Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This information processing device (SV) comprises a processor (PRS). The processor (PRS) associates a space-time address (STA) of an object (IN) defined by the position and time at which the object (IN) is present with an Internet address (DI) of the object (IN).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] With the spread of the Internet, many people now own smartphones and PCs and use Internet services on a regular basis. With the spread of smart glasses and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, it is expected that the use of Internet services will increase in frequency and depth in the future. However, while communication is easy using online accounts and email addresses, communication with real-world counterparts is not as smooth. For example, if an unknown person in front of you does a good deed, you cannot "like" their post unless you know their account. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-006290 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The reason why it is not possible to communicate with a person or object in front of you via the Internet is that addresses accessible on the Internet, such as IP (Internet Protocol) addresses or URLs (Uniform Resource Locators), do not necessarily correspond to physical objects.

[0005] Patent Document 1 proposes a system that uses information from surveillance cameras and a GIS (Geographic Information System) to send messages to people who have been in a specific location in the past, are currently in a specific location, or are expected to be in a specific location in the future. However, this is a system that narrows down the area or target to a certain extent, such as sending messages from a centralized location such as a disaster prevention center at a factory to the staff at that facility, and is not a general-purpose system that ensures communication between any terminals anywhere on the planet.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can provide a general-purpose addressing technique. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing device having a processor that links a space-time address of an object, the space-time address being defined by the location and time of the object, with an internet address of the object. Also, according to the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method in which the information processing of the information processing device is executed by a computer, and a program that causes a computer to realize the information processing of the information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an addressing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for defining a space-time address. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a matching method. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an addressing system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an addressing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an addressing system. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of Example 5. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of Example 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] The explanation will be given in the following order. [1. Overview of the addressing system] [2. First form of addressing system] [2-1.Space-time address] [2-2. Verification information] [2-3. Method of matching space-time addresses with matching information] [2-4. Other examples of matching methods] [2-5. System configuration example] [2-6. Explanation of information processing] [3. Second form of addressing system] [3-1. System configuration example] [3-2. Explanation of information processing] 4. Working Example 4-1. Example 1 4-2. Example 2 4-3. Example 3 4-4. Example 4 4-5. Example 5 4-6. Example 6 [5. Effects]

[0011] [1. Overview of the addressing system] This disclosure relates to a method for assigning addresses on the Internet to any object and action. "Object" includes both physical and virtual objects. Physical objects include real-world devices and people. Virtual objects include Augmented Reality (AR) objects and Virtual Reality (VR) objects. "Action" refers to an action taken by an object (subject of action) connected to the Internet.

[0012] The addressing system AS disclosed herein utilizes the physical principle that "objects cannot overlap at the same time and in the same location," and uses information indicating "this object exists at this time and in this location" as a unique identifier. Objects are identified based on space-time information about the time and space in which the object exists. This provides a versatile addressing method. Hereinafter, an object identifier defined by the location and time in which the object exists will be referred to as a "space-time address."

[0013] The addressing system AS of the present disclosure links the physical space, virtual space, and Internet space by linking the space-time address of an object with the object's Internet address (such as an IP address). Therefore, it is possible to directly access nearby or remote objects via the Internet using the space-time address as an intermediary. Specific embodiments of the addressing system AS are described below.

[0014] [2. First form of addressing system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an addressing system AS-1 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] The addressing system AS-1 collectively manages the identification information of all objects IN via a centralized server SV. The identification information includes a space-time address STA and an internet address DI. Each object IN registers its own internet address DI in the storage STS of the server SV. Each object IN also constantly monitors its own space-time address STA and continues to send it to the server SV. The addressing system AS-1 associates the space-time address STA with the internet address DI for each object IN and registers them in the storage STS.

[0016] 1, the object IN is a person carrying a terminal TM. The terminal TM is a terminal having a camera function, a position detection function, and a communication function, such as a smartphone, AR glasses, or an HMD (Head Mounted Display).

[0017] For example, the internet address DI of an object IN is defined as the internet address of the terminal TM. The position POS (see Fig. 2) of the object IN is defined as the position of the terminal TM or as the occupied space OS (see Fig. 2) of the object IN that includes the position of the terminal TM. In Fig. 1, the individual objects IN and the individual terminals TM are distinguished by numbers added after their reference symbols. The components associated with each object IN and each terminal TM, such as the space-time address STA and the internet address DI, are distinguished in a similar way.

