Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide pleasure of an apparatus used by a user by using its relation to other apparatuses existing around the apparatus.SOLUTION: A server 710 is provided with a control part 712 for acquiring position information about a plurality of electronic apparatuses 741 to 745 being other apparatuses existing around an electronic apparatus 730 possessed by a user and including portable apparatuses possessed by other users, holding the position information about the plurality of electronic apparatuses 741 to 745 in a storage part 713 for each corresponding apparatus, specifying a shape formed by straight lines connecting respective positions at which the plurality of electronic apparatuses 741 to 745 exist on the basis of the position information held by the storage part 713 at prescribed timing, and determining content to be provided to the electronic apparatus 730 on the basis of the shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 46

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, and more particularly to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that utilize wireless communication. [Background technology]

[0002] Various electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, and tablet terminals are used all over the world. These electronic devices can output content such as images, videos, and music. These electronic devices can also perform various communications using wireless communication. They can also exchange content such as images, videos, and music. For example, there is technology for exchanging content between multiple devices using wireless communication (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-96499 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional technology, content can be exchanged between multiple devices using wireless communication. In recent years, there are many portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones and tablet terminals) and fixed communication devices (e.g., smart home appliances and AI (Artificial Intelligence) speakers). For this reason, it is assumed that a large number of other devices are present around the device used by the user (e.g., smartphone). In such an environment (an environment in which a plurality of other devices are present around the device used by the user), the device used by the user can perform various processes (e.g., content exchange) between the device and the communication partner device using radio waves output from the communication partner device. In addition, in such an environment, the device used by the user also receives radio waves from devices other than the communication partner device. Therefore, in such an environment, if it is possible to perform processes other than processes based on communication with the communication partner device using radio waves from the communication partner device and other devices, it is considered that the enjoyment of the device used by the user will increase.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a user with enjoyment of the device he or she is using by utilizing relationships with other devices present in the vicinity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One form of the present invention is an information processing device having a control unit that acquires location information for a plurality of devices, including portable devices owned by other users, which are other devices present around a portable target device owned by a user, stores the location information for the plurality of devices in a memory unit for each of the devices, identifies a shape formed by straight lines connecting the locations of the plurality of devices based on the location information stored in the memory unit at a predetermined timing, and causes the target device to execute processing related to a game that can be displayed on the target device based on the shape, an information processing method that includes each of these processes, and a program for realizing each of these functions on a computer. One form of the present invention is a gaming device having a control unit that stores in a memory unit for each device the reception strength of radio waves, including radio waves not intended for the device itself, output from a plurality of devices in the vicinity, including portable devices, and executes processing related to a game based on a pattern of the multiple reception strengths when the multiple reception strengths for each device stored in the memory unit at a predetermined timing are combined; an electronic device; an information processing method including a process to be stored in the memory unit and a process to execute the processing related to the game; and a program for causing a computer to realize the functions to be stored in the memory unit and the functions to execute the processing related to the game. Moreover, one form of the present invention is an electronic device having a control unit that stores in a memory unit for each device the reception strength of radio waves, including radio waves not intended for the device itself, output from a plurality of devices, including portable devices, present in the vicinity, and determines content to be provided to a user based on a pattern of the multiple reception strengths when the multiple reception strengths for each device stored in the memory unit at a predetermined timing are combined; an information processing method that includes a process for storing the content in the memory unit and a process for determining the content; and a program for causing a computer to realize the function of storing the content in the memory unit and the function of determining the content. Moreover, one form of the present invention is an electronic device having a control unit that determines content to be provided to a user based on a pattern of information about each device when the information about the multiple devices stored in the memory at a predetermined timing is arranged according to the reception strength associated with the information about each device, the electronic device having a reception strength output from multiple devices including portable devices, including radio waves not intended for the device itself, and information about each device that can be identified based on the radio waves output from the multiple devices, and the information about each device stored in the memory at a predetermined timing is arranged according to the reception strength associated with the information about each device; an information processing method including a process of storing information in the memory and a process of determining the content; and a program for causing a computer to realize a function to store information in the memory and a function to determine the content. A first aspect of the present invention is an electronic device having a control unit that stores in a memory unit the reception strength of radio waves output from a plurality of devices, including portable devices, present in the vicinity of the electronic device, for each of the devices, and determines content to be provided to a user based on a pattern of each of the reception strengths when the reception strengths for each of the devices stored in the memory unit at a predetermined timing are arranged in order of reception strength; an information processing method including a process for storing the content in the memory unit and a process for determining the content; and a program for causing a computer to realize the function of storing the content in the memory unit and the function of determining the content. In this first embodiment, the pattern may be a pattern formed of a combination of each reception strength and a number of each reception strength when the reception strengths for each device are arranged in order of reception strength. In addition, a second aspect of the present invention is an electronic device having a control unit that determines content to be provided to a user based on a pattern of information about a device when the information about the device stored in the memory at a predetermined timing is arranged in order of reception strength of the information about the device, the information being stored in the memory at a predetermined timing in order of reception strength associated with the information about the device; an information processing method including a process of storing information in the memory and a process of determining the content; and a program for causing a computer to realize a function to store information in the memory and a function to determine the content. In this second embodiment, the information about the device may be at least one of the type of the device, the manufacturer of the device, the model number of the device, unique information of the device, and a name given to the device. In the first or second embodiment, the predetermined timing may be any one of the following: a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed, a timing when a desired content can be determined as a provision target, a timing when a predetermined user operation is performed, and a timing when a change in the attitude of the electronic device is detected. In this case, the timing when the predetermined time has elapsed may be any one of the following: a timing when the time elapsed since the power of the electronic device is turned on reaches the predetermined time, a timing when the time elapsed since the power of the electronic device is turned on and the previous content provision reaches the predetermined time, and a timing when the time elapsed since the electronic device receives radio waves from a specific device reaches the predetermined time. In addition, in the first or second embodiment, the device may further include a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information regarding the location where the electronic device is located, and the control unit may determine whether the location of the electronic device identified by the location information is included in a specific area, and if the location of the electronic device is included in the specific area, may determine the content based on the pattern from among the content associated with the specific area. In addition, in this first or second aspect, the control unit may cause the determined content to be stored in the storage unit, and execute processing related to the game using the content stored in the storage unit within a predetermined period of time. In addition, in the first or second embodiment, the control unit may execute at least one of an output process that causes an audio output unit to output audio based on the determined content, and a display process that causes a display unit to display an image based on the determined content. In addition, a third aspect of the present invention is an information processing device having a control unit that acquires location information on a portable target device and location information on multiple other devices present around the target device, including a portable device, stores the location information on the target device and the location information on the multiple devices in a memory unit for each device, calculates a distance from the target device to each of the multiple devices based on the location information stored in the memory unit at a predetermined timing, and determines content to be provided to the target device based on a pattern of the multiple devices when the multiple devices are arranged in order of the length of each distance based on the calculated distances; an information processing method including a process of storing in the memory unit, a process of calculating the content, and a process of determining the content; and a program for causing a computer to realize a function of storing in the memory unit, a function of calculating the content, and a function of determining the content. In this third embodiment, the pattern may be a pattern formed of a combination of identification information of the plurality of devices when the plurality of devices are arranged in order of the length of each of the distances. Another embodiment of the present invention is an electronic device or information processing device that determines at least one of a plurality of contents to be provided to a user based on one or more radio waves including radio waves output from devices present around the electronic device and not addressed to the device itself.Another embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method that determines at least one of a plurality of contents to be provided to an electronic device based on one or more radio waves including radio waves output from devices present around the electronic device and not addressed to the electronic device, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention is an electronic device or information processing device that, based on one or more radio waves including radio waves output from devices present around the electronic device and not addressed to the electronic device itself, selects and executes at least one process from among a plurality of processes other than a process related to wireless communication based on the radio waves and a process using wireless communication based on the radio waves.Another embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method that, based on one or more radio waves including radio waves output from devices present around the electronic device and not addressed to the electronic device, selects and executes at least one process from a plurality of processes other than a process related to wireless communication based on the radio waves and a process using wireless communication based on the radio waves, and causes the electronic device to execute the process, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method.

[0008] In these cases, the electronic device may determine the content based on the reception strength of the one or more radio waves. Also, the electronic device may determine the content based on the relationship between the number of the radio waves received by the electronic device and the reception strength of the radio waves.

[0009] In these cases, the electronic device may determine the content based on information about devices present in the vicinity that can be identified based on the one or more radio waves. The information about the device may be at least one of the following: the type of the device, the manufacturer of the device, the model number of the device, information unique to the device, and a name given to the device. The electronic device may determine the content based on the relationship between the number of radio waves received by the electronic device and information about the device that output the radio waves.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device or information processing device that determines at least one piece of content to be provided to a user from among a plurality of pieces of content based on a relative relationship between the electronic device and a plurality of other devices.Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing method that determines at least one piece of content to be provided to an electronic device from among a plurality of pieces of content based on a relative relationship between the electronic device and a plurality of other devices, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device or information processing device that selects and executes at least one process from a plurality of processes other than a process related to wireless communication with a plurality of other devices and a process using wireless communication with the other devices, based on a relative relationship between the electronic device and the plurality of other devices.Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing method that selects and executes at least one process from a plurality of processes other than a process related to wireless communication between the electronic device and the plurality of other devices and a process using wireless communication between the electronic device and the plurality of other devices, based on a relative relationship between the electronic device and the plurality of other devices, and has the electronic device execute the selected process, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device or information processing device that, based on a relative relationship between a target device and a plurality of other devices, selects at least one process from a plurality of processes other than a process related to wireless communication between the target device and the other devices and a process using wireless communication between the target device and the other devices, and causes the target device to execute the process.Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing method that, based on a relative relationship between the target device and a plurality of other devices, selects at least one process from a plurality of processes other than a process related to wireless communication between the target device and the other devices and a process using wireless communication between the target device and the other devices, and causes the target device to execute the process, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method.

[0013] The relative relationship between the target device and multiple other devices (e.g., the estimated distance between the target device and the other devices) can be understood, for example, based on the radio waves output from each device. For example, the relative relationship between the target device and the other devices can be understood based on the reception strength of the one or more radio waves. In addition, the relative relationship between the target device and the other devices can be understood based on the relationship between the number of radio waves received by the target device and the reception strength of the radio waves.

[0014] For example, the relative relationship between the target device and other devices can be understood based on information about a device that can be identified based on one or more radio waves. The information about the device can be at least one of the following: the type of the device, the manufacturer of the device, the model number of the device, the unique information of the device, and the name given to the device. The relative relationship between the target device and other devices can be understood based on the relationship between the number of radio waves received by the target device and information about the device that output the radio waves.

[0015] Furthermore, the relative relationship between the target device and other devices (for example, the distance between the electronic device and a plurality of other devices) can be understood based on, for example, position information regarding each device. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a user with the enjoyment of the device he or she is using by utilizing the relationship with other devices present in the vicinity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a simplified configuration example of a communication system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an electronic device 100 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of determination information (table) used when determining information to be provided based on a radio wave condition in the electronic device 100 in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of information (provided information) provided by electronic device 100 in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which the electronic device 100 in the first embodiment determines information to be provided using the intensity of radio waves output from another device. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which the electronic device 100 in the first embodiment determines information to be provided using the intensity of radio waves output from another device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a case where provided information (contents) is output from the electronic device 100 in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an information provision output process by the electronic device 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of determination information used when the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment determines information to be provided. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment determines information to be provided by using the type of another device from which the electronic device 100 has received radio waves. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment determines information to be provided by using the type of another device from which the electronic device 100 has received radio waves. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a case where provided information (contents) is output from electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a simplified diagram showing a case in which electronic devices 301 to 305 according to the second embodiment are installed on a mountain. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of various pieces of information used when determining information to be provided by electronic device 100 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of various pieces of information used when determining information to be provided by electronic device 100 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment determines information to be provided by using the type of another device from which the electronic device 100 has received radio waves. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a case where content is output from electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a simplified diagram showing a case where electronic devices 311 to 315 according to the second embodiment are installed in a store. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of various pieces of information used when determining information to be provided by electronic device 100 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of various pieces of information used when determining information to be provided by electronic device 100 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment determines information to be provided by using the type of another device from which the electronic device 100 has received radio waves. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a case where content is output from electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a simplified configuration example of a communication system 40 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between the provided information and the provided information OI determined by the electronic devices 100 and 401 to 404 using the determination information in the second embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for additionally displaying a tool 75 on a character A displayed on a display unit 411 of a display device 410 using electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a story game displayed on a display unit 150 of electronic device 100 in a second embodiment. [Figure 27] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between provided information OI determined by the electronic device 100 using determination information in the second embodiment and provided information 441, 442, and 443. FIG. [Figure 28]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display in which provided information is displayed on a display unit 150 of the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. [Figure 29] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating, in a simplified form, an example of transition of a raising game displayed on a display unit 150 of electronic device 100 in a second embodiment. [Diagram 30] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between provided information OI determined by the electronic device 100 using determination information in the second embodiment and provided information 461, 462, and 463. FIG. [Diagram 31] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating, in a simplified form, an example of transition of a roaming game displayed on a display unit 150 of the electronic device 100 according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 32] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between provided information OI determined by the electronic device 100 using determination information in the second embodiment and provided information 471, 472, and 473. FIG. [Diagram 33] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a provision information determination process by the electronic device 100 according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an electronic device 500 according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between a specific region 511, provided information OI (512), and provided information (audio information 513 and image information 514) used when the electronic device 500 in the third embodiment determines information to be provided. [Diagram 36] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a content output process by the electronic device 500 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of electronic devices 550 and 560 according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 38] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of communication processing by an electronic device 550 and an electronic device 560 according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system functional configuration of a communication system 600 according to a fifth embodiment. [Diagram 40]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server 610 and an electronic device 630 according to a fifth embodiment. [Diagram 41] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of communication processing by a server 610 and an electronic device 630 according to the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 42] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system functional configuration of a communication system 700 according to a sixth embodiment. [Diagram 43] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server 710 and an electronic device 730 according to a sixth embodiment. [Diagram 44] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of registration information managed by a server 710 in the sixth embodiment. [Diagram 45] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of determination information (table) used when determining information to be provided based on the positional relationship between electronic device 730 and other devices in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the server 710 in the sixth embodiment determines information to be provided by using position information of the electronic device 730 and other devices (electronic devices 741 to 745). [Figure 47] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the server 710 in the sixth embodiment determines information to be provided by using position information of the electronic device 730 and other devices (electronic devices 741 to 745). [Figure 48] 23 is a flowchart showing an example of communication processing by a server 710 and an electronic device 730 in the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] [First embodiment: Example of determining information to be provided based on relative positional relationship with other devices] [Example of communication system configuration] Fig. 1 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 1 in the first embodiment. Fig. 1 shows an example in which electronic devices 100 to 106 each have a wireless communication function and can perform wireless communication among themselves. Also, an example is shown in which electronic devices 100 to 104 and 106 are owned by users P0 to P6, and electronic device 105 is fixed.

[0020] In the communication system 1, the electronic device 100 can receive radio waves output from each of the other devices (electronic devices 101 to 106). For example, the strength of the radio waves output from the electronic device 103 present near the electronic device 100 (reception strength at the electronic device 100) is expected to be stronger than the strength of the radio waves output from the other devices (electronic devices 101, 102, 104 to 106). On the other hand, the strength of the radio waves output from the electronic device 106 presenting an obstacle 2 between the electronic device 100 and the electronic device 100 is expected to be relatively weak.

[0021] Here, each of the electronic devices 100 to 106 is capable of performing at least one of wireless communication of various wireless communication standards such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) (e.g., Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)), Bluetooth (registered trademark) (IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.15.1), ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4), WiMax, and infrared communication as wireless communication. Also, each of the electronic devices 100 to 106 may use, for example, a public network (e.g., 3G (3rd Generation), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), and LTE (Long Term Evolution)) as wireless communication. Note that these are examples of wireless communication, and each embodiment may be applied to wireless communication of other wireless communication standards.

[0022] In the first embodiment, for ease of explanation, an example is shown in which the electronic devices 100 to 106 perform wireless communication by wireless LAN (for example, Wi-Fi) as wireless communication. In the first embodiment, each of the devices (electronic devices 101 to 106) other than the electronic device 100 is, for example, a device capable of being a master device of the wireless LAN. The device capable of being a master device of the wireless LAN is, for example, a wireless LAN router, a public access point, a mobile router, or a wireless device having a tethering function (for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable device). The device capable of being a master device of the wireless LAN has an SSID (Service Set Identifier). The SSID is an identifier of an access point defined by the IEEE802.11 standard. The SSID is, for example, an identifier such as a device name, a name set by a user, or other character string, and can be displayed on other devices. For example, the SSID is displayed as a device name, a name set by a user, or other character string. Therefore, the electronic device 100 can display the SSIDs (e.g., device names, names set by the user, other character strings) of the other devices (electronic devices 101 to 106) on the display unit 150 (shown in FIG. 2). This allows the user P0 of the electronic device 100 to visually grasp the SSIDs (e.g., device names, names set by the user, other character strings) of the other devices (electronic devices 101 to 106). In addition, the control unit 120 (shown in FIG. 2) of the electronic device 100 can grasp the SSIDs (e.g., device names, names set by the user, other character strings) of the other devices (electronic devices 101 to 106). Therefore, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 can grasp the device names, names set by the user, other character strings, etc. of the other devices (electronic devices 101 to 106).

[0023] In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the radio wave strength (received radio wave strength) in the electronic device 100 is used. Note that a known measurement method can be used for measuring the radio wave strength (received radio wave strength). For example, some devices (for example, personal computers, smartphones, tablet terminals, and wearable devices) equipped with a wireless LAN (for example, Wi-Fi) wireless communication function have a function for measuring the strength of radio waves output from other devices and displaying the measurement result and SSID for each device (for example, displaying the radio wave strength level in five stages together with the SSID). This function makes it possible to easily check the status of the wireless LAN environment. Using such a function, the radio wave strength of other devices can be acquired. Note that, for devices capable of wireless communication of multiple standards, each radio wave received by each wireless communication function may be measured, or the radio wave received by at least one wireless communication function (for example, Wi-Fi wireless communication function) may be measured. In this case, the wireless communication function (for example, Wi-Fi wireless communication function) for receiving the radio wave used to determine the information to be provided is used. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an example is shown in which five levels of radio wave intensity are used, but four or less levels, or six or more levels of radio wave intensity may be used.

[0024] [Example of electronic device functional configuration] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the electronic device 100 according to the first embodiment. The electronic device 100 is, for example, an electronic device or an information processing device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0025] The electronic device 100 has a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, a storage unit 130, an operation unit 140, a display unit 150, and an audio output unit 160. The electronic device 100 may have a built-in or attached battery and use the battery as a power source, or may not have a built-in battery and use an external power source.

