Information processing device, GPS terminal device, monitoring terminal, positioning control method, display method, program, and monitoring system

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, GPS terminal device, monitoring terminal, positioning control method, display method, program, and monitoring system capable of performing appropriate monitoring. [Solution] The information processing device 30 includes a positioning information acquisition means for acquiring location information of a GPS terminal device 10, and a positioning frequency control information transmission means for generating positioning frequency control information for controlling the frequency of positioning execution by the GPS positioning means provided in the GPS terminal device, based on the location information of the GPS terminal device and the risk level information of the location related to the location information, and transmitting this information to the GPS terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a GPS terminal device, a monitoring terminal, a positioning control method, a display method, a program, and a monitoring system, and particularly relates to a monitoring technology using the position information of a target person.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to ensure the safety of children, the elderly, etc., a monitoring system using a GPS (Global Positioning System) terminal that can confirm the current position of a target person on a terminal such as a guardian'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 information of the target person is displayed on the screen of the guardian's terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=2,2]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of a system such as Patent Document 1, there were also points that were not appropriate as monitoring means. Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide an information processing device, a GPS terminal device, a monitoring terminal, a positioning control method, a display method, a program, and a monitoring system that can perform appropriate monitoring.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: positioning information acquisition means for acquiring location information of a GPS terminal device; and positioning frequency control information transmission means for generating positioning frequency control information for controlling the frequency of positioning execution by GPS positioning means provided in the GPS terminal device, based on the location information of the GPS terminal device and location risk information related to the location information, and transmitting this information to the GPS terminal device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a GPS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a GPS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the server hardware configuration according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of positioning frequency control processing in a GPS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an example of a table showing the correspondence between the risk level and positioning frequency according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the monitoring terminal according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure 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.

[0008] In this specification, "controlling the frequency of positioning" or "positioning frequency control information for controlling the frequency of positioning" may be used to include not only cases where the frequency of physical positioning operations of the GPS receiver unit inside the GPS terminal device is directly controlled, or cases where such control information is generated and transmitted, but also cases where the frequency at which the positioned location information is collected by the information processing device (server) and becomes substantially available for monitoring purposes (effective monitoring frequency) is controlled, or cases where information that results in such control is generated and transmitted. For example, even if positioning is always performed at a constant high frequency inside the GPS terminal device, not all of the positioning results are immediately transmitted to the information processing device. If the frequency and timing of transmission to the information processing device are controlled based on location risk information, etc., and the update interval of location information that can be grasped by the information processing device, i.e., the effective monitoring frequency, fluctuates, this can also be considered a form of "positioning frequency" control in a broad sense.

[0009] Furthermore, control that, during normal times (low risk), stops or reduces the frequency of detailed coordinate positioning and transmission, and instead switches to a mode where only presence information indicating whether the GPS terminal device is within a predetermined area (e.g., a safe zone) is generated at predetermined intervals and transmitted to the information processing device, and then switches back to a mode where detailed coordinate positioning and transmission is performed at a high frequency when the risk level increases, also optimizes the type, granularity, and frequency of acquired and transmitted location-related information according to the risk level, and can be considered one form of control of "positioning execution frequency" in a broad sense. Therefore, "positioning frequency control information" includes not only information that instructs the frequency of the physical positioning operation of the GPS terminal, but also information that instructs the frequency and timing of transmission of acquired location data to the information processing device, instructions for operation modes that switch the type and granularity of acquired location-related information, or information that combines these to control the effective monitoring frequency.

[0010] Conventional GPS monitoring devices for children had a problem where increasing the frequency of GPS positioning was necessary to obtain accurate, real-time location information for children, which led to significant battery consumption. On the other hand, reducing the positioning frequency to extend battery life meant that the latest location information could not be obtained if the child encountered a dangerous situation, potentially making a quick response difficult. In particular, even when the monitored person was judged to be in a relatively safe place such as home or school, continuing to perform positioning at a certain frequency was a waste of battery power. Furthermore, with conventional technology, if the situation where the subject's movement had stopped was uniformly judged as "safe" or "low urgency of monitoring," and positioning processing was stopped or the frequency was drastically reduced, there was a risk of missing the possibility that the subject was in a dangerous situation even without movement (e.g., being held captive by a kidnapper, unable to move due to an accident or sudden illness, etc.). In addition, when the battery level was low, the positioning function often uniformly decreased or stopped, which also presented a challenge in continuing even minimal monitoring in emergencies. In addition, conventional risk assessment methods often rely primarily on static area information and wide-area warnings. However, they have not provided sufficient solutions for capturing real-time changes in the situation at the location where the GPS terminal is present (for example, the occurrence of sudden abnormal sounds or urgent reports from the subject) and immediately optimizing the positioning frequency, for flexible responses that suppress the acquisition and transmission of detailed location information during normal times out of consideration for privacy while reliably obtaining information in emergencies, and for effectively linking proactive situation notifications from the subject themselves to positioning control. This embodiment solves these problems and explains how it balances battery life and monitoring accuracy, particularly improving appropriate monitoring according to risk and the continuity of monitoring in critical situations.

[0011] 1. Overview of the entire system Figure 1 shows an example configuration of the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment. The monitoring system 1 includes, for example, a GPS terminal 10 carried by the person being monitored (e.g., a child), a monitoring terminal 20 used by a supervisor such as a guardian, and a server 30 (an example of an information processing device) that is connected to the GPS terminal 10 and the monitoring terminal 20 in a way that enables communication. These are connected to each other in a way that enables communication via a network 40 (e.g., the Internet, a mobile phone network, an LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) network, etc.).

[0012] It should be noted that the information processing device (server 30) as used herein does not necessarily refer to a single central server that always relays and executes all communication and control between the GPS terminal 10 and the monitoring terminal 20. It may also include configurations in which some of its functions are distributed to other devices (for example, the monitoring terminal 20 itself or other cooperating devices that can communicate directly with the GPS terminal 10), or in which the monitoring terminal 20 functions as a limited information processing device under certain conditions (e.g., during short-range communication). For example, an architecture is conceivable in which the server 30 plays roles such as aggregating and distributing wide-area risk information, managing user accounts, issuing control instructions during long-range communication, and providing initial setup and authentication support for direct communication between terminals, while allowing or promoting direct control between terminals at short range.

[0013] The GPS terminal 10 has GPS functionality and acquires location information indicating its current location. Based on the control of the positioning frequency control means described later, the GPS terminal 10 acquires location information at a dynamically changed positioning frequency and transmits it to the server 30 as needed. The GPS terminal 10 is also equipped with movement stop detection means such as an accelerometer, environmental sensors such as a microphone, and a user interface such as a status notification button, which can detect its own movement status, surrounding conditions, and input from the target person, and use these for positioning frequency control and information transmission to the server.

[0014] Server 30 receives and stores location information and other information (for example, battery level, movement status, sensor information, subject declaration status information, etc.) from GPS terminal 10. Server 30 also manages and updates information regarding the risk level of a location (hereinafter referred to as "risk level information"), generates positioning frequency control information to control the positioning frequency of GPS terminal 10 based on this information, and transmits it to GPS terminal 10.

[0015] "Risk information" is multi-layered and may include the following information elements: (1) "Basic Hazard Information": A static or semi-static hazard level set in advance based on location and time of day. For example, a fixed level (e.g., 1 to 5 levels) is set for each area by statistically processing past crime rates, traffic accident rates, nighttime pedestrian traffic, etc. at the municipal or grid level. (2) "Emergency Hazard Information": More dynamic and wide-area danger information obtained in real time or periodically from external systems (police, local government, weather information, incident / accident information distribution services, etc.). A danger score (e.g., "suspect on the run" would be +10, "monkey escaped from zoo" would be +1, "roads frozen due to snow" would be +1) and an expiration date may be set for each type of information. (3) "Real-time situation estimation information": Information that estimates the specific situation around the GPS terminal and the state of the subject based on real-time data detected by sensors (microphone, accelerometer, etc.) installed in the GPS terminal 10 itself. For example, this includes the detection results of abnormal sounds (screams, collision sounds, etc.) from ambient sound analysis and the results of fall / impact detection from the accelerometer. This information is transmitted from the GPS terminal to the server. (4) "Information on the status of the person being monitored": Information that the operator of the GPS terminal 10 (the person being monitored) actively inputs using the status notification button or other buttons provided on the terminal, indicating their subjective perception of the situation or requests (e.g., pressing the "emergency" button). This information is also transmitted from the GPS terminal to the server. (5) "Situation Monitoring Level Information": The relative importance of monitoring and the recommended positioning frequency level according to the type and activity status of the location where the GPS terminal is predicted to be present, estimated from the lifestyle patterns (e.g., during weekdays in the school area) or calendar schedule information (e.g., travel plan on holidays) preset by the user (monitor).

