Device, method, and program for provision

Abstract

To increase the reliability of the information provided to users. [Solution] The providing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a search unit that searches for a route for a user to travel from a departure point to a destination; a caution information acquisition unit that acquires caution information for the route searched by the search unit; a setter information acquisition unit that acquires information of the setter who set the caution information; and a providing unit that provides the route information searched by the search unit, the caution information acquired by the caution information acquisition unit, and the setter information acquired by the setter information acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a providing device, a providing method, and a providing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for providing information on a route for a user to move to a destination has been known. As an example of such a technique, a technique has been disclosed in which a map displaying traffic jam information is displayed on a screen so that a date and time can be specified, and traffic jam information corresponding to the specified date and time is displayed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, among the traffic jam information provided to the user, there are some for which the cause of the traffic jam is not clear from the user's perspective. In this case, the user may be skeptical about the provided information. Therefore, there was room for improvement from the viewpoint of the reliability of the information when providing information to the user.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a providing device, a providing method, and a providing program capable of enhancing the reliability of information provided to a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The providing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a search unit that searches for a route for a user to travel from a departure point to a destination; a caution information acquisition unit that acquires caution information for the route searched by the search unit; a setter information acquisition unit that acquires information of the setter who set the caution information; and a providing unit that provides the route information searched by the search unit, the caution information acquired by the caution information acquisition unit, and the setter information acquired by the setter information acquisition unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, the reliability of the information provided to the user can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the display screen for the information of the person who set the warning information. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen that shows detours on a map. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of an information providing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a user information database according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a road traffic information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a warning information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a user information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the provisioning process according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of an information provision device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the embodiments for implementing the providing device, providing method, and providing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). Note that these embodiments do not limit the providing device, providing method, and providing program according to the present application. Furthermore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each of the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] [1. Embodiments] The provisioning process realized by the provisioning device, etc. of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the provisioning process according to the embodiment. In Figure 1, the provisioning process, etc. according to the embodiment is realized by the information provisioning device 10, which is an example of the provisioning device according to the present application.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the provisioning system 1 according to this embodiment includes an information providing device 10, a terminal device 100, an external server 200, and a registration device 300. The information providing device 10, the terminal device 100, the external server 200, and the registration device 300 are connected to each other via wired or wireless connections through a network N (see, for example, Figure 4). The network N is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. Note that the provisioning system 1 shown in Figure 1 may include multiple information providing devices 10, multiple terminal devices 100, multiple external servers 200, and multiple registration devices 300.

[0012] The information providing device 10 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device that performs information provision processing, and can be implemented, for example, by a server device or a cloud system. In the example in Figure 1, the information providing device 10 is an information processing device that manages information such as map information and road traffic information, and provides car navigation services based on this information to users.

[0013] Note that the information providing apparatus 10 may have a function as a web server that provides a website related to a car navigation service. Further, the information providing apparatus 10 may be a device that distributes information to be displayed on an application related to the car navigation service (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "car navigation application") installed in the terminal device 100. Further, the information providing apparatus 10 may be a server that distributes the car navigation application data itself. Further, the information providing apparatus 10 may function as a distribution device that distributes control information to the terminal device 100. Here, the control information is described by, for example, a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) or a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Note that the car navigation application itself distributed from the information providing apparatus 10 may be regarded as control information.

[0014] The terminal device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device used by a user. The terminal device 100 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet-type terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 100 is shown as a smartphone used by a user.

[0015] Further, the terminal device 100 displays the information provided by the information providing apparatus 10 by a web browser or an application. When the terminal device 100 receives control information for realizing information display processing from the information providing apparatus 10 or the like, the terminal device 100 realizes the display processing according to the control information.

[0016] The external server 200 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device that distributes information such as map information including road information and road traffic information including traffic jam information, and is realized by, for example, a server device, a cloud system, or the like.

[0017] The registration device 300 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device that registers caution information to be provided to a user and information of a setter E1 who sets the caution information. The registration device 300 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc., similar to the terminal device 100 used by the user. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the registration device 300 is shown as a notebook PC.

[0018] Hereinafter, the provision process performed by the information providing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In the following description, it is assumed that the terminal device 100 is used by the user U1. Also, in the following description, it is assumed that the terminal device 100 has a car navigation application installed thereon.

