Application program, information processing system, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an application program capable of performing posting in association with an arbitrary position on a map, an information processing system, and an information processing method.SOLUTION: An application program makes a terminal device execute the processes of: acquiring map information from an information processing device; displaying a map in a display part of the terminal device; receiving posting contents from a user; registering posting information obtained by associating position information of the terminal device with the posting contents when the posting is performed; acquiring the posting information in the vicinity of the current place of the terminal device; displaying an icon showing the existence of the posting contents at a position at which the position on the map is performed on the basis of the acquired posting information; and displaying the posting contents corresponding to the selected icon in the display part in accordance with the selection of the icon by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an application program, an information processing system, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technology for displaying dynamic tourist information on a map. For example, a mobile communication terminal has been proposed that displays dynamic tourist information such as posted comments that are updated in real time along with static tourist information such as images of tourist spots (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-053002 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the mobile communication terminal described in Patent Document 1, although it is possible to make posts in association with tourist spots, it is sometimes not possible to make posts in association with any position on a map.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an application program, an information processing system, and an information processing method that allow posts to be made in association with any location on a map. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an application program that causes a terminal device to perform the following processes: acquire map information from an information processing device; display a map on a display unit of the terminal device based on the map information; accept posted content from a user who owns the terminal device; register posted information that associates the posted content with location information of the terminal device at the time the post was made; acquire the posted information around the current location of the terminal device; display an icon indicating the existence of the posted content at the location on the map where the post was made based on the acquired posted information; and, in response to the user selecting an icon, display the posted content corresponding to the selected icon on the display unit. is. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, posts can be made in association with any position on a map. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of map information 171. [Figure 3] 2 is a sequence diagram showing a navigation process performed by the information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of user information 272. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of spot information 172. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of posted information 173. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a main screen of a navigation application 271. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recommendation screen. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of cards displayed in the first card display area 281. FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of cards displayed in the second card display area 282 when the terminal device 200 is located in the vicinity of the user's home. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of cards displayed in the second card display area 282 when the terminal device 200 is located near the workplace. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of cards displayed in the second card display area 282 when the terminal device 200 is not located near the home or workplace. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen for recommended information. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recommendation map. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a traffic map. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a gourmet map. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a search screen for a hash search. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for displaying posted content executed by the terminal device 200. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an application program, an information processing system, and an information processing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, the application program will be described as a navigation application that displays a route from a current location to a destination. However, the application program may be any application other than a navigation application as long as it displays a map.

[0010] <1. System configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 100 and a terminal device 200. The information processing device 100 and the terminal device 200 communicate via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, some or all of a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a provider device, a wireless base station, a dedicated line, and the like. For convenience of explanation, the terminal device 200 and the information processing device 100 are shown independently in FIG. 1, but some of the functions of the information processing device 100 described below may be included in the terminal device 200.

[0011] The terminal device 200 is a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like used by a user. The terminal device 200 functions as a navigation device when a navigation application (navigation program) 271 that cooperates with the information processing device 100 is started. Note that although only one terminal device 200 is shown in FIG. 1, multiple terminal devices 200 may be connected to the network NW.

[0012] The information processing device 100 is a computer that provides route information indicating a route to a destination to the terminal device 200. The information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a route search unit 120, and a storage unit 170.

[0013] The communication unit 110 is a communication interface for connecting to the network NW, and is, for example, a network interface card.

[0014] The route search unit 120 is realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software). The route search unit 120 may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (a storage device having a non-transitory storage medium) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (a non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed in the storage device by inserting the storage medium into a drive device.

[0015] The storage unit 170 is an HDD, a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like. The storage unit 170 may be a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device that the information processing device 100 can access via the network NW. The storage unit 170 stores information such as map information 171, spot information 172, and posted information 173. In addition to this information, the storage unit 170 also stores weather information including information on rain clouds and precipitation amounts. The map information 171, spot information 172, and posted information 173 will be described in detail later.

[0016] The terminal device 200 includes a communication unit 210 , a display unit 220 , an operation unit 230 , a positioning unit 240 , a control unit 250 , and a storage unit 270 .

[0017] The communication unit 210 is a wireless communication module that performs wireless communication with a wireless base station connected to the network NW. The display unit 220 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The operation unit 230 is a device that accepts operation instructions from a user. The display unit 220 and the operation unit 230 may be configured as touch panel displays.

[0018] The positioning unit 240 is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. The positioning unit 240 performs positioning based on radio waves received from a satellite to identify the position of the terminal device 200 (i.e., the user's position). The terminal device 200 may also estimate the position of the terminal device 200 from the positions of wireless base stations with which the communication unit 210 can communicate.

