Map information provision system, map information provision device, map information provision method, map information provision program

Abstract

This invention provides a map information provision system, a map information provision device, a map information provision method, and a map information provision program that can understand the dynamic usage patterns of users in the office. [Solution] By associating the display user's display identification information with at least one of the base seat in the office and the area of ​​stay in the office for the display user, the system provides composite map information that displays at least one of the base seat in the office and the area of ​​stay in the office for the display user, based on the base seat in the map information identified from the seat identification information corresponding to the display user and the display user, and the area of ​​stay in the map information identified from the latest communication device identification information corresponding to the display user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a map information providing system, a map information providing apparatus, a map information providing method, and a map information providing program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the introduction of telework systems, an increasing number of companies have adopted free-address systems, in which seats used by employees are not fixed, and employees can freely use available vacant seats. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-138822 is cited as a technology related to the free-address system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Regarding the seat assignment system as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the seat assignment screen displayed on a user terminal is a screen displayed when a seat is to be assigned. While this seat assignment screen displays who has reserved the use of which seat, it is difficult to determine whether or not the user of the seat is actually seated at that seat. That is, the seat assignment screen of Patent Document 1 does not show the dynamic usage pattern of the office by the users.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a map information providing system, a map information providing apparatus, a map information providing method, and a map information providing program, which allow grasping the dynamic usage pattern of an office by users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the map information provision system relating to this disclosure is a map information provision system that provides map information relating to an office, including a plurality of wireless communication devices installed so as to be distributed in communication areas, and electronic tags installed at or near each seat, to a user of the office, comprising: a first information acquisition unit that acquires user identification information and seat identification information transmitted from the user terminal when the user reads the electronic tag of the seat that the user wishes to use as a base using the user terminal; a second information acquisition unit that monitors whether the plurality of wireless communication devices are connected to the user terminal and acquires terminal identification information and communication device identification information based on the connection between the user terminal and the wireless communication device; and a map information provision unit that provides composite map information that displays at least one of the base seat in the office and the staying area in the office of the displayed user by associating display identification information of the displayed user, which is commonly identified by the user identification information and the terminal identification information, with at least one of the base seat in the map information identified from the seat identification information corresponding to the displayed user and the staying area in the map information identified from the latest communication device identification information corresponding to the displayed user.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the map information providing device according to this disclosure is a map information providing device that provides map information relating to an office, including a plurality of wireless communication devices installed so as to be distributed in communication areas, and electronic tags installed at or near each seat, to a user of the office, and comprises: a first information acquisition unit that acquires user identification information and seat identification information transmitted from the user terminal when the user reads the electronic tag of the seat that the user wishes to use as a base using the user terminal; a second information acquisition unit that monitors whether the plurality of wireless communication devices are connected to the user terminal and acquires terminal identification information and communication device identification information based on the connection between the user terminal and the wireless communication device; and a map information providing unit that provides composite map information that displays at least one of the base seat in the office and the stay area in the office for the displayed user by associating display identification information of the displayed user, which is commonly identified by the user identification information and the terminal identification information, with at least one of the base seat in the map information identified from the seat identification information corresponding to the displayed user and the stay area in the map information identified from the latest communication device identification information corresponding to the displayed user.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the map information provision method relating to this disclosure is a map information provision method implemented by a map information provision system that provides map information relating to an office, including a plurality of wireless communication devices installed so as to be distributed in communication areas, and electronic tags installed at or near each seat, to a user of the office, comprising: a first information acquisition step in which the user reads the electronic tag of the seat that the user wishes to use as a base using a user terminal, and acquires user identification information and seat identification information transmitted from the user terminal; and monitoring whether the plurality of wireless communication devices are connected to the user terminal, and the connection between the user terminal and the wireless communication devices. The map information provision method comprises: a second information acquisition step of acquiring terminal identification information and communication device identification information; and a map information provision step of providing composite map information that displays at least one of the base seat in the office and the stay area in the office for the display user, by associating the display identification information of the display user, which is commonly identified by the user identification information and the terminal identification information, with at least one of the base seat in the map information identified from the seat identification information corresponding to the display user and the stay area in the map information identified from the latest communication device identification information corresponding to the display user.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the map information provision program relating to this disclosure is a map information provision program executed by a computer of a map information provision system that provides map information relating to an office, including a plurality of wireless communication devices installed so as to be distributed in communication areas, and electronic tags installed at or near each seat, to a user of the office, the map information provision system includes a first information acquisition step in which the user acquires user identification information and seat identification information transmitted from the user terminal when the user reads the electronic tag of the seat that the user wants to use as a base using the user terminal, and monitors whether the plurality of wireless communication devices are connected to the user terminal, and the user terminal and This map information provision program performs the following steps: a second information acquisition step of acquiring terminal identification information and communication device identification information by connecting to the wireless communication device; and a map information provision step of providing composite map information that displays at least one of the base seat in the office and the stay area in the office for the display user by associating the display user's display identification information, which is commonly identified by the user identification information and the terminal identification information, with at least one of the base seat in the map information identified from the seat identification information corresponding to the display user and the stay area in the map information identified from the latest communication device identification information corresponding to the display user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the map information provision system, map information provision device, map information provision method, and map information provision program related to this disclosure, it is possible to grasp the dynamic usage patterns of the office by users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the map information provision system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the office layout to which the map information provision system of the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 3]This is a schematic diagram showing how a user registers a seat at a base in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of user behavior in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a registration record table in a data format possessed by the first management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing how a user moves within the communication area formed by a wireless communication device in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of user behavior in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a monitoring record table in a data format possessed by the second management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This block diagram shows the electrical configuration of the map information providing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of composite map information in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of composite map information in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the map information providing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of composite map information in the first modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] 1. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a map information providing system 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the layout of an office 1 to which the map information providing system 10 of the first embodiment is applied. The map information providing system 10 is a system that provides, to a user U of the office 1, composite map information which is information based on the map information of the office 1 and allows the usage mode of the user U within the office 1 to be grasped. The map information is information indicating the layout of the office 1. The composite map information is information indicating the dynamic usage mode of the user U in the office 1 in addition to the layout of the office 1. Further, the user U of the office 1 specifically refers to a person who is qualified to use the office 1. The user U is, for example, an employee of a company.