[0019] First, when the setter E1 recognizes caution information to be provided to the user U1, the setter E1 registers the caution information to be provided to the user U1 and the information of the setter E1 who sets the caution information (step S1). For example, when it is predicted that traffic jams will occur due to events, construction work, etc., or when there is a planned road closure or traffic regulation, or when a significant increase in the pedestrian traffic volume is expected, the setter E1 registers traffic jam prediction information, planned road closure, planned traffic regulation information, predicted information on the increase in pedestrian traffic volume, etc., as caution information together with information on the events that cause them to the external server 200. Also, if there is a detour for bypassing a section where traffic jams are predicted on the road, a section where a road closure or traffic regulation is planned, a section where a significant increase in the pedestrian traffic volume is expected, etc., the detour information is also registered as caution information. The detour is set in advance in association with a predetermined route.

[0020] In other words, the warning information referred to here includes the content and cause of warnings such as traffic congestion forecast information, and if there is an alternative route, the alternative route information is also included in the warning information. When registering this warning information, the setter E1 also registers their own information together with the warning information. In this case, setter E1 may be, for example, a local government, a company, or a public organization. The setter E1's own information may include, for example, the setter E1's name or the logo used by setter E1. Setter E1 registers the warning information and setter E1's information linked together to the external server 200 using the registration device 300.

[0021] The information providing device 10 acquires road traffic information from the external server 200 (step S2). For example, the information providing device 10 periodically acquires road traffic information indicating congestion, accidents, road closures, and restrictions occurring on each road and manages it in its own storage. The information providing device 10 also periodically acquires warning information and information of the person who set it E1 registered in the external server 200 and manages it in its own storage.

[0022] When user U1 receives information from information provider 10 via terminal device 100, information provider 10 receives a route search request from terminal device 100 (step S3). For example, terminal device 100 launches a car navigation application in response to user U1's operation, displays screen C11, and sends the information entered by user U1 on screen C11 to information provider 10 as a search request. Information provider 10 then receives the information sent from terminal device 100.

[0023] To give a specific example, the terminal device 100 displays an area AR11 for inputting the departure point and destination, an area AR12 for specifying route search conditions (for example, "recommended" which searches for the shortest route including expressways and general roads, "expressway priority" which searches for a route that prioritizes the use of expressways, and "general road priority" which searches for a route that prioritizes the use of general roads), a button (toggle) B11 for specifying whether or not to automatically display the searched route on the top screen (home screen) of the car navigation app, and an area AR13 for inputting the planned departure date and time or planned arrival date and time.

[0024] To give a more specific example, if any of areas AR11-AR13 is selected, the terminal device 100 transitions to a screen for inputting information corresponding to the selected area, accepts the input of information, and after the input is completed, transitions back to screen C11 and displays the entered information in the corresponding area.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 1, the information provider 10 receives a search request with the departure point set to "Location A," the destination to "Location B," the search condition set to "Recommended," and the departure date and time set to "June 16th, 9:30 AM."

[0026] Next, the information providing device 10 searches for a route based on the received search request (step S4). In other words, it searches for the route that has the shortest travel time among the routes specified as search conditions for the route from the departure point "location A" to the destination "location B".

[0027] Next, the information provider 10 obtains warning information for the searched route and information about the person who set the warning information, E1 (step S5). For example, if the warning information includes traffic congestion forecast information, and the traffic congestion forecast information includes at least a part of the searched route at the searched time, the information provider 10 obtains the warning information. Also, if the warning information includes detour information, the information provider 10 obtains the warning information including the detour information. Furthermore, when obtaining the warning information, the information provider 10 obtains information about the person who set the warning information, E1. As information about the person who set the warning, the information provider 10 obtains, for example, the name of the person who set the warning.

[0028] Next, the information providing device 10 provides route information related to the searched route to the terminal device 100 and controls the display of route information on the terminal device 100 in response to the operation from user U1 (step S6). For example, the information providing device 10 provides route information showing the searched route on the map information. Then, the information providing device 10 controls the terminal device 100 to display screen C12 showing the provided route information.

[0029] To give a specific example, terminal device 100 displays screen C12 which includes area AR14 for displaying a map corresponding to the route, area AR15 for displaying the departure date and time and arrival date and time, button B12 for instructing a change to the departure date and time or arrival date and time, and button B13 for instructing the start of navigation based on the route information displayed on screen C12.

[0030] To give a more specific example, terminal device 100 displays an icon IC11 indicating the departure point "Location A", an icon IC12 indicating the destination "Location B", and a route RT11 from departure point "Location A" to destination "Location B" that was searched based on the search conditions at the time of departure "June 16th, 9:30 AM", on the map displayed by area AR14.