[0019] The control unit 250 is realized by a processor such as a CPU executing an application program stored in the storage unit 270. Note that the control unit 250 may be realized by hardware such as an LSI, an ASIC, or an FPGA that has the same function as a processor executing a program, or may be realized by software and hardware working together.

[0020] The storage unit 270 is realized by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a HDD, a flash memory, or a hybrid storage device that combines two or more of these. The storage unit 270 stores a navigation application 271 and user information 272. Details of the processing by the navigation application 271 and the user information 272 will be described later.

[0021] The terminal device 200 periodically (for example, every few seconds) transmits the position of the terminal device 200 identified by the positioning unit 240 to the information processing device 100 as current location information. In addition, the terminal device 200 transmits destination information set by the user to the information processing device 100 and acquires route information from the information processing device 100.

[0022] 1, the information processing device 100 performs a route search in response to a request from the terminal device 200, and transmits route information to the terminal device 200. Map information 171 stored in a storage unit 170 of the information processing device 100 is, for example, information that represents roads as a collection of links.

[0023] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the map information 171. The map information 171 is information in which information such as the coordinates of both ends of a link, connecting links, and the number of lanes is associated with a link ID, which is identification information of the link.

[0024] The information processing device 100 extracts map information (partial map information) of an area centered on the position of the terminal device 200 received from the map information 171, and transmits the extracted partial map information to the terminal device 200.

[0025] The control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 performs link matching processing on the partial map information received from the information processing device 100. The link matching processing is processing to determine which of the links included in the partial map information corresponds to the road along which the terminal device 200 is moving (i.e., which link the user is moving along). Therefore, the link matching processing associates the position of the terminal device 200 (the user's position) with one of the links. The link matching processing is performed, for example, based on selecting the link closest to the position of the terminal device 200, while taking various factors into consideration. The control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 generates a navigation screen based on the partial map information received from the information processing device 100 and the result of the link matching processing. Furthermore, the control unit 250 causes the display unit 220 to display the generated navigation screen.

[0026] <2. Navigation processing> 3 is a sequence diagram showing navigation processing performed by the information processing system 1. First, the control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 starts the navigation application 271, and the operation unit 230 accepts a destination setting by the user (S1). The terminal device 200 transmits current location information indicating the position of the terminal device 200 (hereinafter referred to as "current location") identified by the positioning unit 240, destination information indicating the destination, and a user ID to the information processing device 100 (S2). The user ID is identification information for identifying the user who uses the terminal device 200, and is included in the user information 272. The user ID is also acquired by user authentication.

[0027] The route search unit 120 of the information processing device 100 performs a route search using the current location information, the destination information, and the map information 171 (S3). The communication unit 110 transmits the route information obtained as a result of the search and partial map information of an area centered on the current location of the terminal device 200 to the terminal device 200 (S4).

[0028] The control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 performs link matching processing on the current location information and the links included in the partial map information, and generates a navigation screen based on the result of the link matching processing (hereinafter referred to as the "link matching result") and the partial map information. The control unit 250 displays the generated navigation screen on the display unit 220 (S5).

[0029] The communication unit 210 of the terminal device 200 periodically transmits the current location information and the link matching result to the information processing device 100 (S6). The communication unit 110 of the information processing device 100 transmits to the terminal device 200 partial map information corresponding to the current location information received from the terminal device 200 (S7).

[0030] In this way, the processes of S5 to S7 are repeatedly executed. The control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 determines whether or not the user has arrived at the destination based on the current location identified by the positioning unit 240. Note that the terminal device 200 may determine that the user has arrived at the destination based on an input from the user.

[0031] When the control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 determines that the user has arrived at the destination, it transmits a destination arrival notification to the information processing device 100 (S8). When the information processing device 100 receives the destination arrival notification from the terminal device 200, it ends the series of operations shown in FIG.

[0032] <3.Various information> The terminal device 200 of this embodiment displays not only a map but also a sheet including information to be provided to the user. Various types of information used when displaying a sheet will be described below.

[0033] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the user information 272. The user information 272 is information about a user who uses the terminal device 200. The user information 272 is stored in the storage unit 270 of the terminal device 200. The user information 272 includes a user ID, a user name, a home location, a workplace location, a search history, a purchase history, a reservation history, and a visit history.

[0034] The user ID is identification information for identifying the user. The user name is information indicating the name of the user. The home location is information indicating the location of the user's home. The workplace location is information indicating the location of the user's workplace. These pieces of information are set in advance by the user.

[0035] Search history is information about the history of strings searched by the user, such as the names of spots on a map. Purchase history is information about the purchase history of items purchased by the user, such as tickets for public transportation (airplanes, bullet trains, etc.). Reservation history is information about the history of reservations made by the user, such as restaurant reservations. Visit history is information about the history of places and spots the user has visited.

