Server device, system, method for controlling server device, and program

Abstract

To provide a server device that contributes to effectively using Li-Fi-enabled lighting unit installed in a building.SOLUTION: A server device comprises switching means and information providing means. The switching means detects the occurrence of a predetermined event and switches an operating mode from a first mode to a second mode. The information providing means transmits, to a terminal carried by a user who is staying in a predetermined building, support information for supporting the staying user through a light fidelity (Li-Fi)-enabled lighting unit, when the operating mode is the first mode, transmits first support information to the terminal, and when the operating mode is the second mode, transmits second support information different from the first support information to the terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technology that uses optical base stations that handle optical signals to guide people along evacuation routes.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a system that aims to inform users of safe evacuation routes in real time using smart lighting without deploying dedicated evacuation guidance equipment. The system in Patent Document 1 includes one or more wireless base stations that wirelessly communicate with terminals, multiple optical base stations that transmit optical signals to the terminals, and a base station control device that controls the optical signals transmitted by the optical base stations. The base station control device collects environmental information around the optical base stations and detects disasters around the optical base stations using the collected environmental information. When a disaster is detected, the base station control device outputs different colors of light from optical base stations installed near the disaster site and optical base stations installed far from the disaster site. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 199393 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting that uses light to communicate with smartphones and other devices. It is expected that Li-Fi compatible lighting will be used to provide users with evacuation routes in the event of a disaster. However, if the communication function of Li-Fi compatible lighting is only used in the event of a disaster, it cannot be said that the communication function of the Li-Fi compatible lighting is being used effectively.

[0006] The main object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a program that contribute to the effective use of Li-Fi-enabled lighting installed in buildings, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device comprising: a switching means for switching an operation mode from a first mode to a second mode when the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected; and an information providing means for transmitting support information to a terminal carried by a resident staying in a predetermined building via Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting to support the resident, wherein the information providing means transmits first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the first mode, and transmits second support information different from the first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the second mode.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system including a Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting and a server device, wherein the server device is equipped with a switching means for switching an operation mode from a first mode to a second mode when it detects the occurrence of a predetermined event, and an information providing means for transmitting support information to a terminal carried by a visitor staying in a predetermined building via the Li-Fi compatible lighting, the support information providing information providing support to the visitor, the support information being transmitted to the terminal when the operation mode is the first mode, and when the operation mode is the second mode, the information providing means transmits first support information to the terminal, and transmits second support information different from the first support information to the terminal.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a server device, comprising: a switching step of switching an operation mode from a first mode to a second mode when the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected; and an information providing step of transmitting support information to a terminal carried by a visitor staying in a predetermined building via Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting, the support information providing information supporting the visitor, wherein the information providing step transmits first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the first mode, and transmits second support information different from the first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the second mode.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute a switching process for switching an operation mode from a first mode to a second mode when the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected, and an information providing process for transmitting support information for supporting a resident staying in a predetermined building to a terminal carried by the resident via Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting, wherein the information providing process transmits first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the first mode, and transmits second support information different from the first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the second mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to each aspect of the present invention, a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a program are provided that contribute to the effective use of Li-Fi-enabled lighting installed in a building, etc. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the operation of one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration inside a building according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of table information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information provision control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information provision control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the illumination control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to facilitate understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent functional units, not hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of main signals (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that in this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation.

[0014] A server device 100 according to an embodiment includes a switching unit 101 and an information providing unit 102 (see FIG. 1). The switching unit 101 detects the occurrence of a predetermined event and switches the operation mode from a first mode to a second mode (step S1 in FIG. 2). The information providing unit 102 transmits support information for supporting a visitor who is staying in a predetermined building to a terminal carried by the visitor via Li-Fi (Light Fidelity)-enabled lighting. When the operation mode is the first mode, the information providing unit 102 transmits the first support information to the terminal (step S2). When the operation mode is the second mode, the information providing unit 102 transmits second support information different from the first support information to the terminal (step S3).

[0015] When a predetermined event (e.g., a fire or a large-scale earthquake) occurs in the building, the server device 100 switches its operation mode. The server device 100 provides different support information to the user depending on the operation mode. For example, in normal times when no disaster such as a fire has occurred, the server device 100 provides the user with first support information regarding the user's destination via the Li-Fi-enabled lighting. In contrast, in an emergency when a disaster has occurred, the server device 100 provides the user with second support information regarding the user's evacuation via the Li-Fi-enabled lighting. As a result, the Li-Fi-enabled lighting installed in the building is utilized to improve user convenience regardless of whether it is normal times or an emergency. In other words, the server device 100 makes effective use of the Li-Fi-enabled lighting installed in the building, etc.

[0016] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] [First embodiment] The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] The information processing system according to the first embodiment is a system that provides information to support a user by performing lighting control. For example, the information processing system provides route guidance (route guidance) to a user staying in a building.

[0019] [System Configuration] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the information processing system according to the first embodiment includes a server device 10.

[0020] The server device 10 is a device that provides information to support users. More specifically, the server device 10 controls route guidance. For example, the server device 10 provides route guidance to people staying in factories, large commercial facilities, office buildings, airports, train stations, etc.

[0021] In the first embodiment, the configuration and operation of the information processing system will be described taking as an example a case where route guidance is provided to visitors staying in an office building.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, at least one lighting device 20, at least one camera device 30, and at least one sensor device 40 are installed inside the building.

[0023] The lighting device 20 is a lighting fixture or lighting device equipped with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. The lighting device 20 is compatible with Li-Fi communication, which transmits and receives data using light. The lighting device 20 is a Li-Fi-enabled light that operates as a Li-Fi access point. The lighting device 20 performs wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11bb standard. That is, the lighting device 20 transmits and receives data by turning on and off the light source at high speed while maintaining its lighting as a lighting fixture.

[0024] The lighting devices 20 are installed in various locations within the building. For example, the lighting devices 20 are installed on the ceilings of conference rooms, corridors, etc. Each lighting device 20 is connected to a lighting control system 21.

[0025] The lighting control system 21 controls the turning on and off of each lighting device 20 and the transmission and reception of data from each lighting device 20. The lighting control system 21 operates as an L2 switch (hub) that transfers packets received from the lighting devices 20 to the server device 10.

[0026] The camera devices 30 are installed in various locations within the building. For example, the camera devices 30 are installed in hallways, conference rooms, etc. The camera devices 30 capture images of a predetermined area and transmit the image data obtained to the server device 10.

[0027] The sensor devices 40 are installed in various locations within the building. For example, the sensor devices 40 are installed indoors, such as in corridors or conference rooms. The sensor devices 40 are devices equipped with, for example, temperature sensors, seismic sensors, and human presence sensors. The sensor devices 40 transmit measurement data obtained from the sensors to the server device 10. Note that the sensor devices 40 may be equipped with multiple types of sensors and transmit multiple types of measurement data (for example, temperature data, seismic intensity data) to the server device 10.

[0028] The camera device 30 transmits a camera ID, which is identification information of the camera device 30, together with image data to the server device 10. Similarly, the sensor device 40 transmits a sensor ID, which is identification information of the sensor device 40, together with measurement data to the server device 10.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3 , a user (a user using the building) carries a terminal 50. The terminal 50 is a terminal such as a smartphone or tablet that supports Li-Fi communication. The user operates the terminal 50 to input various pieces of information to the server device 10. Alternatively, the user operates the terminal 50 to obtain various pieces of information from the server device 10.