[0031] Furthermore, if the acquired warning information includes traffic congestion forecast information, the traffic congestion forecast area RT111 will be displayed on route RT11. The traffic congestion forecast area RT111 will be displayed by highlighting the portion of route RT11 that falls under the traffic congestion forecast area RT111. For example, the traffic congestion forecast area RT111 will be highlighted by using a different color or thicker lines compared to the other portions of route RT11 that fall under the traffic congestion forecast area RT111.

[0032] Next, the information providing device 10 controls the display of information about the setter E1 who set the warning information on the terminal device 100 (step S7). Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the display screen for information about the setter E1 who set the warning information. For example, the information providing device 10 provides the name of the setter E1 who set the warning information as information about setter E1. The information providing device 10 then controls the terminal device 100 to display screen C21 showing the provided information about setter E1. For example, the information providing device 10 displays screen C12 showing route RT11 for a predetermined time, or controls the terminal device 100 to display screen C21 showing information about setter E1 in response to an operation on the terminal device 100 from user U1.

[0033] Furthermore, the information providing device 10 provides information on events that cause the traffic congestion forecast information included in the warning information, and controls the terminal device 100 to display the provided event information together with the information of the setter E1 on screen C21. For example, if the setter E1 who set the warning information is "〇× Prefecture △□ City", and the event that causes the traffic congestion forecast information that forms the basis of the traffic congestion forecast range RT111 is a fireworks display, the information providing device 10 controls the terminal device 100 to display "〇× Prefecture △□ City" and the fact that traffic congestion is expected in the traffic congestion forecast range RT111 because of the fireworks display on screen C21.

[0034] Furthermore, if the warning information includes information about a detour, the information provider 10 suggests to user U1 that they use the detour (step S8). For example, the information provider 10 controls the terminal device 100 to display on screen C21 an area AR21 that indicates that there is a detour that bypasses the predicted congestion area RT111 and asks user U1 whether or not to use the detour. In this case, the information provider 10 causes the terminal device 100 to display whether or not to use the detour, and also controls the terminal device 100 to accept input from user U1 to select either to use the detour or not to use the detour.

[0035] When user U1 selects to use a detour in response to a suggestion to use a detour, the detour is displayed on the map (step S9). Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the display screen with the detour displayed on the map. When user U1 selects to use a detour, the screen transitions to screen C31, which displays the detour RT12, as shown in Figure 3. In other words, as shown in screen C31 of Figure 3, the information providing device 10 controls the display of the detour RT12, which avoids the congestion prediction area RT111 on the route RT11 on the map, on the map displayed by area AR14. The detour RT12 is made more conspicuous than the route RT11, for example, by using a different color or making the line thicker than that of the route RT11.

[0036] If user U1 does not choose to use the detour suggested, the system transitions from screen C21, which displays information about the programmer E1 and suggests the use of the detour, to screen C12, which displays the original route RT11 (step S10). In other words, as shown in Figure 1, the information provider 10 controls the transition to screen C12, which displays the route RT11, without displaying the detour RT12 on the map.

[0037] As described above, the information providing device 10 according to the embodiment searches for a route based on a search request received from user U1, provides route information indicating the route to terminal device 100, and controls the display of route information according to user U1's operation. The information providing device 10 also provides the terminal device 100 with warning information and information of setter E1 that have been registered in advance by setter E1, and controls the display of the warning information and setter E1's information together with the route information. As a result, if warning information is applicable to the searched route, the information providing device 10 according to the embodiment can provide not only the warning information related to the route but also the information of setter E1 who set the warning information. Therefore, user U1 can recognize not only the warning information but also the information of setter E1 who is issuing the warning, and thus can recognize the warning information with confidence. Accordingly, the information providing device 10 can increase the reliability of the information it provides to user U1.

[0038] [2. Configuration of the Information Provisioning Device] Next, the configuration of the information providing device 10 will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information providing device according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the information providing device 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0039] (Regarding Communications Section 20) The communication unit 20 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with terminal devices 100, external servers 200, registration devices 300, etc.

[0040] (Regarding memory unit 30) The storage unit 30 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or by storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. As shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 30 includes a user information database 31, a road traffic information database 32, a warning information database 33, and a setter information database 34.

