Barrier information collection system, barrier information collection method, and program

Abstract

To provide a barrier information collection system, a barrier information collection method, and a program that can smoothly collect information related to barriers. [Solution] The barrier information collection system according to the present disclosure is a barrier information collection system that collects barrier data relating barrier locations where barriers exist in a passable area accessible to a user and barrier information indicating the degree of the barrier, and comprises an acquisition unit that acquires the predetermined location as a barrier location along with barrier information from the user when the user recognizes a barrier at that predetermined location, and a reward determination unit that determines a reward, which is the consideration for the user providing the barrier information, based on the barrier information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a barrier information collection system, a barrier information collection method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various proposals have been made regarding methods for prompting users to provide data. For example, in Patent Document 1, a provided data management method that can enhance the reliability of data provided by users has been proposed. The data management system according to Patent Document 1 verifies map-related data provided by users by having other users evaluate it. Also, in this data management system, the reliability of data can be improved by introducing a mechanism for awarding points to data providers and improved data providers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a user passes through an area such as a road or a square on foot or in a wheelchair, etc., if a barrier that hinders the passage is clearly marked on the map, the convenience for the user to pass through is enhanced. In order to create a map with information about such barriers clearly marked, in addition to the person in charge of creation actually going to each area to collect barrier information, it is also conceivable to collect information provided by users other than the person in charge of creation. However, relying on the spontaneous cooperation of users makes it difficult to smoothly proceed with information collection. Patent Document 1 proposes a method for awarding points, but it does not disclose a method for awarding points that is suitable for collecting information about barriers.

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve these problems and aims to provide a barrier information collection system, a barrier information collection method, and a program that can smoothly collect information related to barriers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The barrier information collection system according to this disclosure is a barrier information collection system that collects barrier data relating barrier locations where barriers exist in a passable area accessible to a user and barrier information indicating the degree of said barrier, and comprises an acquisition unit that, when the user recognizes the barrier at a predetermined location, acquires the predetermined location as the barrier location along with the barrier information from the user, and a reward determination unit that determines a reward, which is the consideration for the user providing the barrier information, based on the barrier information.

[0007] The barrier information collection method relating to this disclosure involves a computer that, when a user recognizes a barrier in a passable area, obtains from the user the location of the barrier, along with barrier information indicating the degree of the barrier; determines a reward for the user providing the barrier information based on the barrier information; and collects barrier data associating the barrier location with the barrier information.

[0008] The program relating to this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: when the user recognizes a barrier in a passable area, the program obtains from the user the location of the barrier, along with barrier information indicating the degree of the barrier; the program determines a reward for the user providing the barrier information, based on the barrier information; and the program collects barrier data associating the barrier location with the barrier information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure provides a barrier information collection system, a barrier information collection method, and a program that enable the smooth collection of barrier-related information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the barrier information collection system 1 related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the barrier information collection system 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the barrier information collection system 2 related to this disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an estimated reward notified by the estimated reward notification unit 14. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation related to reward estimation by the barrier information collection system 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation related to barrier information acquisition by the barrier information collection system 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the barrier information collection system 20 according to this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the barrier information collection system 1 according to the present disclosure. The barrier information collection system 1 is a system that collects barrier data, which associates the location of a barrier in a passage area accessible to a user with barrier information indicating the degree of the barrier.

[0012] A user-accessible area is an area designated primarily for user passage. Typically, a user-accessible area includes roads such as sidewalks and roadways, but it may also be within a parking lot or a passageway between a parking lot and a designated facility. A user-accessible area is an area that can be shown on a given map.

[0013] Furthermore, a barrier refers to a physical obstacle that may hinder a user's passage within a user's passage area. Barriers typically include, but are not limited to, steps, stairs, slopes, narrow passages, gaps between passages, escalators, elevators, and curves. While barriers are typically objectively identifiable as obstacles to a user's passage, those subjectively judged as barriers by the user may also be included as barriers in the barrier information collection system 1.

[0014] In other words, a user in the barrier information collection system 1 refers to a person who has an object that can be recognized as a barrier in a predetermined passage area. Examples of users in the barrier information collection system 1 include the elderly, people with disabilities, people requiring care, and pregnant women. Users may also include children. In this case, the user may be a guardian accompanying the child.

[0015] Here, even with the same object, it may be perceived as a barrier by some users and not by others. For example, if a user is using a wheelchair to pass through a designated passage area, the escalator will be perceived as a barrier by that user. On the other hand, if the user is elderly, it is assumed that the escalator will not be perceived as a barrier by that user.

[0016] The barrier position is the position where a barrier exists in the passage area. That is, the barrier position is part or all of the area displayed on the map as the user's passage area. For example, when there is a step in a part of the user's passage area, the barrier position is the area where the step exists. Also, when there is an elevator in another passage area and the elevator is recognized as a barrier by the user, the barrier position is the location where the elevator exists. The barrier position is represented by coordinates, for example.

[0017] Barrier information is information indicating the degree of a barrier. The degree of a barrier is an index indicating the physical nature of the barrier. The degree of a barrier can also be referred to as the degree of the barrier. That is, barrier information is information that can be used to compare the same type of barriers based on this information or objectively indicate the degree of a barrier. Barrier information is, for example, the height of a step, the inclination angle of a slope, the number of steps of a staircase, or the width of a passage. Also, the degree of a barrier may include the time required for the user to pass through the barrier.

