Information providing device, program, and information providing method

Abstract

To provide an information providing device or the like that enables a user to know the current situation of a specific place where an image is posted by any user. [Solution] The information providing device 1 comprises a receiving unit 11 that receives posted images 26a from each of a plurality of terminals 2, including the date and time and location at which the images were taken by the terminal 2; a memory unit 12 that stores the posted images 26a received by the receiving unit 11; and a display processing unit 15 that displays a map image on the display screen and also displays an icon image of the first posted image among the posted images 26a stored in the memory unit 12 that satisfies a predetermined condition and is within an upper limit of the number in order of date and time at a corresponding position on the map image, wherein the predetermined condition is that the shooting location of the posted image 26a is a position included in the map image, and the shooting date and time of the posted image 26a is within a predetermined time from the display time at which the map image is displayed on the display screen.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information providing device, a program, and an information providing method, and more particularly to an information providing device, a program, and an information providing method for providing information on a specific location. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, it has become possible not only to display maps based on map information, but also to display information about a certain location using the map. For example, a system has been disclosed that can display information about a target location on a web map not only as static content but also as video content (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-030971 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 can only play back still or video content related to each of a plurality of target locations defined by the system. Furthermore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not update the content related to each of the plurality of target locations, and the content may remain outdated.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure aims to provide an information providing device or the like that enables users to know the current situation of a specific location where an image is posted by any user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The information providing device of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives posted images from each of a plurality of first terminals, the posted images including the date and time and location of the images taken by the first terminal; a memory unit that stores the posted images received by the receiving unit; and a display processing unit that displays a map image on a display screen and displays icon images of first posted images stored in the memory unit that satisfy predetermined conditions and are within an upper limit of the number in order of date and time of their shooting at corresponding positions on the map image, wherein the predetermined conditions are that the shooting location of the posted image is a position included in the map image, and that the shooting date and time of the posted image is within a predetermined time from the display time at which the map image is displayed on the display screen.

[0007] "First Device" refers to the device used by the poster to post the image.

[0008] "Posted images" are, for example, still images, but may also be videos.

[0009] The "icon image of the first posted image" may be a thumbnail image of the first posted image, or an image of a portion of the first posted image.

[0010] The "display screen" may be the display screen of the information providing device, or may be the display screen of a second terminal different from the first terminal. In the case of the display screen of the information providing device, the display screen displayed by the display processing unit is provided to the display screen of terminal 2.

[0011] The "maximum number" is a number determined so that multiple icons displayed on a single screen do not become difficult to see. For example, it may be 100, but it may be any number between 20 and 100.

[0012] "A specified time from the time of display" is the time period in which the posted image can be considered to show the current situation, for example, 12 hours, but it can also be set arbitrarily within a few minutes to a day, as long as it is a time period that is considered to be included in "now."

[0013] (2) In such an information providing device, the receiving unit may not receive the posted image if the difference between the shooting date and time of the posted image and the reception time of the posted image is equal to or greater than a predetermined time.

[0014] (3) Here, the display processing unit may select the icon image to display a first posted image of the icon image on the display screen, display a display element that allows a past date and time to be specified in a part of the displayed first posted image, and when a first past date and time is specified by the display element, display a posted image of the first past date and time at the shooting position of the first posted image.

[0015] A "display element" is a visual representation of a user interface (UI) for specifying a past date and time, and may be displayed, for example, as a seek bar (horizontal bar) that visually shows the time axis from the current date and time to a past date and time.

[0016] (4) Furthermore, in such an information providing device, when the display processing unit enlarges or reduces the map image, the display processing unit may further display, at a corresponding position on the enlarged or reduced map image, an icon image of a second posted image that satisfies the specified condition and is within the upper limit number in order of the date and time of shooting among the posted images stored in the memory unit.

[0017] (5) Furthermore, in such an information providing device, the storage unit may further store the stored posted image in association with NFT information.

[0018] (6) The program disclosed herein causes a computer to execute the following steps: a receiving step of receiving posted images from each of a plurality of first terminals, the posted images including the date and time and location of the images taken by the first terminal; a storage step of storing the posted images received in the receiving step in a storage unit; and a display processing step of displaying a map image on a display screen and displaying icon images of first posted images stored in the storage unit that satisfy a predetermined condition and are within an upper limit of the number in order of date and time of their shooting at corresponding positions on the map image, wherein the predetermined conditions are that the shooting location of the posted image is a position included in the map image, and the shooting date and time of the posted image is within a predetermined time from the display time at which the map image is displayed on the display screen.

