Location information output system, location information output method, and program

Abstract

To provide a position information output system, a position information output method, and a program capable of shortening time until working start.SOLUTION: A position information output system 1 includes a furniture position acquisition unit 101, a power source position acquisition unit 102, and an output unit 108. The furniture position acquisition unit 101 acquires furniture information indicating a position of a movable furniture used by a user being present in a space. The power source position acquisition unit 102 acquires power source information indicating a position, in the space, of a power source supplying electric power. The output unit 108 outputs map information regarding an area map so as to display an area map in which the position of the movable furniture 40 indicated by the furniture information and the position of the power source indicated by the power source information are superposed in an area in a space 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a position information output system, a position information output method, and a program, and more particularly to a position information output system, a position information output method, and a program that display an area in space. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a system that displays the congestion status of people within a space (within an area) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a system that targets places where many people stay and presents the stay status of each person. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-181225 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, there has been an increasing need to choose a work location based on the work or personal mood, leading to a demand for free layout work. In a free layout space, desks and other fixtures are movable, allowing users to freely move the fixtures within the space and choose their work location. In such cases, users who want to use movable fixtures must search for them within the space before starting work. Furthermore, when using movable fixtures, it is necessary to secure a power source because they are movable. This means it takes time before work can begin.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a position information output system, a position information output method, and a program that enable shortening the time until work can begin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A location information output system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a fixture location acquisition unit, a power source location acquisition unit, and an output unit. The fixture location acquisition unit acquires fixture information representing the locations of movable fixtures used by users in a space. The power source location acquisition unit acquires power source information representing the location in the space of a power storage device that is a power source that supplies power. The output unit outputs map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the locations of the movable fixtures represented by the fixture information and the locations of the power storage devices represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space. The power storage device includes a rechargeable battery. The location information output system further includes a remaining charge acquisition unit that acquires remaining charge information indicating a remaining charge of the rechargeable battery. The output unit outputs the map information so that the area map is displayed with the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery indicated by the remaining charge information superimposed on the area. A location information output system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a fixture location acquisition unit, a power source location acquisition unit, and an output unit. The fixture location acquisition unit acquires fixture information representing the locations of movable fixtures used by users in a space. The power source location acquisition unit acquires power source information representing the location in the space of a power storage device, which is a power source that supplies power. The output unit outputs map information related to the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the locations of the movable fixtures represented by the fixture information and the location of the power storage device represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space. The power storage device includes a rechargeable battery. The location information output system further includes a notification unit that notifies the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery and the power source information for the rechargeable battery. A location information output system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a fixture location acquisition unit, a power source location acquisition unit, and an output unit. The fixture location acquisition unit acquires fixture information representing the locations of movable fixtures used by users in a space. The power source location acquisition unit acquires power source information representing the locations in the space of power sources that supply power. The output unit outputs map information related to the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the locations of the movable fixtures represented by the fixture information and the locations of the power sources represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space. The power sources include rechargeable batteries and charging spots that charge the rechargeable batteries. The location information output system further includes a remaining charge acquisition unit and a usage information acquisition unit. The remaining charge acquisition unit acquires remaining charge information representing the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery. The usage information acquisition unit acquires usage information representing the usage status of the charging spots. The output unit outputs the map information so that the area map is displayed in which the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery represented by the remaining charge information and the usage status of the charging spot represented by the usage information are further superimposed on the area. A location information output system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a fixture location acquisition unit, a power source location acquisition unit, and an output unit. The fixture location acquisition unit acquires fixture information indicating the locations of movable fixtures used by users in a space. The power source location acquisition unit acquires power source information indicating the locations in the space of power sources that supply power. The output unit outputs map information related to the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the locations of the movable fixtures indicated by the fixture information and the locations of the power sources indicated by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space. The power sources include a rechargeable battery and a plurality of charging spots for charging the rechargeable battery. The location information output system further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery and the power source information for the rechargeable battery. When the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the notification unit notifies the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery, the power source information, and information urging the user to charge the rechargeable battery. The notification unit further notifies the user of the power supply information for a charging spot that is not being used to charge the rechargeable battery among the plurality of charging spots.

[0008] A position information output method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: The position information output method is executed by a computer system, The method includes a fixture position acquisition step, a power source position acquisition step, and an output step. The fixture position acquisition step acquires fixture information representing the positions of movable fixtures used by users in a space. The power source position acquisition step acquires power source information representing the position in the space of a power storage device, which is a power source that supplies power. The output step outputs map information related to the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the movable fixtures represented by the fixture information and the positions of the power storage devices represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space. The power storage device includes a rechargeable battery. The location information output method further includes a remaining capacity acquisition step of acquiring remaining capacity information representing a remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery. In the output step, the map information is output so that the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery represented by the remaining capacity information is further superimposed on the area map. A location information output method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is executed by a computer system. The location information output method includes a fixture location acquisition step, a power source location acquisition step, and an output step. The fixture location acquisition step acquires fixture information representing the locations of movable fixtures used by users in a space. The power source location acquisition step acquires power source information representing the location in the space of a power storage device, which is a power source that supplies power. The output step outputs map information related to the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the movable fixtures represented by the fixture information and the position of the power storage device represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space. The power storage device includes a rechargeable battery. The location information output method further includes a notification step of notifying a user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery and the power source information for the rechargeable battery. A position information output method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: The position information output method is executed by a computer system,The method includes a fixture location acquisition step, a power source location acquisition step, and an output step. The fixture location acquisition step acquires fixture information indicating the locations of movable fixtures used by users in a space. The power source location acquisition step acquires power source information indicating the location in the space of a power source that supplies power. The output step outputs map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the locations of the movable fixtures indicated by the fixture information and the locations of the power sources indicated by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space. The power sources include rechargeable batteries and charging spots that charge the rechargeable batteries. The location information output method further includes a remaining charge acquisition step and a usage information acquisition step. The remaining charge acquisition step acquires remaining charge information indicating the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery. The usage information acquisition step acquires usage information indicating the usage status of the charging spot. In the output step, the map information is output so that the area map is displayed with the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery represented by the remaining charge information and the usage status of the charging spot represented by the usage information further superimposed on the area. A position information output method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: The position information output method is executed by a computer system, The method includes a fixture location acquisition step, a power source location acquisition step, and an output step. The fixture location acquisition step acquires fixture information indicating the locations of movable fixtures used by users in a space. The power source location acquisition step acquires power source information indicating the location in the space of a power source that supplies power. The output step outputs map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the locations of the movable fixtures indicated by the fixture information and the locations of the power sources indicated by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space. The power sources include a rechargeable battery and a plurality of charging spots for charging the rechargeable battery. The location information output method further includes a notification step of notifying the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery and the power source information for the rechargeable battery. In the notification step, if the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the user is notified of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery, the power source information, and information urging the user to charge the rechargeable battery. The notification step further notifies the user of the power source information for charging spots among the plurality of charging spots that are not being used to charge the rechargeable battery.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure ,before How to output location information , the computer system It is a program to execute. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the time required to start work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of a position information output system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of a location management system including the location information output system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration of an area map screen displayed on a display device provided in the position information output system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the position information output system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a notification process performed by the position information output system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a server in the position information output system according to the first modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and modifications. Various modifications other than the following embodiments and modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0013] (Embodiment) The position information output system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0014] (1) Overview As shown in FIG. 1, the location information output system 1 according to this embodiment includes a server 10. The server 10 includes a fixture location acquisition unit 101, a power source location acquisition unit 102, and an output unit 108. The fixture location acquisition unit 101 acquires fixture information indicating the location of movable fixtures 40 (hereinafter simply referred to as "fixtures 40") used by users that are present in a space 5 (see FIG. 2). The power source location acquisition unit 102 acquires power source information indicating the location in the space 5 of a power source that supplies power. The output unit 108 outputs map information related to the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the locations of the movable fixtures 40 indicated by the fixture information and the locations of the power sources indicated by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space 5.

