Information processing system, information processing method, information processing device, control method for information processing device, and application program

Abstract

This provides a method for setting up courses that allow users to run or engage in other activities comfortably. [Solution] The information processing system according to the present invention is an information processing system that stores information on travel routes previously used by multiple users, and is characterized by receiving input of route conditions from a user and generating a route based on the conditions and the information on routes previously used by the multiple users.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, a control method for an information processing apparatus, and an application program.

Background Art

[0002] Wearable terminals equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) function and capable of recording distances, speeds, etc. during running, cycling, etc. are becoming widespread.

[0003] Also, as described in Patent Document 1, a navigation apparatus that proposes a driving route of a vehicle in consideration of various conditions is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a method capable of setting a course that allows a user to comfortably run or the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing system according to the present invention is an information processing system that stores information on courses of movement used by a plurality of users in the past, and receives an input of course conditions from a user, and generates a course based on the conditions and the information on courses used by the plurality of users in the past.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to set up a course that allows users to run or perform other activities comfortably. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an overview of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an electronic device, an information processing device, and a server device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram showing an overview of the information processing method according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the process performed by the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the information recorded in the server device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in these embodiments are essential to the solution of the present invention. Furthermore, multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] First, the information processing system and other components according to this embodiment will be described.

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of the communication system according to this embodiment. The server device 300 is a server device for providing services managed by manufacturers, etc., that provide electronic equipment A100-1, electronic equipment B100-2, and electronic equipment C100-3.

[0012] Here, we assume that User A possesses electronic device A100-1 and information processing device A200-1. Similarly, we assume that User B possesses electronic device B100-2 and information processing device B200-2, and User C possesses electronic device C100-3 and information processing device C200-3. In Figure 1, only three electronic devices and three information processing devices are shown, but the number may be more than three or less than three.

[0013] Hereafter, unless otherwise necessary, electronic devices A100-1, B100-2, and C100-3 will be collectively referred to as electronic device 100. Similarly, information processing devices A200-1, B200-2, and C200-3 will be collectively referred to as information processing device 200.

[0014] The electronic device 100, the information processing device 200, and the server device 300 are each connected in a way that allows them to communicate with each other. However, the electronic device 100 may not communicate directly with the server device 300, but only with the information processing device 200. Furthermore, the communication methods for each device may be arbitrarily selected from known technologies. Typically, since the electronic device 100 and the information processing device 200 are in close proximity, Bluetooth® is preferred, but other communication methods may also be used.

[0015] Examples of electronic devices 100 include devices that are easy to wear during exercise, such as a wristwatch (a so-called smartwatch, etc.) or a chest belt. Electronic devices 100 may consist of a single wristwatch or multiple devices such as a wristwatch and a chest belt.

[0016] Examples of the information processing apparatus 200 include a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. In this embodiment, it is assumed that an application program made by the manufacturer that provides the electronic device 100 is installed in the information processing apparatus 200, and the information processing method described later is realized by executing the application program. However, a function pre-installed in the operating system (OS) of the information processing apparatus 200 or an application program (such as health management, map, etc.) provided by the provider of the OS may also be used.

[0017] Note that the information processing apparatus 200 may be a single device, or a personal computer and a smartphone, etc. may be used in combination according to the user's preference.

[0018] Also, in this embodiment, what is described as the function of the electronic device 100 can be incorporated into the function of the information processing apparatus 200, and it is also possible to realize the information processing method of this embodiment only with the information processing apparatus 200 without using the electronic device 100. In that case, for example, it is conceivable to give the application installed in the information processing apparatus 200 a function of executing the information processing method of this embodiment.

[0019] The server device 300 transmits and receives various information to and from the electronic device A100-1, the information processing apparatus A200-1, the electronic device B100-2, the information processing apparatus B200-2, the electronic device C100-3, and the information processing apparatus C200-3. For example, it collects position information from the electronic device 100 or transmits course information to the information processing apparatus 200. <000009�>

[0020] FIG. 2(a), FIG. 2(b), and FIG. 2(c) are each block diagrams showing the functional configurations of the electronic device 100, the information processing apparatus 200, and the server device 300 according to this embodiment. <ooo0098>

[0021] As shown in Figure 2(a), the electronic device 100 includes a control unit 101, a ROM (read-only memory) 102, a RAM (random access memory) 103, a detection unit 104, a communication unit 105, an output unit 106, and an input unit 107.

