Information management method, information management device, and information management program

Abstract

To provide accurate use of mobility information applications in information terminals in situations where users who use information terminals with installed mobility information applications such as MaaS applications drive transportation means as a driver (transportation participant).SOLUTION: An information management method detects whether or not a user is driving a vehicle on which the user of an information terminal rides, and limits output contents in the information terminal of the user who is driving when detecting that the user is driving the vehicle himself / herself, and limits the output contents in the information terminal and gives a warning notice in the information terminal when detecting the operation of the information terminal by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information management method, an information management device, and an information management program using a mobility information application. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, efforts to provide access to sustainable transportation systems that take into consideration vulnerable transport participants have been gaining momentum. To achieve this, the inventors are focusing on research and development into preventive safety technologies to further improve traffic safety and convenience.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a MaaS (Mobility as a Service) system that generates multiple travel plans including one or more stop-off spots, means of transportation to the stop-off spots, and a time schedule including information about the stop-off spots based on a departure point and an allowable travel time obtained from an information terminal, and outputs the generated travel plans to the information terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-82219 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional preventive safety technologies have an issue in that they do not take into consideration the appropriate use of a mobility information app on an information terminal on which a mobility information app such as a MaaS app is installed when the user is operating a means of transportation as a driver (transport participant). The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information management method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a step of generating travel information regarding a route to be traveled using multiple means of transportation, as requested by a user via communication via the user's information terminal, and a travel information providing step of transmitting output control information of the information terminal and the travel information to the information terminal via communication, wherein the output control information detects whether the user of the information terminal is personally driving the means of transportation in which the user is riding, and if it is detected that the user is personally driving, it restricts the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving, and further, when it detects operation of the information terminal by the user who is driving, it restricts the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving and issues a warning notification on the information terminal.

[0007] An information management device according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a communication unit that communicates with a user's information terminal, and a movement information providing unit that generates movement information regarding routes traveled using multiple means of transportation and transmits the movement information and output control information of the information terminal to the information terminal via the communication unit, wherein the output control information detects whether the user of the information terminal is driving the means of transportation in which the user is riding, and if it detects that the user is driving, it restricts the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving, and further indicates that, when it detects operation of the information terminal by the user who is driving, it restricts the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving and issues a warning notification on the information terminal.

[0008] An information management program according to yet another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute a travel information generation step of generating travel information regarding a route to be traveled using multiple means of transportation requested by an information terminal via communication, and an information provision step of transmitting the travel information and output control information of the information terminal to the information terminal via communication, wherein the output control information detects whether the user of the information terminal is personally driving the means of transportation in which the user is riding, and if it is detected that the user is personally driving, restricts the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving, and further indicates that, when it detects operation of the information terminal by the user who is driving, it restricts the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving and issues a warning notification on the information terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this invention, when a user who receives travel information on an information terminal is driving the means of transportation himself / herself, the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving is restricted, and further, when operation of the information terminal by the user who is driving is detected, the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving is restricted and a warning notification is issued on the information terminal.

[0010] This allows the user to accurately use the transportation service app on the information terminal, including when the user is driving the transportation means as a driver (transport participant). As a result, the transportation means can travel to the destination more safely. This in turn can further improve the safety and convenience of transportation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobility information providing system to which an information management method, an information management device, and an information management program according to an embodiment are applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a user carrying an information terminal is riding in a car rented through a car sharing service. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a state in which an information terminal of a user in a car communicates with an information management device via a network. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the information terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of schedule information recorded in the schedule information storage unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the output contents of the first output control. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the output contents of the second output control during no operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the output contents of the second output control during operation. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a functional configuration diagram of the information management device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a basic information table recorded in the basic information storage unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a detailed information table recorded in the detailed information storage unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a functional configuration diagram of a modified example of the information terminal. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the modified information terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of "correct setting of driver flags", and FIGS. 15B, 15C, and 15D are all explanatory diagrams showing examples of "inappropriate setting of driver flags". DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [Embodiment] [composition] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a mobility information providing system 100 to which an information management method, an information management device 60, and an information management program according to an embodiment are applied.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the mobility information providing system 100 includes an information management device 60 and a plurality of information terminals 10, which are user terminals, that are connected to each other through a network 200 such as the Internet.

[0014] The information terminal 10 may be a single unit, but for ease of understanding the present invention, it is assumed to be made up of four information terminals 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, each carried by a different user 16, as shown in FIG.

[0015] A mobility information application such as a MaaS application is installed on the four information terminals 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D from the information management device 60 via the network 200.

[0016] Here, the information terminal 10 is configured by an information device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, a portable game machine, or a dedicated device.

[0017] An information terminal 10 having a travel information application installed thereon provides a user 16 of the information terminal 10 with travel information that is used when traveling from a departure point to a destination by coordinating multiple means of transportation.

[0018] The means of transportation include, for example, bicycles, rickshaws, motorcycles, automobiles, trains, airplanes, etc. The means of transportation include those that the user 16 can drive as the driver, such as a private car, rental car, car sharing, or shared bicycle, and those that the user 16 cannot drive as the driver, such as a taxi, bus, train, or ride sharing.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which users 16A to 16D carrying information terminals 10A to 10D, respectively, are riding in a car 12 rented through a car share service.