[0016] The risk information management unit 330 (described later) of the server 30 comprehensively evaluates these various information elements and determines the final risk level. For example, the basic risk level of the area where the current position of the GPS terminal 10 is included, the score of valid emergency risk information, the urgency of the real-time situation estimation information and the target person complaint situation information received from the GPS terminal, and the current situation monitoring level, etc., are integrally judged using predefined rules, weightings, or machine learning models, etc., to determine the final risk level (e.g., levels 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 7) used for positioning frequency control. This mapping rule, each score, and the judgment logic are managed by the server 30 and can be updated as appropriate.

[0017] The monitoring terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC, etc., and dedicated application software is installed. The monitoring terminal 20 receives the position information, status, risk information, etc., of the GPS terminal 10 via the server 30, and displays it on a map or notifies the user (monitor). Also, under specific conditions (e.g., during short-distance direct communication with the GPS terminal 10), it is conceivable that the monitoring terminal 20 itself functions as a limited information processing device and directly controls the positioning frequency of the GPS terminal 10.

[0018] In this embodiment, the information processing device (mainly the server 30, or including the monitoring terminal 20 depending on the situation) dynamically controls the positioning execution frequency (including the positioning and transmission frequency of detailed coordinates, the use of presence information, the switching of operation modes, etc.) by the GPS terminal 10 based on the above-mentioned broad sense of "location risk information" (including real-time situation estimation information, target person complaint situation information, situation monitoring level information, etc.) associated with the current position of the GPS terminal 10 and the movement stop state of the GPS terminal 10.

[0019] 2. Description of Hardware Configuration (GPS Terminal) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the GPS terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. The GPS terminal 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) which are main storage devices, a storage device 102 (for example, a flash memory) which is an auxiliary storage device, a communication interface (IF) 103 for performing short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark)) with the network 40 and other terminals (such as the monitoring terminal 20), a GPS receiver 104 (a part of the GPS positioning means) for receiving signals from GPS satellites and measuring its own position information, an acceleration sensor 105 (an example of the movement stop detection means) for detecting the movement and acceleration of the GPS terminal 10, a battery management unit 107 for detecting the battery 106 and its remaining amount, a microphone 108 (sound collection means) for collecting ambient sound, and a user interface unit 109 including one or more operation buttons (for example, an emergency notification button, a situation selection button, a speaking button, etc.) for the target person to notify their own situation and intention. It is configured as a portable small device. Depending on the embodiment, it may be provided with a simple display unit (for example, an LED), a voice input / output unit, and other sensors (an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, etc.). The storage device 102 stores an OS, programs (such as firmware) for realizing various functions described later, and data necessary for processing (for example, its own ID, safety zone definition information, risk level information, positioning frequency setting, AI model, etc.). The CPU 101 controls the operation of the entire GPS terminal 10 by reading and executing programs from the storage device 102.

[0020] (Server) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 30 according to this embodiment. The server 30 is configured as a general computer system, comprising a CPU 301, main memory (RAM, ROM, etc., not shown), auxiliary storage device 302 (e.g., HDD or SSD), and a communication interface 303 for communicating with GPS terminals 10 and monitoring terminals 20 via the network 40. The storage device 302 stores the OS, programs for realizing various functions described later, and data necessary for processing (user information, GPS terminal information, location information history, risk level information determination logic and related databases composed of the various elements mentioned above, lifestyle patterns and schedule information, map data, AI models, etc.). The CPU 301 controls the operation of the entire server 30 by reading and executing programs from the storage device 302.

[0021] 3. Explanation of Functional Block Configuration (GPS terminal) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the GPS terminal 10 according to this embodiment. The GPS terminal 10 functions mainly as a positioning information acquisition unit 110, a risk level information acquisition unit 120, a movement stop detection unit 130, a positioning frequency control unit 140, a communication control unit 150, a battery information acquisition unit 160, an environmental sound analysis unit 170, and a user input reception unit 180, by having the CPU 101 execute a program stored in the storage device 102.

[0022] The positioning information acquisition unit 110 controls the GPS receiver unit 104 (Figure 2) and acquires position information (latitude, longitude, altitude, positioning time, etc.) indicating the current location of the GPS terminal 10 based on signals from GPS satellites. In addition, according to positioning frequency control information (including operation mode instructions) from the server 30, it may determine the detailed coordinate position, or it may compare the current estimated position with safety zone information set in advance in the storage device 102 and generate location information indicating which safety zone it is located within.

[0023] The risk information acquisition unit 120 acquires "location risk information" associated with the current location of the GPS terminal 10. This information may be risk levels and related policies received from the server 30 via the communication control unit 150, or limited information for the GPS terminal 10 to autonomously evaluate (for example, built-in safe zone information or self-diagnosis results based on information from the environmental sound analysis unit 170 or the user input reception unit 180).

[0024] The movement stop detection unit 130 detects whether the GPS terminal 10 is moving or stopped, based on the output from the acceleration sensor 105 (Figure 2).

[0025] The positioning frequency control unit 140 is the core functional unit of this embodiment and controls the positioning execution frequency (including the frequency of detailed positioning, the frequency of generating location information, and the frequency of information transmission) by the positioning information acquisition unit 110 according to positioning frequency control information (for example, the time to transmit location information next, the time interval until the next positioning, instructions to switch to a specific operating mode, or parameters and policies for autonomous control) received from the server 30 via the communication control unit 150. Alternatively, the GPS terminal 10 may autonomously and dynamically control the positioning execution frequency based on information from the risk level information acquisition unit 120 (including environmental sound analysis results and user input), information from the movement stop detection unit 130, information from the battery information acquisition unit 160, etc. This autonomous control may be performed within the scope of the policy received from the server, or it may be performed entirely by the logic on the terminal side. For example, if the positioning frequency control information received from the server instructs a specific operating mode (e.g., "school mode"), the positioning logic corresponding to that mode (e.g., reference positioning frequency, frequency change rule when movement is detected, etc.) is read from the storage device 102, and the positioning information acquisition unit 110 is controlled based on that logic and real-time sensor information.

[0026] The communication control unit 150 controls the transmission and reception of data between the server 30 and the monitoring terminal 20 capable of short-range communication via the communication IF 103 (Figure 2). For example, it transmits acquired location information (detailed coordinates or location information), battery information, sensor-derived status information (environmental sound analysis results, etc.), and subject-reported status information (button operation information, etc.) to the server 30 or monitoring terminal 20, and receives risk level information, positioning frequency control information, and control instructions from the server 30 or monitoring terminal 20. If the positioning frequency control information received from the server effectively functions as a data transmission frequency instruction, the communication control unit 150 selects and transmits information at the instructed frequency and timing from the data that the positioning information acquisition unit 110 has internally measured and stored at a high frequency.

[0027] The battery information acquisition unit 160 acquires remaining battery level information of the GPS terminal 10's battery 106 from the battery management unit 107 (Figure 2).

[0028] The ambient sound analysis unit 170 is implemented as part of a program executed by the CPU 101, or as a dedicated sound processing chip, and analyzes ambient sound data collected by the microphone 108 in real time. This analysis process may include, for example, measuring sound pressure levels, frequency analysis, recognition of specific acoustic patterns (e.g., human voices, specific machine sounds, impact sounds, etc.), and matching with pre-learned abnormal sound models (e.g., screams, glass breaking sounds, etc.). Based on these analysis results, the ambient sound analysis unit 170 estimates the acoustic environment in which the subject is located (e.g., silence, crowd, conversation, warning sound occurrence, etc.) or detects acoustic events that suggest a specific danger. Information regarding the detected or estimated acoustic environment conditions and acoustic events is used for the immediate, autonomous adjustment of the positioning frequency by the positioning frequency control unit 140 within the GPS terminal, or is transmitted to the information processing device (server 30) via the communication control unit 150, where it is used for more advanced danger determination and generation of positioning frequency control information in the server 30.

[0029] The user input receiving unit 180 receives input from the GPS terminal operator (the person being monitored) via the user interface unit 109 (for example, a physical button, a button on a touch panel, etc.). For example, if the operator presses the "emergency" button, the user input receiving unit 180 detects the operation, obtains information indicating the type of button pressed, the current time, and, if possible, the current location information, and passes this information to the communication control unit 150 as the person's declared status information. The communication control unit 150 transmits this information to the information processing device (server 30).

