Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can support face-to-face encounters between users. [Solution] The information processing device according to the present invention includes a determination unit that determines whether the first user and the second user are located within a predetermined range based on the location information of the first user and the second user, and an authorization unit that permits linking the first user and the second user if they are located within the predetermined range.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, services that enable close interaction with friends and the like even without face-to-face contact, such as SNS (Social Networking Service), are known. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-135018 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, although the conventional technology allows interaction with friends without face-to-face contact, it is not a service that emphasizes face-to-face encounters.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of supporting users' face-to-face encounters. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the present application comprises: a determination unit that determines whether a first user and a second user are located within a predetermined range based on position information of the first user and the second user; and a permission unit that permits association between the first user and the second user when the first user and the second user are located within the predetermined range. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, it has the effect of supporting face-to-face encounters between users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the process performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of user information. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a screen displayed on a user's terminal. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on a user's terminal. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen displayed on a user's terminal. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a screen displayed on a user's terminal. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a screen displayed on a user's terminal. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the information processing device executed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0010] (Embodiment) First, the processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. Note that Figure 1 shows an example of the operation of the information processing system S including the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system S according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 1 and a plurality of user terminals 100a and 100b. User terminal 100a is a terminal device owned by user A (first user), and user terminal 100b is a terminal device owned by user B (second user). In the following, when user terminals 100a and 100b are not specifically distinguished, they will be collectively referred to as user terminal 100.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system S according to the embodiment determines whether user A and user B are located within a predetermined range based on their location information, and if user A and user B are located within the predetermined range, it allows linking (friend registration) of user A and user B.

[0013] Specifically, first, the information processing device 1 acquires location information from user terminals 100a and 100b (step S1). The location information is, for example, coordinate information indicated by latitude and longitude. Alternatively, the location information may be, for example, information indicating the location within a mesh area obtained by meshing map information. It is preferable that location information is acquired only from user terminals 100 of users who have permitted the provision of location information. This protects the privacy of users who do not want their location to be known.

[0014] Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 1 determines whether User A and User B are located within a predetermined range based on the acquired position information (step S2). The predetermined range is, for example, a range where the time required for User A and User B to walk toward each other's position is within a predetermined time (for example, within 5 minutes). In other words, the predetermined range is a range where users can meet each other on foot within the predetermined time.

[0015] Subsequently, when User A and User B are located within the predetermined range, the information processing apparatus 1 permits association between User A and User B (step S3). Note that when the association between users has already been completed, the information processing apparatus 1 may notify each user that the associated user is nearby.

[0016] Subsequently, when the association is permitted, the information processing apparatus 1 causes each of the user terminals 100a and 100b to display a code (step S4). Specifically, the information processing apparatus 1 displays an animation code described later on the user terminals 100a and 100b. The display time of the code may be, for example, a predetermined time, or the code may be hidden at a timing when the users go out of the predetermined range.

[0017] Subsequently, when detecting that each of the user terminals 100a and 100b has read the other party's code, the information processing apparatus 1 registers User A and User B as friends (step S6). Specifically, the information processing apparatus 1 performs the friend registration when detecting that User A uses the user terminal 100a to read the code displayed on User B's user terminal 100b, or that User B uses the user terminal 100b to read the code displayed on User A's user terminal 100a. In other words, the information processing apparatus 1 detects the reading of the code as a fact that the users have met face-to-face.

[0018] Furthermore, when registering a friend, the information processing device 1 stores and associates information about the encounter, such as the date, time, and location of the meeting. The information processing device 1 can also include user comments with the encounter information. This allows users to leave comments about, for example, the characteristics of the person they met or the circumstances at the time, which can help them recall the encounter later.

[0019] Thus, the information processing device 1 can support face-to-face encounters between users by allowing them to be linked when they are located within a predetermined range.

[0020] Next, an example of the configuration of the information processing system S according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system S according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, in the information processing system S according to the embodiment, the information processing device 1 and a plurality of user terminals 100 are connected to a network N by wire or wireless. The network N is, for example, a network such as the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0021] The information processing device 1 is a server device that executes the information processing method according to the embodiment. Based on the location information of user A and user B, the information processing device 1 determines whether user A and user B are located within a predetermined range, and if user A and user B are located within the predetermined range, it permits linking (friend registration) of user A and user B.

[0022] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 is an information processing device that interacts with multiple user terminals 100 and provides various API (Application Programming Interface) services for various applications (hereinafter referred to as "apps") and various data to the multiple user terminals 100, and is realized by a server device or a cloud system.

[0023] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 may be an information processing device that provides some kind of web service online to multiple user terminals 100. For example, the information processing device 1 may provide services such as internet connection, search services, SNS (Social Networking Service), e-commerce (EC), electronic payment, online games, online banking, online trading, accommodation / ticket reservations, video / music distribution, news, maps, route search, route guidance, route information, service information, and weather forecasts as web services. In practice, the information processing device 1 may cooperate with various servers that provide the above-mentioned web services and act as an intermediary for web services, or it may be responsible for processing web services.

