System, Server Device, Information Providing Method, and Program

Abstract

The present invention provides a system that contributes to the provision of more suitable information to users desiring information provision. This system includes a server device, a first terminal, and second terminals. The first terminal transmits, to the server device, a question message that includes position information of a first user and question content. The second terminals are owned by each of a plurality of second users. The server device extracts, from among the plurality of second users, at least one or more third users living in a district that corresponds to the current position of the first user. The server device transmits a request image that includes the question content to the second terminals of the at least one or more third users. The second terminals of the at least one or more third users transmit, to the server device, an answer message that includes answer content for the question content. The server device transmits the answer message to the first terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a server device, an information providing method, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the development of communication technology and information processing technology, users are in a situation where they can enjoy various services. For example, there is a communication service in which a certain user makes an inquiry to an unspecified number of users and obtains an answer.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes providing information tailored to what a person wants to know to visitors to an area. The method of Patent Document 1 is an information providing method for providing answers to questions regarding an area, and acquires a plurality of answer area information related to an answer area to be targeted for answering from a plurality of terminals that satisfy a predetermined condition. In this method, from one terminal that satisfies the predetermined condition, question area information related to a question area to be targeted for the question and question information indicating the content of the question are acquired. In this method, based on the plurality of answer area information and the question area information, one or more transmission destination terminals for transmitting the question information are specified from among the plurality of terminals. In this method, the question information is transmitted to the one or more transmission destination terminals, and one or more answer information indicating the content of the answer to the content of the question indicated by the question information is acquired from at least one of the one or more transmission destination terminals. Further, in this method, one or more answer information is transmitted to the one terminal.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes providing a system that matches more appropriate respondents in a system where users conduct question-and-answer sessions. The posting server of Patent Document 2 receives and stores posting data including an arbitrary message and first location information which is the location information of the first user terminal from the first user terminal. Further, the second user terminal acquires a question sentence described in natural language and transmits a question set consisting of the question sentence and second location information representing a location associated with the question sentence to a management server. The management server acquires a plurality of posting data stored in the posting server, and when receiving the question set from the second user terminal, based on the result of comparing the second location information included in the question set with the first location information included in the posting data, and the question sentence with the message included in the posting data, determines and extracts a respondent candidate who is a candidate for answering the question, and transfers the question sentence to the first user terminal possessed by the extracted respondent candidate.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 describes an active information provision form from a server to a user terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] As described above, due to the development of communication technology and information processing technology, the situation is in place for users to obtain useful information from an unspecified number of users. However, the information obtained from an unspecified number of users may be different from the information that the user truly needs or is truly beneficial to the user. Specifically, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the respondents who answer questions from other users are selected based on their staying areas. However, if the selected respondent is only staying in the area temporarily, the respondent may not be able to provide truly useful information to the questioner's question.

[0008] The main object of the present invention is to provide a system, a server device, an information providing method, and a storage medium that contribute to providing information more suitable for a user who requests information provision.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system including: a server device; a first terminal that transmits a question message including position information of a first user and question content to the server device; and a plurality of second terminals each held by a plurality of second users, wherein the server device extracts at least one or more third users who live in an area corresponding to the current position of the first user from among the plurality of second users, transmits a request message including the question content to the second terminals of the at least one or more third users, the second terminals of the at least one or more third users transmit a response message including a response content to the question content to the server device, and the server device transmits the response message to the first terminal.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device including: a communication control unit that controls communication with other devices; and a question-and-answer control unit that receives, from a first terminal, a question message including position information of a first user and question content, extracts at least one third user who lives in an area corresponding to the current position of the first user from among a plurality of second users, transmits a request message including the question content to a second terminal of the at least one third user, receives an answer message including an answer to the question content from the second terminal of the at least one third user, and transmits the answer message to the first terminal.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information providing method in a server device, including: receiving, from a first terminal, a question message including position information of a first user and question content; extracting at least one third user who lives in an area corresponding to the current position of the first user from among a plurality of second users; transmitting a request message including the question content to a second terminal of the at least one third user; receiving an answer message including an answer to the question content from the second terminal of the at least one third user; and transmitting the answer message to the first terminal.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute: a process of receiving, from a first terminal, a question message including position information of a first user and question content; a process of extracting at least one third user who lives in an area corresponding to the current position of the first user from among a plurality of second users; a process of transmitting a request message including the question content to a second terminal of the at least one third user; a process of receiving an answer message including an answer to the question content from the second terminal of the at least one third user; and a process of transmitting the answer message to the first terminal.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to each aspect of the present invention, there are provided a system, a server device, an information providing method, and a storage medium that contribute to providing information more suitable for a user who requests information provision. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above. Instead of, or together with, the above effects, other effects may be achieved by the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] First, an overview of an embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings appended to this overview are for convenience of each element as an example to assist understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Also, unless otherwise specified, the blocks described in each drawing represent a configuration of functional units, not a configuration of hardware units. The connection lines between the blocks in each figure include both bidirectional and unidirectional ones. For a one-way arrow, it schematically shows the flow of the main signal (data) and does not exclude bidirectionality. In this specification and the drawings, for elements that can be similarly described, duplicate description may be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals.

[0016] The system according to an embodiment includes a server device 101, a first terminal 102, and a second terminal 103 (see FIG. 1). The first terminal 102 transmits a question message including the position information of the first user and the content of the question to the server device 101. The second terminal 103 is a terminal held by each of a plurality of second users. The server device 101 extracts at least one or more third users who live in the area corresponding to the current position of the first user from among the plurality of second users. The server device 101 transmits a request message including the content of the question to the second terminal 103 of at least one or more third users. The second terminal 103 of at least one or more third users transmits a response message including the response content to the question to the server device 101. The server device 101 transmits the response message to the first terminal 102.

[0017] The first user (e.g., a tourist) inquires of the server device 101 about the information they want to know at the tourist destination. In response to this inquiry (question), the server device 10 requests an answer from the residents (third users) of the tourist destination. The residents of the tourist destination are well-versed in the information of the tourist destination and can answer the information that the tourists truly want to know. Therefore, the tourists can easily obtain the information they truly want to know. That is, the server device 101 can provide information more suitable for the tourists (users) who seek information. In this way, the server device 101 does not simply set the users staying at the tourist destination as the answerers to the questions, but sets the residents living in the area including the tourist destination as the answerers. As a result, more beneficial information and more suitable information are provided to the questioners (tourists).

[0018] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0019] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] [Configuration of the System] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the information providing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information providing system includes a server device 10.

[0021] The server device 10 provides connections with others to the users. The server device 10 realizes a so-called SNS (Social Networking Service).

[0022] The users transmit and receive text, photos, videos, etc. with others via the server device 10. The server device 10 realizes message exchange between the users. Also, the users may receive information provided from organizations such as companies and local governments via the server device 10.

[0023] The server device 10 has a function of providing information in response to requests from users. More specifically, the server device 10 receives questions from users and answers those questions. The transmission and reception of questions and answers are performed via the SNS.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the case where a tourist asks a question to the server device 10 and the server device 10 answers the question will be described.

[0025] For example, when a tourist arrives at a destination tourist spot, using the tourist terminal 20 in hand, the tourist inputs a question such as "What is a recommended lunch?" to the server device 10 (refer to the uppermost part of FIG. 3). At that time, the tourist terminal 20 notifies the server device 10 of the current position (location information, coordinate information) of its own device.