[0026] The communication unit 110 exchanges various information with other devices through wired or wireless circuits under the control of the control unit 120. For example, when exchanging various information using wireless communication, the communication unit 110 transmits and receives radio waves through an antenna (not shown). For example, the communication unit 110 can perform at least one wireless communication among the wireless communication of the various wireless communication standards described above. The communication unit 110 may perform wireless communication with communication devices present within a predetermined range, and may also perform wireless communication by connecting to a predetermined network (for example, the Internet) through a base station installed by a communication carrier such as a mobile phone company. The communication unit 110 is realized, for example, by a communication module having an antenna and a wireless communication function, or a communication module having a wired communication function.

[0027] The control unit 120 controls each unit of the electronic device 100 based on a control program stored in the storage unit 130. The control unit 120 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The CPU is a central processing unit (electronic device) consisting of a control device (control circuit) and an arithmetic device (arithmetic circuit).

[0028] The storage unit 130 is a memory that stores various information. For example, the storage unit 130 stores various information required for the electronic device 100 to perform various processes (for example, a control program, information for determining information to be provided (for example, the determination information shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 9, FIG. 14, FIG. 19)). The storage unit 130 also stores information (provided information) (for example, the provided information shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 15, FIG. 20, FIG. 24, FIG. 27, FIG. 30, FIG. 32, FIG. 35) that is provided based on the information (for example, the determination information shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 9, FIG. 14, FIG. 19). The storage unit 130 may be a removable storage unit or may be a storage unit built into the electronic device 100. The electronic device 100 may be provided with both a removable storage unit and a built-in storage unit.

[0029] The operation unit 140 receives operation inputs for operating the electronic device 100. For example, the operation unit 140 can be a user interface such as various operating members (for example, switches and buttons) or a touch panel.

[0030] The display unit 150 is a display unit that outputs various information based on the control of the control unit 120. For example, a display panel such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel can be used as the display unit 150. The operation unit 140 and the display unit 150 can be integrally configured using a touch panel that allows a user to perform operation input by touching or approaching the display surface with his / her finger. However, the operation unit 140 and the display unit 150 may be configured separately, and the operation unit 140 may be configured to accept operations using an operation member. Also, an operation member separate from a user interface such as a touch panel may be provided, and operations may be accepted using this operation member. Also, an image corresponding to the operation unit may be projected onto a wall or the like, and a user interface may be configured in which the image can be used to perform operations (for example, the user points at the image).

[0031] The audio output unit 160 is an audio output unit (for example, a speaker) that outputs various sounds based on the control of the control unit 120.

[0032] [Example of information to be provided based on the strength of radio waves emitted from other devices] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of determination information (table) used when determining information to be provided based on radio wave conditions in the electronic device 100 in the first embodiment. The determination information shown in Fig. 3 is information showing a correspondence relationship between radio wave conditions in the electronic device 100 and the information to be provided OI. This determination information is stored in the storage unit 130. Moreover, the radio wave strength shown in each embodiment means the radio wave strength in the device (receiving device side) that receives radio waves (strength of radio waves received on the receiving device side).

[0033] In FIG. 3, the radio wave intensity rankings #1, . . . , #6 are values ​​indicating the ranking of devices with stronger radio wave intensity among the intensities of radio waves (radio waves output from other devices) received by the electronic device 100. The determination information (table) shown in FIG. 3 is information in which a plurality of patterns in the case where the radio wave intensity of each device is arranged in order of radio wave intensity are associated with the provided information OI (OI1 to OIM (where M is a positive integer)). For example, when the electronic device 100 does not receive any radio waves from other devices, the intensities of the radio waves received by the electronic device 100 are all "0", so OI1 is determined as the provided information OI. For example, when the electronic device 100 receives only radio waves from one device and the intensity of the received radio waves is "1", OI2 is determined as the provided information OI. For example, when the electronic device 100 receives radio waves from six or more devices and the radio waves from at least six devices are "5", OIM (where M is a positive integer) is determined as the provided information OI. In addition, the combinations of letters and numbers (for example, OIX1 to OIX3 shown in FIG. 3 and OIY1 and OIY2 shown in FIG. 4) attached to the provided information OI shown in each embodiment are information attached to identify the provided information OI for ease of explanation, and these letters and numbers do not define the order of the provided information OI. In this way, in the determination information shown in FIG. 3, all combinations (patterns) of the radio wave strength rankings #1 to #6 and the radio wave strengths 0 to 5 (where 0 means no reception) of each device are defined. For example, in the provided information OI1, a pattern "0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0" where all are "0" is defined. In addition, in the provided information OI2, a pattern "1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0" where one is "1" and the others are all "0" is defined. In addition, in the provided information OI3, a pattern "1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0" where two are "1" and the others are all "0" is defined. The rest are defined in the same way, and the pattern "5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5" is defined in the provided information OIM, where all "5"s are defined.

[0034] In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the first six ranks (#1 to #6) are used as the signal strength rank, but ranks five or higher, or ranks seven or lower, may be used. The number of signal strength ranks may be preset, or may be set by the user according to the user's preference.

[0035] The value of M is determined based on the number of radio wave intensity rankings and the value representing radio wave intensity (1 to 5 in the first embodiment). For example, when the number of radio wave intensity rankings is 3 and the value representing radio wave intensity is 1 or 2 (0 when no device exists), the value is determined to be 10. When the number of radio wave intensity rankings is 3 and the value representing radio wave intensity is 1 to 3 (0 when no device exists), the value is determined to be 20. When the number of radio wave intensity rankings is 6 and the value representing radio wave intensity is 1 to 5 (0 when no device exists), the value is determined to be 463. However, depending on the number of radio wave intensity rankings and the value representing radio wave intensity, the value of M may become too large, and it may not be possible to prepare information to be provided (for example, the audio information 11 and image information 12 shown in FIG. 4). Therefore, when the value of M is greater than the number of pieces of information to be provided (for example, the audio information 11 and image information 12 shown in FIG. 4), the same information (the audio information 11 and the image information 12) may be assigned to different information (the provided information OI).

[0036] [Example of information provided] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information (provided information) provided by the electronic device 100 in the first embodiment. Specifically, an example of a correspondence relationship between the provided information OI determined using the determination information shown in Fig. 3 and the provided information (audio information 11 and image information 12) is shown. This provided information is stored in the storage unit 130.

[0037] For example, when OI1 is determined as the provided information OI, information about Santa (audio information 11, image information 12) is provided. The information about Santa is, for example, information for outputting the sound of "Let's dream of Santa Claus of your dreams" (audio information 11) and information for displaying a photo or a graphic image of Santa (image information 12). Note that, in FIG. 4, for ease of explanation, characters to be output as audio and images to be displayed are simply shown. Note that examples of providing these will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Also, in FIG. 4, the audio information 11 and the image information 12 are used as examples of the provided information, but one of the audio information 11 and the image information 12 may be provided as the provided information. Also, information other than audio information and image information (for example, smell information, taste information, tactile information) may be provided as the provided information. Also, information that gives some kind of preferential treatment to the user (for example, coupons, preferential treatment, points) may be provided as the provided information.

[0038] [Example of determining the information to be provided using the strength of radio waves emitted from other devices] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are diagrams showing an example in which the electronic device 100 in the first embodiment determines information to be provided using the strength of radio waves output from other devices. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show an example in which information to be provided is determined using the strength of radio waves output from the electronic devices 101 to 106 shown in Fig. 1.

[0039] 5(1) shows the strength of radio waves received by electronic device 100 from electronic devices 101-106, arranged in the order of electronic devices 101-106. In the first embodiment, the radio wave strength is shown by a bar graph corresponding to a five-level numerical value (of the five bars, the black bar indicates strength (5 being the strongest and 1 being the lowest)). In FIG. 5(1), the names of electronic devices 101-106 are shown in the upper row, the radio wave strength of each device is shown in a bar graph in the middle row, and the ranking of the radio wave strength of each device is shown in the lower row.

[0040] For example, the strength of the radio waves received by electronic device 100 from electronic device 101 is "2", the strength of the radio waves received by electronic device 100 from electronic device 102 is "4", the strength of the radio waves received by electronic device 100 from electronic device 103 is "5", the strength of the radio waves received by electronic device 100 from electronic device 104 is "3", the strength of the radio waves received by electronic device 100 from electronic device 105 is "2", and the strength of the radio waves received by electronic device 100 from electronic device 106 is "1". In this case, electronic device 103 with radio wave strength of "5" will be ranked first (#1), electronic device 102 with radio wave strength of "4" will be ranked second (#2), electronic device 104 with radio wave strength of "3" will be ranked third (#3), electronic devices 101 and 105 with radio wave strength of "2" will be ranked fourth and fifth (#4 and #5), and electronic device 106 with radio wave strength of "1" will be ranked sixth (#6).

[0041] Fig. 5(2) shows the radio wave strengths of the electronic devices 101 to 106 when arranged in the order of radio wave strength shown in the lower part of Fig. 5(1). Note that, since information for identifying the electronic devices 101 to 106 is not used hereinafter, the reference symbols for identifying the electronic devices 101 to 106 are omitted.

[0042] Fig. 5(3) shows an example of extraction when extracting radio wave intensity matching the radio wave intensity (5, 4, 3, 2, 2, 1) shown in Fig. 5(2) from the judgment information shown in Fig. 3. Note that the judgment information shown in Fig. 5(3) is the same as the judgment information shown in Fig. 3, and Fig. 5(3) omits some of the judgment information shown in Fig. 3. Also, Fig. 5(3) shows radio wave intensity matching the radio wave intensity (5, 4, 3, 2, 2, 1) shown in Fig. 5(2) within a dashed rectangle 13.

[0043] Fig. 6 shows an example of extraction of audio information 11 and image information 12 associated with OIX1 determined as provided information OI using the determination information shown in Fig. 5(3). The provided information shown in Fig. 6 is the same as the provided information shown in Fig. 4. In Fig. 6, the audio information 11 and image information 12 associated with OIX1 are shown in a dashed rectangle 14.

[0044] Here, each process until the electronic device 100 determines the audio information 11 and image information 12 (within the dashed rectangle 14) shown in FIG. 6 will be described. First, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 measures the strength (radio wave intensity) of radio waves from other devices received by the communication unit 110. In this case, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 measures the radio wave intensity of both the radio waves addressed to the device itself (to the electronic device 100) and the radio waves not addressed to the device itself (to the electronic device 100). For example, as shown in FIG. 5(1), the measurement result (radio wave intensity level) of the radio wave intensity from other devices can be grasped in five stages. Then, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 holds the radio wave intensity level (five stages) for each device. Next, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 determines the order of radio wave intensity levels (five stages) for multiple devices at a predetermined timing (for example, the timing when the provision condition of step S203 shown in FIG. 8 is satisfied). For example, the order of each radio wave intensity is determined as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5(1). In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the provided information OI is determined using at least radio waves not addressed to the device itself (electronic device 100) among a plurality of radio waves (radio waves addressed to the device itself (electronic device 100) and radio waves not addressed to the device itself (electronic device 100)). For example, when the electronic device 100 is performing wireless communication with the electronic device 105, the provided information OI can be determined using other radio waves (radio waves not addressed to the device itself) in addition to the radio waves (radio waves addressed to the device itself) output from the electronic device 105. Also, for example, when the electronic device 100 is not performing wireless communication with other devices (for example, when the electronic device 100 is in standby), the provided information OI can be determined using one or more receivable radio waves (radio waves not addressed to the device itself). Also, the provided information OI may be determined using only the radio waves (one or more) addressed to the device itself (electronic device 100).

[0045] Next, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 determines the information to be provided OI based on the relationship between each radio wave intensity and the ranking of each radio wave intensity. For example, when the radio wave intensities of the electronic devices 101 to 106 are the radio wave intensity levels shown in Fig. 5(1)(2), the control unit 120 extracts the radio wave intensities (within the dashed rectangle 13 shown in Fig. 5(3)) that match the radio wave intensities (5, 4, 3, 2, 2, 1) from the determination information shown in Fig. 5(3) and determines the information to be provided OI as OIX1. Then, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 outputs the audio information 11 and the image information 12 (within the dashed rectangle 14 shown in Fig. 6) associated with OIX1 determined as the information to be provided OI.

[0046] For example, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the audio output unit 160 to output audio based on the audio information 11 stored in the storage unit 130 in association with OIX1 determined as the provided information OI. The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 also causes the display unit 150 to display based on the image information 12 stored in the storage unit 130 in association with OIX1 determined as the provided information OI. The output process (content output process) of the audio information and image information is a process that is executed by selecting at least one process (output process of content corresponding to OIX1) from a plurality of processes (output processes of a plurality of contents (processes unrelated to wireless communication with the other device)) that are different from processes related to wireless communication based on the radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not addressed to the device itself) output from devices present around the electronic device 100 and processes using the wireless communication based on the radio waves (for example, processes for exchanging content with the other device, processes for performing various operations based on control information from the other device, processes for transmitting control information to the other device and causing the other device to perform various operations based on the control information). An example of this provision is shown in FIG.

[0047] [Example of outputting content from an electronic device] Fig. 7 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a case where the provided information (content) is output from the electronic device 100 in the first embodiment. Note that the example shown in Fig. 7 shows an example of outputting the provided information (content) determined by the examples shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0048] As described above, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the audio output unit 160 to output the audio "Wait patiently like a snowman" based on the audio information 11 (inside the dashed rectangle 14 shown in FIG. 6) associated with OIX1. The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 also causes the display unit 150 to display an image of a snowman based on the image information 12 (inside the dashed rectangle 14 shown in FIG. 6) associated with OIX1.

[0049] This allows the user P0 who owns the electronic device 100 to enjoy the output of content determined based on the relationship between the electronic device 100 and other devices present in the vicinity. In addition, for example, when the user P0 moves or when a user who owns another device moves, the content to be provided may change, and the user can enjoy the output of unexpected content. In addition, since only the strength of radio waves received from other devices is used and information identifying the other devices or their users is not used, there is no need to use personal information of users who own other devices. This makes it easier to use the service shown in the first embodiment.

[0050] [Example of behavior that provides information] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an information provision output process by the electronic device 100 in the first embodiment. Fig. 8 shows an example of an operation for providing information when a provision condition is satisfied after the power supply of the electronic device 100 is turned on by the operation of the operation unit 140.

[0051] First, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 measures radio waves received by the communication unit 110 and acquires each piece of radio wave information (e.g., radio wave intensity) (step S201). Then, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 stores the acquired radio wave information for each device in the storage unit 130 (step S202). This process of acquiring radio wave information may be performed periodically or irregularly.

[0052] Next, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 determines whether the provision conditions are met (step S203). If the provision conditions are not met, the process returns to step S201, and if the provision conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0053] Here, as criteria for judging whether the provision condition is satisfied, for example, whether a predetermined time has elapsed, whether the desired information to be provided (e.g., desired content) can be determined as the information to be provided, and whether a predetermined user operation (e.g., pressing of a content output button) has been performed can be used. Note that the predetermined time can be judged based on, for example, the elapsed time since the power supply of the electronic device 100 was turned on, or the elapsed time since the most recent information (information to be provided) was provided after the power supply of the electronic device 100 was turned on. Also, the predetermined time may be a time set in advance, or may be set by a user operation according to the user's preference.

[0054] When the provision condition is satisfied (step S203), the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 determines information to be provided based on the radio wave information stored in the storage unit 130 (step S204). For example, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 determines content to be provided based on the radio wave intensity of each device stored in the storage unit 130 (step S204). Specifically, for example, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 determines the information to be provided OI based on the relationship between each radio wave intensity and the ranking of each radio wave intensity. For example, when the radio wave intensity of the electronic devices 101 to 106 is the radio wave intensity level shown in Fig. 5 (1) (2), the control unit 120 extracts the radio wave intensity (within the dashed rectangle 13 shown in Fig. 5 (3)) that matches the radio wave intensity (5, 4, 3, 2, 2, 1) from the information shown in Fig. 5 (3), and determines the information to be provided OI to be OIX1.

[0055] Next, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 provides the information determined to be provided (step S205). For example, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the content determined to be provided to be output (step S205). For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 outputs the audio information 11 and the image information 12 (within the dashed rectangle 14 shown in Fig. 6) associated with OIX1 determined as the information OI to be provided.

[0056] In this way, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can determine at least one content to be provided to the user from among the plurality of contents based on radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not addressed to the device itself) output from devices (e.g., electronic devices 101-106) present in the vicinity. Specifically, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can determine at least one content to be provided to the user from among the plurality of contents based on the reception strength of radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not addressed to the device itself) output from devices (e.g., electronic devices 101-106) present in the vicinity. Furthermore, specifically, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can determine at least one content to be provided to the user from among the plurality of contents based on the relationship between the number of radio waves received by the electronic device 100 and the reception strength of the radio waves (e.g., multiple patterns when the radio wave strengths of the devices are arranged in order of radio wave strength (e.g., patterns of the radio wave strength ranking of the determination information shown in FIG. 3)).

[0057] Furthermore, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can select and execute at least one process (e.g., output process of content corresponding to the provided information OIX1) from among a plurality of processes (e.g., output process of content corresponding to the provided information OI1-OIM) other than a process related to wireless communication based on the radio waves and a process using wireless communication based on the radio waves, based on the radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not addressed to the electronic device itself) output from the surrounding devices (e.g., the electronic device 100) can select and execute at least one process from among a plurality of processes (e.g., output process of content corresponding to the provided information OI1-OIM) other than a process related to wireless communication based on the radio waves and a process using wireless communication based on the radio waves, based on the reception intensity of the radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not addressed to the electronic device itself) output from the surrounding devices (e.g., the electronic devices 101-106). Furthermore, specifically, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can select and execute at least one process from among a plurality of processes related to wireless communication based on the radio waves and a process using wireless communication based on the radio waves, based on the relationship between the number of radio waves received by the electronic device 100 and the reception strength of the radio waves (for example, a plurality of patterns when the radio wave strength of each device is arranged in order of radio wave strength (for example, the patterns of the radio wave strength ranking of the determination information shown in Figure 3)).

[0058] Furthermore, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can determine at least one content to be provided to the user from among the multiple contents based on a relative relationship (e.g., the distance to each device estimated from the received radio wave strength) with multiple other devices (e.g., the electronic devices 101 to 106). When estimating the distance to each device based on the received radio wave strength, a table showing the relationship between the received radio wave strength and the distance can be stored in advance, and the distance to each device can be estimated using this table.

