Information sharing apparatus and information sharing program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of suppressing confusion of a user who has browsed a post.SOLUTION: An information-sharing device includes an acquiring unit that acquires position information indicating a position of a portable terminal, a determining unit 42 that determines, on the basis of the position information, whether a user of the portable terminal has visited a preset visiting area, and a posting control unit 44 that, when it is determined that the user of the portable terminal has visited the visiting area, permits posting to a thread that is a virtual memory space storing a post from the user of the portable terminal and that is set for the visiting area that the user of the portable terminal has visited.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to information sharing technologies. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique has been disclosed in which, when the current location of a mobile terminal device is within a predetermined specific area, posted information posted about the specific area is acquired (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-143067 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that a user who has never visited a specific area may post a post that is based on speculation and is not reliable. Therefore, there is a risk that users who view the post may be confused by the post that is based on speculation.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can prevent users who view posts from becoming confused. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information sharing device of one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of a mobile terminal device, a judgment unit that determines whether a user of the mobile terminal device has visited a pre-set visited area based on the location information, and a post control unit that, when it is determined that the user of the mobile terminal device has visited the visited area, allows the user of the mobile terminal device to post to a thread that is a virtual memory space that stores posts from the user of the mobile terminal device, and that is set for the visited area that the user of the mobile terminal device has visited.

[0007] Another aspect of the information sharing program of the present disclosure causes a computer to acquire location information indicating the location of a mobile terminal device, determine based on the location information whether the user of the mobile terminal device has visited a pre-set visited area, and, if it is determined that the user of the mobile terminal device has visited the visited area, allow the user of the mobile terminal device to post to a thread that is a virtual memory space that stores posts from the user of the mobile terminal device, the thread being set for the visited area that the user of the mobile terminal device has visited. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a technology can be provided that can prevent users who view posts from becoming confused. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information sharing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a processing unit of a server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of information sharing processing in the information sharing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a visiting area display screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a thread screen according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Specific numerical values ​​and the like shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present disclosure unless otherwise specified. Elements not directly related to the present disclosure are omitted from the drawings.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information sharing system 1 according to an embodiment. The information sharing system 1 is constructed using a server 10 and a mobile terminal device 30. The server 10 and the mobile terminal device 30 can be interconnected via a network 5.

[0012] The server 10 is installed, for example, in a facility or a data center of a service provider that provides the information sharing service of this embodiment. The server 10 may be a server owned by the provider of the information sharing service, or may be a cloud server used based on a cloud service. The server 10 of this embodiment is an example of an information sharing device.

[0013] The mobile terminal device 30 is a terminal device carried by a user. For example, a smartphone, a feature phone, or a tablet equipped with a communication function can be used as the mobile terminal device 30. In the following, an example in which a smartphone is used as the mobile terminal device 30 is assumed.

[0014] Network 5 is a general term for communication paths such as the Internet, dedicated lines, and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), regardless of the communication medium or protocol. Examples of communication media that can be used include a mobile phone network (cellular network), wireless LAN, wired LAN, optical fiber network, ADSL network, CATV network, and combinations thereof.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 10 according to the embodiment. The server 10 includes a processing unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0016] The processing unit 11 comprehensively controls the processing of the server 10. The processing unit 11 is realized by a combination of hardware resources and software resources, or by hardware resources alone. The hardware resources may include a CPU, ROM, RAM, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, and other LSIs. The software resources may include programs such as an operating system, middleware, and applications.

[0017] The storage unit 12 has a non-volatile recording medium (e.g., HDD, SSD) and stores various programs and data. The storage unit 12 stores a program for executing the processing according to this embodiment. The storage unit 12 stores a map database 121 including map information for generating visited area display information, etc., as described below. The storage unit 12 stores user information (e.g., a set of a user ID and a user password) of each user in the information sharing service of this embodiment. The storage unit 12 also stores a one-time password generated by a certification information generation unit 48, as described below, in association with identification information (such as a visited area ID) that can uniquely identify a visited area, as described below.