[0026] Based on the current position acquired from the tourist terminal 20, the server device 10 identifies the tourist spot (area) that the tourist is visiting. In the example of FIG. 2, the server device 10 identifies whether the tourist is asking the question from area A or area B.

[0027] After identifying the tourist spot (area) visited by the tourist, the server device 10 requests the area supporter to answer the tourist's question.

[0028] An area supporter is a resident living in an area of a predetermined unit (predetermined range), and is a resident who has been registered in the system in advance as having the intention to support tourists (the intention to provide information, the intention to answer questions). Each area supporter has a terminal. In the example of FIG. 2, the area supporters in area A have supporter terminals 30-1 to 30-3, and the area supporters in area B each have supporter terminals 30-4 to 30-6. Area supporters can also be referred to as citizen supporters.

[0029] In the following description, when there is no particular reason to distinguish between the supporter terminals 30-1 to 30-6, they will simply be referred to as "supporter terminal 30".

[0030] As described above, when receiving a question from a tourist, the server device 10 requests an answer to the question from the regional supporter. For example, in the example of FIG. 2, when a tourist is visiting Region A, the server device 10 requests an answer to the tourist's question from the regional supporter living in Region A.

[0031] More specifically, the server device 10 transmits the tourist's question to the supporter terminals 30-1 to 30-3 possessed by the regional supporter in Region A and requests an answer.

[0032] When the server device 10 receives an answer from each regional supporter, it notifies the tourist of the answer. Specifically, the server device 10 transmits the answer obtained from each regional supporter to the tourist terminal 20. The tourist terminal 20 outputs the answer obtained from each regional supporter (see FIG. 3).

[0033] The tourist acts with reference to the provided answer. In the example of FIG. 3, the tourist selects a favorite store and goes for a meal. At this time, the tourist may operate the tourist terminal 20 to notify the server device 10 of the answer used as a reference. In the example of FIG. 3, the tourist presses the "Reference" button corresponding to the answer used as a reference.

[0034] The server device 10 stores and manages the regional supporter who provided useful information to the tourist in response to the pressing of the button. The server device 10 manages the evaluation of the regional supporter using "evaluation points".

[0035] Subsequently, details of each device included in the information providing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0036] Here, explanations about preparations for users (tourists, local supporters) to use SNS and the like are omitted. User IDs (Identifiers) are assigned to SNS users. For example, user ID "ID01" is assigned to user A, and user ID "ID02" is assigned to user B. Terminals (tourist terminal 20, supporter terminal 30) held by each user store the user ID of the owner and the user IDs of others (for example, friends). Further, the server device 10 stores by associating a user ID with the contact information (for example, telephone number, email address, SNS (Social Networking Service) account, etc.) of the terminal held by the user corresponding to the user ID.

[0037] [Server device] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing modules) of the server device 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a local supporter registration unit 202, a message exchange unit 203, a local supporter management unit 204, and a storage unit 205.

[0038] The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the tourist terminal 20. Further, the communication control unit 201 transmits data to the tourist terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 delivers the data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits the data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules perform data transmission and reception with other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a receiving unit for receiving data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit for transmitting data to other devices.

[0039] The regional supporter registration unit 202 is a means for realizing the registration of regional supporters. When a user (a user who intends to become a regional supporter) presses a specific button or the like displayed on the supporter terminal 30, the regional supporter registration unit 202 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for performing regional supporter registration on the supporter terminal 30.

[0040] For example, the regional supporter registration unit 202 displays a GUI as shown in FIG. 5 on the supporter terminal 30.

[0041] The regional supporter operates the supporter terminal 30 to input personal information such as name, age, gender, and address. Note that the regional supporter does not necessarily need to register personal information such as name and gender in the system. The regional supporter only needs to register at least the address in the server device 10.

[0042] The regional supporter registration unit 202 acquires the user ID of the user from the supporter terminal 30 together with the above personal information.

[0043] The regional supporter registration unit 202 converts the acquired address into a region. The regional supporter registration unit 202 refers to table information that associates the address with the region name, and converts the address of the regional supporter into a predetermined region (see FIG. 6).

[0044] The regional supporter registration unit 202 associates the acquired user ID, the region converted from the above address, personal information, etc., and stores them in the regional supporter database (see FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 7, the regional supporter database stores the user ID, the responsible region, the evaluation points, and personal information (attribute information) in association with each other. Note that the regional supporter database shown in FIG. 7 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, a "face image" may be registered in the regional supporter database as biometric information.

[0045] In this way, the local supporter registration unit 202 registers a user (the second user) who has the intention to support tourists (the first user) as a "local supporter" in the system. Also, the local supporter registration unit 202 acquires at least the address of the local supporter, converts the acquired address into the responsible area, and registers it in the local supporter database.

[0046] The message exchange unit 203 is a means to realize message exchange between users. The message exchange unit 203 receives a message including the user ID of the message sender, the user ID of the message recipient, content (text, photo, video, etc.) from the terminal.

[0047] The message exchange unit 203 refers to the contact information database configured in the storage unit 205 as shown in FIG. 8, and acquires the contact information (the email address of the message recipient, SNS account, etc.) corresponding to the user ID of the message recipient. The message exchange unit 203 sends text, photo, video, etc. to the acquired contact information.

[0048] Here, the messages processed by the server device 10 include three messages in addition to the normal messages sent and received between users.

[0049] The first message is a question message that a tourist asks the server device 10.

[0050] The second message is a request message that the server device 10 requests a local supporter to answer.

[0051] The third message is an answer message that a tourist answers a question.

[0052] The question message includes a question flag indicating that the message is a question message. In the question message, the user ID of the questioner (tourist) is set as the ID of the message sender, and nothing is set for the ID of the message recipient (the ID of the message recipient is blank). Further, the question message includes the current location of the questioner (tourist terminal 20) and the content of the question.

[0053] The request message includes a request flag indicating that the message is a request message. In the request message, the user ID of the tourist is set as the ID of the message sender, and the user ID of the regional supporter is set as the ID of the message recipient. Further, the request message includes the content of the question.

[0054] The answer message includes an answer flag indicating that the message is an answer message. In the answer message, the user ID of the answerer (regional supporter) is set as the ID of the message sender, and the user ID of the questioner (tourist) is set as the ID of the message recipient. Further, the answer message includes the content of the answer.

[0055] The message exchange unit 203 includes a sub-module called the question-answer control unit 211 (see FIG. 9). The question-answer control unit 211 is a means for processing question messages, request messages, and answer messages. The question-answer control unit 211 is a means for performing control regarding questions from tourists and answers from regional supporters.

[0056] When the message exchange unit 203 receives a question message and an answer message, it delivers these messages to the question-answer control unit 211. Since the request message is a message transmitted from the server device 10 to the supporter terminal 30, the message exchange unit 203 does not receive the said message.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 10, the operation of the question-answer control unit 211 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the question-answer control unit 211.

[0058] The question-and-answer control unit 211 determines whether the flag set in the message is a question flag (step S101). If the question flag is set, the question-and-answer control unit 211 executes the processes after step S102.

[0059] When a question message is received (step S101, Yes branch), the question-and-answer control unit 211 identifies the area corresponding to the tourist's visiting location based on the current location included in the question message (step S102). For example, the question-and-answer control unit 211 refers to the table information that associates the area with the coordinate range defining the area and identifies the corresponding area (see FIG. 11).