[0059] In this way, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can determine information to be provided from among the plurality of pieces of information based on radio waves output from a plurality of devices (for example, electronic devices 101 to 106) present in the vicinity. Also, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can select and execute at least one process from among the plurality of processes based on radio waves output from a plurality of devices (for example, electronic devices 101 to 106) present in the vicinity. That is, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can determine information to be provided from among the plurality of pieces of information based on the reception strength of radio waves output from a plurality of devices (for example, electronic devices 101 to 106) present in the vicinity. Also, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can select and execute at least one process from among the plurality of processes based on the reception strength of radio waves output from a plurality of devices (for example, electronic devices 101 to 106) present in the vicinity.

[0060] Furthermore, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can select and execute at least one process (e.g., output process of content corresponding to the provided information OIX1) from among a plurality of processes (e.g., output process of content corresponding to the provided information OI1 to OIM) based on the reception strength of at least a few of the radio waves (radio waves addressed to the device itself and radio waves not addressed to the device itself) output from a plurality of devices (e.g., electronic devices 101 to 106) in the vicinity.

[0061] In addition, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can perform processing (e.g., output processing of content corresponding to the provided information OI1 to OIM) unrelated to information exchanged via wireless communication based on radio waves, based on the reception strength of radio waves output from multiple devices (e.g., electronic devices 101 to 106) in the vicinity.

[0062] In addition, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can select and execute at least one process (e.g., output process of content corresponding to the provided information OIX1) from among a plurality of processes (e.g., output process of content corresponding to the provided information OI1 to OIM) based on a relative relationship between the electronic device 100 and a plurality of surrounding devices (e.g., electronic devices 101 to 106) (e.g., the distance to each device estimated from the received radio wave strength) when the electronic device 100 is used as a reference, which is identified based on the received radio wave strength of radio waves output from the plurality of surrounding devices (e.g., electronic devices 101 to 106).

[0063] [Second embodiment: Example of providing information using the type of other device] In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the information to be provided is determined using the radio wave strength of the other device, but it is also possible to use information other than the radio wave strength. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the information to be provided is determined using the type of the other device. Note that the second embodiment is a modified example of the first embodiment, and some of the explanations of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0064] [Example of judgment information for determining the information to be provided using the type of other devices] 9 is a diagram showing an example of determination information used when the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment determines information to be provided. The determination information is stored in the storage unit 130.

[0065] 9 shows an example of determination information (table) used when determining information to be provided based on the radio wave condition in the electronic device 100 and the type of the other device. The determination information shown in FIG. 9 is information indicating the correspondence relationship between the radio wave condition in the electronic device 100, the type of the other device, and the information OI provided from the electronic device 100.

[0066] In the determination information shown in Fig. 9, the types of other devices are used instead of numerical values ​​indicating radio wave strength. Note that, among the determination information shown in Fig. 9, the radio wave strength rankings #1, ..., #6 and the provided information OI are the same as the example shown in Fig. 3. In other words, the determination information (table) shown in Fig. 9 is information in which a plurality of patterns in the case where the types of devices are arranged in order of radio wave strength are associated with the provided information OI (OI1 to OIM (where M is a positive integer)).

[0067] For example, when the electronic device 100 does not receive radio waves from other devices, all the strengths of the radio waves received by the electronic device 100 are "0", so OI1 is determined as the provided information OI. Also, for example, when the electronic device 100 receives radio waves only from one device and the device that transmitted the radio waves is a "smartphone", OI2 is determined as the provided information OI. Also, for example, when the electronic device 100 receives radio waves from six or more devices and the top six devices with the strongest radio wave strength are "mobile phones", OIM is determined as the provided information OI. In this way, in the determination information shown in FIG. 9, all combinations (patterns) of the radio wave strength rankings #1 to #6 and the types of each device (where 0 means that there is no device that can receive) are defined. For example, in the provided information OI1, a pattern of all "0", "0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0", is defined. In addition, in provided information OI2, a pattern "smartphone, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0" is defined where one is "smartphone" and the others are all "0". In provided information OI3, a pattern "smartphone, smartphone, 0, 0, 0, 0" is defined where two are "smartphone" and the others are all "0". The rest are defined in the same way, and in provided information OIM, a pattern "mobile phone, mobile phone, mobile phone, mobile phone, mobile phone, mobile phone" where all are "mobile phone" is defined.

[0068] In the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the first six ranks (#1 to #6) are used as the signal strength rank, but ranks five or higher, or ranks seven or lower, may be used. The number of signal strength ranks may be preset, or may be set by the user according to the user's preference.

[0069] Here, a known method can be used to acquire the type of model. As described above, for example, some devices (for example, personal computers, smartphones, tablet terminals, wearable devices) equipped with a wireless LAN (for example, Wi-Fi) wireless communication function have a function of measuring the strength of radio waves output from other devices and displaying the measurement result and SSID for each device (for example, displaying the radio wave strength level in five stages together with the SSID). Based on the SSID for each device acquired in this way, the model (or name, manufacturer name, model number) of each device can be acquired. For example, information (for example, information linking the device name and model) that can identify the model of each device based on the SSID (for example, device name, name set by the user) is stored in the storage unit 130. Then, the control unit 120 can identify the model of the device corresponding to the SSID based on the acquired SSID (for example, device name, name set by the user).

[0070] Furthermore, for example, information (e.g., a Media Access Control (MAC) frame) exchanged over a wireless LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) includes a source address (e.g., the MAC address of the source) and a destination address (e.g., the MAC address of the destination). The MAC address is composed of a manufacturer code, a product number, and a value unique to the device. For this reason, for example, information regarding the manufacturer and model of the source device can be obtained based on the source MAC address.

[0071] As for the device model, in addition to the "smartphone", "mobile (cell phone)", "tablet terminal", "AI (Artificial Intelligence) speaker", and "PC (personal computer)" shown in FIG. 9, for example, a wireless LAN router, a terminal adapter, a game device, various home appliances, various AV devices, a femtocell, etc. can be used. As for the device type, all of the above-mentioned types of devices may be used, or they may be classified and used based on some rules. For example, they can be classified into portable devices (for example, smartphones, tablet terminals, game devices) and stationary devices (for example, terminal adapters, AI speakers, personal computers, various home appliances, various AV devices, and femtocells). As the device model, "portable devices" and "stationary devices" can be used.

[0072] In addition, with regard to the model of the device, it is necessary to know only devices that can be identified from the received radio waves, and devices whose type cannot be identified can be classified into a category such as "other" and used.

[0073] In the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the information to be provided is determined using the type of device that can be specified based on the received radio waves, but the information to be provided may be determined using other information that can be specified based on the received radio waves. For example, if the name, manufacturer name (e.g., manufacturing company, sales company), model number, etc. of the other device can be specified based on the received radio waves, each piece of information can be used. Also, for example, if multiple pieces of information regarding the other device (e.g., two or more of the name, manufacturer name (e.g., manufacturing company, sales company), model number, etc.) can be specified based on the received radio waves, a combination of each piece of information can be used.

[0074] The value of M is determined based on the number of radio wave strength rankings and the number of device models. For example, when the number of radio wave strength rankings is 3 and the number of device models is 2 (for example, 0 when there is no portable device or other device), the value of M is determined to be 13. However, depending on the number of radio wave strength rankings and the number of device models, it is assumed that the value of M becomes too large and it is not possible to prepare the information to be provided (for example, the audio information 11 and the image information 12 shown in FIG. 4). Therefore, when the value of M is greater than the number of pieces of information to be provided (for example, the audio information 11 and the image information 12 shown in FIG. 4), the same information (the audio information 11 and the image information 12) may be assigned to different information (the information to be provided OI).

[0075] [Example of determining the information to be provided using the type of other devices] 10 and 11 are diagrams showing an example of a case where the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment determines information to be provided by using the type of another device from which the electronic device 100 has received radio waves. In the examples shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the strength of radio waves output from the electronic devices 101 to 106 is assumed to be the same as in the examples shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0076] Fig. 10(1) shows the strength of radio waves received by electronic device 100 from electronic devices 101-106 and the models of each device, arranged in the order of electronic devices 101-106. Note that among the various pieces of information shown in Fig. 10(1), the information other than the "model" at the bottom is the same as the example shown in Fig. 5(1). In addition, for ease of explanation, the "model" at the bottom showing the model of the device is simply shown by letters representing each device.

[0077] For example, the model of electronic devices 101 to 103 is a “smartphone”, the model of electronic device 104 is a “tablet terminal”, the model of electronic device 105 is an “AI speaker”, and the model of electronic device 106 is a “PC (personal computer)”. Note that the radio wave strength of electronic devices 101 to 106 is the same as the example shown in FIG. 5(1).

[0078] FIG. 10(2) shows the radio wave strengths and device models of the electronic devices 101-106 when they are arranged in the order of the "radio wave strength ranking" shown in FIG. 10(1). Of the information shown in FIG. 10(2), the information other than the "model" at the bottom is the same as the example shown in FIG. 5(2). In addition, since information for identifying the electronic devices 101-106 is not used from this point onwards, the symbols for identifying the electronic devices 101-106 are omitted. If there are multiple devices with the same radio wave strength, the order of the devices can be determined based on a predetermined rule (for example, in order of the earliest timing of receiving radio waves, or the least change in radio wave strength). In the example shown in FIG. 10, the electronic devices 101 and 105 have the same radio wave strength, so the electronic device 101 is ranked fourth and the electronic device 105 is ranked fifth.

[0079] FIG. 10(3) shows an example of extraction when extracting from the determination information shown in FIG. 9 models that match the models of each device (smartphone, smartphone, tablet terminal, smartphone, AI speaker, PC) when arranged in the order of "radio signal strength ranking" shown in FIG. 10(2). Note that the determination information shown in FIG. 10(3) is the same as the determination information shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 10(3) omits some of the determination information shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10(3) also shows within a dashed rectangle 15 an arrangement of each device from the determination information shown in FIG. 9 that matches the models of each device (smartphone, smartphone, tablet terminal, smartphone, AI speaker, PC) when arranged in the order of "radio signal strength ranking" shown in FIG. 10(2).

[0080] Here, each process until the electronic device 100 determines the audio information 11 and image information 12 (within the dashed rectangle 14) shown in FIG. 6 will be described. First, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 measures the strength (radio wave intensity) of the radio wave received by the communication unit 110 from another device. For example, as shown in FIG. 10(1), the measurement result (radio wave intensity level) of the radio wave intensity from another device can be grasped in five stages. Furthermore, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 acquires the type of the device that transmitted the radio wave based on the information included in the received radio wave. Then, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 holds the radio wave intensity level (five stages) and the type of the device for each device. Next, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 determines the order of the radio wave intensity levels (five stages) for the multiple devices.

[0081] Next, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 determines the information to be provided OI based on the relationship between the type of each device and the ranking of each radio wave intensity. For example, when the radio wave intensity and type of the electronic devices 101 to 106 are the radio wave intensity levels and types shown in Fig. 10(1) and (2), the type of device (within the dashed rectangle 15 shown in Fig. 10(3)) that matches the model types (smartphone, smartphone, tablet terminal, smartphone, AI speaker, PC) arranged in the order of radio wave intensity levels is extracted from the determination information shown in Fig. 10(3), and the information to be provided OIY1 is determined. Then, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 outputs the audio information 11 and the image information 12 (within the dashed rectangle 16 shown in Fig. 11) associated with the OIY1 determined as the information to be provided OI.

[0082] For example, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the audio output unit 160 to output audio based on the audio information 11 stored in the storage unit 130 in association with OIY1 determined as the information to be provided OI. The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 also causes the display unit 150 to display based on the image information 12 stored in the storage unit 130 in association with OIY1 determined as the information to be provided OI. An example of this provision is shown in FIG.

[0083] [Example of outputting content from an electronic device] Fig. 12 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a case where the provided information (content) is output from the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. Note that the example shown in Fig. 12 shows an example of outputting the provided information (content) determined by the examples shown in Figs. 10 and 11.

[0084] As described above, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the audio output unit 160 to output the audio of "a feeling of freedom like a watermelon in summer" based on the audio information 11 (inside the dashed rectangle 16 shown in FIG. 11) associated with OIY1. Also, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the display unit 150 to display an image of a watermelon based on the image information 12 (inside the dashed rectangle 16 shown in FIG. 11) associated with OIY1.

[0085] In this way, the information to be provided can be determined using the type of device that can be specified based on the received radio waves. This allows the user P0 who owns the electronic device 100 to enjoy the output of content determined based on the relationship between the electronic device 100 and other devices existing around it. In addition, since the type of devices existing around it is used to determine the content, even if the positional relationship of the devices around the electronic device 100 is the same environment, different content may be output, so the user can enjoy the output of content according to the model of the surrounding devices. For example, if the user P0 moves to a place where an unexpected device is present, or if a user who owns an unexpected device approaches, unexpected content may be output, so the user can enjoy the output of unexpected content. In addition, since only the strength of the radio waves received from other devices and the model of the device are used, and information identifying the other devices or their users is not used, there is no need to use personal information of users who own other devices. This makes it easier to use the service shown in the second embodiment.

[0086] [Example of providing information using device type] The information provision output process by the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment corresponds to the information provision output process shown in Fig. 8. Here, an example of the information provision output process by the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8.

[0087] First, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 measures radio waves received by the communication unit 110 and acquires various pieces of radio wave information (e.g., radio wave intensity, device type) (step S201). Then, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 stores the acquired radio wave information for each device in the storage unit 130 (step S202). This process of acquiring radio wave information may be performed periodically or irregularly.

[0088] Next, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 judges whether the provision conditions are satisfied (step S203). If the provision conditions are not satisfied, the process returns to step S201, and if the provision conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S204. The criteria for judging whether the provision conditions are satisfied may be the same as the example shown in FIG. 8.

[0089] When the provision condition is satisfied (step S203), the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 determines information to be provided based on the radio wave information stored in the storage unit 130 (step S204). For example, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 determines content to be provided based on the radio wave strength and type of each device stored in the storage unit 130 (step S204). Specifically, for example, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 determines information OI to be provided based on the relationship between the ranking of each radio wave strength and the type of each device. For example, if the radio wave strength of the electronic devices 101 to 106 is the radio wave strength level shown in Figures 10(1) and (2) and the models of the electronic devices 101 to 106 are the models shown in Figures 10(1) and (2), a group of models (within the dashed rectangle 15 shown in Figure 10(3)) that match the models arranged in order of radio wave strength (smartphone, smartphone, tablet terminal, smartphone, AI speaker, PC) is extracted from the information shown in Figure 10(3), and the information to be provided OI is determined to be OIY1.

[0090] Next, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 provides the information determined to be provided (step S205). For example, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the content determined to be provided to be output (step S205). For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 outputs the audio information 11 and the image information 12 (within the dashed rectangle 16 shown in Fig. 11) associated with OIY1 determined as the information OI to be provided.

[0091] [Example of installing a specific device in a specific location to provide information related to that location] By applying the above-mentioned technology, it is possible to provide information (e.g., content, preferential treatment) related to a location, such as a tourist spot, a store, etc. Hereinafter, an example of providing information related to a specific location will be described.

[0092] [Example of installing specific equipment on a mountain to provide information related to that mountain] 13 is a simplified diagram showing electronic devices 301 to 305 according to the second embodiment installed on mountains. Electronic device (mount A device) 301 is an electronic device installed on mountain A, electronic device (mount B device) 302 is an electronic device installed on mountain B, electronic device (mount C device) 303 is an electronic device installed on mountain C, electronic device (mount D device) 304 is an electronic device installed on mountain D, and electronic device (mount E device) 305 is an electronic device installed on mountain E.

[0093] The electronic devices 301 to 305 are devices (specific devices) that transmit predetermined radio waves (for example, beacons). For example, the electronic devices 301 to 305 may be devices that can supply radio waves only to the vicinity of the mountaintop, and therefore may be electronic devices that consume little power (for example, BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy)).

[0094] [Examples of judgment information and provided information for providing information related to a mountain using radio waves emitted from equipment installed on the mountain] 14 and 15 are diagrams showing examples of various information used when the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment determines information to be provided. Each piece of information is stored in the storage unit 130. Each piece of information may be obtained by manual operation of a user who enjoys mountain climbing as a hobby.

[0095] Fig. 14 shows an example of determination information (table) used when determining information to be provided based on the radio wave condition in the electronic device 100 and the types of other devices. Note that the determination information shown in Fig. 14 is obtained by adding the types of electronic devices 301-305 shown in Fig. 13 to the determination information shown in Fig. 9, and other parts are similar to the determination information shown in Fig. 9. Also, Fig. 14 shows only a part of the types of electronic devices (A-san device) 301 among the types of electronic devices 301-305 in a simplified manner, and the illustration of other types is omitted.

[0096] For example, when user P0 is climbing Mt. A alone, it is assumed that electronic device 100 receives only radio waves from electronic device (Mt. A device) 301. In this case, since electronic device 100 receives only radio waves from electronic device (Mt. A device) 301, OIA1 is determined as the provided information OI. Also, for example, when user P0 is climbing Mt. A alone, but another person is already near the peak of Mt. A, it is assumed that electronic device 100 receives radio waves from a device carried by a person near the peak of Mt. A, as well as radio waves from electronic device (Mt. A device) 301. In this case, for example, when the strength of the radio waves from the device carried by a person near the peak of Mt. A is stronger than the strength of the radio waves from electronic device (Mt. A device) 301, OIAB1 is determined as the provided information OI. This example is shown in FIG. 16.

[0097] FIG. 15 shows an example of the correspondence between the provided information OI determined using the determination information shown in FIG. 14 and the provided information (audio information 11 and image information 12). For example, when OIA1, OIAB1, OIAC1, OIAD1, etc. are determined as the provided information OI, information about Mt. A (audio information 11, image information 12) is provided. The information about Mt. A is, for example, information for outputting a voice such as "Thank you for your hard work. You are at the summit of Mt. A" (audio information 11) or information for displaying an image related to Mt. A (for example, a character that personifies Mt. A, a local product of the area where Mt. A exists, a photo including Mt. A) (image information 12). Note that, in FIG. 15, for ease of explanation, characters to be output as audio and a part of an image to be displayed are simply shown. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, information for continuously outputting a plurality of display screens and a plurality of pieces of audio information may be provided as the provided information. In addition, in FIG. 15, the provided information will be described taking audio information 11 and image information 12 as an example, but either audio information 11 or image information 12 may be provided as the provided information. Also, information other than audio information and image information (e.g., smell information, taste information, tactile information) may be provided as the provided information. Also, information that gives some kind of preferential treatment to the user (e.g., coupons, preferential treatment, points) may be provided as the provided information. These provided examples will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

[0098] [An example of determining the information to be provided based on the type of equipment installed on the mountain] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment determines information to be provided by using the type of another device from which the electronic device 100 receives radio waves. Note that the determination information shown in Fig. 16(2) corresponds to the determination information shown in Fig. 14, and the information to be provided shown in Fig. 16(3) corresponds to the information to be provided shown in Fig. 15.