[0013] First, the office 1 to which the map information providing system 10 is applied will be described with reference to FIG. 2. A plurality of wireless communication devices 3 (3a to 3l) are installed on the ceiling of the office 1 such that communication areas 5 (5a to 5l) are distributed. In FIG. 2, virtual boundaries of the communication areas 5 of the wireless communication devices 3 are represented by broken lines. In addition, electronic tags 9 (9a to 9h) having seat identification information are installed on personal seats 7 (7a to 7h) provided in the office 1. In other drawings, reference numerals may be assigned to only some of the wireless communication devices 3, the communication areas 5, the seats 7, and the electronic tags 9.

[0014] The map information providing system 10 applied to such an office 1 includes, in addition to the plurality of wireless communication devices 3, a signage terminal 12, a first management server 14, a second management server 16, a map information providing device 20, a plurality of user terminals M, and the like, which are connected to a network NW by wire or wirelessly. The user terminals M (M1, M2, M3) of the users U (U1, U2, U3) staying in the office 1 are mainly connected to the network NW via the wireless communication devices 3. On the other hand, the user terminal M of the user U staying outside the office 1 is connected to the network NW without going through the wireless communication devices 3.

[0015] Each wireless communication device 3 is a device capable of short-range wireless communication with one or more user terminals M. The wireless communication device 3 is, for example, a router for a wireless LAN (a wireless LAN complying with the IEEE_802.11 standard, so-called Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) or the like.

[0016] The signage terminal 12 is a display terminal that displays various types of information related to the office 1. The signage terminal 12 is installed, for example, near the entrance in the office 1 as shown in FIG. 2. Note that in drawings other than FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, reference numerals for the signage terminal 12 may be omitted.

[0017] The user terminal M is a terminal owned by the user U. The user terminal M is a terminal that includes a display unit such as a display or a touch panel display, and has a non-contact reader function, a wireless communication function, and the like. That is, the user terminal M is a display terminal. The user terminal M is a smartphone, a laptop PC, or the like.

[0018] The first management server 14 is a general-purpose server that acquires and manages various types of information for grasping the usage status of the seat 7 of the user U. The second management server 16 is a general-purpose server that acquires and manages various types of information for grasping the stay status of the user U in the office 1. The map information providing device 20 is a device that provides composite map information in cooperation with the first management server 14 and the second management server 16.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the user U registers a base seat in the first embodiment. In the office 1 to which such a map information providing system 10 is applied, the user U uses the user terminal M to read the electronic tag 9 installed on the seat 7 desired to be the base, and registers the base seat.

[0020] In offices that have adopted a free-address system, employees can choose their daily seating arrangements, so the seat they use on a given day is called their "base seat." Furthermore, the electronic tag 9 is not limited to being installed at seat 7; it may be installed near seat 7 as long as it is within a range that allows the system to recognize that user U is at seat 7.

[0021] When user U reads the electronic tag 9 using user terminal M, user terminal M associates user identification information with the seat identification information read from the electronic tag 9 and transmits this information to the first management server 14 as registration information.

[0022] User identification information is unique information assigned to each user (U). User identification information is information about a person. Examples of user identification information include a user number, email address, phone number, or any combination thereof.

[0023] Seat identification information is unique information that differs for each of the 7 seats. For example, seat identification information is a seat ID to which a different ID is assigned for each of the 7 seats.

[0024] Furthermore, user terminal M may have a predetermined application pre-installed, and user terminal M can link other information, such as user identification information, to the seat identification information obtained from electronic tag 9 and transmit it to the first management server 14 as registration information.

[0025] The first management server 14 receives registration information transmitted from user terminal M when user U reads the electronic tag 9 of the seat 7 that user U wants to use as a base using user terminal M.

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the actions of users U1 and U2 in the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a registration record table 100 in the data format of the first management server 14 in the first embodiment. The registration record table 100 shows the registration record of user U's location seat. The registration record table 100 shown in Figure 5 includes a user number table, an email address table, and a seat ID table, which are linked to each other.

[0027] The User Number table and the Email Address table are tables that show user identification information. The Seat ID table is a table that shows seat identification information. In addition, the records in Registration Record Table 100 show registration information.