[0018] The barrier information collection system 1 collects barrier data associating the barrier position and the barrier information. That is, barrier data is data indicating the barrier information at the barrier position. Barrier data is, for example, data in which the barrier position, which is coordinate data, and the barrier information, which is numerical data or text data, are displayed in a table format. Barrier data may be represented by a graph structure.

[0019] The barrier information collection system 1 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a reward determination unit 12. When the user recognizes a barrier at a predetermined position, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the barrier position as the barrier position and the barrier information together with the user from the user. The user acquires the barrier position and the barrier information by passing through the barrier at the barrier position. That is, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the barrier information acquired by the user in the process of dealing with the barrier together with the barrier position from the user. Here, the user's dealing with the barrier typically refers to the user passing through the barrier. The barrier position and the barrier information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 may be data when the user cannot pass through the barrier. That is, even when the user cannot deal with the barrier, the acquisition unit 11 can acquire the barrier position and the barrier information from the user.

[0020] The reward determination unit 12 determines a reward, which is the consideration for which the user provided the barrier information, based on the barrier information. That is, based on the barrier information acquired by the user in the process of dealing with the barrier at the barrier position, the reward determination unit 12 determines the reward to be given to the user. The reward determined by the reward determination unit 12 is, for example, electronic money, points, or cash.

[0021] Next, the flow of the processing operation by the barrier information collection system 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the barrier information collection system 1. First, when the user recognizes a barrier in a passable area where the user can pass, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the barrier position where the barrier exists and the barrier information indicating the degree of the barrier together with the user from the user (S101). Next, the reward determination unit 12 determines a reward, which is the consideration for which the user provided the barrier information, based on the barrier information (S102). Thereafter, the barrier information collection system 1 collects barrier data in which the barrier position and the barrier information are associated (S103). Here, steps S102 and S103 may be performed simultaneously, or step S103 may be performed before S102.

[0022] As described above, the barrier information collection system 1 according to this embodiment 1 can determine a reward for the user based on barrier information relating to a barrier recognized by the user at a predetermined location. Since the user can receive a reward based on the barrier information they provide, the barrier information collection system 1 allows the user to receive a reward by actively collecting barrier information. Therefore, the barrier information collection system 1 can smoothly collect information related to barriers.

[0023] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the barrier information collection system 2 according to the present disclosure. The barrier information collection system 2 includes an acquisition unit 11, a reward determination unit 12, a reward estimation unit 13, an estimated reward notification unit 14, a barrier information management unit 15, a user information acquisition unit 16, a user information management unit 17, and a reward management exchange unit 18. In other words, the barrier information collection system 2 is the barrier information collection system 1 according to Embodiment 1 with the addition of a reward estimation unit 13, an estimated reward notification unit 14, a barrier information management unit 15, a user information acquisition unit 16, a user information management unit 17, and a reward management exchange unit 18, and is a specific configuration that realizes the barrier information collection system 1. Where there is an overlapping explanation with respect to the barrier information collection system 1, the explanation will be omitted as appropriate. In the barrier information collection system 2, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the barrier information collection system 1.

[0024] The barrier information collection system 2 is implemented using the user's smartphone or PC (Personal Computer) with a predetermined application program installed, one or more application servers related to the application, and an external server capable of communicating with the server or the user's smartphone or PC. Here, the external server is, for example, a server of an administrative agency where the user's physical information is stored.

[0025] The acquisition unit 11, like the barrier information collection system 1, acquires barrier information along with the barrier location from the user. In the barrier information collection system 2, the user can acquire barrier information using a barrier information acquisition device. In other words, the acquisition unit 11 can acquire barrier information using a barrier information acquisition device used by the user. A barrier information acquisition device is a device worn or carried by the user to quantitatively acquire barrier information. Specifically, a barrier information acquisition device is a device for acquiring barrier information such as a 3D acceleration sensor, camera, stopwatch, sound level meter, or solar radiation sensor. However, the barrier information acquisition device is not limited to these and may also be a smartphone capable of acquiring predetermined barrier information.

[0026] For example, if a wheelchair user wants to acquire barrier information related to a step, the acquisition unit 11 can acquire information related to the height of the step from a 3D acceleration sensor attached to the wheelchair. Also, if an elderly user wants to acquire barrier information related to the width of a gap between passages by overcoming it, the acquisition unit 11 can acquire an image of the gap captured by a camera carried by the user. The acquisition unit 11 can determine the width of the gap by, for example, applying image processing to the image. Furthermore, in these examples, if the user carries a stopwatch, the acquisition unit 11 can acquire barrier information related to the time required for the user to pass through these barriers.

[0027] Furthermore, if the user is a guardian with a child and the user obtains barrier information regarding the width of the sidewalk by walking with the child on a narrow sidewalk facing a roadway, the user can have the child carry a camera, which is a barrier information acquisition device, and by taking images of the sidewalk they are walking on together, the acquisition unit 11 can acquire an image showing the width of the sidewalk.

[0028] The acquisition unit 11 acquires barrier locations and barrier information by performing data communication with the barrier information acquisition device used by the user. Here, the barrier information acquisition device may perform data communication with the user's smartphone. That is, the acquisition unit 11 may receive the barrier locations and barrier information acquired by the barrier information acquisition device via the smartphone. The acquisition unit 11 typically performs data communication via an internet connection, but may also perform data communication using short-range wireless communication technology.