[0018] When an object IN-1 attempts to obtain the Internet address DI-2 of an object IN-2 located at a certain location at a certain time, the object IN-1 generates spatiotemporal information of the object IN-2 as query information STI using the terminal TM-1. The query information STI includes information about the query position SPOS (see Figure 2) and the query time. The query position SPOS means the position of the object IN-2 generated using the camera function and position detection function of the terminal TM-1. The query time means the time when the object IN-2 occupies the query position SPOS.

[0019] For example, terminal TM-1 detects its own position using a position detection function such as a GPS (Global Positioning System). Terminal TM-1 takes a picture of object IN-2 using its camera function and analyzes the captured image to detect the relative positional relationship between terminal TM-1 and object IN-2. Terminal TM-1 detects the position of object IN-2 using the position of terminal TM-1 and the relative positional relationship between terminal TM-1 and object IN-2. Terminal TM-1 acquires the detected position of object IN-2 or a search space SS (see Figure 2) of a predetermined size that includes this position as a query position SPOS.

[0020] The object IN-1 transmits the generated query information STI to the server SV via the communication function of the terminal TM-1. The server SV uses the processor PRS to check the query information STI against the space-time addresses STA of the objects IN in the vicinity of the query position SPOS, which are registered in the storage STS. The processor PRS identifies the space-time address STA-2 of the object IN-2 indicating the query information STI based on the checking result. The processor PRS transmits the internet address DI-2 of the object IN-2, which is linked to the identified space-time address STA-2, to the object IN-1, who is the inquirer.

[0021] Similarly, when an object IN-1 attempts to obtain the Internet address DI-2 of an object IN-2 performing an action at a certain time and location, the object IN-1 uses terminal TM-1 to generate spatiotemporal information indicating the time and space in which the action was performed as query information STI.

[0022] The object IN-1 transmits the generated query information STI to the server SV. The server SV uses the processor PRS to check the query information STI against the space-time addresses STA of the objects IN in the vicinity of the query position SPOS, which are registered in the storage STS. The processor PRS identifies the space-time address STA-2 of the object IN-2 indicating the query information STI based on the checking result. The processor PRS transmits the internet address DI-2 of the object IN-2, which is linked to the identified space-time address STA-2, to the object IN-1, who is the inquirer.

[0023] [2-1.Space-time address] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a method for defining a space-time address STA.

[0024] The space-time address STA of the object IN includes information about the position POS of the object IN at each time. The position POS of the object IN is defined as the measured position of the object IN measured by a sensor such as a GPS, or as the occupied space OS of the object IN including the measured position. In the example of Figure 2, a space of a predetermined size based on the height, width, and depth of the object IN is calculated as the occupied space OS of the object IN. Information about the size of the occupied space OS is registered for each object IN. The processor PRS acquires the position POS where the object IN exists as an occupied space OS of a predetermined size including the measured position.

[0025] [2-2. Verification information] The matching information STI is spatiotemporal information detected by the inquirer regarding the object IN or behavior that is the subject of the query. The matching information STI includes information regarding a query position SPOS occupied by the object IN or behavior of the object IN that is the subject of the query at the query time. The query position SPOS is defined as the estimated position of the object IN estimated based on the inquirer's sensor information, or as a search space SS of a predetermined size that includes the estimated position. In the example of Figure 2, a space of a predetermined size specified by the inquirer based on the size of the object IN is calculated as the search space SS. The processor PRS acquires the query position SPOS as a search space SS of a predetermined size that includes the position specified by the inquirer.

[0026] [2-3. Method of matching space-time addresses with matching information] The processor PRS performs matching based on the degree of coincidence between the position POS indicated by the space-time address and the query position SPOS. If the degree of coincidence satisfies a predetermined acceptance criterion, the processor PRS determines that the space-time address STA associated with the position POS corresponds to the query position SPOS.

[0027] The degree of match is determined because the position POS and the query position SPOS do not necessarily match perfectly. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the query position SPOS is estimated based on sensor information of the object IN-1 (terminal TM-1) that is the inquirer. The position POS of the object IN-2 that is the target of the query is detected using the position detection function of the object IN-2 (terminal TM-2) itself. Therefore, the query position SPOS does not necessarily match the position POS of the object IN-2 indicated by the space-time address STA-2.

[0028] For example, the processor PRS identifies the space-time address STA that includes the query position SPOS within the occupied space OS at the query time as the space-time address STA indicated by the query position SPOS and the query time. When the query position SPOS is presented as a search space SS having a predetermined size, the space-time address STA is identified based on the proportion of the search space SS included in the occupied space OS. For example, when the proportion of the search space SS included in the occupied space OS meets a predetermined acceptance criterion, the processor PRS determines that the search space SS is included in the occupied space OS, i.e., the degree of match meets the acceptance criterion.

