Map display system, monitoring terminal, map display method and program

Abstract

When monitoring multiple individuals using GPS devices, the goal is to optimize the map display according to the status of each individual within the limited screen space of the guardian's device (monitoring device), thereby improving the efficiency and visibility of monitoring. [Solution] The server (20) receives location information from multiple GPS terminals (40a, 40b). In response to a map display request from the monitoring terminal (30), the server (20) dynamically determines the display size of the map corresponding to each GPS terminal to be displayed on the monitoring terminal (30) based on the location information of each GPS terminal and related situation information (risk level, schedule, facility information, distance between terminals, etc.). Information including the determined display size and location information is transmitted from the server (20) to the monitoring terminal (30), and the monitoring terminal (30) displays the multiple maps on the display unit at the determined size based on the received information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a map display system, a monitoring terminal, a map display method, and a program for displaying position information of a plurality of terminals, and particularly relates to a technology used for monitoring a target person or the like.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to ensure the safety of children, the elderly, etc., a system using a GPS (Global Positioning System) terminal that allows the current position of a target person to be confirmed on a terminal such as a protector's smartphone has been widely used. In such a system, based on the position information transmitted from the GPS terminal possessed by the target person, the position and movement history of the target person are displayed on the screen of the protector's terminal together with a map. For example, in Patent Document 1, position information of a terminal is accumulated based on information uploaded from a terminal carried by a person under watch, a living area of the person under watch is determined based on the accumulated position information, a positional relationship between the position of the terminal and the living area is determined, and a monitoring system that notifies a predetermined terminal (the protector's terminal) of the determination result is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When monitoring a target person simultaneously, in a conventional map display system, there were cases where the situation of the target person could not be sufficiently confirmed.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a map display system, a monitoring terminal, a map display method, and a program that can sufficiently perform monitoring of a target person.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a processor, the processor causes a communication means to receive location information from a plurality of GPS terminals, the communication means to receive a map display instruction from a monitoring terminal, and the communication means to transmit information to the display unit of the monitoring terminal for displaying a plurality of maps corresponding to the plurality of GPS terminals, the information including the location information of each of the plurality of GPS terminals and information regarding the display size of the map corresponding to each of the plurality of GPS terminals, which is determined based on the location information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example configuration of a map display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the server hardware configuration according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows an example of the functional configuration of the server according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This block diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of a monitoring terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a monitoring terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a GPS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the flow of the map display size determination process in the server according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This sequence diagram shows the main processing flow in the map display system according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the monitoring terminal according to this embodiment (dynamic display of multiple maps). [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the monitoring terminal according to this embodiment (enlarged view via touch operation). [Figure 11]This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the monitoring terminal according to this embodiment (integrated map display). [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the data structure stored in the database according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the data structure stored in the database according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0009] 1. Overview of the entire system Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the map display system 1 according to this embodiment. The map display system 1 includes, for example, multiple GPS terminals 40a, 40b (also called child terminals) held by the person being monitored (the person being monitored), such as a child or the elderly, a monitoring terminal 30 (also called a parent terminal) used by a monitor, such as a guardian, and a server 20. These are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with one another via a network 10 (for example, the internet or a mobile phone network).

[0010] Each GPS terminal 40a and 40b has GPS functionality and periodically acquires location information indicating its current location (for example, every 1.5 minutes) and transmits it to the server 20 via the network 10.

[0011] The server 20 receives and stores location information from each GPS terminal 40a, 40b, and in response to a request from the monitoring terminal 30, determines the display mode (especially the display size and scale) of multiple maps to be displayed on the monitoring terminal 30 based on the location information of each GPS terminal, and transmits related information to the monitoring terminal 30.

[0012] The monitoring terminal 30 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC, etc., and dedicated application software (display program) is installed. Based on the information received from the server 20, the monitoring terminal 30 dynamically displays a plurality of maps corresponding to each GPS terminal 40a, 40b on its own display unit in the display size and scale determined by the server 20. Further, the monitoring terminal 30 receives an operation from the user (monitor) (for example, a touch operation on a specific map), and accordingly changes the display mode of the map or requests the server 20 for necessary information.

[0013] (Problems in display in the prior art) Here, the problems of the conventional display method when monitoring a plurality of subjects simultaneously will be supplemented. Although the screen size of the protector's terminal (monitoring terminal) is limited, it is preferable to display the maps of a plurality of subjects simultaneously for monitoring. In the conventional system, generally, the map of each subject is displayed in a fixed size (for example, when a dedicated map is prepared for each subject), or a method in which position markers of a plurality of subjects are displayed on one map is used.

[0014] However, in the case of displaying maps of a fixed size, especially when displaying a plurality of maps simultaneously, details of the situation of the subject to be noted, for example, information around a subject in a potentially dangerous location, may not be sufficiently conveyed due to the constraints of the map size and scale. Also, on a relatively small screen such as a smartphone, when the number of monitored subjects increases (for example, three or more), the display area of each map becomes very small, resulting in a significant decrease in visibility.

[0015] On the other hand, when displaying a plurality of subjects on one map, if the physical distance between the subjects is large, the scale of the map tends to be very wide (zoomed out) in order to fit all of them within the same screen. As a result, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to grasp the detailed position of each subject and the surrounding roads, buildings, etc.

[0016] Furthermore, when the monitor manually enlarges the map of a specific target person to focus on that person, the maps and position markers of other target persons may be hidden outside the screen, risking missing changes in the situations of other target persons. There was also a problem that it was a heavy operation burden for the monitor to frequently adjust the display size and scale of each map manually while always considering the situations of multiple target persons. This embodiment aims to solve these problems.