[0019] (7) The information provision method disclosed herein includes a receiving step of receiving posted images from each of a plurality of first terminals, the posted images including the date and time of shooting and the location where the images were taken by the first terminal; a storage step of storing the posted images received in the receiving step in a storage unit; and a display processing step of displaying a map image on a display screen and displaying icon images of first posted images stored in the storage unit that satisfy a predetermined condition and are within an upper limit of the number in order of the date and time of shooting at corresponding positions on the map image, wherein the predetermined conditions are that the location where the posted image was taken is a position included in the map image, and the date and time of shooting of the posted image is within a predetermined time from the display time at which the map image was displayed on the display screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] The information providing device and the like disclosed herein can provide information such as the current situation of a specific location where an image is posted by any poster. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overview of an information providing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a terminal used by a contributor and an information providing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a terminal used by a viewer in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal used by a viewer. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal used by the viewer. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information providing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a posted image DB. [Figure 9] 4 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an example of an operation of the information providing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overview of an information providing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an information providing device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] An information providing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, and component placement positions shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in an independent claim representing a top-level concept will be described as optional components. Furthermore, the contents of each embodiment can be combined.

[0023] The drawings are schematic, and some components may be omitted for the sake of convenience. Components common to one or more embodiments may be designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0024] [1. Brief description] First Embodiment (Information provision system) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of an information providing system according to the first embodiment.

[0025] First, an overview of the information providing system of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The information providing system shown in Fig. 1 is mainly used by a contributor 50 who uses a terminal 2 to post posted images 26a including the shooting location and shooting date and time to an information providing device 1, and a viewer 51 who uses a terminal 3 to view some of the posted images 26a provided on a map image by the information providing device 1.

[0026] 1 includes an information providing device 1, a plurality of terminals 2, and one or more terminals 3. The information providing device 1, the plurality of terminals 2, and the one or more terminals 3 are communicatively connected via a communication network 4.

[0027] (Information provision device 1) The information providing device 1 provides, on a map image, an icon image of a posted image that indicates a "current" image, which can be said to be the latest image of a specific location where a posted image is posted. Specifically, the information providing device 1 receives posted images, including the shooting date and time and the shooting location, from each of the terminals 2 owned by the poster 50. The information providing device 1 superimposes an icon image of a posted image (first posted image) that satisfies a predetermined condition and is within the upper limit of the number in order of shooting date and time, from among the received posted images, at a position on the map image that corresponds to the shooting location of the first posted image. The information providing device 1 provides a display screen, on which such an icon image is superimposed on the map image, to the terminal 3 used by the viewer 51.

[0028] The information providing device 1 may provide the above-mentioned display screen by providing a platform that enables the creation of a social network on the Internet, such as a social networking service (SNS), and allows the sharing of information such as images or videos. Furthermore, when the map image shown on the display screen is enlarged or reduced, the information providing device 1 displays icon images of posted images that satisfy predetermined conditions, up to an upper limit number, even on the enlarged or reduced map screen.

[0029] (Maximum number) The upper limit number is a number determined so that multiple icons displayed on a display screen (one screen) do not become difficult to see, and is, for example, 100. The upper limit number may be set arbitrarily as long as it is between 20 and 100.

[0030] (Prescribed conditions) The specified conditions are that the shooting location of the posted image is a location included in the map image displayed on the display screen, and the shooting date and time of the posted image is within a specified time from the display time when the map image is displayed on the display screen.

[0031] (Posted image 26a) The posted image 26a is an image or video (video) taken by the terminal 2 and posted to the information providing device 1. The posted image 26a includes the date and time of the image and the location where the image was taken. The posted image 26a may be, for example, an image of a building such as a restaurant, izakaya, or facility that can be seen from the location where the image was taken, or a Point of Interest (POI) image such as an image of the interior of the location where the image was taken, such as a drinking party or workplace, an image of a disaster site at the location where the image was taken, or an image showing the state of an event, such as spectators at an event, a shop, or a facility at the location where the image was taken. Note that the objects captured as the posted image 26a are not limited to the above examples.

[0032] (Poster 50) The poster 50 is a user who owns the terminal 2 and posts a posted image 26a to the information providing device 1. If the terminal 2 is capable of communicating with the information providing device 1, the poster 50 can post a posted image taken with the terminal 2. The poster 50 may post the posted image 26a to the information providing device 1 by logging in to a platform provided by the information providing device 1 and uploading the posted image 26a. If the poster 50 wishes to sell the posted image 26a, he or she may request the information providing device 1 to convert it into an NFT.

[0033] (Viewers 51) The viewer 51 is, for example, an ordinary individual, but may also be a media representative such as a TV station or a corporation. The viewer 51 views, via the Internet, icon images of some of the posted images 26a provided on the map image on the display screen by the information providing device 1. The viewer 51 can view the posted images 26a of the selected icon image by selecting an icon image at a position on the map that interests the viewer 51. The viewer 51 may also log in to a platform provided by the information providing device 1 and view the icon images of some of the posted images 26a provided on the map image. In this case, the viewer 51 can pay a price to purchase the posted image 26a that he or she likes.

[0034] (Terminal 2) The terminal 2 is a terminal used by the poster 50 and is capable of communicating with the information providing device 1. The terminal 2 can acquire its own position using a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signal, or the like. The terminal 2 also has a photographing function, and can use the acquired position and time to capture an image including the photographing position and photographing time, and post the image as a posted image to the information providing device 1. The terminal 2 may, for example, log in to a platform provided by the information providing device 1, and post the captured image to the information providing device 1 as a posted image.

