providing system 1 is requested to display a map from, for example, the terminal of an unspecified user, the display determination unit 14 determines the display form of the object. For example, the display determination unit 14 collates the status information of the object information D3 stored in the storage unit 11 with the display form information D4 and the correspondence information D5 shown in FIG. 7 to determine the display form of the object. The processing unit 17 arranges the object in the determined display form on a map generated using the map data acquired from the external system 5, and generates a map including the object. The display control unit 15 causes the terminal 4 of the user Q3 to display the map generated by the processing unit 17.

[0097] The map information providing system 1 according to the above-described embodiment permits the input of the status information of the object by the input permission unit, determines the display of the object on the map using the status information by the display determination unit, and causes the display control unit to display on the user's terminal a map including the object determined by the display determination unit. At this time, since the input permission unit permits the input of the status information using the information of the worker working in the area in the real space corresponding to the object, status information with little deviation from the current situation is input, and the display determination unit automatically determines the display of the object using this status information. Therefore, the object is displayed with a display having little temporal deviation from the current situation. In this way, the map information providing system 1 can provide the user with information having little deviation from the current situation.

[0098] In this embodiment, the status information includes information selected from a plurality of pre-registered candidates. The input permission unit causes an image for selecting the status information from the plurality of candidates to be displayed on the operator's terminal. The display determination unit determines the display of the object on the map using the status information input by being selected from the plurality of candidates on the operator's terminal. In this case, since the status information is selected from the plurality of candidates and the display of the object is determined, for example, compared with the case where the status information is input in text form, the processing load is reduced, and the display form of the object is automatically determined according to a certain rule, and the time lag between the current situation and the display is reduced. Note that the status information does not necessarily have to be selected from the plurality of candidates, and may be input, for example, as information in text form or image form. The map information providing system 1 may, for example, process information input in text form or image form by AI to determine the state of the location corresponding to the object, and determine the display of the object based on the status information representing the determined state.

[0099] In this embodiment, the status information includes information selected from a plurality of candidates registered in advance. The map information providing system includes a display form storage unit that stores display form information indicating a plurality of display forms of an object, and a correspondence information storage unit that stores correspondence information associating information selected from a plurality of candidates with any one of the plurality of display forms. The display determination unit determines, as the display of the object, the display form associated with the information selected from the plurality of candidates by the operator's terminal based on the correspondence information. In this case, since the information selected from the plurality of candidates and any one of the plurality of display forms are associated with each other in advance, the processing load is reduced and the time lag between the current state and the display is reduced. Note that the display form of the object may not be associated with the information selected from the plurality of candidates. For example, at least a part of the status information may be input as a numerical value, and the map information providing system 1 may determine the display form of the object based on the gradation value calculated from the status information. For example, the object may correspond to a water supply station, and the number of people waiting for water supply at the water supply station may be input as the status information. The map information providing system 1 may determine a gradation value indicating the degree of congestion from the number of people waiting for water supply and determine the display form of the object using this gradation value.

[0100] The map information display system according to the embodiment is a map information providing system that controls the display of objects included in a map displayed on a display unit of a terminal. The system includes a storage unit that stores login information used when a user logs in to a service provided by the map information providing system, and authority information indicating the presence or absence of a first authority and a second authority of the user specified by the login information. A generation permission unit that permits input of object information used for generating an object to the terminal of a first user authenticated as having the first authority, an input permission unit that permits input of status information indicating the status of an object to the terminal of a second user authenticated as having the second authority, a display determination unit that determines the display of an object using the status information input from the terminal of the second user, and a display control unit that causes a map including the object whose display has been determined by the display determination unit to be displayed on the terminal of an unspecified user.

[0101] The map information display system according to the embodiment is a map information providing system that controls the display of objects included in a map displayed on a display unit of a terminal. The system includes a storage unit that stores login information used when a user logs in to a service provided by the map information providing system, and authority information indicating the presence or absence of a first authority and a second authority of the user specified by the login information. A generation permission unit that permits input of object information used for generating an object to the terminal of a first user authenticated as having the first authority, an input permission unit that permits input of status information indicating the status of an object to the terminal of a second user authenticated as having the second authority, a display determination unit that determines the display of an object using the status information input from the terminal of the second user, and a display control unit that causes a map including the object whose display has been determined by the display determination unit to be displayed on the terminal of an unspecified user.

