Information providing system and information providing method

Abstract

To provide an information providing system and an information providing method which can provide appropriate information in accordance with a device.SOLUTION: The information providing system comprises: a delivery information acquisition unit which acquires delivery information to be provided to a first device, from a prescribed device in association with attribute information about an attribute corresponding to the delivery information; a delivered information acquisition unit which acquires delivered information provided to the first device, from the first device; and a delivery information providing unit which provides delivery information which is not provided to the first device, of the delivery information to the first device on the basis of the delivery information and the delivered information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing system and an information providing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a system that provides appropriate information that needs to be provided to a predetermined device among the information acquired from a predetermined device to the predetermined device.

[0003] For example, the data updating device described in Patent Document 1 acquires updating data based on updating information for designating target data to be updated among navigation data, and updates the target data based on the updating data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the device described in Patent Document 1 does not consider data update processing in a scenario where the information holding status differs for each device. Therefore, in a scenario where the information holding status differs for each device, it is not possible to provide information suitable for each device.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information providing system and an information providing method capable of providing appropriate information according to a device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An information providing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a distribution information acquisition unit that acquires distribution information to be provided to a first device from a predetermined device in association with attribute information regarding an attribute corresponding to the distribution information, a distributed information acquisition unit that acquires distributed information that has been provided to the first device from the first device, and a distribution information providing unit that provides, to the first device, distribution information that has not been provided to the first device among the distribution information based on the distribution information and the distributed information.

[0008] An information providing method according to an aspect of the present invention acquires distribution information to be provided to a first device from a predetermined device in association with attribute information regarding an attribute corresponding to the distribution information, acquires distributed information that has been provided to the first device from the first device, and provides, to the first device, distribution information that has not been provided to the first device among the distribution information based on the distribution information and the distributed information.

[0009] In the present invention, the term "unit" does not simply mean a physical means, but also includes a case where the function of the "unit" is realized by software. Further, even if the function of one "unit" or device is realized by two or more physical means, devices, or software modules, or the functions of two or more "units" or devices are realized by one physical means, device, or software module, it is also acceptable.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information providing system and an information providing method capable of providing appropriate information according to a device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of processing in an information providing system 100 which is an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The information providing system 100 includes, for example, an edge server and a fog server. Here, the edge server is a server that connects to a device used by a user. The fog server is a server that communicates between the edge server and the center server.

[0014] Note that the center server is, for example, a central management server including a data storage device that stores a program or data for performing predetermined computer processing.

[0015] The edge server, fog server, and center server can each perform predetermined information processing. That is, for example, in the case of processing that can be handled by the fog server, the fog server can perform the processing in the fog server without communicating with the center server, and can provide the processing result to the device via the edge server as necessary. Thereby, by performing processing in an appropriate server layer according to the processing content, the efficiency of processing can be improved, and for example, an improvement in communication speed or communication stability can be realized.

[0016] Note that there may be a plurality of fog servers between the edge server and the center server. In this case, for example, the higher-level fog server may be a fog server corresponding to a wider area, and the lower-level fog server may be a fog server corresponding to a narrower area.

[0017] Also, one device may be connected to a plurality of edge servers, and one edge server may be connected to a plurality of devices. Also, one edge server may be connected to a plurality of fog servers, and one fog server may be connected to a plurality of edge servers. Also, one fog server may be connected to a plurality of center servers, and one center server may be connected to a plurality of fog servers.

[0018] The information providing system 100 is an information processing system that provides, to a device, undelivered distribution information among the distribution information based on the distribution information acquired from a predetermined device and the delivered information that has been provided to the device and acquired from the device.

[0019] Also, the information providing system 100 can predict the moving direction of the device and transmit a connection preparation signal for instructing the edge server corresponding to the moving direction of the device to prepare for connection with the device.

[0020] First, an information providing system 100 (for example, a fog server) acquires distribution information from a predetermined device (for example, a center server) (S101). The information providing system 100 (particularly, for example, an edge server) acquires device information from a device (S102). Subsequently, the information providing system 100 (for example, an edge server) provides the device with distribution information that has not been provided to the device among the distribution information (S103).

[0021] Also, the information providing system 100 can acquire device information regarding a device and predict the moving direction of the device (S104). Then, the information providing system 100 can transmit a connection preparation signal for instructing the edge server corresponding to the moving direction of the device to prepare for connection with the device (S105).

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information providing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information providing system 100 is communicably connected via a network such as the Internet to a distribution information management system 200, a device information management system 300, a user information management system 400, a first device 500, and a second device 600. Details of the information providing system 100 will be described later.

[0023] The distribution information management system 200 is an information processing system that manages distribution information provided by the information providing system 100 to devices (for example, the first device 500 and the second device 600) and provides the information to the information providing system 100.