[0030] 3 and 4 are connected to each other via wired or wireless communication means so as to be able to communicate with each other. For example, the lighting control system 21, camera device 30, and sensor device 40 shown in Fig. 4 are connected to a server device 10 via a network.

[0031] The configuration of the information processing system shown in Fig. 3 is an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the system may include multiple server devices 10. Load balancing and redundancy may be achieved by using multiple server devices 10.

[0032] [General operation] Next, the general operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0033] <Installing the application> A user visiting a building installs a dedicated application for receiving route guidance on terminal 50. For example, the user operates terminal 50 to access server device 10 and downloads the route guidance application. The user then installs the downloaded route guidance application on terminal 50. In the following description, the route guidance application may also be simply referred to as an "app."

[0034] <Understanding current location> Before entering a building, the user starts a route guidance application. The terminal 50 (running application) notifies the server device 10 of its current location periodically or at a predetermined timing.

[0035] Specifically, the terminal 50 transmits its own terminal ID (identification information unique to the terminal 50) to the server device 10. More specifically, the terminal 50 transmits a "terminal ID notification" including the terminal ID to the server device 10 using Li-Fi communication (see FIG. 5).

[0036] When lighting device 20 receives light waves conforming to the Li-Fi communication standard from terminal 50, it writes the lighting ID set in the lighting device 20 into the received packet. Lighting device 20 transmits a terminal ID notification (packet) with the lighting ID written therein to lighting control system 21. Lighting control system 21 transfers the received terminal ID notification to server device 10.

[0037] The lighting ID is an ID for identifying each lighting device 20 installed in a building. The lighting ID may be a MAC (Media Access Control) address or an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the lighting device 20. The lighting ID is shared between the server device 10 and each lighting device 20 by any method. For example, a system administrator determines a lighting ID and sets the determined lighting ID in the lighting device 20. Furthermore, the system administrator sets information about the lighting device 20 (for example, the installation location) and the lighting ID in the server device 10.

[0038] The server device 10 extracts the terminal ID of the terminal 50 and the lighting ID of the lighting device 20 that has performed Li-Fi communication with the terminal 50 from the received packet.

[0039] The server device 10 calculates the current location of the user based on the lighting ID included in the terminal ID notification (received packet). For example, the server device 10 refers to table information that stores lighting IDs in association with installation locations of lighting devices 20, and sets the location of the lighting device 20 corresponding to the acquired lighting ID as the current location of the user.

[0040] The server device 10 manages the current locations of people staying in the building using a user management database, the details of which will be described later.

[0041] The server device 10 searches the user management database using the terminal ID acquired from the terminal 50. If the terminal ID acquired from the terminal 50 is not stored in the user management database, the server device 10 creates a new entry. The server device 10 stores the terminal ID and the current location in the created entry.

[0042] If the terminal ID acquired from the terminal 50 is stored in the user management database, the server device 10 stores the latest current location of the user in the user management database.

[0043] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the terminal 50 transmits a terminal ID notification via each lighting device 20 in the order of lighting device 20-1, lighting device 20-2, and lighting device 20-3, the server device 10 updates the user's current location to the installation location of each lighting device 20.

[0044] <Disaster detection> The server device 10 detects the occurrence of a disaster such as a large-scale earthquake or fire based on image data obtained from the camera device 30 and measurement data obtained from the sensor device 40 installed in the building.

[0045] For example, the server device 10 detects the occurrence of a fire and identifies the source of the fire based on temperature data obtained from the sensor device 40. Alternatively, the server device 10 detects the occurrence of a large-scale earthquake based on seismic intensity data obtained from the sensor device 40.

[0046] <Two operation modes> The server device 10 has two operation modes.

[0047] The first operation mode is an operation mode during normal times when no disaster (fire or large-scale earthquake) has occurred.

[0048] The second operation mode is an emergency operation mode in the event of a disaster such as a fire or a large-scale earthquake.

[0049] In the following description, the operation mode of the server device 10 in normal times (peacetime) will be referred to as the "normal mode," and the operation mode of the server device 10 in the event of a disaster will be referred to as the "disaster mode."

[0050] The server device 10 provides information to support users in both normal mode and disaster mode. More specifically, the server device 10 provides route guidance services with different content in normal mode and disaster mode. More specifically, the server device 10 in normal mode provides route guidance for each user's destination. On the other hand, the server device 10 in disaster mode provides route guidance for each user to evacuate.

[0051] When the server device 10 detects the occurrence of a fire or a large-scale earthquake based on the measurement data received from the sensor device 40, it switches the operation mode from the "normal mode" to the "disaster mode."

[0052] As described above, the server device 10 provides route guidance services according to the operation mode to visitors in the building.

[0053] <Normal system operation> First, the normal operation of the information processing system will be described.

[0054] Users can input their desired destination into the app as needed. For example, a user visiting a company for business negotiations would input the room number of the conference room where the meeting with the company's representative will take place into the app. Employees working in offices within the building can launch the app but do not need to input their destination.

[0055] The terminal 50 acquires the destination of the user using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) etc. For example, the terminal 50 acquires information about the destination of the user using a GUI as shown in FIG.

[0056] The route guidance application may be configured in advance with information about the conference rooms and tenants of the target building. Alternatively, the route guidance application may obtain candidate destinations that the user can select from the server device 10.

[0057] When the terminal 50 acquires the information about the user's destination, the terminal 50 requests the server device 10 to provide guidance to the user's destination. Specifically, the terminal 50 transmits the acquired information about the destination and the terminal ID to the server device 10. More specifically, the terminal 50 transmits a "destination guidance request" including the information about the destination and the terminal ID to the server device 10 using Li-Fi communication (see FIG. 8).

[0058] Upon receiving the destination guidance request, the server device 10 searches the user management database using the terminal ID included in the request as a key to identify the corresponding entry. The server device 10 stores the user's destination in the identified entry.

[0059] When the user's destination is stored in the user management database, the server device 10 generates a travel route from the user's current location to the acquired destination. The server device 10 generates guidance information using the generated travel route. For example, the server device 10 generates guidance information in which the travel route is reflected in map information within a building.

[0060] The server device 10 transmits a response to the destination guidance request to the terminal 50. If the generation of the guidance information is successful, the server device 10 transmits a positive response including the generated guidance information to the terminal 50. If the generation of the guidance information is unsuccessful, the server device 10 transmits a negative response indicating that fact to the terminal 50.

[0061] The server device 10 transmits a response (positive response or negative response) to the terminal 50 of the user via the lighting device 20 that last performed Li-Fi communication with the terminal 50.

[0062] The terminal 50 displays a message or the like in response to the response received from the server device 10. For example, when a positive response is received, the terminal 50 displays a screen such as that shown in Fig. 9. The user moves toward the destination according to the displayed guidance information.

[0063] <System operation in the event of a disaster> Next, the operation of the information processing system when a fire occurs will be described.

[0064] When a disaster occurs, the server device 10 generates evacuation routes for each visitor (a user whose current location is managed in the user management database) staying in the building. The server device 10 transmits evacuation information including the generated evacuation routes to the terminals 50 carried by each visitor.