[0020] Four users 16A to 16D are on board the automobile 12. User 16A, who serves as the driver and carries information terminal 10A, is seated in driver's seat 14S. User 16B, who carries information terminal 10B, is seated in passenger seat 14T. Users 16C and 16D, who carry information terminals 10C and 10D, are seated in rear seats 14U and 14V, respectively.

[0021] A driver monitor camera 20 is provided above the center of the dashboard 18 of the automobile 12 as a driver identification device for identifying the driver seated in the driver's seat 14S. The driver monitor camera 20 identifies not only the user 16A as the driver, but also all users 16B, 16C, and 16D as passengers who can replace the driver.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows a state in which an information terminal 10 of a user 16 who is in a car 12, which is a means of transportation, is communicating with an information management device 60 via a network 200 in a mobility information providing system 100.

[0023] [Explanation of Functional Configuration of Information Terminal 10] 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the information terminal 10 (10A to 10D). The information terminal 10 includes a communication unit 31, an input unit 32, an output unit 33, a position information acquisition unit , a storage unit and a control unit .

[0024] The communication unit 31 is a communication device that is communicably connected directly or indirectly to the network 200. The communication unit 31 communicates with the information management device 60 via the network 200.

[0025] The input unit 32 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), a button, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 32 is operated by the user 16 when inputting instructions from the user 16 to the information terminal 10. The input unit 32 may be configured using a microphone. The input unit 32 may be configured in any way as long as it is capable of inputting instructions from the user 16 to the information terminal 10.

[0026] The output unit 33 outputs information to the user 16 of the information terminal 10 via an output device. The output device may be configured using, for example, a display device that outputs images and characters to a screen. The output device may be configured using a display device such as a liquid crystal or organic EL display. The output device may be configured using an audio output device (speaker).

[0027] The location information acquisition unit 34 acquires location information of the current location of the information terminal 10. The location information acquisition unit 34 acquires the location information of the current location, for example, by communicating with a satellite positioning system or a base station of a mobile phone network. Specific examples of satellite positioning systems include GPS (Global Positioning System) and Galileo. The location information acquisition unit 34 outputs the acquired location information to the control unit 38.

[0028] The storage unit 36 ​​is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive, a semiconductor storage device, etc. The storage unit 36 ​​functions as an identification information storage unit 51, a schedule information storage unit 52, an application program storage unit 53, and a seating position storage unit 54.

[0029] The identification information storage unit 51 stores user identification information. For example, the user identification information may be information that can uniquely identify the information terminal 10, or may be identification information assigned to the user 16. For example, the user identification information may be an ID assigned to the user 16 who uses the mobility information providing system 100.

[0030] The schedule information storage unit 52 stores schedule information of the user 16 of the information terminal 10. The schedule information is information that indicates a schedule regarding the movement of the user 16. The schedule information includes, for example, information that indicates a means of transportation and information that indicates the time or place that the user 16 will travel to using that means of transportation.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of schedule information recorded by the schedule information storage unit 52. The schedule information shown in Fig. 5 has values ​​for the departure date and time, the arrival date and time, the departure point, and the destination for each means of transportation used.

[0032] First, a train departs from XX Station at 9:20 on May 1, 2022, and arrives at □□ Station at 9:55 on May 1, 2022. Next, a car sharing vehicle 12 is driven by user 16, and departs from □□ Station at 10:10 on May 1, 2022, and arrives at △△ Park at 10:45 on May 1, 2022. After that, a bus departs from the bus stop in front of △△ Park at 17:00 on May 1, 2022, and gets off at the bus stop in front of XX Hotel at 17:20 on May 1, 2022.

[0033] The application program storage unit 53 stores application programs. The stored application programs are, for example, programs for mobility information applications such as MaaS applications. The application programs are, for example, downloaded from an application server via a network. The information management device 60 may function as the application server, or another device may function as the application server.

[0034] The control unit 38 is configured using a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (storage device). The control unit 38 functions as a schedule information acquisition unit 41, a movement information acquisition unit 42, and an output control unit 43 by the processor executing a program (for example, a program stored in the application program storage unit 53).

[0035] The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include portable media such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, and a semiconductor storage device (SSD), as well as storage devices such as a hard disk or semiconductor storage device built into a computer system. The program may also be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0036] The schedule information acquisition unit 41 of the control unit 38 acquires schedule information of the user 16 of the information terminal 10. The schedule information acquisition unit 41 may acquire schedule information input by the user 16 operating the input unit 32, for example. The schedule information acquisition unit 41 may acquire schedule information by receiving, from the information management device 60, schedule information generated by the information management device 60. The schedule information acquisition unit 41 records the acquired schedule information in the schedule information storage unit 52.

[0037] The travel information acquisition unit 42 acquires travel information of the user 16 of the information terminal 10. The travel information may be, for example, information indicating part or all of a route from the current location of the user 16 to a destination location. The travel information may be, for example, information indicating a map of the area around the current location of the user 16. The travel information may be, for example, information regarding the next transfer of the user 16. The information regarding the transfer may include, for example, information indicating the location where the user 16 will get off from the current means of transportation (e.g., station name, bus stop name, airport name, etc.). The information regarding the transfer may further include information indicating the next means of transportation to be used (e.g., flight number, departure time, destination, etc.).

[0038] The output control unit 43 controls the operation of the output unit 33 to output the movement information. The output control unit 43 may operate, for example, when a predetermined application for outputting travel information (here, a travel information app) is running. When the travel information app is running, the output control unit 43 may display a screen corresponding to the travel information app (for example, a screen showing a map or a route).