[0035] (Terminal 3) Terminal 3 is a terminal used by viewer 51 and is capable of communicating with information providing device 1. Terminal 3 can display a map image provided by information providing device 1 and icon images of multiple posted images 26a provided on the map image on a display screen 310. When an icon image is selected on the display screen 310, terminal 3 displays posted image 26a of the selected icon image.

[0036] (Communication Network 4) The communication network 4 is, for example, the Internet. The communication network 4 may also be an intranet or a communication network using wired or wireless communication. Examples of wireless communication include Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). LPWA may use LTE (registered trademark) or a frequency band that does not require a license.

[0037] [2.Detailed explanation] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the terminal 2 used by the contributor 50 and the information providing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0038] (Information provision device 1) The information providing device 1 is a device capable of communicating with multiple terminals 2 and 3, such as a personal computer. The information providing device 1 can receive posted images 26a from the terminal 2, for example, by providing a platform. The information providing device 1 can also display icon images of posted images 26a that satisfy predetermined conditions and are within the upper limit of the number in order of their shooting dates and times at corresponding positions on a map image. The information providing device 1 provides a display screen, in which the icon images are displayed at corresponding positions on the map image, to, for example, the display unit 31 of the terminal 2. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the information providing device 1 includes a receiving unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display condition setting unit 13, an operation accepting unit 14, a display processing unit 15, and a platform providing unit 16. Note that the information providing device 1 does not necessarily have to include the display condition setting unit 13, the operation accepting unit 14, and the platform providing unit 16.

[0039] (Receiver 11) The receiving unit 11 receives, from each of the multiple terminals 2, posted images 26a including the date and time of shooting and the location where the terminal 2 shot the image. The date and time of shooting indicates the time when the posted image 26a was shot and the quantity that can be converted thereto. The shooting location indicates the measurement values ​​of latitude and longitude coordinates that give the position of the terminal 2 in space when the posted image 26a was shot and the quantity that can be converted thereto. Note that the shooting location may also be indicated by the measurement values ​​of altitude and the quantity that can be converted thereto in addition to the latitude and longitude.

[0040] Furthermore, if the difference between the shooting date and time of the posted image 26a and the reception time of the posted image 26a is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, the receiving unit 11 will not receive and will discard the posted image 26a. Here, the predetermined time is a time during which the posted image 26a may be considered to represent the current situation, for example, 12 hours. Note that this predetermined time may be set arbitrarily, for example, within a few minutes to a day, as long as it is considered to be included in the "now." This allows only the most recent posted image 26a that represents the current situation to be posted. Furthermore, if the predetermined time is set to a few minutes to an hour, the poster 50 will not have enough time to make changes to the posted image 26a, and therefore, changes to the posted image 26a can be suppressed.

[0041] (Storage unit 12) The storage unit 12 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SDD), a memory, or the like. In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores, for example, the posted images 26a received by the receiving unit 11. The storage unit 12 may also store a posted image database (hereinafter referred to as a posted image DB) 1714 in which information related to the posted images 26a is accumulated, a map image database (hereinafter referred to as a map image DB) 1715 in which map information is accumulated, and display conditions for displaying icon images of the posted images 26a on the display screen, including predetermined conditions and an upper limit number.

[0042] (Display condition setting section 13) The display condition setting unit 13 sets conditions under which the display processing unit 15 displays a map image on the display screen and conditions under which icon images of the posted images 26a are displayed on the display screen. The conditions for displaying icon images of the posted images 26a include, in addition to the above-mentioned predetermined conditions and upper limit number, information indicating whether or not to display a list of icon images on the side (e.g., the left side) of the display screen. Note that the predetermined time included in the predetermined conditions is set to, for example, 12 hours as a default value, and the upper limit number is set to, for example, 100 as a default value, but these can be set appropriately by the display condition setting unit 13. Furthermore, the conditions for displaying a map image include default scales, regions, and locations, but these can be set appropriately by the display condition setting unit 13.

[0043] (Operation reception unit 14) The operation accepting unit 14 accepts, for example, an operation from the terminal 3 of the viewer 51. The operation accepting unit 14 accepts, for example, an operation to change the scale of the map image, an operation to change the area (region, district, location) of the displayed map image, or an operation to select an icon image of the posted image 26a. The operation accepting unit 14 instructs the display processing unit 15 on the accepted operation.

[0044] (Display processing unit 15) The display processing unit 15 creates a display screen that displays a map image at the operated scale and displays an icon image of the posted image 26a superimposed on the map image. The display processing unit 15 can provide the created display screen to, for example, the terminal 3 (display unit 31) of the viewer 51. In this embodiment, the display processing unit 15 includes, for example, an icon creation unit 151, a display condition storage unit 152, a selection processing unit 153, a map display processing unit 154, and an icon display processing unit 155, as shown in FIG. 2 .

[0045] (Icon Creation Department 151) The icon creating unit 151 creates an icon image of the posted image 26a stored in the storage unit 131. The icon creating unit 151 may create a thumbnail image and an icon image by reducing the posted image 26a, or may create an icon image by reducing a portion of the posted image 26a. The icon creating unit 151 may also store the created icon image in the storage unit 12 in association with the posted image 26a.