[0029] The acquisition unit 11 may acquire qualitative information as barrier information from the user, rather than from a barrier information acquisition device. Qualitative information related to barrier information is information that cannot be acquired by a barrier information acquisition device. In other words, qualitative information is information that cannot be expressed in numerical format. Qualitative information is, for example, text data entered by the user from a smartphone or PC. Qualitative information is, for example, information about noise, air pollution, sunlight, and congestion levels. Specifically, qualitative information is information such as "I felt construction noise" or "I felt strong sunlight on a sunny day." In this case, quantitative information can be acquired from a sound level meter for noise or a solar radiation sensor for sunlight, but it is conceivable that the user does not own such barrier information acquisition devices. Even if the user does not have a means to quantitatively measure barrier information, the user may input barrier information as qualitative information, and the acquisition unit 11 may acquire that information as barrier information.

[0030] The acquisition unit 11 transmits the acquired barrier location and barrier information to the reward determination unit 12 and the barrier information management unit 15.

[0031] The reward determination unit 12 receives barrier information from the acquisition unit 11 and, similar to the barrier information collection system 1, determines the reward based on the barrier information as compensation for the user providing the barrier information. The reward determination unit 12 determines the reward by considering various factors related to the barrier information and the user who provided the information. That is, the reward determination unit 12 determines the reward by considering factors such as what degree of barrier the barrier information indicates, what kind of user acquired the barrier information, and when the user acquired the barrier information. When determining the reward, the reward determination unit 12 can receive the latest map data from the barrier information management unit 15. That is, the reward determination unit 12 can determine the reward for the barrier information acquired by the user by considering the latest map data.

[0032] The reward determination unit 12 determines the reward based on the rarity of the barrier information. That is, the reward determination unit 12 determines the value of the barrier information provided by the user based on the rarity of the barrier information. The rarity of the barrier information is determined, for example, by whether or not the barrier information is new information. If the barrier information is new information that has not been provided before, the reward determination unit 12 determines that the value of the barrier information is high. The rarity of the barrier information is also determined by the time elapsed since the last time the information was acquired. If a considerable amount of time has passed since the last time the barrier information was provided, the reward determination unit 12 determines that the value of the barrier information is high. Here, the reward determination unit 12 can determine the reward according to the latest terrain conditions by acquiring the latest map data from the barrier information management unit 15. In addition, the reward estimation unit 13 can calculate the time elapsed since the last acquisition of barrier information by acquiring the latest barrier information managed by the barrier information management unit 15.

[0033] The reward determination unit 12 can determine the rarity of barrier information based on the distance over which the barrier exists. In other words, the reward determination unit 12 can determine the rarity of barrier information based on the physical extent of the barrier. For example, the longer the distance over which the barrier exists, the higher the value of the barrier information related to that barrier is determined by the reward determination unit 12. In particular, if the barrier extends over a long distance and there is a suitable detour that can bypass the barrier, it is assumed that few users will pass through that barrier, and therefore the reward determination unit 12 determines that the value of the barrier information related to that barrier is high.

[0034] The reward determination unit 12 may determine the rarity of barrier information based on the time the user acquired the barrier information. For example, depending on the barrier, barrier information acquired by a user passing through the barrier location after sunset may be rare. In such cases, the reward determination unit 12 can determine that the value of the barrier information is high.

[0035] The reward determination unit 12 may consider the user's physical information to determine the rarity of barrier information. For example, even for barriers located at the same barrier position, the barrier information that can be obtained may differ depending on the user's physical characteristics. That is, for the same barrier, barrier information from a user with certain physical characteristics may already be available, but barrier information from a user with different physical characteristics may not be available. In such cases, the reward determination unit 12 will determine that barrier information from a user with the physical characteristics from which barrier information has not yet been obtained is rare and therefore has high value.

[0036] The reward determination unit 12 can determine a reward based on the difficulty of the user acquiring barrier information, using the user's physical information. That is, if the reward determination unit 12 determines that it is difficult for a user with certain physical characteristics to acquire certain barrier information, the reward determination unit 12 determines that the value of the barrier information acquired by that user is high. For example, it is difficult for a wheelchair user to acquire barrier information about stairs. Therefore, if the user uses a wheelchair to go up and down stairs and acquires barrier information, the reward determination unit 12 determines that the value of the barrier information is high.

[0037] The reward determination unit 12 can consider information about the clothing the user is wearing and the equipment they are using as the user's physical information when determining the reward. Here, clothing typically refers to the shoes the user is wearing. In other words, the reward determination unit 12 can determine the difficulty level of the barrier information the user acquires according to the shoes the user is wearing, and judge the value of that barrier information. Here, information about the clothing the user is wearing may also refer to information about the weight of the clothing the user is wearing. Information about the equipment the user is using refers to information about whether or not the user is using a walking aid and the type of walking aid the user is using.

[0038] User physical information includes basic information such as the user's age, type of disability, height, and weight, but is not limited to this. It may also include the user's muscle strength data, information about the clothing the user is wearing or the equipment they are using, or a combination of these. The reward determination unit 12 receives the user's physical information from the user information management unit 17.