[0102] The first permission is, for example, the permission to use the object management function shown in FIG. 4. The permission information indicating the presence or absence of the first permission corresponds to, for example, the service administrator information D1 in FIG. 1. The second permission is, for example, the permission to use the status management function shown in FIG. 6. The permission information indicating the presence or absence of the second permission corresponds to, for example, the status administrator information D2 in FIG. 1.

[0103] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a map information providing system according to the embodiment. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

[0104] The map information providing system 1 according to this embodiment receives the registration of the object information D3 from each of the terminals 6 of the limited administrator Q4 and the terminal 8 of the limited administrator Q6. The limited administrator Q4 is, for example, a person in charge of the waterworks department of a local government, and provides the object information of the object whose object type is "water supply station" described in FIG. 3 to the map information providing system 1 by the terminal 6. The limited administrator Q6 is, for example, a person in charge of the tourism section of a local government, and provides the object information of the object whose object type is "tourist attraction" described in FIG. 3 to the map information providing system 1 by the terminal 8.

[0105] The map information providing system 1 permits an input for editing or deleting object information registered by a first restricted administrator to the terminal of a user authenticated as the first restricted administrator. The map information providing system 1 does not permit an input for editing or deleting object information registered by a first restricted administrator to the terminal of a user authenticated as a user different from the first restricted administrator. For example, the restricted administrator Q4 (e.g., a person in charge at a waterworks) has the authority to edit or delete object information of an object of the type "water supply facility", but does not have the authority to edit or delete object information of an object of the type "tourist destination". The restricted administrator Q6 (e.g., a person in charge at a tourism section) has the authority to edit or delete object information of an object of the type "tourist destination", but does not have the authority to edit or delete object information of an object of the type "water supply facility".

[0106] The map information providing system 1 receives information designating the status administrator Q5 from the terminal 6 of the restricted administrator Q4. The status administrator Q5 is, for example, a worker who works at a water supply facility. The status administrator Q5 can change the status information in the object information (e.g., information of a water supply facility) provided from the terminal 6 of the restricted administrator Q4 to the map information providing system 1. The map information providing system 1 receives information designating the status administrator Q7 from the terminal 8 of the restricted administrator Q6. The status administrator Q7 is, for example, a worker who works at a tourist destination. The status administrator Q7 can change the status information in the object information (e.g., information of a tourist destination) provided from the terminal 8 of the restricted administrator Q6 to the map information providing system 1.

[0107] The map information providing system 1 permits an input for changing the status information of the object information registered by the first restricted administrator to the terminal of a user authenticated as the first service administrator designated by the first restricted administrator. The map information providing system 1 does not permit an input for changing the status information of the object information registered by the first restricted administrator to the terminal of a user authenticated as a user different from the first service administrator designated by the first restricted administrator. For example, the status administrator Q5 (e.g., an operator of a water supply station) has the authority to change the status information in the object information of an object of the type "water supply station", but does not have the authority to change the status information in the object information of an object of the type "tourist destination". The status administrator Q7 (e.g., an operator of a tourist destination) has the authority to change the status information in the object information of an object of the type "tourist destination", but does not have the authority to change the status information in the object information of an object of the type "water supply station".

[0108] The map information providing system 1 determines the display form of the first object (e.g., a water supply station) registered by the terminal 6 of the restricted administrator Q4 using the status information provided from the terminal 7 of the status administrator Q5 (e.g., an operator of a water supply station). The map information providing system 1 determines the display form of the second object (e.g., a tourist destination) registered by the terminal 8 of the restricted administrator Q6 using the status information provided from the terminal 7 of the status administrator Q7 (e.g., an operator of a tourist destination). The map information providing system 1 causes a map including the first object and the second object to be displayed on the terminal 4 of the user Q3. For example, on the map M3 displayed on the terminal 4 of the user Q3, an icon R1 indicating a water supply station and an icon R3 indicating a tourist destination are arranged. When the status administrator Q7 changes the status information of the tourist destination, the map information providing system 1 determines the display form of the icon indicating the tourist destination using the status information of the tourist destination. The map information providing system 1 updates the map displayed on the terminal 4 of the user Q3. On the updated map M4, an icon R1 indicating a water supply station and an icon R4 indicating a tourist destination are arranged. The icon R4 has been changed to an icon different from the icon R3 based on the status information of the tourist destination.