[0028] When the first management server 14 retrieves registration information, the record representing that registration information is added to the end of the existing records in the registration record table 100. Therefore, the last record in the registration record table 100 represents the most recent registration information.

[0029] For example, in the registration record table 100, the seat identification information (ID) of the last record among records showing the same user identification information (user number, email address) indicates the latest (current) seat at the location for user U identified from that user identification information.

[0030] Record 102 in the registration record table 100 indicates that user U1 read the electronic tag 9a of seat 7a with user terminal M1 in order to register seat 7a as a base seat, prior to the action shown in Figure 4. Record 106 indicates that user U1 read the electronic tag 9b of seat 7b with user terminal M1 in order to update the base seat from seat 7a to seat 7b, as shown in Figure 4.

[0031] Furthermore, in the registration record table 100, the user identification information (user number, email address) of the last record among the records showing the same seat identification information (seat ID) indicates the most recent (current) user U who has registered seat 7, identified from that seat identification information, as their base seat.

[0032] Record 104 in the registration record table 100 indicates that a user other than user U2 read the electronic tag 9f of seat 7f with user terminal M in order to register seat 7f as a base seat, and record 108 indicates that user U2 overwrote seat 7f, which was already registered as a base seat by another user U, as their own base seat, as shown in Figure 4.

[0033] The first management server 14 may have, instead of the registration record table 100, or in conjunction with the registration record table 100, a table (not shown in the diagram) in a data format that shows the current registration status of a base seat for each user U.

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing how user U moves into the communication area 5 formed by the wireless communication device 3 in the first embodiment. In office 1 where the map information provision system 10 is applied, when user U, who possesses a user terminal M, moves into the communication area 5 formed by the wireless communication device 3, the user terminal M and the wireless communication device 3 are connected.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the second management server 16 monitors each wireless communication device 3 for the presence or absence of a connection with the user terminal M, and acquires monitoring information when a connection is established between the user terminal M and the wireless communication device 3. The second management server 16 also monitors each wireless communication device 3 for the presence or absence of a connection with the user terminal M, and acquires monitoring information even if the connection between the user terminal M and the wireless communication device 3 is disconnected.

[0036] The monitoring information includes terminal identification information, communication device identification information, and event information, and these are linked to each other.

[0037] Terminal identification information is unique information that differs for each user terminal M. Terminal identification information includes, for example, terminal ID, MAC address, IP address, or any combination thereof.

[0038] Communication device identification information is unique information that differs for each wireless communication device 3. This communication device identification information may include, for example, a device ID, SSID, MAC address, or any combination thereof.

[0039] Event information, when monitoring information is acquired in connection with the connection between user terminal M and wireless communication device 3, indicates that a connection has been established between user terminal M and wireless communication device 3. Conversely, event information, when monitoring information is acquired in connection with the disconnection of the connection between user terminal M and wireless communication device 3, indicates that the connection between user terminal M and wireless communication device 3 has been disconnected.

[0040] Furthermore, when the second management server 16 acquires monitoring information, it associates time information with that monitoring information and stores it. The time information indicates the date and time the monitoring information was acquired. In other words, the monitoring information indicates the date and time when the user terminal M and the wireless communication device 3 were connected, or the date and time when the connection between the user terminal M and the wireless communication device 3 was disconnected.

[0041] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the actions of users U1 and U2 in the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a monitoring record table 200 in the data format of the second management server 16 in the first embodiment. The monitoring record table 200 shows the connection and disconnection records between the user terminal M and the wireless communication device 3. The monitoring record table 200 shown in Figure 8 includes a terminal ID table, a device ID table, a time table, and an event table, which are linked to each other.

[0042] The terminal ID table shows terminal identification information. The device ID table shows communication device identification information. The time table shows time information. The event table shows event information. In addition, the records in the monitoring record table 200 show monitoring information and the time information associated with that monitoring information.

[0043] When the second management server 16 acquires monitoring information and the time information associated with that monitoring information, the record indicating that monitoring information is added to the end of the existing records in the monitoring record table 200. Therefore, the last record in the monitoring record table 200 indicates the latest monitoring information and the time information associated with that monitoring information.

[0044] For example, in the monitoring record table 200, the last record among the records showing the same terminal identification information (terminal ID) indicates the latest (current) event between the user terminal M identified from that terminal identification information and the wireless communication device 3 identified from the communication device identification information (device ID).

[0045] Furthermore, if the event information (event) for the last record among records indicating the same terminal identification information (terminal ID) indicates a connection, that last record also indicates that the user terminal M identified from that terminal identification information and the wireless communication device 3 identified from the communication device identification information (device ID) are connected.

[0046] Record 202 in the monitoring record table 200 indicates that the connection between user terminal M1 and wireless communication device 3a was established at 8:40:40 on March 14, 2024. Furthermore, record 202 is the last record among the records related to user terminal M1, indicating that user terminal M1 and wireless communication device 3a are currently connected. In addition, if record 202 indicates that user terminal M1 and wireless communication device 3a are currently connected, then record 202 also indicates that user U1, who owns user terminal M1, is staying within the communication area 5a formed by wireless communication device 3a, as shown in Figure 7.