[0039] The reward determination unit 12 can consider information other than barrier information obtained by the user during the process of acquiring barrier information when determining the reward. Information other than barrier information refers to information about areas within the user's travel area that do not obstruct the user's movement. For example, if a wheelchair user travels 1 km of flat road to acquire barrier information at a predetermined barrier location, the flat road traveled by the user does not constitute a barrier for the wheelchair user. However, since the user has expended a certain amount of effort to move to the barrier location, the reward determination unit 12 can consider the distance of the flat road traveled by the user when determining the reward.

[0040] The reward determination unit 12 calculates points according to a predetermined method and determines those points as rewards. Specifically, the reward determination unit 12 decomposes information such as barrier information and user physical information into multiple elements and calculates points based on a correspondence table that describes the correspondence between those elements and the corresponding points. In other words, the reward determination unit 12 calculates points based on barrier information by adding up the points corresponding to each element.

[0041] The reward determination unit 12 may calculate points using a correspondence table that describes the correspondence between combinations of two or more elements and the corresponding points. In particular, the reward determination unit 12 can use such a correspondence table when it is expected that the value of barrier information will increase when two or more elements are combined. For example, the reward determination unit 12 can calculate points based on a correspondence table that describes the points corresponding to combinations of the user's physical information and barriers.

[0042] Here, we will explain some examples of factors that the reward determination unit 12 considers when determining rewards. For example, if a wheelchair user travels a 1km route that includes a steep slope, the reward determination unit 12 calculates points by considering factors such as "wheelchair," "slope," "steep," and "1km." Also, if a pregnant woman wearing shoes walks a 300m route that includes average stairs, the reward determination unit 12 calculates points by considering factors such as "pregnant woman," "stairs," "average," "shoes," and "300m." Furthermore, if a healthy person pushing a stroller with a 0-year-old infant walks a 300m route that includes an average slope and a flat 700m route, the reward determination unit 12 considers factors such as "stroller," "0-year-old infant," "healthy person," "average," "slope," "300m," "flat," and "700m."

[0043] The reward determination unit 12 may determine the reward using a trained model that outputs points by inputting barrier information and user physical information acquired by the user. In this case, the trained model is generated by training the barrier information, user physical information, and corresponding points as training data.

[0044] The reward determination unit 12 may reward barrier information if the acquisition unit 11 receives substantially identical barrier information from users exceeding a certain threshold. This applies when it is inappropriate to reward barrier information if it is provided by users below the threshold. Here, it is inappropriate to reward barrier information if its credibility, reliability, or certainty cannot be recognized. In other words, this is when the value of the information cannot be determined.

[0045] This is the case, for example, when the acquisition unit 11 acquires qualitative information from the user as barrier information. In other words, since qualitative information may reflect the user's subjectivity, if it is only provided by a user who does not meet the threshold, it cannot be judged that the information has sufficient credibility or reliability. In such cases, the reward determination unit 12 does not determine a reward as consideration for the information. Furthermore, even if the information is quantitative and expressed in numerical form, if, for example, the information is directly entered by the user, the reward determination unit 12 may not determine a reward as consideration for the information.

[0046] If the acquisition unit 11 acquires substantially identical barrier information from users exceeding a threshold, the reward determination unit 12 may make that information eligible for rewards. For example, if the reward determination unit 12 receives information that does not meet the threshold, it may postpone the decision on the reward for that information for a certain period, and then determine the reward for each user once information exceeding the threshold is acquired. In this case, the reward determination unit 12 may decide to grant the reward that would have been given if no threshold had been set for the information to all users who provided the information. Alternatively, the reward determination unit 12 may decide to distribute the reward that would have been given if no threshold had been set for the information equally among the users.

[0047] The reward determination unit 12 can set any threshold. The threshold can be, for example, 2 people, 5 people, or 10 people.

[0048] The reward determination unit 12 determines the calculated points to be awarded to the user as a reward. The reward determination unit 12 transmits information regarding the determined reward to the reward management and exchange unit 18.

[0049] Next, the reward estimation unit 13 will be described. The reward estimation unit 13 has the function of estimating the reward when the acquisition unit 11 acquires barrier information. That is, the reward estimation unit 13 estimates the reward for barrier information when it is assumed that the acquisition unit 11 has acquired predetermined barrier information from the user. Therefore, the reward estimation unit 13 estimates the reward by considering various factors related to the barrier information and the user who is assumed to provide the information, similar to the reward determination unit 12. Typically, the reward estimation unit 13 estimates the reward using the same algorithm as the reward determination unit 12.

[0050] The reward estimation unit 13, like the reward determination unit 12, estimates the reward based on the rarity of the barrier information. That is, the reward estimation unit 13 determines the rarity of the barrier information, for example, by whether the barrier information is unconfirmed or by the elapsed time since the last acquisition of barrier information, and estimates the reward. Here, the reward estimation unit 13 can estimate the reward according to the latest terrain conditions by acquiring the latest map data from the barrier information management unit 15. In addition, the reward estimation unit 13 can calculate the elapsed time since the last acquisition of barrier information by acquiring the latest barrier information managed by the barrier information management unit 15.