[0029] [2-4. Other examples of matching methods] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the matching method.

[0030] In the example of Fig. 3, the position POS is defined as the position of the point PT on the object IN. For example, the point PT indicates the position of the terminal TM detected using the position detection function of the terminal TM. The processor PRS searches for the space-time address STA corresponding to the point PT included in the search space SS.

[0031] The inquirer specifies a search space SS that roughly contains the target object IN-1. However, if another object IN-2 exists near the target object IN-1, the point PT-2 that indicates the space-time address STA-2 of the object IN-2 may be included in the search space SS.

[0032] In this case, the processor PRS specifies the space-time address STA-1 while adjusting the size of the search space SS based on the user input information of the inquirer so that only a single space-time address STA is searched from the search space SS. Alternatively, the processor PRS specifies one space-time address STA-1 selected based on the user input information of the inquirer from among the multiple space-time addresses STA-1, STA-2 searched from the search space SS as the space-time address STA indicated by the query position SPOS and query time.

[0033] [2-5. System configuration example] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the addressing system AS-1.

[0034] The addressing system AS-1 has a server SV and a terminal TM, which are connected to each other via a network NW.

[0035] The terminal TM has a processor PRN, a communication unit CUN, and a sensor unit SE. The terminal TM performs spatial recognition processing based on sensor information detected by the sensor unit SE. The spatial recognition processing is performed using spatial recognition technologies such as SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) and VPS (Visual Positioning System). The terminal TM generates spatiotemporal information based on the position information detected through the spatial recognition processing and transmits it to the server SV.

[0036] For example, the sensor unit SE has a position sensor PS, a camera CM, a distance sensor HS, and an inertial sensor DS. The position sensor PS detects the position of the terminal TM using GPS. The camera CM captures images of the outside world. The distance sensor HS detects the distance to an object using UWB (Ultra Wide Band). The inertial sensor DS detects the direction and magnitude of acceleration at each time using an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit).

[0037] In the present disclosure, Visual SLAM is used as the SLAM technique used for spatial recognition processing, but the SLAM technique is not limited to this. For example, the spatial recognition processing may be performed using a LiDAR SLAM technique. Furthermore, the configuration of the sensor unit SE described above is an example, and the types of sensors included in the sensor unit SE are not limited to those described above.

[0038] The processor PRN uses SLAM to monitor the position POS of the object IN holding the terminal TM. The processor PRN combines information on the time when the object IN occupies the position POS with the information on the position POS to generate a space-time address STA of the object IN. The processor PRN repeats the process of generating the space-time address STA at predetermined timings and continues to transmit it to the server SV via the communication unit CUN. The server SV updates the space-time address STA registered in the storage STS as needed based on the received space-time address STA.

[0039] The processor PRN estimates a query position SPOS of another object IN (object IN to be queried) specified by user input information. For example, the processor PRN estimates the query position SPOS of the other object IN using information on the position POS and attitude of its own device (terminal TM to which the processor PRN belongs) calculated using SLAM and information on the distance to the other object IN detected by the distance sensor HS. The processor PRN combines information on the time when the other object IN occupies the query position SPOS with the information on the query position SPOS to generate query information STI of the other object IN. The processor PRN transmits the generated query information STI to the server SV via the communication unit CUN to perform the query.

[0040] Similarly, the processor PRN estimates the query position SPOS of the action (the action to be queried) specified by the user input information. For example, the processor PRN estimates the query position SPOS using information on the position POS and attitude of the own aircraft and information on the distance to the position where the action is being performed (for example, the object IN that is the subject of the action). The processor PRN combines information on the time when the action to be queried occupies the query position SPOS with the information on the query position SPOS to generate query information STI. The processor PRN transmits the generated query information STI to the server SV via the communication unit CUN to perform the query.

[0041] The server SV has a processor PRS, a communication unit CUS, and a storage STS. The server SV is an information processing device that processes various types of information. The server SV registers and manages the identification information of all objects IN in the storage STS. The server SV updates the identification information of the storage STS as needed based on the spatiotemporal addresses of the objects IN, which are constantly being sent. In response to an inquiry based on the inquiry information STI, the server SV extracts the internet address DI of the corresponding object IN from the storage STS and sends it to the inquirer.

[0042] The information processing of the server SV is performed by the processor PRS. For example, the processor PRS associates the spatiotemporal address STA of the object IN, which is defined by the position POS where the object IN is located and the time, with the internet address DI of the object IN. The processor PRS identifies the spatiotemporal address STA indicated by the query position SPOS and the query time. The processor PRS transmits the internet address DI associated with the identified spatiotemporal address STA to the inquirer via the communication unit CUS.