[0024] The distribution information management system 200 may be, for example, a news information management system that manages news information, a traffic information management system that manages traffic information, an advertising information management system that manages advertising information, or a program information management system that manages program information related to the execution or update of a program. Further, the distribution information management system 200 may be an information processing system that acquires and manages at least any one of news information, traffic information, advertising information, and program information from at least any one of a news information management system, a traffic information management system, an advertising information management system, and a program information management system. Further, the distribution information management system 200 may receive the setting of distribution information from the provider of the distribution information and manage the received distribution information.

[0025] The device information management system 300 is an information processing system that manages device information related to a device and provides the device information to the information providing system 100.

[0026] The device information management system 300 may be, for example, an information processing system of a device manufacturer, or may be an information processing system of an operator (for example, an insurance company, a repairer, etc.) that performs processing related to an accident, failure, or repair of a device.

[0027] The user information management system 400 is an information processing system that manages user information related to a user who uses a device and provides the user information to the information providing system 100.

[0028] The user information management system 400 may be, for example, an information processing system of an operator (for example, an insurance company, a repairer, etc.) that performs processing related to an accident, repair, or failure of a device, or may be an information processing system of an operator (for example, a settlement operator, a credit card operator, an EC operator, etc.) that manages purchase information related to a user's purchase behavior.

[0029] The device (e.g., the first device 500, the second device 600) is a device capable of communicating with the information providing system 100, such as a moving body like an automobile or a drone, or a device such as a mobile phone or a smartphone.

[0030] Here, the first device 500 and the second device 600 are different devices. Note that the first device 500 and the second device 600 may be of the same type or different types. The users corresponding to the first device 500 and the second device 600 may be the same user or different users.

[0031] In FIG. 2, one distribution information management system 200, device information management system 300, and user information management system 400 are shown respectively, but there may be a plurality of distribution information management systems 200, device information management systems 300, and user information management systems 400. Also, the distribution information management system 200, device information management system 300, and user information management system 400 may be different information processing systems, or the same information processing system may have a plurality of functions among the functions of the distribution information management system 200, device information management system 300, and user information management system 400.

[0032] Also, as devices, two devices, the first device 500 and the second device 600, are shown, but the number of devices is not limited to this.

[0033] Subsequently, the details of the information providing system 100 will be described. The information providing system 100 includes a storage unit 110, a distribution information acquisition unit 115, a device information acquisition unit 120, a user information acquisition unit 125, a device movement prediction unit 130, an edge candidate setting unit 135, a preparation instruction unit 140, a delivered information acquisition unit 145, a distribution information providing unit 150, a device cooperation unit 155, and a fog candidate setting unit 160. Each unit shown in FIG. 2 can be realized, for example, by using a storage area or by the processor executing a program stored in the storage area.

[0034] The storage unit 110 stores the information processed in the information providing system 100. The storage unit 110 can store, for example, distribution information, device information, user information, edge candidate information, distributed information, device cooperation information, and fog candidate information, which will be described later.

[0035] The distribution information acquisition unit 115 acquires the distribution information to be provided to the device from a predetermined device in association with the attribute information regarding the attribute corresponding to the distribution information, and stores it in the storage unit 110.

[0036] The distribution information is any information to be provided to the device, and may be, for example, news information, traffic information, advertisement information, privilege information, or marketing information. Further, the distribution information may be update information for updating the program or execution information for executing the program.

[0037] The attribute information is information regarding the attribute corresponding to the distribution information, and includes, for example, distribution source information regarding the distribution source of the distribution information, date and time information indicating the creation date and time or the update date and time, and content information indicating the content.

[0038] Further, the attribute information may include version information indicating the update status of the data. Thereby, the information providing system 100 can determine the update status of the distribution information and provide it to the device.

[0039] Further, the attribute information may include area information regarding the area corresponding to the distribution information. That is, for example, when the distribution information is traffic information in a specific area, the distribution information may include area information indicating the specific area. Thereby, the information providing system 100 can provide appropriate information to, for example, a device located in a specific area.

[0040] In addition, the attribute information may include hierarchical information regarding the hierarchy corresponding to the distribution information. Here, the hierarchy indicates, for example, the hierarchy of servers or functional units that process the distribution information. The hierarchy may correspond to, for example, the hierarchy of servers (such as fog servers, edge servers) included in the information providing system 100 or servers (such as center servers) connected to the information providing system 100.

[0041] Specifically, the distribution information corresponding to the first layer may be stored, for example, in a storage device accessible by a server or functional unit corresponding to the first layer, and predetermined processing may be performed by the server or functional unit corresponding to the first layer. The distribution information corresponding to the center server layer may be stored in a storage device accessible by the center server, and predetermined processing may be performed via the center server.

[0042] In addition, the hierarchical information may be information according to the source of the distribution information. That is, the distribution information from a predetermined source may be associated with hierarchical information indicating a predetermined hierarchy. Specifically, for example, the distribution information provided by the device manufacturer may be associated with the hierarchical information corresponding to the center server layer.