[0099] Fig. 16(1) shows a state where user P0 is climbing Mt. A alone, with user P7 near the summit of Mt. A. For ease of explanation, Fig. 16(1) shows a state where users P0 and P7 are holding electronic devices 100 and 309 in their hands, but it is preferable for each user to carry their own electronic device in consideration of safety on the mountain.

[0100] FIG. 16(1) shows an example in which a user P7 is present near the peak of Mt. A and an electronic device 309 held by the user P7 is present closer to the electronic device 100 than the electronic device (Mt. A device) 301. The electronic device 309 is assumed to be a smartphone. In such a case, it is assumed that the electronic device 100 receives radio waves from the electronic device 309 held by the user P7 who is present near the peak of Mt. A, together with radio waves from the electronic device (Mt. A device) 301. In addition, since the electronic device 309 is present closer to the electronic device 100 than the electronic device (Mt. A device) 301, it is assumed that the strength of the radio waves from the electronic device 309 is stronger than the strength of the radio waves from the electronic device (Mt. A device) 301. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16(2), OIAB1 (within a dashed rectangle 17) is determined as the provided information OI. Then, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 provides the audio information 11 and the image information 12 (within a dashed rectangle 18 shown in FIG. 16(3)) associated with OIAB1 determined as the provided information OI. An example of this provision is shown in FIG.

[0101] [Example of providing information on electronic devices] Fig. 17 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a case where content is output from electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. Note that the example shown in Fig. 17 shows an example of outputting content determined in the example shown in Fig. 16.

[0102] Here, when climbing a mountain, it is considered that the climber is unlikely to constantly check his / her own electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) for safety reasons. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the content may be provided in a plurality of stages.

[0103] FIG. 17(1) shows an example of contents (display screen and audio information) that are output when the electronic device 100 receives radio waves from the electronic device (A-san device) 301 and the provision conditions are satisfied.

[0104] Here, as a criterion for judging whether the provision condition is satisfied, for example, it is possible to use whether a predetermined time has passed since the electronic device 100 received radio waves from the electronic device (A-san device) 301, whether the desired content has been determined as a provision target, whether a predetermined user operation (for example, a screen display operation) has been performed, or whether a change in posture has been detected (for example, detection of vibration or acceleration when the user takes out the electronic device). Note that the predetermined time may be a time set in advance, or may be set by the user according to the user's preference.

[0105] 17(1), the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the audio output unit 160 to output a voice saying "I've found a treasure to commemorate the summit of Mt. A. Would you like to pick it up?" based on the audio information 11 (not shown) associated with OIAB1. Also, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the display unit 150 to display the text "I've found a treasure to commemorate the summit of Mt. A. Would you like to pick it up?", a "Pick it up" button 51, and a "Back" button 52 based on the image information 12 (not shown) associated with OIAB1.

[0106] As shown in Fig. 17(1), the user P0 can be notified that content can be output using audio information and image information. When the user P0 understands this notification and presses the "Pick Up" button 51, the display screen shown in Fig. 17(2) is displayed. When the "Back" button 52 is pressed, the original screen is returned to. For example, the user can return to a standby screen or a screen for performing the content selection process again.

[0107] FIG. 17(2) shows an example of the contents (display screen and audio information) that are output after the "Pick Up" button 51 is pressed on the display screen shown in FIG. 17(1).

[0108] As shown in FIG. 17(2), the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the voice output unit 160 to output a voice saying "Thank you for your hard work. You are at the summit of Mt. A. This is Mt. A Noodle Man to commemorate your climb," based on the voice information 11 (inside the dashed rectangle 18 shown in FIG. 16(3)) associated with OIAB1. The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 also causes the display unit 150 to display the text "Thank you for your hard work. You are at the summit of Mt. A. This is Mt. A Noodle Man to commemorate your climb," an image related to Mt. A (an image of a character A personifying Mt. A holding "Mt. A Noodles," a local product of the area where Mt. A exists), a "Get more" button 53, and an "Exit" button 54, based on the image information 12 (inside the dashed rectangle 18 shown in FIG. 16(3)) associated with OIAB1.

[0109] After the content shown in Fig. 17(2) is output, when user P0 presses the "Get More" button 53, the display screen shown in Fig. 17(3) is displayed. When the "Exit" button 54 is pressed, the content output process ends and the display returns to the normal screen.

[0110] FIG. 17(3) shows an example of the content (display screen and audio information) that is output after the "Get More" button 53 is pressed on the display screen shown in FIG. 17(2).

[0111] As shown in FIG. 17(3), the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the voice output unit 160 to output the voice "This is a discount coupon for Ayama noodles, a specialty of Ayama," based on the voice information 11 (not shown) associated with OIAB1. The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 also causes the display unit 150 to display the text "This is a discount coupon for Ayama noodles, a specialty of Ayama," a "30% discount at XX store" button 55, a "40% discount at △△ store" button 56, a "save" button 57, and an "exit" button 58, based on the image information 12 (not shown) associated with OIAB1. The "30% discount at XX store" button 55 is a button for starting an operation to receive a special offer (30% discount) at XX store that offers "Ayama noodles," a specialty of the region where Ayama exists. The "40% discount at △△ store" button 56 is a button for starting an operation to receive a special offer (40% discount) at △△ store that offers "Ayama noodles," a specialty of the region where Ayama exists.

[0112] For example, when at least one of the "XX store 30% off" button 55 and the "YY store 40% off" button 56 is pressed, the pressed button becomes selected (for example, the color of the button changes). Then, when the "Save" button 57 is pressed in this selected state, processing for receiving a special offer at the store corresponding to the selected button is started. For example, an image showing a 30% off at XX store and an image showing a 40% off at YY store are saved. Then, after descending Mt. A, the user P0 can go to the desired store and show the saved image to receive each special offer. Also, for example, a notification of this may be sent to the store corresponding to the selected button.

[0113] In this way, when user P0 climbs Mt. A, he or she can be provided with content related to Mt. A. In this case, when user P0 reaches the summit of Mt. A, the information to be provided may change depending on the device (e.g., electronic device 309 shown in FIG. 16(1)) present near the summit, so user P0 can enjoy the output of unexpected content. In addition, other climbers can also enjoy the output of different content. Even when multiple people climb a mountain, different content is likely to be output for each person depending on their position, so each person's content can be enjoyed.

[0114] [Example of installing a specific device in a store to provide information related to that store] 18 is a simplified diagram showing electronic devices 311 to 315 according to the second embodiment installed in a store. Electronic device (store A device) 311 is an electronic device installed in store A, electronic device (store B device) 312 is an electronic device installed in store B, electronic device (store C device) 313 is an electronic device installed in store C, electronic device (store D device) 314 is an electronic device installed in store D, and electronic device (store E device) 315 is an electronic device installed in store E.

[0115] The electronic devices 311 to 315 are devices (specific devices) that transmit predetermined radio waves (for example, beacons). For example, the electronic devices 311 to 315 may be devices that can supply radio waves only within the store (or around the store), and therefore may be low-power electronic devices (for example, BLE).

[0116] [Examples of determination information and provided information for providing store-related information using radio waves emitted from equipment installed in the store] 19 and 20 are diagrams showing examples of various information used when the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment determines information to be provided. Each piece of information is stored in the storage unit 130. Each piece of information may be acquired by manual operation of a user who enjoys eating out.

[0117] Fig. 19 shows an example of determination information (table) used when determining information to be provided based on the radio wave condition in the electronic device 100 and the types of other devices. Note that the determination information shown in Fig. 19 is obtained by adding the types of electronic devices 311-315 shown in Fig. 18 to the determination information shown in Fig. 9, and other parts are similar to the determination information shown in Fig. 9. Also, Fig. 19 shows only a part of the types of electronic devices (A store device) 311 among the types of electronic devices 311-315 in a simplified manner, and does not show the other types.

[0118] For example, when the user P0 is alone in the store A, it is assumed that the electronic device 100 receives only radio waves from the electronic device (store A device) 311. In this case, since the electronic device 100 receives only radio waves from the electronic device (store A device) 311, OIAA1 is determined as the provided information OI. Also, for example, when the user P0 and another person are in the store A, it is assumed that the electronic device 100 receives radio waves from the electronic device (store A device) 311 as well as radio waves from devices possessed by other people in the store A. In this case, for example, when the strength of the radio waves from the devices possessed by other people in the store A is stronger than the strength of the radio waves from the electronic device (store A device) 311, OIAAB1 is determined as the provided information OI.

[0119] Fig. 20 shows an example of the correspondence between the provided information OI determined using the determination information shown in Fig. 19 and the provided information (audio information 11 and image information 12). For example, when OIAA1, OIAAB1, OIAAC1, OIAAD1, etc. are determined as the provided information OI, information about store A (audio information 11, image information 12) will be provided.

[0120] Here, it is assumed that the store A is a restaurant. In this case, the information about the store A is, for example, information for outputting a voice such as "Welcome" (voice information 11) and an image about the store A (for example, a character that anthropomorphizes the store A, and information for displaying a special offer (for example, a discount, a service item, or points) for food and drink provided by the store A) (image information 12). Note that, in FIG. 20, for ease of explanation, some characters to be output as voice and some images to be displayed are simply shown. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, information for outputting a plurality of display screens and a plurality of pieces of voice information consecutively may be the provided information. Also, in FIG. 20, the provided information is described using the voice information 11 and the image information 12 as an example, but one of the voice information 11 and the image information 12 may be the provided information. Also, information other than the voice information and the image information (for example, smell information, taste information, tactile information) may be the provided information. Also, information that gives some kind of special offer to the user (for example, a coupon, a special offer, or points) may be the provided information. Note that these provided examples will be described with reference to FIG. 22.

[0121] [Example of determining the information to be provided using the type of equipment installed in the store] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment determines information to be provided by using the type of another device from which the electronic device 100 receives radio waves. Note that the determination information shown in Fig. 21(2) corresponds to the determination information shown in Fig. 19, and the information shown in Fig. 21(3) corresponds to the information to be provided shown in Fig. 20.

[0122] Fig. 21(1) shows a state where users P0, P8, and P9 are present inside Store A. For ease of explanation, Fig. 21(1) shows a state where users P0, P8, and P9 are holding electronic devices 100, 321, and 322 in their hands, but it is preferable for each user to carry the electronic device while eating and drinking at a restaurant.

[0123] FIG. 21(1) shows an example in which users P0, P8, and P9 are present in a store A, and an electronic device 321 held by user P8 and an electronic device 322 held by user P9 are present between the electronic device 100 held by user P0 and the electronic device (store A device) 311. The electronic devices 321 and 322 are assumed to be smartphones. In such a case, it is assumed that the electronic device 100 receives radio waves from the electronic devices 321 and 322 held by users P8 and P9 in the store A, as well as radio waves from the electronic device (store A device) 311. In addition, since the electronic device 321 and the electronic device 322 are present between the electronic device 100 and the electronic device (store A device) 311, it is assumed that the strength of the radio waves from the electronic devices 321 and 322 is stronger than the strength of the radio waves from the electronic device (store A device) 311. In this case, as shown in FIG. 21(2), OIAAC1 (within the dashed rectangle 19) is determined as the provided information OI. Then, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 outputs the audio information 11 and the image information 12 (within the dashed rectangle 20 shown in FIG. 21(3)) associated with the OIAAC1 determined as the information to be provided OI. An example of this provision is shown in FIG. 22.

[0124] [Example of outputting content from an electronic device] Fig. 22 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a case where content is output from electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. Note that the example shown in Fig. 22 shows an example of outputting content determined in the example shown in Fig. 21.

[0125] Here, before entering a restaurant, a user often decides whether to enter or not, taking into consideration his / her own preferences, budget, the restaurant's menu, etc. Similarly, after entering a restaurant, a user often decides what to order from the menu, taking into consideration his / her own preferences, budget, the restaurant's menu, etc. Therefore, to suit the preferences of each user, content may be provided in multiple stages, as shown in FIG.

[0126] FIG. 22(1) shows an example of contents (display screen and audio information) that are output when the electronic device 100 receives radio waves from the electronic device (store A device) 311 and then satisfies the provision conditions.

[0127] Here, as a criterion for judging whether the provision condition is satisfied, for example, it is possible to use whether a predetermined time has passed since the electronic device 100 received radio waves from the electronic device (A store device) 311, whether the desired content has been determined as a provision target, whether a predetermined user operation (for example, a screen display operation) has been performed, or whether a change in posture has been detected (for example, detection of vibration or acceleration when the user takes out the electronic device 100). Note that the predetermined time may be a time set in advance, or may be set by a user operation according to the user's preference.

[0128] 22(1), the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the voice output unit 160 to output the voice "Welcome. Today's special offer is ready," based on the voice information 11 (not shown) associated with OIAAC1. Also, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the display unit 150 to display the text "Welcome. Today's special offer is ready," a "Special offer output" button 61, and a "Back" button 62, based on the image information 12 (not shown) associated with OIAAC1.

[0129] As shown in Fig. 22(1), the user P0 can be notified that a special offer (content) can be output by audio information and image information. When the user P0 understands this notification and presses the "Special Offer Output" button 61, the display screen shown in Fig. 22(2) is displayed. When the "Back" button 62 is pressed, the original screen is returned to. For example, the user can return to a standby screen or a screen for performing the special offer determination process again.

[0130] FIG. 22(2) shows an example of the contents (display screen and audio information) that are output after the "preferential treatment output" button 61 is pressed on the display screen shown in FIG. 22(1).

[0131] As shown in Fig. 22(2), the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the voice output unit 160 to output a voice saying "Welcome. Today, whitebait rice bowls are half price," based on the voice information 11 (within the dashed rectangle 20 shown in Fig. 21(3)) associated with OIAAC1. The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 also causes the display unit 150 to display the text "Welcome. Today, whitebait rice bowls are half price," an image related to Store A, a menu of Store A (an image showing whitebait), a "More Special Offers" button 63, and an "Exit" button 64, based on the image information 12 (within the dashed rectangle 20 shown in Fig. 21(3)) associated with OIAAC1.

[0132] After the content shown in Fig. 22(2) is output, when the user P0 presses the "More Special Treatment" button 63, the display screen shown in Fig. 22(3) is displayed. When the "Exit" button 64 is pressed, the content output process ends and the display returns to the normal screen.

[0133] FIG. 22(3) shows an example of the contents (display screen and audio information) that are output after the "More Special Treatment" button 63 is pressed on the display screen shown in FIG. 22(2).

[0134] As shown in FIG. 22(3), the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the voice output unit 160 to output the voice "Here is a discount coupon for the specialty of the A store" based on the voice information 11 (not shown) associated with the OIAAC1. Also, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the display unit 150 to display the text "Here is a discount coupon for the specialty of the A store," a "30% discount on pickled celery" button 65, a "30% discount on shrimp curry" button 66, a "save" button 67, and an "exit" button 68, based on the image information 12 (not shown) associated with the OIAAC1. The "30% discount on pickled celery" button 65 is a button for starting an operation to receive a special offer (30% discount) on the food and drink "pickled celery" provided by the A store. Also, the "30% discount on shrimp curry" button 66 is a button for starting an operation to receive a special offer (30% discount) on the food and drink "shrimp curry" provided by the A store.

[0135] For example, when at least one of the "30% off pickled celery" button 65 and the "30% off shrimp curry" button 66 is pressed, the pressed button is selected (for example, the color of the button changes). Then, when the "save" button 67 is pressed in the selected state, a process for receiving a special offer for the food or drink corresponding to the selected button is started. For example, an image showing a 30% off pickled celery or an image showing a 30% off shrimp curry is saved. Then, the user P0 can receive each special offer by going to the store A at a later date and showing the saved image. It is also possible to receive each special offer on the spot. Note that the buttons displayed after pressing the "more special offer" button 63 (for example, the "30% off pickled celery" button 65 and the "30% off shrimp curry" button 66) may be related to the content displayed together with the "more special offer" button 63 (for example, content related to whitebait rice bowl) (for example, ingredients to eat with whitebait rice bowl), or may be unrelated to the content (for example, today's recommended items). Information for displaying buttons that are displayed after pressing the "More Special Offers" button 63 (for example, "30% off pickled celery" button 65, "30% off shrimp curry" button 66) is also stored as provided information.

[0136] In this way, when user P0 enters store A, he or she can receive content related to store A. In this case, the information to be provided may change depending on the devices (e.g., electronic devices 321, 322 shown in FIG. 21(1)) present in store A before user P0 enters store A (or immediately after entering), so the user can enjoy the output of unexpected content. Even if multiple people enter store A, it is highly likely that different content will be output for each person depending on the position of each person, so the user can enjoy the content for each person.

[0137] 17 and 22 show examples of outputting content in three stages, but content may be output in one or two stages, or content may be output in four or more stages. Also, while an example in which there are two buttons to be selected is described in Fig. 17(3) and Fig. 22(3), the number of buttons to be selected is not limited to this, and may be one, or three or more.

[0138] In this way, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can determine at least one content to be provided to the user from among the multiple contents based on radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not addressed to the device itself) output from the surrounding devices (e.g., electronic devices 101-106, 301, 309, 311, 321, 322). Specifically, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can determine at least one content to be provided to the user from among the multiple contents based on information about each device (information about the surrounding devices (e.g., at least one of the following)) that can be specified based on radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not addressed to the device itself) output from the surrounding devices (e.g., electronic devices 101-106, 301, 309, 311, 321, 322). Furthermore, specifically, electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can determine at least one content to be provided to a user from among multiple contents based on the relationship between the number of radio waves received by electronic device 100 and information about the device that output the radio waves (e.g., at least one of the device type, the device manufacturer, the device model number, the device's unique information, and the name given to the device) (e.g., multiple patterns when each device type is arranged in order of radio wave strength (e.g., the device type patterns of the determination information shown in Figures 9, 14, and 19)).

[0139] Furthermore, based on radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not addressed to the electronic device itself) output from surrounding devices (e.g., electronic devices 101-106, 301, 309, 311, 321, 322), the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can select and execute at least one process (e.g., output process of content corresponding to the provided information OIX1) from among processes related to wireless communication based on the radio waves and multiple processes other than processes using wireless communication based on the radio waves (e.g., output process of content corresponding to the provided information OI1-OIM). Specifically, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can select and execute at least one process from a plurality of processes that are different from processes related to wireless communication based on the radio waves and processes using wireless communication based on the radio waves, based on information about each device that can be identified based on radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not addressed to the device) output from the surrounding devices (e.g., electronic devices 101-106, 301, 309, 311, 321, 322) and information about the surrounding devices (e.g., at least one of the following: type of device, manufacturer of the device, model number of the device, unique information about the device, and name given to the device). More specifically, electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can select and execute at least one process from among a plurality of processes related to wireless communication based on the radio waves and a process using wireless communication based on the radio waves, based on the relationship between the number of radio waves received by electronic device 100 and information about the device that output the radio waves (e.g., at least one of the following): device type, device manufacturer, device model number, device specific information, and name given to the device (e.g., a plurality of patterns when each device type is arranged in order of radio wave strength (e.g., device type patterns of the determination information shown in Figures 9, 14, and 19)).