[0043] Various information used in the processing of the processor PRS is stored in the storage STS. For example, the storage STS stores an internet address DI and a space-time address STA as identification information of the object IN.

[0044] In addition to the identification information, the storage STS stores various pieces of information related to the object IN as object-related information RI. The object-related information includes all information made public about the object IN. For example, if the object IN is related to a commercial facility or public facility, the object-related information RI includes information about how to use the facility related to the object (usage information). For example, for an object IN related to a department store or shopping center, information such as a facility map and business hours may be used as usage information. For an object IN related to transportation such as a train or bus, information such as route information and timetables may be used as usage information.

[0045] The object-related information RI is registered in association with the identification information of the object IN. For example, the processor PRS identifies a spatiotemporal address STA indicated by the query position SPOS and the query time. The processor PRS transmits the object-related information RI of the object IN having an internet address DI associated with the identified spatiotemporal address STA to the inquirer.

[0046] The storage STS also stores information about settings, conditions, and standards used in various calculations, as well as a program PG for executing various calculations. The program PG is a program that causes a computer (a processor PRS and memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) connected to the processor PRS) to execute information processing according to the present disclosure.

[0047] The processor PRS performs various processes in accordance with the program PG stored in the storage STS. The storage STS may be used as a work area for temporarily storing the processing results of the processor PRS.

[0048] The storage STS includes any non-transitory storage medium, such as a semiconductor storage medium or a magnetic storage medium. The storage STS includes, for example, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. The program PG is stored in, for example, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.

[0049] The communication unit CUN and the communication unit CUS perform wireless communication via a network NW. As a communication standard, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as WiFi (registered trademark) and 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system) are used.

[0050] [2-6. Explanation of information processing] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing.

[0051] Objects IN-1 and IN-2 each upload their absolute positions and occupied spaces to the server SV in real time. Object IN-1 estimates the position SPOS (search space SS) of object IN-2 using the relative positional relationship between objects IN-1 and IN-2 and the size of object IN-2 estimated from the camera image.

[0052] The object IN-1 generates query information STI by adding a timestamp of the measurement time to the estimated position SPOS of the object IN-2. The object IN-1 uploads the query information STI to the server SV and queries the server SV about the object corresponding to the query information STI.

[0053] The server SV searches for the object IN-2 corresponding to the query information STI from among the many objects IN whose identification information it manages. Then, the server SV transmits the internet address DI-2 of the object IN-2 obtained by the search to the object IN-1. The object IN-1 sends a message to the object IN-2 using the received internet address DI-2.

[0054] [3. Second form of addressing system] 6 is a diagram showing an addressing system AS-2 according to the second embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0055] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the object IN, which acts as the inquirer, makes a query by individually presenting query information STI to the surrounding objects IN without going through a server SV. The addressing system AS-2 does not have a centralized server SV that collectively manages the identification information of the objects IN. The identification information of the objects IN (space-time address STA, internet address DII) is managed individually by the objects IN themselves.

[0056] In the example of FIG. 6, the object IN is a moving object MB such as a drone. The object IN itself functions as an information processing device that processes information related to addressing. However, similar to the first embodiment, the information processing of this embodiment can also be applied to a system in which the object IN is a person holding a terminal TM. In this case, the terminal TM functions as an information processing device that processes information related to addressing.

[0057] [3-1. System configuration example] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the addressing system AS-2.

[0058] The objects IN communicate with each other using short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Each object IN has a storage STN that manages its identification information. The object IN registers and manages its own identification information in its own storage STN. The processor PRN repeats the process of generating the space-time address STA of the object IN to which it belongs at a predetermined timing. The processor PRN updates the space-time address STA registered in the storage STN as needed based on the generated space-time address STA. The processor PRN associates the updated space-time address STA with the internet address DI of the object IN.

[0059] Inquiries regarding the space-time address STA are made directly between objects IN without going through the server SV. For example, in Fig. 6, when an object IN-1 wants to communicate with another object IN-2 that is located at a certain position at a certain time, the object IN-1 identifies the inquiry position SPOS and inquiry time of the object IN-2 and generates inquiry information STI. The object IN-1 then transmits the generated inquiry information STI directly to the neighboring object IN via the communication unit CUN.

[0060] Similarly, when an object IN-1 wishes to communicate with another object IN-2 that is performing an action at a certain location at a certain time, the object IN-1 identifies the location and time at which the action was performed (query position SPOS and query time) and generates query information STI. The object IN-1 then transmits the generated query information STI directly to the neighboring object IN via the communication unit CUN.