[0047] Record 204 in monitoring record table 200 indicates that the connection between user terminal M2 and wireless communication device 3g was established at 8:45:00 on March 14, 2024. Record 206 in monitoring record table 200 indicates that the connection between user terminal M2 and wireless communication device 3g was disconnected at 10:29:00 on March 14, 2024.

[0048] Record 208 in monitoring record table 200 indicates that the connection between user terminal M2 and wireless communication device 3h was established at 10:29:15 on March 14, 2024. Record 210 in monitoring record table 200 indicates that the connection between user terminal M2 and wireless communication device 3h was disconnected at 10:30:00 on March 14, 2024.

[0049] Record 212 in the monitoring record table 200 indicates that the connection between user terminal M2 and wireless communication device 3i was established at 10:30:15 on March 14, 2024. Record 214 in the monitoring record table 200 indicates that the connection between user terminal M2 and wireless communication device 3i was disconnected at 10:35:00 on March 14, 2024.

[0050] Record 216 in monitoring record table 200 indicates that the connection between user terminal M2 and wireless communication device 3f was established at 10:35:15 on March 14, 2024. Record 218 in monitoring record table 200 indicates that the connection between user terminal M2 and wireless communication device 3f was disconnected at 10:36:00 on March 14, 2024.

[0051] Record 220 in the monitoring record table 200 indicates that the connection between user terminal M2 and wireless communication device 3c was established on March 14, 2024, at 10:36:15.

[0052] Records 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220 in the monitoring record table 200 indicate that user terminal M2 moved from communication area 5g formed by wireless communication device 3g to communication area 5c formed by wireless communication device 3c, via communication area 5h formed by wireless communication device 3h, communication area 5i formed by wireless communication device 3i, and communication area 5f formed by wireless communication device 3f. In other words, records 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220 in the monitoring record table 200 indicate that user U2, who owns user terminal M2, moved as shown in Figure 7.

[0053] Furthermore, since record 220 is the last record among the records relating to user terminal M2, it also indicates that user terminal M2 and wireless communication device 3c are connected. Moreover, if record 220 indicates that user terminal M2 and wireless communication device 3c are connected, then record 220 also indicates that user U2, who possesses user terminal M2, is staying within the communication area 5c formed by wireless communication device 3c after moving as shown in Figure 7.

[0054] The second management server 16 may, in place of the monitoring record table 200, or in conjunction with the monitoring record table 200, have a table (not shown in the diagram) in a data format that shows the current connection status with the wireless communication device 3 for each user terminal M.

[0055] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the map information providing device 20 according to the first embodiment. The map information providing device 20 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 26, and a communication unit 24, etc. The control unit 30 is electrically connected to the storage unit 26 and the communication unit 24, etc., via a circuit 22 such as a bus.

[0056] The control unit 30 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 26 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), or any combination thereof.

[0057] The memory unit 26 stores programs and data for realizing various functions of the map information providing device 20. The memory unit 26 also stores map information and display identification information for each user U, which will be described later. The communication unit 24 is a communication circuit or communication module, etc.

[0058] The control unit 30 functions as a display user identification unit 32, a base seat identification unit 34, a stay area identification unit 36, a map information provision unit 38, and an alert unit 40 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 26. The following explanation of the processes performed by each of the display user identification unit 32, base seat identification unit 34, stay area identification unit 36, and map information provision unit 38 will be given using the example of users U1 and U2 registering base seats as shown in Figure 4 and taking the actions shown in Figure 7.

[0059] The display user identification unit 32 works in cooperation with the first management server 14 and the second management server 16 to identify the display users to be displayed in the composite map information based on user identification information and terminal identification information. For example, the display user identification unit 32 identifies user U1 as a display user based on user number "111111", email address "111111@xx.xx", and terminal ID "1", and identifies user U2 as a display user based on user number "222222", email address "222222@xx.xx", and terminal ID "2".

[0060] The base seat identification unit 34 works in conjunction with the first management server 14 to identify the base seat of a displayed user from the latest seat identification information corresponding to that user. For example, the base seat identification unit 34 refers to the registration record table 100 and identifies seat 7b as user U1's base seat from the latest seat ID "b" corresponding to user U1, and identifies seat 7f as user U2's base seat from the latest seat ID "f" corresponding to user U2.

[0061] The dwelling area identification unit 36, in cooperation with the second management server 16, identifies the dwelling area of ​​the displayed user from the latest communication device identification information corresponding to the displayed user among the communication device identification information acquired by the second management server 16 through the connection between the user terminal M and the wireless communication device 3. Specifically, the dwelling area identification unit 36 ​​identifies the wireless communication device 3 from the latest communication device identification information and identifies the communication area 5 formed by the wireless communication device 3 as the dwelling area of ​​the displayed user. For example, the dwelling area identification unit 36 ​​refers to the monitoring record table 200 and identifies the communication area 5a of the wireless communication device 3a, identified from the latest device ID "a" corresponding to user U1 among the device IDs corresponding to the event "connection," as the dwelling area of ​​user U1, and identifies the communication area 5c of the wireless communication device 3c, identified from the latest device ID "c" corresponding to user U2 among the device IDs corresponding to the event "connection," as the dwelling area of ​​user U2.