[0043] That is, in this case, a predetermined hierarchy is assigned to a predetermined source in advance. Thereby, based on the hierarchical information, the source of the distribution information can be specified, and by performing processing according to the hierarchy, processing according to the source of the distribution information can be realized.

[0044] In addition, the hierarchical information may be information according to the content of the distribution information. That is, the distribution information of a predetermined content may be associated with the hierarchical information indicating a predetermined hierarchy. Specifically, for example, the distribution information regarding the device operation system may be associated with the hierarchical information corresponding to the center server layer.

[0045] That is, in this case, a predetermined hierarchy is assigned to predetermined content in advance. Thereby, based on the hierarchy information, the content of the distribution information can be specified, and by performing processing according to the hierarchy, processing according to the content of the distribution information can be realized.

[0046] The predetermined device in which the distribution information acquisition unit 115 acquires the distribution information is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be a distribution information management system 200.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution information stored in the storage unit 110. The distribution information stored in the storage unit 110 includes, for example, a distribution information ID, attribute information, and content information, and the attribute information includes, for example, distribution source information, date and time information, and hierarchy information. Here, the distribution information ID is identification information for identifying the distribution information stored in the storage unit 110.

[0048] The device information acquisition unit 120 acquires device information related to the device from a predetermined device and stores it in the storage unit 110.

[0049] The device information includes, for example, type information related to the type of the device. The type information may be, for example, "automobile", "drone", or "smartphone". Further, the device may be one that moves by a user's operation or one that moves autonomously by autonomous driving.

[0050] In addition, the device information includes, for example, history information related to the usage history of the device, the usage history of the applications installed on the device, the behavior history of the device, and the history of accidents, failures, or repairs of the device.

[0051] The information related to the behavior history of the device includes, for example, information related to the route the device has moved, the time required for the movement on the route, the location where the device has stopped (for example, parked), and the stop time. The information related to accidents, failures, or repairs of the device includes, for example, information related to the location on the device where the accident, failure, or repair occurred, and the location and date and time on the route where the accident or failure occurred.

[0052] In addition, the device information includes, for example, location information regarding the current location of the device and destination information regarding the destination of the device. Note that the device information may include only either the location information or the destination information.

[0053] The location information may be, for example, information indicating the longitude and latitude obtained by a GPS (Global Positioning System) device provided in the device, or information indicating an address or predetermined coordinates corresponding to the longitude and latitude information. The destination information may be information indicating longitude and latitude, information indicating an address, or information indicating predetermined coordinates.

[0054] The predetermined device by which the device information acquisition unit 120 acquires the device information is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a device information management system 300 or a device.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of device information stored in the storage unit 110. The device information includes, for example, a device ID, type information, history information, location information, and destination information.

[0056] The device ID is device identification information for identifying the device corresponding to the device information. The device ID may be, for example, identification information assigned according to an international mobile equipment identity number, a vehicle identification number, or a manufacturing number.

[0057] The user information acquisition unit 125 acquires user information regarding the user of the device from a predetermined device.

[0058] The user information includes, for example, user attribute information regarding the attributes of the user. The user attribute information includes, for example, age information regarding age, gender information regarding gender, address information regarding address, family information regarding family composition, and purchase information regarding purchase behavior. The purchase information is, for example, information regarding the date and time when the user purchased a product, the store, the purchased product, and the price.

[0059] The user information acquisition unit 125 can acquire user information from a predetermined device. Here, the predetermined device is not particularly limited. For example, it may be acquired from a user information management system 400 or a device.

[0060] The user information acquisition unit 125 may acquire user information based on consent information regarding the user's consent in user information provision. That is, in this case, the user information acquisition unit 125 acquires user information within the scope of the consent information (that is, within the scope where the user has consented to the provision of user information). Thereby, the information provision system 100 can perform information provision processing within the scope of the user information consented to by the user.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of user information stored in the storage unit 110. The user information stored in the storage unit 110 includes, for example, a user ID, a device ID, and user attribute information. The user attribute information includes, for example, age information, gender information, address information, family information, and purchase information. The user ID is user identification information for identifying the user corresponding to the user information.

[0062] The device movement prediction unit 130 predicts the movement direction of the device based on the device information. The movement direction of the device predicted by the device movement prediction unit 130 may be, for example, the route along which the device moves, or the location on the route where the device is located at a predetermined time.

[0063] Here, the "time" may be information indicating a predetermined time (for example, "9:10"), or information indicating a relative time from a predetermined time (for example, "5 minutes later", etc.). Also, the "location" does not have to be information indicating the coordinates of a specific point, and may be information indicating a specific range (for example, within a 100-meter radius of a specific point, or a specific area).

[0064] The device movement prediction unit 130 can predict the movement direction of the device based on, for example, the current location information and the destination information included in the device information.

[0065] Specifically, the device movement prediction unit 130 can predict, as the movement direction of the device, the route (for example, the shortest route) connecting the current location indicated by the current location information and the destination indicated by the destination information, or the position of the device on the route at a predetermined time.