[0015] Here, the "power source" includes a plurality of power storage devices 50 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of power storage devices 50 each have one or more (one in the illustrated example) rechargeable batteries 500. Furthermore, the "power source" includes a plurality of charging spots 81 that charge the rechargeable batteries 500 of the power storage devices 50. Furthermore, the "area map with A superimposed on an area" refers to a screen in which A is superimposed on a screen that includes a display mode such as a graphic representing an area. In other words, the "area map with A superimposed on an area" includes not only an image superimposed within the display mode included on the screen, but also an image displayed alongside the display mode included on the screen.

[0016] Space 5 is an indoor space within a facility. The term "facility" as used herein includes non-residential facilities such as offices, stores, businesses, factories, buildings, schools, welfare facilities, and hospitals, as well as residential facilities such as detached houses, apartment buildings, and individual dwelling units in apartment buildings. Non-residential facilities also include theaters, movie theaters, public halls, amusement parks, complexes, restaurants, department stores, hotels, inns, kindergartens, libraries, museums, art galleries, underground shopping malls, stations, and airports.

[0017] 1, the position information output system 1 according to this embodiment further includes a display device 20 as a display unit. The display device 20 (display unit) displays an area map based on the map information output from the output unit 108.

[0018] (2) Composition As shown in FIG. 2 , the position management system 2 according to this embodiment includes a position information output system 1, a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) position detection sensors 30, and a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) fixtures 40. The position management system 2 further includes a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) communication devices 60, a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) information terminals 70, and a power supply unit 80. Note that when it is necessary to distinguish between the plurality of position detection sensors 30, they will be referred to as position detection sensors 31 and 32. When it is necessary to distinguish between the plurality of fixtures 40, they will be referred to as fixtures 41, 42, and 43. When it is necessary to distinguish between the plurality of power storage devices 50, they will be referred to as power storage devices 51 and 52. When it is necessary to distinguish between the plurality of communicators 60, they will be referred to as communicators 61 and 62. When it is necessary to distinguish between the plurality of information terminals 70, they will be referred to as information terminals 71 and 72.

[0019] (2.1) Fixtures As described above, the plurality of fixtures 40 are movable. The plurality of fixtures 40 are equipped with opening / closing members that are configured to be openable and closable so as to cover at least a portion of the area behind and above the user. When the opening / closing members are in a closed state in which they cover the user, they reduce sound leakage of the voices emitted by the user.

[0020] The plurality of fixtures 40 are configured to be able to communicate with the plurality of position detection sensors 30. The plurality of fixtures 40 pre-store fixture identifiers for identifying the fixtures 40. The plurality of fixtures 40 transmit the fixture identifiers of the fixtures 40 to at least one of the plurality of position detection sensors 30.

[0021] The plurality of fixtures 40 each have a power supply device 400 configured to allow a power storage device 50 to be attached or detached. The power supply device 400 supplies power from the rechargeable battery 500 of the power storage device 50 attached to the power supply device 400 to the electrical equipment used by the user. In Fig. 2, of the plurality of fixtures 40, a power storage device 51 is attached to the power supply device 400 of fixture 41, and a power storage device 52 is attached to the power supply device 400 of fixture 42, of the plurality of fixtures 40.

[0022] (2.2) Energy storage device The plurality of power storage devices 50 each have a rechargeable battery 500. The plurality of power storage devices 50 are configured to be able to communicate with the plurality of position detection sensors 30. The plurality of power storage devices 50 transmit a battery identifier, which is a pre-stored identifier and is used to identify the rechargeable battery 500 included in the power storage device 50, to one of the plurality of position detection sensors 30. The rechargeable battery 500 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0023] Furthermore, the plurality of power storage devices 50 transmit storage battery information including remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery 500 as information relating to the usage state of the rechargeable battery 500 to at least one of the plurality of position detection sensors 30. The storage battery information includes a battery identifier stored in the power storage device 50 having the rechargeable battery 500 corresponding to the remaining amount information.

[0024] (2.3) Communication devices and information terminals Each of the multiple communicators 60 is carried by a user. For example, among the multiple communicators 60, communicator 61 is carried by user u1, and among the multiple communicators 60, communicator 62 is carried by user u2. The multiple communicators 60 are configured to be able to communicate with the multiple position detection sensors 30. The multiple communicators 60 transmit a beacon including a device identifier that identifies the communicator 60 to at least one of the multiple position detection sensors 30.

[0025] Each of the multiple information terminals 70 is owned by a user. For example, of the multiple information terminals 70, information terminal 71 is owned by user u1, and of the multiple information terminals 70, information terminal 72 is owned by user u2. The multiple information terminals 70 are configured to be able to communicate with the server 10. For example, the multiple information terminals 70 are configured to be able to communicate with the server 10 via a network NT1 such as the Internet.

[0026] (2.4) Power supply The power supply unit 80 is an outlet that charges the rechargeable battery 500 of the power storage device 50. The power supply unit 80 includes a plurality of charging spots 81. The plurality of charging spots 81 are plug sockets provided in the outlet and are connected to a commercial power source. In other words, the charging spots 81 charge the rechargeable battery 500. Note that in this embodiment, the power supply unit 80 is configured to include a plurality of charging spots 81, but is not limited to this configuration. The power supply unit 80 may also be configured to include a single charging spot 81.

[0027] The power supply unit 80 is configured to be able to communicate with the plurality of position detection sensors 30. The power supply unit 80 transmits a power supply identifier, which is a pre-stored identifier and is used to identify the power supply unit 80, to one of the plurality of position detection sensors 30.

[0028] Furthermore, the power supply unit 80 transmits spot information including multiple pieces of usage information each indicating the usage status of the multiple charging spots 81 to at least one of the multiple position detection sensors 30. The spot information further includes multiple spot numbers assigned one-to-one to the multiple charging spots 81, and a power supply identifier. In the spot information, the multiple pieces of usage information and the multiple spot numbers are associated one-to-one. The power supply unit 80 associates usage information indicating "in use" as the usage status with the spot number of a charging spot 81 that has a plug connected among the multiple charging spots 81. The power supply unit 80 associates usage information indicating "not in use" as the usage status with the spot number of a charging spot 81 that has an unplugged among the multiple charging spots 81.

[0029] (2.5) Position detection sensor The position detection sensors 30 are, for example, scanners.

[0030] Each of the multiple position detection sensors 30 is configured to be able to communicate with the multiple fixtures 40, the multiple power storage devices 50, the communication device 60, and the power supply unit 80. Each position detection sensor 30 is configured to be able to communicate with the multiple fixtures 40, the multiple power storage devices 50, the communication device 60, and the power supply unit 80 present in the space 5 via wireless communication. Furthermore, the multiple position detection sensors 30 are configured to be able to communicate with the server 10 via the network NT1.