[0039] When the travel information app is running but a screen or home screen of an app other than the travel information app is actively displayed, the output control unit 43 may impose restrictions on the output content as described below.

[0040] When the user 16 of the information terminal 10 is not driving the automobile 12, which is the means of transportation, the output control unit 43 performs a first output control to output travel information from the output unit 33 without restricting the output content and without suppressing notifications from other apps.

[0041] When the user 16 of the information terminal 10 is driving the car 12, the output control unit 43 performs second output control to output the movement information from the output unit 33 while imposing restrictions on the output contents.

[0042] The second output control includes a non-operation second output control (for example, suppressing notifications from other apps) that is performed when the information terminal 10 of the user 16 who is driving the automobile 12 is not being operated, and an operation second output control (for example, suppressing notifications from other apps and issuing a warning notification to the output unit 33) that is performed when the information terminal 10 of the user 16 who is driving the automobile 12 is being operated.

[0043] The first output control is a control to output travel information (hereinafter referred to as "first travel information") that is utilized when the user 16 of the information terminal 10 is using a means of travel (in the example of FIG. 3, a car 12) without driving it. In the first output control, for example, information indicating the timing at which the user 16 will end use of the means of travel that he or she is currently using may be output as the first travel information. More specifically, information indicating the time and location (e.g., station or bus stop) at which the user 16 will get off the means of travel (e.g., a train or bus) that he or she is currently using may be output as the first travel information. Furthermore, information indicating the means of travel that the user 16 will use next (e.g., flight number, departure time, destination, etc.) may be output as the first travel information.

[0044] The first output control is also applied to the information terminals 10B, 10C, and 10D of the users 16B, 16C, and 16D who are passengers and not driving the automobile 12.

[0045] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of output content in the first output control. In the specific example of Fig. 6, the output unit 33 is configured as an image display device. In the example shown in Fig. 6, a non-app screen 131 and a first movement information screen 132 are displayed on the output unit 33. The non-app screen 131 is a screen displayed for software other than the movement information app. Specific examples of the non-app screen 131 include a home screen of a device such as a smartphone, a desktop screen of a device such as a personal computer, and a screen in which an application other than the movement information app (another app) is active.

[0046] The state in which the non-application screen 131 is displayed occupying the entire screen of the output unit 33 is a state in which an application (another application) other than the travel information application or the home screen is active. That is, this is a state in which the user 16 performs an operation to display the home screen, such as pressing the home button, or a state in which the user 16 is operating an application (another application) different from the travel information application.

[0047] When the non-app screen 131 is displayed on the screen of the output unit 33, the first travel information screen 132 is displayed superimposed on a part of the non-app screen 131. For such a superimposed display, a display technique such as picture-in-picture may be used. As a specific example, the first travel information screen 132 displays the location (e.g., station name "□□ Station") where the user 16 should get off the means of transportation (e.g., a train) that they are currently using, and the estimated time that the means of transportation will arrive at that location (e.g., "9:55").

[0048] The second output control during non-operation is a control that outputs travel information (hereinafter referred to as "second travel information") that is utilized when the user 16 of the information terminal 10 is driving a means of transportation (in the example of Figure 3, a car 12) and is not operating the information terminal 10.

[0049] In the no-operation second output control, for example, information for navigating the movement of the means of transportation currently being driven by the user 16A (the automobile 12 in the example of FIG. 3) may be output as the second movement information. More specifically, map information including the surroundings of the current position of the user 16A, or information indicating a route that is desirable for the user 16A to use when moving from the current position to the destination may be output as the second movement information.

[0050] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of output content in the second output control during no operation. In the specific example of Fig. 7, the output unit 33 is configured as an image display device. In the example shown in Fig. 7, a non-application screen 131 and a second movement information screen 133 are displayed on the output unit 33.

[0051] In this state where the non-app screen 131 is displayed on the screen of the output unit 33, the second movement information screen 133 is displayed superimposed on a part of the non-app screen 131. For such a superimposed display, a display technique such as picture-in-picture may be used. As a specific example, the second movement information screen 133 displays a map of the surrounding area of ​​the current position of the information terminal 10A. The second movement information screen 133 may further display information indicating the route that the user 16A should take while driving the current means of transportation (the automobile 12).

[0052] The second output control during operation is a control that outputs warning information that is notified when user 16 (user 16A in the example of Figure 3) of information terminal 10 operates information terminal 10A while the user 16 (user 16A in the example of Figure 3) is driving a means of transportation (car 12 in the example of Figure 3) as a driver.

[0053] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of output content in the second output control during operation. In the specific example of Fig. 8, the output unit 33 is configured as an image display device. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the second movement information screen 133 is displayed superimposed on a part of the non-application screen 131, and then the warning notification screen 135 and the warning notification screen 137 are displayed overlaid. For such superimposed display, a display technique such as picture-in-picture may be used.

[0054] One of the warning notification screens 135 displays a warning display label using a pictogram or the like. The other warning notification screen 137 displays the text "Operation while driving is dangerous." In this case, the output unit 33 may also output a voice message saying "Operation while driving is dangerous." The warning notification screens 135 and 137 may display only one of the messages.

[0055] The output control unit 43 determines whether or not the user 16 of the information terminal 10 is driving a means of transportation (the automobile 12 in the example of FIG. 3) in the following manner, for example.