[0018] The storage unit 12 of this embodiment stores visiting areas that indicate the geographical range of all or part of each visiting spot across the country. A visiting spot here is a place that many people visit for purposes such as sightseeing or participating in an event, and may be a facility or a natural feature such as a mountain, river, or sea. The visiting area is set in advance by the administrator of the server 10 using latitude and longitude, for example. Multiple visiting areas may be set for one visiting spot. In the example where the visiting spot is Mount Fuji, visiting areas may be set near the summit and near the base of the mountain.

[0019] In this embodiment, a thread, which is a virtual memory space for saving posts from users, is set for each visited area. The memory unit 12 in this embodiment has a memory area for saving posts to each thread. This thread is created for each visited area by, for example, an administrator of the server 10.

[0020] The communication unit 13 executes signal processing for connecting to the network 5. For example, when the server 10 is connected to a router device via a LAN cable, the communication unit 13 executes signal processing in accordance with Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0021] 3 is a functional block diagram of the processing unit 11 of the server 10. The configuration shown in FIG. 3 is realized in hardware by a CPU, memory, other LSI, etc. of any computer, and in software by a program loaded into memory, but the functional blocks shown here are realized by the cooperation of these. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms, such as hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software. The processing unit 11 includes a receiving unit 41, a determining unit 42, an identifying unit 43, a posting control unit 44, a transmitting unit 45, and an information generating unit 46.

[0022] The receiving unit 41 receives various information. For example, the receiving unit 41 receives and acquires location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal device 30 from the mobile terminal device 30. The receiving unit 41 of the present embodiment is an example of an acquiring unit.

[0023] The determination unit 42 executes various determination processes. For example, the determination unit 42 determines whether the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area based on the acquired location information. In this embodiment, the determination unit 42 determines whether the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area when the mobile terminal device 30 is located within the visited area, and also determines whether the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area when the mobile terminal device 30 has certification information for the visited area, which will be described later, even if the mobile terminal device 30 is not located within the visited area. Here, "having visited the visited area" includes a case where the user of the mobile terminal device 30 is currently visiting the visited area and a case where the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area in the past.

[0024] When it is determined that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area, the identification unit 43 identifies the visited area as a visited area that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited. For example, when the mobile terminal device 30 is located within the visited area, the identification unit 43 identifies the visited area in which the mobile terminal device 30 is located as a visited area that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited, based on the location information of the mobile terminal device 30. Furthermore, for example, even when the mobile terminal device 30 is not located within the visited area, when the mobile terminal device 30 has certification information, the identification unit 43 reads identification information linked to the certification information from the storage unit 12 and identifies the visited area indicated by the read identification information as a visited area that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited.

[0025] When it is determined that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited a visited area, the posting control unit 44 allows the user of the mobile terminal device to post to a thread, described below, that is set for a visited area that the user has visited. Furthermore, when it is determined that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has not visited a visited area, the posting control unit 44 restricts the user from posting to a thread, described below.

[0026] The transmitting unit 45 transmits various types of information to the mobile terminal device 30. For example, the transmitting unit 45 transmits to the mobile terminal device 30 certification information generated by a certification information generating unit 48, which will be described later.

[0027] The information generating unit 46 generates various types of information and includes a display information generating unit 47 and a certification information generating unit 48.

[0028] The display information generating unit 47 generates visited area display information, which will be described later.

[0029] The certification information generation unit 48 generates certification information that proves that the user has visited a visited area under predetermined conditions. When the mobile terminal device 30 arrives within a visited area, the certification information generation unit 48 of this embodiment generates certification information for the visited area that the user has arrived within. The certification information of this embodiment is a one-time password (hereinafter referred to as OTP), which is a password that is valid only for a predetermined period of time and can be used only once, but is not limited to this. The certification information generation unit 48 can generate the OTP using known techniques such as a time stamp method (time synchronization method), a challenge-response method, a counter synchronization method, etc.

[0030] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal device 30 according to an embodiment. The mobile terminal device 30 includes a processing unit 31, a storage unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, an operation unit 34, a display unit 35, and a GPS receiving unit 36. An application is installed in the mobile terminal device 30.