[0062] Figures 10 and 11 are conceptual diagrams showing an example of composite map information in the first embodiment. The map information providing unit 38 associates the display user's display identification information with at least one of the base seat in the map information and the area of ​​stay in the map information, thereby providing the display terminal with composite map information that displays at least one of the base seat in the office 1 and the area of ​​stay in the office 1 for the display user.

[0063] Specifically, the map information provision unit 38 associates the display user's display identification information with both the base seat in the map information and the area where the user is staying in the map information, thereby providing the display terminal with composite map information that can display both the base seat in Office 1 and the area where the user is staying in Office 1.

[0064] The display identification information is the identification information of the display user displayed in the composite map information. This display identification information may include, for example, a surname, given name, nickname, title, or any combination thereof.

[0065] The signage terminal 12 and user terminals M and other display terminals receive composite map information from the map information provision unit 38 and display the composite map information.

[0066] In the example shown in Figure 10, the display identification information ("Tanaka") of user U1 is associated with both user U1's base seat (seat 7b) and the area of ​​stay (communication area 5a) in the map information. An icon representing the display identification information ("Tanaka") is attached to both user U1's base seat (seat 7b) and the area of ​​stay (communication area 5a) in the map information, thereby displaying user U1's base seat within Office 1 and the area of ​​stay within Office 1.

[0067] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 10, the display identification information of user U2 ("Yamada") is associated with both user U2's base seat (seat 7f) and the area of ​​stay (communication area 5c) in the map information. By attaching the icon displaying the identification information ("Yamada") to both user U2's base seat (seat 7f) and the area of ​​stay (communication area 5c) in the map information, user U2's base seat within Office 1 and the area of ​​stay within Office 1 are displayed.

[0068] Furthermore, the map information provision unit 38 provides the display terminal with composite map information (see Figure 10) that displays the seating status of the displayed user if the base seat in the map information of the displayed user is close to the area of ​​stay in the map information. Specifically, "the base seat in the map information and the area of ​​stay in the map information are close" refers to the case where the base seat in the map information is located within the area of ​​stay in the map information.

[0069] On the other hand, if the display user's base seat in the map information and the area of ​​stay in the map information are far apart, the map information provision unit 38 provides the display terminal with composite map information (see Figure 10) that displays the display user's absence status. Specifically, if the base seat in the map information and the area of ​​stay in the map information are far apart, it means that the base seat in the map information is located outside the area of ​​stay in the map information.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 10, icons displaying user U1's identification information ("Tanaka") and seating information ("Seated") are attached to user U1's base seat (seat 7b) in the map information to show user U1's seating status, and icons displaying user U2's identification information ("Yamada") and seating information ("Seated") are attached to user U2's base seat (seat 7f) in the map information to show user U2's seating status.

[0071] Furthermore, if the base seat location in the map information of the displayed user and the area where the user is staying in the map information are close together, the display of either the base seat location in Office 1 or the area where the user is staying in Office 1 also serves as the display of the other. Therefore, if the map information providing unit 38 is close together with the base seat location in the map information of the displayed user, it may provide the display terminal with composite map information that displays either the base seat location in Office 1 or the area where the user is staying in Office 1.

[0072] On the other hand, if the map information provider 38 determines that the user's base seat in the map information and the area where they are staying in the map information are far apart, it provides the display terminal with composite map information that displays both the user's base seat in office 1 and the area where they are staying in office 1, in order to show that the user is away from their base seat.

[0073] Furthermore, the method of displaying the user's assigned seat within Office 1 and their dwelling area within Office 1 in the composite map information is not particularly limited. Also, the method of displaying the user's seated status and vacant status in the composite map information is not particularly limited. For example, the user's seated status or vacant status may be displayed by the display mode of the icon itself that displays the user's identification information.

[0074] Furthermore, the map information provision unit 38 may, while the display user's base seat in the map information and the area where the user is staying in the map information are separated, provide the display terminal with composite map information that displays the movement trajectory of the display user within Office 1, based on the communication device identification information corresponding to the display user, which has been sequentially acquired by the second management server 16 since the base seat in the map information and the area where the user is staying in the map information became separated.

[0075] In the example shown in Figure 11, while user U2's base seat in the map information and the area where they are staying in the map information are separated, the second management server 16 sequentially acquires communication device identification information (device IDs in records 204-220 of the monitoring record table 200) corresponding to user U2, and displays user U2's movement trajectory within office 1.

[0076] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the map information providing device 20 of the first embodiment. The flow shown in Figure 12 is initiated, for example, when acquiring registration information or acquisition of stay information.

[0077] In step S1, the display user identification unit 32 of the control unit 30 identifies the display user, and the control unit 30 proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the base seat identification unit 34 of the control unit 30 identifies the base seat of the display user, and the control unit 30 proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the stay area identification unit 36 ​​of the control unit 30 identifies the stay area of ​​the display user, and the control unit 30 proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the map information provision unit 38 of the control unit 30 associates the display user's display identification information with both the base seat in the display user's map information and the stay area in the map information, thereby providing the display terminal with composite map information that can display both the display user's base seat in office 1 and the stay area in office 1.