[0017] 2. Explanation of the Configuration Block Diagram (Hardware Configuration Diagram, etc.) (Server) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 20. The server 20 is configured as a general computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20C, a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) which are main storage devices, a storage device 20B (for example, HDD or SSD) which is an auxiliary storage device, and a communication interface (IF) 20A for communicating with other devices (monitoring terminal 30, GPS terminals 40a, 40b, etc.) via the network 10. In the storage device 20B, an OS (Operating System), programs for realizing various functions described later, and data necessary for processing (user information, GPS terminal information, position information history, risk level information, schedule information, facility information, map data, etc.) are stored. The CPU 20C controls the operation of the entire server 20 by reading out and executing programs from the storage device 20B.

[0018] (Monitoring Terminal) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the monitoring terminal 30. The monitoring terminal 30 comprises a CPU 30E, main memory (RAM, ROM, etc., not shown), auxiliary memory storage 30B (e.g., flash memory), a communication IF 30A for communicating with the server 20 etc. via the network 10, an input device 30C (e.g., touch panel, button) for receiving user instructions, and a display device 30D (e.g., liquid crystal display, organic EL display) for displaying maps and various information. Depending on the embodiment, a microphone 30F and a speaker 30G for audio input and output may also be provided. The memory storage 30B stores the OS, application programs for realizing functions such as map display, and data necessary for processing. The CPU 30E controls the operation of the entire monitoring terminal 30 by executing programs.

[0019] (GPS terminal) Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a GPS terminal 40 (40a, 40b). The GPS terminal 40 comprises a CPU 40E, a main memory (RAM, ROM, etc., not shown), an auxiliary memory device 40B (e.g., flash memory), a communication IF 40A for communicating with a server 20 etc. via the network 10, and a GPS sensor 40H for receiving signals from GPS satellites to determine its own position. Depending on the embodiment, it may also be equipped with a simple display device 40D (e.g., LED) for notifying the user, a microphone 40F for audio input / output, a speaker 40G, and an input device 40C (e.g., a button) for operation. The memory device 40B stores firmware for controlling the operation of the GPS terminal 40. The CPU 40E controls the operation of the entire GPS terminal 40 by executing the firmware and periodically transmits the position information acquired by the GPS sensor 40H to the server 20 via the communication IF 40A.

[0020] 3. Explanation of the Functional Block Diagram (server) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of server 20. Server 20 functions primarily as a receiving unit 201, a transmitting unit 202, a storage device control unit 203, a location information management unit 205, a display control information determination unit 204 (including a display size determination unit), and a related information management unit 206, with the CPU 20C executing a program stored in the storage device 20B.

[0021] The receiving unit 201 receives location information from GPS terminals 40a and 40b via the communication IF 20A, and receives map display requests and various setting information from the monitoring terminal 30.

[0022] The transmission unit 202 transmits information such as the display size and scale of the map determined by the display control information determination unit 204, as well as related information (location information history, risk level information, etc.), to the monitoring terminal 30 via the communication IF 20A.

[0023] The storage device control unit 203 controls the reading and writing of data to the storage device 20B. The location information management unit 205 stores and manages the location information of each received GPS terminal in the storage device 20B (database), associating it with the terminal ID and timestamp.

[0024] The display control information determination unit 204 is the core functional unit of this embodiment. In response to a map display request from the monitoring terminal 30, it dynamically determines the display size and scale of the map corresponding to each GPS terminal to be displayed on the monitoring terminal 30, based on location information stored in the storage device 20B and various information managed by the related information management unit 206 (risk level, schedule, facility information, etc.). Based on the location information, the display size and scale are determined according to the status information of the GPS terminal obtained by referring to various information (for example, whether or not it is in a dangerous area, whether or not it is deviating from the schedule, etc.). In particular, if the map display size is determined to be large, it is desirable to also determine the map scale to be large in conjunction (for detailed display). This allows for more detailed confirmation of the surrounding situation of the GPS terminal of interest. When determining the map display size, the display control information determination unit 204 may execute the following logic based on the number of GPS terminals to be monitored and the status information of each terminal, especially the risk level information.

[0025] If the monitoring targets are two GPS terminals (for example, 40a and 40b), the display control information determination unit 204 first calculates the difference in the risk level of the area where each terminal is located (for example, a range of 1 to 10, obtained from the risk area information table 224 shown in Figure 13, etc.). Then, it refers to a table that shows the relationship between the risk level difference and the display size difference, which is stored in the storage device 20B in advance (for example, a risk level difference of 0 corresponds to a size difference of 0 (equal size), a difference of 1 to 2 corresponds to a size difference of 1 stage (e.g., if one is standard, the other is small), a difference of 3 to 4 corresponds to a size difference of 2 stages (e.g., if one is large, the other is small), and a difference of 5 or more corresponds to a size difference of 3 stages (e.g., if one is extra large, the other is minimum)). In principle, it determines the difference in the display size of the map corresponding to both terminals based on this table.

[0026] However, if user-defined settings exist (for example, default size ratio settings based on age, etc., stored in display rule setting table 227), those settings will take precedence. However, if the calculated difference in risk levels is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (for example, a risk level difference of 3), and the device that was initially set to a smaller size has a higher risk level, the display size difference corresponding to the risk level difference calculated based on the aforementioned table will be applied. In this case as well, the same table will be used as when there are no initial settings. For example, even if the initial settings are "standard" for device A (older brother) and "large" for device B (younger brother), if the risk level of device A is 7 and the risk level of device B is 3, with a difference of 4 (threshold of 3 or more), the system will determine that the map for device A is "large" and the map for device B is "small" based on the table (difference of 4 → 2 size difference levels). If the difference in risk levels is less than the threshold, or if the device that was initially set to a larger size has a higher risk level, the initial size ratio will be maintained.

[0027] If there are three or more GPS terminals to be monitored, the display control information determination unit 204 ranks the terminals in descending order of risk level based on the risk level of each terminal. Then, it refers to a table (for example, "large" for 1st place, "medium" for 2nd place, and "small" for 3rd place and below) that shows the relationship between risk level ranking and display size, which is stored in the storage device 20B in advance, and determines the display size of the map corresponding to each terminal ("large," "medium," and "small" correspond to predefined screen occupancy rates, etc.) according to that rank. The display size may be predefined, for example, "large" for approximately 60% of the screen display area, "medium" for approximately 30%, and "small" for approximately 10%. The table may have predefined correspondences, for example, "large" for 1st place in risk level ranking, "medium" for 2nd place, and "small" for 3rd place and below. If there are multiple terminals with the same rank, the same display size corresponding to that rank is applied.