[0031] The multiple position detection sensors 30 periodically receive the fixture identifiers transmitted from the multiple fixtures 40. The position detection sensors 30 that have received the fixture identifiers periodically transmit to the server 10 fixture detection information including the fixture identifiers, the received signal strength when the fixture identifiers were received, and the sensor identifiers that identify the position detection sensors 30.

[0032] Each position detection sensor 30 periodically receives a battery identifier transmitted from each of the multiple power storage devices 50. Upon receiving the battery identifier, the position detection sensor 30 periodically transmits to the server 10 device detection information including the battery identifier, the received signal strength when the battery identifier was received, and a sensor identifier that identifies the position detection sensor 30.

[0033] The position detection sensors 30 periodically receive the storage battery information transmitted from each of the power storage devices 50. The position detection sensors 30 that have received the storage battery information periodically transmit the storage battery information to the server 10.

[0034] The multiple position detection sensors 30 periodically receive beacons transmitted from the multiple communicators 60. The position detection sensors 30 that have received the beacons periodically transmit to the server 10 user detection information including a device identifier contained in the beacons, a received signal strength when the beacons were received, and a sensor identifier that identifies the position detection sensors 30.

[0035] The plurality of position detection sensors 30 periodically receive the power supply identifier transmitted from the power supply unit 80. The position detection sensor 30 that has received the power supply identifier periodically transmits to the server 10 power supply detection information including the power supply identifier, the received signal strength when the power supply identifier was received, and a sensor identifier that identifies the position detection sensor 30.

[0036] The position detection sensors 30 receive the spot information transmitted from the power supply unit 80. The position detection sensors 30 that have received the spot information transmit the spot information to the server 10.

[0037] For example, the position detection sensor 31 periodically receives a fixture identifier from the fixture 41, a battery identifier and storage battery information from the power storage device 51, and a beacon from the communication device 61. The position detection sensor 32 periodically receives a fixture identifier from the fixtures 42 and 43, a battery identifier and storage battery information from the power storage device 52, a battery identifier from the power storage device 53, a beacon from the communication device 62, and a power supply identifier and spot information from the power supply unit 80.

[0038] (2.6) Location information output system Here, the configuration of the position information output system 1 will be described.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the location information output system 1 includes a server 10 and a display device 20 as a display unit.

[0040] The server 10 acquires fixture information indicating the positions of fixtures 40 used by users u1 and u2 (see FIG. 2) present in the space 5, and power source information indicating the positions in the space 5 of the power sources that supply power. The server 10 outputs map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the fixtures 40 indicated by the fixture information and the positions of the power sources indicated by the power source information are superimposed on the area in the space 5.

[0041] The display device 20 (display unit) displays an area map based on the map information output from the server 10.

[0042] The configurations of the server 10 and the display device 20 will be described below.

[0043] (2.6.1) Server As shown in FIG. 1, the server 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0044] The server 10 has a computer system having, for example, a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the control unit 13. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, but may also be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0045] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for communicating with the plurality of position detection sensors 30 and the display device 20 provided in the space 5. The communication unit 11 communicates with the plurality of position detection sensors 30 and the display device 20 provided in the space 5 via a network NT1.

[0046] The storage unit 12 is configured by a device selected from a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), etc. The storage unit 12 stores information acquired from each of the multiple position detection sensors 30.

[0047] The storage unit 12 pre-stores area information relating to the floor plan of the area of ​​the space 5. The storage unit 12 also stores the locations (installation locations) where the plurality of position detection sensors 30 are installed and the sensor identifiers of the position detection sensors 30 installed at those locations in association with each other. The storage unit 12 also stores the device identifiers and the user identifiers that identify the users who own the communication devices with those device identifiers in association with each other.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 13 includes a fixture location acquisition unit 101, a power source location acquisition unit 102, a user location acquisition unit 103, a remaining amount acquisition unit 104, a usage information acquisition unit 105, a user status acquisition unit 106, a processing unit 107, an output unit 108, and a notification unit 109.

[0049] The fixture position acquisition unit 101 acquires fixture information indicating the positions of fixtures 40 used by users present in the space 5. The fixture position acquisition unit 101 receives fixture detection information from a plurality of position detection sensors 30 via the communication unit 11. The fixture position acquisition unit 101 determines the position of the fixture 40 corresponding to the fixture identifier included in the fixture detection information based on the installation positions of the position detection sensors 30 corresponding to the sensor identifiers included in the fixture detection information and the received signal strength included in the fixture detection information, and acquires the fixture information indicating the position of the fixture 40.

[0050] The power source location acquisition unit 102 acquires power source information indicating the location in the space 5 of a power source that supplies power. The power source location acquisition unit 102 receives device detection information from multiple position detection sensors 30 via the communication unit 11. The power source location acquisition unit 102 determines the location of a power storage device 50 including a rechargeable battery 500 with a battery identifier included in the fixture detection information, based on the installation location of the position detection sensor 30 corresponding to the sensor identifier included in the device detection information and the received signal strength included in the device detection information, and acquires power source information indicating the location of the power storage device 50, which is a power source. The power source location acquisition unit 102 receives power supply detection information from the multiple position detection sensors 30 via the communication unit 11. The power source location acquisition unit 102 determines the location of a power supply unit 80 included in the power supply detection information as the locations of multiple charging spots 81, which are power sources included in the power supply unit 80, based on the installation location of the position detection sensor 30 corresponding to the sensor identifier included in the power supply detection information and the received signal strength included in the power supply detection information, and acquires power source information indicating the locations of the multiple charging spots 81, which are power sources.

[0051] The user position acquisition unit 103 acquires user information indicating the position of the user in the space 5. The user position acquisition unit 103 receives user detection information from multiple position detection sensors 30 via the communication unit 11. Based on the installation positions of the position detection sensors 30 corresponding to the sensor identifiers included in the user detection information and the received signal strength included in the user detection information, the user position acquisition unit 103 determines the position of the communicator 60 of the device identifier included in the user detection information as the position of the user who possesses the communicator 60, and acquires user information indicating the position of the user in the space 5.

[0052] The remaining capacity acquisition unit 104 acquires remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery 500. The remaining capacity acquisition unit 104 receives storage battery information from a plurality of position detection sensors 30 via the communication unit 11. The remaining capacity acquisition unit 104 acquires the remaining capacity information included in the storage battery information.

[0053] The usage information acquisition unit 105 acquires usage information that indicates the usage status of the charging spots 81. The usage information acquisition unit 105 receives spot information from the multiple position detection sensors 30 via the communication unit 11. The usage information acquisition unit 105 acquires usage information that corresponds one-to-one to the multiple charging spots 81 included in the spot information.

[0054] The user status acquisition unit 106 acquires status information indicating the status of a user using the fixture 40. The user status acquisition unit 106 acquires a schedule corresponding to a user who possesses a communication device 60 with a device identifier included in the user detection information from a management server (not shown) that manages the schedules of multiple users. Specifically, the user status acquisition unit 106 acquires a user identifier associated with the device identifier included in the user detection information from the storage unit 12, and acquires a schedule corresponding to the acquired user identifier from the management server. Based on the acquired schedule, the user status acquisition unit 106 determines whether the user using the fixture 40 is in a meeting and acquires the determination result as status information.