[0031] The processing unit 31 comprehensively controls the processing of the mobile terminal device 30. The processing unit 31 is realized by a combination of hardware resources and software resources, or by hardware resources alone. The hardware resources may include a CPU, ROM, RAM, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, and other LSIs. The software resources may include an operating system, middleware, applications, and other programs.

[0032] The storage unit 32 has a non-volatile recording medium (e.g., a NAND flash memory) and stores various programs and data. For example, the storage unit 32 stores a program for an information sharing application for executing the information sharing process according to this embodiment, as well as other programs. The storage unit 32 also stores a one-time password received from the server 10 and a set of identification information associated with the one-time password.

[0033] The wireless communication unit 33 has a modem and executes signal processing for wirelessly connecting to the network 5 via the antenna 33a. Examples of wireless communication networks that the mobile terminal device 30 can connect to include a mobile phone network (4G / 5G), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0034] The operation unit 34 includes a user interface such as a touch panel and physical buttons. The operation unit 34 accepts user operations and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the user's operation to the processing unit 31. The display unit 35 includes a touch panel display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a mini LED display. The GPS receiving unit 36 ​​detects the current location information of the mobile terminal device 30 using latitude and longitude, and outputs the detected location information to the processing unit 31.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the information sharing process S100 of the information sharing system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0036] In step S101, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 determines whether or not a launch operation of the information sharing application of this embodiment has been accepted from the user via the operation unit 34. The launch operation here refers to, for example, touching the application icon displayed on the display unit 35 of the mobile terminal device 30. If the launch operation has been accepted (Yes in step S101), the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S102. If the launch operation has not been accepted (No in step S101), the information sharing process S100 returns to step S101.

[0037] In step S102, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 starts the information sharing application for which the start-up operation has been accepted. As a result, the operation screen of the started information sharing application is displayed on the mobile terminal device 30.

[0038] In step S103, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 transmits to the server 10 an area display information request for requesting visited area display information, which will be described later.

[0039] In step S104, in response to receiving the area display information request, the display information generation unit 47 of the server 10 generates visited area display information and transmits it to the mobile terminal device 30 via the transmission unit 45. For example, the display information generation unit 47 reads out the visited area and map information stored in the storage unit 12, and generates visited area display information so that the visited area is reflected in the map information.

[0040] In step S105, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 causes the display unit 35 to display a visiting area display screen consisting of map information reflecting the visiting area, based on the received visiting area display information. FIG. 6 illustrates a visiting area display screen D1. FIG. 6 shows an example of a visiting area display screen D1 when an area near the summit of Mount Fuji, which is a visiting spot 55, is set as the visiting area 50. The visiting area display screen D1 shows the visiting area 50 and the location of the mobile terminal device 30 on a map. This allows the user of the mobile terminal device 30 to determine whether the mobile terminal device 30 is located within the visiting area 50.

[0041] In step S106, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 acquires location information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal device 30 via the GPS receiving unit .

[0042] In step S107, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 determines whether or not it has an OTP for the information sharing application of this embodiment. For example, the processing unit 31 determines that it has an OTP if a set of the OPT and identification information linked to the OPT is stored in the storage unit 32. If it does not have an OTP (No in step S107), the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S108.

[0043] In step S108, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 transmits user information (e.g., a user ID and a user password) related to the user of the mobile terminal device 30 and the location information acquired in step S106 to the server 10. As a result, the receiving unit 41 of the server 10 receives and acquires the user information and the location information. After step S108, the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S110.

[0044] Returning to step S107, if the OTP is available (Yes in step S107), the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 transmits to the server 10 the user information about the user of the mobile terminal device 30, the location information acquired in step S106, and the OTP for the information sharing application of this embodiment owned by the mobile terminal device 30. As a result, the receiving unit 41 of the server 10 receives and acquires the user information, the location information, and the OTP. After step S109, the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S110.