[0065] First, the server device 10 detects points where people cannot pass (impassable points) using image data obtained from the camera device 30. For example, the server device 10 detects areas where people cannot pass because a wall or the like has collapsed or because a fire door is closed.

[0066] When an impassable point is detected, the server device 10 generates an evacuation route for each visitor, with the current location as the starting point and the emergency exit as the destination.

[0067] In this case, if an existing evacuation route is available, the server device 10 will preferentially adopt the existing evacuation route. Specifically, if there is no impassable point between the current location of the visitor and the nearest emergency exit to the visitor, the server device 10 will generate an evacuation route from the current location of the visitor to the nearest emergency exit.

[0068] If an evacuee cannot evacuate from the nearest emergency exit due to the presence of an impassable point, the server device 10 sets the second nearest emergency exit as the destination and creates an evacuation route. The server device 10 repeats this process to generate an evacuation route to guide each resident.

[0069] The server device 10 generates evacuation information using the generated evacuation route. For example, the server device 10 generates evacuation information in which the evacuation route is reflected in map information inside the building. The server device 10 notifies the generated evacuation information to the terminal 50 carried by each visitor using Li-Fi communication. The server device 10 transmits an "evacuation information notification" including the generated evacuation information to the terminal 50 (see FIG. 10).

[0070] The terminal 50 displays the evacuation information included in the evacuation information notification. For example, the terminal 50 displays a screen such as that shown in Fig. 11. A visitor who comes across the evacuation information (evacuation route) displayed on the terminal 50 evacuates by following the instructed evacuation route.

[0071] For example, consider a case where a fire breaks out in a building (floor) having a structure as shown in Fig. 12. In this case, server device 10 identifies the kitchen as the source of the fire based on the temperature data received from sensor device 40. Server device 10 also identifies no-passage points 60-1 and 60-2 based on the image data received from camera device 30.

[0072] In this case, there is no impassable point between the entrance / exit of tenant A and emergency exit 70-1. Therefore, server device 10 guides the guests of tenant A along evacuation route 80-1. In contrast, there is an impassable point 60-1 between the entrance / exit of tenant B and the emergency exit 70-2 closest to tenant B, so server device 10 guides the guests of tenant B along evacuation route 80-2, which has as its destination emergency exit 70-3, the second closest to tenant B.

[0073] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0074] [Server device] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 13, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a visitor management unit 202, a disaster detection control unit 203, an information provision control unit 204, and a storage unit 205.

[0075] The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the terminal 50. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the terminal 50. The communication control unit 201 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0076] The visitor management unit 202 is a means for controlling and managing users (visitors) staying in the building.

[0077] The visitor management unit 202 receives a terminal ID notification from each visitor's terminal 50. The visitor management unit 202 processes the notification to manage the current location of each visitor.

[0078] When the visitor management unit 202 receives a terminal ID notification from the terminal 50 via the lighting device 20 and the lighting control system 21, it acquires the terminal ID and the lighting ID from the terminal ID notification.

[0079] The visitor management unit 202 calculates the current location of the user based on the acquired lighting ID. Specifically, the visitor management unit 202 refers to table information that stores lighting IDs in association with installation locations of lighting devices 20 (see FIG. 14). The visitor management unit 202 refers to the table information and sets the installation location of the lighting device 20 corresponding to the acquired lighting ID as the current location of the user.

[0080] The visitor management unit 202 stores the current location of the visitor in the building in the user management database (see FIG. 15). Note that the user management database shown in FIG. 15 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored.

[0081] When the terminal ID is acquired, the visitor management unit 202 searches the user management database using the acquired terminal ID as a key. If the terminal ID is not stored in the user management database, the visitor management unit 202 creates a new entry. The visitor management unit 202 stores the terminal ID and the current location in the created entry.

[0082] If the terminal ID is stored in the user management database, the visitor management unit 202 stores the calculated current location of the user and the update date and time of the current location in the user management database.

[0083] The visitor management unit 202 accesses the user management database periodically or at a predetermined timing. The visitor management unit 202 extracts entries for which a predetermined time has passed since the current location was updated, and deletes the extracted entries. In other words, the visitor management unit 202 determines that an entry for which the current location has not been updated for a predetermined time corresponds to a visitor who has left the building, and deletes the entry.

[0084] Alternatively, if a lighting device 20 is installed at an exit of a building and a terminal ID notification is received via the lighting device 20 installed at the exit, the visitor management unit 202 may delete the entry corresponding to the terminal ID included in the terminal ID notification from the user management database.

[0085] In this way, the visitor management unit 202 receives the terminal ID of the terminal 50 via one of the plurality of Li-Fi compatible lights (plurality of lighting devices 20) installed in a specific building. The visitor management unit 202 calculates the current location of the visitor who possesses the terminal 50 from the installation location of the one Li-Fi compatible light, and stores the received terminal ID and the calculated current location in association with each other.

[0086] The disaster detection control unit 203 is a means for executing control related to disaster detection. The disaster detection control unit 203 has a function as a switching means for switching the operation mode from a first mode (normal mode) to a second mode (disaster mode) when detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event (for example, an outbreak of a fire, an occurrence of a large-scale earthquake, etc.).

[0087] For example, the disaster detection control unit 203 detects the occurrence of a disaster using measurement data obtained from the sensor device 40. Specifically, when temperature data is acquired from the sensor device 40, the disaster detection control unit 203 detects the occurrence of a fire based on the temperature data.

[0088] Alternatively, when seismic intensity data is acquired from the sensor device 40, the disaster detection control unit 203 detects the occurrence of an earthquake based on the seismic intensity data. When detecting the occurrence of an earthquake, the disaster detection control unit 203 determines that an earthquake has occurred when the seismic intensity data indicates shaking of a predetermined seismic intensity or greater.

[0089] When the occurrence of a disaster is detected, the disaster detection control unit 203 sets the operation mode of the server device 10 to "disaster mode." The initial value of the operation mode is "normal mode."

[0090] The information provision control unit 204 is an information provision means that transmits support information to support a resident staying in a specified building to a terminal 50 carried by the resident via Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting.

[0091] The information provision control unit 204 executes control related to the provision of support information to support residents staying in the building. When the operation mode is the first mode (normal mode), the information provision control unit 204 transmits first support information (guidance information regarding destinations) to the terminal 50. When the operation mode is the second mode (disaster mode), the information provision control unit 204 transmits second support information (evacuation information regarding the evacuation of residents) different from the first support information to the terminal 50.

[0092] 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information provision control unit 204 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the information provision control unit 204 in the normal mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0093] In the normal mode, the information provision control unit 204 provides a route guidance service in response to receiving a destination guidance request from the terminal 50.

[0094] When receiving a destination guidance request, the information provision control unit 204 searches the user management database using the terminal ID included in the notification as a key, and stores the user's destination in the corresponding entry (step S101).

[0095] When the user's destination is stored in the user management database, the information provision control unit 204 attempts to generate a travel route from the user's current location to the acquired destination (step S102).

[0096] Specifically, the information provision control unit 204 attempts to generate a travel route by applying an existing route search algorithm such as Dijkstra's algorithm to a model that models the structure inside a building. More specifically, the information provision control unit 204 applies Dijkstra's algorithm or the like to a model consisting of nodes corresponding to branching points of passages and entrances / exits of facilities, and edges connecting each node, with the user's current location as the start point and the destination as the end point.