[0140] [Application to games] By applying the above-mentioned technology, for example, when playing a game, it is conceivable to provide various kinds of information related to the game. Therefore, an example of providing various kinds of information related to the game when playing a game will be described below.

[0141] [Example of providing information related to a character battle game displayed on a display device installed outdoors] Fig. 23 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 40 in the second embodiment. Fig. 23 shows an example in which wireless communication is performed between electronic devices 100, 401-407, and a display device 410. Also, an example is shown in which electronic devices 100, 401-404 are owned by users P0-P4, and electronic devices 405-407 and display device 410 are fixedly installed.

[0142] The electronic devices 100, 401 to 404 are electronic devices capable of displaying characters on a display unit 411 of a display device 410 and controlling each character based on a user operation. The electronic devices 100, 401 to 404 are, for example, smartphones, tablet terminals, and game devices. The functional configurations of the electronic devices 100, 401 to 404 are substantially the same as the functional configuration of the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 2.

[0143] Also, character A is a character controlled by electronic device 100, character B is a character controlled by electronic device 401, character C is a character controlled by electronic device 402, and character D is a character controlled by electronic device 403. Note that the character controlled by electronic device 404 is not yet displayed on display unit 411 of display device 410.

[0144] The display device 410 is a display device (information processing device, electronic device) including a communication unit (not shown) capable of wireless communication, a control unit (not shown) that controls each unit, and a display unit 411. For example, the control unit (not shown) of the display device 410 controls the display of the display unit 411 based on information transmitted from the electronic devices 100, 401 to 404. Specifically, the control unit (not shown) of the display device 410 causes the display unit 411 to display character A based on information transmitted from the electronic device 100, causes the display unit 411 to display character B based on information transmitted from the electronic device 401, causes the display unit 411 to display character C based on information transmitted from the electronic device 402, and causes the display unit 411 to display character D based on information transmitted from the electronic device 403. In addition, a control unit (not shown) of the display device 410 controls the movement of character A on the display unit 411 based on information transmitted from the electronic device 100, controls the movement of character B on the display unit 411 based on information transmitted from the electronic device 401, controls the movement of character C on the display unit 411 based on information transmitted from the electronic device 402, and controls the movement of character D on the display unit 411 based on information transmitted from the electronic device 403.

[0145] Further, the control unit (not shown) of the display device 410 adds various information to the characters A to D on the display unit 411 and displays them based on the information transmitted from the electronic devices 100, 401 to 403. For example, the control unit (not shown) of the display device 410 adds a tool 71 to the character A on the display unit 411 and displays it based on the information transmitted from the electronic device 100, adds a tool 72 to the character B on the display unit 411 and displays it based on the information transmitted from the electronic device 401, adds a tool 73 to the character C on the display unit 411 and displays it based on the information transmitted from the electronic device 402, and adds a tool 74 to the character D on the display unit 411 and displays it based on the information transmitted from the electronic device 403.

[0146] The electronic devices 405 to 407 are devices that transmit various types of information. Note that the electronic devices 405 to 407 may transmit radio waves with different strengths, or the types of the electronic devices 405 to 407 may be different, so that the tools (provided information 421 shown in FIG. 24) that the electronic devices 100, 401 to 404 can acquire vary.

[0147] [Example of information provided to characters in a fighting game] 24 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between the provided information OI determined by the electronic devices 100, 401 to 404 in the second embodiment using the determination information and the provided information 421. Note that the determination information (table) used when determining the provided information may be any of the above-mentioned determination information (FIGS. 3, 9, 14, and 19). Each of these pieces of information is stored in the storage unit 130.

[0148] In addition, in Fig. 24, an example is shown in which the tools used by each character are determined as the provided information, but other information (for example, experience points, attributes, etc., given to each character) may be determined. Also, a plurality of pieces of information may be provided.

[0149] For example, when OIXY1 is determined as the information to be provided OI, the tool 71 (held by character A shown in FIG. 23) is the information to be provided. When OIYY2 is determined as the information to be provided OI, the tool 74 (held by character D shown in FIG. 23) is the information to be provided. When OIYZ1 is determined as the information to be provided OI, the tool 72 (held by character B shown in FIG. 23) is the information to be provided. When OIZZ7 is determined as the information to be provided OI, the tool 73 (held by character C shown in FIG. 23) is the information to be provided.

[0150] [Example of operation when a character displayed on a display device acquires a tool] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for additionally displaying a tool 75 on a character A displayed on a display unit 411 of a display device 410 using electronic device 100 in the second embodiment.

[0151] 25(1) shows an example of output when outputting notification information for notifying the user that it is possible to acquire a new tool. The display unit 150 of the electronic device 100 displays a message that it is possible to acquire a new tool, and the audio output unit 160 outputs an audio message that it is possible to acquire a new tool. In addition, a group of operation buttons 81 and an "Acquire" button 82 are displayed on the display unit 150 of the electronic device 100.

[0152] The operation button group 81 is buttons (indicated by circles and triangles) for operating the character A displayed on the display unit 411 of the display device 410. For example, the user P0 can press a desired button from the operation button group 81 to cause the character A displayed on the display unit 411 of the display device 410 to perform a predetermined action (for example, advance, retreat, attack, or defend).

[0153] The "Acquire" button 82 is a button that is displayed when a new tool can be acquired. When the user P0 presses the "Acquire" button 82, a display screen shown in FIG. 25(2) is displayed on the display unit 150 of the electronic device 100.

[0154] 25(2) shows an example of output when outputting notification information for notifying the user that a new tool has been acquired. Display unit 150 of electronic device 100 displays a message that a new tool has been acquired and an image showing the newly acquired tool, and audio output unit 160 outputs an audio message that a new tool has been acquired. Also, display unit 150 of electronic device 100 displays operation button group 81 and "USE" button 83.

[0155] The "Use" button 83 is a button that is displayed when a new tool is acquired by pressing the "Acquire" button 82. The newly acquired tool may be used immediately or at a desired timing (for example, when actually used in the game).

[0156] When the "use" button 83 is pressed by the user P0, the tool 75 is additionally displayed on the character A on the display unit 411 of the display device 410, as shown in Fig. 25(3). That is, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 transmits information (information for displaying the tool 75 on the display unit 411 of the display device 410 and making it usable by the character A) related to the acquired provided information (tool 75) based on the pressing operation of the "use" button 83 to the display device 410. Then, the control unit of the display device 410 additionally displays the tool 75 on the character A on the display unit 411 based on the information received from the electronic device 100.

[0157] 25(3), by additionally displaying tool 75 on character A on display unit 411 of display device 410, character A can possess tool 71 and tool 75, which gives character A an advantage in battles with other characters. Note that, although this example shows an example in which a character is displayed on an external device (display unit 410), the same can be applied to games played by users of each electronic device by displaying a character on the display unit of each electronic device.

[0158] [Example of providing information related to storytelling games] Fig. 26 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a story game displayed on display unit 150 of electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. Fig. 26 shows an example in which a user causes display unit 150 of electronic device 100 to display the story game and plays the story game.

[0159] Here, the story game is a game played using a predetermined sign to achieve a predetermined objective. For example, the story game is a game in which characters (predetermined signs) playing each role progress to a destination while experiencing various experiences (e.g., adventure, exploration, battle). In FIG. 26, a game in which character X (shown in the lower part) progresses to XX Castle (shown in the upper part) as a destination while experiencing various experiences (e.g., battle with other characters, progress along each path) will be described as an example. Note that, in FIG. 26, for ease of explanation, an example is shown in which the entire story game is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 150 of the electronic device 100, but an area larger than the display screen of the display unit 150 may be set as the story game area, and the story game may be performed using multiple screens (e.g., screens with a hierarchical structure). In this way, the story game can be called a goal achievement game, a character progression game, an adventure game, an exploration game, or the like.

[0160] The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the display unit 150 to display a story game based on a program (e.g., a story game application) stored in the storage unit 130. The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 also controls various actions of the character X based on user operations (e.g., user operations on the operation unit 140, user operations based on user voice input, operations based on changes in the posture of the electronic device 100).

[0161] Furthermore, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 adds various information to the character X on the display unit 150 and displays it based on the radio waves output from the other devices. For example, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 adds tools 433 and 434 (shown in FIG. 28) to the character X on the display unit 150 and displays it based on the radio waves output from a plurality of other devices.

[0162] [Example of information provided to characters in a story game] 27 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between the provided information OI determined by the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment using the determination information, and the provided information 441, 442, and 443. Note that the determination information (table) used when determining the provided information may be each of the above-mentioned determination information (FIGS. 3, 9, 14, and 19). Each of these pieces of information is stored in the storage unit 130 of the electronic device 100.

[0163] Although FIG. 27 shows an example in which three or more pieces of information are provided as the provided information, it is also possible to provide one or two pieces of information.

[0164] For example, when OIJK1 is determined as the provided information OI, the provided items are "tool (rectangular tool)", "house 108", and "money 99". When OIGT3 is determined as the provided information OI, the provided items are "experience value 89", "tool (T-shaped tool)", and "money 67". When OIMU9 is determined as the provided information OI, the provided items are "tool (sword-shaped tool)", "money 678", and "experience value 2". When OIPO6 is determined as the provided information OI, the provided items are "tank 7", "money 100", and "tool (rod-shaped tool)".

[0165] For example, if the provided information is a tool, the tool is provided to character X, and character X can use the tool. Also, for example, if the provided information is an experience value, the numerical value of the experience value is calculated (for example, added) in sequence, and character X can perform various actions based on the experience value based on the calculation result. Also, for example, if the provided information is money, the numerical value of the money is calculated (for example, added) in sequence, and character X can perform various purchases, etc. based on the total amount based on the calculation result. Also, for example, if the provided information is a car, a house, a tank, or an airplane, the numerical values ​​of the items are calculated (for example, added) in sequence, and character X can use various vehicles, properties, etc. based on the total value of each item based on the calculation result.

[0166] [Example of information provided] Fig. 28 is a diagram showing a display example in which provided information is displayed on the display unit 150 of the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. Fig. 28 shows an example in which provided information acquired during a predetermined period is displayed on a screen of a story game on the display unit 150 of the electronic device 100.

[0167] The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 can output (e.g., output audio, display images, transmit to other devices) the provided information acquired during a predetermined period (e.g., a period from the previous display of provided information) at a predetermined output timing (e.g., when a story game is started, when an instruction is given by a user operation, or when a predetermined time arrives). For example, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 can sequentially store the provided information acquired during the predetermined period in the storage unit 130. Then, when the predetermined output timing arrives, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 can display a list of the provided information acquired during the predetermined period in the provided information display area 432. For example, for experience points, money, houses, vehicles, etc., each calculation result (e.g., total value) is displayed together with each item. For tools, an image representing the tool is displayed.

[0168] [Example of providing information related to the game] Fig. 29 is a simplified diagram showing an example of transitions in a fish raising game displayed on display unit 150 of electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. Fig. 29 shows a time series of transitions in which a fish grows in the fish raising game displayed on display unit 150 of electronic device 100.

[0169] Here, the raising game is a game in which animals, plants, etc. are raised. For example, the raising game is a game in which characters (prescribed symbols) such as animals and plants grow while taking on various roles and having various experiences (for example, adventures, exploration, and battles). Figure 29 shows a game in which a fish grows.

[0170] FIG. 29(1) shows an example in which a newborn fish (juvenile fish) is displayed in the game of raising fish. FIG. 29(2) shows an example in which a slightly grown fish is displayed in the game of raising fish. FIG. 29(3) shows an example in which a large grown fish is displayed in the game of raising fish. Note that, for ease of explanation, FIG. 29 shows an example in which the whole game of raising fish is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 150 of the electronic device 100, but the field of the game of raising fish may be a larger area than the display screen of the display unit 150, and the game of raising fish may be performed using multiple screens (for example, screens with a hierarchical structure). FIG. 29 shows an example of a game in which one fish is raised, but multiple fish may be raised, and multiple types of fish, different types of animals, plants, etc. may be raised. Also, the fish may be changed during the raising process (for example, changed from a fish to a cow). In this way, the game of raising fish can be called a raising game, a watching game, a breeding game, a pet game, etc.

[0171] The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the display unit 150 to display a fish-raising game based on a program (e.g., a fish-raising game application) stored in the storage unit 130. The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 also controls various operations for raising fish based on user operations (e.g., user operations on an operation unit, user operations based on user voice input, operations based on changes in the posture of the electronic device 100).

[0172] Furthermore, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 adds various information to the fish on the display unit 150 and displays it based on the radio waves output from the other devices. For example, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 adds food or an enemy to the fish on the display unit 150 and displays it based on the radio waves output from a plurality of other devices.

[0173] [Example of information provided to characters in a game you are raising] 30 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between the provided information OI determined by the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment using the determination information, and the provided information 461, 462, and 463. Note that the determination information (table) used when determining the provided information may be each of the above-mentioned determination information (FIGS. 3, 9, 14, and 19). Each of these pieces of information is stored in the storage unit 130 of the electronic device 100.

[0174] Although FIG. 30 shows an example in which three or more pieces of information are provided as the provided information, it is also possible to provide one or two pieces of information.

[0175] For example, when OIHH1 is determined as the provided information OI, the provided information includes "being attacked by a shark", "being caught", and "becoming a yaki". In this case, the provided information 1 or 2 may be selected from the three provided information by a user operation, and the fish may experience all three provided information (for example, in the order of the first to third). For example, when the provided information of "being attacked by a shark" is to be experienced by the fish, the display unit 150 displays a shark together with the fish to be raised, and the fish to be raised escaping from the shark is sequentially displayed. Also, for example, when the provided information of "being caught" is to be experienced by the fish, the display unit 150 displays a state in which the fish to be raised is caught by a person, and the fish to be raised escaping from the fishing rod is sequentially displayed. Also, for example, when the provided information of "becoming a yaki" is to be experienced by the fish, the display unit 150 displays a state in which the fish to be raised becomes a yaki, and the fish to be raised wakes up from the yaki dream is sequentially displayed.

[0176] In this way, in the fish breeding game, images related to the provided information are displayed simultaneously or sequentially. Alternatively, in the fish breeding game, audio information related to the provided information may be output simultaneously or sequentially.

[0177] For example, in the game of raising fish, when a user operation is performed to start the game, eggs or fry of the fish to be raised are displayed on the display unit 150. After that, the fish can be automatically raised until it grows. For example, when the user carries the electronic device 100, the provided information is sequentially acquired according to the surrounding environment of the electronic device 100. Then, when the user performs an operation to instruct the display of the game of raising fish, the fish that has grown based on the acquired provided information is displayed on the display unit 150. Alternatively, after the user performs an operation to instruct the display of the game of raising fish, the transition of the growth of the fish based on the acquired provided information may be sequentially displayed on the display unit 150. Also, the fish may be grown based on the user operation.

[0178] The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 can perform processing (e.g., growing taller, making friends) based on the provided information acquired during a predetermined period (e.g., the period from the previous display of the raising game) at a predetermined timing (e.g., when an operation to instruct display of the raising game is performed, or when a predetermined time arrives). For example, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 sequentially stores the provided information acquired during the predetermined period in the storage unit 130. Then, when a predetermined output timing arrives, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 performs processing based on the provided information acquired during the predetermined period.

[0179] [Example of providing information related to the Roaming Game] Fig. 31 is a simplified diagram showing an example of transitions in the roaming game displayed on the display unit 150 of the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. Fig. 31 shows a chronological transition in which the main character, a sheep, travels around the world in the roaming game displayed on the display unit 150 of the electronic device 100.

[0180] Here, the wandering game is a game in which the user enjoys growing and moving animals, plants, etc. For example, the wandering game is a game in which characters (prescribed signs) such as animals and plants travel around the world while taking on various roles (e.g., travelers) and having various experiences (e.g., taking commemorative photos at tourist spots, sightseeing at tourist spots). FIG. 31 shows a game in which a sheep travels.

[0181] FIG. 31(1) shows an example in which a sheep, a main character, is displayed in the wandering game. FIG. 31(2) and FIG. 31(3) show an example in which a sheep is displayed after traveling to a predetermined place in the wandering game. In FIG. 31, for ease of explanation, an example is shown in which the entire wandering game is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 150 of the electronic device 100, but the field of the wandering game may be made to be a larger area than the display screen of the display unit 150, and the wandering game may be performed using multiple screens (for example, screens with a hierarchical structure). In FIG. 31, an example of a game in which one sheep is wandered is shown, but multiple sheep may be wandered, and multiple types of animals, different types of animals, plants, etc. may be raised. In addition, the sheep may be replaced during the wandering (for example, from a sheep to a cow). In this way, the wandering game can be called an idle game, etc.

[0182] The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 causes the display unit 150 to display a roaming game based on a program (e.g., a roaming game application) stored in the storage unit 130. The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 also controls various operations for causing the sheep to roam based on user operations (e.g., user operations on an operation unit, user operations based on user voice input, operations based on changes in the posture of the electronic device 100).

[0183] Furthermore, based on radio waves output from other devices, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 adds various information to the sheep on the display unit 150 and displays it. For example, based on radio waves output from multiple other devices, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 adds and displays food, travel supplies, provisions, souvenirs from the wandering place, and photos from the wandering place to the sheep on the display unit 150.

[0184] [Example of information to provide to characters in a roaming game] 32 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between the provided information OI determined by the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment using the determination information, and the provided information 471, 472, and 473. Note that the determination information (table) used when determining the provided information may be each of the above-mentioned determination information (FIGS. 3, 9, 14, and 19). Each of these pieces of information is stored in the storage unit 130 of the electronic device 100.

[0185] Although FIG. 32 shows an example in which three or more pieces of information are provided as the provided information, it is also possible to provide one or two pieces of information.