[0036] 5 is a diagram showing an example of spot information 172. The spot information 172 is stored in the storage unit 170 of the information processing device 100. The spot information 172 is information relating to spots (shops, stations, parks, etc.) on a map. The spot information 172 includes a spot ID, a spot name, location information, a genre, a spot image, and rating information.

[0037] The spot ID is identification information for identifying a spot. The spot name is information indicating the name of the spot. The location information is information indicating the location of the spot on a map. The genre is information indicating the genre of the spot (cafe, restaurant, etc.). The spot image is information about the image of the spot. For example, the spot image may be the address of the image data. The rating information is information about the rating given by the user to the spot. For example, the user may give the spot a score out of 5 points, and the rating information may be the average of the scores given to the spot by multiple users.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of posted information 173. The posted information 173 is stored in the storage unit 170 of the information processing device 100. The posted information 173 is information relating to the content of posts posted by users. The posts may be made in association with a specific spot, or in association with location information. The posts may also include text and images. The posted information 173 includes a post ID, a user ID, a spot ID, location information, text information, and image information.

[0039] The post ID is identification information for identifying the post. The user ID is information for identifying the user who made the post, and is information similar to the user ID included in the user information 272. The spot ID is information for identifying the spot to which the post was made, and is information similar to the spot ID included in the spot information 172. The location information is information related to the location from which the post was made. When a user makes a post in association with a spot, the spot ID is included in the post information 173, but when a user makes a post in association with a location where no spot exists, the location information is included in the post information 173.

[0040] The text information is character information included in the content posted by the user. The image information is information related to an image included in the content posted by the user. The image information may be a still image or a video. In addition, both the text information and the image information may be included in the posted information 173, or either the text information or the image information may be included in the posted information 173.

[0041] <4. Main screen> 7 is a diagram showing an example of a main screen of the navigation application 271. When the control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 reads out and executes the navigation application 271 from the storage unit 270, a map 293 with the location of the terminal device 200 at its center is displayed on the display unit 220. A sheet 280 including information to be provided to the user is also displayed on the display unit 220 together with the map 293. As shown in FIG. 7, the terminal device 200 displays the map 293 in a first area 291 at the top of the display unit 220, and displays the sheet 280 in a second area 292 at the bottom of the display unit 220.

[0042] Sheet 280 includes a first card display area 281, a second card display area 282, and a search area 283. Search area 283 is an area where a search string is input by the user. When a search string is input into search area 283, multiple spots related to the input string are displayed on map 293. When the user sets one of the multiple spots as a destination and instructs route guidance, the navigation process described in FIG. 3 is executed.

[0043] A plurality of cards for selecting information to be provided to the user are displayed in first card display area 281 and second card display area 282. The user can scroll through the plurality of cards by swiping their finger left or right across first card display area 281 and second card display area 282.

[0044] The user can select (tap) one of the multiple cards displayed in the first card display area 281 or the second card display area 282 to display information corresponding to the selected card on the display unit 220. For example, when the user selects (tap) the recommended information card 284 in the second card display area 282, the terminal device 200 displays a recommendation screen including popular spots around the current location on the display unit 220.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation screen. The recommendation screen includes information about recommended spots in an area including the current location of the terminal device 200 (in the example of FIG. 8, XX city, ◆◆ prefecture). Current location information of the terminal device 200 is acquired by the positioning unit 240 of the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 transmits the current location information to the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 acquires information about spots in the vicinity of the current location of the terminal device 200 from the spot information 172 based on the current location information received from the terminal device 200. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 transmits information about recommended spots in the vicinity of the current location of the terminal device 200 to the terminal device 200. For example, the information processing device 100 may transmit to the terminal device 200, as recommended spot information, spot information with a high score in the rating information included in the spot information 172. The terminal device 200 displays the recommended spot information received from the information processing device 100 on the recommendation screen on the display unit 220.

[0046] The user can check information about recommended spots in the vicinity of the current location of the terminal device 200 from the recommendation screen shown in FIG. 8. Information about the recommended spots includes spot images, spot names, rating information, and distances from the current location. The user can scroll the recommendation screen by swiping their finger up or down on the recommendation screen. Information located at the top of the recommendation screen is preferentially displayed on the recommendation screen. Furthermore, when the user scrolls the recommendation screen, information located at the bottom is displayed.

[0047] The terminal device 200 may rearrange the information included in the recommendation screen according to the search history included in the user information 272. For example, the terminal device 200 may refer to the user information 272 and preferentially display information in a genre that is frequently searched for by the user on the recommendation screen. Specifically, if the user frequently searches for the genre "yakiniku," the terminal device 200 may preferentially display spots related to yakiniku restaurants on the recommendation screen. This allows the user to efficiently grasp information about spots in the genre that interests them.