[0041] (Regarding User Information Database 31) The user information database 31 stores various information about users of the car navigation service. Here, an example of the information stored in the user information database 31 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a user information database according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 5, the user information database 31 has items such as "User ID", "Travel History", "Route ID", "Departure Point", "Destination", "Route", "Departure Date and Time", and "Travel Time".

[0042] "User ID" is an identifier used to identify the user. "Travel History" shows the travel history of the user using car navigation services, etc., and stores information such as the departure point, destination, and estimated time to the destination. "Route ID" is an identifier used to identify the route searched by the user in the car navigation service (for example, the route for which navigation instructions were given). "Departure Point" indicates the departure point of the route. "Destination" indicates the destination of the route. "Route" indicates the route searched by the user. "Departure Date and Time" indicates the departure date and time from the departure point, that is, the scheduled time of departure from the departure point. "Estimated Time" indicates the estimated time from the departure point to the destination.

[0043] In other words, Figure 5 shows an example where the user's travel history, identified by the user ID "UID#1", is "Travel History #1", the route "Route #1", identified by the route ID "RID#1" in the car navigation service is searched, the departure point of the route is "Departure Point #1", the destination is "Destination #1", the scheduled departure time is "Date and Time #1", and the travel time is "Travel Time #1".

[0044] (Regarding the Road Traffic Information Database 32) The road traffic information database 32 stores road traffic information acquired from the external server 200. Here, an example of the information stored in the road traffic information database 32 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a road traffic information database according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 6, the road traffic information database 32 has items such as "location ID", "location information", and "congestion status".

[0045] "Location ID" indicates an identifier used to identify a location on the road. "Location Information" indicates the location on the road. "Congestion Status" indicates the congestion (traffic jam) situation.

[0046] In other words, Figure 6 shows an example where the congestion status is "Congestion Status #1" at a location identified by location ID "PID#1" and location information "Location Information #1".

[0047] (Regarding Warning Information Database 33) The warning information database 33 stores warning information that has been registered with the external server 200 by the user and retrieved from the external server 200. Here, an example of the warning information stored in the warning information database 33 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a warning information database according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 7, the warning information database 33 has items such as "warning information ID", "warning location information", "warning time information", "warning information content", "cause", "detour information", and "user ID information".

[0048] "Warning Information ID" indicates an identifier used to identify the warning information. "Warning Location Information" indicates the location where the warning information is set. "Warning Time Information" indicates the time when the warning information is set. "Warning Information Content" indicates the content of the warning information, such as traffic congestion forecast information, road closure schedule information, or predicted pedestrian congestion level information. "Cause" indicates the reason why the warning information is set, such as a fireworks display or road construction. "Detour Information" indicates information about detours that bypass congested areas or road closure areas, if such detours are set in advance. "Setter ID Information" indicates information that identifies the person who set the warning information. Specifically, the Setter ID shown in Figure 8, described later, is used as the information to identify the setter.

[0049] As described above, the warning information includes "user ID information," and by associating the "warning information ID" with the "user ID information," the warning information and the user information are linked and stored in the storage unit 30. In addition, the warning information includes "warning location information" and "detour information," and by associating the "warning location information" with the "detour information," the detour information is pre-associated with a predetermined route and stored in the storage unit 30.

[0050] In other words, Figure 7 shows an example in which a warning is set by a user identified by the user ID "EID#1" at a location where the warning location information is "Warning Location Information #1" and the warning time information is "Warning Time Information #1", with the warning content being "Warning Content #1", the cause being "Cause #1", and the detour information being "Detour #1".

[0051] (Regarding the user information database 34) The user information database 34 stores user information that has been registered with the external server 200 by the user and retrieved from the external server 200. Here, an example of user information stored in the user information database 34 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user information database according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 8, the user information database 34 has items such as "User ID" and "User Information".

[0052] "Setter ID" is an identifier used to identify the setter. "Setter Information" is information about the setter who set the warning information. "Setter Information" includes at least one of the setter's name or the logo used by the setter, and is information that allows a third party to recognize the setter. In other words, Figure 8 shows an example where "Setter Information #1" is the information of the setter identified by the Setter ID "EID#1".

[0053] (Regarding the control unit 40) The control unit 40 is a controller and is realized by executing various programs stored in the storage device inside the information providing device 10 using RAM as a working area, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Alternatively, the control unit 40 is a controller and is realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 40 according to this embodiment has an acquisition unit 41, a reception unit 42, a search unit 43, a warning information acquisition unit 44, a setter information acquisition unit 45, a provision unit 46, and a display control unit 47, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below.