[0055] The processing unit 107 generates map information related to the area map. The area map is a map in which at least the positions of the fixtures 40 represented by the fixture information and the positions of the power sources (power storage devices 50, charging spots 81) represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space 5. In this embodiment, the area map is a map in which the positions of the fixtures 40 represented by the fixture information, the positions of the power sources (power storage devices 50, charging spots 81) represented by the power source information, the positions of the users represented by the user information, the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount acquiring unit 104, and the usage information acquired by the usage information acquiring unit 105 are superimposed on an area in the space 5.

[0056] The processing unit 107 identifies the position of the fixture 40 represented by the fixture information acquired by the fixture position acquisition unit 101 in the area represented by the area information. The processing unit 107 identifies the position of the power source represented by the power source information acquired by the power source position acquisition unit 102 in the area represented by the area information. The processing unit 107 identifies the position of the user represented by the user information acquired by the user position acquisition unit 103 in the area represented by the area information.

[0057] Processing unit 107 associates rechargeable battery 500 of power storage device 50, which is a power source whose position in the area represented by the area information is identified, with the remaining charge information acquired by remaining charge acquisition unit 104. Processing unit 107 associates charging spot 81, which is a power source whose position in the area represented by the area information is identified, with the usage information acquired by usage information acquisition unit 105.

[0058] The processing unit 107 associates the user whose position in the area represented by the area information is identified with the status information acquired by the user status acquisition unit 106. The processing unit 107 determines the display mode when the user's position is displayed on the display device 20 according to the status information. For example, when the status information indicates that the user is in a meeting, the processing unit 107 determines a display color (first display color) as the display mode when the user's position is displayed on the display device 20. When the status information indicates that the user is not in a meeting, the processing unit 107 determines a display color (second display color) as the display mode when the user's position is displayed on the display device 20. The first display color is, for example, red. The second display color is a display color different from the first display color, for example, black.

[0059] The processing unit 107 generates map information related to the area map. In this embodiment, the map information includes area information and the positions of fixtures 40, power sources, and users identified in the area represented by the area information. The map information also includes remaining charge information for the rechargeable battery 500 of the power storage device 50 whose position has been identified, usage information for the charging spot 81 whose position has been identified, and a display mode for the user whose position has been identified.

[0060] The output unit 108 outputs map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the fixtures 40 represented by the fixture information and the positions of the power sources (power storage devices 50, charging spots 81) represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space 5.

[0061] The output unit 108 outputs the map information so that an area map is displayed in which the position of the user indicated by the user information is further superimposed on the area.

[0062] The output unit 108 outputs the map information so that an area map is displayed in which the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery 500 indicated by the remaining amount information is further superimposed on the above area.

[0063] The output unit 108 outputs the map information so that an area map is displayed in which the usage status of the charging spot 81 indicated by the usage information is further superimposed on the area.

[0064] The output unit 108 outputs the map information so that an area map is displayed in which the user's status indicated by the status information is further superimposed on the area.

[0065] In this embodiment, the output unit 108 outputs map information so that an area map is displayed in which the location of the fixtures 40 represented by the fixture information, the power source represented by the power source information, the location of the user represented by the user information, the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 represented by the remaining charge information, the usage status of the charging spot 81 represented by the usage information, and the status of the user represented by the status information are superimposed on the above area.

[0066] The notification unit 109 notifies the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 and power supply information for the rechargeable battery 500. The notification unit 109 notifies the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 and power supply information for the power storage device 50 that includes the rechargeable battery 500. That is, the notification unit 109 notifies (transmits) the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 and power supply information for the power storage device 50 that includes the rechargeable battery 500 to an information terminal carried by the user. Specifically, the notification unit 109 notifies the user (e.g., user u1) of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 that is closest to the user out of the multiple rechargeable batteries 500 and power supply information for the power storage device 50 (e.g., power storage device 51) that includes that rechargeable battery 500. It is preferable that the notification unit 109 notify the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 and the power supply information when the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0067] For each of the multiple users, the notification unit 109 identifies the power storage device 50 that is closest to the user from among the multiple power storage devices 50. For example, the notification unit 109 identifies, for each user, the power storage device 50 that is closest to the user from among the multiple power storage devices 50, based on the location indicated by the user information corresponding to each of the multiple users and the location of the power storage device 50 indicated by the power supply information of each of the multiple power storage devices 50.

[0068] The notification unit 109 determines whether the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value for the power storage device 50 identified for each user, based on remaining charge information corresponding to the rechargeable battery 500 included in the power storage device 50. If it determines that the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, the notification unit 109 transmits the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 and power source information of the power storage device 50 that includes the rechargeable battery 500 to the information terminal 70 carried by the user via the communication unit 11.

[0069] Furthermore, when transmitting to the user the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 and the power supply information of the power storage device 50 that has the rechargeable battery 500, the notification unit 109 also notifies the user of information urging the user to charge the rechargeable battery 500. In other words, the notification unit 109 transmits information urging the user to charge the rechargeable battery 500 to the information terminal 70 carried by the user.

[0070] Furthermore, the notification unit 109 notifies the information terminal 70 of the user to be notified of power supply information for a charging spot that is not being used to charge the rechargeable battery 500 among the multiple charging spots 81. The notification unit 109 identifies a charging spot 81 that is not being used to charge the rechargeable battery 500 based on the usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition unit 105. The notification unit 109 transmits the power supply information corresponding to the identified charging spot 81, i.e., the power supply information indicating the position of the power supply unit 80 as the position of the identified charging spot 81, to the information terminal 70 carried by the user to be notified.

[0071] (2.6.2) Display device The display device 20 as a display unit displays an area map based on the map information output from the output unit 108.

[0072] The display device 20 includes, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as a display unit. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, but may also be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0073] The display device 20 is provided in the space 5. For example, the display device 20 is provided at an entrance to the space 5. The display device 20 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 10 via a network NT1.

[0074] When the display device 20 receives the map information output from the output unit 108 via the network NT1, it displays an area map based on the received map information. That is, the display device 20 displays an area map on which the positions of the fixtures 40 represented by the fixture information, the power source represented by the power source information, the positions of the users represented by the user information, the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 represented by the remaining charge information, the usage status of the charging spot 81 represented by the usage information, and the status of the user represented by the status information are superimposed on the area represented by the area information.

[0075] Here, a description will be given of the screen configuration of the area map displayed by the display device 20. Fig. 3 shows an example of the screen configuration of the area map screen G1 displayed by the display device 20.

[0076] The area map screen G1 includes an area screen G10. The area screen G10 shows the area represented by the area information. Here, the area screen G10 includes a plurality of icons G11 each representing a plurality of fixed fixtures.

[0077] On the area map screen G1, a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) fixture icons G40 representing a plurality of (four, for example) fixtures 40 are superimposed on the area screen G10.

[0078] On the area map screen G1, a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) first power source icons G50 representing each of a plurality of (for example, two) power storage devices 50 are superimposed on the area screen G10 on the area map screen G1. Furthermore, on the area map screen G1, a plurality of (one in the illustrated example) second power source icons G70 representing each of a plurality of (for example, one) power supply units 80 are superimposed on the area screen G10.

[0079] In the area map screen G1, a plurality of user icons G20 (two in the illustrated example) representing a plurality of users u1 and u2 (for example, two users) are superimposed on the area screen G10. As described above, the display manner of each of the users u1 and u2 differs depending on the status information. In FIG. 3, the user icon G21 of the two user icons G20 is displayed in a display manner indicating that the user represented by the user icon G21 (for example, user u1) is not in a meeting. The user icon G22 of the two user icons G20 is displayed in a display manner indicating that the user represented by the user icon G22 (for example, user u2) is in a meeting.