[0028] Furthermore, the display control information determination unit 204 applies priority rules when multiple situational information occurs simultaneously. For example, if the GPS terminal is in a safe facility such as a pre-registered home or school, the danger level is treated as the lowest value (e.g., 1) regardless of other circumstances. If the situation deviates from the schedule, the situation is considered equivalent to a predetermined danger level (e.g., 5), and the higher level is adopted when comparing it with the actual danger level of the location to determine the size. Similarly, proximity conditions are also reflected in the size determination based on predetermined rules.

[0029] In addition to the above, the display control information determination unit 204 also considers other situational information, such as whether the GPS terminal's location deviates from the schedule, is outside the registered facility, or is in close proximity to other GPS terminals, to determine the final display size and scale. The specific determination logic will be described later in the flowchart. The related information management unit 206 manages various related information necessary for determining the map display size, etc. (for example, dangerous area information set by the operator, schedule information registered by the user, facility information, map display rule settings, etc.) in the storage device 20B.

[0030] (Surveillance terminal) Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the monitoring terminal 30. The monitoring terminal 30 primarily functions as a receiving unit 301, a transmitting unit 302, a storage device control unit 303, an input receiving unit 304, and a display device control unit 305, with the CPU 30E executing an application program stored in the storage device 30B.

[0031] The receiving unit 301 receives map display size and scale information and related information transmitted from the server 20 via the communication IF 30A.

[0032] The transmitting unit 302 sends map display requests, user-entered configuration information, and other data to the server 20 via the communication IF 30A.

[0033] The storage device control unit 303 controls the reading and writing of data to the storage device 30B.

[0034] The input receiving unit 304 receives instructions from the user (supervisor) via the input device 30C (touch panel, etc.) to display a map, touch operations on a specific map, input of various settings, etc.

[0035] The display device control unit 305 draws and displays maps corresponding to multiple GPS terminals on the display device 30D with dynamic size and scale based on the information received by the receiving unit 301 (map data, location information, display size and scale information, etc.). It also performs controls such as zooming in on a specific map and continuously zooming out other maps in response to touch operations, integrating maps when GPS terminals are close together, and displaying alerts when the schedule is deviated. Furthermore, the display device control unit 305 accepts scale change operations from the user for each map display area. For example, it adjusts the scale (zoom level) of the corresponding map in response to a pinch operation (pinch out to zoom in, pinch in to zoom out) on the displayed map. This allows the user to arbitrarily adjust the scale of individual maps as needed, even within the display size dynamically determined by the server 20. This scale change operation is possible whether the display sizes of each map are the same or different.

[0036] 4. Explanation of the table structure of the data stored in the memory unit. Figures 12 and 13 show example structures of the main data stored in the storage device 20B of the server 20. The configuration examples of each table are described in more detail below.

[0037] The User Information Table 220 is a table that manages information about the monitor (parent). Its main fields include a "User ID" (primary key) that uniquely identifies the user within the system, the user's name, contact information (email address and phone number), "Password Information" used for login authentication (usually stored in hashed form), and a "Related GPS Terminal ID List" that holds a list of GPS terminal IDs that the user has registered as monitored. If necessary, it may also include information such as the registration date and time and the last login date and time.

[0038] The GPS terminal information table 221 is a table that manages information about GPS terminals (child terminals) that are being monitored. Its main fields include a "Terminal ID" (primary key) that uniquely identifies the terminal, a "Terminal Name" (e.g., child's name) set for user identification, the "Date of Birth" of the person using the terminal (e.g., child), the terminal's current "Battery Level," the "Last Communication Date and Time" indicating the date and time of the last communication with the server, the "Terminal Status" indicating the terminal's operating state (e.g., active, sleep, charging, malfunction, etc.), and the "Current Contract Plan" indicating the currently applied service plan. It also includes an "Associated User ID" (foreign key to the User Information Table) indicating the user managing this terminal. The Date of Birth information can be used, for example, when automatically setting the initial map display size ratio according to age.

[0039] The location information history table 222 is a table that stores location information transmitted chronologically from each GPS terminal. Its main fields include a "history ID" (primary key) that uniquely identifies each history, a "terminal ID" (foreign key to the GPS terminal information table) that indicates the terminal that transmitted the location information, "latitude" and "longitude" that indicate the determined location, "positioning time" (timestamp) that indicates the date and time the positioning was performed, "positioning method" that indicates the positioning method (e.g., GPS, Wi-Fi, base station), "positioning accuracy" that indicates the positioning accuracy (e.g., error radius (meters)), "speed" that indicates the speed of movement, "altitude" that indicates the altitude, "direction of movement" that indicates the direction of movement, and "battery level at positioning" that indicates the battery level of the terminal at the time of positioning.

[0040] The Parent-Child Relationship (Monitoring Relationship) Table 223 manages the relationships between which users have registered which GPS devices to monitor. This table uses a pair of "User ID" (foreign key to the User Information Table) and "Device ID" (foreign key to the GPS Device Information Table) as its primary key. If multiple users (e.g., father and mother) monitor the same GPS device, multiple records will be generated. If necessary, information such as the type of relationship (e.g., parent, guardian) and registration date and time may also be included.

[0041] The Dangerous Area Information Table 224 is a table that manages information about dangerous areas set by operators and users. Its main fields include: "Area ID" (primary key) to uniquely identify an area; "Area Name" to indicate the area's name; "Area Definition" to define the area's geographical extent (e.g., a list of polygon coordinates); "Danger Level" to indicate the area's level of danger (e.g., a numerical value from 1 to 10); "Dangerous Time Zone" to indicate the time period when danger is particularly anticipated (e.g., 17:00-20:00); "Area Type" to indicate the type of area (e.g., a busy commercial district, a busy road, a construction site); and "Traffic Information" and "Suspicious Person Information Reference ID" to store real-time traffic information and reference IDs for suspicious person information obtained from external sources. Traffic information can be obtained, for example, from traffic information services and used to determine if the danger level should be temporarily increased when traffic volume is high. Suspicious person information can be obtained from information disseminated by local governments and used to determine the danger level of the relevant area.