[0030] (server) Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 30 according to this embodiment. The server 30 functions mainly as a communication unit 310 (which may function as part of the positioning information acquisition means, battery information receiving means, positioning frequency control information transmission means, notification unit, and GPS terminal notification unit), a location information management unit 320, a risk level information management unit 330, a terminal control instruction unit 340 (which may function as part of the positioning frequency control information transmission means, notification unit, and GPS terminal notification unit), and a notification processing unit 350 (which may function as part of the notification unit and GPS terminal notification unit) by the CPU 301 executing a program stored in the storage device 302.

[0031] The communication unit 310 receives location information (detailed coordinates or location information), battery information, sensor-derived status information (environmental sound analysis results, etc.), subject-reported status information (button operation information, etc.) from the GPS terminal 10 via the communication IF 303 (Figure 4), and transmits location information and notification information to the monitoring terminal 20. It may also transmit risk level information, positioning frequency control information (including operation mode instructions, AI model update data, policy settings, etc.) generated by the terminal control instruction unit 340, and other control instructions to the GPS terminal 10.

[0032] The location information management unit 320 stores and manages location information (detailed coordinates, location information, movement log, etc.) received from the GPS terminal 10 in a database in the storage device 302, associating it with the terminal ID and timestamp.

[0033] The risk information management unit 330 manages and updates the multi-layered risk information described above (basic risk information, emergency risk information from external sources, real-time situation estimation information and subject declaration status information received from GPS terminals, situational monitoring level information based on user-defined lifestyle patterns and schedules, etc.) in a database. It then processes the determination (or estimation) of the overall final risk level based on the current location, time, and various received information of the GPS terminal 10. For example, if real-time situation estimation information such as "scream detected" is received from the GPS terminal, or subject declaration status information such as "emergency" button operation is received, the risk level is set to the highest level regardless of other information. This is rule-based or machine learning-based decision logic. The determined risk level is provided to the terminal control instruction unit 340 and the notification processing unit 350.

[0034] The terminal control instruction unit 340 generates positioning frequency control information that instructs the GPS terminal 10 on the specific time it should transmit location information next, the time interval until the next positioning, or the operating mode the GPS terminal should follow (e.g., "detailed positioning mode", "area monitoring mode", "power saving mode", "emergency high-frequency mode"), based on the location information received from the GPS terminal 10, the risk level determined by the risk information management unit 330, the movement status of the GPS terminal, the battery level, the subject declaration status information, etc., and transmits it to the GPS terminal 10 via the communication unit 310. This positioning frequency control information may also include information to control and support sensor data analysis on the GPS terminal side (e.g., ambient sound analysis) (e.g., update data for the analysis model, patterns of events to be detected, execution conditions and parameters for the analysis process, etc.). In particular, upon receiving subject declaration status information transmitted from the GPS terminal 10 (e.g., operation information of a specific status notification button), the unit quickly generates and transmits positioning frequency control information according to the content of the declared status information.

[0035] The notification processing unit 350 generates a notification message to the monitoring terminal 20 and transmits it via the communication unit 310 according to the status of the GPS terminal 10 (for example, entering a high-risk area, low battery level, change in positioning frequency, emergency notification from the subject, etc.). It also generates and transmits warning notifications to the GPS terminal 10 itself as needed.

[0036] 4. Explanation of Data Structure In this embodiment, the storage device 302 of the server 30 and the storage device 102 of the GPS terminal 10 store various data necessary for realizing this embodiment. Examples of the main data structures are shown below.

[0037] (Correspondence table between risk level and positioning frequency) Figure 7 shows an example of a table 700 that shows the correspondence between risk level and positioning frequency, which is referenced by the terminal control instruction unit 340 of the server 30, or by the positioning frequency control unit 140 of the GPS terminal 10 (when autonomous control is performed). This table 700 includes, for example, a "risk level" field 701, a "positioning frequency (moving)" field 702, and a "positioning frequency (stopped)" field 703.

[0038] Risk level 701 stores the final risk level (e.g., a number from 1 to 5) calculated or determined as described above.

[0039] Positioning frequency (moving) 702 indicates the positioning frequency applied when the GPS terminal 10 is moving (e.g., "every 30 seconds", "every minute", "every 3 minutes", "every 5 minutes", "every 10 minutes", or an identifier indicating a specific operating mode). Positioning frequency (stopped) 703 indicates the positioning frequency applied when the GPS terminal 10 is stopped (e.g., "every minute", "every 3 minutes", "every 10 minutes", "every 30 minutes", "stopped", or an identifier indicating a specific operating mode). For example, if the risk level is "1 (low)", positioning may be set to "every 10 minutes" (or "low frequency mode") even when moving, or to "positioning stopped" (or "area monitoring mode") when stopped. On the other hand, if the risk level is "5 (high)", positioning may be set to "every 30 seconds" (or "emergency high frequency mode") when moving, or to a high frequency such as "every minute" even when stopped, due to the "stop judgment cancellation mechanism" described later. This table is merely an example; the number of risk level stages, the specific positioning frequency, operating mode, and transmission frequency corresponding to each level can be arbitrarily set according to the system requirements. Figure 7 itself can be stored in the storage device 302 of the server 30 or the storage device 102 of the GPS terminal 10.

[0040] (Other data) In addition to the above, Server 30 manages user information (monitoring account information, associated GPS terminal ID, lifestyle pattern settings, calendar schedule information, safe zone definition information, etc.), GPS terminal information (terminal ID, target person information, battery status, installed sensor type, AI model version, etc.), location information history (past location information logs, detailed coordinates, presence history, sensor data logs, etc. for each GPS terminal), suspicious person information database (location, time, content, danger score, etc.), facility information (location information for home, school, etc., area information, related basic danger level, etc.).

[0041] The GPS terminal 10 can store information such as its own ID, current positioning frequency settings and operating mode settings, emergency contacts, safety zone definition information, and AI models and pattern data for environmental sound analysis in the storage device 102.

[0042] 5. Explanation of the processing flow Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of positioning frequency control processing performed by the positioning frequency control unit 140 of the GPS terminal 10 according to this embodiment (based on instructions from the server or autonomous decision). This processing is initiated, for example, at predetermined time intervals or when a specific event occurs (e.g., user input, sensor detection, receipt of instructions from the server).

[0043] First, the positioning frequency control unit 140 acquires risk information at the current location of the GPS terminal 10 (the latest risk level received from the server, or the risk level and situation estimated and judged within the GPS terminal) via the risk information acquisition unit 120 (step S100). This risk information can also be triggered by subject declaration status information (button operation) and environmental sound analysis results.

[0044] Next, the movement stop detection unit 130 determines whether or not the GPS terminal 10 is in a movement stop state (step S110).

[0045] If the GPS terminal 10 is in motion (No in S110), it is determined whether the risk level indicated by the acquired risk information is equal to or above a predetermined risk level (for example, a threshold where risk level 2 or higher in Figure 7 is considered "high risk") (step S120).

[0046] If the risk level is below a predetermined level (low risk level) (No in step S120), the positioning frequency control unit 140 sets the positioning to the normal frequency setting (step S130). On the other hand, if the risk level is below a predetermined level (low risk level) (No in step S120), the positioning frequency control unit 140 sets the positioning to the increased frequency setting (step S140).

[0047] If the GPS terminal 10 is in motion (No in S110), it is determined whether the risk level indicated by the acquired risk information is equal to or above a predetermined risk level (for example, a threshold where risk level 2 or higher in Figure 7 is considered "high risk") (step S150).

[0048] If the risk level is below a predetermined level (low risk level) (No in step S150), the positioning execution frequency of the positioning information acquisition unit 110 is set to reduce the positioning frequency or to temporarily stop positioning in order to conserve battery power (for example, by switching to "area monitoring mode" and stopping detailed positioning) (step S160). For example, refer to the table 700 in Figure 7 and set the "positioning frequency (stopped)" corresponding to the low risk level.

[0049] On the other hand, if the level of danger is above a predetermined level (high danger) (Yes in step S170), the positioning frequency control unit 140 increases the positioning frequency beyond normal (for example, setting a high frequency in "detailed positioning mode" or transitioning to "emergency high frequency mode"), regardless of the state in which the GPS terminal 10 has stopped moving (result of step S110) (step S170). This corresponds to the "stop judgment cancellation mechanism," and in a high-danger environment, even if the GPS terminal 10 has physically stopped moving, it does not easily judge this as a safe state, but rather considers the possibility that it is in some kind of abnormal situation (for example, the subject's actions are restricted by a third party, or they are unable to move due to an accident or sudden illness, a situation that does not involve movement but is extremely dangerous), and continues positioning to enable rapid situation assessment. For example, refer to Table 700 in Figure 7 and set the "positioning frequency (moving)" (or the stopped frequency for high danger, if available) corresponding to the high-danger level. The positioning frequency may be controlled in multiple stages depending on the risk level (e.g., every minute for risk level 3, every 30 seconds for risk level 5, etc.).