[0024] The user terminal 100 is a terminal device owned by the user. The user terminal 100 can be any type of terminal device, such as a smartphone, desktop PC, notebook PC, or tablet PC. The user terminal 100 transmits various types of information to the information processing device 1, etc., and receives information provided by the information processing device 1, etc.

[0025] Next, with reference to Figure 3, an example configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described.

[0026] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 1 has a communication unit 2, a control unit 3, and a storage unit 4. The control unit 3 includes an acquisition unit 31, a determination unit 32, an authorization unit 33, and a linking processing unit 34. The storage unit 4 stores user information 41.

[0027] The communication unit 2 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 2 is connected to the network by wire or wireless connection.

[0028] The control unit 3 is a controller and is implemented by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs (corresponding to an example of an information processing program) stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 1, using RAM or the like as a working area. Alternatively, the control unit 3 is a controller and may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or GPGPU (General Purpose Graphic Processing Unit).

[0029] The memory unit 4 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or by storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs.

[0030] User information 41 is information about the user.

[0031] Figure 4 shows an example of user information 41. As shown in Figure 4, user information 41 includes items such as "User ID," "Attribute Information," and "Friends Information."

[0032] "User ID" is identification information that identifies the user. "Attribute Information" is information about the user's attributes. Attribute information includes, for example, psychographic attributes and demographic attributes. "Friend Information" is information about users linked to (registered as friends of) the user, and may include, for example, the user ID and the date and time of linking (date and time of meeting).

[0033] Next, we will describe the functions of the control unit 3 of the information processing device 1 (acquisition unit 31, determination unit 32, permission unit 33, and linking processing unit 34).

[0034] The acquisition unit 31 acquires location information from user terminals 100a and 100b, respectively. The location information is, for example, coordinate information indicated by latitude and longitude. Alternatively, the location information may be, for example, information indicating the location within a mesh area obtained by meshing map information. It is preferable that location information is acquired only from user terminals 100 of users who have permitted the provision of location information. This protects the privacy of users who do not want their location to be known.

[0035] The determination unit 32 determines, based on the acquired location information, whether user A and user B are located within a predetermined range. The predetermined range is, for example, the range within which it would take user A and user B to walk to each other's locations within a predetermined time (for example, within 5 minutes). In other words, the predetermined range is the range within which they can meet on foot within a predetermined time.

[0036] The authorization unit 33 grants permission to link users A and B if they are located within a predetermined range. If the linking of users has already been completed, the authorization unit 33 may notify each user that the linked user is nearby.

[0037] The linking processing unit 34 performs the linking process if it permits the linking. Specifically, the linking processing unit 34 displays a code on user terminals 100a and 100b. Specifically, the linking processing unit 34 displays an animation code, described later, on user terminals 100a and 100b. The display time of the code may be, for example, a predetermined time, or it may be hidden when the users move out of a predetermined range.

[0038] Next, the linking processing unit 34 registers users A and B as friends when it detects that user terminals 100a and 100b have each read the other's code. Specifically, the linking processing unit 34 registers users A and B as friends when it detects that user A uses user terminal 100a to read the code displayed on user B's user terminal 100b, or that user B uses user terminal 100b to read the code displayed on user A's user terminal 100a. In other words, the linking processing unit 34 detects the reading of the codes as if the users had met in person.

[0039] The linking processing unit 34 then links and stores information about the encounter, such as the date, time, and location, when a user registers a friend. The linking processing unit 34 can also include user comments in the encounter information. This allows users to leave comments about the characteristics of the person they met and the circumstances at the time, which can help them recall the encounter later.

[0040] Thus, the linking processing unit 34 can support face-to-face encounters between users by allowing linking when users are located within a predetermined range.

[0041] Next, we will explain examples of screens displayed on the user terminal 100 using Figures 5 to 9. Figures 5 to 9 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the user terminal 100.

[0042] Figure 5 shows an example of an animation code that appears when linking is permitted. Specifically, the linking processing unit 34 displays radial codes around the profile image set by user A (a child's image in Figure 5), the length of which changes over time. User B reads the animation code displayed on user A's user terminal 100a using, for example, the camera function of user terminal 100b. Note that the code is not limited to an animation code; for example, a barcode or 2D code with a set validity period may also be used.

[0043] Next, Figure 6 shows an example screen when User A and User B are linked (added as friends). As shown in Figure 6, once User A and User B are linked, the location where Users A and B met is stored. Figure 6 shows the location where Users A and B met in map format.

[0044] Next, Figure 7 shows an example screen for viewing a summary of users that a user has registered so far. Figure 7 shows the locations where the user has met multiple other users in a map format. Specifically, the icon images of the users the user has met are placed on the map at the locations where they met, and when an icon is selected, meeting information such as the date and time of the meeting is displayed.