[0048] Furthermore, although the recommendation screen is described as including information about recommended spots around the current location of the terminal device 200, other information may also be included. For example, the terminal device 200 may receive weather information around the current location (●● city, ◆◆ prefecture in the example of FIG. 8) from the information processing device 100, and when rain clouds are present around the current location, a rain cloud radar for the area around the current location may be displayed on the recommendation screen. In other words, the recommendation screen may include any information that is useful to the user at the current location of the terminal device 200.

[0049] In this way, the terminal device 200 displays recommended information for the area including the current location of the terminal device 200 on the display unit 220. By checking the recommendation screen, the user can efficiently grasp information such as recommended spots in the area.

[0050] 9 is a diagram showing an example of multiple cards displayed in first card display area 281. Multiple cards related to the user's behavioral history are displayed in first card display area 281. For example, the user's behavioral history may be a search history, a purchase history, a reservation history, a visit history, or the like.

[0051] 9, first card display area 281 may display a card for displaying reserved spots (stores), a card for displaying recently searched spots, a card for displaying information about purchased items (for example, tickets, etc.), etc. Also, first card display area 281 may display cards for registering the location of the user's home or workplace. The user can scroll through multiple cards by swiping first card display area 281 left or right with a finger.

[0052] 10 to 12 are diagrams showing examples of multiple cards displayed in second card display area 282. For example, each of the multiple cards displayed in second card display area 282 may be a recommended information card 284 (FIG. 7) for displaying popular spots in the vicinity of the current location as recommended information, a spot card for displaying information about spots of a specific genre in the vicinity of the current location, a route guidance card for displaying route guidance to the destination, a timetable card for displaying a timetable for public transportation, an operation information card for displaying operation information for public transportation, a raincloud card for displaying raincloud radar in the vicinity of the current location, a crime prevention card for displaying information about crime prevention in the vicinity of the current location, or a thematic map card for instructing the display of a list of thematic maps related to a specific theme such as a fireworks map, etc.

[0053] The terminal device 200 determines the content and layout of the multiple cards to be displayed in the second card display area 282 based on the current time, the current location of the terminal device 200, and the user information 272 (home location, workplace location, etc.). For example, the terminal device 200 determines the content and layout of the multiple cards to be displayed in the second card display area 282 based on whether the current time is morning, noon, or evening, whether the current location of the terminal device 200 is near home or workplace, etc. This point will be described in detail below.

[0054] 10 is a diagram showing an example of multiple cards displayed in the second card display area 282 when the current location of the terminal device 200 is in the vicinity of the user's home. As shown in FIG. 10, when the terminal device 200 is located in the vicinity of the user's home, the terminal device 200 changes the arrangement of multiple cards in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Cards arranged on the left side in FIG. 10 are preferentially displayed in the second card display area 282. Furthermore, when the user scrolls the second card display area 282, cards arranged on the right side in FIG. 10 are displayed.

[0055] For example, if it is currently morning, it is conceivable that the user is about to leave for work, etc. Therefore, the terminal device 200 preferentially displays route guidance cards, timetable cards, and operation information cards in the second card display area 282.

[0056] Also, for example, if the current time is noon, it is considered that the user may soon have lunch. Therefore, the terminal device 200 preferentially displays spot cards for displaying spots such as lunch spots and cafes around the current location in the second card display area 282.

[0057] Also, for example, if the current time is evening, it is considered that the user is likely to have dinner soon. Therefore, the terminal device 200 preferentially displays spot cards for displaying spots such as restaurants and cafes around the current location in the second card display area 282.

[0058] When rain clouds are present around the current location of the terminal device 200, the terminal device 200 may preferentially display a rain cloud card in the second card display area 282. In this case, the terminal device 200 may acquire weather information from the information processing device 100, and determine whether or not rain clouds are present around the current location of the terminal device 200 based on the acquired weather information.

[0059] 11 is a diagram showing an example of multiple cards displayed in the second card display area 282 when the current location of the terminal device 200 is in the vicinity of the workplace. As shown in Fig. 11, even when the current location of the terminal device 200 is in the vicinity of the workplace, the terminal device 200 changes the arrangement of multiple cards in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

[0060] 12 is a diagram showing an example of multiple cards displayed in the second card display area 282 when the current location of the terminal device 200 is neither near the home nor near the workplace. As shown in Fig. 12, even when the current location of the terminal device 200 is neither near the home nor near the workplace, the terminal device 200 changes the arrangement of multiple cards in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

[0061] The terminal device 200 may preferentially display, among the multiple cards, cards that are frequently used by the user on the sheet 280. For example, the terminal device 200 may count the number of times each card is selected (tapped) by the user, and preferentially display cards with a high count in the second card display area 282.