[0060] The question-and-answer control unit 211 searches the area supporter database using the identified area as a key and extracts the area supporters living in the area (step S103).

[0061] The question-and-answer control unit 211 generates a request message to be sent to the extracted area supporter (step S104). The question-and-answer control unit 211 sets a request flag in the flag storage area of the message, sets the tourist's user ID in the ID of the message sender and the user ID of each area supporter in the ID of the message recipient. Also, the question-and-answer control unit 211 transcribes the question content included in the question message into the request message.

[0062] Note that the question-and-answer control unit 211 extracts the tourist's user ID to be set in the request message from the question message. More specifically, the question-and-answer control unit 211 extracts the ID of the message sender of the question message as the tourist's user ID. Also, the question-and-answer control unit 211 generates the same number of request messages as the number of the extracted area supporters.

[0063] The question-and-answer control unit 211 sends the generated request message to each area supporter (step S105).

[0064] As described above, the messages received by the question-and-answer control unit 211 are of two types: question messages and answer messages. Therefore, when the determination result in step S101 is "No", it means that the question-and-answer control unit 211 has received an answer message.

[0065] When an answer message is received (branch of step S101, No), the question-and-answer control unit 211 transfers the message to the tourist terminal 20 (step S106).

[0066] The regional supporter management unit 204 is a means for managing regional supporters. More specifically, the regional supporter management unit 204 receives a reference notice regarding the answer of the regional supporter from the tourist and processes the notice. More specifically, the regional supporter management unit 204 receives an "answer reference notice" from the tourist terminal 20.

[0067] The answer reference notice includes the user ID of the answerer (regional supporter) of the answer content referred to by the tourist. The regional supporter management unit 204 searches the regional supporter database using the user ID as a key. The regional supporter management unit 204 adds "1" to the set value of the evaluation point field of the regional supporter identified by the search.

[0068] In addition, the regional supporter management unit 204 controls the point inquiry from the regional supporter. When the regional supporter management unit 204 receives a "point inquiry" described later, it searches the regional supporter database using the user ID included in the inquiry as a key and identifies the corresponding regional supporter. The regional supporter management unit 204 transmits a response including the evaluation points of the identified regional supporter to the supporter terminal 30.

[0069] The storage unit 205 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10. The storage unit 205 includes a regional supporter database, a contact information database, and the like.

[0070] [Tourist Terminal] The tourist terminal 20 is a first terminal that transmits a question message including the location information and question content of a tourist (first user) to the server device 10.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing modules) of the tourist terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12, the tourist terminal 20 includes a communication control unit 301, a question control unit 302, and a storage unit 303.

[0072] The communication control unit 301 is means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 301 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. Also, the communication control unit 301 transmits data toward the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 delivers the data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 301 transmits the data acquired from other processing modules toward other devices. In this way, other processing modules perform data transmission and reception with other devices via the communication control unit 301. The communication control unit 301 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data toward other devices.

[0073] The question control unit 302 is means for performing control regarding the questions of the tourist. When the tourist performs a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the "Question Chat" button on the menu screen), the question control unit 302 displays an interface for the tourist to input a question.

[0074] For example, the question control unit 302 displays a region for inputting a question as shown in the uppermost row of FIG. 3 and acquires the question content. When the tourist presses the "Send" button shown in FIG. 3, the question control unit 302 determines the question content. Although the "Send" button is described in FIG. 3 for ease of understanding, in reality, the button becomes non-displayed along with the determination of the question content.

[0075] The question control unit 302 acquires the position information of the own device (tourist terminal 20). For example, the question control unit 302 receives GPS signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites, performs positioning, and generates position information including the latitude and longitude of the own device. Alternatively, the question control unit 302 may communicate with a wireless access point and treat the position of the wireless access point as the position of the own device. Alternatively, the question control unit 302 may generate position information based on the intensity of radio waves received from the wireless access point.

[0076] The question control unit 302 sets a question flag in the flag storage area, sets the user ID of the tourist as the ID of the message sender, and generates a question message. Further, the question control unit 302 stores the generated position information and the question content in the question message.

[0077] The question control unit 302 transmits the generated question message to the server device 10.

[0078] The question control unit 302 receives an answer message from the server device 10. The question control unit 302 receives at least one or more answer messages. The question control unit 302 displays the answer content included in the received answer message. For example, the question control unit 302 displays the answer content included in the message in the order of the received answer messages. For example, the question control unit 302 performs a display (display including three answer contents) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0079] Further, the question control unit 302 displays a button for evaluating (evaluated by the tourist) the answer from the regional supporter in association with the answer content (see FIG. 3). The tourist presses the "Reference" button corresponding to the answer content that was helpful.

[0080] The question control unit 302 transmits an "Answer Reference Notification" including the user ID of the message sender (the user ID of the regional supporter whose answer was evaluated) included in the answer message corresponding to the reference button to the server device 10.

[0081] The storage unit 303 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the tourist terminal 20. The storage unit 303 stores the user ID of the user (tourist) and the user IDs of friends and the like.

[0082] [Support terminal] The support terminal 30 is a second terminal possessed by each of a plurality of regional supporters (a plurality of second users).

[0083] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing modules) of the support terminal 30 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, the support terminal 30 includes a communication control unit 401, a registration unit 402, a response control unit 403, a point control unit 404, and a storage unit 405.

[0084] The communication control unit 401 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 401 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. Also, the communication control unit 401 transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 401 delivers the data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 401 transmits the data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules perform data transmission and reception with other devices via the communication control unit 401. The communication control unit 401 has a function as a receiving unit for receiving data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit for transmitting data to other devices.

[0085] The registration unit 402 is a means for realizing the registration of regional supporters. The registration unit 402 accesses the server device 10 in response to a predetermined operation of the regional supporter (for example, pressing the "Regional Supporter Registration" button displayed on the menu screen).

[0086] The registration unit 402 receives data for displaying a GUI as shown in FIG. 5 from the server device 10, and acquires information such as the name and address of the regional supporter through the GUI. The registration unit 402 transmits the user ID of the regional supporter to the server device 10 together with the acquired name and the like.

[0087] The response control unit 403 is a means for controlling the responses of the regional supporters. The response control unit 403 receives a request message from the server device 10. In response to the reception of the request message, the response control unit 403 displays an interface for the regional supporter to input a response.

[0088] For example, the response control unit 403 performs the display as shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, the response control unit 403 displays the question content included in the request message and requests the regional supporter to answer the question.

[0089] The response control unit 403 displays an area for inputting a response as shown in FIG. 14 and acquires the response content. When the regional supporter presses the "Send" button shown in FIG. 14, the response control unit 403 determines the response content.

[0090] Although not shown in FIG. 14, the response control unit 403 may display a button (for example, a "Cancel" button) for the regional supporter to obtain the intention not to answer the question on the response input screen.

[0091] The response control unit 403 sets a response flag in the flag storage area. Also, the response control unit 403 sets the user ID of the responder (regional supporter) to the ID of the message sender and the user ID of the questioner (tourist) to the ID of the message recipient, respectively, and generates a response message. Further, the response control unit 403 stores the acquired response content in the response message.

[0092] The response control unit 403 transmits the generated response message to the server device 10.

[0093] The point control unit 404 is a means for controlling and managing the evaluation points given to the regional supporters. The point control unit 404 transmits a "point inquiry" to the server device 10 in response to a predetermined operation of the regional supporter (for example, pressing the "Point Confirmation" button displayed on the menu screen). The point inquiry includes the user ID of the regional supporter.