[0046] (Display condition holding unit 152) The display condition storage unit 152 stores the area (region, district, or location) and previous scale of the map image that the map display processing unit 154 initially displays. The display condition storage unit 152 also stores the area and scale of the map image that have been changed. The display condition storage unit 152 also stores, as display conditions, information indicating an upper limit number, a predetermined time period included in the predetermined conditions, and whether or not to display a list of icon images on the side (e.g., the left side) of the display screen.

[0047] (Selection processing unit 153) The selection processing unit 153 selects first posted images that satisfy a predetermined condition and are within an upper limit of the number in order of shooting date and time from among the posted images 26a stored in the storage unit 12. The selection processing unit 153 selects posted images 26a whose shooting location is included in a location included in the map image displayed on the display screen 310 by the map display processing unit 154 and whose shooting date and time is within a predetermined display time for displaying the map image on the display screen 310, as first posted images that satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0048] Furthermore, when the operation receiving unit 14 instructs the selection processing unit 153 to select an icon image of the posted images 26a, the selection processing unit 153 selects the instructed icon image.

[0049] In addition, when the map image displayed on the display screen is enlarged or reduced by the map display processing unit 154, the selection processing unit 153 selects second posted images from the posted images 26a stored in the memory unit 12 that satisfy a predetermined condition and are within the upper limit of the number in order of the shooting date and time.

[0050] (Map display processing unit 154) The map display processing unit 154 displays a map image on the display screen. After displaying a map image at a default or previous scale, the map display processing unit 154 may update the map image to a map image at an operated scale, or may change the area (region, district, or location) of the displayed map image by operation.

[0051] For example, when the operation receiving unit 14 instructs an operation to enlarge or reduce the map image displayed on the display screen, the map display processing unit 154 enlarges or reduces the map image displayed on the display screen.

[0052] (icon display processing unit 155) The icon display processing unit 155 superimposes the icon image of the first posted image selected by the selection processing unit 153 at a corresponding position on the map image displayed by the map display processing unit 154. Furthermore, the icon display processing unit 155 may further display a list of icon images on the side (e.g., the left side) of the display screen according to settings or operations. Note that the icon image displayed on the side of the display screen and the icon image displayed superimposed on the map image may be the same or different.

[0053] In addition, the icon display processing unit 155 displays the first posted image of the icon image selected by the selection processing unit 153.

[0054] When the map image displayed on the display screen is enlarged or reduced by the map display processing unit 154, the icon display processing unit 155 superimposes the icon image of the second posted image selected by the selection processing unit 153 at the corresponding position on the map image displayed by the map display processing unit 154. When icon images overlap, the icon image with the newer shooting date and time may be superimposed on the older icon image, or conversely, the icon image with the older shooting date and time may be superimposed on the newer icon image. Note that other methods of superimposing may also be used.

[0055] (Platform Provider 16) The platform providing unit 16 may provide a platform such as a social networking service (SNS). In this case, the display processing unit 15 can provide a display screen created on the platform provided by the platform providing unit 16 to the terminal 3 of the viewer 51 (the display unit 31).

[0056] (Terminal 2) Terminal 2 is, for example, a smartphone. Terminal 2 may also be a wearable computer, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a smartwatch, or the like, which is a computer that can be attached or worn. In this embodiment, terminal 2 includes a position acquisition unit 21, a time acquisition unit 22, a display unit 24, and a posting unit 26, as shown in FIG. 2 .

[0057] (Position acquisition unit 21) The position acquisition unit 21 acquires position information. More specifically, the position acquisition unit 21 acquires measurement values ​​of latitude and longitude coordinates that indicate the position of the terminal 2 in space and quantities that can be converted thereto, for example, using a GNSS signal. Note that the position information may also include measurement values ​​of altitude and quantities that can be converted thereto, in addition to latitude and longitude.

[0058] (Time acquisition unit 22) The time acquiring unit 22 acquires time information. More specifically, the time acquiring unit 22 acquires time and quantities that can be converted thereto.

[0059] (Display section 24) The display unit 24 may be a device for displaying images, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display device preferably has a touch panel function.

[0060] (Photography Department 25) The photographing unit 25 is, for example, a camera, and stores still images or videos captured using an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS as digital data. The photographing unit 25 is operated by the poster 50. Note that when an app installed on the terminal 2 is started, the photographing unit 25 may be in an operating state and a photographing button may be provided. In this case, the poster 50 may cause the photographing unit 25 to capture an image by pressing the photographing button.

[0061] (Submissions Section 26) In response to an operation by a poster 50, the posting unit 26 posts a still image or video captured by the photographing unit 25 as a posted image 26a to the information providing device 1. For example, the posting unit 26 may log in to a platform provided by the information providing device 1 and, while maintaining the logged-in state, post an image captured by the photographing unit 25 in response to an operation by the poster 50 as a posted image 26a to the information providing device 1.

[0062] When the app installed on the terminal 2 is started, the photographing unit 25 and the posting unit 26 are put into operation, and the photographing button and the posting button may be provided so that they can be pressed. In this case, the poster 50 can photograph an image by pressing the photographing button, and then, by pressing the posting button within a predetermined time, post the captured image as a posted image 26a to the information providing device 1. If the button is not pressed within the predetermined time, the image may not be posted.