[0066] Also, the device movement prediction unit 130 can predict the movement direction of the device based on, for example, the history information included in the device information.

[0067] Specifically, when the device has moved to the same destination in the past, the device movement prediction unit 130 can predict that the device will move to the destination via the same route as in the past. Also, in that case, it may be predicted that the device will pass through the same facility (for example, parking facilities such as the parking lot of a facility, coin parking, on the road, road station, service area, parking area, etc., gas station, charging facility for the device, etc.).

[0068] Also, the device movement prediction unit 130 may predict that the device will avoid the location on the route where an accident or failure has occurred and head towards the destination. Also, when it is determined based on the history information that the device, which is an automobile, will not pass through the highway, the device movement prediction unit 130 may predict that the device will move on a general road.

[0069] Also, the device movement prediction unit 130 can predict the movement direction of the device based on the user information as well.

[0070] Specifically, based on the age information included in the user information, when the device is an automobile, the device movement prediction unit 130 may predict that the younger generation moves at a higher speed. Also, based on the family information included in the user information, the device movement prediction unit 130 may predict that a user with small children will take breaks frequently and use a rest area with a facility for children.

[0071] Further, the device movement prediction unit 130 may predict that the device will pass through a store or area frequently used by the user based on the purchase information included in the user information.

[0072] Note that the accuracy of the prediction by the device movement prediction unit 130 does not need to be precise enough to identify the specific road on which the device moves. For example, it may be accurate enough to identify the edge server connected to the device. That is, the accuracy may correspond to, for example, the range of the area covered by the edge server.

[0073] In other words, the prediction result by the device movement prediction unit 130 may be, for example, the specific route on which the device moves, or may be, for example, a heat map according to the probability of the device passing through. Further, the prediction result by the device movement prediction unit 130 may be, for example, a specific point on the route of the device at a predetermined time, or may be, for example, a heat map according to the probability of the device being located at each point at a predetermined time.

[0074] Further, the device movement prediction unit 130 may predict the movement direction of the device again according to the movement of the device. That is, for example, when it is determined that the device moves in a direction different from the predicted movement direction, the device movement prediction unit 130 predicts the movement direction of the device again and updates the prediction result. Thereby, the information providing system 100 can flexibly predict the movement direction of the device according to the movement of the device.

[0075] The edge candidate setting unit 135 generates edge candidate information regarding candidates for at least one edge server to which the device connects among a plurality of edge servers based on the device information, and stores it in the storage unit 110.

[0076] The candidates for at least one edge server indicated by the edge candidate information are, for example, edge servers that may be connected to the device within a predetermined time in the future.

[0077] For example, based on the current location information included in the device information, the edge candidate setting unit 135 can use an edge server located around the current location indicated by the current location information as a candidate for the edge server to which the device connects.

[0078] For example, based on the current location information and the destination information included in the device information, the edge candidate setting unit 135 can use an edge server located between the current location indicated by the current location information and the destination indicated by the destination information as a candidate for the edge server to which the device connects.

[0079] In addition, the edge candidate setting unit 135 can generate edge candidate information based on the result of the prediction by the device movement prediction unit 130.

[0080] Specifically, the edge candidate setting unit 135 can use an edge server that may be connected to a device moving in the moving direction predicted by the device movement prediction unit 130 as a candidate for the edge server to which the device connects.

[0081] In addition, the edge candidate setting unit 135 can generate edge candidate information based on connection status information regarding the connection status of edge servers. As a result, the information providing system 100 can use an edge server with available connection capacity to connect to a device as at least one candidate for the edge server indicated by the edge candidate information.

[0082] Here, the connection status information is, for example, information regarding the correspondence between time and the number of devices connected at that time in each edge server currently or in the future. That is, the connection status information indicates the available connection capacity of each edge server at each time currently or in the future.

[0083] The edge candidate setting unit 135 can set candidates for edge servers at a higher density in, for example, the area where the device is to be moved. Thereby, the information providing system 100 can set many candidates for edge servers in the moving direction of the device.

[0084] Also, the edge candidate setting unit 135 can set candidates for edge servers at a higher density in, for example, the area where the prediction accuracy of the moving direction of the device is higher. Thereby, many candidates for edge servers can be set in the area where the device is likely to move. Note that the area where the prediction accuracy of the moving direction of the device is high may be, for example, an area close to the current location of the device.

[0085] Also, the edge candidate setting unit 135 can set candidates for edge servers at a certain density even in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the device. Thereby, even when the moving direction of the device suddenly changes (for example, when the user of the device suddenly changes the destination or the user takes a wrong route), the information providing system 100 can set candidates for edge servers according to the movement of the device.