[0097] If the generation of the travel route fails (step S103, No branch), the information provision control unit 204 transmits a negative response indicating that destination guidance is not possible to the terminal 50 (step S104).

[0098] If the generation of the travel route is successful (step S103, Yes branch), the information provision control unit 204 generates guidance information to be provided to the user using the generated travel route (step S105). For example, the information provision control unit 204 generates the guidance information by reflecting the travel route in map information that simulates the inside of a building.

[0099] The information provision control unit 204 transmits the generated guidance information to the terminal 50. Specifically, the information provision control unit 204 transmits an acknowledgment including the generated guidance information to the terminal 50 (step S106).

[0100] In this way, in the first mode (normal mode), the information provision control unit 204 generates a travel route from the current location of the visitor to the visitor's destination, and generates guidance information based on the generated travel route. The information provision control unit 204 transmits the generated guidance information to the terminal 50 via the lighting device 20, which is a Li-Fi compatible lighting.

[0101] 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information provision control unit 204 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the information provision control unit 204 in disaster mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0102] In disaster mode, the information provision control unit 204 provides a route guidance service regarding evacuation routes for each resident.

[0103] When the operation mode is set to the disaster mode, the information provision control unit 204 detects impassable points within the building (step S201).

[0104] Specifically, the information provision control unit 204 determines whether or not the point captured by each camera device 30 is an impassable point, using image data obtained from each camera device 30. For example, the information provision control unit 204 determines whether or not the point captured by the camera device 30 is a point where people cannot pass due to a collapsed wall or the like. Alternatively, the information provision control unit 204 determines whether or not the point captured by the camera device 30 is a point where people cannot pass due to a closed fire door.

[0105] The information provision control unit 204 can determine whether a point corresponding to image data is a no-passage point using a learning model obtained by machine learning. The learning model is obtained by machine learning using a large amount of training data in which labels (passable, no-passage) are assigned to image data (image data of each point). Any algorithm such as a support vector machine, boosting, or neural network can be used to generate the learning model. Note that known techniques can be used for the algorithms such as the support vector machine, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] When an impassable point is detected from the image data, the information provision control unit 204 identifies the impassable point within the building based on the installation location of the camera device 30 that is the sender of the image data. The information provision control unit 204 identifies the impassable point by referring to table information that stores the installation locations of the camera devices 30 in association with the camera IDs.

[0107] When an impassable point is detected, the information provision control unit 204 reflects the detected impassable point in a model that models the structure inside the building. Specifically, the information provision control unit 204 deletes the edge that includes the impassable point from the model.

[0108] When an impassable point is detected, the information provision control unit 204 generates an evacuation route for each visitor registered in the user management database (step S202).

[0109] Specifically, the information provision control unit 204 refers to map information that stores the structure of the building, etc., and identifies the emergency exit closest to the visitor's current location. Then, the information provision control unit 204 applies the Dijkstra algorithm, setting the visitor's current location as the start point and the emergency exit closest to the visitor's current location as the end point. If a solution is obtained by the Dijkstra algorithm, the information provision control unit 204 adopts the obtained route as an evacuation route.

[0110] If no solution is obtained, the information provision control unit 204 applies the Dijkstra algorithm, setting the current location of the visitor as the start point and the second-closest emergency exit from the current location as the end point. If a solution is obtained, the information provision control unit 204 adopts the obtained route as the evacuation route, and if no solution is obtained, sets the third-closest emergency exit as the end point and executes the Dijkstra algorithm.

[0111] The information provision control unit 204 repeats this process to generate an evacuation route for each visitor.

[0112] The information provision control unit 204 generates evacuation information using the generated evacuation route (step S203). For example, the information provision control unit 204 generates evacuation information by reflecting the evacuation route in map information that simulates the inside of a building.

[0113] The information provision control unit 204 transmits the generated evacuation information to the terminal 50. Specifically, the information provision control unit 204 transmits an evacuation information notification including the generated evacuation information to the terminal 50 (step S204).

[0114] In this way, in the second mode (disaster mode), the information provision control unit 204 generates an evacuation route from the current location of the resident to the emergency exit, and generates evacuation information based on the generated evacuation route. Furthermore, the information provision control unit 204 detects impassable points within a predetermined building based on image data obtained from at least one camera device 30 installed within the predetermined building, and generates an evacuation route that reflects the impassable points.

[0115] The storage unit 205 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10.

[0116] [Lighting equipment] The configuration of the lighting device 20 will be clear to those skilled in the art, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The lighting device 20 transmits data conforming to the Li-Fi communication standard using a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and receives data conforming to the Li-Fi communication standard using a light-receiving device. When the lighting device 20 receives a terminal ID notification from the terminal 50, the lighting device 20 sets the lighting ID set in the lighting device itself in the received terminal ID notification and transmits the terminal ID notification to the lighting control system 21.

[0117] [Lighting control system] The lighting control system 21 receives operations from a building manager or the like and turns on or off each lighting device 20. The lighting control system 21 also forwards packets received from each lighting device 20 to the server device 10. The lighting control system 21 also transmits packets received from the server device 10 to the lighting device 20 with which the terminal 50 last communicated. Alternatively, the lighting control system 21 may transmit packets received from the server device 10 to each lighting device 20.

[0118] [Camera equipment] The camera device 30 periodically or at a predetermined timing transmits image data obtained by photographing a predetermined area using a camera to the server device 10. At that time, the camera device 30 transmits the image data to the server device 10 together with the camera ID set in the camera device 30.

[0119] [Sensor device] The sensor device 40 periodically or at a predetermined timing transmits measurement data output by a built-in sensor to the server device 10. At that time, the sensor device 40 transmits the measurement data to the server device 10 together with the sensor ID set in the sensor device 40 itself.

[0120] [Device] Examples of the terminal 50 include a smartphone, a mobile phone, a game console, a tablet, a wearable device, or a portable terminal device such as a laptop. The terminal 50 can be any equipment or device that can accept operations from a person in charge and communicate with the server device 10, etc. The configuration of the terminal 50 is clear to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0122] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, the server device 10 acquires the current location of each visitor in the building using the terminal ID notification transmitted by the terminal 50. The server device 10 may acquire the current location of each visitor by other methods.

[0123] For example, the terminal 50 receives a GPS signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite to perform positioning and generates location information including the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the terminal 50. The terminal 50 may transmit a terminal ID notification including the generated location information and the terminal ID to the server device 10. In this case, the terminal 50 may transmit the terminal ID notification to the server device 10 using Li-Fi communication, or may transmit the terminal ID notification to the server device 10 using a mobile line. The server device 10 may calculate the current location of the visitor from the acquired location information.

[0124] <Variation 2> In the above embodiment, the case where the terminal 50 transmits a terminal ID notification including a terminal ID to the server device 10 has been described. However, there is a case where the terminal 50 is capable of receiving data via Li-Fi communication but is not capable of transmitting data. In this case, the terminal 50 cannot transmit the terminal ID to the server device 10.

[0125] In this case, the server device 10 may transmit to the terminal 50 general-purpose support information instead of support information customized for an individual visitor (individual route guidance information).