[0094] The point control unit 404 displays the evaluation points included in the response from the server device 10 (response to the point inquiry).

[0095] The storage unit 405 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the supporter terminal 30. The storage unit 405 stores the user ID of the user (local supporter) and the user IDs of friends and the like.

[0096] Here, in the above description, the tourist terminal 20 and the supporter terminal 30 have been described with different types of terminals in terms of processing configuration and the like. However, in reality, the user's terminal may operate as the tourist terminal 20 or may operate as the supporter terminal 30. That is, the user (tourist, local supporter) possesses a terminal having the functions of the tourist terminal 20 and the supporter terminal 30 described above.

[0097] [Operation of the System] Next, the operation of the information providing system according to the first embodiment will be described. Note that the description of the operation related to local supporter registration will be omitted.

[0098] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information providing system according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 15, the system operation when answering a tourist's question will be described.

[0099] The tourist terminal 20 acquires the tourist's question (step S01).

[0100] The tourist terminal 20 generates a question message including the acquired question, and transmits the question message to the server device 10 (step S02).

[0101] When the server device 10 receives the question message, it extracts the local supporter who answers the question, and transmits a request message to the supporter terminal 30 of the extracted local supporter (step S03).

[0102] When the supporter terminal 30 receives a request message, it displays the question included in the request message and acquires an answer from the local supporter (step S04).

[0103] The supporter terminal 30 generates a response message including the acquired answer and transmits it to the server device 10 (step S05).

[0104] The server device 10 forwards the response message to the tourist terminal 20 of the questioner (tourist) (step S06).

[0105] When the tourist terminal 20 receives the response message, it displays the answer included in the response message (step S07).

[0106] The tourist terminal 20 transmits a response reference notification corresponding to the answer referred to (adopted) by the tourist to the server device 10 (step S08).

[0107] When receiving the response reference notification, the server device 10 updates the local supporter database (DB; Data Base) by incrementing the evaluation points of the local supporter referred to by the tourist (step S09). In this way, when the tourist terminal 20 determines that the tourist has referred to the answer from the local supporter, it transmits a response reference notification to the server device 10. The server device 10 enhances the evaluation of the local supporter who provided the answer referred to by the tourist in response to the reception of the response reference notification.

[0108] As described above, in the information providing system according to the first embodiment, the server device 10 extracts a regional supporter (a third user) who lives in the region corresponding to the current location of the tourist (the first user) from among a plurality of regional supporters (the second users). The server device 10 transmits a request message including the question content to the supporter terminal 30 of the extracted regional supporter. The supporter terminal 30 of the regional supporter (the third user) requested to answer transmits an answer message including the answer content to the question content to the server device 10. The server device 10 transmits the answer message to the tourist terminal 20. In this way, when a tourist asks the server device 10 a question using an SNS about what the tourist wants to know at a tourist destination, the server device 10 requests an answer from the residents (inhabitants) of the tourist destination. The residents of the tourist destination are familiar with the information of the tourist destination and can answer the information that the tourist really wants to know. That is, the tourist can easily obtain the information that the tourist really wants to know without having to perform operations such as making choices about information. The tourist feels that the convenience has been improved.

[0109] [Second Embodiment] Subsequently, the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0110] In the first embodiment, the case where the server device 10 requests each regional supporter in the region to answer the tourist's question has been described. In the second embodiment, the case where the server device 10 designates an answerer will be described. More specifically, the server device 10 selects a regional supporter (a fourth user) who answers the question content from among the regional supporters (the third users) living in the tourist destination, and transmits a request message to the supporter terminal 30 of the selected regional supporter.

[0111] Note that since the configuration of the information providing system according to the second embodiment can be the same as that of the first embodiment, the description corresponding to FIG. 2 is omitted.

[0112] Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0113] The question-and-answer control unit 211 according to the second embodiment selects (selects) a responder from among the region supporters registered in the system in advance, and requests the selected responder to answer the questions of the tourists.

[0114] In the example of FIG. 2, when a tourist visits Region A, the question-and-answer control unit 211 selects a responder from among the three region supporters having supporter terminals 30-1 to 30-3, and requests an answer to the question.

[0115] The question-and-answer control unit 211 selects (determines) a responder by various methods.

[0116] <Selection method 1> When transmitting a question message, the question control unit 302 of the tourist terminal 20 according to the second embodiment also notifies the server device 10 of the attribute information (profile; for example, gender, age, etc.) of the tourist. Specifically, the question control unit 302 transmits a question message including the attribute information to the server device 10 in addition to the question content. Note that the attribute information of the tourist may be information registered in the SNS application, or the tourist terminal 20 may acquire the attribute information again.

[0117] The question-and-answer control unit 211 selects a responder using the attribute information of the tourist and the attribute information of each region supporter registered in the system. For example, the question-and-answer control unit 211 selects a region supporter having the same attributes (for example, gender and / or age group) as the questioner as the responder.

[0118] More specifically, the question-and-answer control unit 211 extracts from the region supporter database the region supporters of the region corresponding to the place visited by the tourist (the place where the question was asked). Further, the question-and-answer control unit 211 identifies a region supporter having the same attributes as the tourist from among the extracted region supporters (entries).

[0119] The question-and-answer control unit 211 sends a request message to the specified local supporter. For example, if the tourist visiting Area A is a woman in her 20s, the question-and-answer control unit 211 selects a woman in her 20s among the local supporters in Area A as the responder, and sends a request message to the supporter terminal 30 of the selected responder.

[0120] In this way, the server device 10 may select a responder (fourth user) based on the attribute information of the tourist (first user) and the attribute information of at least one local supporter (third user).

[0121] <Selection method 2> The question-and-answer control unit 211 may select a responder based on the content of the question and the interests of the local supporter obtained from the posts (conversations with others) of the local supporter.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 16, the message exchange unit 203 according to the second embodiment includes a message analysis unit 212. The message analysis unit 212 analyzes the messages posted by the local supporter and calculates the interests of the local supporter.

[0123] For example, when the message analysis unit 212 detects that a message sent by a local supporter to others (family, friends) contains a predetermined keyword, the message analysis unit 212 determines that the local supporter is interested in matters related to the keyword.

[0124] For example, when keywords such as "lunch", "dinner", "Japanese cuisine", "Chinese cuisine", "French cuisine" are frequently included in the conversation, the message analysis unit 212 sets the interests of the local supporter who posted the keyword to "food".

[0125] Alternatively, when keywords such as "temple", "garden", "castle", "history" are frequently included in the conversation, the message analysis unit 212 sets the interests of the local supporter who posted the keyword to "history".

[0126] The message analysis unit 212 stores the number of times a keyword is posted for each regional supporter. When the number of times a keyword is posted exceeds a predetermined value, matters related to the keyword that exceeds the predetermined value are set as the regional supporter's areas of interest. For example, in the above example of meals, when keywords such as "lunch" and "dinner" are repeatedly posted, the regional supporter's area of interest is set to "meals".

[0127] The message analysis unit 212 associates the user ID of the regional supporter with the area of interest and stores it in the area of interest database (see Fig. 17). In the second embodiment, for ease of understanding, the regional supporter database and the area of interest database are described as different databases, but the areas of interest of each regional supporter may be stored in the regional supporter database.