[0045] In step S110, the determination unit 42 of the server 10 determines whether the user of the mobile terminal device 30 is a legitimate user based on the user information. For example, the determination unit 42 of the server 10 determines that the user is a legitimate user if the pair of user ID and password included in the user information matches any of the pairs of user ID and password stored in the storage unit 12. If the user is not a legitimate user (No in step S110), the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S111.

[0046] In step S111, the transmission unit 45 of the server 10 transmits login refusal information indicating that login to the server 10 is denied to the mobile terminal device 30. The login refusal information is stored in the storage unit 32 of the mobile terminal device 30. After step S111, the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S118.

[0047] Returning to step S110, if the user is valid (Yes in step S110), the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S112. In step S112, the determination unit 42 of the server 10 determines whether the current location of the mobile terminal device 30 is within the visited area based on the acquired location information. For example, if the mobile terminal device 30 is located within a visited area 50 set near the summit of Mount Fuji as shown in FIG. 6, the determination unit 42 determines that the current location of the mobile terminal device 30 is within the visited area. If the current location of the mobile terminal device 30 is not within the visited area (No in step S112), the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S113. If the current location of the mobile terminal device 30 is within the visited area (Yes in step S112), the determination unit 42 determines that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area before, and the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S114.

[0048] In step S113, the determination unit 42 of the server 10 determines whether the acquired OTP is valid. For example, if the OTP generated by the proof information generation unit 48 matches the acquired OTP and the OTP is valid before a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the determination unit 42 determines that the acquired OTP is valid. If the acquired OTP is valid (Yes in step S113), the determination unit 42 determines that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area, and the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S114. Therefore, even if the current location of the mobile terminal device 30 is not within the visited area (No in step S112), if the mobile terminal device 30 has a valid OTP (Yes in step S113), the determination unit 42 determines that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area. If the acquired OTP is not valid (No in step S113), the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S111.

[0049] Returning to step S112, in step S114, the identification unit 43 of the server 10 identifies a visited area related to the thread to be used by the mobile terminal device 30. For example, if the mobile terminal device 30 is located within the visited area, the identification unit 43 identifies the visited area in which the mobile terminal device 30 is located as the visited area to be used, based on the location information of the mobile terminal device 30. Furthermore, for example, if the mobile terminal device 30 has a valid OTP, the identification unit 43 reads out identification information linked to the OTP from the storage unit 12, and identifies the visited area indicated by the read identification information as the visited area to be used.

[0050] In step S115, the posting control unit 44 of the server 10 permits the mobile terminal device 30 to log in to the server 10. This allows the mobile terminal device 30 to log in to the server 10, and permits the mobile terminal device 30 to view and post threads in the visited area.

[0051] In step S116, the certification information generation unit 48 of the server 10 generates an OTP as certification information proving that the user has visited the identified visited area. The generated OTP is associated with identification information that can uniquely identify the identified visited area and stored in the storage unit 12. The generated OTP is valid for use for a predetermined period (e.g., one week) from the date and time the OTP was generated.

[0052] In step S117, the transmitting unit 45 of the server 10 transmits to the mobile terminal device 30 login permission information indicating that login to the thread for the identified visited area is permitted, and a set of the generated OTP and identification information of the identified visited area. As a result, the mobile terminal device 30 acquires the login permission information, OTP, and identification information. The acquired login permission information, OTP, and identification information are stored in the memory unit 32 of the mobile terminal device 30. After step S117, the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S118.

[0053] In step S118, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 determines whether or not it is possible to log in to the server 10. For example, the processing unit 31 determines that it is possible to log in if it has acquired login permission information, and determines that it is not possible to log in if it has acquired login denial information. If it is possible to log in (Yes in step S118), the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S119.

[0054] In step S119, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 transmits the user information and the identification information of the visited area to the server 10, and logs in to the server 10.

[0055] In step S120, the transmitting unit 45 of the server 10 reads from the storage unit 12 thread information that enables browsing and posting of threads about the visited area indicated in the identification information, and transmits the thread information to the mobile terminal device 30. When the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 acquires the thread information, a thread screen for the visited area is displayed on the display unit 35 based on the thread information.