[0126] For example, the server device 10 in the normal mode may transmit advertisements for stores operating in the building to the terminal 50 that is only capable of receiving data via Li-Fi communication. Also, the server device 10 in the disaster mode may transmit map information of the building on which evacuation routes are previously described to the terminal 50 that is only capable of receiving data via Li-Fi communication.

[0127] In this case, the information provision control unit 204 transmits a "support information notification" including the above-mentioned general-purpose information to each terminal 50. The lighting device 20 that has received the support information via the lighting control system 21 broadcasts the received packet (support information notification) and transmits the general-purpose support information to each terminal 50 in the building.

[0128] In this way, the information processing system disclosed in the present application provides general-purpose support information such as advertisements or provides support information personalized for each user, depending on the Li-Fi communication compatibility of the terminal 50. In other words, the content of the support information to be transmitted is determined depending on the specifications of the terminal 50.

[0129] <Variation 3> In the above embodiment, the server device 10 has been described as providing different evacuation information to each resident in a building. However, in cases where the building structure is simple, it may be sufficient to provide the same evacuation information to each resident. For example, if a building has a large room with a single entrance / exit, the evacuation information provided to all residents in the large room will be the same.

[0130] In this case, the information provision control unit 204 generates evacuation information for one visitor, rather than for each visitor individually. The information provision control unit 204 broadcasts an evacuation information notification including the generated evacuation information to each terminal 50. In this way, when the evacuation route (destination in case of evacuation) of each of multiple visitors is the same, the information provision control unit 204 may broadcast an evacuation information notification including evacuation information describing the same evacuation route.

[0131] <Variation 4> In the above embodiment, the server device 10 detects the occurrence of a disaster using measurement data obtained from the sensor device 40 installed in the building. However, the server device 10 may detect the occurrence of a disaster using data obtained from other means instead of or in addition to the measurement data obtained from the sensor device 40.

[0132] For example, the disaster detection control unit 203 may detect a disaster (an occurrence of a fire or a large-scale earthquake) by analyzing image data obtained from the camera device 30. Alternatively, the disaster detection control unit 203 may obtain a notification of a fire from a disaster prevention system of the building, or may obtain a notification of a large-scale earthquake from an external server or the like.

[0133] <Variation 5> When many visitors are in the same place (area), the server device 10 may guide the visitors along evacuation routes that allow the visitors to evacuate in a dispersed manner, rather than guiding each visitor along the same evacuation route. For example, after guiding a predetermined number of visitors along an existing evacuation route (an evacuation route to the nearest emergency exit), the information provision control unit 204 may guide other visitors along a new evacuation route (for example, an evacuation route to the second-nearest emergency exit).

[0134] In this way, the server device 10 can disperse evacuees by using existing evacuation routes and a plurality of newly set evacuation routes, thereby preventing evacuation from being delayed due to congestion.

[0135] As described above, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment changes the content of the assistance information provided to users (people staying in the building) depending on the operation mode. Specifically, in normal times when no disaster has occurred, the server device 10 provides the user with guidance information regarding the destination desired by the user as user assistance information via the lighting device 20. In the event of a disaster, the server device 10 provides the user with evacuation information for people staying in the building to safely evacuate as user assistance information via the lighting device 20. As a result, the Li-Fi-enabled lighting (lighting device 20) installed in the building is used effectively, improving convenience for users visiting the building.

[0136] [Second embodiment] Next, the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0137] In the first embodiment, the explanation is given on the assumption that the visitors in the building have the terminal 50 that supports Li-Fi communication. However, there may be visitors in the building who do not have the terminal 50 that supports Li-Fi communication. In the second embodiment, the explanation is given on the case where the visitors do not have the terminal 50.

[0138] The configuration of the information processing system according to the second embodiment can be the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the description corresponding to FIGS. 3 and 4 will be omitted.

[0139] The following description will focus on the differences between the first and second embodiments.

[0140] A lighting control system 21 according to the second embodiment controls the turning on and off of lighting devices 20 in response to instructions from a server device 10. Specifically, the server device 10 transmits control information to the lighting control system 21, including the turning on and off of each lighting device 20, the color when lit, and the order in which the lighting devices 20 are turned on and off. The lighting control system 21 controls each lighting device 20 in accordance with the received control information. Specific details of the control information will be described later.

[0141] 18 is a block diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 18, a lighting control unit 206 is added to the configuration of the server device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0142] The lighting control unit 206 is a means for controlling the lighting of the lighting devices 20 in the building.

[0143] The lighting control unit 206 operates when the operation mode of the server device 10 is the disaster mode.

[0144] 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the illumination control unit 206 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the illumination control unit 206 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0145] When the disaster mode is set as the operation mode, the lighting control unit 206 calculates the number of visitors in each area in the building (step S301). Specifically, the lighting control unit 206 analyzes image data obtained from the camera device 30 and calculates the number of visitors in each area. Alternatively, the lighting control unit 206 calculates the number of visitors in each area based on measurement data from the sensor device 40 equipped with a human presence sensor.

[0146] For example, the lighting control unit 206 calculates the number of visitors for each area, such as "Tenant A: 2 people" and "Tenant B: 3 people." The lighting control unit 206 identifies the area where the visitor is staying based on the camera ID or the sensor ID.

[0147] The lighting control unit 206 determines whether or not there is at least one visitor in the building based on the calculated number of visitors.

[0148] If there is no visitor in the building (step S302, No branch), the lighting control unit 206 ends the process.

[0149] If there is a visitor in the building (step S302, Yes branch), the lighting control unit 206 detects impassable points in the building (step S303). Note that the process of detecting impassable points by the lighting control unit 206 can be the same as the process of detecting impassable points by the information provision control unit 204 according to the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0150] The lighting control unit 206 generates an evacuation route for the visitor in the area where the visitor is present (step S304). Note that the evacuation route generation process by the lighting control unit 206 can be the same as the evacuation route generation process by the information provision control unit 204 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The lighting control unit 206 generates an evacuation route by applying the Dijkstra algorithm or the like, with the area where the visitor is staying as the start point and the emergency exit as the end point.

[0151] The lighting control unit 206 controls the lighting of the lighting devices 20 so that people in the building can evacuate safely according to the evacuation route. More specifically, the lighting control unit 206 generates control information to be transmitted to the lighting control system 21 based on the detected impassable points and the generated evacuation route (step S305).

[0152] The lighting control unit 206 transmits the generated control information to the lighting control system 21 (step S306).

[0153] After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the lighting control unit 206 transmitted the control information to the lighting control system 21, the lighting control unit 206 returns to step S301 and continues the processing.

[0154] The lighting control system 21 controls the lighting devices 20 to turn on and off, and the color of the lighting devices 20 when they are turned on, according to the received control information.

[0155] Next, specific control (control content) of the lighting device 20 by the lighting control unit 206 will be described.

[0156] For example, the lighting control unit 206 notifies the evacuees that they cannot pass through the impassable point by using the lighting devices 20. Specifically, the lighting control unit 206 generates control information to light up the lighting devices 20 installed near the impassable point in red.

[0157] Furthermore, the lighting control unit 206 controls the lighting devices 20 so that evacuees can evacuate in the correct order of the evacuation route. For example, the lighting control unit 206 generates control information such that the lighting devices 20 are turned on in the order of the movement direction of the evacuation route.

[0158] For example, as shown in FIG. 20, consider a case where impassable points 60-1 and 60-2 are detected, and two visitors are detected in tenant A and three visitors are detected in tenant B.