[0109] Hereinafter, each part of the map information providing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the map information providing system according to the embodiment. The map information providing system 1 provides a user management function for a user authenticated as a user administrator. In this embodiment, the service administrator has the authority of the user administrator. For example, when it is determined that the user who has logged in to the map display service is a service administrator, the processing unit 17 causes a user management UI image to be displayed on the terminal of this user. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a UI image for user management according to the embodiment.

[0110] As shown in the list 62 of the UI image 61, the "user group" indicating the authority pattern includes the "first limited administrator". The map information providing system 1 provides a function of designating a user and setting the "user group" of this user to the "first limited administrator" for a user whose "user group" is the "service administrator" (for example, service administrator Q1). For example, the processing unit 17 receives an input from a user authenticated as a user administrator to designate a user and set the "user group" of this user to the "first limited administrator". For example, the processing unit 17 receives an input for setting the "user group" by the function of editing the user information described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0111] For example, the user who has logged in as "Yoichi" operates his own terminal to input an instruction to set the "user group" of the user named "Taro" to the "first limited administrator". The processing unit 17 acquires the information input to the terminal of the user who has logged in as "Yoichi", updates the "user group" of the user named "Taro" to the "first limited administrator" for the user information, and stores it in the storage unit 11 in FIG. 12. The limited administrator information D6 stored in the storage unit 11 includes information indicating whether the user who logs in to the map display service is a limited administrator. For example, the limited administrator information D6 includes information for identifying a user whose "user group" is the "first limited administrator".

[0112] The generation permission unit 12 in FIG. 12 provides the object management function described in FIG. 4 to the user authenticated as the restricted administrator. The generation permission unit 12 receives the input of object information from the terminal 6 of the user authenticated as the restricted administrator Q4. Based on the information input to the terminal 6 of the restricted administrator Q4, the generation permission unit 12 stores the information D3a of the first object in the storage unit 11. The information D3a of the first object is information in which the object information input to the terminal 6 of the restricted administrator Q4 and the administrator information of the restricted administrator Q4 are associated. This administrator information is information indicating the attribution of the right to edit or delete the information D3a of the first object. For example, the administrator information of the information D3a of the first object includes information (e.g., "the first restricted administrator" in FIG. 13) identifying the "user group" of the user who generated (e.g., registered) the information D3a of the first object. The generation permission unit 12 permits, for example, the input for editing or deleting the information D3a of the first object to the user authenticated as the user in the "user group" different from the "first restricted administrator". The generation permission unit 12 does not permit the input for editing or deleting the information D3a of the first object to the user authenticated as the user in the "user group" different from the "first restricted administrator".

[0113] As shown in the list 62 of the UI image 61 in FIG. 13, the "user group" indicating the authority pattern includes the "first status administrator". The "first status administrator" is an authority pattern set by the "user group" for the users of the "first restricted administrator". The map information providing system 1 provides a function of designating a user and setting the "user group" of this user to the "first status administrator" for a user (e.g., restricted administrator Q4) whose "user group" is the "first restricted administrator". For example, the processing unit 17 receives an input for designating a user and setting the "user group" of this user to the "first status administrator" from the terminal of the user authenticated as the first restricted administrator. For example, the processing unit 17 receives an input for setting the "user group" by the function of editing the user information described in FIG. 8.

[0114] For example, a user logged in as "Taro" operates his own terminal to input an operation of setting the "user group" of the user named "Jiro" to the "first status administrator". The processing unit 17 acquires the information input to the terminal of the user logged in as "Taro", updates the "user group" to the "first status administrator" for the information of the user named "Jiro", and stores it in the storage unit 11 of FIG. 12. The status administrator information D2 stored in the storage unit 11 includes information indicating whether a user logging in to the map display service is a status administrator designated by the restricted administrator. For example, the status administrator information D2 includes information for identifying a user whose "user group" is the "first status administrator".