[0022] The control unit 101 is a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 101 implements the information processing method described later by executing programs stored in the ROM 102 and / or RAM 103.

[0023] The detection unit 104 has at least GPS functionality. In addition to GPS functionality, it may also be capable of detecting heart rate, acceleration, temperature, atmospheric pressure, etc. The information detected by the detection unit 104 is transmitted by the communication unit 105 to the information processing device 200 and / or server device 300.

[0024] The output unit 106 is primarily envisioned as a display (LCD, OLED, etc.) that shows information to the user, but it can be any other type of output, such as voice, vibration, analog meters, or lamps. The input unit 107 is, for example, a button or touch panel, and accepts user input. The input unit 107 may also be a voice input that detects and analyzes the user's voice and accepts it as an instruction.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2(b), the information processing device 200 includes a control unit 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a communication unit 204, an output unit 205, and an input unit 206.

[0026] The control unit 201 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 201 implements the information processing method described later by executing programs stored in the ROM 202 and / or RAM 203.

[0027] The communication unit 204 exchanges information with the electronic device 100 and the server device 300. The output unit 205 is mainly envisioned as a display (LCD, OLED, etc.) that displays information to the user, but it may be any other type of output such as voice, vibration, analog meter, lamp, etc. The input unit 206 is, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc., and accepts operations from the user. The input unit 206 may also be a voice input that detects and analyzes the voice spoken by the user and accepts it as an instruction.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2(c), the server device 300 includes a control unit 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a communication unit 304, an output unit 305, and an input unit 306.

[0029] The control unit 301 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 301 implements the information processing method described later by executing programs stored in the ROM 302 and / or RAM 303.

[0030] The communication unit 304 exchanges information with the electronic device 100 and the information processing device 200. The output unit 305 is mainly envisioned as a display (LCD, OLED, etc.) that displays information to the user, but it can be any other type of output such as voice, vibration, analog meter, lamp, etc. The input unit 306 is, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc., and accepts operations from the user. The input unit 306 may also be a voice input that detects and analyzes the voice spoken by the user and accepts it as an instruction.

[0031] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an overview of the information processing method according to this embodiment. First, the information processing methods during and after the activity will be explained with reference to Figure 3(a).

[0032] The user of the electronic device 100 wears the electronic device 100 while engaging in activities such as running, cycling, walking, hiking, driving, and touring. During the activity, the detection unit 104 of the electronic device 100 detects location information, and the control unit 101 stores the location information and the time when the location information was detected in the RAM 103 (S101). At this time, heart rate may be measured, steps and stride length may be measured from changes in acceleration, and temperature and atmospheric pressure (altitude) may be measured.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 101 may calculate the movement speed using the detection result from the detection unit 104. The calculated speed may be presented to the user by the output unit 106 or stored in the RAM 103. In this specification, the detection result from the detection unit 104 and the information calculated using that result are collectively referred to as "activity record." It is not necessary to include all of the above in the activity record.

[0034] In S102, the communication unit 105 of the electronic device 100 transmits the activity record stored in RAM 103 to the information processing device 200. The information processing device 200 stores the received activity record in RAM 203.

[0035] In S103, the communication unit 204 of the information processing device 200 transmits the activity record stored in RAM 203 to the server device 300. In S104, the server device 300 stores the received activity record in RAM 303.

[0036] Figure 8 shows an example of an activity record transmitted to the server device 300 and stored in the RAM 303. As shown in Figure 8, the activity record information can include activity information such as user identifier, activity type, and start date and time, as well as information such as the time, location, and heart rate detected and recorded during the activity.

[0037] The location information is currently given as latitude and longitude, but elevation may also be included. If the detection unit 104 is capable of measuring atmospheric pressure, the relative elevation change from a reference point such as the starting point can be calculated. Alternatively, the server device 300 may be given topographic map information, and absolute elevation information for points corresponding to latitude and longitude may be added to the server device 300.

[0038] In this embodiment, as shown in S102 and S103, the activity record was described as being transmitted indirectly from the electronic device 100 to the server device 300 via the information processing device 200. However, it may also be transmitted directly from the electronic device 100 to the server device 300.

[0039] Note that steps S102 to S104 can be performed after the activity has finished or at appropriate times during the activity. For example, if the activity is long-lasting, information can be output to the information processing device 200 at appropriate intervals, such as every hour, thereby deleting the outputted information from the RAM 103 of the electronic device 100.