[0080] In the area map screen G1, a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) remaining capacity icons G60 representing a plurality of (for example, two) rechargeable batteries 500 are superimposed on the area screen G10. Here, the remaining capacity icons G60 represent the remaining capacity of the rechargeable batteries 500 provided in the power storage device 50 displayed by the first power source icon G50. The remaining capacity icons G60 are displayed linked by a line to the first power source icon G50 corresponding to the power storage device 50 having the rechargeable battery 500 displayed by the remaining capacity icon G60. In FIG. 3, the remaining capacity icon G61 of the two remaining capacity icons G60 is displayed linked by a line L1 to the first power source icon G51 of the two first power source icons G50. The remaining capacity icon G62 of the two remaining capacity icons G60 is displayed linked by a line L2 to the first power source icon G52 of the two first power source icons G50.

[0081] The remaining charge icon G60 includes rectangular graphic icons G65, the number of which changes depending on the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500. For example, when the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 is between 65% and 100%, three graphic icons G65 are displayed. When the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 is between 35% and 65%, two graphic icons G65 are displayed. When the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 is between 0% and 100%, one graphic icon G65 is displayed. When the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 is 0%, no graphic icon G65 is displayed.

[0082] In the area map screen G1, status icons G80 representing the usage status of each of a plurality of (e.g., two) charging spots 81 are superimposed on the area screen G10. The status icon G80 includes a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) spot status icons G81, G82 that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of (e.g., two) charging spots 81. The spot status icon G81 represents the usage status of the charging spot 81a shown in FIG. 2, for example. The spot status icon G82 represents the usage status of the charging spot 81b shown in FIG. 2, for example. Each spot status icon G81, G82 includes at least an icon G85 indicating that it is a charging spot 81. The icon G85 includes a spot number associated with the charging spot 81. In FIG. 3, the icon G85 in the upper row represents the charging spot 81a corresponding to spot number "1," and the icon G85 in the lower row represents the charging spot 81b corresponding to spot number "2." The area map screen G1 is displayed with the status icon G80 and the second power icon G70 linked by a line segment L3 for associating them.

[0083] When a charging spot 81 is in use, the spot status icon includes an icon G86 indicating that the charging spot 81 is in use. When a charging spot 81 is not in use, the spot status icon does not include the icon G86. In FIG. 3, the spot status icon G81 includes the icon G86, so it can be seen that the charging spot 81a corresponding to the spot status icon G81 is in use. The spot status icon G82 does not include the icon G86, so it can be seen that the charging spot 81b corresponding to the spot status icon G82 is not in use.

[0084] Note that the area map screen G1 may or may not display the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 of the power storage device 50 being charged at the charging spot 81. Alternatively, the icon G86 may also indicate the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500. That is, the icon G86 may be an icon indicating that the charging spot 81 is in use, and may also be an icon indicating the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500. In short, it is sufficient that the area map screen G1 displays the position of the charging spot 81 so that the user can at least confirm the position of the charging spot 81 and whether or not the charging spot 81 is in use. In FIG. 3, the area map screen G1 does not display the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 of the power storage device 50 being charged at the charging spot 81.

[0085] (3) Operation The operation of the position information output system 1 will now be described.

[0086] (3.1) Overall Operation The overall operation of the position information output system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0087] The fixture position acquisition unit 101 of the position information output system 1 acquires fixture information indicating the position of fixtures 40 used by users present in the space 5 (step S1). Specifically, the fixture position acquisition unit 101 acquires the fixture information transmitted from the position detection sensor 30. The fixture position acquisition unit 101 determines the position of the fixture 40 corresponding to the fixture identifier included in the fixture detection information based on the installation position of the position detection sensor 30 corresponding to the sensor identifier included in the fixture detection information and the received signal strength included in the fixture detection information, and acquires the fixture information indicating the position of the fixture 40.

[0088] The power source location acquisition unit 102 of the position information output system 1 acquires power source information indicating the location in the space 5 of the power source that supplies power (step S2). Specifically, the power source location acquisition unit 102 acquires device detection information transmitted from the position detection sensor 30. The power source location acquisition unit 102 acquires power source information indicating the location of the power storage device 50, which is the power source, based on the installation location of the position detection sensor 30 corresponding to the sensor identifier included in the device detection information and the received signal strength included in the device detection information. The power source location acquisition unit 102 also acquires power supply detection information. The power source location acquisition unit 102 acquires power source information indicating the locations of the multiple charging spots 81, which are power sources, based on the installation location of the position detection sensor 30 corresponding to the sensor identifier included in the power supply detection information transmitted from the position detection sensor 30 and the received signal strength included in the power supply detection information.

[0089] The user position acquisition unit 103 of the position information output system 1 acquires user information representing the position of the user in the space 5 (step S3). Specifically, the user position acquisition unit 103 acquires user detection information transmitted from the position detection sensor 30. The user position acquisition unit 103 acquires the user information representing the position of the user in the space 5 based on the installation position of the position detection sensor 30 corresponding to the sensor identifier included in the user detection information and the received signal strength included in the user detection information.

[0090] The remaining capacity acquisition unit 104 of the position information output system 1 acquires remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery 500 (step S4). Specifically, the remaining capacity acquisition unit 104 receives the storage battery information transmitted from the power storage device 50 via the position detection sensor 30. The remaining capacity acquisition unit 104 acquires the remaining capacity information included in the storage battery information.

[0091] The usage information acquisition unit 105 of the position information output system 1 acquires usage information that indicates the usage status of the charging spots 81 (step S5). Specifically, the usage information acquisition unit 105 receives the spot information transmitted from the power supply unit 80 via the position detection sensor 30. The usage information acquisition unit 105 acquires usage information that corresponds one-to-one to the multiple charging spots 81 included in the spot information.

[0092] The user status acquisition unit 106 of the position information output system 1 acquires status information representing the status of the user using the fixture 40 (step S6). Specifically, the user status acquisition unit 106 acquires the schedule corresponding to the user who possesses the communication device 60 with the device identifier included in the user detection information from a management server that manages the schedules of multiple users. Based on the acquired schedule, the user status acquisition unit 106 determines whether the user using the fixture 40 is in a meeting, and acquires the determination result as status information.

[0093] The processing unit 107 of the position information output system 1 generates map information related to the area map (step S7). Specifically, the processing unit 107 identifies the location of the fixture 40 represented by the fixture information, the location of the power source represented by the power source information, and the location of the user represented by the user information in the area represented by the area information. The processing unit 107 associates the remaining charge information with the rechargeable battery 500 of the power storage device 50, whose location in the area represented by the area information has been identified, and associates the usage information with the charging spot 81, which is a power source, whose location in the area represented by the area information has been identified. Furthermore, the processing unit 107 determines a display mode for displaying the user's location on the display device 20, based on the status information. The processing unit 107 generates map information including the area information, the location of the fixture 40, the location of the power source, and the user's location, whose location has been identified in the area represented by the area information, the remaining charge information of the rechargeable battery 500 of the power storage device 50, whose location has been identified, the usage information of the charging spot 81, and the display mode for the user, whose location has been identified.

[0094] The output unit 108 of the position information output system 1 performs output processing (step S8). The output unit 108 outputs map information so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the fixtures 40 represented by the fixture information, the power source represented by the power source information, the positions of the users represented by the user information, the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 represented by the remaining charge information, the usage status of the charging spots 81 represented by the usage information, and the status of the users represented by the status information are superimposed on the area.