[0115] The input permission unit 13 in FIG. 12 provides a status management function for the object information registered by this restricted administrator to the user authenticated as the status administrator designated by the restricted administrator. For example, the input permission unit 13 provides a function to change at least a part of the status information in the information D3a of the first object to the user authenticated as the "first status administrator". The status management function provided by the input permission unit 13 is the same as the function described in FIG. 6.

[0116] In the list 62 of the UI image 61 in FIG. 13, the user whose "name" is "Hanako" has the "user group" as the "second restricted administrator". The "second restricted administrator" is an authority pattern of a restricted administrator different from the "first restricted administrator". The user whose "name" is "Hanako" is, for example, the restricted administrator Q6 in FIG. 12. The generation permission unit 12 in FIG. 12 provides the object management function described in FIG. 4 to the user authenticated as the restricted administrator Q6. The generation permission unit 12 accepts the input of object information from the terminal 8 of the user authenticated as the restricted administrator Q6. The generation permission unit 12 stores the information D3b of the second object in the storage unit 11 based on the information input to the terminal 8 of the restricted administrator Q6. The information D3b of the second object is information in which the object information input to the terminal 8 of the restricted administrator Q6 and the administrator information of the restricted administrator Q6 are associated. This administrator information is information indicating the attribution of the authority to edit or delete the information D3b of the second object. For example, the administrator information of the information D3b of the second object includes information (e.g., the "second restricted administrator" in FIG. 13) specifying the "user group" of the user who generated (e.g., registered) the information D3b of the second object. The generation permission unit 12 permits, for example, the input to edit or delete the information D3b of the second object to the user authenticated as the "second restricted administrator".

[0117] The generation permission unit 12 does not permit an input for editing or deleting the information D3b of the second object for a user authenticated as a user in a "user group" different from, for example, the "second restricted administrator". For example, the generation permission unit 12 does not permit an input for editing or deleting the information D3b of the second object for the restricted administrator Q4 authenticated as the "first restricted administrator". For example, the generation permission unit 12 does not permit an input for editing or deleting the information D3a of the first object for the restricted administrator Q6 authenticated as the "second restricted administrator".

[0118] In the list 62 of the UI image 61 in FIG. 13, the user whose "name" is "Naoko" has a "user group" of "second status administrator". The "second status administrator" is an authority pattern of the status administrator set by the "second restricted administrator". The user whose "name" is "Naoko" is, for example, the status administrator Q7 in FIG. 12. The input permission unit 13 in FIG. 12 provides a status management function regarding the object information registered by this restricted administrator for a user authenticated as the status administrator designated by the restricted administrator. For example, the input permission unit 13 provides a function of changing at least a part of the status information in the information D3b of the second object for a user authenticated as the "second status administrator". The status management function provided by the input permission unit 13 is the same as the function described in FIG. 6.

[0119] The input permission unit 13 does not provide a status management function regarding the object information registered by this restricted administrator for a user authenticated as a user different from the status administrator designated by the restricted administrator. For example, the input permission unit 13 does not permit an input for changing the status information in the information D3b of the second object for the status administrator Q5 authenticated as the "first status administrator". For example, the generation permission unit 12 does not permit an input for changing the status information in the information D3a of the first object for the status administrator Q7 authenticated as the "second status administrator".

[0120] The map information providing system 1 according to the present embodiment can provide users with information having little deviation from the current situation. The map information providing system 1 can distribute status management to a plurality of status managers. Since the map information providing system 1 does not provide the status management function to a user authenticated as a user different from the status manager designated by the restricted manager, for example, a status manager who is not in charge is prohibited from changing status information due to intention or negligence, and information having little deviation from the current situation can be provided to the user.

[0121] In the present embodiment, the map information providing system 1 receives the designation of the restricted manager from the service manager, but the restricted manager may be set by other methods. For example, the restricted manager may correspond to the service manager in the first embodiment. For example, the restricted manager may apply for service use to the system manager of the map display service, and this system manager may register the restricted manager in the map information providing system 1.

[0122] [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a map information providing system according to the embodiment. In the present embodiment, for the same configuration as in the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. In the present embodiment, the display control unit 15 causes the terminal 4 of the user Q3 to display the first map M5. The first map M5 includes a first object (for example, icon R1) created by a first administrator (for example, service administrator Q1). The display control unit 15 causes the terminal 4 of the user Q3 to display the second map M6. The second map M6 includes a second object (for example, icon R3) created by a second administrator (for example, service administrator Q8) different from the first administrator (for example, service administrator Q1), and is different from the first map M5. The display control unit 15 causes the terminal 4 of the user Q3 to display a third map M7 including the first object (for example, icon R1) and the second object (for example, icon R3).