[0063] (Terminal 3) FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a terminal 3 used by a viewer 51 in this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen 310 displayed on the display unit 31 of the terminal 3 used by the viewer 51. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a display screen 310 displayed on the display unit 31 of the terminal 3 used by the viewer 51. In FIGS. 4 and 5, 21 icon images including icon images 62 to 64 are shown as black circles as examples of icon images, and the black circles are symbolic representations of the icon images. As described above, the icon images are at least a reduced version of the posted image 26a.

[0064] The terminal 3 is, for example, a personal computer. The terminal 3 may also be a wearable computer that can be attached or worn, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the terminal 3 includes a display unit 31, a screen acquisition unit 32, a storage unit 33, and an operation unit 34. The storage unit 33 may not be included.

[0065] (Display section 31) A device for displaying images, such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display, is used as the display unit 31. It is preferable that the display device has a touch panel function.

[0066] (Screen acquisition unit 32) The screen acquisition unit 32 acquires the display screen created by the information providing device 1 and displays it on the display screen 310 of the display unit 31. When the terminal 3 is logged in to the platform provided by the information providing device 1, the display screen created by the information providing device 1 is provided, and therefore the screen acquisition unit 32 can acquire the display screen created by the information providing device 1.

[0067] 4, the screen acquisition unit 32 displays a map image 60 on the display screen 310 of the display unit 31, and superimposes and displays up to an upper limit number of icon images including, for example, icon images 62 to 64 on the map image 60. When one icon image, such as the icon image 62, is selected by the operation unit 34, the original image (original video) of the icon image 62 is displayed.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the screen acquisition unit 32 may display a list of multiple icon images in an area 70 on the left side (left side) of the display screen 310 of the display unit 31 shown in FIG. 4. Note that the area 70 displays some of the icon images superimposed on the map image 60. The area 70 displays, for example, icon images 72, 73, etc., and each of the icon images 72, 73 displays a description of what the icon images 72, 73 represent, and information associated with the icon images 72, 73, which is displayed near the icon images 72, 73 as "PicLive." The icon images 72, 73 correspond to, for example, the icon images 62, 63. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the icon image 72 is a reduced version of the original posted image 26a, and the icon image 62 is a reduced version of a portion of the original posted image 26a. The same is true for the icon images 73 and 63. Area 70 also includes a search window 71, whereby a location or purpose can be entered to search for an icon image that matches the entered location or purpose. By selecting "PicLive" near icon images 72 and 73 (by performing a selection operation such as clicking), live video from the shooting positions of icon images 72 and 73 may be displayed as information linked to icon images 72 and 73, or a 3D space image from the shooting positions of icon images 72 and 73 may be displayed.

[0069] (Storage unit 33) The storage unit 33 is configured with an SSD, a memory, etc. In this embodiment, the storage unit 33 stores, for example, information about the display screen 310 acquired by the screen acquisition unit 32 and information about operations performed on the display screen 310 by the operation unit 34.

[0070] (Operation unit 34) The operation unit 34 can perform operations on the display screen 310 that the screen acquisition unit 32 has caused to be displayed on the display unit 31. When the terminal 3 is logged in to a platform provided by the information providing device 1, the operation unit 34 can perform operations on the platform to perform operations on the display screen created by the information providing device 1.

[0071] [3. Hardware configuration] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information providing device 1. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal 2.

[0072] Next, the hardware configurations of the information providing device 1 and the terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0073] (Hardware configuration of information providing device 1) The hardware configuration of the information providing device 1 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 6, the information providing device 1 of this embodiment uses, for example, a computer. The information providing device 1 includes a CPU 170. A memory 171, a connection port 173 for connecting / reading a storage device 172, etc., and a communication circuit 174 for communicating with the outside via a network are connected to the CPU 170 via a bus line 175. The memory 171 stores a program 1713 for processing the information providing device 1. A browser program 1712 and an OS 1711 (operating system) may also be stored. The memory 171 may further store a posted image DB 1714 and a map image DB 1715. The memory 171 may be the storage unit 12 or may be separate from the storage unit 12. If the memory 171 is separate from the storage unit 12, the posted image DB 1714 and the map image DB 1715 are stored in the storage unit 12.

[0074] (Hardware configuration of terminal 2) The hardware configuration of the terminal 2 is almost the same as the hardware configuration of the above-described information providing device 1, so the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The terminal 2 of this embodiment is, for example, a smartphone.

[0075] The computer's memory 171 stores a program 1717 for processing the terminal 2. It may also store a browser program 1712 and an OS 1711 (operating system).

[0076] In this embodiment, the program 1713 and the program 1717 operate in cooperation with each other by using the functions of the OS 1711 and the browser program 1712. Note that the program 1713 and the program 1717 may operate independently without using the browser program 1712 and the OS 1711, respectively.