[0040] Next, referring to Figure 3(b), we will explain the information processing method for creating activity courses (also referred to as directions, routes, etc.). When engaging in activities in travel destinations, unfamiliarity with the area can lead to accidentally entering accident-prone roads or failing to notice scenic routes. Therefore, if we can propose incorporating routes used by many runners, cyclists, etc., into the course, it will lead to an improvement in the effectiveness and satisfaction of the user's activity.

[0041] In S111, the information processing device 200 receives input of desired course conditions from the user via the input unit 206. Details of the course conditions will be described later, but examples include the starting point and distance.

[0042] In S112, the communication unit 204 of the information processing device 200 sends a course generation request to the server device 300. The course generation request includes the course condition information received in S111.

[0043] In S113, the control unit 301 of the server device 300 generates a course based on one or more of the course conditions included in the course generation request, past activity records stored in RAM 303, etc. Past activity records may include activity records by users other than the user of the information processing device 200 that sent the course generation request.

[0044] The server device 300 stores activity records of many users. Therefore, it is preferable to generate a course that prioritizes routes with a high number of users, based on the activity records of many users who perform the same type of activity, such as running. The number of users can be, for example, the total number of people who have taken a particular course in the past week (i.e., the number of activities that have a record of taking a particular course). If a sufficient number of activities cannot be obtained, a longer period such as the past month or a year may be used. If there are many activities, a shorter period such as a few days may be used.

[0045] Furthermore, if there are many activities, you can narrow them down by conditions such as speed. By narrowing down by speed, you can generate courses that are preferred by users at a similar skill level.

[0046] Alternatively, instead of generating a route with high traffic volume, it is possible to generate a route that prioritizes passing through points with high traffic volume (especially parks, convenience stores, etc.). Using points with high traffic volume would result in a route generation method similar to having waypoints set, which is expected to reduce the processing load on the server device 300.

[0047] However, there is a high possibility that the course will include unnatural right or left turns or U-turns in order to reach the point in question, which could compromise the comfort and satisfaction of the activity. On the other hand, if the course prioritizes routes with high traffic volume, the focus will shift from individual points to lines, making it easier to generate a more natural course (one that avoids repeated right or left turns, has fewer U-turns, etc.).

[0048] Alternatively, a route may be generated that takes into account, in addition to, the number of pedestrians, factors such as avoiding locations where accidents have occurred in the past year, or avoiding roads without sidewalks and with heavy vehicle traffic.

[0049] In S114, the communication unit 304 of the server device 300 transmits the course information generated in S113 to the information processing device 200.

[0050] In S115, the control unit 201 of the information processing device 200 displays the received course on the output unit 205. It also accepts course adjustment conditions, similar to the course conditions in S111. Course adjustment conditions are accepted to recreate the course under different conditions if the user is not satisfied with the course generated by the user.

[0051] In S116, the communication unit 204 of the information processing device 200 sends a course adjustment request to the server device 300. The course adjustment request includes the course adjustment condition information received in S115.

[0052] In S117, the control unit 301 of the server device 300 generates a course based on one or more of the course adjustment conditions included in the course adjustment request, past activity records stored in RAM 303, etc. The past activity records may include activity records by users other than the user of the information processing device 200 that sent the course generation request.

[0053] In S118, the communication unit 304 of the server device 300 transmits the course information adjusted and regenerated in S117 to the information processing device 200. The control unit 201 of the information processing device 200 displays the received course on the output unit 205. The processes from S115 to S118 are repeated at the user's request.

[0054] In S119, the communication unit 204 transmits course information to the electronic device 100 based on instructions from the user via the input unit 206.

[0055] In S120, the output unit 106 of the electronic device 100 displays navigation (map, direction of travel, etc.) based on the course information received in S119. S120 is executed when the user starts an activity. The activity can be started by user operation such as pressing the start button, which is the input unit 107 of the electronic device 100, or when the detection unit 104 detects movement at a speed exceeding a predetermined speed.

[0056] In this embodiment, course generation is performed by the server device 300. However, the information processing device 200 may acquire the information necessary for course generation from the server device 300 as needed, and the information processing device 200 may then perform the course generation.

[0057] The process shown in Figure 3(b) will be explained in more detail using Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the information processing device according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing device according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing device according to this embodiment.