[0050] (Control based on battery level) In addition to the above flow, the positioning frequency control unit 140 can monitor the remaining battery level obtained from the battery information acquisition unit 160 and reflect this in the determination of the positioning frequency. For example, if the remaining battery level falls below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 20%), even if a high frequency is set in step S140 or step S170 (e.g., every 30 seconds for risk level 5), the positioning frequency is temporarily reduced by one level (e.g., to every minute) to prevent a complete shutdown of the monitoring function due to battery depletion and to continue monitoring as much as possible. This frequency suppression control according to the remaining battery level prevents a sudden complete shutdown of the monitoring function and also serves as a fail-safe function to ensure the safety of the subject until the end by continuing positioning at the lowest possible frequency, while considering the balance with the risk level, even when the battery is low. At this time, it is desirable to notify the monitoring terminal 20 that "positioning frequency is being suppressed due to low battery level." It is preferable that the frequency be higher than normal because the battery is low.

[0051] (Notification function) When the positioning frequency control unit 140 of the GPS terminal 10 changes the positioning frequency (especially when it is changed to a high frequency), or when the risk level information acquisition unit 120 detects a high risk level (including results from environmental sound analysis and user input), the communication control unit 150 of the GPS terminal 10 or the notification processing unit 350 of the server 30 notifies the monitoring terminal 20 of this fact. Figure 8 is an example of the notification screen 800 displayed on the monitoring terminal 20, which displays a message 801 such as "You are in a high-risk area. Monitoring is in progress with increased positioning frequency," and the current battery level 802 of the GPS terminal 10. If the subject presses the emergency button, a more urgent notification is issued.

[0052] (Learning function) The server 30 or GPS terminal 10 may be equipped with a learning function that optimizes the parameters for risk assessment (e.g., basic risk level, emergency risk information score, weighting of various information sources, mapping rules from the overall score to the final risk level, environmental sound analysis model, automatic estimation of lifestyle patterns, etc.) and the correspondence between risk level and positioning frequency as shown in Figure 7, using past usage data (e.g., frequency of dangerous events occurring in specific locations or time periods, frequency and content of reports from the target person, correlation between environmental sounds and actual events, user feedback, etc.) as learning data. This enables more efficient and effective monitoring that adapts to individual usage patterns, environmental changes, and the behavioral patterns of the target person the longer the system is used.

[0053] The elements of each of the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate within a non-contradictory range. For example, instead of the server 30 instructing the GPS terminal 10 on the next positioning timing in real time, it may transmit a positioning control policy or operation schedule that is effective for a longer period (e.g., several hours or a day) (e.g., a set of rules for setting the positioning frequency according to the recommended operating mode for each time period and the level of danger, a parameter range that allows autonomous decision-making on the terminal side, and sensitivity settings for ambient sound analysis). The positioning frequency control unit 140 of the GPS terminal 10 may then autonomously determine and execute the optimal positioning frequency based on the received policy or schedule and its own sensor information (accelerometer, battery level, ambient sound analysis results, user input, etc.). In this case, the server 30 does not need to frequently transmit positioning frequency control information to the GPS terminal 10 except when updating the policy or schedule, or when urgent danger information occurs, thus reducing the overall communication load on the system and suppressing battery consumption of the GPS terminal.

[0054] Furthermore, if the GPS terminal 10 and the monitoring terminal 20 are within range of direct communication using short-range wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi Direct®, or ultra-wideband (UWB), a configuration in which the monitoring terminal 20 functions as a temporary or limited information processing device and directly controls the positioning frequency of the GPS terminal 10 is also conceivable. In this case, the monitoring terminal 20 directly receives location information and sensor information (e.g., results of environmental sound analysis and input from the subject) from the GPS terminal 10, and based on the surrounding conditions perceived by the monitor on the spot (e.g., congestion level, weather, the subject's condition, etc., which can also be considered a type of "location risk information" in a broad sense), generates positioning frequency control information to be transmitted to the GPS terminal 10 (e.g., instructions for higher frequency positioning or requests for transmission of specific sensor information), and transmits it directly to the GPS terminal 10. The server 30 may also be responsible for detecting the start and end of such direct terminal-to-terminal communication mode, retrospectively collecting important event logs during that time, or taking over remote control as a fallback if direct terminal-to-terminal communication is interrupted. In this case, the monitoring terminal 20 will perform at least some of the functions of the "information processing device" described in claim 1 (positioning information acquisition means, positioning frequency control information transmission means).

[0055] Furthermore, if the GPS terminal 10 analyzes sensor information such as ambient sounds in real time and detects an anomaly (e.g., a scream is detected), it first autonomously and temporarily maximizes the positioning frequency and immediately transmits the anomaly detection information and detailed location information to the server 30. Based on the received information, the server 30 may perform multi-stage cooperative control, such as sending an emergency notification to the monitoring terminal 20 and, if necessary, considering other relevant information (e.g., past similar incidents in the area, the status of other GPS terminals, etc.) and sending positioning frequency control information to the GPS terminal 10, including further operational instructions (e.g., instructions to start recording, instructions to continue high-frequency positioning for a longer period).

[0056] Furthermore, when the operator of GPS terminal 10 presses a specific status notification button (e.g., the "A little scary" button), GPS terminal 10 autonomously and temporarily increases its positioning frequency by one level and transmits the button operation information and current location to server 30. Server 30 receives this information, notifies monitoring terminal 20, and comprehensively judges the type of button operation, location information, time of day, and other related information (e.g., the basic risk level of the area). If necessary, it may perform a stepwise and cooperative control by sending positioning frequency control information to GPS terminal 10 to further increase the positioning frequency or instruct it to perform a specific additional action.

[0057] The following describes specific examples of this embodiment. (Example 1: Low risk, improved battery life by suppressing positioning frequency when the vehicle is stationary) Assume that a child carrying GPS terminal 10 is in a home area that has been pre-registered as safe (basic risk level 1, final risk level 1 due to no valid emergency risk information), and that no movement has been detected by the accelerometer 105 for more than 30 minutes (movement stopped). Based on the flow in Figure 6, the server 30 (or the positioning frequency control unit 140 of GPS terminal 10) acquires risk level "level 1" in step S100, detects "stopped" in step S110, determines "low risk" in step S120, and proceeds to step S130. Based on table 700 in Figure 7, it instructs "positioning stopped" or an extremely low frequency such as "once per hour" as the positioning frequency for risk level 1 and while stopped.

[0058] For example, in conventional methods where GPS terminals constantly perform positioning at 3-minute intervals, the battery life was approximately 2 days. However, as in this embodiment, by significantly reducing positioning when stationary for extended periods in a safe home area, it is possible to drastically improve battery life to about 10 days. Furthermore, by combining frequency control according to the level of risk and control based on detection of movement stopping, even during activities outside the home area, unnecessary high-frequency positioning is avoided while appropriate monitoring is performed according to the level of risk. This is expected to reduce overall battery consumption by, for example, 30-50% compared to conventional methods, and improve battery life several times over.

[0059] (Example 2: Maintaining positioning frequency during high-risk situations and when movement is stopped (stop decision cancellation mechanism)) Assume a child carrying GPS terminal 10 is passing through an area where there have been reports of suspicious individuals in the past (which the server 30 has determined to be a final danger level 5). The child stops moving for 10 minutes for some reason. The server 30 (or the positioning frequency control unit 140 of GPS terminal 10) acquires danger level "level 5" in step S100 and detects "stopped" in step S110. In step S125, it determines that the danger level is "high" and proceeds to step S170. The "stop judgment cancellation mechanism" activates and, based on table 700 in Figure 7, instructs the GPS terminal 10 to continue positioning at a high frequency (e.g., "every minute") corresponding to danger level 5 (or the GPS terminal 10 controls itself). At the same time, the notification processing unit 350 of server 30 sends an alert to the monitoring terminal 20 such as "Movement has stopped in a high-danger area. Please check the details," along with location information updated every minute. This allows parents to quickly identify situations where their child is stopped unnaturally in a dangerous location (potential danger without movement) and consider how to respond.