[0077] In the hardware configuration of the information providing device 1 and terminal 2 described above, the functions shown in FIG. 2 are realized using, for example, CPU 170, program 1713, and program 1717, but some or all of them may be sequence-controlled using a logic circuit such as a microcomputer, or a PLC (programmable logic controller).

[0078] (Posted image DB1714) The posted image DB 1714 stores information about the posted images 26a received by the receiving unit 11 of the information providing device 1. The posted image DB 1714 may store the posted images 26a received by the receiving unit 11 of the information providing device 1.

[0079] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the posted image DB 1714. FIG. 8 shows the posted image DB 1714 in which a plurality of pieces of information 26b relating to the posted images 26a are stored. The posted image DB 1714 stores information 26b for each posted image 26a, including a shooting location 261a, a shooting date and time 261b, and a posted image ID 261c. The posted image 26a may be linked to the posted image ID 261c. The posted image DB 1714 may store the posted image 26a together with the information 26b relating to the posted image 26a. The information 26b may further include a poster ID indicating the poster 50 for each posted image 26a.

[0080] 8, for example, the photographing location 261a indicates the measured values ​​of latitude and longitude coordinates, such as (xxxxxx, yyyyyy), and the photographing date and time 261b indicates the time, such as zz hour, zz minute, zz second, on zz month, zz day, year 20zz. Furthermore, the posted image ID 261c indicates alphanumeric characters, such as i000001, that are used to uniquely identify the posted image 26a. Although not shown, the measured value of altitude may also be indicated.

[0081] (Map image DB1715) The map image DB 1715 stores map information. The map image DB 1715 is updated as needed with map information distributed from an external server. The information providing device 1 can provide a map image of a specified area using the map image DB 1715.

[0082] The hardware configuration of the terminal 3 is the same as that of the terminal 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The terminal 3 of this embodiment is a personal computer.

[0083] 4. Operation of Information Providing Device 1 (Operation of information providing device 1) Next, the operation of the information providing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a schematic flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the information providing device 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 9 shows a flowchart showing an embodiment of the processing of the program 1713 used in the information providing device 1.

[0084] (S11) The CPU 170 of the information providing device 1 receives, from each of the multiple terminals 2, posted images 26a including the date and time of shooting and the location where the images were taken by the terminal 2. In this embodiment, the information providing device 1 receives posted images 26a that were taken and posted by the terminal 2 used by the poster 50. Note that if the difference between the date and time of shooting of the posted image 26a and the reception time of the posted image 26a is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, the information providing device 1 does not need to receive the posted image.

[0085] (S12) The CPU 170 of the information providing device 1 stores in the storage unit 12 the posted image 26a received in step S11.

[0086] (S13) The CPU 170 of the information providing device 1 displays the map image on the display screen, and also displays, at corresponding positions on the map image, icon images of first posted images 26a stored in the storage unit 12 that satisfy a predetermined condition and are within the upper limit of the number in order of shooting date and time. Here, the predetermined conditions are that the shooting position of the posted image 26a is a position included in the map image, and the shooting date and time of the posted image 26a is within a predetermined time from the display time at which the map image is displayed on the display screen.

[0087] Note that the above-described steps S11 to S13 may be performed within a platform provided by the information providing device 1. In this case, the contributor 50 may log in to the platform using the terminal 2, for example, to enable communication between the terminal 2 and the information providing device 1, and then post an image taken by the terminal 2 as a posted image 26a to the information providing device 1. Furthermore, the display screen displayed (created) by the information providing device 1 may be provided to the terminal 3 of the viewer 51, for example, and displayed on the display screen 310 of the terminal 3.

[0088] Second Embodiment (Information provision system) Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of an information providing system according to a second embodiment. Fig. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an information providing device 1A according to a second embodiment. Elements similar to those in Figs. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0089] The information providing system of this embodiment differs from the information providing system of FIG. 1 in that it further includes a block chain network 8 and the configuration of an information providing device 1A.

[0090] (Blockchain Network 8) The blockchain network 8 is a distributed database network made up of multiple nodes (computers). In the blockchain network 8, units of data called blocks are generated and linked together like a chain to store the blockchain (distributed ledger). The blockchain network 8 also enables trading of fungible tokens, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the like. An example of the blockchain network 8 is an existing platform such as Ethereum. The blockchain network 8 also functions as a marketplace where NFTs can be generated (issued) and traded (secondary distribution). Note that blockchain technology, including the issuance and trading of NFTs, is a common configuration, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

[0091] 11, in the present embodiment, an information providing device 1A differs from the information providing device 1 of FIG. 2 in that an NFT granting unit 17A is added and the configuration of a display processing unit 15A is different.

[0092] (NFT giving section 17A) The NFT assigner 17A assigns an NFT to identification information of the posted image 26a, such as a posted image ID, on the blockchain network 8. The NFT assigner 17A may also associate the identification information of the posted image 26a, such as a posted image ID, with the assigned NFT and store it in the storage unit 12 (posted image DB 1714). This allows each posted image 26a to be associated with NFT information.

[0093] An NFT is like a special certificate that proves ownership of a digital item, and the posted image 26a to which an NFT is attached can be proven to be unique and cannot be tampered with. In other words, the NFT ensures the uniqueness and rarity of the posted image 26a of the poster 50, making it possible to buy and sell it.