[0062] However, if the layout of multiple cards changes every time the navigation application 271 is launched, it may be inconvenient for the user. For this reason, the terminal device 200 may prompt the user to specify one of the multiple cards, and fix the order of the cards specified by the user to a specific position. For example, the terminal device 200 may display a card layout setting screen on the display unit 220, and fix the order of the cards specified by the user on the layout setting screen to the position specified by the user. This makes it possible, for example, to always arrange the route guidance cards at the left edge of the second card display area 282.

[0063] <5. Recommended information notification screen> Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen for recommended information. For example, when the user visits an area including the current location of the terminal device 200 for the first time, the terminal device 200 displays a notification screen for recommended information for that area on the display unit 220. The terminal device 200 determines whether the user has visited the area including the current location (●● city, ◆◆ prefecture in the example of Fig. 13) for the first time, based on the current location information acquired by the positioning unit 240 and the visit history included in the user information 272. When the terminal device 200 determines that the user has visited the area including the current location for the first time, it displays the notification screen shown in Fig. 13 on the display unit 220.

[0064] For example, the notification screen of Fig. 13 displays a window 285 notifying the user that it is the first time that the user has visited the area (●● city, ◆◆ prefecture) that includes the current location. In the example shown in Fig. 13, a message such as "This is your first time visiting '●● city, ◆◆ prefecture'" is displayed in window 285. When the user taps window 285, terminal device 200 displays the recommendation screen shown in Fig. 8 on display unit 220. By checking the recommendation screen, the user can efficiently grasp information such as recommended spots in the area, even if it is the first time that the user is visiting the area.

[0065] The notification screen is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 13. For example, when the user visits an area including the current location of the terminal device 200 for the first time in a long time, the terminal device 200 may display a notification screen of recommended information for that area on the display unit 220. In this case, a message such as "It's been a long time since I last visited 'XX City, XXX Prefecture'" may be displayed in the window 285.

[0066] <5. Map display screen> When the user wants to check the map 293 on the display unit 220, the user swipes the sheet 280 downward with a finger on the main screen shown in Fig. 7 described above. This widens the first area 291, which is the area where the map 293 is displayed. The map display screen displayed in the first area 291 can switch between various types of maps 293, such as a recommended map, a transportation map, a gourmet map, and the like.

[0067] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a recommended map. A switch button 286 for switching the type of map 293 is displayed on the recommended map. The user can switch the type of map 293 displayed on the map display screen by tapping the switch button 286. For example, when the user selects "recommended" by tapping the switch button 286, the terminal device 200 displays the recommended map.

[0068] Specifically, when the terminal device 200 receives a switch instruction to switch the map type to a recommended map, the terminal device 200 acquires spot information 172 related to recommended spots around the current location from the information processing device 100. Furthermore, the terminal device 200 displays icons of recommended spots on the map (recommended map) based on the acquired spot information 172.

[0069] The recommendation map displays recommended spots around the current location as icons. The recommended spots displayed on the recommendation map may be the same as the recommended spots included in the recommendation screen of FIG. 8. When the user taps an icon on the recommendation map, the terminal device 200 displays a details screen of the spot corresponding to the tapped icon on the display unit 220. For example, the details screen of the spot may display detailed information about the spot, such as business hours and the address of the official website, as well as user reviews.

[0070] For example, the recommendation map displays restaurant icons that indicate eating and drinking spots such as cafes and restaurants. The restaurant icons include pictures of cakes, coffee cups, etc., so users can easily understand what type of restaurant it is. The recommendation map also displays event icons that indicate spots where events are being held. Users can easily understand the location of the event by checking the location of the event icon. The recommendation map also displays shared spot icons that indicate spots shared with other users such as family and friends. Users can easily understand the locations of spots that are of interest to other users such as family and friends by checking the location of the shared spot icons.

[0071] 15 is a diagram showing an example of a traffic map. When the user selects "traffic" by tapping the switching button 286, the terminal device 200 displays the traffic map.

[0072] Specifically, when the terminal device 200 receives a switch instruction to switch the map type to a transportation map, the terminal device 200 acquires spot information 172 related to transportation facilities around the current location from the information processing device 100. Furthermore, based on the acquired spot information 172, the terminal device 200 displays spot icons related to transportation facilities on the map (transportation map).

[0073] The transportation map displays transportation spots around the current location as icons. For example, the transportation map displays bus stop icons, train station icons, bicycle parking lot icons, and parking lot icons. By checking the positions of these icons, users can easily understand the locations of bus stops, train stations, bicycle parking lots, parking lots, and so on.