[0056] As can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, the driver monitor camera 20 constantly recognizes the face of the user 16A in the driver's seat 14S, and records the fact that the user 16A is sitting in the driver's seat 14S in the seating position memory unit 54 of the information terminal 10A via the communication unit 31 and output control unit 43 of the information terminal 10A.

[0057] At the same time, the driver monitor camera 20 constantly recognizes the faces of the passengers, users 16B, 16C, and 16D. The driver monitor camera 20 records in the seating position memory unit 54 of the information terminal 10B, via the communication unit 31 and output control unit 43 of the information terminal 10B, that the user 16B is seated in the passenger seat 14T, and records in the seating position memory units 54 of the information terminals 10C and 10D, via the communication units 31 and output control units 43 of the information terminals 10C and 10D, that the users 16C and 16D are seated in the rear seats 14U and 14V.

[0058] In this way, the output control unit 43 of the information terminal 10A can determine, through facial recognition by the driver monitor camera 20, that the user 16A of the information terminal 10A is driving the automobile 12 as the driver.

[0059] [Explanation of Functional Configuration of Information Management Device 60] Next, the information management device 60 will be described. 9 is a functional configuration diagram of the information management device 60. The information management device 60 is configured using an information processing device such as a personal computer or a server device. The information management device 60 includes a communication unit 61, a storage unit 62, and a control unit 64.

[0060] The communication unit 61 is a communication device communicably connected to the network 200. The communication unit 61 communicates with other devices via the network 200. For example, the communication unit 61 communicates with the information terminal 10.

[0061] The storage unit 62 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive, a semiconductor storage device, etc. The storage unit 62 functions as a basic information storage unit 81, a detailed information storage unit 82, and a travel-related information storage unit 83.

[0062] The basic information storage unit 81 stores basic information about a plurality of users 16 . 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a basic information table stored in the basic information storage unit 81. The basic information table has multiple basic information records. The basic information records indicate basic information related to the user 16 traveling using multiple modes of transportation. The basic information records include, for example, user identification information, initial departure date and time, final arrival date and time, initial departure point, and final destination values.

[0063] The initial departure date and time indicates the date and time when the user 16 starts traveling using the first transportation mode when traveling using multiple transportation modes. The final arrival date and time indicates the date and time when the user 16 arrives at the final destination when traveling using multiple transportation modes. The initial departure location indicates the location where the user 16 starts traveling using the first transportation mode when traveling using multiple transportation modes. The final destination indicates the final destination when traveling using multiple transportation modes.

[0064] The detailed information storage unit 82 stores detailed information about a plurality of users 16 . FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of a detailed information table recorded by the detailed information storage unit 82. The detailed information table has multiple detailed information records. The detailed information records indicate detailed information about the user 16 traveling using multiple means of transportation. The detailed information records may include, for example, schedule information. The detailed information records have, for example, values ​​of user identification information and schedule information. The schedule information has been explained using FIG. 5, so an explanation of it will be omitted here.

[0065] The travel-related information storage unit 83 stores travel-related information. The travel-related information is information used to generate schedule information and travel information. The travel-related information may include, for example, information about a means of transportation that may be used by the user 16. More specifically, it may include information about each means of transportation used for rental cars, car sharing, shared bicycles, etc. The travel-related information may include map information, or information such as timetables and route maps for public transportation.

[0066] The control unit 64 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The control unit 64 functions as a schedule information management unit 71 and a travel information provision unit 72 by the processor executing a program. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0067] The schedule information management unit 71 acquires basic information and detailed information, and records them in the basic information storage unit 81 and the detailed information storage unit 82, respectively. The schedule information management unit 71 may operate, for example, as follows: The schedule information management unit 71 receives basic information input by the user 16 from the information terminal 10. The schedule information management unit 71 records the received basic information in the basic information storage unit 81.

[0068] The schedule information management unit 71 generates multiple candidates for schedule information that satisfy the date, time, and location conditions defined in the received basic information. At this time, the schedule information management unit 71 generates candidates for schedule information that use multiple means of transportation. The multiple means of transportation may include not only public transportation but also transportation driven by the user 16 himself.

[0069] Any existing algorithm may be applied to generate candidates for schedule information. When generating schedule information, the schedule information management unit 71 may use not only the information recorded in the storage unit 62 of the information management device 60, but also the processing of an external device communicably connected via the network 200. For example, the schedule information management unit 71 may request the external device to generate part of the schedule information using public transportation.

[0070] The schedule information management unit 71 transmits the generated plurality of schedule information candidates to the information terminal 10 that is the source of the basic information.

[0071] The information terminal 10 outputs the received multiple schedule information candidates. The user 16 operates the input unit 32 of the information terminal 10 to select one piece of schedule information. The information terminal 10 records the selected schedule information in the schedule information storage unit 52 and transmits it to the information management device 60.

[0072] The schedule information management unit 71 records the received schedule information in the detailed information storage unit 82 in association with user identification information indicating the sender. The above-described operation of the schedule information management unit 71 is merely an example. The schedule information management unit 71 may acquire schedule information through other processes. For example, the schedule information management unit 71 may acquire schedule information by receiving schedule information input by the user 16 at the information terminal 10.