[0094] (Display processing unit 15A) In this embodiment, the display processing unit 15A is configured by adding a past date and time designation processing unit 156 to the display processing unit 15 of the information providing device 1 in FIG.

[0095] (Past date and time specification processing unit 156) The past date and time designation processing unit 156 displays a display element that allows a past date and time to be designated in a part of the displayed posted image 26a. This display element is a visual representation of a user interface (UI) for designating a past date and time, such as a seek bar (horizontal bar) that visually indicates a time axis from the current date and time to a past date and time. The viewer 51 operates the display element using the operation unit 34, thereby allowing the viewer 51 to designate a specific past date and time (first past date and time).

[0096] When a specific past date and time (first past date and time) is specified by a display element, the past date and time designation processing unit 156 displays the posted image 26a at the specific past date and time (first past date and time) at the shooting position of the displayed posted image 26a.

[0097] It should be noted that viewers 51 who can view posted images 26a of past dates and times may be limited to paid members of the platform provided by the information providing device 1.

[0098] [5. Other] The above-described embodiments can be used in appropriate combination. For example, terminal 2 may include the functional configuration of terminal 3, and terminal 3 may include the functional configuration of terminal 2. In such a case, contributor 50 of terminal 2 can become viewer 51 described above, and viewer 51 of terminal 3 can become contributor 50 described above.

[0099] Furthermore, if the contributor 50 wishes to sell the posted image 26a that he / she posts, an NFT may be assigned to the posted image 26a upon payment of money.

[0100] Furthermore, when a posted image 26a posted by a contributor 50 is bought or sold, the metadata included in the properties of the posted image 26a may include not only the date and time of shooting and the shooting location, but also a description of the posted image 26a, copyright, usage rights, etc.

[0101] Instead of setting a maximum number, the area of ​​all icons relative to the area of ​​one screen may be set to a predetermined percentage or less. For example, the maximum area percentage may be set to 50% or less, or 40% or less, or even 20% or less. The maximum area percentage may also be set arbitrarily within the range of 50% to 10%. For example, if many icon images are concentrated in the same position on a map image and the maximum number of icon images is quickly reached, the maximum area percentage may be used instead of the maximum number.

[0102] [6. Summary] (1) The information providing device 1 includes a receiving unit 11 that receives, from each of a plurality of terminals 2, posted images 26a including the date and time and location of the images taken by the terminal 2; a memory unit 12 that stores the posted images 26a received by the receiving unit 11; and a display processing unit 15 that displays a map image on the display screen and also displays an icon image of the first posted image among the posted images 26a stored in the memory unit 12 that satisfies a predetermined condition and is within an upper limit of the number in order of the date and time of the image, at a corresponding position on the map image, wherein the predetermined condition is that the shooting location of the posted image 26a is a position included in the map image, and the shooting date and time of the posted image 26a is within a predetermined time from the display time at which the map image is displayed on the display screen.

[0103] In this way, the information providing device 1 displays icon images of posted images 26a that are recognized as being included in "now," i.e., a predetermined time from the display time when the map image is displayed on the display screen, at corresponding positions on the map image. This allows viewers of the display screen to know the current situation of a specific location by viewing the posted images 26a from the icon images of the posted images 26a of a specific location among the shooting locations of the posted images 26a. In other words, the information providing device 1 allows viewers of the display screen to know the current situation of a specific location where a posted image is posted by any contributor.

[0104] The information providing device 1 also displays icon images of the first posted images within the upper limit number in order of shooting date and time at corresponding positions on the map image. This reduces the load on the information providing device 1 required to display the display screen. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication required to provide the display screen to the terminal 3 of the viewer 51.

[0105] Furthermore, on the display screen, icon images of the first posted images within the upper limit number are displayed at the corresponding positions on the map image, so that icon images can be displayed on the display screen within a range that does not cause the screen to become busy, making it easier for the viewer 51 to view and select icon images.

[0106] (2) In such an information providing device 1, the receiving unit 11 may not receive the posted image 26a if the difference between the photographing date and time of the posted image 26a and the reception time of the posted image 26a is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. This allows the poster 50 to post only the most recent posted image 26a that shows the current situation. Furthermore, if the predetermined time is short, for example, from several minutes to an hour, the poster 50 will not have time to make any changes to the posted image 26a, and therefore, changes to the posted image 26a can be suppressed.

[0107] (3) In addition, in such an information providing device 1, the display processing unit 15 may further display a list of icon images on the side of the display screen, which makes it easier for the viewer 51 to view and select icon images.

[0108] (4) Here, display processing unit 15 may select an icon image to display the first posted image of the icon image on the display screen. This allows viewer 51 to view the first posted image, which is the original image, by selecting the icon image, and thus allows viewer 51 to know the current situation of a specific location in more detail.

[0109] (5) Here, the display processing unit 15 may further display a display element that allows a past date and time to be specified in a part of the displayed first posted image, and when the first past date and time is specified by the display element, the posted image at the first past date and time at the shooting position of the first posted image may be displayed. This allows the viewer 51 to know not only the current situation at a specific location, but also the past situation.