[0159] In this case, the lighting control unit 206 turns on the lighting device 20-10 installed near the impassable point 60-1 in red. Similarly, the lighting control unit 206 turns on the lighting device 20-11 installed near the impassable point 60-2 in red.

[0160] Furthermore, the lighting control unit 206 generates an evacuation route for the occupants of tenant A. In this case, as described in the first embodiment, an evacuation route from the exit of tenant A to the emergency exit 70-1 is generated. In this case, the lighting control unit 206 turns on lighting device 20-12 for a predetermined period of time and then turns it off. After turning off lighting device 20-12, the lighting control unit 206 turns on lighting device 20-13 for a predetermined period of time and then turns it off. The lighting control unit 206 repeats the above-described turning on and off of lighting device 20-12 and lighting device 20-13.

[0161] Similarly, the lighting control unit 206 generates an evacuation route for the occupants of tenant B. In this case, the lighting control unit 206 repeatedly turns on and off the lighting devices 20-14, 20-15, 20-16, 20-17, and 20-18 in this order for a predetermined period of time.

[0162] The lighting control unit 206 controls the lighting device 20, allowing evacuees to recognize the presence of impassable points and the evacuation route.

[0163] The lighting control unit 206 calculates the number of people in the building again after a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the control information was sent to the lighting control system 21. If there are people remaining in the building, the lighting control unit 206 generates an evacuation route for the people remaining in the building and sends corresponding control information to the lighting control system 21.

[0164] The lighting control unit 206 repeats the evacuation support for the residents in the building using the lighting device 20 until each of the residents has completed their evacuation. That is, the lighting control unit 206 continues to guide the evacuees to safety until the evacuation of the residents is complete.

[0165] In this way, in the second mode (disaster mode), the lighting control unit 206 generates an evacuation route for people staying in a specified building and controls at least one or more Li-Fi enabled lights to guide the people to the generated evacuation route. The lighting control unit 206 continues to guide the people along the evacuation route using the at least one or more Li-Fi enabled lights until there are no people left in the specified building.

[0166] As described above, the server device 10 according to the second embodiment detects a visitor in a building using image data and measurement data, and controls the lighting device 20 so that the detected visitor can evacuate safely. As a result, even if the visitor does not have a terminal 50 capable of Li-Fi communication, the visitor can evacuate safely.

[0167] In large commercial facilities, evacuation routes are predetermined for residents to use in the event of an emergency. However, in the event of a disaster, there may be obstacles such as fallen objects along the evacuation route, making it impossible to evacuate along the predetermined route. In such cases, it is expected that many people in commercial facilities will be unfamiliar with the passageways within the facility, raising concerns that an increase in residents will become lost within the facility and be unable to evacuate safely.

[0168] To solve this problem, a system is envisioned that uses information obtained from various sensors installed within the facility to detect the locations of evacuees within the facility and obstacles that hinder evacuation. Furthermore, the system uses the detected information and floor information within the facility to calculate evacuation sites to which evacuees should evacuate and evacuation routes to those sites. The system controls the lighting method and color of the lighting within the facility to notify evacuees of the calculated evacuation route through the lighting, allowing even people unfamiliar with the facility's passageways to evacuate without getting lost to the evacuation site.

[0169] In this way, the system disclosed herein provides a method for generating new evacuation routes and safely guiding evacuees when existing evacuation routes become unusable during a disaster. Specifically, the server device 10 collects information on people's locations, debris, and impassable points from sensors installed in a building and generates an evacuation route. The server device 10 then transmits control information, including the lighting patterns of the lighting devices 20, to a lighting system (lighting control system 21), and guides evacuees to the evacuation route through the color and light emission of the lighting devices 20. That is, the server device 10 not only provides information (transmission of support information) to visitors carrying terminals 50, but also provides evacuation routes through visual presentations using ceiling lights. This system operation reduces the probability of accidents occurring during evacuation and increases the probability of establishing safe evacuation routes and safely evacuating evacuees in emergencies.

[0170] <Other embodiments> The information processing system and the server device 10 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the first and second embodiments.

[0171] For example, the server device 10, which is the control device, may include a switching means, a user discrimination means, a storage means, and a control means.

[0172] The switching means is means capable of switching at least between the first mode and the second mode.

[0173] The user identification means is means for identifying users staying in the area.

[0174] The storage means holds user-specific location information corresponding to the user ID of a user terminal capable of communicating with the first Li-Fi communication device, destination location information corresponding to the first mode, and Li-Fi communication device location information indicating the installation location of the Li-Fi communication device.

[0175] The control means is a means for controlling output information output by at least the first Li-Fi communication device.

[0176] When the control means acquires a user ID from a Li-Fi communication terminal that can communicate with the Li-Fi communication device, in the first mode, it outputs user assistance information based on the Li-Fi communication device location information and the destination location information to the Li-Fi communication device.

[0177] Furthermore, in the second mode, the control means outputs user assistance information based on the Li-Fi communication device location information and the user-specific location information to the Li-Fi communication device.

[0178] The first mode is the normal mode, and the second mode is the evacuation mode. During an evacuation, the same destination is displayed for each user, and during normal times, user assistance information is output that guides users to individual destinations corresponding to the user ID.

[0179] Furthermore, the control means is capable of controlling a plurality of Li-Fi communication devices including the first Li-Fi communication device and the second Li-Fi communication device using Li-Fi communication device IDs corresponding to the Li-Fi communication devices. In the first mode, when a user ID is acquired together with the Li-Fi communication device ID of the Li-Fi communication device from which the user ID was acquired, the control means controls the Li-Fi communication device corresponding to the Li-Fi communication device ID to output user assistance information.

[0180] That is, in the first mode, personalized user assistance information is output from the Li-Fi communication device that transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal carried by the user. In contrast, in the second mode, user assistance information is output from each Li-Fi communication device. Note that "personalized user assistance information" refers to guidance information based on the destination corresponding to the user ID.

[0181] Furthermore, the control device (server device 10) can control the human presence sensor, and in the second mode continues to provide evacuation route guidance until human detection by the human presence sensor or the like is completed.

[0182] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

[0183] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 21. For example, the server device 10 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, and a communication interface 314. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0184] However, the configuration shown in Fig. 21 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 may include hardware not shown, and may not include the input / output interface 313 as necessary. Furthermore, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 10 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in Fig. 21, and for example, the server device 10 may include multiple processors 311.

[0185] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0186] The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0187] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like that accepts user operations.

[0188] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC).

[0189] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. The processing modules can also be realized by semiconductor chips.

[0190] The terminal 50 and the like can also be configured by an information processing device in the same way as the server device 10, and the basic hardware configuration is no different from that of the server device 10, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0191] The server device 10 is equipped with a computer, and the computer executes a program to realize the functions of the server device 10. The server device 10 also executes a control method for the server device 10 by the program.

[0192] [Variations] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0193] In the above embodiment, the case where the system includes the sensor device 40 has been described. However, if the server device 10 can detect the occurrence of a disaster using image data obtained from the camera device 30, the sensor device 40 does not need to be included in the system. For example, if the camera device 30 is equipped with a thermal camera and transmits a thermal image to the server device 10, the server device 10 may detect the occurrence of a fire using the thermal image.