[0051] The reward estimation unit 13 can determine the rarity of barrier information by considering the user's physical information. In this case, the reward estimation unit 13 can receive the user's physical information from the user information management unit 17. If barrier information at a certain barrier location is unconfirmed, the reward estimation unit 13 cannot find a correlation between the degree of the barrier at that location and the user's physical information. In this case, the reward estimation unit 13 does not have to determine the rarity of barrier information by considering the user's physical information, or it may estimate the barrier using satellite imagery, for example, and then estimate the rarity of barrier information by finding a correlation between the estimated barrier and the user's physical information. Alternatively, the reward estimation unit 13 may determine the rarity of barrier information based on the distance at which the barrier exists or the time it takes for the user to acquire the barrier information.

[0052] The reward estimation unit 13, like the reward determination unit 12, can estimate a reward based on the difficulty of the user acquiring barrier information using the user's physical information. Furthermore, the reward estimation unit 13 can consider information about the user's clothing and equipment as part of the user's physical information when estimating the reward. Other factors that the reward estimation unit 13 may consider when estimating a reward, and the reward estimation process, are the same as those of the reward determination unit 12, and therefore will not be explained further.

[0053] The reward estimation unit 13 may estimate the reward without using the user's physical information. In this case, the reward estimation unit 13 does not receive the user's physical information from the user information management unit 17. The reward estimation unit 13 transmits estimated reward-related information to the estimated reward notification unit 14. Estimated reward-related information includes, for example, barrier locations, barrier information, and information on the reward estimated for said barrier information.

[0054] The estimated reward notification unit 14 receives estimated reward-related information from the reward estimation unit 13 and has the function of notifying the user of the estimated reward. Typically, the estimated reward notification unit 14 notifies the user by displaying the reward estimated by the reward estimation unit 13 on the screen of the user's smartphone or PC, but the estimated reward notification unit 14 may notify the user by other means. That is, the estimated reward notification unit 14 may notify the user of the estimated reward by voice via the user's smartphone or PC. Hereafter, the explanation will continue assuming that the estimated reward notification unit 14 notifies the user by displaying the estimated reward on the screen of the user's smartphone or PC.

[0055] The estimated reward notification unit 14 typically displays the estimated reward for each barrier location on a map in any format, although the estimated reward notification unit 14 may display the barrier locations in a tabular format. When displaying the estimated reward on a map, the estimated reward notification unit 14 generates display data to be shown to the user by integrating the estimated reward-related information with the map data. In this case, the estimated reward notification unit 14 can obtain the map data from the barrier information management unit 15. Hereafter, the description will continue assuming that the estimated reward notification unit 14 displays the estimated reward on a map.

[0056] The estimated reward notification unit 14 determines the display format of the barrier location on the map according to the estimated reward level. In other words, the estimated reward notification unit 14 changes the display format of the barrier location on the map according to the estimated reward level. The display format of the barrier location can also be called the way the barrier location is displayed. That is, the estimated reward notification unit 14 changes the way the barrier location is displayed on the map according to the estimated reward level.

[0057] The display method for barrier locations can be, for example, by color. That is, the estimated reward notification unit 14 can change the color used to display barrier locations based on the level of reward. Specifically, the higher the estimated reward, the more vividly the barrier locations related to that reward can be displayed on the map, such as in red or yellow. Alternatively, the display method for barrier locations can be, for example, by the intensity of the barrier locations. That is, even if the color used to display barrier locations is a single color, the estimated reward notification unit 14 can indicate the level of the estimated reward by changing the intensity of the barrier locations. For example, the higher the estimated reward, the more vividly the barrier locations related to that reward can be displayed on the map. Furthermore, the estimated reward notification unit 14 may determine the display method by changing both the color and intensity of the barrier locations based on the estimated level of reward. Here, changing the display method for barrier locations on the map by color or intensity can also be referred to as creating a heat map of estimated rewards. That is, changing the display method for barrier locations based on the level of estimated reward means visualizing the estimated reward.

[0058] Furthermore, the estimated reward notification unit 14 may display the barrier locations by changing the blinking rate of the barrier locations based on the degree of the estimated reward. That is, the estimated reward notification unit 14 can display the barrier locations such that the blinking speed of the barrier locations related to the reward increases as the estimated reward increases.

[0059] The estimated reward notification unit 14 may notify the user of the reward by displaying a numerical value of the estimated reward corresponding to the barrier location. That is, when displaying the estimated reward on a map, the estimated reward notification unit 14 may clearly indicate the estimated reward near the barrier location. Also, when displaying the barrier locations in a table format, the estimated reward notification unit 14 may display the estimated reward corresponding to the barrier location within the table.

[0060] Here, we will explain an example of an estimated reward that the estimated reward notification unit 14 notifies the user of. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an estimated reward notified by the estimated reward notification unit 14. In Figure 4, the estimated reward notification unit 14 displays the location of barriers on the map by changing the intensity of the barrier locations based on the degree of the estimated reward. As shown in Figure 4, the estimated reward is high in passage areas with steps, so the estimated reward notification unit 14 displays these barrier locations in a darker color. In addition, for users who recognize elevators or curves as barriers, the estimated reward notification unit 14 can indicate to the user that the estimated reward for that barrier information is high by displaying the passage area where the barrier exists in a darker color. Note that the callouts in Figure 4 indicate specific barriers in the passage, but these callouts do not necessarily have to be displayed on the map. Alternatively, these callouts may be displayed when the user selects the corresponding passage.