[0095] The display device 20 (display unit) of the position information output system 1 performs display processing (step S9). When the display device 20 receives the map information output from the output unit 108, it displays an area map based on the received map information. That is, the display device 20 displays an area map on which the positions of the fixtures 40 represented by the fixture information, the power sources represented by the power source information, the positions of the users represented by the user information, the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 represented by the remaining charge information, the usage status of the charging spots 81 represented by the usage information, and the status of the users represented by the status information are superimposed on the area represented by the area information.

[0096] The notification unit 109 of the position information output system 1 performs notification processing (step S10).

[0097] (3.2) Notification Processing Here, the notification process performed in step S10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0098] The notification unit 109 identifies, for each of a plurality of users, the power storage device 50 that is closest to the user from among the plurality of power storage devices 50 (step S101). For example, the notification unit 109 identifies, for each user, the power storage device 50 that is closest to the user from among the plurality of power storage devices 50, based on the location indicated by the user information corresponding to each of the plurality of users and the location of the power storage device 50 indicated by the power supply information of each of the plurality of power storage devices 50.

[0099] The notification unit 109 determines whether the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 of the storage device 50 identified for each user is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, based on the remaining charge information corresponding to the rechargeable battery 500 of the storage device 50 (step S102).

[0100] If it is determined that the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold ("Yes" in step S102), the notification unit 109 identifies whether there is an unused charging spot (step S103). The notification unit 109 identifies a charging spot 81 that is not being used to charge the rechargeable battery 500 based on the usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition unit 105.

[0101] The notification unit 109 transmits the information (step S104). Specifically, if an unused charging spot 81 is not identified, that is, if there is no unused charging spot 81, the notification unit 109 transmits information urging the user to charge the rechargeable battery 500, the remaining charge of the identified rechargeable battery 500, and power supply information of the power storage device 50 that has the rechargeable battery 500, to the information terminal 70 carried by the user to whom the information is to be transmitted. If an unused charging spot 81 is identified, the notification unit 109 transmits information urging the user to charge the rechargeable battery 500, the remaining charge of the identified rechargeable battery 500, the power supply information of the power storage device 50 that has the rechargeable battery 500, and power supply information corresponding to the unused charging spot 81, to the information terminal 70 carried by the user to whom the information is to be transmitted.

[0102] If the notification unit 109 determines that the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 is not equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value ("No" in step S102), the process ends.

[0103] (4) Effects As described above, the position information output system 1 of this embodiment includes a fixture position acquisition unit 101, a power source position acquisition unit 102, and an output unit 108. The fixture position acquisition unit 101 acquires fixture information indicating the positions of movable fixtures 40 used by users (e.g., users u1 and u2) present in the space 5. The power source position acquisition unit 102 acquires power source information indicating the positions in the space 5 of power sources that supply power (e.g., rechargeable batteries 500, charging spots 81). The output unit 108 outputs map information related to the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of movable fixtures 40 indicated by the fixture information and the positions of power sources indicated by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space 5.

[0104] In a free layout space, i.e., a space where movable fixtures 40 are installed, users must search for the movable fixtures within the space and also secure a power source. With the above configuration, the locations of the movable fixtures 40 and the locations of the power sources are acquired, and map information regarding the area map is output so that an area map is displayed in which the locations of the movable fixtures 40 and the locations of the power sources indicated by the power source information are superimposed on the area in the space 5. Therefore, by looking at the area map, users can understand the locations of the movable fixtures 40 and the power sources. Therefore, users do not need to search around the space for the movable fixtures, and can easily secure a power source. This reduces the time required to start work.

[0105] (5) Variations Modifications will be described below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combination with the above embodiment.

[0106] (5.1) Variation 1 An area map based on the map information output from the output unit 108 may be displayed on an external device. For example, the location information output system 1 of Modification 1 may display an area map based on the map information on the information terminal 70. The following mainly describes differences from the embodiment. Descriptions of components that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0107] The location information output system 1A of the first modification includes a server 10A. As shown in FIG. 6, the server 10A includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13A. The server 10A includes, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the control unit 13A. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, but may also be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0108] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 13 includes a fixture position acquisition unit 101, a power source position acquisition unit 102, a user position acquisition unit 103, a remaining amount acquisition unit 104, a usage information acquisition unit 105, a user status acquisition unit 106, a processing unit 107, an output unit 108, a notification unit 109, and a display control unit 110.

[0109] The display control unit 110 causes the information terminal 70, which is an external device, to display an area map based on the map information output from the output unit 108. The display control unit 110 controls the information terminal 70 so that the area map based on the map information output from the output unit 108 is displayed on the information terminal 70. The display control unit 110 transmits a display instruction to the information terminal 70 to display the area map based on the map information output from the output unit 108.

[0110] The position information output system 1A of the first modification may or may not include the display device 20 shown in the first embodiment.

[0111] (5.2) Variation 2 The notification unit 109 may notify the user of an incentive for charging the rechargeable battery 500 that is the subject of the notification. Here, the incentive may be, for example, points equivalent to the price for receiving a service. Alternatively, if the power storage device 50 is used in an office, the incentive may be business evaluation points for the user.

[0112] (5.3) Variation 3 The notification unit 109 of the location information output system 1 may notify the user of the remaining charge of all rechargeable batteries 500 whose remaining charge is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, and the power supply information of all power storage devices 50 that have rechargeable batteries 500 whose remaining charge is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, regardless of the distance between the user and the rechargeable batteries 500.

[0113] (5.4) Variation 4 The notification unit 109 of the position information output system 1 may notify the user regardless of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500. In this case, the notification unit 109 may notify the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 closest to the user and the power supply information of the power storage device 50 that has the rechargeable battery 500, or may notify the user of the remaining charges of all rechargeable batteries 500 in the space 5 and the power supply information of all power storage devices 50 in the space 5.

[0114] (5.5) Variation 5 Area information relating to the layout of the area of ​​the space 5 may be stored in advance on the device that displays the area map.

[0115] For example, the display device 20 may store area information. In this case, the output unit 108 outputs information related to icons superimposed in the area represented by the area information. Specifically, the output unit 108 outputs at least the positions of the fixtures 40 represented by the fixture information and the positions of the power sources (power storage devices 50, charging spots 81) represented by the power source information. The output unit 108 further outputs the positions of the users represented by the user information. The output unit 108 further outputs the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 500 represented by the remaining charge information. The output unit 108 further outputs the usage status of the charging spots 81 represented by the usage information. The output unit 108 further outputs the status of the users represented by the status information.

[0116] (5.6) Variation 6 In the above embodiment, the receptacle provided in the power supply unit 80 (outlet) is configured as the charging spot 81, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0117] The power supply unit 80 (outlet) may be used as a charging spot. In this case, if there is at least one unused outlet in the power supply unit 80, the power supply unit 80 transmits usage information indicating that the outlet is unused, and spot information including the spot number and power supply identifier of the unused outlet, to one of the multiple position detection sensors 30. If there is no unused outlet in the power supply unit 80, the power supply unit 80 transmits usage information indicating that the outlet is in use, and spot information including the power supply identifier, to one of the multiple position detection sensors 30.

[0118] (5.7) Variation 7 It is not essential that control unit 13 has both power source location acquisition unit 102 and usage information acquisition unit 105. Control unit 13 may be configured to have either power source location acquisition unit 102 or usage information acquisition unit 105. In other words, control unit 13 may be configured to have at least one of power source location acquisition unit 102 and usage information acquisition unit 105.