[0073] The movement information providing unit 72 provides movement information to the information terminal 10 of the user 16 who is moving based on schedule information. For example, the movement information providing unit 72 receives current location information from the information terminal 10. The movement information providing unit 72 generates movement information according to the location indicated by the received location information, and transmits the generated movement information to the information terminal 10.

[0074] The movement information providing unit 72 may generate movement information according to the current time instead of the location information, and transmit the generated movement information to the information terminal 10.

[0075] [Operation] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information terminal 10. In step S1, the movement information acquisition unit 42 determines, based on the position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 34, whether or not the user 16 has departed from the initial departure point. For example, if the detected position once coincides with the initial departure point and then moves away from the initial departure point by a predetermined distance or more, it may be determined that the user 16 has departed from the initial departure point.

[0076] The travel information acquisition unit 42 waits until the user 16 departs from the initial departure point (step S1: NO).

[0077] When the user 16 departs from the initial departure point (step S1: YES), the control unit 38 advances the process to step S2.

[0078] In step S2, the movement information acquisition unit 42 requests current movement information from the information management device 60. At this time, the movement information acquisition unit 42 may transmit the user identification information of the information terminal 10 and the current location information of the information terminal 10 to the information management device 60. The movement information providing unit 72 of the information management device 60 receives the user identification information and current location information of the information terminal 10, generates movement information based on the user identification information and the current location information, and transmits it to the information terminal 10. The information terminal 10 acquires the movement information by receiving it. Upon acquiring the movement information, the control unit 38 proceeds to step S3.

[0079] In step S3, when the travel information acquisition unit 42 acquires new travel information, the output control unit 43 determines the current means of travel. If the current means of travel is a "car share" that can be driven by the user 16, the process proceeds to step S4, and if it is a "train" or "bus" that is not driven by the user 16, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0080] In step S4, the output control unit 43 determines whether the user 16 of the information terminal 10 is the driver who is driving the vehicle. In this case, the output control unit 43 of the information terminal 10A determines (confirms) that the user 16A seated in the driver's seat 14S is the driver from the recorded information in the seating position memory unit 54 recorded by the driver monitor camera 20 (step S4: YES), and proceeds to step S6. Also, in step S4, the output control unit 43 of the information terminal 10B, 10C, 10D determines (confirms) that the user 16B, 16C, 16D is a passenger (not the driver) seated in the passenger seat 14T or the rear seat 14U, 14V from the recorded information in the seating position memory unit 54 recorded by the driver monitor camera 20 (step S4: NO), and then proceeds to step S5.

[0081] In step S6, output control unit 43 of information terminal 10A determines whether user 16A, who is the driver (user 16A who is driving), has operated information terminal 10A. Specifically, when an instruction from user 16A is input from input unit 32 of information terminal 10A, output control unit 43 of information terminal 10A determines that an operation has been performed (step S6: YES), and proceeds to step S7.

[0082] On the other hand, when no instruction from user 16A is input from input unit 32 of information terminal 10A, output control unit 43 of information terminal 10A determines that no operation has been performed (step S6: NO), and proceeds to step S8.

[0083] In step S7, output control unit 43 of information terminal 10A determines to control output unit 33 of information terminal 10A in the second in-operation output control mode.

[0084] In step S8, output control unit 43 of information terminal 10B determines to control output unit 33 of information terminal 10A in the second non-operation output control mode.

[0085] In step S5, the output control unit 43 determines to control the output unit 33 of the information terminal 10 using the first output control.

[0086] More specifically, if the determination in step S3 is that the information terminal is a train or a bus, in step S5, the output control unit 43 of the information terminals 10A to 10D determines to control the output unit 33 of each of the information terminals 10A to 10D using the first output control. Also, if the determination in step S3 is that the vehicle is car sharing and the determination in step S4 is that the vehicle is a passenger, then in step S5, the output control unit 43 of the information terminals 10B to 10D determines to control each output unit 33 of the information terminals 10B to 10D using the first output control.

[0087] In step 9S, each output control unit 43 outputs specified movement information by controlling each output unit 33 according to the control processing content determined in step S5, step S7 or step S8 (S5: first output control, S7: second output control when operated, S8: second output control when not operated), and the process proceeds to step S10.

[0088] In step S10, the movement information acquisition unit 42 determines, based on the position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 34, whether or not the user 16 has reached the final destination. For example, if the detected location is within a predetermined distance from the final destination, it may be determined that the user 16 has reached the final destination.

[0089] The movement information acquisition unit 42 returns to the process of step S3 until the user 16 reaches the final destination (step S10: NO). On the other hand, when the user 16 reaches the final destination (step S10: YES), the movement information acquisition unit 42 ends the process.

[0090] When the current means of transportation is a train or bus that the user 16 cannot drive, each output control unit 43 of the transportation information providing system 100 according to the embodiment configured in this manner provides transportation information using a first output control that does not restrict the output content on the information terminal 10 of the user 16, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0091] In addition, each output control unit 43 of the travel information providing system 100 provides travel information using the first output control that does not restrict the output content on the information terminal 10 of the user 16, as illustrated in Figure 6, even when the user 16 is not a car share driver but a passenger.

[0092] In the first output control, travel information (first travel information) that is utilized when a user 16 of the information terminal 10 is using (riding in) an automobile 12, which is a means of transportation, without driving it, is output, so that travel-related information (travel information) can be provided on the information terminal 10 with greater convenience to a user 16 who uses multiple means of transportation in conjunction with each other. In the first output control, even if the non-application screen 131 is displayed as an active screen on the output unit 33, the first movement information screen 132 (FIG. 6) is displayed superimposed on a part of the non-application screen 131. This makes it possible to improve convenience for the user 16. In the first output control, notifications to the output unit 33 from other applications different from the travel information application are not suppressed.