[0061] The processor PRN of the nearby object IN-2 that has received the inquiry information STI compares the inquiry information STI with the space-time address STA registered in the storage STS. If the inquiry position SPOS and the inquiry time indicate the space-time address STA of the object IN-2 to which the processor PRN belongs, the processor PRN transmits the internet address associated with the space-time address STA to the object IN-1 that is the inquirer. The processor PRN communicates with the object IN-1 that is the inquirer via the internet address DI-2 of the object IN-2 that it transmitted.

[0062] [3-2. Explanation of information processing] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing.

[0063] Objects IN-1 and IN-2 monitor their own absolute positions and occupied spaces in real time. Object IN-1 estimates the position SPOS (search space SS) of object IN-2 using the relative positional relationship between objects IN-1 and IN-2 and the size information of object IN-2 estimated from the camera image.

[0064] The object IN-1 generates query information STI by adding a timestamp of the measurement time to the estimated position SPOS of the object IN-2. The object IN-1 then transmits the query information STI to all nearby objects IN via short-range wireless communication to inquire whether there is an object corresponding to the query information STI.

[0065] Each object IN that receives the query STI determines whether its own space-time address STA corresponds to the query STI. The object IN-2 that has the space-time address STA corresponding to the query STI transmits its internet address DI-2 to the inquiring object IN-1. The object IN-1 sends a message to the object IN-2 using the received internet address DI-2.

[0066] 4. Working Example An embodiment of the addressing system AS will be described below. The embodiment below is an application example of the addressing system AS of either the first or second type described above.

[0067] 4-1. Example 1 FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the first embodiment.

[0068] In Figure 9, two users wearing smart glasses (terminals TM) are shown as objects IN-1 and IN-2. The smart glasses' camera CM constantly captures what the wearer is looking at. Using the captured images, the smart glasses can constantly estimate their own position with high accuracy using the VPS. Based on their own position, the smart glasses can determine their exact position in the absolute coordinate system (latitude, longitude, and altitude).

[0069] In this situation, object IN-1 sees object IN-2 "offering his seat to an elderly woman," for example, on a park bench. Object IN-1 feels the urge to "like" object IN-2's good deed. By viewing object IN-2 through smart glasses, object IN-1 extracts the relative positional relationship between object IN-1 and object IN-2 (the location where the action took place) and the size information of object IN-2 (the size of the space where the action took place) estimated from the camera image. Based on the extracted information, object IN-1 estimates the location where the action took place and generates query information STI.

[0070] Object IN-1 queries server SV based on the query information STI and obtains the internet address DI-2 of object IN-2, the subject of the action. Object IN-1 traces back the visual log of its smart glasses, calculates the time it took to "call out to the old lady and offer her seat," and sends a "like" message to that action. Object IN-2 receives a "like" message from an anonymous user.

[0071] In the above method, there is no exchange of names between objects IN. Communication is possible only with spatiotemporal information such as "the person in front of you" or "the action that took place in front of you," making this communication highly anonymous.

[0072] 4-2. Example 2 FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the second embodiment.

[0073] 10, two users holding smartphones (terminals TM) are shown as objects IN-1 and IN-2. The smartphone stores the relative position with other smartphones in the vicinity for a certain period of time.

[0074] Object IN-1 witnessed a criminal act committed by object IN-2 and took a photo of the crime scene. The photo has a timestamp. The absolute positions of objects IN-1 and IN-2 are unknown, but the relative positions of the two can be determined with high accuracy. Object IN-1 tapped on a person in the photo. Using image recognition technology, the relative position occupied by object IN-2 can be determined. Object IN-1 added the timestamp from the photo to the position of object IN-2 to generate query information STI.

[0075] Object IN-1 uses short-range wireless communication to send inquiry information STI to all nearby objects IN, inquiring whether there is an object IN with a space-time address STA corresponding to the inquiry information STI. Object IN-2's space-time address STA-2 is found, and object IN-1 obtains object IN-2's internet address DI-2. Object IN-1 reports object IN-2's internet address DI-2 and a photo of the crime scene as evidence that object IN-2 committed a crime.

[0076] In the above method, the face of object IN-2 does not need to be visible in the photograph, so object IN-1 was able to take advantage of the opportunity to report object IN-2.

[0077] 4-3. Example 3 FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the third embodiment.

[0078] Figure 11 shows a bus user (object IN) taking a picture of a bus stop BP (object IN) with a smartphone (terminal TM). The bus company knows the location of each bus stop BP. By taking a picture of the scenery with the camera CM, the smartphone can estimate its exact current location using the VPS.