[0056] 7 illustrates an example of a thread screen D2 for a visited area. The thread screen D2 includes posted content display fields P1 to P3, a posted content input field 61 for inputting the posted content, and a post button 62 for posting the content entered in the posted content input field 61. The user of the mobile terminal device 30 can view past posts about the visited area using the posted content display fields P1 to P3. After entering the content to post in the posted content input field 61, the user of the mobile terminal device 30 can post about the visited area by operating the post button 62.

[0057] For example, only users who have experienced reaching the visited area near the summit of Mount Fuji can view and post images and messages from the area. This allows current viewers and past contributors to share their experiences within the same visited area, using threads about that area. For example, a message in the post content display field P1, "It's tough, but we're almost to the summit of Mount Fuji!", is likely to resonate with users currently climbing. Furthermore, a user on the way down can post a message of encouragement for users currently climbing, such as a message in the post content display field P2, "On our way down. For those climbing, we're almost at the summit, so hang in there!!"

[0058] In step S121, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 determines whether a post to a thread in which a user has logged in has been accepted. For example, the processing unit 31 determines that a post has been accepted when the processing unit 31 accepts an operation of the post button 62 via the operation unit 34 with content to be posted having been entered in the post content input field 61. Also, for example, the processing unit 31 determines that a post has not been accepted when a predetermined posting operation has not been accepted within a predetermined time. If a post has been accepted (Yes in step S121), the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S122. If a post has not been accepted (No in step S121), the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S124.

[0059] In step S122, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 transmits posted information indicating the content posted by the user and identification information of the visited area to the server 10. The posted information includes a message and an image. After step S122, the information sharing process S100 in the mobile terminal device 30 proceeds to step S125, and the information sharing process S100 in the server 10 proceeds to step S123.

[0060] In step S123, the storage unit 12 of the server 10 stores the posted information in a storage area set for the thread indicated by the identification information. As a result, the posted information is reflected in the thread. After step S123, the information sharing process S100 in the server 10 ends.

[0061] In step S124, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 determines whether an operation to terminate the application has been accepted from the user via the operation unit 34. The termination operation here refers to, for example, operating a predetermined termination button on the mobile terminal device 30. If an operation to terminate the application has been accepted (Yes in step S124), the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S127. If an operation to terminate the application has not been accepted (No in step S124), the information sharing process S100 returns to step S121.

[0062] Returning to step S118, if login is not possible (No in step S118), the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S125. In step S125, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 notifies the user that login to the thread for the visited spot is not possible. For example, the processing unit 31 displays a message on the display unit 35 indicating that login to the thread for the visited spot is not possible. In this way, since the mobile terminal device 30 cannot log in to the server 10, posting and viewing of threads for the visited area are restricted.

[0063] In step S126, the processing unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30 determines whether to retry the login. For example, the processing unit 31 determines to retry the login if a predetermined retry operation for retrying is received via the operation unit 34. Also, for example, the processing unit 31 determines not to retry the login if the predetermined retry operation is not received within a predetermined time. If the login is to be retried (Yes in step S126), the information sharing process S100 returns to step S105. If the login is not to be retried (No in step S126), the information sharing process S100 proceeds to step S127.

[0064] In step S127, the processing unit 31 ends the application. After step S127, the information sharing process S100 ends.

[0065] Modifications of the embodiment will be described below.

[0066] In the embodiment, the server 10 determines whether the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area. However, this is not limited thereto, and the determination may be made by the mobile terminal device 30. In this case, if the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area, the mobile terminal device 30 may transmit a confirmation signal and identification information of the visited area to the server 10. In the embodiment, the server 10 permits viewing and posting of threads for the visited area. However, this is not limited thereto, and for example, the mobile terminal device 30 may permit viewing and posting of threads for the visited area. In this case, for example, the processing unit 31 may display the thread screen D2 when it is determined that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area, and may not display the thread screen D2 when it is determined that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has not visited the visited area. From the above, the mobile terminal device 30 may function as an information sharing device.