[0119] (Other variations) The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the position information output system 1 may be embodied in a position information output method, a computer program, a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded, or the like.

[0120] A location information output method for the location information output system 1 according to one embodiment includes a fixture location acquisition step, a power source location acquisition step, and an output step. The fixture location acquisition step acquires fixture information indicating the location of a movable fixture 40 used by a user (e.g., user u1, u2) present in the space 5. The power source location acquisition step acquires power source information indicating the location in the space 5 of a power source (rechargeable battery 500, charging spot 81) that supplies power. The output step outputs map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the location of the movable fixture 40 indicated by the fixture information and the location of the power source indicated by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space 5. A program according to one embodiment is a program for causing a computer system to function as the above-described location information output system 1 or the location information output method for the location information output system 1.

[0121] The executing entity of the location information output system 1 or the location information output method of the location information output system 1 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system has a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the executing entity of the location information output system 1 or the location information output method of the location information output system 1 in the present disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system or may be provided via a telecommunications line. The program may also be recorded and provided on a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integration (VLSI), or ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic device that allows the reconfiguration of the connections within the LSI or the reconfiguration of the circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be employed as a processor. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices.

[0122] Furthermore, it is not essential for the location information output system 1 that multiple functions are integrated into one housing, and the components of the location information output system 1 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the location information output system 1 may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0123] (summary) As described above, the position information output system (1, 1A) of the first aspect includes a fixture position acquisition unit (101), a power source position acquisition unit (102), and an output unit (108). The fixture position acquisition unit (101) acquires fixture information indicating the positions of movable fixtures (40) used by users (u1, u2) present in the space (5). The power source position acquisition unit (102) acquires power source information indicating the positions in the space (5) of power sources (rechargeable batteries 500, charging spots 81) that supply power. The output unit (108) outputs map information related to the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the movable fixtures (40) indicated by the fixture information and the positions of the power sources indicated by the power source information are superimposed on the area in the space (5).

[0124] With this configuration, the users (u1, u2) can see the area map and understand the location of the movable fixtures (40) and the location of the power source. Therefore, the users (u1, u2) do not need to search around the space for the movable fixtures (40), and can easily secure a power source. This reduces the time required to start work.

[0125] The position information output system (1, 1A) of the second aspect is the same as that of the first aspect, but further includes a user position acquisition unit (103). The user position acquisition unit (103) acquires user information representing the positions of users (u1, u2) in space (5). The output unit (108) outputs map information so that an area map is displayed in which the user positions represented by the user information are further superimposed on the area.

[0126] According to this configuration, the users (u1, u2) can know the location of the movable fixtures (40) that are not being used.

[0127] In the position information output system (1, 1A) of the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the power source includes a rechargeable battery (500), and further includes a remaining charge acquisition unit (104). The remaining charge acquisition unit (104) acquires remaining charge information indicating the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery (500). The output unit (108) outputs map information such that an area map is displayed in which the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery (500) indicated by the remaining charge information is further superimposed on the area.

[0128] This configuration allows the users (u1, u2) to know the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery (500).

[0129] In a location information output system (1, 1A) of a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the power source includes a charging spot (81) for charging a rechargeable battery (500), and further includes a usage information acquisition unit (105). The usage information acquisition unit (105) acquires usage information representing the usage status of the charging spot (81). The output unit (108) outputs map information such that an area map is displayed in which the usage status of the charging spot (81) represented by the usage information is further superimposed on the area.

[0130] According to this configuration, the availability of the charging spot (81) is displayed, so that the users (u1, u2) can know whether or not the rechargeable battery (500) can be charged.

[0131] The location information output system (1, 1A) of the fifth aspect is any one of the first to fourth aspects, and further includes a user status acquisition unit (106). The user status acquisition unit (106) acquires status information representing the status of users (u1, u2) using the movable fixture (40). The output unit (108) outputs map information so that an area map is displayed in which the status of the users (u1, u2) represented by the status information is further superimposed on the area.

[0132] According to this configuration, the status of the users (u1, u2) is displayed, so that other users can determine whether or not it is OK to talk to the users (u1, u2), for example.

[0133] The position information output system (1, 1A) of the sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, and further includes a display unit (display device 20). The display unit displays an area map based on the map information output from the output unit (108).

[0134] According to this configuration, the users (u1, u2) can understand the locations of the movable fixtures (40) and the locations of the power sources by looking at the area map displayed on the display unit.

[0135] The position information output system (1A) of the seventh aspect is in any one of the first to sixth aspects and further includes a display control unit (110). The display control unit (110) causes an external device (information terminal 70) to display an area map based on the map information output from the output unit (108).

[0136] According to this configuration, an area map is displayed on the external device, and the users (u1, u2) can understand the locations of the movable fixtures (40) and power sources by looking at the area map displayed on the external device.

[0137] In the position information output system (1, 1A) of an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the power source includes a rechargeable battery (500) and further includes a notification unit (109). The notification unit (109) notifies the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery (500) and power information for the rechargeable battery (500).

[0138] According to this configuration, the users (u1, u2) who receive the notification can know the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery (500) and the location of the rechargeable battery (500) (the location of the power storage device 50).

[0139] In a position information output system (1, 1A) of a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, a plurality of rechargeable batteries (500) are provided in the space (5). The notification unit (109) further notifies the users (u1, u2) of the remaining charge and power source information of the rechargeable battery (500) that is closest to the users (u1, u2) among the plurality of rechargeable batteries (500).

[0140] According to this configuration, the users (u1, u2) can know the remaining charge of the nearest rechargeable battery (500) and the location of the rechargeable battery (500) (location of the power storage device 50).

[0141] In the position information output system (1, 1A) of the tenth aspect, in the eighth or ninth aspect, the notification unit (109) notifies the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery (500) and power supply information when the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery (500) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0142] According to this configuration, the users (u1, u2) who receive the notification can know the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery (500) whose remaining charge is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold and the location of the rechargeable battery (500) (the location of the power storage device 50). Therefore, for example, the users who receive the notification can know the rechargeable battery (500) that needs to be charged and the location of the rechargeable battery (500).

[0143] In the position information output system (1, 1A) of the eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, the notification unit (109) notifies the users (u1, u2) of information urging them to charge the rechargeable battery (500).

[0144] According to this configuration, the users (u1, u2) who receive the notification can know the rechargeable battery (500) that needs to be charged and the location of the rechargeable battery (500).

[0145] In a position information output system (1, 1A) of a twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the power source includes a plurality of charging spots (81) for charging the rechargeable battery (500). The notification unit (109) further notifies the power source information for a charging spot (81) that is not being used to charge the rechargeable battery (500) among the plurality of charging spots (81).

[0146] According to this configuration, the users (u1, u2) who receive the notification can know the location where the rechargeable battery (500) can be charged.

[0147] In the position information output system (1, 1A) of the thirteenth aspect, in the eleventh or twelfth aspect, the notification unit (109) further notifies the user (u1, u2) of an incentive for charging the rechargeable battery (500) that is the subject of the notification.

[0148] According to this configuration, the users (u1, u2) who receive the notification receive an incentive and can take the initiative in charging the battery.