[0110] (6) Furthermore, in such an information providing device 1, when the display processing unit 15 enlarges or reduces the map image, it may further display, at the corresponding position on the enlarged or reduced map image, icon images of second posted images 26a stored in the memory unit 12 that satisfy a predetermined condition and are within the upper limit of the number in order of the shooting date and time.

[0111] This not only reduces the load on the information providing device 1 required to display the display screen, but also reduces the amount of communication required to provide the display screen to the terminal 3 of the viewer 51. Also, by widening the area of ​​the map image displayed on the display screen, the number of posted images 26a included in the map image increases. Therefore, the icon images of the posted images 26a displayed within the upper limit number range will be those with the most recent shooting dates and times, and only the most recent posted images 26a can be viewed.

[0112] (7) Furthermore, in such an information providing device 1, the storage unit 12 can further store the stored posted image 26a in association with NFT information. This allows the uniqueness and rarity of the posted image 26a of the poster 50 to be guaranteed by the NFT, making it possible to buy and sell the image. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1, 1A Information provision device 2, 3 terminals 4. Communication Network 8. Blockchain Network 11 Receiving unit 12, 33 Storage section 13 Display condition setting section 14 Operation reception section 15, 15A Display processing section 16 Platform Provider 17A NFT granting section 21 Position acquisition part 22 Time acquisition section 24, 31 Display section 25 Photography Department 26 Submissions Department 26a Posted image 32 Screen acquisition section 34 Control section 50 contributors 51 viewers 60 map images 62, 63, 64, 72, 73 Icon images 70 areas 71 Search box 151 Icon Creation Department 152 Display condition holding section 153, 153A Selection processing section 154 Map display processing unit 155, 155A Icon display processing unit 170 CPU 171 memory 172 Storage Devices 173 connection port 174 Communication Circuits 175 Bus Line 261a Shooting location 261b Date and time of photo 261c Posted image ID 320 display screen 1711 OS 1712 Browser Program 1713, 1717 Program 1714 Posted Image DB 1715 Map Image DB

Claims

1. a receiving unit that receives, from each of a plurality of first terminals, posted images including a photographing date and time and a photographing location photographed by the first terminal; a storage unit that stores the posted image received by the receiving unit; a display processing unit that displays a map image on a display screen, and that displays, at the corresponding positions on the map image, icon images of first posted images at each of a plurality of positions on the map image that satisfy a predetermined condition among the posted images stored in the storage unit and that are included within an upper limit number in order of shooting date and time on the display screen, the predetermined condition is that the photographing location of the posted image is a location included in the map image, and the photographing date and time of the posted image is within a predetermined time from the display time of the map image being displayed on the display screen; When the map image is enlarged or reduced, the display processing unit further displays, at the corresponding positions on the enlarged or reduced map image, icon images of the second posted images at each of the plurality of positions on the enlarged or reduced map image that satisfy the predetermined condition among the posted images stored in the storage unit, the icon images being decreased or increased within the range of the upper limit number on the display screen in order of shooting date and time; when a plurality of the icon images are displayed at corresponding positions on the map image, the display processing unit displays the plurality of icon images in a superimposed manner according to their photographing dates and times; the receiving unit discards the posted image if the difference between the shooting date and time of the posted image and the reception time of the posted image is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. Information provision device.

2. the display processing unit selects the icon image, thereby displaying a first posted image of the icon image on the display screen; Displaying a display element that allows a user to specify a past date and time in a part of the displayed first posted image; When a first past date and time is specified by the display element, a posted image at the first past date and time at the shooting position of the first posted image is displayed. The information providing device according to claim 1 .

3. The storage unit further stores the stored posted image in association with NFT information. The information providing device according to claim 1 .

4. 1. A computer-implemented information providing method, comprising: a receiving step of receiving, from each of a plurality of first terminals, posted images including a photographing date and time and a photographing location photographed by the first terminal; a storage step of storing the posted image received in the receiving step in a storage unit; a display processing step of displaying a map image on a display screen, and displaying icon images of first posted images at each of a plurality of positions on the map image that satisfy a predetermined condition among the posted images stored in the storage unit, the icon images being included within an upper limit number in order of shooting date and time on the display screen, at the corresponding positions on the map image, the predetermined condition is that the photographing location of the posted image is a location included in the map image, and the photographing date and time of the posted image is within a predetermined time from the display time of the map image being displayed on the display screen; In the display processing step, when the map image is enlarged or reduced, icon images of the second posted images stored in the storage unit that are at each of the multiple positions on the map image that satisfy the predetermined condition and that are decreased or increased within the range of the upper limit number in order of shooting date and time on the display screen are displayed at the corresponding positions on the enlarged or reduced map image, In the display processing step, when a plurality of the icon images are displayed at corresponding positions on the map image, the plurality of icon images are displayed in a superimposed manner according to the photographing dates and times of the icon images; In the receiving step, if the difference between the shooting date and time of the posted image and the reception time of the posted image is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, the posted image is discarded. Information provision method.

Images