[0123] Service administrator Q1 is, for example, a person in charge of a local government. Service administrator Q1 registers, for example, an object corresponding to a public facility in the map information providing system 1. Service administrator Q2 is, for example, a person in charge of a company. Service administrator Q2 registers, for example, an object corresponding to a commercial facility in the map information providing system 1. The map information providing system 1 provides, for example, a map M5 that includes information on public facilities and does not include information on commercial facilities to user Q3. The map information providing system 1 provides, for example, a map M6 that includes information on commercial facilities and does not include information on public facilities to user Q3. Maps M5 and M6 are provided to terminal 4, for example, by a web application. User Q3 can switch between map M5 and map M6 by switching the URL. User Q3 may want to view a map that includes information on public facilities and commercial facilities. The map information providing system 1 of the present embodiment arranges a plurality of object information registered by different administrators on one map and displays it on the terminal 4 of user Q3.

[0124] Hereinafter, each part of the map information providing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The storage unit 11 stores a plurality of tenant information (D8, D9). The tenant information D8 includes information managed by a user authenticated as service administrator Q1. The tenant information D8 includes service administrator information D8a, status administrator information D8b, and object information D8c. The service administrator information D8a, the status administrator information D8b, and the object information D8c are the same as the service administrator information D1, the status administrator information D2, and the object information D3 described in FIG. 1, respectively. The tenant information D9 includes information managed by a user authenticated as service administrator Q8. The tenant information D9 includes service administrator information D9a, status administrator information D9b, and object information D9c. The service administrator information D9a, the status administrator information D9b, and the object information D9c are the same as the service administrator information D1, the status administrator information D2, and the object information D3 described in FIG. 1, respectively.

[0125] The processing unit 17 permits an input to change the tenant information D8 for the terminal of a user authenticated as the service administrator Q1, and prohibits an input to change the tenant information D9. The processing unit 17 permits an input to change the tenant information D9 for the terminal of a user authenticated as the service administrator Q8, and prohibits an input to change the tenant information D8.

[0126] The map information providing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a consent control unit 18 and an object management unit 19. The consent control unit 18 receives information (e.g., command, message) that requests at least a part of the object information D9c managed by the service administrator Q8 from the terminal 2 of the service administrator Q1. For example, the service administrator Q1 can display the map M6 on the terminal 2 in the same manner as an unspecified user. The service administrator Q1 inputs, for example, information on the area including the object information desired to be acquired and the type of the object of the object information desired to be acquired to the terminal 2.

[0127] When there is a request for the object information D9c from the terminal 2, the consent control unit 18 identifies the service administrator Q8 using the service administrator information D9a of the tenant information D9 including the object information D9c. The consent control unit 18 causes a UI image for selecting whether to consent to the provision of the object information D9c to be displayed on the terminal 10 of the service administrator Q8 in the map display service. This UI image includes, for example, information indicating that there has been a request for the object information D9c, information about the requester service administrator Q1 (e.g., the name of the municipality or company to which the service administrator Q1 belongs), and an icon (e.g., "Yes", "No") for selecting whether to provide the object information D9c. When there is an input of information indicating consent to the provision of the object information D9c on the terminal 10 of the service administrator Q8, the consent control unit 18 causes the object management unit 19 to execute processing related to the object information D9c.

[0128] Based on the request for object information provided by the terminal 2, the object management unit 19 identifies the requested object information. The object management unit 19 extracts the requested object information from the object information D9c of the tenant information D9. The object management unit 19 adds information indicating the location of the extracted object information to the object information D8c of the tenant information D8. When there is a request to display the map M7 from the terminal of the user Q3, the processing unit 17 uses the information on the location of the object information in the tenant information D9 to obtain this object information and generate the data of the map M7 including the icon R3.