[0128] Also, the message analysis unit 212 may perform message analysis (calculation of areas of interest) in real time or perform message analysis afterwards. When performing analysis afterwards, the message exchange unit 203 accumulates the conversations (posts) of the regional supporters together with the user IDs. The message analysis unit 212 may analyze the accumulated conversations (dialogue logs) at regular intervals or at a predetermined timing to calculate the areas of interest of the regional supporters.

[0129] When the question and answer control unit 211 receives a question message, it identifies the question genre from the content of the question message (keywords included in the question). For example, when keywords such as "lunch" and "Japanese cuisine" are included, the question and answer control unit 211 sets the genre of the question to "meals". The question and answer control unit 211 may refer to the table information that associates keywords with the question genre and identify the question genre.

[0130] Alternatively, the question-and-answer control unit 211 may identify the question genre using a learning model obtained by machine learning. For example, a learning model can be obtained by performing machine learning using teacher data with a label (question genre) assigned to the question content. The question-and-answer control unit 211 obtains the question genre by inputting the question content into the learning model. Note that any algorithm such as a support vector machine, boosting, or neural network can be used to generate the learning model. Since algorithms such as the support vector machine use known techniques, their description is omitted.

[0131] The question-and-answer control unit 211 searches the regional supporter database and extracts the regional supporter corresponding to the current location of the questioner. Further, the question-and-answer control unit 211 identifies the regional supporter interested in the question genre from among the extracted regional supporters.

[0132] The question-and-answer control unit 211 sends a request message to the identified regional supporter. For example, if the question genre of a tourist visiting Region A is "food", the question-and-answer control unit 211 selects, as the answerer, the regional supporter in Region A with a strong interest in food from among the regional supporters. The question-and-answer control unit 211 sends a request message to the supporter terminal 30 of the selected answerer.

[0133] In this way, the server device 10 may select an answerer (fourth user) to answer the question based on the question content and the interests of the regional supporter (third user).

[0134] <Selection Method 3> When selecting the regional supporter to request an answer to the question, the question-and-answer control unit 211 may select the regional supporter based on the evaluation (evaluation points) of each regional supporter. For example, the question-and-answer control unit 211 may preferentially select a regional supporter with a high evaluation and request it to answer questions from tourists.

[0135] <Selection Method 4> The question-and-answer control unit 211 may select respondents by combining selection methods 1 to 3. Specifically, the question-and-answer control unit 211 may select a local supporter to be a respondent based on the attribute information of the respondent and the local supporter, the question content, and the local supporter's interests.

[0136] Subsequently, a modification of the second embodiment will be described.

[0137] <Modification 1 of the Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, it has been described that one local supporter who answers tourists' questions is selected. However, among the local supporters, there may be a plurality of people who can accurately answer the questions. Also, for tourists, it may be preferable to refer to multiple answers rather than making decisions based on the answer from a single respondent.

[0138] When the question-and-answer control unit 211 according to the second embodiment can select (extract) a plurality of local supporters by executing any of the above selection methods 1 to 4, it may send a request message to each of these extracted local supporters.

[0139] For example, when two local supporters are extracted by selection method 1, the question-and-answer control unit 211 may send a request message to the supporter terminals 30 of the two local supporters. In this case, the question-and-answer control unit 211 sends each of the answer messages obtained from the two supporter terminals 30 to the tourist terminal 20.

[0140] The server device 10 may obtain the tourist's wish regarding the number of respondents. Note that it is basically possible for users to use the information providing system for free. However, a function for tourists to specify the number of the above respondents may be an optional paid service. Alternatively, when the use of the information providing system itself is paid, the system usage fee may be set high when using the function regarding the above number specification. Alternatively, the system usage fee may be set to change according to the number of people who wish to receive answers.

[0141] <Modification Example 2 of the Second Embodiment> When there are multiple regional supporters suitable for answering questions, the question and answer control unit 211 may process questions and answers one by one.

[0142] For example, in the example of FIG. 2, assume that each of the three regional supporters in Region A is a regional supporter who can give an accurate answer to the question. In this case, the question and answer control unit 211 selects one person from the three and requests an answer. The question and answer control unit 211 notifies the questioner of the obtained answer. If the questioner refers to (adopts) the answer, the question and answer control unit 211 ends the process.

[0143] On the other hand, if the questioner does not refer to the answer (does not adopt the answer and requests another answer), the question and answer control unit 211 requests an answer to the question from other regional supporters and provides the obtained answer to the questioner (tourist). The question and answer control unit 211 repeats such control.

[0144] In this case, the question control unit 302 of the tourist terminal 20 according to the second embodiment displays a button for obtaining the intention of the tourist (refer to the answer or not) (see FIG. 18). When the tourist presses the "not for reference" button, the question control unit 302 transmits a re-question message to the server device 10. The re-question message is a message in which a re-question flag is set in the flag storage area of the question message that has already been transmitted.

[0145] When the question and answer control unit 211 of the server device 10 receives the re-question message, it selects a regional supporter different from the previously selected one and requests an answer (sends a request message).

[0146] In this way, when the tourist terminal 20 does not refer to the answer of the first respondent (the fourth user), the tourist terminal 20 sends a re-question message corresponding to the question message to the server device 10. In response to the reception of the re-question message, the server device 10 selects another respondent (the fifth user) different from the first respondent from among the regional supporters (the third users) appropriate as respondents.

[0147] The server device 10 may send the tourist terminal 20, together with the answer message, related information (for example, attributes, interests, evaluation points, etc.) regarding the respondent (regional supporter) of the answer message. The tourist terminal 20 may also display the related information together with the answer content. The tourist may evaluate the respondent based on the answer and related information of the regional supporter. Alternatively, when the server device 10 first receives the question message, the server device 10 may extract candidates for respondents who answer the question message and send the related information (attributes, etc.) of the extracted candidates to the tourist terminal 20. The tourist terminal 20 may display the transmitted related information and enable the tourist to select a regional supporter who the tourist desires to answer first.

[0148] As described above, in the information providing system according to the second embodiment, the server device 10 selects a respondent who requests an answer according to the questioner and the question content from among the regional supporters of the tourist destination visited by the tourist. As a result, more useful information can be provided to the tourist. That is, a mismatch such as a regional supporter who is knowledgeable about the history of the tourist destination answering a question about food does not occur, so the information that the tourist wants to know is accurately provided.

[0149] [Third Embodiment] Subsequently, the third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0150] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the case where the server device 10 answers the tourist's question has been described. In the third embodiment, the case where a group such as a regional supporter or a local government actively provides useful information to the tourist will be described.

[0151] Note that since the configuration of the information providing system according to the third embodiment can be the same as that of the first embodiment, the description corresponding to FIG. 2 is omitted.

[0152] Hereinafter, the differences among the first to third embodiments will be mainly described.

[0153] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 19, a tourist management unit 206 is added to the configuration of the server device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0154] The tourist management unit 206 is a means for managing tourists. In particular, the tourist management unit 206 manages the current location of tourists.

[0155] The tourist management unit 206 identifies the current location of tourists by various methods.

[0156] For example, the tourist management unit 206 identifies the current location of the tourist from the current location included in the question message.

[0157] Alternatively, the tourist terminal 20 may notify the server device 10 of the user ID and the current location of the tourist at regular intervals or at a predetermined timing. The tourist management unit 206 may identify the current location of the tourist based on the notification.