[0058] The flow shown in Figure 4 begins when a user of the information processing device 200 attempts to use the course generation function via the input unit 206. For example, the user might launch an application corresponding to the electronic device 100 and select to use the course generation function within that application.

[0059] Applications compatible with electronic device 100 are provided by the manufacturer of electronic device 100 and can be downloaded and installed from app stores provided by the OS provider of information processing device 200. Past activity records may also be viewed using applications compatible with electronic device 100.

[0060] Alternatively, instead of using an application compatible with the electronic device 100, applications or OS functions provided by the OS provider of the information processing device 200 may be used. For example, health management applications or map applications could be used.

[0061] In S201, the control unit 201 displays a screen on the output unit 205 for receiving course generation conditions and accepts course condition input from the user via the input unit 206. Then, in S202, the control unit 201 sends a course generation request containing course condition information to the server device 300 via the communication unit 204. In S203, the communication unit 204 receives course information from the server device 300, and the control unit 201 displays the generated course on the output unit 205. Specific examples of the processing in S201 to S203 are shown using Figures 5 and 6.

[0062] First, the control unit 201 displays the start point setting screen shown in Figure 5(a) on the output unit 205. The screen in Figure 5(a) displays the map display area 501 and the information display input area 502. The start point is an example of a starting point for movement.

[0063] The map display area 501 displays the current location icon 503. The information display input area 502 displays instructions for the user to perform an action, such as "Please select a starting point. You can also select it on the map." The information display input area 502 may also include an object 504 for setting the current location as the starting point, and a search object 505 for searching for parks, sports facilities, etc., by name.

[0064] The starting point can be set by selecting (tapping, clicking, etc.) any point on the map. To prevent accidental setting of a point unintended by the user, the starting point may be selected by detecting double taps, double-clicks, or holding down a tap for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the location indicated by the current location icon 503 can be set as the starting point by selecting object 504. The search object 505 can be used to search for parks, sports facilities, etc., and these locations can be set as the starting point.

[0065] Once the starting point is set, the control unit 201 displays the goal point setting screen shown in Figure 5(b) on the output unit 205. Similar to the screen in Figure 5(a), the screen in Figure 5(b) also displays a map display area 501 and an information display input area 502. The goal point is an example of a destination point.

[0066] The map display area 501 displays a start point icon 506 indicating the start point selected by the user via the screen shown in Figure 5(a). The information display input area 502 displays instructions for the user to perform an operation, such as "Please select a goal point. You can also select it on the map." The information display input area 502 may also include an object 507 for setting the same location as the start point as the goal point, and a search object 505 for searching for parks, sports facilities, etc.

[0067] The method for selecting the finish line is the same as the method for selecting the starting line, as described above.

[0068] Once the goal point is set, the control unit 201 displays the course condition acceptance screen shown in Figure 6(a) on the output unit 205. The course condition acceptance screen has a course condition acceptance area 600 and displays instructions for the user to perform operations such as "Please select the course conditions."

[0069] The course condition reception area 600 may display a control item 601 for selecting the objective, a distance input field 602, a control item 602 for selecting the unit of distance, and a group of objects 604 for selecting conditions. In addition, the course condition reception area 600 may display an object 605 for setting waypoints, an object 606 for outputting instructions to generate a course, an object 607 for returning to the previous screen, and so on.

[0070] The control item 601 for selecting an objective is a pull-down menu, and tapping or clicking it displays the options. Examples of options include running, jogging, walking, cycling, trail running, etc. While a pull-down menu is preferable considering screen space, all options may also be displayed, as in object group 604.

[0071] The distance input field 602 is a field where the user enters the distance to be covered during an activity. One example is to display a soft keyboard and accept input when the distance input field 602 is tapped. Alternatively, after clicking the distance input field 602, input may be accepted via a hard keyboard connected to the information processing device 200.

[0072] Control item 602, used to select the unit of distance, is a pull-down menu; tapping or clicking it will display the available options. These options include, for example, kilometers and miles.

[0073] The group of objects 604 for selecting conditions lists the conditions for generating a course, and when selected, a small black circle appears inside a white circle to the left of the option. Checkboxes or other objects can be used instead of the circular objects. The group of objects 604 for selecting conditions may consist of one or more pull-down menus like the control item 601, but by using a group of objects 604 as in this embodiment, it is possible to accept any number of conditions.