[0061] Returning to Figure 3, we will continue the explanation of each component in the barrier information collection system 2. The barrier information management unit 15 receives barrier locations and barrier information acquired from users by the acquisition unit 11, associates this data to generate barrier data, and stores it. If the acquisition unit 11 acquires barrier locations and barrier information from multiple users, the barrier information management unit 15 can integrate this data acquired from multiple users to generate and store barrier data. The barrier information management unit 15 also stores the latest map data for barrier locations. The barrier information management unit 15 may acquire map data from an application server or by cooperating with an external server. The barrier information management unit 15 can, if necessary, transmit the latest map data to the reward determination unit 12, the reward estimation unit 13, and the estimated reward notification unit 14. The barrier information management unit 15 can, if necessary, transmit barrier information to the reward determination unit 12 and the reward estimation unit 13.

[0062] The barrier information management unit 15 can notify the user of the barrier data it stores. If the acquisition unit 11 has acquired barrier information from multiple users, the barrier information management unit 15 can notify each user of integrated barrier data from those multiple users. Typically, the barrier information management unit 15 notifies the user by displaying the barrier data on the user's smartphone or PC screen, but it may also notify the user of the barrier data by voice, for example. Hereafter, the explanation will continue assuming that the barrier information management unit 15 notifies the user by displaying the barrier data.

[0063] The barrier information management unit 15 typically displays barrier data on a map. Therefore, the barrier information management unit 15 generates display data for the user by integrating barrier data and map data. Alternatively, the barrier information management unit 15 may generate display data in tabular format.

[0064] The barrier information management unit 15 can generate display data that takes into account the user's physical characteristics by receiving the user's physical information from the user information management unit 17. In other words, the barrier information management unit 15 can compare the collected barrier data with the user's physical information and generate display data to show the barrier data that the user recognizes as a barrier. This avoids displaying barrier data that the user does not recognize as a barrier to that user, thereby improving the visibility of barrier data and user convenience.

[0065] The user information acquisition unit 16 acquires the user's physical information from the media of the administrative agency to which the user belongs. The administrative agency to which the user belongs may be the national government, a local government, or both. For example, the user information acquisition unit 16 can acquire the user's physical information from the IC (Integrated Circuit) information of the user's My Number Card or driver's license. In this case, the user information acquisition unit 16 can acquire the user's physical information when the user has the IC information of the My Number Card or driver's license read by their smartphone or PC. Alternatively, the user information acquisition unit 16 may acquire the user's physical information when the user inputs it via their smartphone or PC. Furthermore, the user information acquisition unit 16 can acquire information other than the user's physical information. For example, the user information acquisition unit 16 can acquire user identification information necessary to link rewards to the user. Information about the user, such as the user's physical information and user identification information, is referred to as user information. The user information acquisition unit 16 transmits the acquired user information to the user information management unit 17.

[0066] The user information management unit 17 has the function of receiving user information from the user information acquisition unit 16 and storing it. In other words, the user information management unit 17 is an example of a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. The user information management unit 17 transmits the user's physical information to the reward determination unit 12 and the reward estimation unit 13 as needed.

[0067] The reward management and exchange unit 18 receives information regarding the rewards determined by the reward determination unit 12. The reward management and exchange unit 18 stores information regarding the rewards, associating the rewards for the barrier information provided by the user with the user's identification information. The reward management and exchange unit 18 can exchange the rewards earned by the user for any electronic money, points, or cash. The user can receive the exchanged rewards from the reward management and exchange unit 18 at any time.

[0068] Next, the processing flow of the barrier information collection system 2 will be explained. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation related to reward estimation by the barrier information collection system 2. First, the barrier information management unit 15 acquires the latest map data (S201). Next, the reward estimation unit 13 receives the map data and barrier information from the barrier information management unit 15 and integrates the map data and barrier information (S202). Meanwhile, the user information acquisition unit 16 acquires the user's physical information (S203). After that, the user information management unit 17 stores the physical information (S204). Steps S201 and S202 and steps S203 and S204 may be performed simultaneously or separately. That is, steps S203 and S204 may be performed after steps S201 and S202. Also, if there is no need to acquire new user physical information, steps S203 and S204 may be omitted.

[0069] Subsequently, the reward estimation unit 13 estimates the reward based on the barrier information and the user's physical information (S205). Then, the estimated reward notification unit 14 notifies the user of the reward estimated by the reward estimation unit 13 (S206). This allows the user to recognize the estimated reward.

[0070] Next, an example of the operation of the barrier information collection system 2 when a user provides barrier information will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation related to barrier information acquisition by the barrier information collection system 2. First, the acquisition unit 11 acquires barrier information at the barrier location from the user (S207). Next, the reward determination unit 12 determines the reward to be given to the user based on the barrier information (S208). After that, the reward determination unit 12 decides whether or not to give the user a reward for the barrier information (S209). If a reward is to be given, the reward determination unit 12 transmits information regarding the reward to the reward management exchange unit 18. The reward management exchange unit 18 manages the reward in association with the user's identification information (S210). If no reward is to be given, the processing by the reward determination unit 12 ends. Users who have been given a reward can retrieve the reward from the reward management exchange unit 18 at any time. In this case, the reward management exchange unit 18 exchanges the reward for predetermined electronic money or cash as needed.

[0071] On the other hand, if the acquisition unit 11 acquires barrier information in step S207, the acquisition unit 11 transmits the barrier information to the barrier information management unit 15. The barrier information management unit 15 then updates and stores the barrier information (S211). In other words, the barrier information management unit 15 integrates the newly acquired barrier information with the existing barrier information and stores it. Steps S208 to S210 and step S211 may or may not be performed simultaneously. That is, step S211 may be performed after steps S208 to S210, or step S211 may be performed before step S208.