[0158] Alternatively, the tourist management unit 206 may identify the current location of a tourist based on an evaluation of the response from the tourist (response reference notification). For example, when the tourist presses the "reference" button in response to a response recommending "Japanese cuisine restaurant A", the tourist management unit 206 identifies that the current location of the tourist is at or near Japanese cuisine restaurant A. In this way, by identifying the current location based on the tourist's selection, even when the GPS function of the tourist terminal 20 is set to invalid, the tourist management unit 206 can estimate the current location of the tourist. For example, when the tourist has pressed the "reference" button in response to a question about a dinner restaurant, the tourist management unit 206 can estimate that the tourist is having a meal at the restaurant during the dinner time zone.

[0159] The tourist management unit 206 associates the user ID of the tourist with the current location and stores it in the tourist database (see FIG. 20). Note that the tourist database shown in FIG. 20 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 21, the message exchange unit 203 of the server device 10 according to the third embodiment includes a push information control unit 213. The push information control unit 213 is a means for actively providing information (push-type information provision) from the server device 10 to the tourist.

[0161] The push information control unit 213 provides information according to the current location of the tourist. For example, the push information control unit 213 provides information about tourist attractions (tourist attraction information) or information about events (event information) near the tourist's current location.

[0162] Specifically, the push information control unit 213 accesses the tourist database at regular intervals or at a predetermined timing to determine whether the tourist is visiting a predetermined location (spot). When the tourist visits a predetermined spot, the push information control unit 213 transmits information about the spot to the tourist terminal 20.

[0163] For example, if the predetermined spot is a historical building such as a "temple" or a "castle", the push information control unit 213 transmits a push message including tourist information about the historical building to the tourist terminal 20.

[0164] The push message is a message in which a push flag is set in the flag storage area and the user ID of the tourist is set in the ID of the message transmission destination. For example, the push message includes tourist information about the historical building.

[0165] Alternatively, if the predetermined spot is an event venue, the push information control unit 213 may transmit a push message including event information about the event held at the event venue to the tourist terminal 20.

[0166] When the push information control unit 213 acquires evacuation information from a local government (server of the local government), it may transmit a push message including the evacuation information to the tourist terminal 20. At that time, the push information control unit 213 does not transmit the push message if the current position of the tourist is not the evacuation target area, and may transmit the push message if the current position of the tourist is the evacuation target area.

[0167] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing module) of the tourist terminal 20 according to the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 22, a push message processing unit 304 is added to the configuration of the tourist terminal 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0168] The push message processing unit 304 is means for processing a push message received from the server device 10. The push message processing unit 304 displays the information included in the push message and provides information to the tourist (see FIG. 23).

[0169] <Modification Example according to the Third Embodiment> Next, a modification according to the third embodiment will be described. The server device 10 may acquire information to be provided to tourists from the regional supporter.

[0170] Specifically, when the push information control unit 213 determines that a tourist is staying at a predetermined location (spot), the push information control unit 213 extracts the regional supporter of the region corresponding to the spot. The push information control unit 213 transmits a request message including the current location of the tourist to the supporter terminal 30 of the extracted regional supporter. The push information control unit 213 sets information regarding the current location of the tourist in the request message instead of the question content in the request message described above. For example, the push information control unit 213 converts the current location of the tourist into a landmark and transmits a request message including the landmark (for example, the name of a soccer field, the name of a historical building) to the supporter terminal 30.

[0171] The response control unit 403 of the supporter terminal 30 displays the received request message and requests a response from the regional supporter. For example, the response control unit 403 performs a display as shown in FIG. 24 and acquires a response from the regional supporter.

[0172] The response control unit 403 generates a response message including the acquired response and transmits it to the server device 10. The server device 10 changes the received response message to a push message (sets a push flag in the flag storage area) and transmits it to the tourist terminal 20.

[0173] In this way, the server device 10 may acquire push information to be notified to tourists from the regional supporter. The server device 10 may request the regional supporter to provide information regarding the current location of the tourist. In particular, the server device 10 may transmit a request message including a landmark corresponding to the current location of the tourist to the supporter terminal 30 of the regional supporter.

[0174] Alternatively, the server device 10 may identify information (information that will be appreciated) required by the tourist from the tourist's attribute information, interests (hobbies), and behavior history, and provide the information. For example, the server device 10 may provide, by push message, the location of nearby historical buildings, etc. to tourists who visit many historical buildings. Note that the message analysis unit 212 of the server device 10 may analyze the posts of tourists and calculate the tourists' interests (hobbies) and behavior history.

[0175] In addition, the question answering control unit 211 of the server device 10 may select a local supporter who can provide the useful information from the useful information (information that will be appreciated) for the tourist and the attribute information and interests of the local supporter, and request the local supporter to provide the information.

[0176] As described above, the server device 10 according to the third embodiment may perform active information notification (push notification) to tourists. Tourists can obtain information that they are likely to overlook without push notification. Also, for example, when a disaster occurs, the server device 10 can provide evacuation information (disaster prevention information; for example, information on evacuation shelters) to tourists, so that tourists can enjoy a more secure and safe tour.

[0177] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information providing system will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

[0178] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer) and has the configuration exemplified in FIG. 25. For example, the server device 10 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, a communication interface 314, and the like. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like and are configured to communicate with each other.

[0179] However, the configuration shown in FIG. 25 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 may include hardware not shown, or may not be provided with the input / output interface 313 as necessary. Also, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 10 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in FIG. 25. For example, a plurality of processors 311 may be included in the server device 10.

[0180] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor), for example. Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0181] The memory 312 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0182] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like. The input device is a device that accepts user operations such as a keyboard and a mouse, for example.

[0183] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, or the like that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like.

[0184] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, when the processor 311 executes a program stored in the memory 312. Further, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory one such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. Further, the above program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the above processing module may be realized by a semiconductor chip.

[0185] Note that the terminals (the tourist terminal 20 and the supporter terminal 30) can also be configured by an information processing device in the same manner as the server device 10, and the basic hardware configuration thereof is the same as that of the server device 10, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0186] The server device 10, which is an information processing device, is equipped with a computer, and the functions of the server device 10 can be realized by causing the computer to execute a program. Further, the server device 10 executes an information providing method according to the program.

[0187] [Modification Example] Note that the configuration, operation, etc. of the information providing system described in the above embodiment are examples and are not intended to limit the configuration of the system.

[0188] In the above embodiment, the case where a tourist who has visited a tourist destination transmits a question to the server device 10 has been described. However, a resident of the tourist destination (including a regional supporter) may transmit a question about the tourist destination to the server device 10. That is, in the information providing system disclosed in the present application, residents of the tourist destination may send and receive questions and answers to and from each other.

[0189] In the above-described embodiment, it was explained that the server device 10 requests the regional supporter to answer the questions of the tourists. Here, the regional supporter may receive the answer request even if they do not stay in the target area as long as they live (have a residence) in the target area. That is, if it is confirmed that the regional supporter is a resident of the tourist destination, the current location of the regional supporter may be any place, and the regional supporter does not necessarily have to be at the tourist destination (the current location of the tourist).

[0190] In the above-described embodiment, the case of providing information to the user via the message exchange type SNS was explained. However, information may be provided by other types of SNS, for example, SNS such as photo posting type, message diffusion type, diary type, etc.

[0191] In the above-described embodiment, it was explained that the server device 10 obtains an answer to the tourist's question from the regional supporter and answers the tourist's question by presenting the answer to the tourist. However, the server device 10 may refer to a pre-prepared database, automatically select an answer to the tourist's question, and provide the selected answer to the tourist. That is, the server device 10 may store a large number of assumed Q&A (combinations of questions and answers) and answer the questions from tourists using the assumed Q&A.