[0074] The options shown in the object group 604 in Figure 6(a) are just examples, and other options may be included, or none of the options shown in the figure may be included. In this embodiment, the user may select all of the object group 604 as desired, but an upper limit may be set on the number of selectable items considering the processing load on the server device 300. If an upper limit is set on the number of selectable items, it is preferable to clearly indicate the number of selectable items on the screen.

[0075] When an object 605 for setting a waypoint is selected, the control unit 201 displays a screen similar to those in Figures 5(a) and (b) on the output unit 205 and accepts the setting of a waypoint by selection on the map or by searching for facility names, etc.

[0076] When the object 606 for outputting a course generation instruction is selected, the control unit 201 causes the communication unit 204 to send a course generation request to the server device 300 (S202).

[0077] After the communication unit 204 receives course information from the server device 300, the control unit 201 causes the output unit 205 to display the course confirmation screen shown in Figure 6(b) (S203).

[0078] The course confirmation screen shown in Figure 6(b) also displays the map display area 501 and the information display input area 502, similar to the screens in Figures 5(a) and (b).

[0079] The map display area 501 displays a start point icon 506 indicating the start point selected by the user via the screen shown in Figure 5(a), and a goal point icon 507 indicating the goal point selected by the user via the screen shown in Figure 5(b). Furthermore, the course indicated by the course information is displayed on the map shown in the map display area 501 using arrow objects 608. Alternatively, the course could be represented by a line of any color or by filling the path with any color.

[0080] The information display input area 502 may include an object 609 for transmitting (synchronizing) course information to the electronic device 100, an object 610 for re-selecting course conditions, and an object 611 for editing the course.

[0081] Let's return to the explanation of the flowchart in Figure 4. In S204, the control unit 201 determines whether or not it has received a request from the user for course adjustment. In the course confirmation screen shown in Figure 6(b), if object 610 is selected, it is determined that the request for course adjustment has been received; if object 609 is selected, it is determined that the request for course adjustment has not been received.

[0082] If the user selects object 609 (S204: No), the process proceeds to S208. In S208, the control unit 201 instructs the communication unit 204 to transmit course information to the electronic device 100 (synchronized with the electronic device 100).

[0083] On the other hand, if the user selects object 610 (S204: Yes), the process proceeds to S205. In S205, the control unit 201 displays the course condition reception screen shown in Figure 6(a) on the output unit 205. It is preferable to leave the course conditions selected based on the conditions received in S201, as this reduces the effort required for the user to set them again and allows them to confirm the conditions that were already selected.

[0084] Note that the screen displayed in S205 may be the screen shown in Figure 5(a) or Figure 5(b), but since it is unlikely that there will be many cases where the start / finish point needs to be changed, the course condition acceptance screen shown in Figure 6(a) is displayed here.

[0085] The processes in S205-S207 are the same as those in S201-S203 and are therefore omitted. On the course confirmation screen shown in Figure 6(b), the processes in S204-S207 are repeated until the user selects object 609.

[0086] By the way, there is a possibility that the course envisioned by the user may not be generated even if the course conditions are changed. In that case, an object 611 for editing the course may be provided, allowing the user to edit the course themselves by selecting object 611.

[0087] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing device according to this embodiment. The course editing screen shown in Figure 7 also displays a map display area 501 and an information display input area 502, similar to the screens in Figures 5(a) and (b).

[0088] In the example in Figure 7, as described in guidance message 702, the map display area 501 shows a number of people icon 701 indicating the number of users who have traveled each course in the past week. Additionally, a warning icon 706 indicating a location where an accident has occurred in the past may be displayed.

[0089] Furthermore, guidance message 702 may also display text with links to change the displayed information, or objects. In addition to the number of users, the displayed information may also include information such as traffic volume, the number of streetlights, slopes, sidewalks, intersections with traffic lights, and stairs. Figure 7 displays the number of people, but for traffic volume and streetlights, the road color may be changed like a heat map, for slopes an arrow indicating the direction of going downhill may be displayed, and for sidewalks, traffic lights, stairs, etc. icons may be displayed to indicate them. Also, multiple pieces of information may be displayed together, or only one piece of information may be displayed at a time.

[0090] Furthermore, the information display input area 502 of the course editing screen shown in Figure 7 includes a group of objects 703 for selecting the editing method, an object 704 for undoing the editing operation by one step, and an object 705 for transmitting course information to the electronic device 100.

[0091] The object group 703 for selecting the editing method shows three options in Figure 7: select a path, select waypoints and generate automatically, and draw a route. However, only some of these may be displayed, or other options may be provided.