[0072] Thus, the barrier information collection system 2 according to this embodiment 2 can concretely realize the barrier information collection system 1. For example, in map navigation using related technologies, information on the degree of barriers and the presence or absence of barriers is insufficient, so users such as the elderly and people with disabilities cannot obtain appropriate barrier information from such map navigation. In the barrier information collection system 2, a reward can be determined as compensation for the information provided by the user based on the barrier information acquired by the user. The user can receive appropriate compensation for the barrier information they provide. Therefore, the barrier information collection system 2 can provide an incentive to the user for acquiring barrier information. According to the barrier information collection system 2, appropriate barrier information can be acquired from the user.

[0073] Furthermore, the barrier information collection system 2 can determine rewards based on the rarity of barrier information. This allows the barrier information collection system 2 to evaluate the barrier information acquired by the user in relation to already acquired barrier information, thereby providing users with more appropriate compensation. In addition, the barrier information collection system 2 can determine rewards based on the difficulty of acquiring barrier information for the user, using the user's physical information. This allows the barrier information collection system 2 to determine rewards considering not only the barrier information but also the user's physical information, thereby providing users with even more appropriate compensation.

[0074] Furthermore, the barrier information collection system 2 includes a function to estimate the reward for barrier information and notify the user of the estimated reward. Since the user can be aware of the estimated reward for barrier information in advance, the barrier information collection system 2 can increase the user's incentive to acquire barrier information. Therefore, the barrier information collection system 2 can continuously acquire barrier information. In other words, the barrier information collection system 2 can build a mechanism to continuously acquire barrier information from users.

[0075] Furthermore, when estimating rewards, the barrier information collection system 2 can estimate rewards based on the rarity of the barrier information and the difficulty for users to acquire the barrier information. This allows the barrier information collection system 2 to estimate appropriate rewards. In particular, by estimating rewards in a manner similar to the algorithms used in reward determination in actual operation, the barrier information collection system 2 can determine highly accurate estimates.

[0076] Furthermore, the barrier information collection system 2 can determine the display format of barrier locations based on the estimated reward level. Specifically, the barrier information collection system 2 can determine this display format by changing at least one of the color or intensity of the display of the barrier locations based on the estimated reward level. In other words, the barrier information collection system 2 can, for example, make barrier locations related to barrier information with high estimated rewards stand out. This allows users to intuitively grasp barrier locations with high estimated rewards. Therefore, the barrier information collection system 2 can improve the visibility of rewards when displaying estimated rewards to users.

[0077] Furthermore, the barrier information collection system 2 can reward users for substantially identical barrier information provided by users above a certain threshold. If barrier information provided by users below a certain threshold lacks credibility, reliability, or certainty, the barrier information collection system 2 may be unable to determine its value. By rewarding users for substantially identical information provided by users above a certain threshold, the barrier information collection system 2 can collect information whose credibility, etc., is guaranteed. In addition, the barrier information collection system 2 can provide users with an incentive to provide information, even if the information appears to lack credibility, etc.

[0078] The barrier information collection system 2 can provide users with an incentive to provide barrier information, so users are expected to actively provide barrier information to the system. As a result, the barrier information collection system 2 can smoothly collect a wide variety of barrier information from multiple users. The barrier information collection system 2 can integrate the barrier information collected in this way, along with the barrier locations, as barrier data and present it to the user. As a result, the barrier information collection system 2 can improve user convenience. In particular, the degree of barriers can vary greatly depending on the user's physical characteristics. Since the barrier information collection system 2 can collect barrier information from users with various physical characteristics, it can notify each user of barrier data that is appropriate for them.

[0079] In addition, the barrier information collection system 2 has the following effects. First, the barrier information collection system 2 can acquire barrier information from the barrier information acquisition device used by the user. This allows the barrier information collection system 2 to acquire accurate and quantitative barrier information from the user. Furthermore, the barrier information collection system 2 can acquire the user's physical information from the administrative agency to which the user belongs. This allows the barrier information collection system 2 to automatically acquire accurate physical information of the user without accepting input from the user.

[0080] (Example hardware configuration) Figure 7 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the barrier information collection system 20 according to this disclosure. In Figure 7, the barrier information collection system 20 has a processor 21 and a memory 22. The processor 21 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 21 may include multiple processors. The memory 22 is composed of a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory 22 may include storage located away from the processor 21. In this case, the processor 21 may access the memory 22 via an I / O (Input / Output) interface, which is not shown.

[0081] In the above example, the program can be stored and provided to the computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable medium. Non-transitory computer-readable medium includes various types of tangible storage medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable medium include magnetic storage media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, RAMs). Alternatively, the program may be provided to the computer using various types of transient computer-readable medium. Examples of transient computer-readable medium include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication channels. Computers include various information processing devices such as PCs, servers, CPUs, MPUs, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0082] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0083] Each drawing is merely illustrative to illustrate one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated with one or more other embodiments rather than with only one specific embodiment. As those skilled in the art will understand, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings, for example, to create embodiments not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing to illustrate an exemplary embodiment are necessarily required, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps shown in any of the drawings may be changed as appropriate.