[0067] In the embodiment, the location information indicates the current location, but is not limited to this and may indicate the time-series locations of the mobile terminal device 30. In this case, a one-time password may not be used, and it may be determined whether the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area based on the time-series locations of the mobile terminal device 30. Furthermore, if a photo was taken in the visited area in the past, it may be determined whether the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area in the past using location data linked to the photo data.

[0068] In the embodiment, the server 10 transmits an OTP to the mobile terminal device 30 when the mobile terminal device 30 reaches the visited area, but this is not limited to this. For example, the server 10 may transmit an OTP to the mobile terminal device 30 in response to a request for an OTP from the mobile terminal device 30 when the mobile terminal device 30 is located within the visited area.

[0069] In the embodiment, posting and viewing of threads about a visited area is permitted if the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area, and posting and viewing of threads about a visited area is restricted if the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has not visited the visited area. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the posting control unit 44 may permit viewing of threads about a visited area regardless of whether the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area, but may only permit posting of threads about a visited area if the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area. This makes it possible to effectively promote the visited area to users who have not visited the visited area. Specifically, by only allowing users who have visited the visited area to post, defamatory posts based on misunderstandings or speculation are suppressed, and posts based on highly accurate information known only to users who have visited the visited area are more likely to be posted. Therefore, allowing users who have not visited the visited area to view the posts is likely to develop an interest in and a favorable impression of the visited area. As a result, this contributes to the promotional effect of the visited area.

[0070] In the embodiment, the posting control unit 44 restricts posting and viewing of threads by disabling the mobile terminal device 30 from logging in to the server 10, but this is not limiting. For example, if the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has never visited the visited area, the posting control unit 44 may restrict posting and viewing of threads by permitting the mobile terminal device 30 to log in to the server 10 but disabling posting and viewing of threads.

[0071] In the embodiment, viewing and posting of threads for a visited area is permitted when the mobile terminal device 30 is located within the visited area, but this is not limiting. For example, viewing and posting of threads for a visited area may be permitted not only when the mobile terminal device 30 is located within the visited area, but also when the date and time when the mobile terminal device 30 is located within the visited area is within a predetermined period. In this case, if an event or the like is being held in the visited area within a predetermined period, participants can share their experiences at the event with each other.

[0072] The location information may indicate not only latitude and longitude but also altitude, and the visited area may be set using altitude in addition to latitude and longitude. In this case, for example, a barometric pressure sensor may be installed in the mobile terminal device 30, and the altitude of the location where the mobile terminal device 30 is located may be obtained from the barometric pressure detected by the barometric pressure sensor. In the example where the visited spot is Tokyo Tower, different events may be held at different altitudes (e.g., different floors, such as the top floor and the ground floor) even at the same latitude and longitude. By setting visited areas according to altitude at the same visited spot in this way, it is possible to appropriately identify the visited area visited by a user, even if multiple different events are held at different altitudes at the same visited spot. As a result, users who experienced the same event in a visited area can share their experiences in a thread for that visited area.

[0073] The technology disclosed herein may also be used in treasure hunt games or puzzle-solving games that force players to move around with a dramatic element of wondering where to go next. The technology disclosed herein may also be used in place of notebooks or bulletin boards installed at lodgings or unmanned train stations. In this case, physical management of notebooks or bulletin boards at lodgings or unmanned train stations is unnecessary.

[0074] Generalizing the invention embodied in the above-described embodiments and modifications, an information sharing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of a mobile terminal device 30; a determination unit 42 that determines, based on the location information, whether the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited a pre-defined visited area; and a posting control unit 44 that, if it is determined that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area, allows the user of the mobile terminal device 30 to post to a thread, which is a virtual memory space that stores posts from the user of the mobile terminal device 30 and is set for the visited area that the user has visited. While conventional social networking services (SNS) generally allow users to post freely, there is a possibility that users who have never visited a visited spot may post unreliable information based on speculation or defamatory information based on mistaken beliefs. Therefore, users who view the posted information may be confused by the speculative information or may be offended by the defamatory information. In contrast, the information sharing device according to the present disclosure limits users who can post to a thread set for a visited area to users who have visited the visited area. This reduces the number of posts based on speculation, preventing confusion among users who view posted information. Also, because users can share their experiences in the areas they visit, it reduces defamatory posts based on misunderstandings, making it easier to increase posts that users can empathize with.