[0042] The Schedule Information Table 225 is a table that manages schedule information for GPS devices (children) registered by the user (supervisor). Its main fields include a "Schedule ID" (primary key) that uniquely identifies the schedule, a "Device ID" (foreign key to the GPS Device Information Table) that indicates the target device, an "Appointment" (e.g., tutoring, extracurricular activity) that indicates the content of the schedule, a "Location" (foreign key to the Facility Information Table or address string) that indicates the place where the appointment is scheduled, the "Start Time" and "End Time" of the appointment, and an "Expected Route" (e.g., list of polyline coordinates) that indicates the expected travel route. It may also include information such as repeat settings (e.g., every Monday) and the acceptable range for deviation detection.

[0043] The facility information table 226 is a table that manages information about specific facilities such as homes, schools, and cram schools registered by users. Its main fields include a "facility ID" (primary key) that uniquely identifies a facility, a "user ID" (foreign key to the user information table) that indicates the user who registered this facility, a "facility name" that indicates the name of the facility, an "address" that indicates the address of the facility, "location coordinates" (latitude and longitude) that indicate the geographical location of the facility, a "facility range" that indicates the extent of the facility (e.g., center coordinates and radius, polygon coordinates), and a "facility type" that indicates the type of facility (e.g., home, school, cram school, park).

[0044] The display rule setting table 227 is a table that manages rules and user settings for determining the display size and scale of maps on monitoring terminals. Its main fields include a "User ID" or "Terminal ID" (key) indicating the target of the setting (a specific user or a specific terminal), a "Rule Type" indicating the type of rule to be applied (e.g., risk level linked, schedule linked, facility linked, proximity integrated, default setting, etc.), and "Parameters" which store specific parameters corresponding to each rule type. For example, "Parameters" may store the risk level threshold and map zoom level for risk level linked rules, distance thresholds (first and second) for proximity integrated rules, and the initial display size ratio for each terminal for default settings.

[0045] 5. Explanation of the flowchart Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining the map display size and scale performed by the display control information determination unit 204 of the server 20.

[0046] First, when the server 20 receives a map display request from the monitoring terminal 30 (S10: Start), it retrieves a list of GPS terminals (child terminals) associated with the requesting user ID and the latest location information of each terminal from the database (location information history table 222, etc.) (S20).

[0047] Next, the current location of each GPS terminal is determined by referring to relevant information (hazardous area information table 224, schedule information table 225, facility information table 226, etc.) (S30). For example, it is determined whether the terminal is in a hazardous area, whether it has deviated from the schedule, whether it is inside or outside a registered facility, etc.

[0048] Next, it is determined whether the number of GPS devices being monitored (number of people being watched) is one or two or more (S40). If the number of people being watched is one (No), the size and scale of the map to be displayed are determined based on the status assessment result of that GPS device (e.g., danger level) (S50). For example, if the danger level is high, the size is set to "large" and the scale is increased accordingly. If the person is inside a safe facility, the size is set to "standard" or "small" and the scale is also set to standard.

[0049] If there are two or more people being monitored (Yes), the status determination results of each GPS terminal are compared, and / or the display size and scale of the map corresponding to each GPS terminal are determined based on user settings (display rule setting table 227), etc. (S60). In this case, for example, as a specific logic for determining the size based on risk information, the risk level of each terminal is first obtained. If there are two people being monitored, the difference in their risk levels is calculated, and the larger the difference, the larger the difference in display size. However, if a size ratio is defined in the initial settings, the size is determined based on risk only if the difference in risk levels is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (e.g., 3) and the risk level of the smaller size is higher; otherwise (if the risk difference is less than the threshold, or if the risk level of the larger size is higher), the initial settings are followed. This determination refers to a table defined in the storage device 20B that defines the correspondence between the risk level difference and the display size difference. If there are three or more people being monitored, the terminals are ranked by their risk level, and the display size is determined in stages according to that ranking. This decision refers to a table (e.g., 1st place: "Large", 2nd place: "Medium", 3rd place and below: "Small") that defines the correspondence between the risk level ranking and the display size stored in the memory device 20B. Furthermore, in addition to decisions based on these risk levels, factors such as schedule deviations (treated as equivalent to a predetermined risk level, but prioritizing the original risk level if it is high), whether the object is inside or outside the facility (treated as the lowest risk level if it is inside a safe facility), and proximity conditions are also considered according to predetermined priority rules to determine the final size and scale.

[0050] After processing according to the number of people (S50 or S60), the display size and scale information of the map corresponding to each determined GPS terminal is generated (S70).

[0051] Finally, the generated display size and scale information, and any related information (such as the latest location information), are sent to the monitoring terminal 30 as a response (S80). The monitoring terminal 30 draws and displays the map based on this received information.

[0052] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the main processing flow in the map display system 1. First, the GPS terminal 40 periodically determines its own location and transmits it to the server 20 (transmission of location information and terminal information). The server 20 stores the received location information in a database (storage of location information).

[0053] When a user launches or updates an application on the monitoring terminal 30, the monitoring terminal 30 requests the server 20 to display a map (map display request).

[0054] As an internal process, server 20 obtains the latest location information of GPS terminals associated with the requesting monitoring terminal 30, and determines the display size and scale of the map corresponding to each GPS terminal based on relevant information such as risk assessment.

[0055] Server 20 transmits map data, including the determined display size and scale information, to monitoring terminal 30 (map data transmission).

[0056] The monitoring terminal 30 draws and displays multiple maps on its screen at an appropriate size and scale based on the received data (map drawing).