[0084] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note 1) A barrier information collection system that collects barrier data by associating the location of a barrier in a passable area with barrier information indicating the degree of the barrier, An acquisition unit that, when the user recognizes the barrier at a predetermined location, acquires the predetermined location as the barrier location along with the barrier information from the user, The system includes a reward determination unit that determines a reward, which is the consideration for the user providing the barrier information, based on the barrier information. Barrier information collection system. (Note 2) The reward determination unit determines the reward based on the difficulty level at which the user can acquire the barrier information, using the user's physical information. The barrier information collection system described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) A reward estimation unit that estimates the reward when the acquisition unit acquires the barrier information, The system further includes an estimated reward notification unit that notifies the user of the estimated reward. The barrier information collection system described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 4) The reward determination unit determines the reward based on the scarcity of the barrier information. A barrier information collection system as described in any one of the items 1 to 3 of the appendix. (Note 5) The estimated reward notification unit determines the display format of the barrier position based on the estimated reward level. The barrier information collection system described in Appendix 3 or 4. (Note 6) The acquisition unit acquires the barrier information from the barrier information acquisition device used by the user. A barrier information collection system as described in any one of the items 1 to 5 of the appendix. (Note 7) The reward determination unit, when the acquisition unit receives substantially the same barrier information from a threshold number of users, makes the barrier information eligible for the reward. The barrier information collection system described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 8) The system further includes a user information acquisition unit that obtains the user's physical information from the administrative agency to which the user belongs. A barrier information collection system as described in any one of the items 2 to 7 of the appendix. (Note 9) The reward estimation unit estimates the reward based on the scarcity of the barrier information. A barrier information collection system as described in any one of the items 3 to 8 of the appendix. (Note 10) The reward estimation unit estimates the reward based on the difficulty of the user acquiring the barrier information, using the user's physical information. A barrier information collection system as described in any one of the items 3 to 9 of the appendix. (Note 11) The estimated reward notification unit determines the display format by changing at least one of the color or intensity of the barrier position based on the estimated reward level. A barrier information collection system as described in any one of the items 5 to 10 of the appendix. (Note 12) Computers When a user recognizes a barrier in a passable area, the system obtains from the user the location of the barrier, along with barrier information indicating the extent of the barrier. The reward, which is the consideration for the user providing the barrier information, is determined based on the barrier information. Barrier data is collected by associating the barrier location with the barrier information. Methods for collecting barrier information. (Note 13) The steps include: when a user recognizes a barrier in a passable area, obtaining from the user the location of the barrier, along with barrier information indicating the extent of the barrier; A step of determining the reward, which is the consideration for the user providing the barrier information, based on the barrier information, A step of collecting barrier data that associates the barrier location with the barrier information, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

[0085] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configuration and function) described in Appendices 2 to 11 that are dependent on Appendice 1 may also be dependent on Appendices 12 and 13 in the same way as those described in Appendices 2 to 11. Some or all of the elements described in any appendice may be applicable to various hardware, software, recording means, systems, and methods for recording software. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1. Barrier Information Collection System 2. Barrier Information Collection System 11 Acquisition Department 12. Compensation Determination Department 13. Reward Estimation Department 14 Estimated Remuneration Notification Department 15 Barrier Information Management Department 16. User Information Acquisition Unit 17 User Information Management Department 18 Compensation Management Exchange Department 20 Barrier Information Collection System 21 processors 22 memory

Claims

1. A barrier information collection system that collects barrier data by associating the location of a barrier in a passable area with barrier information indicating the degree of the barrier, An acquisition unit that, when the user recognizes the barrier at a predetermined location, acquires the predetermined location as the barrier location along with the barrier information from the user, The system includes a reward determination unit that determines a reward, which is the consideration for the user providing the barrier information, based on the barrier information. Barrier information collection system.

2. The reward determination unit determines the reward based on the difficulty level at which the user can acquire the barrier information, using the user's physical information. The barrier information collection system according to claim 1.

3. A reward estimation unit that estimates the reward when the acquisition unit acquires the barrier information, The system further includes an estimated reward notification unit that notifies the user of the estimated reward. The barrier information collection system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The reward determination unit determines the reward based on the scarcity of the barrier information. The barrier information collection system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The estimated reward notification unit determines the display format of the barrier location on the map based on the estimated reward level. The barrier information collection system according to claim 3.

6. The acquisition unit acquires the barrier information from the barrier information acquisition device used by the user. The barrier information collection system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The reward determination unit, when the acquisition unit receives substantially the same barrier information from a threshold number of users, makes the barrier information eligible for the reward. The barrier information collection system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The system further includes a user information acquisition unit that acquires the user's physical information from a medium of the administrative agency to which the user belongs. The barrier information collection system according to claim 2.

9. Computers When a user recognizes a barrier in a passable area, the system obtains from the user the location of the barrier, along with barrier information indicating the extent of the barrier. The reward, which is the consideration for the user providing the barrier information, is determined based on the barrier information. Barrier data is collected by associating the barrier location with the barrier information. Methods for collecting barrier information.

10. The steps include: when a user recognizes a barrier in a passable area, obtaining from the user the location of the barrier, along with barrier information indicating the extent of the barrier; A step of determining the reward, which is the consideration for the user providing the barrier information, based on the barrier information, A step of collecting barrier data that associates the barrier location with the barrier information, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

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