[0054] (Regarding acquisition section 41) The acquisition unit 41 acquires information such as map information and road traffic information. For example, the acquisition unit 41 acquires road traffic information indicating congestion, accidents, road closures, and restrictions occurring on each road from the external server 200 and stores it in the road traffic information database 32. The acquisition unit 41 also acquires warning information and user information registered by the user in the external server 200. For example, the acquisition unit 41 acquires the content of the warning information, its cause, information on the detour if one is set, and information on the location and time the warning information is set as warning information from the external server 200 and stores it in the warning information database 33. The acquisition unit 41 also acquires information about the user who set the warning information, such as the user's name and logo, as user information from the external server 200 and stores it in the user information database 34.

[0055] (Regarding reception desk 42) The reception unit 42 receives route search requests from users. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the reception unit 42 receives the information entered by user U1 on screen C11 as a search request from terminal device 100.

[0056] (Regarding search unit 43) The search unit 43 searches for a route for the user to travel from their departure point to their destination, including time information. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the search unit 43 searches for a route from the departure point "Point A" to the destination "Point B" at the departure date and time "June 16th, 9:30 AM" entered by user U1.

[0057] The search unit 43 may also search for the route with the shortest travel time. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the search unit 43 searches for the route from the departure point "Point A" to the destination "Point B" that has the shortest travel time.

[0058] Furthermore, the search unit 43 may search for a route based on common search conditions set by the user. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the search unit 43 searches for the route from the departure point "Point A" to the destination "Point B" that has the shortest travel time, including expressways and general roads, based on the search condition "recommendation" set by user U1.

[0059] The search unit 43 may also search for routes based on common search conditions that have a predetermined relationship with the search conditions set by the user. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the search unit 43 searches for routes that prioritize the use of expressways and routes that prioritize the use of general roads.

[0060] Here, it is conceivable that the user would like navigation to depart from the current location to the destination. Therefore, the search unit 43 may search for a route at the current time. For example, the search unit 43 may use the current time as the departure date and time and search for a route from the departure point set by the user to the destination.

[0061] (Caution information acquisition unit 44) The warning information acquisition unit 44 acquires warning information for the route searched by the search unit 43 from the warning information database 33 stored in the storage unit 30. More specifically, the warning information acquisition unit 44 compares the route searched by the search unit 43 with the warning information stored in the warning information database 33 and acquires warning information that includes the route searched by the search unit 43 as the warning location information, which is the location where the warning information is set.

[0062] At that time, the warning information acquisition unit 44 acquires warning information corresponding to the time information used when the search unit 43 searches for a route. In other words, the warning information acquisition unit 44 compares the route searched by the search unit 43 with the warning location information, which is the location where the warning information is set, and further compares the time information used when the search unit 43 searches for a route with the warning time information, which is the time when the warning information is set. As a result, the warning information acquisition unit 44 acquires warning information from the warning information database 33 in which the warning location information includes the route searched by the search unit 43, and the warning time information includes the time when the search unit 43 searches for a route. In other words, even if the warning location information of the warning information includes the route searched by the search unit 43, the warning information acquisition unit 44 will not acquire the warning information if the time when the search unit 43 searches for a route is different from the warning time information in that warning information.

[0063] (Setter information acquisition unit 45) The setter information acquisition unit 45 acquires information about the setter who set the warning information from the setter information database 34 stored in the storage unit 30. Specifically, the setter information acquisition unit 45 acquires information about setters whose setter ID in the setter information stored in the setter information database 34 matches the setter ID in the setter ID information of the warning information acquired by the warning information acquisition unit 44. In this case, the setter information acquired by the setter information acquisition unit 45 may include, for example, the setter's name and the logo used by the setter.

[0064] (Regarding Section 46) The providing unit 46 provides route information retrieved by the search unit 43, warning information acquired by the warning information acquisition unit 44, and information about the setter acquired by the setter information acquisition unit 45. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the providing unit 46 provides the route information retrieved by the search unit 43, the warning information acquired by the warning information acquisition unit 44, and the information about the setter acquired by the setter information acquisition unit 45 to the terminal device 100. When providing route information to the terminal device 100, for example, as shown in Figure 1, route information on a map is provided, and when providing warning information to the terminal device 100, warning information corresponding to the route information on the map is provided. In this way, the providing unit 46 provides the terminal device 100 with warning information corresponding to the route information retrieved by the search unit 43 and information about the setter corresponding to said warning information.