[0086] Also, when the moving direction of the device is changed, the edge candidate setting unit 135 can generate new edge candidate information. In this case, the edge candidate setting unit 135 may determine that the moving direction of the device has changed, for example, when the prediction result by the device movement prediction unit 130 is updated. Thereby, the information providing system 100 can set candidates for edge servers according to the latest moving direction of the device.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of edge candidate information stored in the storage unit 110. The edge candidate information stored in the storage unit 110 includes, for example, an edge candidate information ID, a device ID, and a candidate edge ID.

[0088] The edge candidate information ID is information for identifying the edge candidate information stored in the storage unit 110. The candidate edge ID is information for identifying at least one candidate edge server set by the edge candidate setting unit 135.

[0089] The preparation instruction unit 140 transmits a connection preparation signal for instructing preparation for connection with the device to at least one candidate edge server indicated by the edge candidate information.

[0090] The edge server that has received the connection preparation signal performs preparation for connection with the device. Here, the preparation for connection with the device in the edge server may be, for example, acquiring data necessary for connection with the device.

[0091] The preparation instruction unit 140 transmits a connection preparation signal to the candidate edge servers, that is, the edge servers to which the device may connect in the future. As a result, the moving device can communicate smoothly with the destination edge server for which the connection preparation has already been performed at the destination, and the communication between the device and the edge server is prevented from being interrupted. In particular, for example, when the device is an autonomous vehicle, since the connection between the autonomous vehicle and the edge server is maintained, it becomes possible to transmit and receive data necessary for autonomous driving without interruption, and safer autonomous driving is realized.

[0092] The preparation instruction unit 140 may transmit connection preparation signals to all candidate edge servers simultaneously in response to the generation of the edge candidate information, or may transmit connection preparation signals in order from the candidate edge servers that have come within a certain distance from the device as the device moves. Further, the preparation instruction unit 140 may transmit a connection preparation signal to a predetermined edge server when a predetermined time (for example, the time when the device reaches within a certain distance from the edge server) arrives according to the prediction result by the device movement prediction unit 130. Thereby, the information providing system 100 can transmit a connection preparation signal to an appropriate candidate edge server at an appropriate timing.

[0093] In this way, by setting candidates for at least one edge server to be connected to the device, the information providing system 100 can dynamically set a group of edge servers to be connected to the device according to the movement of the device. And the fog server that can be connected to the group of edge servers can be regarded as a dynamic fog server according to the movement of the device. That is, the information providing system 100 can set a dynamic fog server layer according to the movement of the device.

[0094] The delivered information acquisition unit 145 acquires the delivered information that has been provided to the device from the device and stores it in the storage unit 110.

[0095] The delivered information is information regarding the delivered information that has been provided to the device (that is, the device has acquired it). The delivered information may include, for example, information corresponding to the delivered information. That is, the delivered information may include, for example, attribute information including source information, date and time information, and hierarchical information, as well as content information.

[0096] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the delivered information stored in the storage unit 110. The delivered information stored in the storage unit 110 includes, for example, a delivered information ID, attribute information, and content information. The attribute information includes source information, date and time information, and hierarchical information.

[0097] The delivered information providing unit 150 provides the device with the undelivered information among the delivered information based on the delivered information and the delivered information.

[0098] The distribution information providing unit 150 can provide, to a device, distribution information that includes date and time information indicating a date and time newer than the date and time indicated by the date and time information included in the distributed information, as distribution information not provided to the device, based on, for example, the date and time information included in the distribution information and the distributed information. Thereby, the information providing system 100 can provide updated distribution information to the device. Even when the information provided to each device is different, the information providing system 100 can provide appropriate distribution information for each device.

[0099] Also, the distribution information providing unit 150 can provide the distribution information to the device via a device corresponding to the hierarchy indicated by the hierarchy information included in the distribution information.

[0100] In the information providing system 100, the acquired distribution information is stored, for example, in a storage area accessible by a server of the hierarchy indicated by the hierarchy information corresponding to the distribution information. That is, when the hierarchy indicated by the hierarchy information corresponds to an edge server, the edge server can access the distribution information and provide it to the device. That is, in this case, the distribution information is provided to the device via a device (in this case, the edge server) corresponding to the hierarchy indicated by the hierarchy information included in the distribution information.

[0101] On the other hand, when the hierarchy indicated by the hierarchy information corresponds to a fog server, the distribution information is stored in a storage area accessible by the fog server. Therefore, for example, when providing the distribution information, the edge server sends a request for providing the distribution information to the fog server. Then, the fog server provides the distribution information to the edge server, and further, the edge server provides the distribution information to the device. That is, in this case, the distribution information is provided to the device via a device (in this case, the fog server) corresponding to the hierarchy indicated by the hierarchy information included in the distribution information.