[0093] Furthermore, in the case where the user 16 is a car sharing driver and is not operating the information terminal 10A, the output contents on the information terminal 10A of the user 16 are restricted, as illustrated in FIG. This restriction is implemented by a second non-operation output control that permits the output of second movement information that is utilized when information terminal 10A is not being operated.

[0094] In the non-operation second output control, travel information (second travel information) that is utilized when user 16A of information terminal 10A is driving automobile 12, which is a means of transportation, is output. Therefore, it is possible to provide information that is highly convenient for user 16.

[0095] Furthermore, when the user 16 is driving, even if the non-application screen 131 is displayed as an active screen on the output unit 33, the second movement information screen 133 (FIG. 7) is displayed superimposed on a part of the non-application screen 131. This makes it possible to improve convenience for the user 16.

[0096] In the second non-operation time output control, notifications to the output unit 33 from applications other than the travel information application are suppressed.

[0097] In the second output control at the time of operation by the output control unit 43, which is executed when the driver user 16A operates the information terminal 10A, notifications to the output unit 33 from other apps other than the travel information app are suppressed, and warning notification screens 135, 137 are displayed (warning notifications) on the output unit 33.

[0098] Note that part of the processing of the output control unit 43 of the information terminal 10 described above may be executed by the control unit 64 of the information management device 60. For example, the determination of whether the user 16 is driving may be executed by the control unit 64 (e.g., the travel information providing unit 72) of the information management device 60 instead of the output control unit 43.

[0099] For example, the determination of whether to execute the first output control and the determination of whether to execute the second output control may be performed by the control unit 64 (e.g., the travel information providing unit 72) of the information management device 60 instead of the output control unit 43. In such a configuration, the control unit 64 of the information management device 60 transmits information indicating the determination result (output control information) to the information terminal 10. The output control unit 43 of the information terminal 10 may perform output control based on the received output control information.

[0100] [Variations] The above embodiment can be modified as follows. In the drawings referred to below, parts corresponding to those shown above are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In each drawing, common or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0101] FIG. 13 is a functional configuration diagram of the information terminal 10 (10A to 10D) according to a modified example.

[0102] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information terminal 10 (10A to 10D) according to the modified example.

[0103] The information terminal 10 (10A to 10D) according to the modified example shown in Figure 13 differs from the information terminal 10 (10A to 10D) according to the embodiment in that the seating position memory unit 54 of the memory unit 36 ​​is replaced with a driver flag memory unit 55 in memory unit 36A.

[0104] In the flowchart of the modified example shown in Figure 14, a determination process of whether or not the "correct setting of the driver flag" in step Sa has been performed in the information terminal 10 is inserted between the processes of steps S3 and S4 of the flowchart of the embodiment (Figure 12).

[0105] In the flowchart of FIG. 14, the processing of step S4 in the flowchart of FIG. 12, which performs driver identification determination processing dependent on the driver monitor camera 20, is replaced by processing of steps Sa and Sb relating to determination based on "correct setting of the driver flag" without requiring the driver monitor camera 20.

[0106] FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of "correct setting of driver flags", and FIGS. 15B, 15C, and 15D are all explanatory diagrams showing examples of "inappropriate setting of driver flags".

[0107] That is, in step Sa after processing step S3 in which it is determined that the means of transportation is car sharing, the output control unit 43 determines whether the setting of the driver flag F = (Fa, Fb, Fc, Fd) for the automobile 12 recorded in the driver flag memory unit 55 of the memory unit 36A is correct or not. The driver flag F=(Fa, Fb, Fc, Fd) is information indicating whether the user 16 currently on board is a driver or a passenger.

[0108] If the driver flag F is F=(Fa,Fb,Fc,Fd)=(1,0,0,0) or (0,1,0,0) or (0,0,1,0) or (0,0,0,1), and the driver flag F of one (one) information terminal 10 (user 16) is set to F=1, and the driver flag F of the remaining information terminals 10 (users 16) is set to F=0, it is determined that the setting of the driver flag F is correct (step Sa: YES), and processing proceeds to step S4.

[0109] If the output control unit 43 determines that the "setting of the driver flag F" is incorrect (step Sa: NO), the process proceeds to step Sb.

[0110] In step Sb, the output control unit 43 prompts each information terminal 10 of all users 16 to set the driver flag F by displaying on the screen and / or outputting audio, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, performs the determination process of step Sa.

[0111] That is, based on the output control information received from the information management device 60, the output control unit 43 displays, on the output unit 33 of the information terminal 10 of the user 16, a screen or the like that prompts the user to input a driver flag F (information) that causes the user to apply (declare) through the input unit 32 whether or not the user is the driver who is about to drive the automobile 12. The output control unit 43 may also prompt the user to input (apply) the driver flag F by audio output through the output unit 33.

[0112] Specifically, the output unit 33 prompts the user to input a driver flag F that sets an unset driver flag F (F="-") to driver flag F=0 (not a driver) or driver flag F=1.

[0113] The determination in step Sb is repeated until the determination in step Sa becomes affirmative (step Sa: YES), in other words, until the application for "correct setting of driver flag" is completed.