[0065] Furthermore, if the route information retrieved by the search unit 43 includes a predetermined route for which a detour is set, the provision unit 46 also provides the detour information. In other words, if the caution information corresponding to the route information retrieved by the search unit 43 includes detour information, the provision unit 46 also provides the detour information to the terminal device 100.

[0066] (Regarding the display control unit 47) The display control unit 47 displays route information and warning information on the user terminal used by the user, and controls the display of route information according to the user's operation. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the display control unit 47 provides route information related to the searched route to the terminal device 100 and controls the terminal device 100 to display route RT11 as route information according to the operation from user U1.

[0067] In this case, if the warning information acquisition unit 44 has acquired warning information corresponding to the searched route, the display control unit 47 provides the warning information to the terminal device 100 and controls the display of the warning information on the terminal device 100 in accordance with the operation from user U1. For example, if there is traffic congestion forecast information as warning information corresponding to the searched route, the traffic congestion forecast information is provided to the terminal device 100 as warning information, and the display control unit 47 controls the display of the traffic congestion forecast range RT111 on the route RT11 displayed on the terminal device 100 in accordance with the operation from user U1, as shown in Figure 1.

[0068] When providing warning information to the terminal device 100 and displaying it on the terminal device 100, the display control unit 47 provides the information of the setter E1 acquired by the setter information acquisition unit 45 to the terminal device 100 and controls the display of the setter E1's information on the terminal device 100 in accordance with the operation from the user U1. For example, the display control unit 47 provides the terminal device 100 with the name of the setter E1 as the information of the setter E1, and controls the display of the name of the setter E1 who set the warning information on the terminal device 100, as shown on screen C21 in Figure 2, in response to the operation of the terminal device 100 from the user U1, from screen C12 (see Figure 1) which displays the route RT11. The display switching from screen C12 to screen C21 may be performed in response to the operation of the terminal device 100 from the user U1, or the display may be switched after screen C12 has been displayed for a predetermined time.

[0069] Furthermore, when displaying warning information and the information of the person who set the warning on the terminal device 100, the display control unit 47 provides the terminal device 100 with information about the cause of the warning information and controls the display of this information on the terminal device 100 in response to an operation from user U1. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the display control unit 47 provides the terminal device 100 with information about the cause of the warning information along with the information of the person who set the warning E1, and controls the display of this information on the terminal device 100.

[0070] Furthermore, if the warning information acquired by the warning information acquisition unit 44 includes information about a detour, the display control unit 47 controls the terminal device 100 to display the detour based on the input from user U1 to the terminal device 100. For example, if the warning information acquired by the warning information acquisition unit 44 includes information about a detour, the display control unit 47 controls the terminal device 100 to display a suggestion for user U1 to use the detour, as shown in Figure 2. If user U1 selects to use the detour based on the display on the terminal device 100, the warning information acquisition unit 44 controls the terminal device 100 to display the detour RT12 in addition to the route RT11 displayed, as shown in Figure 3.

[0071] [3. Flow of the provision process] The procedure for providing information using the information provision device 10 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for providing information according to this embodiment.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9, the provision system 1, which includes the information provision device 10, registers the cautionary information that the setter provides to the user and the setter's information with an external server 200 (step S101). The information provision device 10 of the provision system 1 receives a route search request from the user (step S102). Subsequently, the information provision device 10 searches for a route for the user to travel from the departure point to the destination based on the received search request (step S103).

[0073] Next, the information providing device 10 acquires caution information and information of the person who set the route for the searched route (step S104). Next, the information providing device 10 provides the searched route information to the user terminal used by the user and controls the display of the route information (step S105). Next, the information providing device 10 controls the display of caution information and information of the person who set the route on the user terminal used by the user (step S106).

[0074] Next, the information provider 10 suggests to the user the use of a detour (step S107). If the user chooses to use the detour in response to the suggestion (step S108: Yes determination), the device controls the display of the detour on the map on the user terminal used by the user (step S109). On the other hand, if the user does not choose to use the detour in response to the suggestion (step S108: No determination), the device controls the display on the user terminal used by the user to transition to a screen that displays the original route without displaying the detour (step S110).

[0075] [4. Variations] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0076] [4-1. Services provided by the information provision device 10] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the information providing device 10 provides a car navigation service. However, the services provided by the information providing device 10 are not limited to this example, and services related to the provision of route information using any means of transportation may also be provided.