[0192] In the above-described third embodiment, the case where evacuation information is notified to tourists from the server device 10 was explained. In this case, the tourist terminal 20 performs the display as shown in FIG. 26. The tourist may transmit information such as their safety information, status, evacuation location, etc. to the server device 10 in response to the notification. When the push information control unit 213 of the tourist terminal 20 receives the evacuation information, it displays a GUI for asking about the safety, status, and evacuation location of the above-mentioned tourist and acquires the safety information, etc. The push information control unit 213 transmits the acquired safety information, etc. to the server device 10. The server device 10 may provide further information to the tourist using the acquired information. For example, the server device 10 may request the local government (local government officials) to provide information about a better evacuation location.

[0193] The server device 10 may provide information according to the language used by users (such as tourists, local supporters, local government officials, etc.). More specifically, the server device 10 may receive questions and answers in various languages, and translate the received questions and answers according to the language used by the users who are the message recipients. For example, when the question-and-answer control unit 211 of the server device 10 receives a foreign language question, it translates the foreign language into Japanese and stores it in the request message. The local supporter recognizes the question in Japanese and sends an answer to the server device 10 in Japanese. The question-and-answer control unit 211 of the server device 10 translates the Japanese answer into a foreign language, stores it in the answer message, and sends it to the tourist terminal 20. Alternatively, conversely, if the local supporter is a foreigner, the server device 10 translates the question from the tourist into a foreign language and requests the foreign local supporter to answer the question. The server device 10 translates the obtained foreign language answer into Japanese and sends an answer message including the Japanese answer to the tourist terminal 20. Note that the server device 10 may obtain the nationality of the user based on local supporter registration, etc. and the profile of the tourist, and grasp the language used. In this way, the server device 10 may translate the question content or the answer content.

[0194] The server device 10 may translate the information included in the push message and provide it to the user. That is, the server device 10 may provide information in an accurate and easy-to-understand expression to tourists with different languages, cultures, and experiences.

[0195] Furthermore, if the user (tourist, local supporter) thinks that the translated information contains mistranslations or unnatural expressions, they may notify the server device 10 to that effect. The server device 10 may improve the translation engine in response to the notification.

[0196] In the above embodiment, it was explained that the contribution of the local supporter to the tourist is quantified by the "evaluation points". The evaluation points may be converted into local currency that can be used in the residential area of the local supporter or points that can be used in stores in the residential area, etc.

[0197] The server device 10 may transmit a response message including supplementary information regarding the response of the local supporter to the tourist terminal 20. For example, when the local supporter transmits information (response) regarding a restaurant, the server device 10 (the question-and-answer control unit 211) may transmit a response message including supplementary information regarding the restaurant to the tourist terminal 20. For example, the server device 10 may transmit a response message including information such as the location, contact information, and homepage address of the restaurant as supplementary information. Further, when the tourist terminal 20 receives a response message including supplementary information, it may display a display including a button (for example, a detail button) for displaying the supplementary information (see FIG. 27). Note that the server device 10 may refer to a previously prepared database or the like that stores the store name and its details regarding the above supplementary information.

[0198] The server device 10 may determine a local supporter who is requested to answer the question based on the words (for example, place names, tourist destination names) included in the question content from the tourist. For example, when the server device 10 receives a question such as "What is the recommended lunch in tourist destination A?", it may extract a local supporter living in tourist destination A and request the local supporter to answer. By such an operation of the server device 10, even if the tourist has not actually visited the tourist destination, the tourist can obtain (can investigate in advance) the information he / she wants to know about the tourist destination. By such a correspondence, the server device 10 can specify the area that the tourist is scheduled to visit without acquiring the position information of the tourist. As a result, concerns (concerns about the provision of position information) when the tourist uses the system are eliminated, and the possibility of the system being used can be increased.

[0199] When registering a local supporter, the server device 10 may verify the identity of the supporter. Specifically, the server device 10 acquires the biometric information (e.g., face image) of the local supporter and the identity verification document (e.g., passport) on which the biometric information is described. The server device 10 performs a one-to-one comparison using the biometric information in the identity verification document and the biometric information acquired from the local supporter. The server device 10 may perform local supporter registration if the comparison is successful.

[0200] The server device 10 may associate and store the current location of the tourist and the content of the question asked by the tourist, and provide information beneficial to an organization or the like that manages the tourist destination. For example, the server device 10 may provide information such as the ranking of frequently asked questions for each tourist destination to a tourism organization or the like. The tourism organization or the like may grasp the needs of tourists based on the information provided by the server device 10.

[0201] In the above embodiment, it has been explained that when a tourist refers to the answer from a local supporter, the evaluation of the local supporter increases (the evaluation points increase). However, the evaluation of the local supporter may increase according to the fact that the local supporter has answered the question. That is, the server device 10 may add a predetermined value to the evaluation points of the local supporter in response to receiving an answer message from the local supporter. In this way, the server device 10 may increase the evaluation points according to the fact that the answer of the local supporter has been referred to and / or the local supporter has answered the question. Also, the server device 10 may set different values for the points given to the local supporter when the answer is adopted and the points given to the local supporter when simply answering. Alternatively, the server device 10 may manage the number of times each local supporter has answered a question and change the points given to the local supporter according to the number of answers. For example, the server device 10 may give more points to local supporters who answer frequently.

[0202] In the second embodiment, when selecting a local supporter who answers questions, the server device 10 may obtain requests from tourists regarding the method of selecting the local supporter. For example, the server device 10 may obtain the wishes of tourists regarding whether to select a local supporter based on attributes or based on interests. The tourist terminal 20 may provide an interface that displays candidates for the above selection method and allows tourists to select from the candidates (see FIG. 28). Alternatively, the tourist terminal 20 may provide an interface that enables direct input from tourists. Thus, when multiple options are considered for the selection of a local supporter, information on each option (for example, details of the selection method) may be displayed together, and a responder may be selected from the multiple options. Also, a tourist may select one responder or multiple responders from the multiple presented options (responders).

[0203] The form of data transmission and reception between each device (server device 10, tourist terminal 20, supporter terminal 30) is not particularly limited, but the data transmitted and received between these devices may be encrypted. Private information such as videos and photos is transmitted and received between these devices, and in order to appropriately protect this information, it is desirable that encrypted data is transmitted and received.

[0204] In the flowcharts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above description, a plurality of steps (processes) are described in order, but the execution order of the steps executed in the embodiment is not limited to the described order. In the embodiment, for example, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed within a range that does not substantially affect the content, such as executing each process in parallel.

[0205] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the disclosure of the present application, and it is not intended that all the configurations described above are necessary. Further, when a plurality of embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of an embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of an embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace other configurations to a part of the configuration of an embodiment.

[0206] From the above description, the industrial applicability of the present invention is clear, and the present invention is suitably applicable to an information providing system that provides various information to users.