[0114] In this modified example 1, all users 16 (all passengers) are required to declare (declare) whether or not they are the driver of a car-shared automobile 12, which is a means of transportation, without using the driver monitor camera 20 of the automobile 12. Therefore, even if the means of transportation is not equipped with a driver monitor camera 20, it is possible to identify the user 16A who is the driver, and to impose restrictions (non-operation second output control or operation second output control) on the output content of the information terminal 10A of the identified driver user 16A.

[0115] On the other hand, it is possible to impose no restrictions on the output contents of the information terminals 10B, 10C, and 10D of the users 16B, 16C, and 16D who are passengers (first output control).

[0116] In this modification, the user 16A who is the driver and the users 16B, 16C, and 16D who are the passengers can be identified at low cost.

[0117] [Other variations] As a method for identifying the information terminal 10 of the user 16 seated in the driver's seat 14S, the information terminal 10 is connected to an in-vehicle device provided in the vehicle (automobile 12) via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, the distance between the in-vehicle device and the information terminal 10 may be estimated based on the radio wave intensity of the information terminal 10 measured by the in-vehicle device, and the information terminal 10 located closest to the driver's seat 14S may be identified as the information terminal 10 of the user 16 as the driver. The in-vehicle device functions as a driver identification device.

[0118] [Invention that can be understood from the embodiments and modifications] The invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modifications will now be described. Note that for ease of understanding, some of the components are labeled with the same reference numerals as those used in the above-described embodiment and modifications, but the components are not limited to those labeled with those reference numerals.

[0119] (1) The information management method of the present invention includes a step of generating travel information regarding a route to be traveled using multiple means of transportation, requested by a user 16 via the user's information terminal 10 through communication, and a travel information providing step of transmitting output control information of the information terminal and the travel information to the information terminal through communication, wherein the output control information detects whether the user of the information terminal is personally driving the means of transportation in which the user is riding, and if it detects that the user is personally driving, it restricts the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving, and further, when it detects that the user who is driving is operating the information terminal, it restricts the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving and issues a warning notification on the information terminal.

[0120] According to this configuration, when a user who receives travel information on an information terminal is driving the means of transportation himself / herself, the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving is restricted, and further, when operation of the information terminal by the user who is driving is detected, the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving is restricted and a warning notification is issued on the information terminal.

[0121] This allows the user to accurately use the transportation service app on the information terminal, including when the user is driving the transportation means as a driver (transport participant). As a result, the transportation means can travel to the destination more safely. This in turn can further improve the safety and convenience of transportation.

[0122] (2) In the information management method, restricting the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving may include suppressing notifications from other apps.

[0123] This suppresses notifications from other apps on the information terminal when the user is driving the means of transportation as a driver (transport participant), thereby enabling more accurate use of the transportation service app.

[0124] (3) Furthermore, in the information management method, when multiple users are riding in the means of transportation, the output control information may indicate that no restrictions are placed on the output contents of the information terminals of the passengers.

[0125] This has the effect that each passenger who uses the mobility information application on their own information terminal is not restricted in the content that can be output on their own information terminal.

[0126] (4) Furthermore, in the information management method, not imposing restrictions on the output content of the information terminal of the passenger may include not suppressing notifications from other apps. This will eliminate restrictions on the use of apps on information devices for passengers who are not driving.

[0127] (5) Furthermore, in the information management method, the transportation means may be equipped with a driver identification device that outputs driver identification information that identifies the driver sitting in the driver's seat, and the output control information may indicate that the restriction is to be imposed on the output content of the information terminal of the user who is the driver identified by the driver identification information.

[0128] In this way, the driver identification device of the means of transportation is used to identify the user sitting in the driver's seat, so that it is possible to accurately and easily restrict the output contents of the information terminal of the user who is the driver.

[0129] (6) Furthermore, in the information management method, the output control information may indicate that all users on board the means of transportation should check a driver flag that indicates which user the driver is through the input unit 32 of the information terminal.

[0130] In this way, all users (all passengers) are required to declare (declare) whether or not they are the driver of a means of transport without using a driver identification device for the means of transport, so that it is possible to identify users who are drivers at low cost and to restrict the output content of the information terminal of the identified users who are drivers.

[0131] (7) The information management device 60 of the present invention comprises a communication unit 61 that communicates with the information terminal 10 of the user 16, and a movement information providing unit 72 that generates movement information regarding routes traveled using multiple means of transportation and transmits the movement information and output control information of the information terminal to the information terminal via the communication unit, and the output control information detects whether the user of the information terminal is driving the means of transportation in which the user is riding, and if it detects that the user is driving, it restricts the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving, and further indicates that if it detects operation of the information terminal by the user who is driving, it restricts the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving and issues a warning notification on the information terminal.

[0132] According to this configuration, when a user who receives travel information on an information terminal is driving the means of transportation himself / herself, the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving is restricted, and further, when operation of the information terminal by the user who is driving is detected, the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving is restricted and a warning notification is issued on the information terminal.

[0133] This allows the user to accurately use the transportation service app on the information terminal, including when the user is driving the transportation means as a driver (transport participant). As a result, the transportation means can travel to the destination more safely. This in turn can further improve the safety and convenience of transportation.