[0077] For example, the information providing device 10 may provide a navigation service when a user travels on foot. In such a case, the search unit 43 searches for a route for the user to travel on foot from the starting point to the destination. The warning information acquisition unit 44 acquires warning information including sidewalks, such as sidewalk closures or traffic restrictions, the setter information acquisition unit 45 acquires information of the person who set the warning information, and the provision unit 46 provides the searched route information, the warning information that includes the searched route, and the setter's information.

[0078] Furthermore, the search unit 43 searches for routes for a user to travel on foot from their starting point to their destination that have a low probability of contracting a particular disease, based on information such as medical institutions that diagnose specific diseases (e.g., infectious diseases), areas where clusters of the disease have occurred, and areas where the likelihood of contracting the disease is high (e.g., areas where the level of congestion is above a predetermined threshold). The provision unit 46 then provides route information that has a low probability of contracting the disease among the searched routes.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, the information providing device 10 may provide navigation services when a user travels using a mobile vehicle such as a train or bus. In such a case, the search unit 43 searches for a route for the user to travel by boarding a mobile vehicle for each of several points in time included within a predetermined period. The warning information acquisition unit 44 then acquires warning information that includes information about the mobile vehicle, such as scheduled service suspensions, the setting party information acquisition unit 45 acquires information about the setting party, such as the transportation company operating the mobile vehicle, and the provision unit 46 provides route information that includes travel information of the mobile vehicle the user is riding, as well as warning information that includes the searched route and the setting party information.

[0080] [4-2. Regarding the registration of warning information] In the above embodiment, the registration of warning information and the information of the setter is performed on the external server 200 using the registration device 300, but the warning information and the information of the setter may be registered to a place other than the external server 200. For example, the warning information and the information of the setter may be registered to the information providing device 10. In this case, the warning information registered by the setter to the information providing device 10 is stored in the warning information database 33 of the storage unit 30, and the information of the setter registered by the setter to the information providing device 10 is stored in the setter information database 34 of the storage unit 30.

[0081] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the registration of the warning information and the information of the person who sets the warning information is performed by the person who sets the warning information. However, the registration of the warning information and the information of the person who sets the warning information may be performed by someone other than the person who sets the warning information. For example, an agent of the person who sets the warning information may perform the registration work.

[0082] [4-3. Regarding the processing method] Of the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, and conversely, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above text and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0083] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0084] Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not contradictory.

[0085] [5. Effects] As described above, the information providing device 10 according to the embodiment includes a search unit 43, a warning information acquisition unit 44, a setter information acquisition unit 45, and a providing unit 46. The search unit 43 searches for a route for the user to travel from a starting point to a destination. The warning information acquisition unit 44 acquires warning information for the route searched by the search unit 43. The setter information acquisition unit 45 acquires information about the setter who set the warning information. The providing unit 46 provides the route information searched by the search unit 43, the warning information acquired by the warning information acquisition unit 44, and the setter information acquired by the setter information acquisition unit 45. As a result, the information providing device 10 according to the embodiment can provide the user with warning information, including the source of the information provided to the user, thereby increasing the reliability of the information provided to the user.

[0086] Furthermore, in the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment, the search unit 43 searches for a route including time information, the warning information acquisition unit 44 acquires warning information corresponding to the time information used when the search unit 43 searches for a route, and the provision unit 46 provides the warning information acquired by the warning information acquisition unit 44. As a result, the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment can provide the user with information that is highly relevant to the user's actions, and therefore can provide the user with highly useful information.

[0087] Furthermore, in the information providing device 10 according to the embodiment, the information of the setter includes at least one of the setter's name or the logo used by the setter. As a result, the information providing device 10 according to the embodiment can clearly identify the source of the information provided to the user and provide cautionary information to the user, thereby increasing the reliability of the information provided to the user.

[0088] Furthermore, in the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment, the cautionary information provided to the user includes traffic congestion forecast information. As a result, the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment can provide the user with cautionary information that is effective as a basis for deciding whether or not to use the route searched by the search unit 43, and thus can provide the user with highly useful information.

[0089] Furthermore, in the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment, the cautionary information provided to the user includes predicted information on the degree of pedestrian congestion. As a result, the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment can provide the user with cautionary information that is effective as a basis for determining whether or not it is safe to travel along the route searched by the search unit 43, thus providing the user with highly useful information.