[0074] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a gourmet map. When the user selects "Gourmet" by tapping the switching button 286, the terminal device 200 displays the gourmet map.

[0075] Specifically, when the terminal device 200 receives a switch instruction to switch the map type to a gourmet map, the terminal device 200 acquires spot information 172 related to restaurants around the current location from the information processing device 100. Furthermore, based on the acquired spot information 172, the terminal device 200 displays spot icons related to restaurants on the map (gourmet map).

[0076] The Gourmet Map displays icons related to restaurants around the current location. For example, the Gourmet Map displays store icons for cafes, restaurants, etc. By checking the locations of these icons, users can easily find the locations of stores such as cafes and restaurants.

[0077] As described above, the terminal device 200 accepts a switching instruction indicating that the type of map should be switched. The switching instruction is issued by the user operating the switching button 286. Furthermore, the terminal device 200 changes the icons of spots to be displayed on the map based on the current time, the current location of the terminal device 200, and user information, depending on the type of map indicated by the switching instruction. This makes it possible to dynamically change the types of icons to be displayed on the map depending on the situation of the user who owns the terminal device 200.

[0078] <6. User Submissions> A posting button 287 is displayed at the bottom of Fig. 16. When the user taps the posting button 287, the terminal device 200 displays a posting screen on the display unit 220. When the user selects (tap) one of the multiple spots on the map 293 and taps the posting button 287, the terminal device 200 displays a posting screen for posting a review or the like for the selected spot on the display unit 220. On the posting screen, the user can input text information and image information.

[0079] The terminal device 200 transmits the user ID, the spot ID of the selected spot, and the text information and image information entered on the posting screen to the information processing device 100. Upon receiving the user ID, spot ID, text information, and image information from the terminal device 200, the information processing device 100 issues a new posting ID for identifying this posting. Thereafter, the information processing device 100 adds the posting ID, user ID, spot ID, text information, and image information to the posted information 173.

[0080] The terminal device 200 may display the posted content for a spot as a word-of-mouth review on a details screen of the spot. For example, when a user selects (tap) one of a plurality of icons displayed on the map 293, the terminal device 200 may display a details screen of the spot corresponding to the selected icon on the display unit 220. Furthermore, the terminal device 200 may receive the posted content corresponding to the selected spot from the information processing device 100 and display it as a word-of-mouth review on the details screen of the spot.

[0081] The user can also post in association with a location where no spot exists. For example, when the user taps the post button 287 without selecting (tapping) any of the multiple spots on the map 293, the terminal device 200 displays a posting screen on the display unit 220 for posting reviews and the like about the current location. On the posting screen, the user can input text information and image information.

[0082] The terminal device 200 transmits the user ID, the location information (latitude, longitude) of the current location acquired by the positioning unit 240, and the text information and image information entered on the posting screen to the information processing device 100. When the information processing device 100 receives the user ID, the location information (latitude, longitude), the text information, and the image information from the terminal device 200, it issues a new posting ID for identifying this post. Thereafter, the information processing device 100 adds the posting ID, the user ID, the location information (latitude, longitude), the text information, and the image information to the posted information 173.

[0083] The terminal device 200 may display posted content associated with location information (latitude, longitude) on the map 293. For example, the terminal device 200 may display an icon (pin) indicating the presence of posted content at a position corresponding to the posted location information (latitude, longitude) on the map 293. Furthermore, in response to the user selecting (tapping) this icon, the terminal device 200 may receive posted content corresponding to the selected icon from the information processing device 100 and display it on the display unit 220.

[0084] For example, when a user goes mountain climbing, spots such as mountain peaks and rest areas may exist on map 293, but spots related to view spots along the mountain trail may not exist on map 293. Even in such a case, the user can post information including a photo image taken at the view spot or text such as "The view from here is amazing" in association with the location information (latitude, longitude) of the current location. That is, according to this embodiment, even if a spot does not exist, the user can post information in association with the location information (latitude, longitude), so that posted content for a place where no spot exists can be shared among multiple users.

[0085] The terminal device 200 may display an icon indicating the presence of posted content on the map in a manner different from that of an icon relating to a spot on the map. For example, the icon relating to a spot on the map may be an icon with a predetermined image, while the icon indicating the presence of posted content may be an icon showing image information included in the posted content. This allows the user to easily distinguish the icon indicating the presence of posted content from among multiple icons on the map.

[0086] Furthermore, the terminal device 200 may display a posted map in addition to the recommendation map, the transportation map, and the gourmet map. For example, when the user selects "Posted" by tapping the switching button 286, the terminal device 200 may display a posted map.