[0078] Note that the flowchart shown in Figure 12 is just one example, and the order of each step can be changed arbitrarily if the same effect can be achieved.

[0079] According to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, by associating the display identification information of the displayed user with at least one of the display user's base seat in the map information and the area where the user is staying in the map information, it is possible to provide composite map information that displays at least one of the display user's base seat in office 1 and the area where the user is staying in office 1. In other words, according to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to grasp the dynamic usage patterns of user U in office 1.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, by associating the display identification information of the displayed user with both the base seat and the area where the displayed user is staying in the map information, it is possible to provide composite map information that can display both the base seat and the area where the displayed user is staying in the office 1. In other words, according to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to understand which seat 7 a user U in the office 1 is using as their base and where they are staying.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, when the displayed user's base seat in the map information and the area where the user is staying in the map information are close together, it is possible to provide composite map information that displays the seating status of the displayed user. In other words, according to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not user U, who is in office 1, is seated at their base seat.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, if the base seat of the displayed user in the map information and the area where the user is staying in the map information are far apart, composite map information indicating the status of the displayed user being away from their seat can be displayed on the display terminal. In other words, according to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not user U, who is in office 1, is away from their base seat.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, when the base seat in the map information of a displayed user and the area where the user is staying in the map information are close together, it is possible to provide composite map information that displays either the base seat in the office 1 or the area where the user is staying in the office 1. In other words, according to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent users from mistakenly believing that either the display of user U's base seat in the office 1 or the display of user U's area where the user is staying in the office 1 belongs to another user U.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, if the base seat in the map information of the displayed user and the area where the user is staying in the map information are far apart, it is possible to provide composite map information that displays both the base seat in office 1 and the area where the user is staying in office 1. In other words, according to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to ascertain whether user U, who is in office 1, has left their base seat.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to provide composite map information that displays the movement trajectory of a displayed user within Office 1 while the displayed user's base seat in the map information and the area where they are staying in the map information are separated. In other words, according to the map information provision system 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to understand how a user U who is in Office 1 has moved after leaving their base seat.

[0086] 2. Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, the system is the same as in the first embodiment, except that the association between the display user's identification information and the location seat in the map information is appropriately removed. Therefore, in the second embodiment, explanations that overlap with the explanation of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0087] In the second embodiment, if the base seat location in the map information of the displayed user and the area where the user is staying in the map information remain separated for a first predetermined time (for example, 1 hour), the alert unit 40 outputs an alert to the user terminal M of that displayed user. The method of outputting the alert is email, short message, push notification, or any combination thereof.

[0088] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, if the display user's base seat in the map information and the area of ​​stay in the map information remain separated for a second predetermined time (for example, 2 hours), the map information provision unit 38 releases the association between the display user's display identification information and the base seat in the map information, thereby providing the display terminal with composite map information that hides the display user's base seat within Office 1. Note that the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.

[0089] For example, as shown in Figure 7, if the location seat of user U2 in the map information and the area of ​​stay in the map information remain separated for a first predetermined time, the alert unit 40 outputs an alert to user U2's user terminal M2. If the location seat of user U2 in the map information and the area of ​​stay in the map information remain separated for a second predetermined time, the map information provision unit 38 provides the display terminal with composite map information that hides user U2's location seat in office 1 by unlinking user U2's display identification information from the location seat in the map information.

[0090] According to the map information provision system 10 of the second embodiment, if the base seat in the map information of a displayed user and the area where the user is staying in the map information remain separated for a first predetermined time, an alert is output to the user terminal M of the displayed user, making the displayed user aware that they have been away from their base seat for the first predetermined time.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the map information provision system 10 of the second embodiment, if the base seat in the map information of a displayed user and the area where the user is staying in the map information remain separated for a second predetermined time, that is, if the base seat in the map information of a displayed user and the area where the user is staying in the map information remain separated even after an alert, the system can release the association between the displayed user's display identification information and the base seat in the map information, and provide composite map information in which the base seat of the displayed user in office 1 is hidden. In other words, according to the map information provision system 10 of the second embodiment, base seats that have not been used for a while can be made available. Also, since base seats that have not been used for a while are the same as seats 7 that no one is using, the map information provision system 10 of the second embodiment can more practically grasp the usage pattern of user U in office 1.

[0092] 3. First variation The map information provision unit 38 in each embodiment may provide the display terminal with composite map information that displays the status of the displaying user. In this case, the map information provision system 10 includes a third management server (not shown), and the map information provision device 20 cooperates with the third management server.

[0093] The third management server retrieves status information associated with information that can identify a specific user U. The third management server may also update previously retrieved status information based on newly retrieved status information. For example, the third management server retrieves status information sent from user terminal M.

[0094] Status information includes, for example, personnel information. Personnel information includes the company, department, job title, or any combination of these. Status information also includes, for example, mood information. Mood information is information that indicates one's mood, such as "I want to talk to someone."

[0095] Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of composite map information in the first modified example. The map information providing unit 38 in the first modified example provides composite map information that displays the status of the displayed user based on the status information of the displayed user.

[0096] In the example shown in Figure 13, the status of user U1 is displayed by attaching icons that show user U1's display identification information ("Tanaka") and mood information ("Concentrated") to user U1's base seat (seat 7b) etc. in user U1's map information.