[0102] In addition, when the layer indicated by the hierarchical information corresponds to the central server, the distribution information is stored in a storage area accessible by the central server. Therefore, for example, when providing the distribution information, the edge server sends a request for providing the distribution information to the fog server, and the fog server, in response to the request from the edge server, sends a request for providing the distribution information to the central server. Then, the central server provides the distribution information to the fog server, the fog server provides the distribution information to the edge server, and further, the edge server provides the distribution information to the device. That is, in this case, the distribution information is provided to the device via the device (in this case, the central server) corresponding to the layer indicated by the hierarchical information included in the distribution information.

[0103] In this way, the distribution information providing unit 150 can perform distribution information providing processing according to the hierarchical information. That is, for example, the distribution information corresponding to the central server layer is inquired from the central server layer and provided to the device, while, for example, the distribution information corresponding to the edge server layer or the fog server layer is provided to the device without inquiring from the central server layer. Thereby, the information providing system 100 can eliminate waste of processing and provide distribution information to the device more efficiently.

[0104] In addition, the distribution information providing unit 150 can provide the distribution information to the device via at least one edge server candidate indicated by the edge candidate information.

[0105] In the information providing system 100, the acquired distribution information is stored, for example, in a storage area accessible by a server corresponding to the attribute indicated by the attribute information included in the distribution information. For example, when the attribute indicates a specific area corresponding to the distribution information, the distribution information regarding area A is stored in a storage area accessible by an edge server covering area A, and the distribution information regarding area B is stored in a storage area accessible by an edge server covering area B.

[0106] In this case, when the local edge server corresponding to the current location of the device (for example, Area A) attempts to provide the device with distribution information corresponding to an area not covered by the edge server (for example, the destination of the predetermined device, for example, Area B), for example, the local edge server requests the fog server that can be connected to the local edge server and the destination edge server to provide the distribution information. The fog server requests the destination edge server to provide the distribution information, and provides the distribution information obtained from the destination edge server to the local edge server.

[0107] That is, in this case, the distribution information is provided to the device via a device corresponding to the layer indicated by the hierarchical information included in the distribution information (in this case, at least one candidate edge server indicated by the edge candidate information). In this way, each of the candidate edge servers indicated by the edge candidate information can communicate with each other via a so-called dynamic fog server layer set by the information providing system 100.

[0108] Thereby, the distribution information providing unit 150 can provide the distribution information corresponding to the edge server in the predicted moving direction of the device to the device from the edge server to which the device is currently connected via the edge server, and the user of the device can acquire the distribution information corresponding to the destination in advance. Further, thereby, communication between edge servers can be realized without communicating with the center server layer.

[0109] Next, an example of applying the processing by the information providing system 100 to a plurality of devices (for example, the first device 500 and the second device 600) will be described. Here, the case of applying to two devices will be described, but the processing by the information providing system 100 can be applied to three or more devices.

[0110] First, an application example of setting the same edge candidate information for a plurality of adjacent devices will be described.

[0111] When the first device 500 and the second device 600 move to a position where they are close to each other, the first device 500 and the second device 600 may move along the same path. In this case, by setting the first edge candidate information corresponding to the first device as the second edge candidate information corresponding to the second device, the generation process of the second edge candidate information can be simplified.

[0112] The device cooperation unit 155 generates device cooperation information regarding the relationship between the first device and the second device, and stores it in the storage unit 110.

[0113] Here, the relationship between the first device and the second device may be, for example, a master-slave relationship. That is, for example, when the first device is the master device, the second device indicates that it moves following the first device. In this case, even if the first device deviates from the planned path, the second device follows the first device.

[0114] Also, the relationship between the first device 500 and the second device 600 may be, for example, a limited master-slave relationship. That is, for example, when the first device and the second device are close to each other, the second device follows the first device. However, for example, when the first device and the second device are separated or the first device deviates from the planned path, the master-slave relationship is cancelled, and the first device and the second device move independently.

[0115] Note that the condition for cancelling the master-slave relationship between the first device 500 and the second device 600 can be arbitrarily set by, for example, the user of the device. When the master-slave relationship between the first device 500 and the second device 600 is cancelled, the device cooperation information may be updated.

[0116] Note that when the master-slave relationship is cancelled and the first device and the second device move independently, in each of the first device and the second device, the generation process of the edge candidate information by the edge candidate setting unit 135 may be performed.

[0117] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of device cooperation information stored in the storage unit 110. The device cooperation information stored in the storage unit 110 includes, for example, a device ID and device relationship information.

[0118] When the device cooperation information is information indicating that "the first device is the main one", the edge candidate setting unit 135 may use the first edge candidate information corresponding to the first device as the second edge candidate information corresponding to the second device. Thereby, the edge candidate setting unit 135 can simplify the generation process of the second edge candidate information.

[0119] The preparation instruction unit 140 transmits a connection preparation signal for instructing preparation for connection to at least one edge server candidate indicated by the first edge candidate information based on the device cooperation information to the second device.

[0120] In this way, the information providing system 100 can perform processing by regarding the adjacent first device 500 and second device 600 as an integrated device based on the device cooperation information. Then, the information providing system 100 can set a so-called dynamic fog layer for the adjacent first device 500 and second device 600, and realize seamless communication with the edge server.