[0207] Some or all of the above-described embodiments may be described as follows in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited thereto. [Supplementary Note 1] A server device, A first terminal that transmits a question message including the position information and question content of a first user to the server device, A plurality of second terminals each held by a plurality of second users, including The server device extracts at least one or more third users who live in a region corresponding to the current position of the first user from among the plurality of second users, and transmits a request message including the question content to the second terminals of the at least one or more third users. The second terminals of the at least one or more third users transmit a response message including a response content to the question content to the server device. The server device transmits the response message to the first terminal. A system. [Supplementary Note 2] The server device selects a fourth user who answers the question content from among the at least one or more third users, and transmits the request message to the second terminal of the fourth user. The system according to Supplementary Note 1. [Supplementary Note 3] The server device selects the fourth user based on the attribute information of the first user and the attribute information of at least one or more third users, according to the system described in Supplementary Note 2. [Supplementary Note 4] The server device selects the fourth user based on the content of the question and the interests of at least one or more third users, according to the system described in Supplementary Note 2 or 3. [Supplementary Note 5] The first terminal When the first user does not refer to the answer of the fourth user, the first terminal sends a re-question message corresponding to the question message to the server device. The server device selects a fifth user different from the fourth user from among the at least one or more third users in response to the reception of the re-question message, according to the system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 4. [Supplementary Note 6] The server device generates a push message including sightseeing spot information or event information based on the current location of the first user, and sends the generated push message to the first terminal, according to the system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5. [Supplementary Note 7] The server device generates a push message including evacuation information based on the current location of the first user, and sends the generated push message to the first terminal, according to the system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5. [Supplementary Note 8] The server device sends the request message including the landmark corresponding to the current location of the first user to the second terminals of the at least one or more third users, according to the system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7. [Supplementary Note 9] The server device translates the content of the question or the content of the answer, according to the system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8. [Supplementary Note 10] The first terminal When the first user refers to the content of the answer, the first terminal sends a notification of referring to the answer to the server device. The server device is the system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9, which enhances the evaluation of the third user who gave an answer referred to by the first user in response to the reception of the answer reference notification. [Appendix 11] The server device is the system according to Appendix 10, which selects the fourth user based on the evaluation of at least one or more of the third users. [Appendix 12] Each of the plurality of second users has the intention to assist the first user, and at least the address is registered in the server device. The system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 11. [Appendix 13] A communication control unit that controls communication with other devices, Receives a question message including the position information and question content of the first user from the first terminal, Extracts at least one or more third users who live in the area corresponding to the current position of the first user from among the plurality of second users, Sends a request message including the question content to the second terminals of the at least one or more third users, Receives an answer message including the answer content to the question content from the second terminals of the at least one or more third users, A question and answer control unit that sends the answer message to the first terminal, A server device comprising the above. [Appendix 14] In the server device, Receives a question message including the position information and question content of the first user from the first terminal, Extracts at least one or more third users who live in the area corresponding to the current position of the first user from among the plurality of second users, Sends a request message including the question content to the second terminals of the at least one or more third users, Receives an answer message including the answer content to the question content from the second terminals of the at least one or more third users, An information providing method for transmitting the response message to the first terminal. [Appendix 15] On a computer mounted on a server device, a process of receiving a question message including the location information and question content of a first user from the first terminal; a process of extracting at least one or more third users residing in a region corresponding to the current location of the first user from among a plurality of second users; a process of transmitting a request message including the question content to the second terminals of the at least one or more third users; a process of receiving a response message including the response content to the question content from the second terminals of the at least one or more third users; a process of transmitting the response message to the first terminal; A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the above.

[0208] It should be noted that each disclosure of the above-cited prior art documents is incorporated herein by reference. As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. That is, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and corrections that can be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical idea.

Explanation of Signs

[0209] 10 Server device 20 Tourist terminal 30 Supporter terminal 30-1 Supporter terminal 30-2 Supporter terminal 30-3 Supporter terminal 30-4 Supporter terminal 30-5 Supporter terminal 30-6 Supporter terminal 101 Server device 102 First terminal 103 Second terminal 201 Communication control unit 202 Regional supporter registration unit 203 Message exchange unit 204 Regional supporter management unit 205 Memory unit 206 Tourist management unit 211 Question and answer control unit 212 Message analysis unit 213 Push information control unit 301 Communication control unit 302 Question control unit 303 Memory unit 304 Push message processing unit 311 Processor 312 Memory 313 Input / output interface 314 Communication interface 401 Communication control unit 402 Registration unit 403 Answer control unit 404 Point control unit 405 Memory unit

Claims

1. A server device, a first terminal that transmits a question message including the location information and question content of a first user to the server device, a plurality of second terminals each held by a plurality of second users, comprising: the server device extracts at least one or more third users living in a region corresponding to the current location of the first user from among the plurality of second users, and transmits a request message including the question content to the second terminals of the at least one or more third users; the second terminals of the at least one or more third users transmit a response message including a response content to the question content to the server device; the server device transmits the response message to the first terminal, selects a fourth user who answers the question content from among the at least one or more third users, and transmits the request message to the second terminal of the fourth user; when the first user does not refer to the answer of the fourth user, the first terminal transmits a re-question message corresponding to the question message to the server device; the server device selects a fifth user different from the fourth user from among the at least one or more third users in response to receiving the re-question message, a system.

2. The server device selects the fourth user based on the attribute information of the first user and the attribute information of the at least one or more third users, the system according to claim 1.

3. The server device selects the fourth user based on the question content and the interests of the at least one or more third users, the system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The server device generates a push message including tourist destination information or event information based on the current location of the first user, and transmits the generated push message to the first terminal, the system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The server device generates a push message including evacuation information based on the current location of the first user, and transmits the generated push message to the first terminal, the system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a communication control unit that controls communication with other devices, receives a question message including the location information and question content of a first user from a first terminal, Extract at least one third user who lives in the area corresponding to the current location of the first user from among a plurality of second users, Send a request message including the question content to the second terminal of the at least one third user, Receive a response message including a response to the question content from the second terminal of the at least one third user, A question and answer control unit that sends the response message to the first terminal, Comprising, The question and answer control unit, Select a fourth user who answers the question content from among the at least one third user, and send the request message to the second terminal of the fourth user, When the first user does not refer to the answer of the fourth user from the first terminal, receive a re-question message corresponding to the question message, A server device that selects a fifth user different from the fourth user from among the at least one third user in response to the reception of the re-question message.

7. In a server device, Receive a question message including the location information of the first user and the question content from the first terminal, Extract at least one third user who lives in the area corresponding to the current location of the first user from among a plurality of second users, Send a request message including the question content to the second terminal of the at least one third user, Receive a response message including a response to the question content from the second terminal of the at least one third user, An information providing method for sending the response message to the first terminal, Select a fourth user who answers the question content from among the at least one third user, and send the request message to the second terminal of the fourth user, When the first user does not refer to the answer of the fourth user from the first terminal, receive a re-question message corresponding to the question message, An information providing method for selecting a fifth user different from the fourth user from among the at least one third user in response to the reception of the re-question message.

8. On a computer mounted on a server device, A process of receiving a question message including the location information of the first user and the question content from the first terminal, A process of extracting at least one third user who lives in a region corresponding to the current location of the first user from among a plurality of second users; A process of sending a request message including the question content to the second terminal of the at least one third user; A process of receiving a response message including a response to the question content from the second terminal of the at least one third user; A process of sending the response message to the first terminal; A program for causing the above to be executed, A process of selecting a fourth user who answers the question content from among the at least one third user and sending the request message to the second terminal of the fourth user; A process of receiving, from the first terminal, a re-question message corresponding to the question message when the first user does not refer to the answer of the fourth user; A process of selecting a fifth user different from the fourth user from among the at least one third user in response to the reception of the re-question message; A program for causing the above to be executed.

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