[0194] Although the above embodiment does not refer to returning from the disaster mode to the normal mode, the server device 10 may return to the normal mode based on an instruction from a system administrator or the like.

[0195] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 detects the occurrence of a fire or a large-scale earthquake using image data or measurement data. However, the disasters (events) detected by the server device 10 are not limited to fires or earthquakes. For example, the server device 10 may detect an intrusion into a building by a suspicious person carrying a knife or dangerous object, a gas or chemical substance leak, etc. as an event that requires switching of the operation mode.

[0196] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a route guidance application is launched when a user enters a building. However, the launch of the application may be performed automatically. For example, the terminal 50 may calculate its current location using a GPS signal or the like, and launch the route guidance application when it detects that the terminal 50 has entered a building. Furthermore, the terminal 50 may terminate the route guidance application when it detects that the terminal 50 has left the building.

[0197] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a user registers a destination in the server device 10 using a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 7. However, the interface when a user inputs a destination is not limited to the GUI such as that shown in Fig. 7. For example, the terminal 50 may provide an interface in which a map that simulates the structure inside a building is displayed and the user touches an icon or the like that corresponds to the destination.

[0198] In the above embodiment, the lighting device 20 is described as being compatible with Li-Fi communication. However, the lighting device 20 may be compatible with Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) communication instead of or in addition to Li-Fi communication. Even in this case, when the lighting device 20 receives a terminal ID notification via radio waves conforming to the Wi-Fi communication standard, it only needs to transmit a packet in which the lighting ID is written to the lighting control system 21.

[0199] When the server device 10 determines that the user's current location is off the route that has been guided to the user, the server device 10 may generate a new route. For example, the information provision control unit 204 may generate guidance information that reflects the new route, and transmit a "guidance information notification" including the generated guidance information to the terminal 50.

[0200] Alternatively, the server device 10 may divide the journey from the start point to the end point of a travel route or an evacuation route into predetermined units and generate guidance information or evacuation information for each predetermined unit. For example, if the building has multiple floors, the server device 10 may generate guidance information or evacuation information for each floor and transmit it to the terminal 50.

[0201] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 detects impassable points in a building in disaster mode. However, the server device 10 may also detect impassable points in normal mode. The information provision control unit 204 may transmit guidance information to the terminal 50 that includes a travel route that reflects the impassable points.

[0202] In the above embodiment, the case where the user management database is configured inside the server device 10 has been described, but the database may also be configured on an external database server or the like. That is, some of the functions of the server device 10 may be implemented in another device. More specifically, the above-described "disaster detection control unit (disaster detection control means)," "information provision control unit (information provision control means)," etc. may be implemented in any of the devices included in the system.

[0203] In the flow charts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the execution order of the steps executed in the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In the embodiments, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected, such as by executing each process in parallel.

[0204] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all of the above-described configurations are required. Furthermore, when multiple embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with another configuration.

[0205] From the above description, it is clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention can be suitably applied to an information processing system that provides information to a user using a lighting device.

[0206] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0207] [Appendix 1] a switching means for switching the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode when the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected; an information providing means for transmitting support information for supporting a resident staying in a predetermined building to a terminal carried by the resident via Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting; Equipped with The information providing means transmitting first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the first mode; a server device that transmits second support information different from the first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the second mode; [Appendix 2] The switching means detects the occurrence of a disaster, The information providing means In the first mode, guidance information regarding the destination of the visitor is transmitted to the terminal as the first assistance information; The server device according to claim 1, wherein, in the second mode, evacuation information regarding the evacuation of the resident is transmitted to the terminal as the second support information. [Appendix 3] The server device described in Supplementary Note 2 further comprises a visitor management means that, when receiving a terminal ID of the terminal via one of the plurality of Li-Fi compatible lights installed in the specified building, calculates the current location of the visitor carrying the terminal from the installation location of the one Li-Fi compatible light, and stores the received terminal ID and the calculated current location in association with each other. [Appendix 4] The server device described in Appendix 3, wherein the information providing means, in the first mode, generates a travel route from the visitor's current location to the visitor's destination, and generates the guidance information based on the generated travel route. [Appendix 5] The server device described in Appendix 3, wherein the information providing means, in the second mode, generates an evacuation route from the current location of the resident to an emergency exit, and generates the evacuation information based on the generated evacuation route. [Appendix 6] The server device described in Appendix 5, wherein the information providing means detects impassable points within the specified building based on image data obtained from at least one camera device installed within the specified building, and generates the evacuation route reflecting the impassable points. [Appendix 7] Further, a lighting control means is provided for, in the second mode, generating an evacuation route for a person staying in the predetermined building and controlling at least one or more of the Li-Fi enabled lights so as to guide the person to the generated evacuation route; The server device described in Appendix 2, wherein the lighting control means continues to guide the evacuation route using the at least one Li-Fi enabled lighting until there are no occupants in the specified building. [Appendix 8] Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting and a server device; Including, The server device a switching means for switching the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode when the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected; An information providing means for transmitting support information for supporting a resident staying in a predetermined building to a terminal carried by the resident via the Li-Fi compatible lighting; Equipped with The information providing means transmitting first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the first mode; When the operation mode is the second mode, second assistance information different from the first assistance information is transmitted to the terminal. [Appendix 9] The switching means detects the occurrence of a disaster, The information providing means In the first mode, guidance information regarding the destination of the visitor is transmitted to the terminal as the first assistance information; The system described in Appendix 8, wherein, in the second mode, evacuation information regarding the evacuation of the resident is transmitted to the terminal as the second support information. [Appendix 10] The system described in Appendix 9, wherein the server device further comprises a visitor management means that, when receiving the terminal ID of the terminal via one of the plurality of Li-Fi compatible lights installed in the specified building, calculates the current location of the visitor carrying the terminal from the installation location of the one Li-Fi compatible light, and stores the received terminal ID and the calculated current location in association with each other. [Appendix 11] The system described in Appendix 10, wherein, in the first mode, the information providing means generates a travel route from the visitor's current location to the visitor's destination, and generates the guidance information based on the generated travel route. [Appendix 12] The system described in Appendix 10, wherein, in the second mode, the information providing means generates an evacuation route from the current location of the resident to an emergency exit, and generates the evacuation information based on the generated evacuation route. [Appendix 13] The system described in Appendix 12, wherein the information providing means detects impassable points within the specified building based on image data obtained from at least one camera device installed within the specified building, and generates the evacuation route reflecting the impassable points. [Appendix 14] The server device further includes a lighting control means that, in the second mode, generates an evacuation route for a person staying in the specified building and controls at least one of the Li-Fi enabled lights to guide the person to the generated evacuation route; The system described in Appendix 9, wherein the lighting control means continues to guide the evacuation route using the at least one Li-Fi enabled lighting until there are no occupants in the specified building. [Appendix 15] a switching step of switching the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode when the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected; an information providing step of transmitting support information for supporting a resident staying in a predetermined building to a terminal carried by the resident via Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting; Equipped with The information providing step includes: transmitting first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the first mode; A method for controlling a server device, wherein when the operation mode is the second mode, second support information different from the first support information is transmitted to the terminal. [Appendix 16] The switching step includes detecting an occurrence of a disaster, The information providing step includes: In the first mode, guidance information regarding the destination of the visitor is transmitted to the terminal as the first assistance information; 16. The control method of a server device according to claim 15, wherein, in the second mode, evacuation information regarding the evacuation of the resident is transmitted to the terminal as the second support information. [Appendix 17] The control method for a server device described in Appendix 16, further comprising a visitor management process of, when receiving a terminal ID of the terminal via one of the plurality of Li-Fi compatible lights installed in the specified building, calculating a current location of the visitor carrying the terminal from an installation location of the one Li-Fi compatible light, and storing the received terminal ID and the calculated current location in association with each other. [Appendix 18] The control method of a server device described in Appendix 17, wherein the information providing process, in the first mode, generates a travel route from the visitor's current location to the visitor's destination, and generates the guidance information based on the generated travel route. [Appendix 19] The control method of a server device described in Appendix 17, wherein the information providing process, in the second mode, generates an evacuation route from the current location of the visitor to an emergency exit, and generates the evacuation information based on the generated evacuation route. [Appendix 20] The control method for a server device described in Appendix 19, wherein the information providing step detects impassable points within the specified building based on image data obtained from at least one camera device installed within the specified building, and generates the evacuation route reflecting the impassable points. [Appendix 21] Further, a lighting control step is provided for generating an evacuation route for a person staying in the predetermined building in the second mode and controlling at least one or more of the Li-Fi enabled lights so as to guide the person to the generated evacuation route; The control method for a server device described in Appendix 16, wherein the lighting control step continues to guide the evacuation route using the at least one Li-Fi enabled lighting until there are no occupants in the specified building. [Appendix 22] The computer installed in the server device a switching process for switching the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode when the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected; an information providing process for transmitting support information for supporting a resident staying in a predetermined building to a terminal carried by the resident via Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting; A program for executing The information providing process includes: transmitting first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the first mode; a program for transmitting second support information different from the first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the second mode; [Appendix 23] The switching process detects the occurrence of a disaster, The information providing process includes: In the first mode, guidance information regarding the destination of the visitor is transmitted to the terminal as the first assistance information; 23. The program according to claim 22, wherein, in the second mode, evacuation information regarding the evacuation of the resident is transmitted to the terminal as the second support information. [Appendix 24] The program described in Appendix 23 further executes a visitor management process, which, when the terminal ID of the terminal is received via one of the plurality of Li-Fi compatible lights installed in the specified building, calculates the current location of the visitor carrying the terminal from the installation location of the one Li-Fi compatible light, and stores the received terminal ID and the calculated current location in association with each other. [Appendix 25] The program described in Appendix 24, wherein the information provision processing, in the first mode, generates a travel route from the visitor's current location to the visitor's destination, and generates the guidance information based on the generated travel route. [Appendix 26] The program described in Appendix 24, wherein the information provision processing, in the second mode, generates an evacuation route from the current location of the resident to an emergency exit, and generates the evacuation information based on the generated evacuation route. [Appendix 27] The program described in Appendix 26, wherein the information provision processing detects impassable points within the specified building based on image data obtained from at least one camera device installed within the specified building, and generates the evacuation route reflecting the impassable points. [Appendix 28] and further executing a lighting control process in the second mode, which generates an evacuation route for a person staying in the predetermined building and controls at least one of the Li-Fi enabled lights so as to guide the person to the generated evacuation route; The program described in Appendix 23, wherein the lighting control process continues to guide the evacuation route using the at least one Li-Fi enabled lighting until there are no occupants in the specified building.