[0079] The smartphone used image recognition AI to determine the space occupied by the bus stop BP (search space SS) and generated query information STI. Because the bus stop BP is a static object whose position does not change, there is no need to include the query time in the query information STI.

[0080] The object IN sends query information STI to the bus company's server SV, inquiring about the bus stop BP with the spatiotemporal address STA corresponding to the query information STI. Since the bus company manages the space occupied by bus stops, it responds to the query with the internet address DI of the corresponding bus stop and the current location (object-related information) of the bus that will be stopping at that bus stop in the future. The object IN finds out the current location of the bus it is planning to board and finds out that it is delayed.

[0081] 4-4. Example 4 FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the fourth embodiment.

[0082] Figure 12 shows a user (object IN) observing a virtual object OB (object IN) through AR glasses (terminal TM). The AR glasses can estimate their own position with high accuracy using VPS. The AR glasses can display multiple AR worlds, such as a "fantasy AR world" and a "cyberpunk AR world," by superimposing the virtual object OB onto real space.

[0083] In this case, it is possible that a real object, a virtual object OB in the fantasy AR world, and a virtual object OB in the cyberpunk AR world exist in the same space. In this case, it is possible to operate the space-time address by identifying which AR world is running.

[0084] For example, the server SV comprehensively manages identification information of real objects and virtual objects OB. The processor PRS identifies a spatiotemporal address STA indicated by a query position SPOS and a query time in the AR world. The processor PRS performs a specified action on a virtual object OB in the AR world having an internet address DI corresponding to the identified spatiotemporal address STA.

[0085] For example, suppose that for a certain query position SPOS, there is a car in the real world, a pumpkin carriage in the fantasy AR world, and a robot in the cyberpunk AR world. In this case, by specifying the AR world and performing a query, it is possible to recognize the car when the AR world is not running, the pumpkin carriage when the fantasy AR world is running, and the robot when the cyberpunk AR world is running.

[0086] 4-5. Example 5 FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the fifth embodiment.

[0087] FIG. 13 shows an example of automatic delivery of packages by a mobile unit MB (object IN). Object IN-1 is managed by company A. Company A knows the location of object IN-1 and can instruct it to operate. Object IN-2 is managed by company B. Company B knows the location of object IN-2 and can instruct it to operate.

[0088] Company A cannot know the location of Company B's object IN-2. Therefore, there is a concern that the objects IN may collide with each other, or that traffic may become congested as the objects IN try to avoid collisions by predicting each other's movements. In such cases, if the objects IN managed by different systems can communicate with each other, they will be able to give way to each other, saying, "I'll avoid it this way, so you do this way," and smoother deliveries will become possible.

[0089] Each object IN has a highly accurate self-location estimation function, such as a VPS used for autonomous driving. Each object IN also registers information about the size of its own occupied space OS. In this case, each object IN can generate and manage its own identification information (space-time address STA, internet address DI). Therefore, object IN-1 can obtain the internet address DI-2 of object IN-2 based on the inquiry information STI and communicate with object IN-2, realizing the above-mentioned mutual right-of-way.

[0090] 4-6. Example 6 FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the sixth embodiment.

[0091] Figure 14 shows how a crime is monitored by a surveillance camera SC. The owner (object IN) of a smartphone (terminal TM) uses a lifelog service, and high-precision GPS records are constantly added to the lifelog. The object IN happened to witness a key crime scene, and the scene was captured by the surveillance camera SC.

[0092] The surveillance camera SC is located in a fixed position, and its absolute position is known. By analyzing the video captured by the surveillance camera SC, it is possible to estimate the absolute position of the person captured by the surveillance camera SC. In addition, since the surveillance camera SC is time-coded, by combining the person's position and time information, it is possible to generate reference information STI for the object IN captured by the surveillance camera SC.

[0093] The police inquired with each lifelog company to see if they knew of anyone with the space-time address STA corresponding to the query information STI. At the police's request, each lifelog company searched to see if they knew of anyone with the space-time address STA corresponding to the query information STI. The lifelog company used by object IN identified the space-time address STA corresponding to the query information STI, as well as the internet address DI linked to this space-time address STA. The lifelog company looked up the contact information of object IN with the identified internet address DI and provided it to the police. The police were able to obtain the contact information of object IN, who could be an important witness.

[0094] [5. Effects] In the present disclosure, the space-time address STA of the object IN, which is defined by the location and time at which the object IN exists, is linked to the internet address DI of the object IN.