[0060] (Example 3: Continued monitoring through gradual frequency reduction according to battery level) Let's assume that GPS terminal 10 is in a high-risk area (final risk level 4), and that the positioning frequency would normally be set to "every 3 minutes" based on Figure 7. However, based on the information transmitted from GPS terminal 10, server 30 (or GPS terminal 10's battery information acquisition unit 160) detects that the battery level is 20% (a predetermined threshold). In this case, server 30's terminal control instruction unit 340 (or GPS terminal 10's positioning frequency control unit 140) performs positioning at "every 3 minutes" corresponding to risk level 4, but temporarily reduces the frequency to "every 5 minutes" to further suppress battery consumption. At this time, monitoring terminal 20 is notified, "Although you are in a high-risk area, the positioning frequency is being reduced to every 5 minutes due to low battery level." If the battery level drops further to below 10%, the frequency will be further reduced to "every 10 minutes," and so on, in a stepwise control manner. This reduces the risk of the battery running out completely while continuing monitoring as much as possible.

[0061] (Example 4: Positioning frequency control based on the user's lifestyle pattern) The user (parent) registers the child's typical weekly lifestyle pattern with the server 30 via the monitoring terminal 20. For example, this information might include: "Weekdays 8am to 3pm: school area (low risk), weekdays 4pm to 6pm: park area (medium risk), and other weekday evenings and weekends at home: home area (lowest risk)." The risk information management unit 330 of the server 30 compares the current time and calendar information of the GPS terminal 10 with the location information received from the GPS terminal 10 and estimates the activity state that best matches the current situation and the corresponding monitoring level (risk level) based on the registered lifestyle pattern. For example, if the GPS terminal 10 is in the school area at 9am on a weekday, the risk level is determined to be 1 (low), and the terminal control instruction unit 340 instructs the GPS terminal 10 to perform low-frequency positioning (e.g., every 10 minutes). If GPS terminal 10 is in an unknown area outside the school area at 9:00 AM on a weekday, the risk information management unit 330 will determine this as a "deviation from the planned schedule," temporarily raise the risk level (e.g., to level 3), and instruct the system to perform positioning more frequently (e.g., every 3 minutes). This enables efficient battery management tailored to the user's daily activity patterns and allows for a quick response in case of deviation.

[0062] (Example 5: Battery consumption reduction and detailed logging through data transmission frequency control according to risk level) The GPS terminal 10 is configured to internally perform positioning at 30-second intervals and to maintain a detailed location log for the past hour in the storage device 102. When the server 30 determines that the GPS terminal 10 is currently in a safe home area (final danger level 1), it sends positioning frequency control information (effectively a transmission frequency instruction) to the GPS terminal 10 stating, "The next data transmission will be in 30 minutes, and the transmitted data will only be the latest location." The GPS terminal 10 complies with this instruction and continues internal positioning while refraining from transmitting data to the server for 30 minutes. Subsequently, when the server 30 detects that the GPS terminal 10 has entered an area with danger level 3, it immediately sends an instruction stating, "The next data transmission will be in 1 minute, and the transmitted data will be a detailed log for the past 10 minutes and the latest location." This allows the monitor to obtain detailed information quickly in dangerous situations while keeping communication costs and battery consumption low during normal times, and is also useful for tracking in case of an emergency. This method significantly reduces the number of communications compared to, for example, a system that performs positioning and transmission at one-minute intervals, and can reduce battery consumption related to communication by, for example, more than 50%.

[0063] (Example 6: Emergency response linked to ambient sound analysis) While GPS terminal 10 was moving along a normally sparsely populated school route (basic danger level 2), its built-in microphone 108 and environmental sound analysis unit 170 suddenly detected an acoustic pattern that was presumed to be a loud collision sound at close range followed by a person screaming. The positioning frequency control unit 140 of GPS terminal 10, triggered by this anomaly detection, autonomously increased the positioning frequency to the highest level (e.g., every 10 seconds) without waiting for instructions from server 30, and simultaneously sent the type of acoustic event detected, the time of occurrence, location information, and, if possible, a few seconds of recorded data to server 30 as an emergency notification. The danger level information management unit 330 of server 30 received this information (real-time situation estimation information) and immediately updated the danger level of the location to 5 (highest). The notification processing unit 350 sent an alert to monitoring terminal 20 stating, "Possible emergency: Collision sound and screaming detected near GPS terminal. Please check location information." The terminal control instruction unit 340 transmits positioning frequency control information to the GPS terminal 10, including instructions to continue high-frequency positioning, and, if possible, to attempt to acquire surrounding video (if a camera is installed) and establish an automatic voice connection with a monitoring terminal. This enhances the ability to respond quickly to sudden accidents or incidents.

[0064] (Example 7: Privacy protection and battery efficiency through presence monitoring mode within a safe zone) The user registers the child's home and school as safe zones with the server 30 in advance. If the child, who is carrying the GPS terminal 10, is in the school zone on a weekday morning, and the server 30 determines that the risk level of that area is level 1 (low risk), the server 30 sends positioning frequency control information to the GPS terminal 10 instructing it to enter "location monitoring mode (targeting the school zone, location information update frequency: 15 minutes)". Upon receiving this, the GPS terminal 10 stops determining and transmitting detailed GPS coordinates, and checks only whether it is in the school zone every 15 minutes, and sends the result (e.g., "In the school zone") to the server 30. The monitor can check the status, such as "Currently at XX school", on the monitoring terminal 20. If the child leaves the school zone, the GPS terminal 10 immediately sends this information to the server 30 (or the server 30 detects it through periodic location checks), the server 30 re-evaluates the risk level, and if necessary, instructs the GPS terminal 10 to switch to "detailed positioning mode (e.g., positioning frequency 3 minutes)". This operation protects privacy by preventing detailed tracking of a child's movements while they are in a safe location, and significantly reduces battery consumption of the GPS device. For example, for a child who spends most of their day at home and school, combining this location monitoring mode can extend battery life by several days compared to when detailed positioning is the primary method.

[0065] (Example 8: Changing the positioning frequency in response to status button input from the subject) The GPS terminal 10 has buttons on the user interface unit 109 that notify the user of three situations: "normal," "slightly anxious," and "needs help." A child feels that an unfamiliar person is following them on their way home from school and presses the "slightly anxious" button. The user input reception unit 180 detects this and sends it to the server 30 as the subject's declared status information. The danger level information management unit 330 of the server 30 comprehensively evaluates this declaration ("slightly anxious"), the current location of the GPS terminal (for example, a less crowded road would be a basic danger level of 3), the time of day (evening), etc., and determines the final danger level to be 4 (high). The terminal control instruction unit 340 sends positioning frequency control information to the GPS terminal 10, instructing it to increase the current positioning frequency (for example, every 10 minutes under normal circumstances) to every 3 minutes. At the same time, the notification processing unit 350 notifies the monitoring terminal 20 that "〇〇 has notified that she is 'slightly anxious.' Location: near △△. Positioning frequency is being increased." If a child presses the "I need help" button, the danger level will be set to 5 (highest), positioning will be immediately instructed to occur at 1-minute intervals (or more), and a high-urgency notification will be sent to the monitoring terminal. This allows the system to immediately reflect the subjective danger perception of the individual and quickly transition to an appropriate monitoring level according to the situation.

[0066] (Example 9: Announcements based on the level of risk) For example, if the GPS terminal 10 enters a dangerous area, the server 30 may notify the GPS terminal 10 to leave the dangerous area. For example, if the GPS terminal enters a dangerous area with a danger level of 3, the server 30 may issue an announcement to the GPS terminal 10 regarding the nearest dangerous area with a danger level of 1, similar to how a car navigation system would be used. For example, the server 30 may announce the destination via a speaker or display directional instructions on a monitor.

[0067] <Summary> [General tasks] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to enable appropriate monitoring according to the subject's situation while suppressing battery consumption in GPS-based monitoring.