[0121] Also, in this case, the first device 500 and the second device 600 can be regarded as being connected via the dynamic fog layer. That is, the first device 500 and the second device 600 can perform inter-device communication via the dynamic fog layer without special dedicated communication equipment.

[0122] Subsequently, an application example in the case of setting fog candidate information corresponding to the edge candidate information of a plurality of devices will be described.

[0123] Here, the fog candidate information is information regarding candidates for at least one fog server that is in a hierarchy higher than the edge server and that is connectable to candidates for the edge servers indicated by the first edge candidate information and the second edge candidate information, respectively.

[0124] Based on the first edge candidate information and the second edge candidate information, the fog candidate setting unit 160 generates fog candidate information and stores it in the storage unit 110.

[0125] That is, candidates for at least one fog server indicated by the fog candidate information are, for example, candidates for fog servers that will be connectable to candidates for edge servers connectable to devices within a predetermined time in the future. That is, candidates for at least one fog server indicated by the fog candidate information are candidates for fog servers connectable to candidates for edge servers corresponding to the movement of the device, and can be said to be a dynamic fog layer at a hierarchy higher than a plurality of dynamic fog layers corresponding to a plurality of devices, which is a dynamic fog layer corresponding to the plurality of dynamic fog layers. That is, it can be considered that the plurality of devices are connected via the plurality of dynamic fog layers and the dynamic fog layer above the plurality of dynamic fog layers.

[0126] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of fog candidate information stored in the storage unit 110. The fog candidate information stored in the storage unit 110 includes, for example, a fog candidate information ID and a candidate fog ID. The fog candidate information ID is information for identifying the fog candidate information stored in the storage unit 110. The candidate fog ID is information for identifying candidates for at least one fog server set by the fog candidate setting unit.

[0127] The preparation instruction unit 140 can transmit a connection preparation signal for instructing preparation for connection to candidates for the edge servers indicated by the first edge candidate information and the second edge candidate information, respectively, to candidates for at least one fog server.

[0128] In this way, even when the first device 500 and the second device 600 are not close to each other, the information providing system 100 can realize seamless communication with the edge server by setting a dynamic fog layer for the first device 500 and the second device 600. Also, the first device 500 and the second device 600 can communicate with each other via the dynamic fog layer without any special dedicated communication equipment.

[0129] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an application example in the case of setting fog candidate information corresponding to edge candidate information of a plurality of devices.

[0130] A dynamic fog layer 1002a is set corresponding to the device 1001a, and a dynamic fog layer 1002b is set corresponding to the device 1001b. A higher-level dynamic fog layer 1003 corresponding to the dynamic fog layer 1002a and the dynamic fog layer 1002b is set by the fog candidate information generation process by the fog candidate setting unit 160.

[0131] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information providing system 100. The flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is a flowchart regarding the process in which the information providing system 100 provides distribution information to a device.

[0132] First, the distribution information acquisition unit 115 acquires distribution information from a predetermined device in association with attribute information (S1101). The distributed information acquisition unit 145 acquires distributed information from the device (S1102). The distribution information providing unit 150 provides the device with the distribution information that has not been provided to the device among the distribution information based on the distribution information and the distributed information (S1103).

[0133] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information providing system 100. The flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is a flowchart regarding the process in which the information providing system 100 transmits a connection preparation signal to a candidate for an edge server.

[0134] The device information acquisition unit 120 acquires device information (S1201). The user information acquisition unit 125 acquires user information (S1202). The device movement prediction unit 130 predicts the movement direction of the device based on the device information or based on the device information and the user information (S1203). The edge candidate setting unit 135 generates edge candidate information according to the prediction result by the device movement prediction unit 130 (S1204). The preparation instruction unit 140 transmits a connection preparation signal to the candidate of the edge server based on the edge candidate information (S1205).

[0135] In addition, the edge candidate setting unit 135 and the preparation instruction unit 140 can perform processing based on the device cooperation information generated by the device cooperation unit 155.

[0136] In addition, the fog candidate setting unit 160 can generate fog candidate information based on the first edge candidate information corresponding to the first device and the second edge candidate information corresponding to the second device.

[0137] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention. The information providing system 100 can provide the device with distribution information that has not been provided to the device based on the distribution information associated with the attribute information and the distributed information. Thereby, the information providing system 100 can provide appropriate information according to the device.

[0138] In addition, the information providing system 100 can provide the device with distribution information associated with attribute information including hierarchical information. Thereby, the information providing system 100 can perform the distribution information providing process more efficiently corresponding to the hierarchy.

[0139] In addition, the information providing system 100 can generate edge candidate information based on the device information and transmit a connection preparation signal to at least one edge server candidate indicated by the edge candidate information. Thereby, the device can communicate seamlessly with the edge server and move while receiving the provision of the distribution information.