[0149] A position information output method of a fourteenth aspect includes a fixture position acquisition step, a power source position acquisition step, and an output step. The fixture position acquisition step acquires fixture information representing the positions of movable fixtures (40) used by users (u1, u2) present in the space (5). The power source position acquisition step acquires power source information representing the positions in the space (5) of power sources (rechargeable batteries 500, charging spots 81) that supply power. The output step outputs map information related to the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the movable fixtures (40) represented by the fixture information and the positions of the power sources represented by the power source information are superimposed on the area in the space (5).

[0150] This method of outputting position information can reduce the time required to start work.

[0151] A program according to a fifteenth aspect is a program for causing a computer to execute the position information output method according to the fourteenth aspect.

[0152] This program can reduce the time it takes to start work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1,1A Position Information Output System 5 Space 20 Display device (display section) 40, 41, 42, 43 Movable fixtures (fixtures) 50, 51, 52, 53 Electricity storage device 70, 71, 72 Information terminal (external device) 81, 81a, 81b Charging spots 101 Fixture position acquisition unit 102 Power supply position acquisition section 103 User location acquisition unit 104 Remaining amount acquisition unit 105 Usage information acquisition department 106 User status acquisition unit 108 Output section 109 Notification Department 110 Display control unit 500 rechargeable batteries u1,u2 users

Claims

1. a fixture position acquisition unit that acquires fixture information indicating the positions of movable fixtures used by users present in the space; a power source location acquisition unit that acquires power source information indicating a location in the space of a power storage device that is a power source that supplies power; an output unit that outputs map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the movable fixtures represented by the fixture information and the positions of the power storage devices represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space; the power storage device includes a rechargeable battery, a remaining capacity acquiring unit that acquires remaining capacity information that indicates a remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery; the output unit outputs the map information so that the area map is displayed with the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery represented by the remaining amount information superimposed on the area. Location information output system.

2. A fixture position acquisition unit that acquires fixture information indicating the positions of movable fixtures used by users in the space; a power source location acquisition unit that acquires power source information indicating a location in the space of a power storage device that is a power source that supplies power; an output unit that outputs map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the movable fixtures represented by the fixture information and the positions of the power storage devices represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space; the power storage device includes a rechargeable battery, a notification unit that notifies the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery and the power supply information for the rechargeable battery; Location information output system.

3. A plurality of the rechargeable batteries are provided in the space, the notification unit further notifies the user of the remaining charge and the power supply information of a rechargeable battery that is closest to the user among the plurality of rechargeable batteries. The position information output system according to claim 2 .

4. The notification unit notifies the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery and the power source information when the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

4. The position information output system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The notification unit notifies the user of information urging the user to charge the rechargeable battery. The position information output system according to claim 4 .

6. The notification unit further notifies the user of an incentive for charging the rechargeable battery that is the subject of the notification. The position information output system according to claim 5 .

7. Further comprising a user position acquisition unit that acquires user information representing the position of the user in the space, the output unit outputs the map information so that the area map is displayed with the location of the user represented by the user information further superimposed on the area. The position information output system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Further comprising a user status acquisition unit that acquires status information representing the status of the user who is using the movable fixture, the output unit outputs the map information so that the area map is displayed with the user's status represented by the status information further superimposed on the area. The position information output system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Further comprising a display unit that displays the area map based on the map information output from the output unit. The position information output system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Further comprising a display control unit that displays the area map based on the map information output from the output unit on an external device. The position information output system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A fixture position acquisition unit that acquires fixture information indicating the positions of movable fixtures used by users present in the space; a power source location acquisition unit that acquires power source information indicating a location in the space of a power source that supplies power; an output unit that outputs map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the movable fixtures represented by the fixture information and the positions of the power sources represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space; the power source includes a rechargeable battery and a charging spot for charging the rechargeable battery; a remaining capacity acquisition unit that acquires remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery; a usage information acquisition unit that acquires usage information that indicates a usage status of the charging spot, the output unit outputs the map information so that the area map is displayed in which the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery represented by the remaining charge information and the usage status of the charging spot represented by the usage information are further superimposed on the area. Location information output system.

12. A fixture position acquisition unit that acquires fixture information indicating the positions of movable fixtures used by users in the space; a power source location acquisition unit that acquires power source information indicating a location in the space of a power source that supplies power; an output unit that outputs map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the movable fixtures represented by the fixture information and the positions of the power sources represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space; the power source includes a rechargeable battery and a plurality of charging spots for charging the rechargeable battery; a notification unit that notifies the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery and the power supply information for the rechargeable battery; the notification unit notifies the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery, the power source information, and information urging the user to charge the rechargeable battery when the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold; The notification unit further notifies the power supply information for a charging spot that is not being used to charge the rechargeable battery among the plurality of charging spots. Location information output system.

13. A location information output method executed by a computer system, comprising: a fixture position acquisition step of acquiring fixture information indicating the positions of movable fixtures used by users present in the space; a power source position acquisition step of acquiring power source information indicating a position in the space of a power storage device that is a power source that supplies power; an output step of outputting map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the movable fixtures represented by the fixture information and the positions of the power storage devices represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space, the power storage device includes a rechargeable battery, The method further includes a remaining capacity acquisition step of acquiring remaining capacity information representing a remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery, In the output step, the map information is output so that the area map is displayed with the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery represented by the remaining amount information superimposed on the area. Location information output method.

14. A location information output method executed by a computer system, comprising: a fixture position acquisition step of acquiring fixture information indicating the positions of movable fixtures used by users present in the space; a power source position acquisition step of acquiring power source information indicating a position in the space of a power storage device that is a power source that supplies power; an output step of outputting map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the movable fixtures represented by the fixture information and the positions of the power storage devices represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space, the power storage device includes a rechargeable battery, a notification step of notifying the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery and the power supply information for the rechargeable battery, Location information output method.

15. A location information output method executed by a computer system, comprising: a fixture position acquisition step of acquiring fixture information indicating the positions of movable fixtures used by users present in the space; a power source location acquisition step of acquiring power source information representing a location in the space of a power source that supplies power; an output step of outputting map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the movable fixtures represented by the fixture information and the positions of the power sources represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space; the power source includes a rechargeable battery and a charging spot for charging the rechargeable battery; a remaining capacity acquisition step of acquiring remaining capacity information indicating a remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery; a usage information acquisition step of acquiring usage information representing a usage status of the charging spot, In the output step, the map information is output so that the area map is displayed in which the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery represented by the remaining charge information and the usage status of the charging spot represented by the usage information are further superimposed on the area. Location information output method.

16. A location information output method executed by a computer system, comprising: a fixture position acquisition step of acquiring fixture information indicating the positions of movable fixtures used by users present in the space; a power source location acquisition step of acquiring power source information representing a location in the space of a power source that supplies power; an output step of outputting map information regarding the area map so that an area map is displayed in which the positions of the movable fixtures represented by the fixture information and the positions of the power sources represented by the power source information are superimposed on an area in the space; the power source includes a rechargeable battery and a plurality of charging spots for charging the rechargeable battery; further comprising a notification step of notifying the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery and the power supply information for the rechargeable battery; In the notifying step, when the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery, the power source information, and information urging the user to charge the rechargeable battery are notified; The notification step further includes notifying the power source information for a charging spot that is not being used to charge the rechargeable battery among the plurality of charging spots. Location information output method.

17. A program for causing the computer system to execute the location information output method described in any one of claims 13 to 16.

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