[0097] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 13, the status of user U2 is displayed by attaching icons that show user U2's display identification information ("Yamada") and personnel information ("Design") to the base seat (seat 7f) etc. in user U2's map information.

[0098] Furthermore, the method of displaying the status of the displayed user in the composite map information is not particularly limited. For example, the status of the displayed user may be displayed in the same way as the icon that displays the user's identification information.

[0099] According to the first modified map information provision system 10, it is possible to provide composite map information that displays the status of the displayed user. That is, according to the first modified map information provision system 10, the status of user U who is in office 1 can be grasped. Furthermore, from this, user U who has just arrived in office 1 can choose a seat considering the status of user U who is already in office 1. In particular, if the mood of the displayed user is displayed in the composite map information, user U who has just arrived in office 1 can choose a seat considering the mood of user U who is already in office 1. Moreover, if user U who has just arrived in office 1 can grasp the mood of user U who is already in office 1 and choose a seat in this way, it may, for example, encourage more active communication among user U in office 1 or ensure a more comfortable environment among user U in office 1.

[0100] 4. Second variation In each embodiment, if the map information providing unit 38 determines, based on the display user's schedule information, that the display user has left their seat to go out of office 1, it may unlink the display user's display identification information from the location seat in the map information and provide the display terminal with composite map information in which the location seat of the display user within office 1 is hidden.

[0101] In this case, the map information provision system 10 includes a fourth management server (not shown in the diagram), and the map information provision device 20 cooperates with the fourth management server. The fourth management server acquires schedule information associated with information that can identify a specific user U. The fourth management server may also update previously acquired schedule information based on newly acquired schedule information. The fourth management server also acquires schedule information transmitted from, for example, a user terminal M.

[0102] According to the second modified map information provision system 10, if a displayed user is deemed to have left their seat to go out of office 1 based on the displayed user's schedule information, the mapping between the displayed user's display identification information and their assigned seat in the map information can be removed, and composite map information can be provided in which the displayed user's assigned seat in office 1 is hidden. In other words, according to the map information provision system 10 of the second embodiment, assigned seats that will not be used in the future can be made available. Furthermore, since assigned seats that will not be used in the future are the same as seats 7 that are not being used by anyone, the map information provision system 10 of the second modified embodiment allows for a more practical understanding of how user U uses office 1.

[0103] This concludes the description of each embodiment and each modified example. However, the specific configurations shown here are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the configurations shown in each embodiment.

[0104] In each of the above embodiments and modifications, the functions of the first management server 14, the second management server 16, the third management server, and the fourth management server are each realized by a computer executing a program.

[0105] Furthermore, the functions of the map information providing device 20 and at least one of the functions of the first management server 14, the second management server 16, the third management server, and the fourth management server may be implemented by a single computer or by multiple computers.

[0106] Furthermore, the map information providing device 20 may be configured as an integrated device with at least one of the first management server 14, the second management server 16, the third management server, and the fourth management server.

[0107] Furthermore, the functions of each display terminal are realized by a computer executing a program. In addition, terminals other than the user terminal M and the signage terminal 12 may be used as display terminals.

[0108] Furthermore, while there are no particular limitations on who can receive the composite map information, it is preferable to restrict the recipients of the composite map information by considering factors such as the location of the display terminal and the owner of the display terminal, in order to restrict access to the composite map information by anyone other than User U. For example, if the composite map information is provided to signage terminal 12 in office 1, access to the composite map information will be restricted to User U. Similarly, if the composite map information is provided to user terminal M, access to the composite map information will be restricted to User U. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 1 Office 3. Wireless communication device 5. Communication Area 7 seats 9 Electronic tags 10. Map Information Provision System 12 Digital signage terminals 14. First Management Server 16. Second Management Server 20 Map Information Provisioning Device 30 Control Unit 32 Display User Identification Unit 34. Seat Identification Unit at each location 36. Area Identification Unit 38 Map Information Provision Department 40 Alert Section U User M User Terminal

Claims

1. A map information provision system that provides map information about an office, including multiple wireless communication devices installed so as to distribute the communication area, and electronic tags installed at or near each seat, to the users of the office, The first information acquisition unit acquires user identification information and seat identification information transmitted from the user terminal when the user reads the electronic tag of the seat they wish to use as a base using the user terminal. A second information acquisition unit monitors whether the aforementioned multiple wireless communication devices are connected to the user terminal, and acquires terminal identification information and communication device identification information based on the connection between the user terminal and the wireless communication device. A map information providing system comprising: a map information providing unit that provides composite map information displaying at least one of the display user's base seat in the office and the stay area in the office, by associating the display identification information of a display user, which is commonly identified by the user identification information and the terminal identification information, with at least one of the base seat in the map information identified from the seat identification information corresponding to the display user and the stay area in the map information identified from the latest communication device identification information corresponding to the display user.

2. The map information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the map information providing unit associates the display identification information of the displaying user with both the base seat in the map information and the stay area in the map information, thereby providing composite map information that can display both the base seat in the office and the stay area in the office of the displaying user.

3. The map information providing system according to claim 2, wherein the map information providing unit provides the composite map information that displays the seating status of the displayed user when the base seat in the map information and the stay area in the map information are close together.