[0134] (8) The information management program of the present invention causes a computer to execute a travel information generation step of generating travel information regarding a route to be traveled using multiple means of transportation requested by an information terminal via communication, and an information provision step of transmitting the travel information and output control information of the information terminal to the information terminal via communication, wherein the output control information detects whether the user of the information terminal is personally driving the means of transportation in which the user is riding, and if it detects that the user is personally driving, it restricts the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving, and further, when it detects operation of the information terminal by the user who is driving, it restricts the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving and issues a warning notification on the information terminal.

[0135] According to this configuration, when a user who receives travel information on an information terminal is driving the means of transportation himself / herself, the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving is restricted, and further, when operation of the information terminal by the user who is driving is detected, the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving is restricted and a warning notification is issued on the information terminal.

[0136] This allows the user to accurately use the transportation service app on the information terminal, including when the user is driving the transportation means as a driver (transport participant). As a result, the transportation means can travel to the destination more safely. This in turn can further improve the safety and convenience of transportation.

[0137] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D...Information terminal 12...Automobile 14S...Driver's seat 14T...Passenger seat 14U, 14V...Rear seat 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D...User 20...Driver monitor camera 31, 61...Communication unit 32...input section 33...output section 34...Position information acquisition unit 36, 36A, 62...Storage unit 38, 64...Control unit 41...Schedule information acquisition unit 42...Movement information acquisition unit 43...Output control unit 51...Identification information storage unit 52...Schedule information storage unit 53...Application program storage unit 54... Seating position storage section 55... Driver flag storage section 60...information management device 71...schedule information management unit 72...Mobility information provision section 81...Basic information storage section 82...Detailed information storage unit 83...Movement-related information storage unit 100...Travel information system 131...Non-app screen 132...First movement information screen 133...Second movement information screen 135, 137...Warning notification screen 200...Network

Claims

1. generating travel information relating to a route to be traveled using a plurality of means of transportation, the travel information being requested by a user through communication via the user's information terminal; a movement information providing step of transmitting output control information of the information terminal and the movement information to the information terminal by communication, The output control information is detect whether the user of the information terminal is driving the means of transportation in which the user is riding as a driver, and when it is detected that the user is driving the means of transportation, restrict the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving; and when it is detected that the user is operating the information terminal, restrict the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving and issue a warning notice on the information terminal; When multiple users are riding in the transportation means, the output control information indicates that no restriction is imposed on the output content of the passenger's information terminal, The output control information indicates that all the users on the transportation means should confirm a driver flag indicating whether the driver is a specific user through an input unit of the information terminal. Information management method.

2. 2. The information management method according to claim 1, Restricting the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving includes suppressing notifications from other apps. Information management method.

3. 2. The information management method according to claim 1, Not imposing the restriction on the output content of the information terminal of the passenger includes not suppressing notifications from other apps. Information management method.

4. 2. The information management method according to claim 1, the moving means is equipped with a driver identification device that outputs driver identification information that identifies the driver sitting in the driver's seat, the output control information indicates that the restriction is to be imposed on the output content of the information terminal of the user who is the driver identified by the driver identification information. Information management method.

5. a communication unit that communicates with a user's information terminal; a travel information providing unit that generates travel information relating to a route to be traveled using a plurality of means of transportation and transmits the travel information and output control information of the information terminal to the information terminal via the communication unit; The output control information is detect whether the user of the information terminal is driving the means of transportation in which the user is riding as a driver, and when it is detected that the user is driving the means of transportation, restrict the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving; and when it is detected that the user is operating the information terminal, restrict the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving and issue a warning notice on the information terminal; When multiple users are riding in the transportation means, the output control information indicates that no restriction is imposed on the output content of the passenger's information terminal, The output control information indicates that all the users on the transportation means should confirm a driver flag indicating whether the driver is a specific user through an input unit of the information terminal. Information management device.

6. On the computer, a travel information generating step of generating travel information relating to a route to travel using a plurality of means of transportation requested by the information terminal through communication; an information providing step of transmitting the movement information and output control information of the information terminal to the information terminal by communication; The output control information is detect whether the user of the information terminal is driving the means of transportation in which the user is riding as a driver, and when it is detected that the user is driving the means of transportation, restrict the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving; and when it is detected that the user is operating the information terminal, restrict the output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving and issue a warning notice on the information terminal; When multiple users are riding in the transportation means, the output control information indicates that no restriction is imposed on the output content of the passenger's information terminal, The output control information indicates that all the users on the transportation means should confirm a driver flag indicating whether the driver is a specific user through an input unit of the information terminal. Information Management Program.

7. A step of generating travel information regarding a route to be traveled using multiple means of transportation, which is requested by a user through communication with the user's information terminal; a movement information providing step of transmitting output control information of the information terminal and the movement information to the information terminal by communication, The output control information is Detecting whether or not the user of the information terminal is driving the means of transportation in which the user is riding, and when detecting that the user is driving the means of transportation, indicating that restrictions will be imposed on output content on the information terminal of the user who is driving; When multiple users are riding in the transportation means, the output control information indicates that no restriction is imposed on the output content of the passenger's information terminal, The output control information indicates that all the users on the transportation means should confirm a driver flag indicating whether the driver is a specific user through an input unit of the information terminal. Information management method.

8. In the information management method according to claim 7, The output control information is When it is detected that the user is driving himself / herself, and further when an operation of the information terminal by the user who is driving is detected, a warning display label using a pictogram is overwritten and displayed on the information terminal of the user who is driving. Information management method.

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