[0057] In addition to this sequence, requests for display changes via touch operations from the monitoring terminal 30, scaling operations such as pinch gestures by the user, and push notifications from the server 20 regarding schedule deviations are also performed asynchronously.

[0058] 6. Definitions of Terms In this specification, "situational information" broadly refers to additional information related to the GPS terminal's location information, in addition to the location information itself, which is used to determine the display size and scale of the map. Specifically, it includes at least one of the following: information regarding the level of danger in the area where the GPS terminal is located (danger score set by the operator, traffic information, suspicious person information, etc.), pre-registered schedule information (planned location, time, route, etc.), pre-registered facility information (location and type, such as home, school, cram school, etc.), general information about the location where the GPS terminal is located (area type, e.g., commercial area, residential area, etc.), and the relative positional relationship between GPS terminals (distance, etc.).

[0059] (Examples of variations and applications, etc.) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the server 20 determines the display size and scale was mainly described. However, a configuration in which the monitoring terminal 30 receives necessary information (location information, related information) from the server 20 and the processor (CPU 30E) in the monitoring terminal 30 executes the logic for determining the display size and scale is also possible. In this case, the load on the server 20 can be reduced.

[0060] The logic for determining the map display size and scale is not limited to the above example; it may also be dynamically adjusted using machine learning to learn the optimal display based on the user's operation history and circumstances.

[0061] In addition to GPS, other positioning methods using information from Wi-Fi access points or cell phone base stations may also be used to obtain location information from GPS devices.

[0062] This system can be applied to a variety of uses, including monitoring children, elderly people, tracking pets, and managing commercial vehicles and delivery personnel, as well as monitoring multiple moving objects.

[0063] A concrete example of the display rule setting table 227 described above is shown below. Example table showing the relationship between the difference in risk level and the difference in display size (for two monitored individuals) (1) Risk level difference = 0 Display size difference (level) = 0 (1:1) Specific sizes: Device 1 Standard, Device 2 Standard (2) Risk level difference = 1 Display size difference (levels) = 1 to 2 Specific Sizes Pattern 1 Terminal 1 Large Terminal 2 Standard Pattern 2: Terminal 1 Standard, Terminal 2 Small (3) Risk level difference = 3-4 Display size difference (levels) = 2 Specific Sizes Pattern 1 Terminal 1 Extra Large Terminal 2 Standard Pattern 2: Terminal 1 (large), Terminal 2 (small) Pattern 3: Terminal 1 Standard, Terminal 2 Minimum (4) Risk level difference = 5 or more Display size difference (levels) = 3 Specific Sizes Pattern 1 Device 1 Extra Large Device 2 Small Pattern 2: Terminal 1 (large), Terminal 2 (smallest)

[0064] Example table showing the relationship between the difference in risk level and the difference in display size (for 3 monitored individuals) (1) Danger Level 1: Large Danger level 2: Medium Danger level 3: Small

[0065] Example of priority rules when multiple situational information conflicts: (1) Prioritize facility information (safety assessment): If you are inside a safe facility (home, school, etc.), the risk level will be set to the lowest value (e.g., 1) regardless of other circumstances. (2) Comparison of risk level and schedule deviation: If the above 1 does not apply, compare the risk level of the actual location with the risk level considered to be at the time of schedule deviation (e.g., 5), and adopt the higher one. (3) Proximity status: After the determination in 1 and 2 above, if the distance between terminals is below the proximity threshold, the integrated display process will be prioritized (the display size determination logic will be applied, but the display will be integrated). These table contents and rules can be configured and modified as needed according to the system design and operational policies.

[0066] The map display system according to this embodiment improves the functionality of the computer (server 20 and monitoring terminal 30). Specifically, in order to simultaneously and efficiently display the location information of multiple objects within the limited display area of ​​the monitoring terminal 30, the server 20 (or monitoring terminal 30) dynamically determines the display size and scale of the map based on the status information of each object, and the monitoring terminal 30 controls the display. This reduces the need for users to frequently manually zoom in and out of the map, as in conventional technology, and improves the operability, i.e., usability, of the computer (monitoring terminal 30). In particular, by automatically highlighting information that users should pay attention to, such as high-risk situations or deviations from the schedule (by zooming in on the map, etc.), the visibility of the information is improved, and the risk of overlooking important information can be reduced. This is not merely a change in the method of presenting information, but a technical improvement that reduces the cognitive load on the user in computer-based monitoring tasks and supports faster and more accurate situational judgment.

[0067] Furthermore, the process of integrating map displays when GPS terminals are in close proximity can reduce redundant information on the screen and contribute to the efficient use of resources (CPU load, memory usage, communication bandwidth) of the computers (monitoring terminal 30 and server 20) involved in display processing and data communication.

[0068] Specific examples of the present invention will be described below.

[0069] (Example 1: Dynamic change of display size and scale based on risk level) This embodiment describes a case where the display size and scale of the map are dynamically changed according to the level of danger in the area where the GPS terminal is located. The specific technical challenge here is to enable guardians to quickly and thoroughly understand the situation when a child enters an area that may be dangerous.

[0070] The related information management unit 206 of server 20 manages hazardous area information (table 224) that has been set in advance by the operator. This information includes, for example, the polygon coordinates of a specific area (e.g., around a busy intersection, an area where there have been reports of suspicious persons in the past, a busy downtown area at night, etc.) and the corresponding hazard level (e.g., 1 to 10).