[0140] In addition, the information providing system 100 can provide the distribution information to the device via at least one candidate edge server indicated by the edge candidate information. Thereby, the device can receive the provision of the distribution information corresponding to the destination edge server, for example.

[0141] In addition, the information providing system 100 can generate edge candidate information based on the predicted moving direction of the device based on the device information. Thereby, the information providing system 100 can set candidates for edge servers according to the predicted moving route of the device.

[0142] In addition, the information providing system 100 can predict the moving direction of the device based on the user information as well. Thereby, the information providing system 100 can predict the moving direction of the device more accurately.

[0143] In addition, the information providing system 100 generates device cooperation information indicating the relationship between the first device 500 and the second device 600, and based on the device cooperation information, transmits a connection preparation signal for instructing preparation for connection to the second device 600 to at least one candidate edge server indicated by the first edge candidate information. Thereby, the information providing system 100 can simplify the second edge candidate information generation process in the second device and realize the connection preparation signal process for connection to the second device 600.

[0144] In addition, the information providing system 100 can generate fog candidate information based on the first edge candidate information and the second edge candidate information, and transmit a connection preparation signal to at least one candidate fog server indicated by the fog candidate information. Thereby, the first device 500 and the second device 600 can perform device - to - device communication via the fog server without being equipped with special dedicated communication equipment.

[0145] Note that this embodiment is for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and is not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be changed / improved without departing from its gist, and the equivalents of the present invention are also included therein.

Explanation of Signs

[0146] 100 Information providing system, 110 Storage unit, 115 Distribution information acquisition unit, 120 Device information acquisition unit, 125 User information acquisition unit, 130 Device movement prediction unit, 135 Edge candidate setting unit, 140 Preparation instruction unit, 145 Information acquisition unit, 150 Distribution information providing unit, 155 Device cooperation unit, 160 Fog candidate setting unit, 200 Distribution information management system, 300 Device information management system, 400 User information management system, 500 First device, 600 Second device

Claims

1. A distribution information acquisition unit that acquires, from a predetermined device, distribution information to be provided to a first device, in association with attribute information regarding an attribute corresponding to the distribution information; A distributed information acquisition unit that acquires distributed information that has been provided to the first device from the first device; Based on the distribution information and the distributed information, a distribution information providing unit that provides, to the first device, distribution information among the distribution information that has not been provided to the first device; comprising: The attribute information includes hierarchy information regarding a hierarchy corresponding to the distribution information; The distribution information providing unit provides the distribution information to the first device via a device corresponding to the hierarchy. An information providing system.

2. A device information acquisition unit that acquires, from a predetermined device, first device information regarding the first device, including location information regarding the current location of the first device; An edge candidate setting unit that generates first edge candidate information regarding candidates for at least one edge server located around the current location indicated by the current location information, among a plurality of edge servers, to which the first device is connected, based on the current location information included in the first device information; A preparation instruction unit that transmits a connection preparation signal for instructing preparation for connection to the first device to the candidates for the at least one edge server. The information providing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The distribution information providing unit provides the distribution information to the first device via the candidates for the at least one edge server. The information providing system according to claim 2.

4. Further comprising a device movement prediction unit that predicts the movement direction of the first device based on the first device information. The edge candidate setting unit generates the first edge candidate information based further on the result of the prediction. The information providing system according to claim 2.

5. The information providing system further includes a user information acquisition unit that acquires user information regarding the user of the first device from a predetermined device. The device movement prediction unit predicts the movement direction of the first device based further on the user information. The information providing system according to claim 4.

6. The information providing system further includes a device cooperation unit that generates device cooperation information regarding the relationship between the first device and a second device different from the first device. The preparation instruction unit transmits a connection preparation signal for instructing preparation for connection with the second device to the candidate of the at least one edge server based on the device cooperation information. The information providing system according to claim 2.

7. Based on the first edge candidate information and second edge candidate information corresponding to the first edge candidate information in a second device different from the first device, at least one fog server in a hierarchy higher than the edge server, and a fog candidate setting unit that generates fog candidate information regarding candidates of at least one fog server that can be connected to the candidates of the edge servers indicated by each of the first edge candidate information and the second edge candidate information. The preparation instruction unit transmits a connection preparation signal for instructing preparation for connection with the candidates of the edge servers indicated by each of the first edge candidate information and the second edge candidate information to the candidates of the at least one fog server. The information providing system according to claim 2.

8. The information processing apparatus acquires distribution information provided to a first device in association with attribute information regarding an attribute corresponding to the distribution information from a predetermined device. The information processing apparatus acquires the distributed information that has been provided to the first device from the first device, and based on the distribution information and the distributed information, provides the distribution information that has not been provided to the first device among the distribution information to the first device. The attribute information includes hierarchy information regarding the hierarchy corresponding to the distribution information. The information processing apparatus provides the distribution information to the first device via the device corresponding to the hierarchy. Information providing method.

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