[0208] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 7 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 above may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 8, 15, and 22 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 7. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 8, 15, and 22, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0209] The disclosures of the above-cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concepts thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0210] 10 Server device 20 Lighting equipment 20-1 Lighting equipment 20-2 Lighting equipment 20-3 Lighting equipment 20-10 Lighting equipment 20-11 Lighting equipment 20-12 Lighting equipment 20-13 Lighting equipment 20-14 Lighting equipment 20-15 Lighting equipment 20-16 Lighting equipment 20-17 Lighting equipment 20-18 Lighting equipment 21 Lighting Control System 30 Camera equipment 40 Sensor Device 50 devices 60-1 Impassable point 60-2 Impassable point 70-1 Emergency exit 70-2 Emergency exit 70-3 Emergency exit 80-1 Evacuation route 80-2 Evacuation Route 100 Server device 101 Switching Method 102 Means of providing information 201 Communication control unit 202 Visitor Management Department 203 Disaster detection control unit 204 Information provision control section 205 Storage section 206 Lighting control unit 311 processor 312 memory 313 Input / Output Interface 314 Communication Interface

Claims

1. a switching means for switching the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode when the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected; An information providing means for transmitting support information for supporting a resident staying in a predetermined building to a terminal carried by the resident via Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting; Equipped with The information providing means transmitting first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the first mode; a server device that transmits second support information different from the first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the second mode;

2. The switching means detects the occurrence of a disaster, The information providing means In the first mode, guidance information regarding the destination of the visitor is transmitted to the terminal as the first assistance information; The server device according to claim 1 , wherein, in the second mode, evacuation information regarding evacuation of the resident is transmitted to the terminal as the second support information.

3. The server device according to claim 2, further comprising a visitor management means that, when receiving a terminal ID of the terminal via one of the plurality of Li-Fi compatible lights installed in the specified building, calculates a current location of the visitor carrying the terminal from the installation location of the one Li-Fi compatible light, and stores the received terminal ID and the calculated current location in association with each other.

4. The server device according to claim 3, wherein the information providing means, in the first mode, generates a travel route from the visitor's current location to the visitor's destination, and generates the guidance information based on the generated travel route.

5. 4. The server device according to claim 3, wherein the information providing means, in the second mode, generates an evacuation route from the current location of the visitor to an emergency exit, and generates the evacuation information based on the generated evacuation route.

6. 6. The server device according to claim 5, wherein the information providing means detects impassable points within the specified building based on image data obtained from at least one camera device installed within the specified building, and generates the evacuation route reflecting the impassable points.

7. Further provided is a lighting control means that, in the second mode, generates an evacuation route for a person staying in the specified building and controls at least one or more of the Li-Fi compatible lights so as to guide the person to the generated evacuation route; The server device according to claim 2, wherein the lighting control means continues to guide the evacuation route using the at least one Li-Fi compatible lighting until there are no occupants in the specified building.

8. Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting, a server device; Including, The server device a switching means for switching the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode when the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected; An information providing means for transmitting support information for supporting a resident staying in a predetermined building to a terminal carried by the resident via the Li-Fi compatible lighting; Equipped with The information providing means transmitting first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the first mode; When the operation mode is the second mode, second assistance information different from the first assistance information is transmitted to the terminal.

9. a switching step of switching the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode when the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected; An information providing process of transmitting support information for supporting a resident staying in a predetermined building to a terminal carried by the resident via Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting; Equipped with The information providing step includes: transmitting first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the first mode; A method for controlling a server device, wherein when the operation mode is the second mode, second support information different from the first support information is transmitted to the terminal.

10. The computer installed in the server device a switching process for switching the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode when the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected; an information providing process for transmitting support information for supporting a resident staying in a predetermined building to a terminal carried by the resident via Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) compatible lighting; A program for executing The information providing process includes: transmitting first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the first mode; a program for transmitting second support information different from the first support information to the terminal when the operation mode is the second mode;

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