[0087] Specifically, when the terminal device 200 receives a switch instruction to switch the map type to the posted map, the terminal device 200 acquires posted information 173 related to posts in the vicinity of the current location from the information processing device 100. Furthermore, based on the acquired posted information 173, the terminal device 200 displays an icon indicating the presence of posted content on the map (posted map).

[0088] The post map displays user posts around the current location as icons, allowing users to easily understand the locations of user posts by checking the locations of these icons.

[0089] Users can also search for posts using hashtags in the app.

[0090] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a search screen for hash search. For example, when a user enters hashtags such as "#greatview" and "#spiritual" into the search field 283 (FIG. 7) and performs a search, the search screen for hash search shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. A map 293 with the current location of the terminal device 200 at its center is displayed at the top of the search screen. Icons (pins) corresponding to posts found in the search are displayed on the map 293. The size of the icon may be made larger as the number of "likes" for a post increases.

[0091] Furthermore, concentric circles are drawn at positions 5 km and 10 km from the current location on the map 293. This allows the user to easily grasp the approximate distance from the current location to the location where the user posted.

[0092] A sheet 280 is displayed at the bottom of the search screen. The sheet displays a list of images that are search results of the hash search. When the user taps an image, the terminal device 200 displays the posted content corresponding to the tapped image on the display unit 220.

[0093] The terminal device 200 may display a thematic map related to the hashtag as a search result on the sheet 280. For example, when the search word "#spiritual" is entered, the terminal device 200 may display a thematic map such as "Spiritual map around ◆◆ prefecture" on the sheet 280 as a search result.

[0094] As described above, according to this embodiment, a hash search can be performed using a hash tag. In the hash search, posts associated with location information (latitude, longitude) can be searched for. Specifically, the terminal device 200 acquires a search word including a hash tag, acquires posted information 173 including the hash tag from posted information 173 related to posts around the current location, and displays an icon corresponding to the acquired posted information 173 on a map. In this way, the terminal device 200 of this embodiment can display search results appropriate for the user's mood or a word that has occurred to them.

[0095] Furthermore, the higher the rating of the posted content, the larger the icon indicating the presence of the posted content is displayed by the terminal device 200. For example, the terminal device 200 may determine that the higher the number of "likes" for the post, the higher the rating of the posted content. This allows the user to easily identify highly rated posts on the map.

[0096] <7. Displaying posted content> 18 is a flowchart showing the process of displaying posted content executed by the terminal device 200. The process of this flowchart is repeatedly executed at regular intervals after the control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 starts up the navigation application 271.

[0097] First, the terminal device 200 acquires map information from the information processing device 100 (S10). Specifically, the control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 controls the communication unit 210 to transmit a map information request to the information processing device 100. At this time, the terminal device 200 also transmits current location information indicating the position of the terminal device 200 to the information processing device 100. Meanwhile, when the information processing device 100 receives the map information request and the current location information from the terminal device 200, it reads map information centered on the current location of the terminal device 200 from the storage unit 170 and transmits the read map information to the terminal device 200. This allows the terminal device 200 to acquire the map information.

[0098] Next, the terminal device 200 displays the map information acquired from the information processing device 100 on the display unit 220 (S11). Thereafter, the terminal device 200 accepts content to be posted from the user (S12). For example, when the user taps the post button 287 without selecting (tapping) any of the multiple spots on the map 293, the terminal device 200 displays a posting screen on the display unit 220 for posting a review or the like about the current location. On the posting screen, the user inputs content to be posted (at least one of text information and image information). This allows the terminal device 200 to accept content to be posted from the user.

[0099] Next, the terminal device 200 registers posted information 173 in which the location information of the terminal device 200 at the time the posting was made and the posted content are associated (S13). Specifically, the control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 controls the communication unit 210 to transmit the user ID, the location information of the terminal device 200, and the posted content to the information processing device 100. Meanwhile, upon receiving this information from the terminal device 200, the information processing device 100 adds the user ID, the location information of the terminal device 200, and the posted content to the posted information 173 in the storage unit 170. This allows the terminal device 200 to register the posted information 173 in the information processing device 100.

[0100] Next, the terminal device 200 acquires posted information 173 in the vicinity of the current location of the terminal device 200 from the information processing device 100 (S14). Specifically, the control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 controls the communication unit 210 to transmit location information indicating the current location of the terminal device 200 to the information processing device 100. Meanwhile, upon receiving the location information from the terminal device 200, the information processing device 100 reads out posted information 173 in the vicinity of the current location of the terminal device 200 from the storage unit 170 and transmits the read posted information 173 to the terminal device 200. In this way, the terminal device 200 can acquire posted information 173 in the vicinity of the current location from the information processing device 100.