[0095] This configuration provides a general-purpose addressing method that uses the physical principle that "objects cannot overlap at the same time and in the same position."

[0096] The processor PRS identifies the spatio-temporal address STA indicated by the inquiry position SPOS and the inquiry time, and transmits the internet address DI associated with the identified spatio-temporal address STA to the inquirer.

[0097] According to this configuration, the internet address DI of the object IN can be obtained by a simple inquiry such as "what object is present at this time and this position?".

[0098] If the query position SPOS and the query time indicate the spatiotemporal address STA of the object IN to which the processor PRN belongs, the processor PRN transmits to the inquirer the internet address DI associated with the spatiotemporal address STTA.

[0099] According to this configuration, the internet address DI can be directly exchanged between the inquirer and the object IN.

[0100] The processor PRN communicates with the inquirer via the internet address DI.

[0101] According to this configuration, device-to-device communication can be performed with the object IN specified by the space-time information.

[0102] The processor PRS identifies a spatiotemporal address STA indicated by the query position SPOS and the query time, and transmits to the inquirer object-related information RI of the object IN having an Internet address DI associated with the identified spatiotemporal address STA.

[0103] According to this configuration, various pieces of information relating to the object IN can be obtained using only universal information, namely the position POS where the object IN exists and the time.

[0104] The object-related information RI includes facility usage information related to the object IN.

[0105] According to this configuration, facility usage information can be obtained directly from the facility's spatiotemporal information without having to search by facility name or the like.

[0106] The processor PRS identifies a spatiotemporal address STA indicated by the query position SPOS and the query time in the AR world, and performs a specified action on a virtual object OB in the AR world having an internet address DI corresponding to the identified spatiotemporal address STA.

[0107] According to this configuration, an object can be directly identified using space-time information and an action can be processed.

[0108] The processor PRS acquires the position POS where the object IN exists as an occupied space OS having a predetermined size.

[0109] According to this configuration, the space-time address STA is defined with a spatial extent, so that even if there is an error in the inquiry position SPOS, it becomes easier to identify the space-time address STA of the target object IN.

[0110] The processor PRS identifies the spatio-temporal address STA that includes the query position SPOS in the occupied space OS at the query time as the spatio-temporal address STA indicated by the query position SPOS and the query time.

[0111] According to this configuration, the object IN can be easily identified based on the inquiry position SPOS and the inquiry time.

[0112] The processor PRS obtains the query position SPOS as a search space SS having a predetermined size.

[0113] According to this configuration, the interrogation position SPOS is defined with a spatial extent, so that even if there is an error in the interrogation position SPOS, it becomes easier to identify the spatiotemporal address STA of the target object IN.

[0114] The processor PRS identifies the space-time address STA while adjusting the size of the search space SS based on user input information so that only a single space-time address STA is searched from the search space SS.

[0115] According to this configuration, even if another object IN exists nearby, the space-time address STA of the target object IN can be identified with high accuracy.

[0116] The processor PRS identifies one space-time address STA selected based on the user input information from among the multiple space-time addresses STA searched from the search space SS as the space-time address STA indicated by the query position SPOS and the query time.

[0117] According to this configuration, the space-time address STA of the target object IN is identified with high accuracy based on the user input information.

[0118] The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0119] [Note] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) An information processing device having a processor that links a space-time address of an object, which is defined by a location and a time at which the object exists, with an internet address of the object. (2) The processor identifies the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query location and query time, and transmits the internet address associated with the identified spatiotemporal address to the inquirer. The information processing device according to (1) above. (3) When the query location and query time indicate the space-time address of the object to which the processor belongs, the processor transmits the internet address associated with the space-time address to an inquirer. The information processing device according to (1) above. (4) the processor communicating with the inquirer via the internet address; The information processing device according to (3) above. (5) The processor identifies the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query position and the query time, and transmits object-related information of the object having the internet address associated with the identified spatiotemporal address to the inquirer. The information processing device according to (1) above. (6) the object-related information includes facility usage information related to the object; The information processing device according to (5) above. (7) The processor identifies the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query position and query time in the AR world, and performs a specified action on a virtual object in the AR world having the Internet address corresponding to the identified spatiotemporal address. The information processing device according to (1) above. (8) The processor acquires the position where the object exists as an occupied space having a predetermined size. The information processing device according to any one of (2) to (7) above. (9) the processor identifies the space-time address that includes the query location within the occupied space at the query time as the space-time address indicated by the query location and the query time; The information processing device according to (8) above. (10) The processor obtains the query location as a search space having a predetermined size. The information processing device according to any one of (2) to (7) above. (11) the processor identifies the space-time address while adjusting the size of the search space based on user input information so that only a single space-time address is searched from the search space; The information processing device according to (10) above. (12) the processor specifies one space-time address selected based on user input information from among the plurality of space-time addresses searched from the search space as the space-time address indicated by the query position and the query time; The information processing device according to (10) above. (13) A computer-implemented information processing method comprising: associating a space-time address of an object, the space-time address being defined by a location and a time at which the object exists, with an internet address of the object. (14) A program that causes a computer to link a space-time address of an object, which is defined by the location and time at which the object exists, with an internet address of the object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] DI Internet Address IN Object (information processing device) OB Virtual Object OS occupied space POS location PRN Processor PRS Processor RI object-related information SPOS Inquiry Location SS Search Space STA space-time address SV server (information processing device) TM terminal (information processing device)