[0068] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 1] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide an information processing device that achieves both reduced battery consumption and appropriate monitoring by generating and transmitting information that controls the positioning frequency of a GPS terminal based on the location information of the GPS terminal and related location risk information. Specifically, the objective is to provide a flexible and effective information processing device, GPS terminal device, monitoring terminal, positioning control method, display method, program, and monitoring system that enable appropriate monitoring according to the subject's situation while suppressing battery consumption in GPS-based monitoring, particularly reducing the risk of overlooking dangerous situations that do not involve movement, improving the continuity of monitoring when the battery level is low, and further responding to real-time changes in the situation and proactive information provided by the subject. [Note 1] An information processing apparatus comprising: positioning information acquisition means for acquiring location information of a GPS terminal device; and positioning frequency control information transmission means for generating positioning frequency control information for controlling the frequency of positioning execution by GPS positioning means provided in the GPS terminal device, based on the location information of the GPS terminal device and location risk information related to the location information, and transmitting this information to the GPS terminal device. According to one aspect of this disclosure, by controlling the frequency of positioning of a GPS terminal device based on the location information of the GPS terminal device and related location risk information, it becomes possible to suppress battery consumption of the GPS terminal while performing appropriate monitoring according to the situation of the subject. In particular, by continuing positioning even when the subject stops moving in a high-risk situation, it is possible to contribute to the detection of dangers that do not involve movement, and by gradually suppressing the positioning frequency even when the battery level is low, the continuity of monitoring can be enhanced. Furthermore, by comprehensively evaluating various information such as the user's lifestyle and schedule, real-time surrounding conditions detected by the GPS terminal's sensors (e.g., ambient sounds), and proactive situation notifications from the subject themselves as "location risk information," it is possible to control not only the positioning frequency but also the type and granularity of the information acquired and transmitted (e.g., detailed coordinates or presence status), or the GPS terminal's operating mode itself, thereby achieving both consideration for privacy and a high level of security, while also optimizing communication load and costs. This enables the provision of an information processing device, GPS terminal device, monitoring terminal, positioning control method, display method, program, and monitoring system that can achieve both improved battery life and improved monitoring accuracy.

[0069] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 2] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to more effectively reduce the frequency of positioning and minimize battery consumption when a GPS terminal is stopped in a safe location. [Note 2] The information processing apparatus according to Note 1, further comprising a movement information acquisition unit for detecting the movement stop state of the GPS terminal device, wherein the positioning frequency control information transmission means generates positioning frequency control information to reduce the positioning execution frequency or stop positioning when the GPS terminal device is stopped and located in a place with a predetermined level of danger or less than when the GPS terminal device is moving and located in a place with a predetermined level of danger or less. This significantly reduces battery consumption and enables longer operating times for GPS devices by drastically decreasing or stopping positioning frequency when the GPS device is safe and not moving.

[0070] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 3] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to maintain monitoring accuracy by ensuring that potential hazards that do not involve movement are not missed, even if the GPS terminal is stopped in a dangerous location. [Note 3] The positioning frequency control information transmission means generates positioning frequency control information to increase the positioning execution frequency to a predetermined high frequency or higher, even when the GPS terminal device is in a location exceeding a predetermined level of danger or when the GPS terminal device is stopped. This allows for the early detection of potential risks, even if the subject's movement stops in a high-risk area, and ensures the accuracy and real-time nature of location information necessary for safety.

[0071] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 4] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to further improve the balance between battery efficiency and monitoring accuracy by adjusting the positioning frequency more finely in response to changes in risk levels. [Note 4] The positioning frequency control information transmission means generates positioning frequency control information for controlling the positioning execution frequency in stages according to the level of danger indicated by the danger information, as described in Note 1. This allows for the optimal positioning frequency to be set in stages according to the degree of danger, providing an appropriate monitoring level for each situation while effectively reducing wasted battery power.

[0072] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 5] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to prevent the monitoring function from suddenly stopping even when the GPS terminal's battery level is low, and to allow monitoring to continue as much as possible. [Note 5] The information processing apparatus according to Note 4, further comprising a battery information receiving means for acquiring battery level information of the GPS terminal device, wherein the positioning frequency control information transmitting means generates positioning frequency control information to perform the positioning execution at a suppression frequency lower than the frequency corresponding to the risk level, even if the risk information indicates a risk level or higher, when the battery level acquired by the battery information receiving means falls below a predetermined threshold. This reduces the risk of sudden monitoring interruptions due to battery depletion, enhances the continuity of monitoring, and ensures a minimum level of traceability in emergencies.

[0073] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 6] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to achieve more accurate risk assessment and positioning frequency control that is more in line with reality by comprehensively considering not only pre-set static risk information but also highly dynamic risk information that is in real time. [Appendix 6] The information processing device according to Appendix 1, wherein the risk information includes at least basic risk information set in advance based on location and time of day, and emergency risk information received from an external source. This enables a more comprehensive and situational risk assessment that considers both static and sudden risk factors, and allows for appropriate positioning frequency control based on that assessment.

[0074] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 7] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to strengthen the monitoring system by quickly reflecting information about the appearance of suspicious individuals in risk assessments, which is particularly important for ensuring the safety of children and others. [Note 7] The aforementioned emergency danger information includes information on suspicious persons, as described in Note 6. This allows for the real-time incorporation of information on suspicious individuals who could pose a specific threat to the target group into the risk assessment, enabling rapid alerts and a shift to a more focused monitoring system, thereby enhancing safety.

[0075] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 8] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to effectively communicate important status changes and hazardous situations of GPS terminals to monitors in real time, thereby supporting situational awareness and rapid response. [Note 8] The information processing device according to Note 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a monitoring terminal that monitors the GPS terminal device of information relating to the GPS terminal device, wherein the notification unit transmits the information to the monitoring terminal when the positioning frequency control information transmission means changes the positioning execution frequency to be shortened, or when the risk information indicates a predetermined notification level or higher. This allows guardians and other supervisors to quickly identify important status changes in GPS devices (e.g., transition to high-frequency positioning) or the possibility that the person in question is in a dangerous situation, and to take appropriate action.

[0076] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 9] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to further enhance safety by directly notifying the GPS device owner of danger and encouraging autonomous danger avoidance behavior. [Note 9] The information processing device according to Note 1, further comprising a GPS terminal notification unit for notifying the GPS terminal device, wherein the GPS terminal notification unit transmits a notification to the GPS terminal device to encourage it to move from its current location to a location with a lower risk level than its current location when the positioning frequency control information transmission means changes the positioning execution frequency to be shorter, or when the risk level information indicates a predetermined notification level or higher. This helps GPS device owners recognize danger and take proactive actions such as moving to a safe location, contributing to a double layer of safety.

[0077] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 10] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a GPS terminal device that autonomously controls the positioning frequency based on risk information and movement / stop status, thereby achieving both reduced battery consumption and appropriate monitoring. [Note 10] A GPS terminal device comprising: GPS positioning means for acquiring its own location information; risk information acquisition means for acquiring risk information of a location associated with the current location of the GPS terminal device; and positioning frequency control means for controlling the frequency of positioning execution by the GPS positioning means based on the acquired risk information and the movement stop state of the GPS terminal device. According to the GPS terminal device described above, it can optimize the positioning frequency according to the situation, ensuring the necessary monitoring accuracy while minimizing battery consumption.

[0078] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 11] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a monitoring terminal that receives information regarding the status of a GPS terminal from an external source and displays it appropriately to the monitor. [Note 11] A monitoring terminal comprising: receiving means for receiving at least one of the following from an external information processing device or the GPS terminal device: location information of the GPS terminal device, risk information of a location related to the location information, and information regarding the frequency of positioning performed by the GPS terminal device; and display control means for displaying information regarding the status of the GPS terminal device on a display unit based on the received information. According to the monitoring terminal mentioned above, it becomes possible to accurately and remotely monitor the status of GPS devices.

[0079] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 12] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a positioning control method in which an information processing device effectively controls the positioning frequency of a GPS terminal. [Note 12] A positioning control method comprising the steps of: an information processing device acquiring location information of a GPS terminal device; and generating positioning frequency control information for controlling the frequency of positioning execution by GPS positioning means provided in the GPS terminal device based on the location information of the GPS terminal device and location risk information related to the location information, and transmitting this information to the GPS terminal device. According to the positioning control method described above, it becomes possible to suppress battery consumption of the GPS terminal while performing appropriate monitoring according to the subject's situation.

[0080] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 13] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a positioning control method that enables a GPS terminal device to autonomously and effectively control the positioning frequency. [Note 13] A positioning control method comprising: a step of a GPS terminal device acquiring its own location information by GPS positioning means; a step of acquiring risk information for a location associated with the current location of the GPS terminal device by risk information acquisition means; and a step of controlling the frequency of positioning by the GPS positioning means based on the acquired risk information and the movement stop state of the GPS terminal device by positioning frequency control means. According to the positioning control method described above, the GPS terminal device can optimize its positioning frequency according to the situation, ensuring the necessary monitoring accuracy while suppressing battery consumption.

[0081] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 14] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a display method that enables a monitoring terminal to effectively display status information of a GPS terminal. [Note 14] A display method comprising the steps of: a monitoring terminal receiving at least one of the following from an external information processing device or the GPS terminal: location information of a GPS terminal device, risk information of a location related to the location information, and information regarding the frequency of positioning performed by the GPS terminal device; and causing a display unit to display information regarding the status of the GPS terminal device based on the received information. According to the display method described above, it becomes possible to accurately and remotely monitor the status of GPS devices using a monitoring terminal.