[0071] When new location information is transmitted from the GPS terminal 40a to the server 20, the display control information determination unit 204 determines whether the location information is included in any of the dangerous areas registered in the dangerous area information table 224. If it is included, it obtains the corresponding danger level. The display control information determination unit 204 also considers the status of other GPS terminals 40b and other devices being monitored, and determines the display size of the map corresponding to each terminal. For example, if there are two people being monitored, GPS terminals 40a and 40b, and the risk level of 40a is 7 and the risk level of 40b is 2, the difference in risk levels (5) is greater than the threshold (e.g., 3). Therefore, the display control information determination unit 204 determines the map size for 40a to be "extra large" and the map size for 40b to be "smallest" based on a predetermined relationship between the risk level difference and the display size difference (for example, 3 size differences if the difference is 5 or more). Even if the initial setting has a larger map size for 40b, the initial setting is overwritten based on this risk level difference and the condition that 40a has a higher risk level. On the other hand, if the risk level of 40a is 4 and the risk level of 40b is 2, the difference (2) is less than the threshold, so if there is an initial size ratio, it is followed; otherwise, both are set to "standard" size, for example. If there are three or more people being monitored and their risk levels are 7, 4, and 2 respectively, the display control information determination unit 204 determines the map size for each person based on the risk ranking (1st place: 7, 2nd place: 4, 3rd place: 2), referring to a predetermined relationship between ranking and display size (for example, 1st place: "Large", 2nd place: "Medium", 3rd place and below: "Small"). At the same time, the scale of the map corresponding to the "Large" size is enlarged to show more detailed surrounding conditions (e.g., zoom level 17). The scale of the map corresponding to the "Small" size is set to standard (e.g., zoom level 15).

[0072] The determined display size and scale information is transmitted from the server 20 to the monitoring terminal 30, and the display device control unit 305 of the monitoring terminal 30 displays the map based on the received information (see Figure 9). This allows parents to check the status of their child (GPS terminal 40a) in the danger area in detail on a large map, and at the same time, they can get a basic understanding of the status of other children (GPS terminal 40b) on a small map. If the danger level is above a predetermined value, the server 20 may send a push notification to the monitoring terminal 30.

[0073] (Example 2: Display control based on schedule deviation) This embodiment describes a case where the map display is changed and a notification is issued when the current location of a GPS terminal deviates from a pre-registered schedule. The specific technical challenge here is to quickly alert parents when a child deviates from the planned route or time. The supervisor (guardian) has previously operated the monitoring terminal 30 to register the child's (GPS terminal 40a) schedule information (e.g., Monday 17:00-19:00: cram school A, commuting route B, etc.), and this information is stored in the schedule information table 225 of the server 20.

[0074] The display control information determination unit 204 (or a dedicated deviation determination unit) of the server 20 compares the location information and current time received from the GPS terminal 40a with the information registered in the schedule information table 225. For example, if the location of the GPS terminal 40a is more than a predetermined distance away from cram school A at 6 PM on Monday, or if it is in a location significantly off route B during commuting hours, it is determined to be a "deviation". If a deviation is detected, the display control information determination unit 204, in accordance with the priority rules described above, treats the deviation as equivalent to danger level 5, compares it with the danger level of the actual location, adopts the higher value, determines the display size of the map corresponding to the GPS terminal 40a, and adjusts the scale accordingly. Simultaneously, the server 20 (function equivalent to the alarm notification program 38, not shown) pushes an alert indicating the deviation to the monitoring terminal 30 (e.g., "XX is in a location different from the planned location"). This allows parents to quickly notice their child's unexpected behavior and check their detailed location on a large map.

[0075] (Example 3: Map integration and splitting control in proximity) This embodiment describes a control mechanism that integrates map displays when multiple GPS terminals are close together and separates them when they are far apart. The specific technical challenge here is to simplify the screen display when multiple children are together and revert to individual monitoring when they separate, thereby eliminating screen redundancy while maintaining usability.

[0076] The display control information determination unit 204 of the server 20 calculates the distance between the latest location information of the monitored GPS terminals 40a and 40b. If the distance falls below a preset first threshold (e.g., 500m), it determines that the conditions for map integration are met.

[0077] In this case, the display control information determination unit 204 sets the display size of the map corresponding to one GPS terminal (e.g., 40b) to zero (hidden) and sets the display size of the map corresponding to the other GPS terminal (e.g., 40a) to a large size (e.g., 90% of the screen area). Then, it generates information instructing the system to display the position markers of both GPS terminals (40a and 40b) on the enlarged map (map of 40a).

[0078] Upon receiving this information from server 20, monitoring terminal 30 hides one map and zooms in on the other map to display the locations of both children. At this time, the display control unit 305 of monitoring terminal 30 maintains UI elements (e.g., settings buttons and profile icons at the bottom of the integrated map) for accessing the settings of the child (40b) corresponding to the hidden map on the screen, ensuring continuity of operation.

[0079] Subsequently, if the distance between the location information of GPS terminals 40a and 40b becomes greater than or equal to a second threshold (e.g., 550m) which is greater than the first threshold, the display control information determination unit 204 determines that the conditions for map division are met. By introducing hysteresis to the threshold (first threshold < second threshold), frequent display switching near the threshold is prevented.

[0080] When the division conditions are met, the display control information determination unit 204 decides to redisplay the maps corresponding to both GPS terminals 40a and 40b at the appropriate size and scale (or default size) for each situation, and transmits this information to the monitoring terminal 30. The monitoring terminal 30 then displays the two maps again.

[0081] (Example 4: Zooming in on a specific map using touch operation) This embodiment describes the display control when a monitor touches a map corresponding to a specific GPS terminal on the screen of the monitoring terminal. The specific technical challenge here is to allow the monitor to easily enlarge the map of a particular child when they want to focus on that child, while not losing sight of the status of other children.

[0082] The display device 30D of the monitoring terminal 30 displays maps corresponding to multiple GPS terminals 40a and 40b in a dynamically sized format (see Figure 9). When the monitor touches an icon on the map corresponding to GPS terminal 40a, the input reception unit 304 receives this operation.

[0083] The display device control unit 305 enlarges the display size of the touched map (map 40a) (e.g., to 70% of the screen area) and simultaneously reduces the display size of the other map (map 40b) (e.g., to 20% of the screen area). Importantly, the other map (map 40b) is not completely erased but continues to be displayed on the screen in a reduced state (see Figure 10).