Claims

1. a processor for associating a space-time address of the object, the space-time address being defined by a location and a time at which the object exists, with an internet address of the object; The processor identifies the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query position and the query time, and transmits object-related information of the object having the internet address associated with the identified spatiotemporal address to an inquirer; the object-related information includes facility usage information related to the object; Information processing device.

2. A system comprising: a processor for associating a space-time address of an object, the space-time address being defined by a location and a time at which the object exists, with an internet address of the object; The processor identifies the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query position and query time in the AR world, and performs a specified action on a virtual object in the AR world having the Internet address corresponding to the identified spatiotemporal address. Information processing device.

3. A system comprising: a processor for associating a space-time address of an object, the space-time address being defined by a location and a time at which the object exists, with an internet address of the object; The processor identifies the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query location and query time, and transmits the internet address associated with the identified spatiotemporal address to the inquirer; The processor acquires the position where the object exists as an occupied space having a predetermined size. Information processing device.

4. the processor identifies the space-time address that includes the query location within the occupied space at the query time as the space-time address indicated by the query location and the query time; The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. A system comprising: a processor for associating a space-time address of an object, the space-time address being defined by a location and a time at which the object exists, with an internet address of the object; The processor identifies the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query location and query time, and transmits the internet address associated with the identified spatiotemporal address to the inquirer; The processor obtains the query location as a search space having a predetermined size. Information processing device.

6. the processor identifies the space-time address while adjusting the size of the search space based on user input information so that only a single space-time address is searched from the search space; The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. the processor specifies one space-time address selected based on user input information from among the plurality of space-time addresses searched from the search space as the space-time address indicated by the query position and the query time; The information processing device according to claim 5 .

8. Associating a space-time address of the object, which is defined by the location and time of the object, with an internet address of the object; Identifying the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query position and query time; transmitting object-related information of the object having the internet address associated with the identified spatiotemporal address to an inquirer; Having that, the object-related information includes facility usage information related to the object; A computer-implemented information processing method.

9. Linking a space-time address of an object, which is defined by the location and time of the object, to an internet address of the object; Identifying the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query position and query time within the AR world; performing a specified action on a virtual object in the AR world having the internet address corresponding to the identified space-time address; 10. A computer-implemented information processing method comprising:

10. Associating a space-time address of an object, which is defined by the location and time of the object, with an internet address of the object; Identifying the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query position and query time; transmitting the internet address associated with the identified spatiotemporal address to the inquirer; acquiring the position where the object exists as an occupied space having a predetermined size; 10. A computer-implemented information processing method comprising:

11. Associating a space-time address of an object, which is defined by the location and time of the object, with an internet address of the object; Identifying the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query position and query time; transmitting the internet address associated with the identified spatiotemporal address to the inquirer; The query location is obtained as a search space having a predetermined size.

10. A computer-implemented information processing method comprising:

12. Associating a space-time address of the object, which is defined by the location and time of the object, with an internet address of the object; Identifying the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query position and query time; transmitting object-related information of the object having the internet address associated with the identified spatiotemporal address to an inquirer; Let the computer realize this, the object-related information includes facility usage information related to the object; program.

13. Associating a space-time address of an object, which is defined by the location and time of the object, with an internet address of the object; Identifying the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query position and query time within the AR world; performing a specified action on a virtual object in the AR world having the internet address corresponding to the identified space-time address; A program that makes a computer do something.

14. Associating a space-time address of an object, which is defined by the location and time of the object, with an internet address of the object; Identifying the spatiotemporal address indicated by the query position and query time; transmitting the internet address associated with the identified spatiotemporal address to the inquirer; acquiring the position where the object exists as an occupied space having a predetermined size; A program that makes a computer do something.

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