[0082] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 15] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a program that enables a computer to function as an information processing device that effectively controls the positioning frequency of a GPS terminal. [Note 15] A program for causing a computer to function as an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. According to the program described above, it is possible to realize an information processing device that uses a computer to suppress the battery consumption of GPS terminals while performing appropriate monitoring according to the subject's situation.

[0083] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 16] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a program that enables a computer to function as a GPS terminal device that autonomously controls the positioning frequency. [Note 16] A program for causing a computer to function as a GPS terminal device as described in claim 10. According to the program described above, it is possible to realize a GPS terminal device that uses a computer to optimize the positioning frequency according to the situation, thereby ensuring the necessary monitoring accuracy while minimizing battery consumption.

[0084] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 17] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a program that enables a computer to function as a monitoring terminal that effectively displays status information of a GPS terminal. [Note 17] A program for causing a computer to function as a monitoring terminal as described in claim 11. According to the program described above, a monitoring terminal can be realized that uses a computer to accurately remotely grasp the status of GPS devices.

[0085] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 18] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a monitoring system in which a GPS terminal and an information processing device work together to achieve both reduced battery consumption and appropriate monitoring. [Note 18] A monitoring system comprising a GPS terminal device and an information processing device communicated with the GPS terminal device, wherein the GPS terminal device has GPS positioning means for acquiring its own location information and positioning frequency execution control means for controlling the frequency of positioning execution by the GPS positioning means based on positioning frequency control information received from the information processing device, and the information processing device has location information receiving means for receiving the location information from the GPS terminal device and positioning frequency control information transmitting means for generating positioning frequency control information for controlling the frequency of positioning execution by the GPS terminal device based on the received location information and risk information of a location related to the location information, and transmitting it to the GPS terminal device. According to the above monitoring system, the GPS terminal and information processing device work together efficiently, suppressing the battery consumption of the GPS terminal while enabling appropriate monitoring according to the subject's situation.

[0086] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 19] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to enable not only real-time objective risk information, but also the setting of more detailed monitoring levels tailored to the user's daily life patterns, and the optimization of positioning frequency based on those levels. [Note 19] The information processing device according to Note 1, characterized in that the risk information includes information indicating the degree of need for monitoring according to the activity status at the location or time of day where the GPS terminal device is located, which is estimated based on the monitored person's pre-set activity schedule or lifestyle pattern. This enables not only real-time objective risk information, but also the setting of more detailed and predictive monitoring levels tailored to the user's daily life patterns and schedules, and the optimization of positioning frequency based on these levels, thereby realizing appropriate monitoring that is tailored to the user's specific circumstances.

[0087] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 20] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to enable flexible positioning frequency control that allows for a certain degree of autonomy on the GPS terminal side while reducing the communication frequency between the information processing device (server) and the GPS terminal device. [Note 20] The information processing device according to Note 1, characterized in that the positioning frequency control information includes an instruction for the operating mode that the GPS terminal device should follow, or parameter settings for autonomous positioning frequency adjustment in the GPS terminal device. This allows for efficient reduction of communication frequency between the information processing device (server) and the GPS terminal device, while enabling flexible and situation-adaptive positioning frequency control with a degree of autonomy on the GPS terminal side. This improves overall system performance and the battery efficiency of the GPS terminal.

[0088] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 21] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to optimize data transmission to the server while maintaining detailed location information within the GPS terminal, thereby suppressing communication load and battery consumption associated with communication, and achieving both efficient information collection and power saving. [Note 21] The information processing device according to Note 1, characterized in that the positioning frequency control information includes information for controlling the transmission frequency of the GPS terminal device transmitting position information to the information processing device, or information for indicating the timing of the next transmission. This allows the GPS terminal to retain detailed location information internally while optimizing the frequency and timing of data transmission to the server according to the level of danger in the location. This effectively suppresses communication load and battery consumption associated with communication, achieving a high degree of both efficient information gathering and power saving.

[0089] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 22] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to flexibly separate the internal processing of GPS terminals from the transmission of information to the outside, thereby optimizing the effective monitoring level of the entire system according to the degree of risk, while also ensuring the efficient use of communication and battery resources. [Note 22] The information processing apparatus according to Note 1, wherein the positioning frequency control information transmission means generates and transmits information for controlling the effective monitoring frequency at which the information processing apparatus acquires location information determined by the GPS terminal device, based on the location risk information, independently of the frequency of physical positioning operations in the GPS terminal device. This allows for flexible separation of internal processing and external information transmission within the GPS terminal, optimizing the overall monitoring level according to the level of risk, while also enabling efficient use of communication and battery resources.

[0090] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 23] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to capture not only geographical risk information but also real-time changes in conditions at the location where the GPS terminal is located (for example, the occurrence of sudden abnormal noises), enabling more immediate risk assessment and optimization of positioning frequency. [Note 23] The information processing device according to Note 1, characterized in that the risk information of the location is at least partially determined based on information indicating the surrounding conditions of the GPS terminal device or the condition of the subject, which is estimated by analyzing real-time sensor data acquired by at least one sensor mounted on the GPS terminal device (for example, a microphone for detecting sound, an acceleration sensor for detecting motion, an illuminance sensor for detecting light, or a temperature sensor for detecting temperature). This allows for the capture of not only geographical risk information, but also real-time, minute changes in conditions and changes in the subject's state at the location where the GPS terminal is located (e.g., sudden occurrence of unusual noises, falls, sudden environmental changes, etc.), enabling more responsive and detailed risk assessments and the rapid and appropriate optimization of positioning frequency based on those assessments.

[0091] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 24] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to manage and distribute the latest sensor data analysis technology on the information processing device (server) side, improve the accuracy and efficiency of sensor data analysis on the GPS terminal device side, and realize positioning frequency control based on more advanced situational awareness. [Note 24] The information processing apparatus according to Note 1, wherein the positioning frequency control information transmission means transmits information for controlling or updating the analysis processing of the sensor data in the GPS terminal device (for example, an AI model for environmental sound analysis, patterns of acoustic events to be detected, execution conditions and parameters for the analysis processing, etc.) as part of the positioning frequency control information. This allows the information processing device (server) to centrally manage the latest sensor data analysis technologies (e.g., more advanced AI models and the latest threat patterns) and distribute and apply them to GPS terminal devices as needed. This continuously improves the accuracy, efficiency, and range of situations that can be handled by the sensor data analysis on the GPS terminal devices, enabling the sustained realization of precise positioning frequency control based on more advanced situational awareness.

[0092] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 25] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to effectively suppress battery consumption of GPS devices while simultaneously balancing different monitoring needs, such as protecting the privacy of monitored individuals during normal times and obtaining detailed and rapid situational information during emergencies. [Note 25] The positioning frequency control information includes an instruction to switch the operating mode of the GPS terminal device between a first operating mode in which the GPS terminal device acquires and / or transmits detailed coordinate position information and a second operating mode in which the GPS terminal device generates and / or transmits only location information for one or more predefined specific areas, wherein the information processing device instructs the second operating mode when the risk information of the location is lower than a predetermined threshold, and instructs the first operating mode when the risk information of the location is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, as described in Note 1. This allows for a balance between protecting the privacy of those being monitored during normal times and obtaining detailed information about the situation during emergencies, while also effectively reducing the battery consumption of GPS devices.

[0093] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 26] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to directly reflect the status of the GPS terminal in a user-defined safe space in the risk assessment, thereby enabling more precise and practical positioning frequency control that aligns with the user's intentions. [Note 26] The information processing device according to Note 1, characterized in that the risk information of the location is determined at least partially based on information as to whether or not the GPS terminal device is located within one or more safe zones set in advance by the user. This allows the status of the GPS terminal in a space that the user subjectively or objectively perceives as safe to be directly reflected in the risk assessment, enabling more detailed and practical positioning frequency control (including operating mode control) that aligns more closely with the user's intentions and actual living situation.

[0094] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 27] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to directly reflect not only objective risk information but also the subjective risks and urgency of the situation felt by the GPS terminal operator themselves in the moment in the risk assessment, thereby enabling more effective control of the positioning frequency that is in line with the subject's condition. [Note 27] The information processing device according to Note 1, characterized in that the risk information of the location is determined at least partially based on information relating to the subjective situation perception or requests of the operator of the GPS terminal device, which is indicated based on the operator's operation of an input means (e.g., a situation notification button). This allows for the direct incorporation of not only objective risk information but also the subjective sense of danger and urgency felt by the GPS terminal operator at the time into the risk assessment, enabling more precise and effective control of the positioning frequency that is tailored to the individual's condition.