[0090] Furthermore, in the information providing device 10 according to the embodiment, the warning information includes information on detours, and the information providing device 10 further includes a display control unit 47. The display control unit 47 displays the route information and warning information on the user terminal used by the user, and controls the display of the route information according to the user's operation. The display control unit 47 also displays the detour on the user terminal based on the user's input to the user terminal. As a result, the information providing device 10 according to the embodiment can provide highly convenient information to the user who has searched for a route, and thus can provide highly useful information to the user.

[0091] Furthermore, in the information providing device 10 according to the embodiment, detours are pre-associated with predetermined routes, and if the route information retrieved by the search unit 43 includes a predetermined route, the providing unit 46 provides information about the detour. As a result, the information providing device 10 according to the embodiment can provide users with information that is highly relevant to the search information retrieved by the user and is highly convenient, thus providing users with highly useful information.

[0092] [6. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the information providing device 10 according to each embodiment described above is implemented by a computer 1000 having the configuration shown in Figure 10. The following explanation will use the information providing device 10 as an example. Figure 10 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the information providing device. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, ROM 1200, RAM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0093] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1200 or HDD 1400, and controls various parts. The ROM 1200 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0094] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via the communication network 500 (corresponding to network N in this embodiment) and sends it to the CPU 1100, and also transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication network 500.

[0095] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the data it generates to output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0096] The media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1300. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1300 via the media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0097] For example, when computer 1000 functions as information providing device 10, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of control unit 40 by executing programs loaded on RAM 1300. The HDD 1400 stores the data in the storage device of information providing device 10. The CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via a predetermined communication network.

[0098] [7. Other] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention.

[0099] Furthermore, the information provision device 10 described above can be flexibly configured to implement functions by calling external platforms, etc., via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or network computing.

[0100] Furthermore, the term "part" in the claims can be replaced with "means," "circuit," etc. For example, "acquisition part" can be replaced with "acquisition means" or "acquisition circuit." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1. Provided System 10 Information provision device 20 Communications Department 30 Storage section 31. User Information Database 32 Road Traffic Information Database 33 Warning Information Database 34. User Information Database 40 Control Unit 41 Acquisition Department 42 Reception Department 43 Search Section 44 Caution information acquisition part 45. User Information Acquisition Unit 46 Providing Department 47 Display Control Unit 100 terminal devices 200 External Servers 300 Registered Devices

Claims

1. A search unit that searches for routes for users to travel from their starting point to their destination, A warning information acquisition unit that acquires warning information for the route searched by the search unit, A setter information acquisition unit that acquires information of the setter who set the aforementioned caution information, A providing unit that provides route information retrieved by the search unit, the warning information acquired by the warning information acquisition unit, and the information of the setter acquired by the setter information acquisition unit, A providing device characterized by having the following features.

2. The search unit searches the route including time information, The device according to claim 1, wherein the warning information acquisition unit acquires the warning information corresponding to the time information used when the search unit searches the route.

3. The providing device according to claim 1, wherein the information of the setter includes at least one of the name of the setter or the logo used by the setter.

4. The device providing the information according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned warning information includes traffic congestion forecast information.

5. The device provided according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned warning information includes predicted information on the degree of pedestrian congestion.

6. The aforementioned warning information includes information on alternative routes. The system further includes a display control unit that displays the route information and the warning information on a user terminal used by the user, and controls the display of the route information according to the user's operation. The display control unit causes the user to display the detour on the user terminal based on the user's input to the user terminal, as described in claim 1.

7. The aforementioned detour is pre-associated with a predetermined route, The providing device according to claim 6, wherein if the route information includes the predetermined route, the providing unit provides information on the detour route.

8. A method of provision performed by a computer, A search process to find a route for the user to travel from their starting point to their destination, A caution information acquisition step for acquiring caution information in the route searched by the search step, A process for obtaining information of the person who set the aforementioned caution information, A provision step that provides the route information retrieved in the search step, the warning information obtained in the warning information acquisition step, and the information of the setter obtained in the setter information acquisition step. A method of providing a product characterized by including the following.

9. A search procedure for users to find a route to travel from their starting point to their destination, A procedure for obtaining caution information in the route searched by the above-mentioned search procedure, A procedure for obtaining information of the person who set the aforementioned caution information, A provision procedure that provides route information retrieved in the search procedure, warning information obtained in the warning information acquisition procedure, and information of the setter obtained in the setter information acquisition procedure, A program that provides a way to run something on a computer.

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