[0186] For example, when OIHK9 is determined as the provided information OI, the provided information includes "obtain a camera", "obtain 10 kg of grass", and "have a part of wool cut". In this case, the provided information 1 or 2 may be selected from the three provided information by a user operation, and the sheep may experience all three provided information (for example, in the order of the first to third provided information) based on a predetermined rule (for example, the first provided information → the second provided information → the third provided information). For example, when the sheep experiences the provided information of "obtain a camera", the display unit 150 displays a sheep with the obtained camera around its neck. Then, when the sheep goes on a journey after this, it can be set to obtain a photo taken by the camera and return. Also, for example, when the sheep experiences the provided information of "obtain 10 kg of grass", the display unit 150 displays the sheep eating the obtained grass at home. Then, the user may select to use the remaining grass for a lunch box for the journey. Also, for example, when the sheep is made to experience the provided information of "having part of its wool sheared," the display unit 150 displays a scene of someone shearing the sheep's wool, and thereafter, until a predetermined time has elapsed, images of the sheep without part of its wool are displayed in sequence.

[0187] In this way, in the roaming game, images related to the provided information are displayed simultaneously or sequentially. Alternatively, in the roaming game, audio information related to the provided information may be output simultaneously or sequentially.

[0188] For example, in the wandering game, when a user operation is performed to start the game, a sheep, the main character, is displayed on the display unit 150. After that, the sheep can automatically go on a wandering journey around the world based on various information added to the sheep. For example, when the user carries the electronic device 100, provided information is sequentially acquired according to the surrounding environment of the electronic device 100. Then, when the user performs a display instruction operation of the wandering game, the sheep in the wandering area and the sheep that has returned home are displayed on the display unit 150 based on the acquired provided information. Alternatively, after the user performs a display instruction operation of the wandering game, history information of various places where the sheep has traveled in the past (for example, commemorative photos taken at tourist spots) may be sequentially displayed on the display unit 150 based on the acquired provided information. For example, when a "Travel History" button 481 shown in FIG. 31(2)(3) is pressed, history information of the sheep's past travels (for example, the places where the sheep traveled (for example, tourist spot names, place names, country names), and the date and time of the travel) are displayed on the display unit 150. Furthermore, for example, when a "Travel Photo" button 482 shown in Fig. 31(2)(3) is pressed, photo information of places where the sheep has traveled in the past (for example, commemorative photos taken at places where the sheep has traveled) is displayed on the display unit 150. Furthermore, for example, when a "Souvenir" button 483 shown in Fig. 31(2)(3) is pressed, souvenir information of places where the sheep has traveled in the past (for example, images of local products, famous products, etc. of the places where the sheep has traveled, and descriptions of souvenirs) is displayed on the display unit 150. Furthermore, the sheep may be made to travel based on a user operation.

[0189] The control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 can perform processing (e.g., travel to Gunma, travel to Okinawa) based on the provided information acquired during a predetermined period (e.g., the period from the previous display of the roaming game) at a predetermined timing (e.g., when an operation to instruct display of the roaming game is performed, or when a predetermined time arrives). For example, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 sequentially stores the provided information acquired during the predetermined period in the storage unit 130. Then, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 performs processing based on the provided information acquired during the predetermined period when a predetermined output timing arrives.

[0190] [Game operation example] Fig. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of the provision information determination process by the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. Note that Fig. 33 is a modification of Fig. 8, and steps S223 to S226 correspond to steps S201 to S204 shown in Fig. 8. Therefore, Fig. 33 will be described focusing on the points different from Fig. 8.

[0191] First, the control unit 120 (shown in FIG. 2) of the electronic device 100 judges whether or not a user operation has been performed (step S221). For example, if any of the operation buttons 81 shown in FIG. 25(1) is pressed, it is judged that a user operation has been performed. If a user operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S223.

[0192] When a user operation is performed (step S221), the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 performs processing based on the user operation (step S222). For example, when any of the operation buttons 81 shown in Fig. 25(1) is pressed, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 transmits information to the display device 410 for causing the character A to perform an action corresponding to the pressed button.

[0193] Next, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 measures the radio waves received by the communication unit 110 and acquires each piece of radio wave information (e.g., radio wave intensity, device type) (step S223). Then, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 stores the acquired radio wave information for each device in the storage unit 130 (step S224). This process of acquiring radio wave information may be performed periodically or irregularly.

[0194] Next, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 determines whether the provision conditions are met (step S225). If the provision conditions are not met, the operation ends, and if the provision conditions are met, the operation proceeds to step S226.

[0195] Here, as a criterion for judging whether the provision condition is satisfied, for example, it is possible to use whether a predetermined time has elapsed, whether a desired provision information (e.g., a desired tool, a desired experience) can be determined as a provision target, whether a predetermined user operation (e.g., pressing the "Acquire" button 82 shown in FIG. 25(1)) has been performed, and whether new provision information (e.g., a desired tool, a desired experience) can be acquired. Note that the predetermined time can be determined based on, for example, the elapsed time since the power supply of the electronic device 100 was turned on, or the elapsed time since the previous information (provision information) was provided after the power supply of the electronic device 100 was turned on. Also, the predetermined time may be a time set in advance, or may be set by a user operation according to the user's preference.

[0196] When the provision condition is met (step S225), the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 determines information to be provided based on the radio wave information stored in the storage unit 130 (step S226).

[0197] Next, the control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 stores the information determined as the information to be provided in the storage unit 130 (step S227). In this manner, the information to be provided stored in the storage unit 130 can be used based on, for example, a user operation. For example, the acquired tool can be used by pressing the "use" button 83 shown in FIG. 25(2).

[0198] In this way, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can determine at least one piece of content to provide to the user from among multiple pieces of content (e.g., multiple pieces of information to be assigned to characters in a competitive game, multiple pieces of information to be assigned to characters in a narrative game, multiple pieces of information to be assigned to characters in a nurturing game, and multiple pieces of information to be assigned to characters in a wandering game) based on radio waves (one or multiple radio waves including radio waves not intended for the electronic device itself) output from devices in the vicinity.

[0199] Furthermore, based on radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not addressed to the electronic device itself) output from surrounding devices, the electronic device 100 (control unit 120) can select and execute at least one process from among a process related to wireless communication based on the radio waves and a plurality of processes other than the process using wireless communication based on the radio waves (for example, a process for progressing a game, a process for giving information to a game character). Note that each of these games is merely an example, and the same can be applied to other games.

[0200] [Third embodiment: Example of providing information using location information] In the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which various information is provided using radio waves output from other devices. However, various information may be provided using location information together with radio waves output from other devices. This makes it possible to provide various information for each region, for example. Note that the third embodiment is a modified example of the first and second embodiments, and some of the explanations of the parts common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0201] [Example of electronic device functional configuration] FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of electronic device 500 according to the third embodiment.

[0202] The electronic device 500 includes a communication unit 501, a location information acquisition unit 502, a control unit 503, a storage unit 504, an operation unit 505, a display unit 506, and an audio output unit 507. Note that the electronic device 500 is obtained by adding the location information acquisition unit 502 to the electronic device 100 shown in Fig. 2, and the other parts are common to the electronic device 100 shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences from the electronic device 100 shown in Fig. 2.

[0203] The location information acquisition unit 502 acquires location information on the location where the electronic device 500 exists, and outputs the acquired location information to the control unit 503. The location information acquisition unit 502 can be realized by, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver that receives a GPS signal and calculates location information based on the GPS signal. The calculated location information includes data on the position such as latitude, longitude, and altitude at the time of receiving the GPS signal. A location information acquisition device that acquires location information by other location information acquisition methods may be used. For example, a location information acquisition device that derives location information using access point information by wireless LAN present in the vicinity and acquires this location information may be used. For example, a location information acquisition device that derives location information using location information of a base station used for calls and communications may be used. For example, a location information acquisition device that derives location information using a position estimation technique by a navigation device (for example, a car navigation device) and acquires this location information may be used. For example, the position of the device itself can be estimated based on sensor information from various sensors (for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor) and map information.

[0204] [Examples of information provided for specific regions] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between a specific region 511, provided information OI (512), and provided information (audio information 513 and image information 514) used when determining information to be provided by the electronic device 500 in the third embodiment.

[0205] The specific region 511 is a region where specific content is provided. For example, the specific region may be a country, a prefecture, a city, a town, a village, a public facility (e.g., a school, a park), or a commercial facility (e.g., a shopping center, an amusement park, a theme park). For example, when the current location of the electronic device 500 specified based on the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 502 of the electronic device 500 is included in an area (e.g., area A, area B) registered in the specific region 511, information to be provided is determined from information to be provided associated with the area (e.g., area A, area B) including the current location of the electronic device 500.

[0206] For example, when the current location of the electronic device 500 is not included in the area registered in the specific area 511, information to be provided is determined from among normal information to be provided (information to be provided associated with the specific area 511 "-" shown in FIG. 35). Also, when the current location of the electronic device 500 is included in area A registered in the specific area 511, information to be provided is determined from among information to be provided associated with the specific area 511 "area A" shown in FIG. 35. Also, when the current location of the electronic device 500 is included in area B registered in the specific area 511, information to be provided is determined from among information to be provided associated with the specific area 511 "area B" shown in FIG. 35.

[0207] For example, if the specific area is a city, town, or village rich in nature, the provided information (content group) associated with the specific area may include content introducing the city, town, or village, local products related to the city, town, or village, discount coupons and complimentary coupons for facilities in the city, town, or village, etc. Also, if the specific area is a shopping center, the provided information (content group) associated with the specific area may include content introducing special sales items at the shopping center, and various information (e.g., points, coupons, discount coupons, complimentary coupons) that can be used at the shopping center, etc.

[0208] [Example of how location information is used to determine what information is provided] Fig. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of a content output process by electronic device 500 in the third embodiment. Note that Fig. 36 is a modification of Fig. 8, and steps S241 to S243 and S247 correspond to steps S201 to S203 and S205 shown in Fig. 8. Therefore, the following description of Fig. 36 will focus on the differences from Fig. 8.

[0209] If the provision conditions are met (step S243), the control unit 503 of the electronic device 500 determines the current location of the electronic device 500 based on the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 502, and determines whether the current location is included in a specific area (step S244).

[0210] For example, area information (e.g., information for identifying area A by latitude and longitude) for identifying each area (e.g., area A shown in FIG. 35) registered in specific area 511 is stored in storage unit 504. Then, control unit 503 of electronic device 500 can determine whether or not the current location (the latitude and longitude of the location where electronic device 500 is located) identified based on the location information acquired by location information acquisition unit 502 is included in the area information, thereby determining whether or not the current location is included in the specific area. Alternatively, map information may be used to determine whether or not the current location is included in the specific area.

[0211] If the current location of the electronic device 500 is not included in the specific area (step S244), the control unit 503 of the electronic device 500 determines information to be provided from the group of information to be provided normally, based on the radio wave information of each device stored in the memory unit 504 (step S245).

[0212] Furthermore, if the current location of the electronic device 500 is included in a specific area (step S244), the control unit 503 of the electronic device 500 determines information to be provided from a group of information to be provided that is associated with the specific area in which the current location of the electronic device 500 is included, based on the radio wave information of each device stored in the memory unit 504 (step S246).

[0213] For example, when the current location of electronic device 500 is included in area A (shown in FIG. 35) (step S244), control unit 503 of electronic device 500 determines information to be provided from a group of information to be provided associated with area A (each group of information related to area A shown in FIG. 35) based on the radio wave information of each device stored in memory unit 504 (step S246).

[0214] [Fourth embodiment: Example of providing information using radio wave information acquired by an external device] In the first to third embodiments, an example is shown in which various information is provided using radio waves output from other devices around the device. However, radio wave information may be acquired using an external device other than the device, and various information may be provided using the radio wave information. For example, a wearable device having a communication function (e.g., a smart watch, smart glasses) acquires radio wave information output from other devices around the wearable device, passes the radio wave information to a smartphone (e.g., transmits, transfers), and the smartphone can provide various information using the radio wave information. This allows, for example, radio wave information to be acquired using a device that the user can easily wear (e.g., a wearable device), and various information can be provided using the radio wave information in a device with a rich user interface (e.g., a smartphone). The fourth embodiment is a modified example of the first to third embodiments, and some of the descriptions of parts common to the first to third embodiments will be omitted.

[0215] [Example of electronic device functional configuration] FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of electronic devices 550 and 560 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0216] The electronic device 550 has a communication unit 551, a control unit 552, and a storage unit 553. The electronic device 550 is the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 2 with the operation unit 140, the display unit 150, and the audio output unit 160 omitted, and the other parts are common to the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, here, the differences from the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 2 will be mainly described. The electronic device 550 can be a simple portable device (for example, a wearable device (for example, a wristwatch type device, a glasses type device)). The electronic device 550 can be a portable information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. The electronic device 550 can be a stationary device, for example, an AI speaker equipped with artificial intelligence (AI (Artificial Intelligence)), a speaker with a wireless communication function, etc.

[0217] The communication unit 551 receives radio waves output from other devices under the control of the control unit 552. Then, the communication unit 551 outputs various information related to the received radio waves to the control unit 552. Note that the communication unit 551 may be a simple device having only a receiving function, or may be a device having a transmitting / receiving function. When the communication unit 551 has a transmitting / receiving function, the control unit 552 can wirelessly transmit various information from the communication unit 551 to the other device (electronic device 560).

[0218] The storage unit 553 is a memory that stores various information. For example, the storage unit 553 stores various information (for example, a control program) required for the electronic device 550 to perform various processes. The storage unit 553 may be a removable storage unit, or may be a built-in storage unit. Alternatively, the storage unit 553 may be both of these.

[0219] The electronic device 560 includes a communication unit 561, a control unit 562, a storage unit 563, an operation unit 564, a display unit 565, and an audio output unit 566. Note that the electronic device 560 is common to the electronic device 100 shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences from the electronic device 100 shown in Fig. 2.

[0220] [Example of communication when providing information using radio wave information acquired by other devices] Fig. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of communication processing by the electronic device 550 and the electronic device 560 in the fourth embodiment. Steps S251, S252, S256, and S257 shown in Fig. 38 correspond to steps S201, S202, S204, and S205 shown in Fig. 8. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences from the example shown in Fig. 8. It is also assumed that applications (programs) for implementing the processes shown in Fig. 38 are preset in the electronic devices 550 and 560.

[0221] First, the control unit 552 of the electronic device 550 measures radio waves received by the communication unit 551 and acquires each piece of radio wave information (e.g., radio wave intensity, device type) (step S251). Then, the control unit 552 of the electronic device 550 stores the acquired radio wave information for each device in the storage unit 553 (step S252). This process of acquiring radio wave information may be performed periodically or irregularly.

[0222] Next, control unit 552 of electronic device 550 determines whether or not the radio wave information transmission condition is satisfied (step S253). If the radio wave information transmission condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S251, and if the radio wave information transmission condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S254.

[0223] Here, the criteria for determining whether the radio wave information transmission conditions are satisfied can be, for example, whether communication (wireless communication, wired communication) with electronic device 560 is possible, or whether a specified user operation (e.g., a transmission instruction operation) has been performed.

[0224] When the radio wave information transmission condition is satisfied (step S253), the control unit 552 of the electronic device 550 transmits the radio wave information held in the storage unit 553 to the electronic device 560 (step S254). If the electronic device 550 does not have a wireless transmission function, the radio wave information can be transferred by other means (for example, wired communication, transfer using a recording medium, or transfer via a predetermined network). The radio wave information transmitted to the electronic device 560 may be erased from the storage unit 553.

[0225] When radio wave information is received from the electronic device 550, the control unit 562 of the electronic device 560 stores the received radio wave information in the storage unit 563 (step S255). Next, the control unit 562 of the electronic device 560 determines information to be provided based on the received radio wave information (step S256).

[0226] Next, the control unit 562 of the electronic device 560 provides the determined information (step S257).

[0227] In the above, an example has been shown in which the determination information (for example, the determination information shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 9, FIG. 14, and FIG. 19) and the provided information (for example, the provided information shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 15, FIG. 20, FIG. 24, FIG. 27, FIG. 30, FIG. 32, and FIG. 35) are stored in advance in the storage unit 130, 504, and 563 of the electronic device 100, 500, and 560. However, each of these pieces of information may be acquired from the outside and used. For example, a communication unit (communication unit 110, 501, and 561) capable of communicating with other devices via a wired line or a wireless line may be connected to an external device (or a predetermined network (for example, the Internet)), and all or a part of each piece of information may be acquired from the external device. In this case, each piece of information may be acquired and used every time the provided information is determined in the electronic device, or each piece of information may be acquired and used periodically or irregularly.

[0228] Also, for example, the information to be provided may be determined by cooperating with a specific business (for example, a company that provides specific content or discount coupons). For example, the information provided by the specific business may be received from the electronic device based on the determination information (for example, discount coupons, specific content).

[0229] Also, the user may register information to be provided, and the information to be provided may be selected from the registered information to be provided by a selection process.

[0230] In this way, electronic device 560 (control unit 562) can determine at least one content to provide to the user from among multiple contents based on radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not intended for electronic device 550) output from devices present around electronic device 550.

[0231] Furthermore, based on radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not addressed to electronic device 550) output from devices present around electronic device 550, electronic device 560 (control unit 562) can select and execute at least one process from among a plurality of processes other than a process related to wireless communication based on the radio waves and a process using wireless communication based on the radio waves.

[0232] [Fifth embodiment: Example of making a part of the processing performed by an electronic device be processed by another device] In the first to fourth embodiments, an example is shown in which radio wave information is acquired by an electronic device possessed by a user, and information to be provided is determined using the radio wave information. Here, it is assumed that when there is a lot of information to be provided, it is difficult to secure the capacity of the storage unit. It is also assumed that some of the electronic devices possessed by the user have low processing capabilities. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable that the electronic device possessed by the user holds only a relatively small amount of information and performs only relatively simple processing, and other information is held and other processing is performed by another device with a large storage capacity and high processing capabilities. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, an example is shown in which part of the processing performed by the electronic device possessed by the user is processed by another device.

[0233] [Example of communication system configuration] FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system functional configuration of a communication system 600 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0234] The communication system 600 includes a server 610, a network 620, and an electronic device 630. Note that, although base stations and access points for wireless communication are also assumed as devices constituting the communication system 600, illustration and description thereof will be omitted here.

[0235] The server 610 is a server (information processing device) that provides various information (provided information) to the electronic device 630 based on radio wave information output from the electronic device 630.

[0236] The network 620 is a network such as a public line network or the Internet.

[0237] Electronic device 630 is an electronic device carried by user P0, and performs wireless communication with other devices (not shown) present in the vicinity.

[0238] Moreover, the electronic device 630 has a communication unit 631 (shown in FIG. 40) and can connect to the network 620 using wireless communication (for example, connecting via a base station or access point managed by a telecommunications carrier) to exchange various pieces of information. Note that the electronic device 630 may also connect to the network 620 via another device (for example, a wireless LAN router) using wireless communication to exchange various pieces of information.