[0095] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 28] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to enable a more flexible and responsive monitoring system based on the subject's wishes, by having the information processing device (server) quickly issue instructions to change the positioning frequency, etc., triggered by proactive notifications from the operator of the GPS terminal. [Note 28] The information processing apparatus according to Note 1, characterized in that the positioning frequency control information transmission means generates and transmits the positioning frequency control information in response to receiving information from the GPS terminal device indicating an operation by the operator to the input means. This allows the information processing device (server) to quickly issue instructions to change the positioning frequency, etc., triggered by proactive notifications from the GPS terminal operator, enabling more flexible and responsive monitoring based on the subject's wishes.

[0096] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 29] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to enable highly responsive crisis management and efficient battery operation by flexibly and quickly controlling the positioning frequency of GPS terminals based on the real-time situation assessment of the monitor themselves in direct, short-range monitoring without the need for a server. [Note 29] The information processing device includes a GPS terminal device and a monitoring terminal capable of short-range wireless communication, and the monitoring terminal determines the risk level of the location based on location information directly received from the GPS terminal device and the surrounding conditions of the GPS terminal device as recognized by the operator of the monitoring terminal, generates positioning frequency control information, and transmits it directly to the GPS terminal device, thereby performing some or all of the functions of the information processing device described in Note 1. This allows for flexible and rapid control of the GPS terminal's positioning frequency based on the monitor's own real-time situational assessment during direct, close-range monitoring without the need for a server, enabling highly responsive crisis management and efficient battery operation.

[0097] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 30] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a more flexible and robust monitoring architecture that can effectively control the positioning frequency of GPS terminals while selecting the optimal communication path (via server or directly between terminals) depending on the situation, thereby distributing server load, reducing communication delays, and lowering communication costs. [Note 30] The information processing device is configured as a distributed system in which a central server and a peer-to-peer communication network established between the GPS terminal device and / or the monitoring terminal function in cooperation, and at least a portion of the generation and transmission of the positioning frequency control information may be performed directly from the monitoring terminal to the GPS terminal device via the peer-to-peer communication network, characterized in that the operation of the information processing device described in Note 1 is included. This enables a more flexible and robust monitoring architecture that can select the optimal communication path (via server or directly between terminals) depending on the situation, distribute server load, reduce communication latency, lower communication costs, and effectively control the positioning frequency of GPS terminals. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1...Monitoring system, 10...GPS terminal, 20...Surveillance terminal, 30...Server, 40...Network, 101...CPU, 102...Storage device, 103...Communication interface, 104...GPS receiver, 105...Accelerometer, 106...Battery, 107...Battery management unit, 108...Microphone, 109...User interface unit, 110...Positioning information acquisition means, 120...Risk level information acquisition means, 130...Movement stop detection unit, 140...Positioning frequency control means, 150...Communication control unit, 160...Battery information acquisition 170...Environmental sound analysis unit, 180...User input reception unit, 301...CPU, 302...Storage device, 303...Communication interface, 310...Communication unit, 320...Location information management unit, 330...Risk level information management unit, 340...Terminal control instruction unit, 350...Notification processing unit, 700...Correspondence table between risk level and positioning frequency, 701...Risk level field, 702...Positioning frequency (moving) field, 703...Positioning frequency (stopped) field, 800...Notification screen, 801...Message, 802...Battery level display

Claims

1. A means for acquiring positioning information to acquire location information of a GPS terminal device, A positioning frequency control information transmission means generates positioning frequency control information for controlling the frequency of positioning performed by the GPS positioning means provided in the GPS terminal device, based on the location information of the GPS terminal device and the risk level information of the location associated with the location information, and transmits this information to the GPS terminal device. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The GPS terminal device is further provided with a movement information acquisition unit that detects when the device has stopped moving, The positioning frequency control information transmission means is If the GPS terminal device is stopped and located in a place with a predetermined level of risk or lower, positioning frequency control information is generated to reduce the positioning frequency compared to when the GPS terminal device is moving and located in a place with a predetermined level of risk or lower, or to stop positioning altogether. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The positioning frequency control information transmission means is If the GPS terminal device is located in a place exceeding a predetermined level of danger, even if the GPS terminal device is stopped, positioning frequency control information is generated to increase the positioning execution frequency to a predetermined high frequency or higher. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The positioning frequency control information transmission means is In accordance with the risk level indicated by the aforementioned risk information, positioning frequency control information is generated to control the positioning execution frequency by switching it in stages. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The GPS terminal device further comprises a battery information receiving means for acquiring battery level information, The positioning frequency control information transmission means is If the remaining battery level obtained by the battery information receiving means falls below a predetermined threshold, even if the risk information indicates a predetermined risk level or higher, positioning frequency control information is generated to cause the positioning execution frequency to be performed at a suppression frequency lower than the frequency corresponding to the risk level. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned risk information includes at least basic risk information pre-set based on location and time of day, and emergency risk information received from external sources. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned emergency danger information includes information on suspicious persons, The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The monitoring terminal that monitors the GPS terminal device is further provided with a notification unit that notifies the GPS terminal device of information relating to the GPS terminal device. The aforementioned notification unit, When the positioning frequency control information transmission means changes the positioning execution frequency to be shorter, or when the risk information indicates a predetermined notification level or higher, the information is transmitted to the monitoring terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The system further includes a GPS terminal notification unit that notifies the GPS terminal device, The GPS terminal notification unit is, When the positioning frequency control information transmission means changes the positioning execution frequency to be shorter, or when the risk level information indicates a predetermined notification level or higher, a notification is sent to the GPS terminal device prompting it to move from its current location to a location with a lower risk level than its current location. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. GPS terminal device, A GPS positioning method for acquiring one's own location information, A risk information acquisition means for acquiring risk information of a location associated with the current location of the GPS terminal device, A positioning frequency control means controls the frequency of positioning performed by the GPS positioning means based on the acquired risk information and the movement stop status of the GPS terminal device. A GPS terminal device equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

11. A receiving means that receives at least one of the following from an external information processing device or the GPS terminal device: location information of the GPS terminal device, risk level information of the location associated with the location information, and information regarding the frequency of positioning performed by the GPS terminal device. A display control means that causes the display unit to display information regarding the status of the GPS terminal device based on the received information, A monitoring terminal equipped with the following features.

12. The processor acquires location information from the GPS terminal device. The processor generates positioning frequency control information for controlling the frequency of positioning performed by the GPS positioning means provided in the GPS terminal device, based on the location information of the GPS terminal device and the risk level information of the location associated with the location information, and transmits this information to the GPS terminal device. Positioning control method.

13. The processor acquires its own location information using GPS positioning means, The processor acquires risk information for locations associated with the current location of the GPS terminal device using risk information acquisition means. The processor controls the frequency of positioning by the GPS positioning means based on the acquired risk information and the movement / stopping state of the GPS terminal device, using positioning frequency control means. Positioning control method.

14. The processor receives at least one of the following from an external information processing device or the GPS terminal device: location information of the GPS terminal device, risk information of the location associated with the location information, and information regarding the frequency of positioning performed by the GPS terminal device. The processor causes the display unit to display information regarding the status of the GPS terminal device based on the received information. Display method.

15. The processor is instructed to acquire the location information of the GPS terminal device. The processor generates positioning frequency control information for controlling the frequency of positioning performed by the GPS positioning means provided in the GPS terminal device, based on the location information of the GPS terminal device and the risk level information of the location associated with the location information, and transmits this information to the GPS terminal device. program.

16. The processor is instructed to acquire its own location information using GPS positioning means. The processor is instructed by the risk information acquisition means to acquire risk information for locations associated with the current location of the GPS terminal device. The processor is instructed by the positioning frequency control means to control the frequency of positioning performed by the GPS positioning means based on the acquired risk information and the movement / stopping state of the GPS terminal device. program.

17. The processor receives at least one of the following from an external information processing device or the GPS terminal device: location information of the GPS terminal device, risk information of the location associated with the location information, and information regarding the frequency of positioning performed by the GPS terminal device. The processor causes the display unit to display information regarding the status of the GPS terminal device based on the received information. program.

18. The system comprises a GPS terminal device and an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the GPS terminal device. The GPS terminal device is A GPS positioning method for acquiring one's own location information, A positioning frequency execution control means controls the positioning execution frequency of the GPS positioning means based on positioning frequency control information received from the information processing device, It has, The aforementioned information processing device is A location information receiving means that receives the location information from the GPS terminal device, A positioning frequency control information transmission means generates positioning frequency control information for controlling the frequency of positioning execution by the GPS terminal device based on the received location information and the risk level information of the location associated with the location information, and transmits it to the GPS terminal device. A monitoring system that has [this feature].

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