[0084] This allows the monitor to view the map of the child they are interested in (40a) in a large, easy-to-see format while still being able to keep track of the location and status of other children (40b), thus reducing the risk of overlooking someone. When an operation is performed to cancel the enlarged display (e.g., touching again, touching a different location), the display device control unit 305 returns to the original dynamic size display. This display control may be completed within the monitoring terminal 30, or information about the touch operation may be sent to the server 20, which then recalculates the display size and responds.

[0085] The components of each of the above embodiments and examples can be combined as appropriate, within the bounds of consistency.

[0086] <Summary> [General tasks] One of the objectives of the present invention is to optimize the map display according to the status of each subject when monitoring multiple subjects, thereby improving the efficiency and visibility of monitoring.

[0087] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 1] One of the objectives of the present invention is to improve the efficiency and visibility of monitoring by dynamically determining the display size of multiple maps displayed on a monitoring terminal based on the location information of multiple GPS terminals. [Note 1] The information processing device (server 20) according to this embodiment includes a processor (20C), which causes a communication means (20A) to receive location information transmitted from a plurality of GPS terminals (40a, 40b), causes the communication means (20A) to receive a map display instruction from a monitoring terminal (30), and causes the communication means (20A) to transmit information to the display unit (30D) of the monitoring terminal (30) for displaying a plurality of maps corresponding to the plurality of GPS terminals (40a, 40b), the information including the location information of each of the plurality of GPS terminals (40a, 40b) and information regarding the display size of the map corresponding to each of the plurality of GPS terminals (40a, 40b) determined based on the location information. According to the above information processing device, when monitoring multiple subjects, it is possible to optimize the map display according to the status of each subject, thereby improving the efficiency and visibility of monitoring.

[0088] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 2] One of the objectives of the present invention is to determine the map display size more appropriately depending on the status of the GPS terminal. [Note 2] The information processing device described in Note 1, wherein the processor (20C) determines the display size based on situation information (at least one of risk information, schedule information, facility information, location information, and distance information between terminals) related to the location information of the plurality of GPS terminals (40a, 40b). This allows the map display size to be determined more appropriately according to the status of the GPS device.

[0089] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 3] One of the objectives of this invention is to display information from GPS devices that are at high risk with greater emphasis. [Note 3] The information processing device described in Note 2, wherein the processor (20C) compares risk information of the areas where the GPS terminals (40a, 40b) are located and determines to display a relatively larger map size for the GPS terminals located in areas with a higher risk level. This allows for more emphasis on displaying information about GPS devices that pose a high risk.

[0090] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 4] One of the objectives of the present invention is to display information from GPS terminals that have deviated from their schedule with greater emphasis. [Note 4] The information processing device described in Note 2, wherein the processor (20C) determines to enlarge the display size of the corresponding map when the location of the GPS terminal (40a, 40b) deviates from the pre-registered schedule information. This allows for a more focused display of information from GPS devices that have deviated from their schedule.

[0091] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 5] One of the objectives of the present invention is to display information from GPS terminals that are located outside of pre-registered facilities with greater emphasis. [Note 5] The information processing device described in Note 2, wherein the processor (20C) determines to enlarge the display size of the corresponding map when the GPS terminal (40a, 40b) is located outside a facility identified by pre-registered facility information. This allows for a more focused display of information from GPS devices located outside of pre-registered facilities.

[0092] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 6] One of the objectives of the present invention is to simplify the display of multiple GPS terminals located in close proximity. [Note 6] The information processing apparatus according to Note 2, wherein the processor (20C) determines the display size of the map corresponding to one of the GPS terminals to zero when the distance between the plurality of GPS terminals (40a, 40b) falls below a first threshold, and generates information for displaying the location information of both GPS terminals on the map corresponding to the other GPS terminal. This simplifies the display of multiple nearby GPS devices.

[0093] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 7] One of the objectives of the present invention is to restart the display on each GPS terminal when it moves away from the proximity state. [Note 7] The information processing device described in Note 6, wherein the processor (20C) generates information for resuming the display of the map that was set to zero size when the distance becomes greater than or equal to a second threshold which is greater than the first threshold. This allows the display of each GPS device to resume when it moves away from the proximity zone.

[0094] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 8] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a map display method that improves the efficiency and visibility of monitoring by dynamically determining the display size of multiple maps displayed on a monitoring terminal based on the location information of multiple GPS terminals. [Note 8] A map display method comprising: a processor (20C) receiving location information transmitted from a plurality of GPS terminals (40a, 40b), receiving a map display instruction from a monitoring terminal (30), transmitting information to the display unit (30D) of the monitoring terminal (30) for displaying a plurality of maps corresponding to the plurality of GPS terminals (40a, 40b), wherein the information includes the location information of each of the plurality of GPS terminals (40a, 40b) and information regarding the display size of the maps corresponding to each of the plurality of GPS terminals (40a, 40b) determined based on the location information. According to the map display method described above, when monitoring multiple subjects, it is possible to optimize the map display according to the status of each subject, thereby improving the efficiency and visibility of monitoring.

[0095] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 9] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a program that improves the efficiency and visibility of monitoring by dynamically determining the display size of multiple maps displayed on a monitoring terminal based on the location information of multiple GPS terminals. [Note 9] A program that causes a processor (20C) to receive location information transmitted from multiple GPS terminals (40a, 40b), receive a map display instruction from a monitoring terminal (30), and transmit information to the display unit (30D) of the monitoring terminal (30) for displaying multiple maps corresponding to the multiple GPS terminals (40a, 40b), wherein the information includes the location information of each of the multiple GPS terminals (40a, 40b) and information regarding the display size of the maps corresponding to each of the multiple GPS terminals (40a, 40b), determined based on the location information. According to the program described above, when monitoring multiple subjects, it becomes possible to optimize the map display according to the status of each subject, thereby improving the efficiency and visibility of monitoring.