[0239] [Examples of functional configurations of servers and electronic devices] Fig. 40 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server 610 and an electronic device 630 in the fifth embodiment. Note that the functional configuration of the electronic device 630 is substantially the same as that of the electronic device 100 shown in Fig. 2, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0240] The server 610 includes a communication unit 611, a control unit 612, and a storage unit 613.

[0241] The communication unit 611 exchanges various information with other devices via a wired line or a wireless line based on the control of the control unit 612. For example, the communication unit 611 exchanges various information with the electronic device 630 via the network 620.

[0242] The control unit 612 controls each unit of the server 610 based on a control program stored in the storage unit 613. The control unit 612 is realized by, for example, a CPU.

[0243] The storage unit 613 is a memory that stores various information. For example, the storage unit 613 stores various information (for example, a control program) required for the server 610 to perform various processes. The storage unit 613 also stores determination information (for example, the determination information shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 9, FIG. 14, and FIG. 19) for determining information to be provided based on each piece of information (radio wave information output from the electronic device 630) acquired by the communication unit 611 via the network 620. The storage unit 613 also stores provided information (for example, the provided information shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 15, FIG. 20, FIG. 24, FIG. 27, FIG. 30, FIG. 32, and FIG. 35) to be provided to each electronic device (electronic device 630) connected via the network 620.

[0244] The electronic device 630 has a communication unit 631, a control unit 632, a storage unit 633, an operation unit 634, a display unit 635, and an audio output unit 636. The communication unit 631 in the electronic device 630 performs wireless communication with electronic devices present within a predetermined range, and can connect to a predetermined network (e.g., the Internet) via a base station installed by a communication carrier such as a mobile phone company to perform communication.

[0245] [Example of communication when server 610 provides information] Fig. 41 is a flowchart showing an example of communication processing by server 610 and electronic device 630 in the fifth embodiment. Steps S261, S262, and S266 shown in Fig. 41 correspond to steps S201, S202, and S204 shown in Fig. 8. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences from the example shown in Fig. 8. It is also assumed that applications (programs) for realizing the processes shown in Fig. 41 are preset in server 610 and electronic device 630.

[0246] First, the control unit 632 of the electronic device 630 measures radio waves received by the communication unit 631 and acquires each piece of radio wave information (e.g., radio wave intensity, device type) (step S261). Then, the control unit 632 of the electronic device 630 stores the acquired radio wave information for each device in the storage unit 633 (step S262). This process of acquiring radio wave information may be performed periodically or irregularly.

[0247] Next, the control unit 632 of the electronic device 630 judges whether the provision conditions are satisfied (step S263). If the provision conditions are not satisfied, the process returns to step S261, and if the provision conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S264.

[0248] The criteria for determining whether the provision conditions are satisfied may be, for example, the same as the example shown in Fig. 8. Also, whether communication (wireless communication, wired communication) with the server 610 is possible or whether a predetermined user operation (for example, a transmission instruction operation) has been performed may be used.

[0249] When the provision condition is met (step S263), the control unit 632 of the electronic device 630 transmits the radio wave information held in the storage unit 633 to the server 610 (step S264).

[0250] When radio wave information is received from electronic device 630, control unit 612 of server 610 stores the received radio wave information in storage unit 613 (step S265). Next, control unit 612 of server 610 determines information to be provided based on the received radio wave information (step S266).

[0251] Next, the control unit 612 of the server 610 transmits information (information to be provided) determined based on the received radio wave information to the electronic device 630 that transmitted the received radio wave information (step S267).

[0252] When the information from the server 610 is received, the control unit 632 of the electronic device 630 stores the received provided information in the storage unit 633 (step S268). Next, the control unit 632 of the electronic device 630 performs processing using the received information (step S269). For example, the control unit 632 of the electronic device 630 performs output processing of the content based on the received information (step S269).

[0253] In this way, the server 610 (control unit 612) can determine at least one content to provide to the electronic device 630 from among the multiple contents based on radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not intended for the electronic device 630) output from devices present around the electronic device 630.

[0254] Further, the server 610 (control unit 612) can select at least one process from a process related to wireless communication based on radio waves (one or more radio waves including radio waves not addressed to the electronic device 630) output from a device present around the electronic device 630 and a plurality of processes other than a process using wireless communication based on the radio waves, and can cause the electronic device 630 to execute the selected process. Note that, in the fifth embodiment, an example in which the server 610 is configured by one device has been shown, but each process for realizing the function of the server 610 may be performed by a plurality of devices (information processing systems). That is, each process (each process for determining information to be provided) by the electronic device shown in the first to fourth embodiments may be performed by a plurality of devices (information processing systems).

[0255] [Sixth embodiment: Example of providing information using device registration information and location information] In the first to fifth embodiments, an example has been shown in which one or more devices are relatively close to the electronic device used by the user (within the range of radio waves (e.g., wireless LAN radio waves)). In such an environment, the device used by the user can perform various processes (e.g., content exchange) with the device of the other communication partner by using radio waves output from the device of the other communication partner. In addition, in such an environment, the device used by the user also receives radio waves from devices other than the device of the other communication partner. Therefore, in the first to fifth embodiments, an example has been shown in which, in such an environment, radio waves from the device of the other communication partner and other devices are used to perform processes other than processes based on communication with the device of the other communication partner, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the device used by the user.

[0256] Here, for example, it is assumed that there are no other devices relatively close to the electronic device used by the user (within the range of radio waves (e.g., wireless LAN radio waves)). Even in such a case, if various information can be provided using the relationship between the device itself and other devices, it is believed that the enjoyment of using the device can be provided in various environments around the world. In other words, even in such an environment (an environment where there are no other devices relatively close to the electronic device used by the user (within the range of radio waves (e.g., wireless LAN radio waves))), it is believed that it is possible to increase the enjoyment of the device used by the user by performing processing other than processing based on communication with the device of the communication partner using the relationship between the device itself and other devices.

[0257] Therefore, the sixth embodiment aims to provide the user with the enjoyment of the device used by utilizing the relationship with other devices present in the vicinity. That is, the sixth embodiment shows an example in which a specific network is used to grasp the relationship between the device itself and other devices, and various information is provided by using the relationship. Note that the sixth embodiment is a modified example of the first to fifth embodiments, and some of the explanations of the parts common to the first to fifth embodiments will be omitted.

[0258] [Example of communication system configuration] FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system functional configuration of a communication system 700 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0259] The communication system 700 includes a server 710, a network 720, and electronic devices 730, 741 to 745. Note that, as devices constituting the communication system 700, base stations and access points for wireless communication, other electronic devices, and the like are also assumed, but illustration and description thereof are omitted here.

[0260] The server 710 is a server (information processing device) that manages information (registration information) related to a plurality of devices (for example, electronic devices 730, 741 to 745). The server 710 also acquires location information transmitted periodically or irregularly from a plurality of devices (for example, electronic devices 730, 741 to 745) and manages the location information. The server 710 also provides various information (provided information) to each device (for example, electronic devices 730, 741 to 745) based on the managed location information. The registration information managed by the server 710 will be described with reference to FIG. 44.

[0261] The network 720 is a network such as a public line network or the Internet.

[0262] The electronic devices 730, 741 to 745 are electronic devices that connect to the network 720 using wireless or wired communication (for example, connected via a base station or access point managed by a telecommunications carrier) and exchange information. The electronic devices 730, 741 to 745 may also connect to the network 720 via other devices (for example, a wireless LAN router) using wireless or wired communication and exchange information. The electronic devices 730, 741 to 745 may also perform wireless communication with other devices present in the vicinity.

[0263] [Examples of functional configurations of servers and electronic devices] Fig. 43 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server 710 and the electronic device 730 in the sixth embodiment. The functional configuration of the electronic device 730 is substantially similar to that of the electronic device 500 shown in Fig. 34, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. The functional configurations of the electronic devices 741 to 745 are also substantially similar to that of the electronic device 500 shown in Fig. 34, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0264] The server 710 includes a communication unit 711 , a control unit 712 , and a storage unit 713 .

[0265] The communication unit 711 exchanges various types of information with other devices via a wired line or a wireless line based on the control of the control unit 712. For example, the communication unit 711 exchanges various types of information with the electronic device 730 via the network 720.

[0266] The control unit 712 controls each unit of the server 710 based on a control program stored in the storage unit 713. The control unit 712 is realized by, for example, a CPU.

[0267] The storage unit 713 is a memory that stores various information. For example, the storage unit 713 stores various information (for example, a control program) required for the server 710 to perform various processes. The storage unit 713 also stores registration information (for example, registration information shown in FIG. 44) of each device acquired by the communication unit 711 via the network 720. The storage unit 713 also stores location information (for example, location information output from the electronic devices 730, 741 to 745) of each device acquired by the communication unit 711 via the network 720. The storage unit 713 also stores determination information (for example, determination information shown in FIG. 45) for determining information to be provided based on the location information (for example, location information output from the electronic devices 730, 741 to 745) of each device acquired by the communication unit 711 via the network 720. The memory unit 713 also stores provision information (e.g., provision information shown in Figures 4, 15, 20, 24, 27, 30, 32, and 35) to be provided to each electronic device (e.g., electronic devices 730, 741 to 745) connected via the network 720.

[0268] The electronic device 730 has a communication unit 731, a location information acquisition unit 732, a control unit 733, a storage unit 734, an operation unit 735, a display unit 736, and an audio output unit 737. The communication unit 731 in the electronic device 730 can connect to a predetermined network (e.g., the Internet) and communicate via a base station installed by a communication carrier such as a mobile phone company, another device (e.g., a wireless LAN router), an access point, or the like.

[0269] [Example of registration information managed by server 710] 44 is a diagram showing an example of registration information managed by server 710 in the sixth embodiment. This registration information is stored in storage unit 713. Moreover, this registration information is registered in server 710 by manual operation by the user of the electronic device.

[0270] As the registration information managed by the server 710, for example, device identification information 751, location information 752, device type information 753, and identification information 754 are stored.

[0271] The device identification information 751 is information capable of identifying each device. For example, device-specific information such as terminal identification information and MAC address can be registered. For ease of explanation, FIG. 44 shows an example in which the device type information 751 of the electronic device 730 is "OT0730", and the device type information 751 of the electronic devices 741 to 745 is "OT0741" to "OT0745".

[0272] The location information 752 is location information transmitted from each device periodically or irregularly. For example, information for identifying the location of each device (for example, latitude and longitude, names of features on a map, and area names) is stored.

[0273] The device type information 753 is information that is registered by a manual operation by a user of the electronic device. Registration of this information is not essential but is optional.

[0274] The identification information 754 is information used when determining information to be provided to each device. For example, A, B, C, . . ., X, Y, and Z are assigned to each device in the order of registration. Note that A, B, C, . . ., X, Y, and Z are merely examples, and other information (for example, numerical values, symbols, and other languages) may be used. Also, as the identification information 754, a registration number (1 to M (where M is a positive integer)) indicating the order of registration may be used. Note that, in FIG. 44, for ease of explanation, an example is shown in which the identification information 754 of the electronic device 730 is "A" and the identification information 754 of the electronic devices 741 to 745 are "B" to "F".

[0275] [Example of information used to determine what information to provide using location information from other devices] Fig. 45 is a diagram showing an example of determination information (table) used when determining information to be provided based on the positional relationship between the electronic device 730 and other devices in the sixth embodiment. The determination information shown in Fig. 45 is information showing the correspondence between the identification information (identification information 754 shown in Fig. 44) of devices arranged in order of proximity to the electronic device 730 and the provided information OI. This determination information is stored in the storage unit 713.

[0276] In FIG. 45, the proximity rankings #1, #2, and #3 are values ​​indicating the rankings of devices that are located near the electronic device 730 among devices other than the electronic device 730. The determination information (table) shown in FIG. 45 is information in which a plurality of patterns in which the identification information (A to Z) of each device is arranged in the proximity ranking is associated with the provided information OI (OI1 to OIM (where M is a positive integer)). For example, when the identification information (identification information 754 shown in FIG. 44) of the other device located closest to the electronic device 730 is "A", the identification information (identification information 754 shown in FIG. 44) of the other device located second closest to the electronic device 730 is also "A", and the identification information (identification information 754 shown in FIG. 44) of the other device located third closest to the electronic device 730 is also "A", OI1 is determined as the provided information OI. Also, for example, when the identification information (identification information 754 shown in FIG. 44) of another device located closest to the electronic device 730 is "A", the identification information (identification information 754 shown in FIG. 44) of another device located second closest to the electronic device 730 is also "A", and the identification information (identification information 754 shown in FIG. 44) of another device located third closest to the electronic device 730 is "D", OI4 is determined as the information to be provided OI. Also, for example, when the identification information (identification information 754 shown in FIG. 44) of another device located closest to the electronic device 730 is "Z", the identification information (identification information 754 shown in FIG. 44) of another device located second closest to the electronic device 730 is also "Z", and the identification information (identification information 754 shown in FIG. 44) of another device located third closest to the electronic device 730 is also "Z", OIM (where M is a positive integer) is determined as the information to be provided OI.

[0277] In the sixth embodiment, an example is shown in which the first three rankings (#1 to #3) are used as the closest rankings, but rankings second or higher, or rankings fourth or lower, may be used. The number of close rankings may be preset, or may be set by a user operation according to the user's preference. The close rankings may use non-consecutive values ​​instead of consecutive values, such as the second closest ranking, the fourth closest ranking, and the sixth closest ranking.

[0278] The value of M is determined based on the number of close rankings and the identification information (A to Z in the sixth embodiment). For example, if the number of close rankings is 3 and the identification information is A to Z (26), the value of M is determined to be 17576 (=26×26×26). However, depending on the number of close rankings and the number of identification information, it is assumed that the value of M becomes too large and it is not possible to prepare the information to be provided (for example, the audio information 11 and the image information 12 shown in FIG. 4). Therefore, if the value of M is greater than the number of pieces of information to be provided (for example, the audio information 11 and the image information 12 shown in FIG. 4), the same information (the audio information 11 and the image information 12) may be assigned to different information (the information to be provided OI).

[0279] [Example of determining the information to be provided using the strength of radio waves emitted from other devices] 46 and 47 are diagrams showing an example in which the server 710 in the sixth embodiment determines information to be provided by using the position information of the electronic device 730 and other devices (electronic devices 741 to 745).

[0280] Fig. 46 shows in a simplified manner the distance between electronic device 730 and other devices (electronic devices 741-745) when the position of electronic device 730 is used as a reference point. Note that dashed circles 31-33 shown in Fig. 46 are circles centered on the position of electronic device 730.

[0281] 46, the distances (straight line distances) between electronic device 730 and electronic devices 741 to 745 are indicated by dashed lines 41 to 45. In this example, the distance (straight line 42) between electronic device 730 and electronic device 742 is the shortest, the distance (straight line 43) between electronic device 730 and electronic device 743 is the second shortest, the distance (straight line 41) between electronic device 730 and electronic device 741 is the third shortest, the distance (straight line 45) between electronic device 730 and electronic device 745 is the fourth shortest, and the distance (straight line 44) between electronic device 730 and electronic device 744 is the fifth shortest (i.e., the longest).

[0282] Fig. 47(1) shows the ranking of the distance between the electronic device 730 and the electronic devices 741 to 745 and the identification information of the electronic devices 741 to 745 arranged in the order of the electronic devices 741 to 745. In Fig. 47(1), the names of the electronic devices 741 to 745 are shown in the upper row, the identification information of each device is shown in the middle row, and the ranking of the proximity of each device to the electronic device 730 is shown in the lower row.

[0283] Here, a known calculation method can be used to calculate the distance between the devices. For example, the distance between the two devices can be calculated based on the position information (e.g., latitude, longitude) of the two devices to be calculated. Specifically, the straight-line distance on the ground between the two devices can be calculated based on the position information (e.g., latitude, longitude) of the two devices to be calculated.

[0284] Also, the server 710 may calculate the distance between the target device (for example, the electronic device 730) that is the reference for calculating the distance and all devices (for example, the electronic devices 741 to 745) that are registered in the registration information. Also, the server 710 may calculate the distance between the target device (for example, the electronic device 730) and only some of the devices that are registered in the registration information. For example, when the target device (for example, the electronic device 730) is used as a reference, the server 710 can calculate only the distance between the target device and devices that exist within a predetermined range (for example, a range of a radius of 1 to 10 km, the same area (for example, the same amusement park, the same shopping park), the same city, town, village, the same country). In the example shown in FIG. 46, when the target device (for example, the electronic device 730) is used as a reference, the server 710 can calculate only the distance between the target device and devices (for example, the electronic devices 741 to 743, 745) that exist within a predetermined range (for example, a range of a circle 33) from the target device. If there are not a predetermined number of devices (for example, 3) within a predetermined range from the target device, the range is successively expanded until the predetermined number of devices are present.

[0285] For example, as shown in FIG. 46, electronic device 742 with identification information "C" is ranked first (#1), electronic device 743 with identification information "D" is ranked second (#2), electronic device 741 with identification information "B" is ranked third (#3), electronic device 745 with identification information "F" is ranked fourth (#4), and electronic device 744 with identification information "E" is ranked fifth (#5).

[0286] Fig. 47(2) shows the identification information of the electronic devices 741-745 when they are arranged in the order of proximity shown in the lower part of Fig. 47(1). Note that, since the information for identifying the electronic devices 741-745 is not used hereinafter, the symbols for identifying the electronic devices 741-745 are omitted.

[0287] Figure 47(3) shows an example of extraction when extracting identification information that matches the identification information (C, D, B) of the top three devices from the information shown in Figure 47(2) from the judgment information shown in Figure 45. Note that the judgment information shown in Figure 47(3) is the same as the judgment information shown in Figure 45, and Figure 47(3) omits some of the judgment information shown in Figure 45. Also, in Figure 47(3), the identification information that matches the identification information (C, D, B) shown in Figure 47(2) is shown in a dashed rectangle 21.

[0288] Here, each process up to when the server 710 determines the provided information OI (within the dashed rectangle 21) shown in FIG. 47 will be described.

[0289] Each device (electronic devices 730, 741 to 745) acquires location information acquired by a location information acquisition unit, and transmits the location information to the server 710. Note that this location information transmission process may be performed periodically or irregularly.

[0290] Furthermore, the control unit 712 of the server 710 acquires location information from each device received by the communication unit 711 and stores it in the storage unit 713 (location information 752 of the registration information shown in FIG. 44). For example, as shown in FIG. 44, the storage unit 713 stores each piece of location information for each device.

[0291] Furthermore, when each device (electronic devices 730, 741 to 745) satisfies the provision conditions, it transmits request information to the server 710, requesting the server 710 to provide information.