[0129] Figure 15 is a diagram showing a computer according to an embodiment. This computer 100 is used, for example, as at least one of the information processing apparatus and the terminal according to the embodiment. The computer 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a bus 104, an input unit 105, an output unit 106, a storage unit 107, a communication unit 108, and a drive 109. The CPU 101, the ROM 102, and the RAM 103 are mutually connected via the bus 104. The input unit 105, the output unit 106, the storage unit 107, the communication unit 108, and the drive 109 are connected to the bus 104.

[0130] The CPU 101 includes a Central Processing Unit. The ROM 102 includes a Read Only Memory. The RAM 103 includes a Random Access Memory. The CPU 101 executes various processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 102 or the program loaded from the storage unit 107 to the RAM 103. The data and the like necessary for the CPU 101 to execute various processes are appropriately stored in the RAM 103.

[0131] The input unit 105 includes, for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, and a touchpad. The input unit 105 receives input of various information when operated by a user. The input unit 105 may include a microphone or the like that receives voice input. The output unit 106 includes, for example, a display device (e.g., a display) that outputs an image. The output unit 106 may include a speaker that outputs voice. The input unit 105 and the output unit 106 may include a touch panel on which a transmissive touchpad is superimposed on the display unit.

[0132] The storage unit 107 includes, for example, at least one of a hard disk, a solid state drive, and a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 107 stores at least a part of various data input to the computer 100 from the outside, various data used in the processing by the computer 100, and various data generated by the computer 100. The communication unit 108 controls communication with other devices via a network.

[0133] A removable medium 110 is appropriately mounted on the drive 109. The removable medium 110 includes, for example, a storage medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory. The drive 109 reads information from the removable medium 110. The information read from the removable medium 110 is stored in the storage unit 107. For example, the drive 109 reads a program stored in the removable medium 110, and this program is installed in the computer 100.

[0134] Note that the computer 100 may not include one or both of the input unit 105 and the output unit 106. For example, the output unit 106 is a device externally attached to the computer 100, and the computer 100 may include an interface capable of connecting the output unit 106.

[0135] In the above-described embodiment, the map information providing system includes, for example, a computer system. The computer system includes one or two or more computers. The computer system may include a cloud computer. The computer system reads out a program stored in a storage device and executes various processes according to this program. This program causes a computer included in the computer system to store information of an administrator who has the authority to generate an object, to permit input of object information used for generation of an object using the administrator's information, to store information of a worker who works in an area in the real space corresponding to the object, to permit input of status information indicating the status of the object to the worker's terminal using the worker's information, to determine the display of the object on the map using the status information input to the worker's terminal, and to display a map including the object with the determined display on the user's terminal. This program may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0136] Note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the aspects described in the above-described embodiments and the like. One or more of the requirements described in the above-described embodiments and the like may be omitted. Also, the requirements described in the above-described embodiments and the like can be combined as appropriate. Further, to the extent permitted by law, the disclosures of all the documents cited in the above-described embodiments and the like are incorporated by reference and made part of the description herein.

[0137] The map information providing system according to the embodiment includes an input permission unit that permits the input of status information indicating the status of an object to the terminal of a second user shown in the authority information as having a second authority, a display determination unit that determines the display of the object using the status information input from the terminal of the second user, and a display control unit that causes the map including the object whose display has been determined by the display determination unit to be displayed on the terminal of the user. The status information includes information selected from a plurality of candidates registered in advance. The input permission unit causes an image for selecting the status information from the plurality of candidates to be displayed on the terminal of the second user. The display determination unit may determine the display of the object on the map using the status information input by being selected from the plurality of candidates on the terminal of the operator.

[0138] The map information providing system according to the embodiment includes an input permission unit that permits the input of status information indicating the status of an object to the terminal of a second user shown in the authority information as having a second authority, a display determination unit that determines the display of the object using the status information input from the terminal of the second user, and a display control unit that causes the map including the object whose display has been determined by the display determination unit to be displayed on the terminal of the user. The status information includes information selected from a plurality of candidates registered in advance. The system further includes a display form storage unit that stores display form information indicating a plurality of display forms of the object, and a correspondence information storage unit that stores correspondence information associating the information selected from the plurality of candidates with any one of the plurality of display forms. The display determination unit may determine, as the display of the object, the display form associated by the correspondence information with the information selected from the plurality of candidates on the terminal of the second user.