[0075] The information sharing device further includes a certification information generation unit 48 that generates certification information proving that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area when the user of the mobile terminal device 30 visits the visited area, and a transmission unit 45 that transmits the certification information to the mobile terminal device 30 of the user who visited the visited area. The determination unit 42 determines that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 has visited the visited area when the mobile terminal device 30 is located within the visited area, and when the mobile terminal device 30 has the certification information even if the mobile terminal device 30 is not located within the visited area. With this configuration, for example, even if the user does not post in the visited area, they can later post from another location outside the visited area. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

[0076] The posting control unit 44 allows the user of the mobile terminal device 30 to view a thread if it is determined that the user has visited the visited area. With this configuration, even if a defamatory post is replied to a user's post, the user must revisit the visited area to view the defamatory post. This makes it difficult for the defamatory post to be conveyed to the user. As a result, the user is less likely to feel uncomfortable and defamatory posts can be suppressed.

[0077] The location information includes the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the location where the mobile terminal device 30 is located. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to set visited areas according to altitude (floor) at the same visited spot. Therefore, even if multiple different events are held at different altitudes at the same visited spot, it is possible to appropriately identify the visited area that the user visited. As a result, users who experienced the same event in the visited area can share their experience in the thread for that visited area.

[0078] The posting control unit 44 allows the user of the mobile terminal device 30 to view threads regardless of whether they have visited the visited area. This configuration makes it possible to effectively promote a visited area to users who have never visited the area. Specifically, by allowing only users who have visited the visited area to post, posts based on highly accurate information known only to users who have visited the visited area are more likely to be made. Therefore, even users who have never visited the visited area are more likely to develop an interest in and a favorable impression of the visited area by viewing threads about the visited area. As a result, this contributes to the promotional effect of the visited area.

[0079] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and appropriate combinations or substitutions of the configurations shown in the embodiments are also included in the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1...information sharing system, 10...server, 30...mobile terminal device, 41...receiving unit, 42...judgment unit, 43...identification unit, 44...posting control unit, 45...transmitting unit, 46...information generation unit, 47...display information generation unit, 48...certification information generation unit.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal device; a determination unit that determines whether or not the user of the mobile terminal device has visited a predetermined visiting area based on the location information; a thread, which is a virtual memory space for storing posts from the user of the mobile terminal device, when it is determined that the user of the mobile terminal device has visited the visited area, and a posting control unit that allows the user of the mobile terminal device to post to the thread set for the visited area that the user has visited; An information sharing device comprising:

2. a certification information generation unit that generates certification information that certifies that the user of the mobile terminal device has visited the visited area when the user of the mobile terminal device has visited the visited area; a transmitting unit that transmits the certification information to the mobile terminal device of the user who has visited the visit area; Furthermore, the determination unit determines that the user of the mobile terminal device has visited the visited area when the mobile terminal device is located within the visited area, and when the mobile terminal device has the certification information even if the mobile terminal device is not located within the visited area. The information sharing device according to claim 1 .

3. The information sharing device according to claim 1 , wherein the posting control unit allows the user of the mobile terminal device to view the thread when it is determined that the user has visited the visited area.

4. The information sharing device according to claim 1 , wherein the posting control unit allows the user of the mobile terminal device to view the thread regardless of whether the user has visited the visited area.

5. On the computer, acquiring location information indicating a location of the mobile terminal device; determining whether the user of the mobile terminal device has visited a predetermined visiting area based on the location information; When it is determined that the user of the mobile terminal device has visited the visited area, allowing the user of the mobile terminal device to post to a thread that is a virtual memory space for storing posts from the user of the mobile terminal device, the thread being set for the visited area that the user of the mobile terminal device has visited; An information sharing program that runs the following:

Images