[0292] When the control unit 712 of the server 710 receives request information from each device (electronic devices 730, 741 to 745), the control unit 712 determines information to be provided (provided information OI) based on the location information of each device registered in the registration information (shown in FIG. 44). For example, the control unit 712 of the server 710 calculates the distance between the device (target device) that transmitted the request information and each device (for example, all devices, devices existing within a predetermined range) registered in the registration information. Then, the control unit 712 of the server 710 extracts, from the determination information shown in FIG. 45, identification information that matches the identification information of devices that are the top three distances among the calculated distances (distances between the target device and other devices), and determines the provided information OI.

[0293] Next, the control unit 712 of the server 710 transmits, to the device (target device) that transmitted the received request information, information (provided information) determined based on the location information of the target device.

[0294] When the device (target device) that transmitted the request information receives information from the server 710, the device stores the received information to be provided in a storage unit and performs processing using the received information. For example, the device (target device) that transmitted the request information performs output processing of the content based on the information received from the server 710.

[0295] [Example of communication when server 710 provides information] Fig. 48 is a flowchart showing an example of communication processing by the server 710 and the electronic device 730 in the sixth embodiment. Steps S286, S290 to S292 shown in Fig. 48 correspond to steps S263, S267 to S269 shown in Fig. 41. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences from the example shown in Fig. 41. It is also assumed that applications (programs) for realizing the processes shown in Fig. 48 are preset in the server 710 and the electronic device 730.

[0296] First, the control unit 733 of the electronic device 730 acquires the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 732 (step S281). Then, the control unit 733 of the electronic device 730 stores the acquired location information in the storage unit 734 (step S282). Next, the control unit 733 of the electronic device 730 transmits the location information to the server 710 (step S283). Note that this location information transmission process may be performed periodically or irregularly.

[0297] When location information is received from the electronic device 730 (step S284), the control unit 712 of the server 710 stores the received location information in the storage unit 713 (step S285). For example, the control unit 712 of the server 710 stores the received location information in the location information 752 corresponding to the device type information 751 "OT0730" shown in FIG.

[0298] Next, the control unit 733 of the electronic device 730 judges whether the provision conditions are satisfied (step S286). If the provision conditions are not satisfied, the process returns to step S281, and if the provision conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S287.

[0299] The criteria for determining whether the provision conditions are satisfied may be the same as the example shown in FIG.

[0300] When the provision conditions are met (step S286), the control unit 733 of the electronic device 730 transmits request information to the server 710 requesting information provision from the server 710 (step S287). The latest location information may be transmitted together with the request information. In this case, the control unit 712 of the server 710 stores the location information received together with the request information in the storage unit 713, and determines the information to be provided based on the location information (step S289).

[0301] When request information is received from the electronic device 730 (step S288), the control unit 712 of the server 710 determines information to be provided based on the location information of each device registered in the registration information (step S289). For example, the control unit 712 of the server 710 calculates the distance between the device (electronic device 730) that transmitted the request information and each device registered in the registration information (for example, all devices, devices existing within a predetermined range). Then, the control unit 712 of the server 710 extracts, from the determination information shown in FIG. 45, identification information that matches the identification information of the device that is the top three distances among the calculated distances (distances between the electronic device 730 and each device), and determines the information to be provided OI (step S289).

[0302] Next, the control unit 712 of the server 710 transmits information (provided information) determined based on the position information of the electronic device 730 to the electronic device 730 that transmitted the received request information (step S290).

[0303] When information is received from the server 710, the control unit 733 of the electronic device 730 stores the received provided information in the storage unit 734 (step S291). Next, the control unit 733 of the electronic device 730 performs processing using the received information (step S292). For example, the control unit 733 of the electronic device 730 performs content output processing based on the received information (step S292).

[0304] In the sixth embodiment, the distance between the target device (reference device) and other devices is calculated, and information to be provided is determined using a predetermined number of devices (for example, up to the third place) from the top of the distance. However, information to be provided may be determined using a different method for the distance between the target device and other devices. For example, the distance between the target device and other devices may be calculated, and information to be provided may be determined using the order of distance of other devices that exist within a predetermined range from the target device (however, if there are many other devices, devices up to a predetermined order) and identification information of the other devices (identification information 754 shown in FIG. 44).

[0305] Also, information other than the distance between the target device and other devices may be used to determine the information to be provided. For example, the number of other devices existing within a predetermined range from the target device may be used to determine the information to be provided. For example, determination information associating the information to be provided OI with the number of other devices (for example, "the number of other devices" is set instead of "closeness ranking" in the determination information shown in FIG. 45) is stored in the storage unit 713. Then, the number of other devices existing within a circle having a predetermined radius (for example, 1 to 10 km) with the target device at the center is calculated, and the information to be provided OI corresponding to the number is extracted, thereby determining the information to be provided.

[0306] Also, for example, the provided information can be determined using a shape (for example, a triangle, a rectangle, an ellipse, a circle) formed by other devices present within a predetermined range from the target device (or a predetermined number (for example, up to 10) of devices that are close to the target device). For example, determination information (for example, "shape" is set instead of "closeness order" of the determination information shown in FIG. 45) that associates the provided information OI with a shape (for example, a line, a plurality of triangles, a plurality of rectangles, a plurality of other polygons, a plurality of ellipses, a circle) is stored in the storage unit 713. Then, based on the position information of the other devices, the positions of the other devices on the map are specified, and a shape formed by the lines connecting the respective positions is specified (for example, a shape specified by a closed two-dimensional space (for example, a closed space including the target device) formed by the lines when the positions of the other devices are connected by lines). Next, the provided information OI corresponding to the shape can be extracted, thereby determining the provided information. For example, if there are three other devices within a predetermined range of the target device, and the other devices are located radially from the target device, it is assumed that the shape formed by the other devices is a triangle (for example, a shape close to an equilateral triangle or a shape close to an isosceles triangle). In this case, the provided information OI having a shape (triangle) that is closest to that shape (triangle) can be extracted to determine the provided information.

[0307] In the example shown in FIG. 46, the other devices existing within a predetermined range (broken circle 32) from the target device (electronic device 730) are three electronic devices 741 to 743. The shape formed by the straight lines connecting the positions of the electronic devices 741 to 743 is a triangle. In this case, the information to be provided can be determined by extracting the provided information OI corresponding to the triangle. In the example shown in FIG. 46, the other devices existing within a predetermined range (broken circle 33) from the target device (electronic device 730) are four electronic devices 741 to 743 and 745. The shape formed by the straight lines connecting the positions of the electronic devices 741 to 743 and 745 is a quadrangle (a parallelogram-like shape). In this case, the information to be provided can be determined by extracting the provided information OI corresponding to the quadrangle.

[0308] In addition, the information to be provided may be determined using a combination of these (the distance between the target device and other devices, the number of other devices within a specified range of the target device, the shape formed by the other devices, and the identification information of each of these devices (identification information 754 shown in FIG. 44)).

[0309] In the sixth embodiment, an example of outputting content has been shown, but the sixth embodiment can also be applied to cases where each process shown in the first to fifth embodiments (for example, a process related to radio wave-based wireless communication and a process other than a process using radio wave-based wireless communication (for example, a process related to game progress, a process of adding some information to a game character)) is performed.

[0310] In this way, based on a relative relationship (e.g., the distance between electronic device 730 and multiple other devices) with multiple other devices (e.g., electronic devices 741-745), electronic device 730 (control unit 733) can select and execute at least one process (e.g., a process for displaying one piece of content, a process for one game (e.g., a competitive game, a raising game, a wandering game)) from multiple processes (e.g., processes for outputting content, processes for games) that are different from processes related to wireless communication with the other devices and processes using wireless communication with the other devices.

[0311] Furthermore, the server 710 (control unit 712) can select at least one process from a plurality of processes (different from processes related to wireless communication between the target device and other devices and processes using wireless communication between the target device and other devices) based on the relative relationship between the target device (e.g., electronic device 730) and a plurality of other devices (e.g., electronic devices 741 to 745), and cause the target device to execute the selected one process. Note that, although an example in which the server 710 is configured by one device has been shown in the sixth embodiment, each process for realizing the function of the server 710 may be performed by a plurality of devices (information processing systems).

[0312] The provided information shown in the first to sixth embodiments is a representative example, and other information can be used. For example, the provided information can be content consisting of only audio, content consisting of audio and images, content consisting of audio and video, content related to smell, taste, touch, etc. Also, the provided information can be each character of an animation having a plurality of types of characters (for example, characters A, B, C, ..., XYZ). In this case, each character may not be provided in duplicate so that the same character is not provided to different electronic devices, and some characters may be provided in duplicate so that the same character is provided to some electronic devices.

[0313] The provided information may also be information on at least one movie among a plurality of types of movie information (e.g., movie promotional videos, pamphlets). The provided information may also be information on at least one music among a plurality of music (e.g., singer videos, concert videos). The provided information may also be information on at least one travel destination (e.g., Kusatsu Onsen, Ikaho Onsen) among a plurality of travel destination information (places, famous places, transportation, discount coupons, etc.). The provided information may also be at least one of a plurality of discount coupons, complimentary coupons, and discount coupons that can be used on the Internet. The provided information may also be information related to at least one store among a plurality of discount coupons, complimentary coupons, and discount coupons of stores. The provided information may also be information related to points that can be used at one or a plurality of stores. The provided information may also be information related to fortune telling (e.g., today's radio wave fortune telling). In this way, the provided information may be information about one or more of anime characters, animals (e.g., animals appearing in a movie, amusement parks at the travel destination), people (e.g., characters in a movie, famous people at the travel destination), plants (e.g., local products at the travel destination, flowers of interest), local features (e.g., maps of the travel destination, buildings at the travel destination, tourist spots at the travel destination), music, etc. Also, for example, the provided information may be provided by applying AR (Augmented Reality). For example, each content may be displayed superimposed on an image (photograph) generated by the camera of an electronic device (e.g., a smartphone camera).

[0314] Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) may be used to determine the content to be provided and the process to be executed. For example, machine learning may be used to generate determination information and information to be provided (or information on the process to be executed) for the pattern of radio waves received by the electronic device (e.g., radio wave reception strength, device model pattern) and the radio wave environment (e.g., determined by search or movement history of a smartphone, etc.), and each of the generated information may be used to determine the content to be provided and the process to be executed.

[0315] Each control operation shown in the first to sixth embodiments is executed based on a program for making a computer execute each processing procedure, and therefore each control operation can be understood as a program invention. That is, each control operation shown in the first to sixth embodiments can be realized by storing a program related to each control operation shown in the first to sixth embodiments in a storage medium of an information processing device such as an electronic device or a server, reading the program from the storage medium, and making the information processing device execute the read program. Also, the program may be stored in an external storage medium (e.g., a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a memory card) of the information processing device and used.

[0316] The first to sixth embodiments are merely examples for realizing the invention described in the claims, and are not limited to these, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0317] For example, the following configurations (configuration examples 1 to 21) are possible. For example, the present invention can be configured as a game device, an electronic device, an information processing method, and a program. [Claim 1] A storage unit stores, for each of a plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device, a reception strength of radio waves, including radio waves not addressed to the device itself, the reception strength being output from the plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device; a control unit that executes a process related to a game based on a pattern of a plurality of reception intensities when the plurality of reception intensities for each of the devices stored in the storage unit are combined at a predetermined timing; Gaming equipment. [Configuration example 2] The pattern is a pattern consisting of a combination of a plurality of reception intensities and the number of the plurality of reception intensities when the plurality of reception intensities for each of the devices are arranged in order of reception intensity. The game device according to configuration example 1. [Configuration example 3] A storage unit stores, for each of a plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device, a reception strength of radio waves, including radio waves not addressed to the device itself, the reception strength being output from the plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device; a control unit that executes a process related to a game based on a pattern of a plurality of reception intensities when the plurality of reception intensities for each of the devices stored in the storage unit are combined at a predetermined timing; electronic equipment. [Configuration example 4] A storage unit stores, for each of a plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device, a reception strength of radio waves, including radio waves not addressed to the device itself, the reception strength being output from the plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device; a control unit that determines content to be provided to a user based on a pattern of a plurality of reception intensities obtained by combining the plurality of reception intensities for each of the devices stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing; electronic equipment. [Configuration example 5] The pattern is a pattern consisting of a combination of a plurality of reception intensities and the number of the plurality of reception intensities when the plurality of reception intensities for each of the devices are arranged in order of reception intensity. 5. The electronic device according to configuration example 3 or 4. [Configuration example 6] The control unit determines the content according to a specific device when the reception strength of the specific device is stored in the storage unit at the predetermined timing. The electronic device according to configuration example 4. [Configuration example 7] The control unit determines the content related to a specific location when the reception strength of a specific device installed in the specific location is stored in the storage unit at the predetermined timing. The electronic device according to configuration example 4. [Configuration example 8] a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information regarding a location where the electronic device is located, When the position of the electronic device specified by the position information is included in a specific area, the control unit determines the content related to the specific area. The electronic device according to configuration example 4. [Configuration example 9] a storage unit stores, for each of the surrounding devices, information on the reception strength of radio waves, including radio waves not addressed to the device itself, output from a plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device, associated with information on each of the surrounding devices that can be identified based on the radio waves output from the respective devices; and a control unit that determines content to be provided to a user based on a pattern of information about each of the devices when information about the devices stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing is arranged according to reception strength associated with the information about each of the devices. electronic equipment. [Configuration example 10] The pattern is a pattern of information about each of the plurality of devices when the information about each of the devices is arranged in order of reception strength of the reception strength associated with the information about each of the devices. 10. The electronic device according to configuration example 9. [Configuration example 11] The information about the device is at least one of the following: the type of the device, the manufacturer of the device, the model number of the device, unique information about the device, and the name given to the device. 11. The electronic device according to configuration example 9 or 10. [Configuration example 12] The predetermined timing is any one of a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed, a timing when a desired content can be determined as a provision target, a timing when a predetermined user operation is performed, and a timing when a change in the attitude of the electronic device is detected. 12. The electronic device according to any one of configuration examples 3 to 11. [Configuration Example 13] The timing at which the predetermined time has elapsed is any one of the timing at which the time elapsed since the power of the electronic device was turned on reaches the predetermined time, the timing at which the time elapsed since the power of the electronic device was turned on and the previous content provision reaches the predetermined time, and the timing at which the time elapsed since the electronic device received radio waves from a specific device reaches the predetermined time. 13. The electronic device according to configuration example 12. [Configuration Example 14] The control unit causes the storage unit to store the determined content, Executing a process related to a game using the content stored in the storage unit within a predetermined period of time The electronic device according to any one of configuration examples 4, 6 to 9. [Configuration Example 15] The control unit executes at least one of an output process for outputting a sound from an audio output unit based on the determined content, and a display process for displaying an image on a display unit based on the determined content. The electronic device according to any one of configuration examples 4, 6 to 9. [Configuration Example 16] A process of storing in a storage unit for each of a plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device, the reception strength of radio waves, including radio waves not addressed to the device itself, output from the plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device; A process of executing a process related to a game based on a pattern of a plurality of reception intensities obtained by combining the plurality of reception intensities for each of the devices stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing; An information processing method comprising: [Configuration Example 17] A process of storing in a storage unit for each of a plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device, the reception strength of radio waves, including radio waves not addressed to the device itself, output from the plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device; determining a content to be provided to a user based on a pattern of a plurality of reception intensities obtained by combining the plurality of reception intensities for each of the devices stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing; An information processing method comprising: [Configuration Example 18] A process of storing in a storage unit for each of the surrounding devices, the process being associated with the reception strength of radio waves, including radio waves not addressed to the device itself, output from a plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device, and information about each of the surrounding devices that can be identified based on the radio waves output from the corresponding devices; determining content to be provided to a user based on a pattern of information about each of the devices when the information about the devices is arranged according to the reception strength associated with the information about each of the devices and is stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing; An information processing method comprising: [Configuration Example 19] A function of storing in a memory unit for each of the surrounding devices the reception strength of radio waves, including radio waves not addressed to the device itself, output from a plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device; a function of executing a process related to a game based on a pattern of a plurality of reception intensities obtained by combining the plurality of reception intensities for each of the devices stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing; A program to make the above happen on a computer. [Configuration Example 20] A function of storing in a memory unit for each of the surrounding devices the reception strength of radio waves, including radio waves not addressed to the device itself, output from a plurality of surrounding devices, including a portable device; a function of determining content to be provided to a user based on a pattern of a plurality of reception intensities obtained by combining a plurality of reception intensities for each of the devices stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing; A program to make the above happen on a computer. [Configuration Example 21] A function of storing in a storage unit for each of the surrounding devices the reception strength of radio waves, including radio waves not addressed to the device itself, output from a plurality of devices, including a portable device, in association with information about each of the devices that can be identified based on the radio waves output from the devices; and a function of determining contents to be provided to a user based on a pattern of information on each of the devices when information on the plurality of devices stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing is arranged according to the reception strength associated with the information on each of the devices; A program to make the above happen on a computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0318] 100~106, 301~305, 309, 311~315, 321, 322, 401~407, 500, 550, 560, 730, 741~745 Electronic equipment 110, 501, 551, 561, 611, 631, 711, 731 Communications Department 120, 503, 552, 562, 612, 632, 712, 733 Control unit 130, 504, 553, 563, 613, 633, 713, 734 Storage section 140, 505, 564, 634, 735 Operation section 150, 411, 506, 565, 635, 736 Display section 160, 507, 566, 636, 737 Audio output section 400 display device 502, 732 Location information acquisition unit 400, 700 Communication Systems 610, 710 Server 620, 720 Network

Claims

1. Obtaining location information on a plurality of devices, including portable devices owned by other users, that are present around the portable target device owned by the user; storing location information for each of the plurality of devices in a storage unit; Identifying a shape formed by straight lines connecting the positions of the plurality of devices based on the position information stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing; a control unit that causes the target device to execute a process related to a game that can be displayed on the target device based on the shape; Information processing device.

2. The shape may be any of a triangle, a rectangle, another polygon, an ellipse, and a circle. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. A process of acquiring location information on a plurality of devices, including portable devices owned by other users, that are present around a portable target device owned by the user; A process of causing a storage unit to store location information regarding the plurality of devices for each of the devices; A process of identifying a shape formed by straight lines connecting the positions of the plurality of devices based on the position information stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing; A process of causing the target device to execute a process related to a game that can be displayed on the target device based on the shape; An information processing method comprising:

4. A function of acquiring location information on a plurality of devices, including portable devices owned by other users, that are present around a portable target device owned by the user; a function of causing a storage unit to store location information regarding the plurality of devices for each of the devices; A function of identifying a shape formed by straight lines connecting the positions of the plurality of devices based on the position information stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing; a function of causing the target device to execute a process related to a game that can be displayed on the target device based on the shape; A program to make the above happen on a computer.

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