[0092] When "Select a path" is selected, for example, the control unit 201 accepts the path selection (tap, click, etc.) via the input unit 206 and sets the distance between the intersections on both sides of the selected location as the course. The user repeatedly selects paths to determine the course. At this time, the control unit 201 may display the total distance of the selected paths on the output unit 206.

[0093] If "Select waypoints and generate automatically" is selected, the control unit 201 displays a screen like those shown in Figures 5(a) and (b) on the output unit 206, similar to when the object 605 mentioned above is selected, and accepts the setting of waypoints.

[0094] When "Draw Route" is selected, for example, the control unit 201 accepts the user's drawing of a course via the input unit 206. The course can be drawn, for example, by tracing a path on the map with a finger or mouse cursor.

[0095] Displaying information such as the number of people icon 701 and the warning icon 706 can assist users in considering their course, especially when selecting a path and drawing a route. The map display area 501 of the course editing screen shown in Figure 7 may also display the course generated by the server device 300 using highly transparent (or lightly colored) lines or dotted lines. Displaying the course generated by the server device 300 improves usability when the user wants to modify only a portion of the course.

[0096] <Other examples> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 100 Electronic equipment 200 Information Processing Devices 300 Server Devices

Claims

1. An information processing system that stores information on travel routes previously used by multiple users, The system accepts course conditions from the user. An information processing system characterized by generating a course based on the aforementioned conditions and information on courses previously used by the multiple users.

2. A control method for an information processing system that stores information on travel routes previously used by multiple users, The system accepts input from the user regarding the course conditions. A control method for an information processing system, characterized by generating a course based on the aforementioned conditions and information on courses previously used by the multiple users.

3. The control method for an information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the aforementioned condition includes the distance of movement.

4. The aforementioned information processing system comprises an information processing device and a server device. The information processing device is made to accept the input of the conditions, The information processing device transmits the received conditions to the server device. The server device is instructed to generate a course based on the conditions and the information of courses previously used by the multiple users. A control method for an information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the server device transmits the generated course information to the information processing device.

5. The aforementioned information processing system further comprises electronic equipment, A control method for an information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the information processing device causes the electronic device to transmit course information received from the server device.

6. The control method for the information processing system according to claim 5, characterized in that the electronic device is a wristwatch.

7. An information processing device that can communicate with a server device that stores information on travel routes previously used by multiple users, The system accepts course conditions from the user. The received conditions are transmitted to the server device. A course is generated based on the above conditions and the information of courses previously used by the multiple users. An information processing device characterized by displaying a generated course.

8. A control method for an information processing device that can communicate with a server device that stores information on travel routes previously used by multiple users, The system accepts input from the user regarding the course conditions. The received conditions are sent to the server device. A course is generated based on the above conditions and the information of courses previously used by the multiple users. A control method for an information processing device, characterized by displaying the generated course.

9. The control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the aforementioned condition includes the distance of movement.

10. After displaying the generated course, the user is asked to input a second condition different from the previous condition. The received second condition is sent to the server device. A course is generated based on the second condition and the information of courses previously used by the multiple users. A control method for an information processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that it displays the generated course.

11. A control method for an information processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that it accepts the selection of a path to be included in a course from the user.

12. A control method for an information processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that it receives a course drawing from the user.

13. A control method for an information processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that when receiving the drawing, the device displays the number of times that the multiple users have used travel routes in the past during a predetermined period.

14. A server device that stores information on travel routes previously used by multiple users and an information processing device that can communicate with the server device, The system accepts input from the user regarding the course conditions. The received conditions are sent to the server device. A course is generated based on the above conditions and the information of courses previously used by the multiple users. An application program characterized by displaying the generated course.

15. The application program according to claim 14, characterized in that the aforementioned conditions include the distance of travel.

16. After displaying the generated course, the user is asked to input a second condition different from the previous condition. The received second condition is sent to the server device. A course is generated based on the second condition and the information of courses previously used by the multiple users. The application program according to claim 14, characterized in that it displays the generated course.

17. The application program according to claim 14, characterized in that it accepts the selection of roads to be included in the course from the user.

18. The application program according to claim 14, characterized in that it accepts course drawing from the user.

19. An application program characterized by displaying the number of times a travel route previously used by the multiple users has been included in a predetermined period of time when receiving the aforementioned drawing.

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