[0045] Next, Figure 8 shows an example of a screen that displays a summary of users that the user has registered so far. In Figure 8, the user's encounters with other users are listed in chronological order, along with comments made at the time of the encounter (e.g., "knowledgeable about anime").

[0046] Next, Figure 9 shows an example screen illustrating a function for connecting other users who have added each other as friends. Figure 9 shows an example screen for connecting user B and user C, whom user A has met. For example, the information processing device 1 calculates the compatibility score between the other users from the encounter information such as comments left by user A when they met, and if the compatibility score is above a threshold, it displays this fact on the screen of user A's user terminal 100. The compatibility score can be calculated, for example, by the similarity of the attribute information of the other users estimated from the comments. Alternatively, the information processing device 1 may acquire the attribute information of each user and calculate the compatibility score based on the similarity of the respective attribute information.

[0047] Next, the processing procedure of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0048] As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 3 first acquires location information from multiple user terminals 100 (S101).

[0049] Next, the control unit 3 performs a determination process based on the acquired location information to determine whether multiple users are located within a predetermined range (step S102).

[0050] Next, if multiple users are located within a predetermined range, the control unit 3 displays a code on the user terminals 100 of multiple users (step S103).

[0051] Next, when the control unit 3 detects that the code displayed on the other user's terminal 100 has been read from the user terminal 100, it performs a friend registration process to register the users as friends (step S104), and then terminates the process.

[0052] 〔others〕 Furthermore, some of the processes described as being performed automatically in the above embodiments can be performed manually. Alternatively, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0053] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0054] For example, some or all of the storage unit 4 shown in Figure 3 may be stored in a storage server or the like, rather than being held by each device. In this case, each device obtains various information by accessing the storage server.

[0055] [Hardware configuration] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 according to the above embodiment is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which an arithmetic unit 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0056] The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and the secondary storage device 1050, as well as programs read from the input device 1020, and executes various processes. The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device, such as RAM, that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device where data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is implemented using ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, etc.

[0057] Output IF1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to output devices 1010, which output various types of information such as monitors and printers. It is implemented using connectors of standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), and HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). Input IF1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as mice, keyboards, and scanners. It is implemented using, for example, USB.

[0058] The input device 1020 may also be a device that reads information from, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), tape media, magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory. Furthermore, the input device 1020 may also be an external storage medium such as a USB memory stick.

[0059] Network IF1080 receives data from other devices via network N and sends it to the arithmetic unit 1030, and also transmits data generated by the arithmetic unit 1030 to other devices via network N.

[0060] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0061] For example, when computer 1000 functions as information processing device 1, the arithmetic unit 1030 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of control unit 3 by executing a program loaded on primary storage device 1040.

[0062] 〔effect〕 As described above, the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment includes a determination unit 32 that determines whether the first user and the second user are located within a predetermined range based on the location information of the first user and the second user, and an authorization unit 33 that, if the first user and the second user are located within the predetermined range, authorizes the linking of the first user and the second user.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the system, it is possible to support face-to-face encounters between users.

[0064] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention.

[0065] 〔others〕 Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0066] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0067] Furthermore, each of the processes described in the embodiments above can be combined as appropriate, as long as the processing content does not contradict each other.

[0068] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" used above can be replaced with "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, control unit 3 can be replaced with control means or control circuit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1. Information Processing Device 2 Communications Department 3. Control Unit 4 Storage section 31 Acquisition Department 32 Judgment section 33 Permit Department 34. Cord attachment processing unit 41 User Information 100 user terminals S Information Processing System

Claims

1. A determination unit that determines whether the first user and the second user are located within a predetermined range based on the location information of the first user and the second user, When the first user and the second user are located within a predetermined range, an authorization unit grants permission to link the first user and the second user. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes a linking processing unit that, when permission is granted to link the first user and the second user, displays a code for linking the terminal devices of the first user and the second user, respectively. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned linking processing unit, When it is detected that the code displayed on the other party's terminal device has been read by the first user and the second user respectively, a linking process is performed to link the first user and the second user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned code is, This is animation code. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned linking processing unit, In the aforementioned linking process, the encounter information of the first user and the second user is linked. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The aforementioned encounter information is, Includes information on the date, time, and location where the first user and the second user met. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned linking processing unit, Based on the aforementioned encounter information, the locations where users have met other users are displayed on a map. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned linking processing unit, Based on the aforementioned encounter information, the history of encounters with other users is displayed in chronological order. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

9. A method of information processing performed by a computer, A determination step of determining whether the first user and the second user are located within a predetermined range based on the location information of the first user and the second user, If the first user and the second user are located within a predetermined range, the authorization step is to authorize the linking of the first user and the second user. Information processing methods including

10. A determination procedure for determining whether the first user and the second user are located within a predetermined range, based on the location information of the first user and the second user, If the first user and the second user are located within a predetermined range, an authorization procedure is provided to allow the linking of the first user and the second user. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute something.

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