[0139] The map information providing system according to the embodiment includes an input permission unit that permits input of status information indicating the status of an object to the terminal of a second user shown in the authority information as having a second authority, a display determination unit that determines the display of the object using the status information input from the terminal of the second user, and a display control unit that causes the map including the object whose display has been determined by the display determination unit to be displayed on the terminal of the user. The display control unit may cause the first map including the first object created by the first administrator to be displayed on the terminal of the user, cause the second map including the second object created by the second administrator different from the first administrator and different from the first map to be displayed on the terminal of the user, and cause the third map including the first object and the second object to be displayed on the terminal of the user.

Explanation of Signs

[0140] 1 Map information providing system 11 Storage unit 12 Generation permission unit 13 Input permission unit 14 Display determination unit 15 Display control unit 16 Submission permission reception unit 17 Processing unit 18 Consent control unit 19 Object management unit

Claims

1. A map information providing system for controlling the display of an object included in a map displayed on a display unit of a user's terminal, comprising: an administrator information storage unit that stores information of an administrator who has the authority to generate the object; a generation permission unit that uses the information of the administrator to permit the input of object information used for generating the object; a worker information storage unit that stores information of a worker who works in an area in the real space corresponding to the object; an input permission unit that uses the information of the worker to permit the input of status information indicating the status of the object to the terminal of the worker; a display determination unit that determines the display of the object in the map using the status information input to the terminal of the worker; a display control unit that causes the map including the object with the display determined by the display determination unit to be displayed on the user's terminal. A map information providing system comprising:

2. The status information includes information selected from a plurality of pre-registered candidates, the input permission unit causes an image for selecting the status information from a plurality of candidates to be displayed on the terminal of the worker, the display determination unit determines the display of the object in the map using the status information input by being selected from a plurality of candidates on the terminal of the worker. The map information providing system according to Claim 1.

3. The status information includes information selected from a plurality of pre-registered candidates, a display form storage unit that stores display form information indicating a plurality of display forms of the object, a correspondence information storage unit that stores correspondence information associating information selected from the plurality of candidates with any one of the plurality of display forms, and the display determination unit determines, as the display of the object, a display form associated by the information selected from the plurality of candidates on the terminal of the worker and the correspondence information. The map information providing system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. The display control unit causes a first map including the first object created by the first administrator to be displayed on the user's terminal, causes a second map different from the first map and including the second object created by a second administrator different from the first administrator to be displayed on the user's terminal. ​ ​ Causing a user terminal to display a third map including the first object and the second object The map information providing system according to claim 1

5. The generation permission unit Restricting an input for changing the object information of the second object to the terminal of the first administrator Restricting an input for changing the object information of the first object to the terminal of the second administrator The map information providing system according to claim 4

6. The object information includes information on the position of the object and the status information The map information providing system according to claim 1

7. The information on the position of the object includes at least one of position information of a point in the real space corresponding to the object, information on a line connecting the points in the real space corresponding to the object, and information on an area surrounded by the line connecting the points in the real space corresponding to the object The map information providing system according to claim 6

8. A submission reception unit that receives a submission from a user terminal A submission permission reception unit that receives an input of permission to display the submission on the user terminal, and includes The map information providing system according to claim 1

9. A map information providing method for controlling the display of an object included in a map displayed on a display unit of a user terminal, comprising A computer Storing information of an administrator who has the authority to generate the object Using the information of the administrator to permit an input of object information used for generating the object Storing information of a worker who works in an area in the real space corresponding to the object Using the information of the worker to permit an input of status information indicating the status of the object to the terminal of the worker Using the status information input to the terminal of the worker to determine the display of the object in the map A map information providing method for causing a user terminal to display a map including the object with the determined display

10. A map information providing program for controlling the display of an object included in a map displayed on a display unit of a user terminal, comprising On a computer Storing information of an administrator who has the authority to generate the object Using the information of the administrator, permitting the input of object information used for generating the object; Storing the information of an operator who works in an area in the real space corresponding to the object; Using the information of the operator, permitting the input of status information indicating the status of the object to the terminal of the operator; Using the status information input to the terminal of the operator, determining the display of the object in the map; A map information providing program that causes a map including the object with the determined display to be displayed on a user's terminal.

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