[0096] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 10] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a monitoring terminal program that displays multiple maps in a dynamic display size based on information received from a server. [Note 10] A program that causes the processor (30E) to send a map display instruction to the server (20), to receive from the server (20) information for displaying multiple maps corresponding to multiple GPS terminals (40a, 40b), which includes the location information of each of the multiple GPS terminals (40a, 40b) and information regarding the display size of the maps corresponding to each of the multiple GPS terminals (40a, 40b), determined by the server (20) based on the location information, and to execute a process in which the display unit (30D) displays the multiple maps at the determined display size based on the received information. According to the program described above, multiple maps can be displayed with dynamic display sizes based on information received from the server.

[0097] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 11] One of the objectives of this invention is to enable a monitor to focus on a specific map while not losing sight of information from other maps. [Note 11] The program described in Note 10, which causes the processor (30E) to accept a touch operation on an icon on the map displayed on the display unit (30D), and to further execute a process in which the display size of the corresponding map is enlarged and the display size of other maps is reduced and displayed on the display unit (30D) in response to the touch operation. This allows the observer to focus on a specific map while also ensuring they don't lose sight of information from other maps.

[0098] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 12] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a map display system that improves the efficiency and visibility of monitoring by dynamically determining the display size of multiple maps displayed on a monitoring terminal based on the location information of multiple GPS terminals. [Note 12] A map display system comprising: a plurality of GPS terminals (40a, 40b); a server (20) that receives location information from the GPS terminals (40a, 40b); and a monitoring terminal (30) that receives information from the server (20) and displays a map, wherein the server (20) determines the display size of a plurality of maps corresponding to the plurality of GPS terminals (40a, 40b) based on the location information of the plurality of GPS terminals (40a, 40b), transmits the information regarding the determined display size and the location information to the monitoring terminal (30), and the monitoring terminal (30) receives the information from the server (20) and displays the plurality of maps on a display unit (30D) at the determined display size based on the received information. According to the map display system described above, when monitoring multiple subjects, it is possible to optimize the map display according to the status of each subject, thereby improving the efficiency and visibility of monitoring. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1…Map display system 10…Network 20…Server (information processing device) 20A…Communication interface (communication method) 20B…Storage device 20C…CPU (Processor) 201... Receiver 202...Transmitter 203...Storage Unit 204...Display control information determination unit (display size determination unit) 205...Location information management department 206... Related Information Management Department 30… Surveillance terminal 30A…Communication IF 30B…Storage device 30C...Input device 30D...Display device (display section) 30E…CPU (Processor) 30F... Microphone 30G...Speaker 301... Receiver 302...Transmitter 303...Memory Unit 304... Input Reception Department 305...Display device control unit 40, 40a, 40b... GPS terminals (child terminals) 40A…Communication IF 40B…Storage device 40C…Input device 40D…Display device 40E…CPU (Processor) 40F... Microphone 40G...Speaker 40H…GPS sensor 220...User Information Table 221…GPS terminal information table 222...Location history table 223... Parent-child relationship (supervision relationship) table 224... Dangerous Area Information Table 225... Schedule Information Table 226... Facility Information Table 227... Display Rule Settings Table

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The communication device receives location information transmitted from multiple GPS terminals. The communication means receives a map display instruction from the monitoring terminal. The communication means transmits information to the display unit of the monitoring terminal for displaying multiple maps corresponding to the multiple GPS terminals, and the information includes the location information of each of the multiple GPS terminals and information regarding the display size of the map corresponding to each of the multiple GPS terminals, which is determined based on the location information. Information processing device.

2. The processor determines the display size based on the status information related to the location information of the plurality of GPS terminals. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The processor compares risk information for the areas where the GPS terminals are located and determines that the display size of the map corresponding to the GPS terminals located in areas with a higher risk level should be relatively larger. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The processor determines to enlarge the display size of the corresponding map when the GPS terminal's location deviates from pre-registered schedule information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The processor determines to enlarge the display size of the corresponding map when the GPS terminal is located outside a facility identified by pre-registered facility information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The processor, when the distance between the plurality of GPS terminals falls below a first threshold, determines the display size of the map corresponding to one of the GPS terminals to be zero, and generates information for displaying the location information of both GPS terminals on the map corresponding to the other GPS terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

7. The processor generates information to resume displaying the map, which had been reduced to zero size, when the distance becomes greater than or equal to a second threshold which is greater than the first threshold. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The processor, Receive location information transmitted from multiple GPS devices, Received a map display instruction from the monitoring terminal, The monitoring terminal transmits information to the display unit for displaying multiple maps corresponding to the multiple GPS terminals, and the information includes the location information of each of the multiple GPS terminals and information regarding the display size of the map corresponding to each of the multiple GPS terminals, which is determined based on the location information. Map display method.

9. In the processor, It receives location information transmitted from multiple GPS devices. The monitoring terminal receives instructions to display the map. The display unit of the monitoring terminal transmits information for displaying multiple maps corresponding to the multiple GPS terminals, and the information includes the location information of each of the multiple GPS terminals and information regarding the display size of the map corresponding to each of the multiple GPS terminals, which is determined based on the location information. A program that executes a process.

10. In the processor, Send a map display instruction to the server, The server receives information for displaying multiple maps corresponding to multiple GPS terminals, which includes the location information of each of the multiple GPS terminals and information regarding the display size of the map corresponding to each of the multiple GPS terminals, determined by the server based on the location information. The display unit is instructed to display the plurality of maps at the determined display size based on the received information. A program that executes a process.

11. The processor is instructed to accept touch operations on icons on the map displayed on the display unit, and to further execute a process in which the display size of the corresponding map is enlarged and the display size of other maps is reduced in response to the touch operation. The program according to claim 10.

12. The system comprises multiple GPS terminals, a server that receives location information from the GPS terminals, and a monitoring terminal that receives information from the server and displays a map. The aforementioned server, Based on the location information of the multiple GPS terminals, the display size of the multiple maps corresponding to the multiple GPS terminals is determined, and the information regarding the determined display size and the location information is transmitted to the monitoring terminal. The aforementioned monitoring terminal is The system receives the information from the server and, based on the received information, displays the plurality of maps on the display unit at the determined display size. Map display system.

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