4. The map information providing system according to claim 2, wherein the map information providing unit provides composite map information that displays the status of the displayed user being away from their seat when the base seat in the map information and the stay area in the map information are far apart.

5. The map information providing system according to claim 2, wherein the map information providing unit provides composite map information that displays either the base seat in the office or the stay area in the office of the displayed user when the base seat in the map information and the stay area in the map information are close together.

6. The map information providing system according to claim 2, wherein the map information providing unit provides composite map information that displays both the base seat in the office and the stay area in the office of the displayed user when the base seat in the map information and the stay area in the map information are far apart.

7. The map information providing system according to claim 2, wherein the map information providing unit provides the composite map information that displays the movement trajectory of the displayed user within the office, based on the communication device identification information corresponding to the displayed user, which is sequentially acquired by the second information acquisition unit after the base seat in the map information and the stay area in the map information are separated.

8. The map information provision system according to claim 1, further comprising an alert unit that outputs an alert to the user terminal of the displaying user when the display identification information of the displaying user is associated with both the base seat in the map information and the stay area in the map information, and the base seat in the map information and the stay area in the map information are separated for a first predetermined period of time.

9. The map information providing unit, in a state where the display identification information of the displayed user is associated with both the base seat in the map information and the stay area in the map information, if the base seat in the map information and the stay area in the map information are separated for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time, releases the association between the display identification information of the displayed user and the base seat in the map information, and provides the composite map information in which the base seat of the displayed user in the office is hidden.

10. The map information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the map information providing unit provides the composite map information that displays the status of the displayed user.

11. The map information providing system according to claim 10, wherein the map information providing unit provides the composite map information that displays the mood of the displaying user as the status of the displaying user.

12. The map information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the map information providing unit, when the display identification information of the displayed user is associated with both the base seat in the map information and the stay area in the map information, and the displayed user is deemed to have left their seat to go out of the office based on the displayed user's schedule information, the unit releases the association between the display identification information of the displayed user and the base seat in the map information, and provides the composite map information in which the display user's base seat in the office is hidden.

13. The map information providing unit provides composite map information that displays at least one of the base seat in the office and the stay area in the office for the display user, by associating the display identification information of the display user with at least one of the base seat in the map information identified from the latest seat identification information corresponding to the display user and the stay area in the map information identified from the latest communication device identification information corresponding to the display user.

14. The map information provision system according to claim 1, further comprising a display terminal that receives and displays the composite map information.

15. A map information providing device that provides map information relating to an office, including multiple wireless communication devices installed so as to distribute the communication area, and electronic tags installed at or near each seat, to the users of the office, The first information acquisition unit acquires user identification information and seat identification information transmitted from the user terminal when the user reads the electronic tag of the seat they wish to use as a base using the user terminal. A second information acquisition unit monitors whether the aforementioned multiple wireless communication devices are connected to the user terminal, and acquires terminal identification information and communication device identification information based on the connection between the user terminal and the wireless communication device. A map information providing device comprising: a map information providing unit that provides composite map information that displays at least one of the base seat in the office and the staying area in the office for the display user, by associating the display identification information of the display user, which is commonly identified by the user identification information and the terminal identification information, with at least one of the base seat in the map information identified from the seat identification information corresponding to the display user and the staying area in the map information identified from the latest communication device identification information corresponding to the display user.

16. A map information provision system provides map information relating to an office, including multiple wireless communication devices installed so as to distribute the communication area, and electronic tags installed at or near each seat, to users of the office, and a method for providing map information implemented by the system. The first information acquisition step involves obtaining user identification information and seat identification information transmitted from the user terminal when the user reads the electronic tag of the seat they wish to use as a base using the user terminal, A second information acquisition step involves monitoring whether the aforementioned multiple wireless communication devices are connected to the user terminal, and obtaining terminal identification information and communication device identification information based on the connection between the user terminal and the wireless communication device. A map information providing method comprising: a map information providing step of providing composite map information that displays at least one of the base seat in the office and the stay area in the office for the display user, by associating the display identification information of the display user, which is commonly identified by the user identification information and the terminal identification information, with at least one of the base seat in the map information identified from the seat identification information corresponding to the display user and the stay area in the map information identified from the latest communication device identification information corresponding to the display user.

17. A map information provision program executed by a computer of a map information provision system that provides map information about an office, including multiple wireless communication devices installed so as to distribute the communication area, and electronic tags installed at or near each seat, to users of the office, wherein the map information provision system... The first information acquisition step involves obtaining user identification information and seat identification information transmitted from the user terminal when the user reads the electronic tag of the seat they wish to use as a base using the user terminal, A second information acquisition step involves monitoring whether the aforementioned multiple wireless communication devices are connected to the user terminal, and obtaining terminal identification information and communication device identification information based on the connection between the user terminal and the wireless communication device. A map information providing program that performs a map information providing step of providing composite map information that displays at least one of the base seat in the office and the stay area in the office for the display user, by associating the display identification information of the display user, which is commonly identified by the user identification information and the terminal identification information, with at least one of the base seat in the map information identified from the seat identification information corresponding to the display user and the stay area in the map information identified from the latest communication device identification information corresponding to the display user.

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