[0101] Next, the terminal device 200 displays an icon (pin) indicating the presence of the posted content at the position on the map where the post was made, based on the acquired posted information 173 (S15). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 17, the control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 displays an icon (pin) indicating the presence of the posted content at the position on the map corresponding to the position information included in the posted information 173.

[0102] Thereafter, the terminal device 200 determines whether or not the icon has been selected (tapped) by the user (S16). If the terminal device 200 determines that the icon has not been selected (tapped) by the user, it terminates the processing according to this flowchart. On the other hand, if the terminal device 200 determines that the icon has been selected (tapped) by the user, it displays the posted content corresponding to the selected icon on the display unit 220 (S17), and terminates the processing according to this flowchart. As described above, the processing according to this flowchart is executed repeatedly at regular intervals.

[0103] As described above, the navigation application (application program) 271 of the present embodiment causes the terminal device 200 to execute the following processes: acquiring map information from the information processing device 100; displaying the map 293 on the display unit 220 of the terminal device 200 based on the map information; accepting posted content from a user who owns the terminal device 200; registering posted information 173 in which the posted content is associated with location information of the terminal device 200 at the time the post was made; acquiring posted information 173 in the vicinity of the current location of the terminal device 200; displaying an icon indicating the presence of the posted content at the position on the map where the post was made based on the acquired posted information 173; and displaying the posted content corresponding to the selected icon on the display unit 220 in response to an icon being selected by the user. This allows posting to be made in association with any position on the map.

[0104] In this embodiment, the navigation application 271 has been described as an example of an application program that displays the map 293 on the terminal device 200, but the present invention may be applied to any application that has the function of displaying the map 293.

[0105] The above describes the form for carrying out the present invention using an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Information Processing Systems 100 Information processing device 110 Communication unit (transmitter) 170 Storage section 171 Map Information 172 Spot Information 173 Posts 200 Terminal Device 210 Communications Department 220 Display section 230 Operation section 240 Positioning Unit 250 control section 270 Storage section 271 Navigation App 272 User Information

Claims

1. To the terminal device, A process of acquiring map information from an information processing device; a process of displaying a map on a display unit of the terminal device based on the map information; A process of accepting content posted by a user who owns the terminal device; a process of registering posted information in which location information of the terminal device at the time of posting is associated with the posted content; A process of acquiring the posted information related to posts in the vicinity of a current location of the terminal device; a process of displaying an icon indicating the presence of the posted content at a position on the map where the post was made, based on the acquired posted information; a process of displaying the posted content corresponding to the selected icon on the display unit in response to the icon being selected by the user; A process of obtaining search words including hashtags; A process of searching for posted information including the hashtag from the posted information related to posts around the current location; a process of displaying, on the map, the icons corresponding to the posted information found in a search using the hashtag; a process of displaying on the display unit a sheet including a list of images found as search results in a search using the hashtag and a theme map related to the hashtag; An application program that runs

2. The terminal device The application program according to claim 1 , further comprising a process of displaying the icon indicating the presence of the posted content on the map in a manner different from an icon relating to a spot on the map.

3. The terminal device A process of accepting an instruction to switch the map type; a process of changing an icon to be displayed on the map based on the current time, the current location of the terminal device, and user information that is information about the user, in accordance with the type of the map instructed by the switching instruction; 2. The application program according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The terminal device When the switch instruction indicating that the type of map is to be switched to a posted map is received, a process of acquiring the posted information related to posts in the vicinity of the current location; a process of displaying the icon indicating the presence of the posted content on the map based on the acquired posted information; 4. The application program according to claim 3, further comprising:

5. The terminal device The application program according to claim 1 , further comprising a process of displaying an icon indicating the existence of the posted content larger as the posted content has a higher rating.

6. An application program according to any one of claims 1 to 5; an information processing device capable of communicating with the terminal device; An information processing system comprising: The information processing device includes: a storage unit that stores the map information; a transmitting unit that transmits the map information stored in the storage unit to the terminal device; An information processing system comprising:

7. A terminal device that executes an application program, Obtaining map information from an information processing device; displaying a map on a display unit of the terminal device based on the map information; Accepting posting content from a user who owns the terminal device; registering posted information in which location information of the terminal device at the time of posting is associated with the posted content; Acquire the posted information related to posts in the vicinity of the current location of the terminal device; based on the acquired posting information, displaying an icon indicating the presence of the posting content at the position on the map where the posting was made; In response to the user selecting the icon, displaying the posted content corresponding to the selected icon on the display unit; Get search terms that include hashtags, Searching for posted information including the hashtag from the posted information related to posts around the current location; displaying, on the map, the icons corresponding to the posted information found in the search using the hashtag; a sheet including a list of images found as search results in a search using the hashtag and a theme map related to the hashtag is displayed on the display unit; Information processing methods.

Images